ABU DHABI If you are thinking of jetting off to cooler climes this summer, think again. Abu Dhabi is going to be the coolest holiday spot this summer with more than 70 world class events and shows spread over three months starting June 11.
The festival promises top Arab and European comedy acts, concerts by Arab singing sensation Mohammad Abdo and Bollywood playback idol Shreya Ghoshal, the world’s fastest illusionist Hans Klok, international children’s shows like Barney, Sesame Street and Shaun The Sheep Live. The events will take place in the capital city, Al Ain and Al Gharbia western region.
That is Abu Dhabi Summer Season for you! Running from June 11 to September 5, the entertainment and shopping extravaganza is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA).
World class entertainment
Announcing the season on Monday at a press conference, Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive director of Tourism Sector at TCA, said Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2015 will be a spectacular 87 days of world class entertainment, excitement and fun for all the family.
“Working closely with our key partners including Etihad Airways, Visa, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, we aim to deliver an unforgettable summer season for all the family with mall activities and summer deals around for hotels and attractions. The Summer Season will also feature a mega shopping promotion to offer winning opportunities throughout 12 weeks,” said Al Dhaheri. He also said TCA is aiming to increase the number of visitors by at least 20 per cent this year. The 2014 summer season saw 786,376 guest arrivals, an increase of 20 per cent during June, July and August in 2014.Guests from the GCC increased by 25 per cent, from India by 26 per cent and Europe by 19 per cent.
The show-packed season will see Abu Dhabi-based FLASH Entertainment bringing a weekend comedy extravaganza of international and regional comedians to Abu Dhabi city. “The line-up of Arabic artists and a side-splitting comedy weekend is sure to dazzle attendees during the summer months,” said Alexis Djiksterhuis, Vice President of Strategy, FLASH Entertainment.
As for concerts, the first night of Eid Al Fitr will see Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Abdo serenade his legions of fans at Yas Island’s du Forum, while fans of Emirati singer Habeeb Alyasy will be treated to two of his performances in Al Ain and on Yas Island.
Another partner, Alchemy Project, will be bringing six shows with a total of 44 performances in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and the Western Region.
MBC Group will be bringing the much-loved children’s character Shaun the Sheep to life with a series of live shows in Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain. All the TV characters will be present in the magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza.
Comedy Friday and Indian singing sensation Shreya Ghoshal will perform during the season, thanks to YAK events.
Etihad Airways will offer entertainment packages to tourists that will include two nights bed and breakfast, tickets to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World, discounts on meals and upgrades on hotel rooms.
