Ready for some capital fun?

Abu Dhabi Festival
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, the festival features Natalie Cole, nine-time Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and performer, and daughter of legendary American jazz musician Nat King Cole, as she makes her UAE debut. Other events include a performance by Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker and the staging of La Bayadere, a romantic ballet set in ancient India, performed by Dresden’s famous Semperoper Ballet and the NDR Radiophilharmonie.
Details: La Bayadere on March 30 and 31; Fadl Shaker in Concert — A Night of Legends on April 4; Natalie Cole on April 6; all at 8pm in the Emirates Palace Auditorium. For more information, visit www.abudhabifestival.ae

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
In its 22nd edition this year, the fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, provides an exciting mix of lectures by renowned authors from across the globe, book signings, workshops, poetry recitals and even live cooking shows, not to mention, lots of books.
Details: Starting today and running until April 2 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), Halls 8-11 and Abu Dhabi Hall. Weekdays, 9am-10pm and Friday, 4pm-10pm.

Spring Show 2012
Avail of some fantastic deals on clothes and accessories at the Spring Show this year.
Details: From March 29 to April 7, 4pm to midnight, at Adnec, Halls 3 and 4. 

Gestures of Light
An exhibition of works by Iraqi artist and calligrapher Hassan Massoudy, with a programme of workshops, artist-led walk-throughs and lectures to help explore his talent and discuss the inspiration and themes behind his work.
Details: Emirates Palace and Ghaf Gallery until April 15.

Circus Sarrasani
One of the world’s most famed circus acts, the Circus Sarrasani, hosted by Abu Dhabi Municipality, will leave your kids enthralled. Expect to be entertained by clowns, magicians, animal acts and more.
Details: Khalifa Park, until April 6. For more information, call +971-2-678-8888.

International Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi 2012
Organised by Reed Exhibitions, this high-end event, showcases some of the world’s leading brands in exquisite jewellery and timepieces.
Details: From May 1 to 5 at Adnec, Halls 1-3, 4pm-10pm.
Entry fee: Dh20.

Elton John concert
Legendary musician Sir Elton John and percussionist Ray Cooper perform in Abu Dhabi in a show based on their world tour act in 1979.
Details: On March 29 at Yas Arena on Yas Island. Doors open 6.30pm. For tickets, visit www.thinkflash.ae

Abu Dhabi Salsa Festival 2012
For salsa lovers: three glorious nights of dance shows and parties, with more than 30 workshops over two days. Participants also get to watch and learn other dance forms such as Cha Cha Cha, Cuban Salsa, Samba, Zouk-Lambada and more.
Details: From April 26 to 28,  Yas Island Rotana Hotel and Etoiles club, Emirates Palace. More information at abudhabi-salsafestival.com

UAE Jet Ski Championship 2012
This exciting event features some of the world’s best jet ski racers. Held over six rounds, three races each are held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Watch out for Race 3 in Abu Dhabi.
Details: April 13 at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater.