Things to do this February

Take the kids on a night safari

What: Take a journey of discovery in the dark at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo’s new Night Safari. Little lads and lasses get to strap on a headlamp and go wildlife-spotting with expert safari guides, getting up close with the rainforest animals while lights are low.
How: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, level 2, The Dubai Mall. Until February 29, call 04-4485200.

Sing along to two musical legends

What: Have a musical blast from the past with a night of super-chilled tunes by Billy Ocean (think Caribbean Queen and When The Going Gets Tough) and soul band The Christians (think Harvest For The World) at this live music event.
How: Friday February 3, from 7pm, The Aviation Club, Dh120, call 04-2824750.

Discover how to face read

What: Face some facts about yourself in a face reading workshop, a fun and interactive session where you’ll find out what your facial features say about you, with the aim of reaching a deeper understanding of your life.
How: February 4, 11am-1pm, Dh390, Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, call 04-3351200.

Indulge in some Misery

What: Meet the world’s Number One Fan (remember hammer-bearing Kathy Bates in the 1990 Oscar-winning film?) in the stage version of Misery – adapted from Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Starring two top UK actors (Yvonne O’Grady of Coronation Street and Darren Day of Hollyoaks), this legendary story promises to be a chilling and gripping night out.
How: From February 2-11, 8pm nightly, Dh160, Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah, visit www.madinattheatre.com.

Start anew with a detox package

What: Give your health and weightloss goals a boost with The Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, which is offering a get-you-started Detox Package that includes a colon hydrotherapy session, an acupuncture session,
a manual abdominal treatment and five days’ supply of detox tea.
How: Detox Package, Dh800, call 04-3351200.

Check out Esmod boutique

What: French Fashion institute Esmod Dubai has opened a new boutique, which is showcasing and selling its current collections from Esmod fashion graduates. Find really unusual, cool and creative pieces.
How: Esmod boutique, first floor, Wafi Mall.

See The Tiger Who Came To Tea live on stage

What: Join Sophie and the greedy tiger for some teatime mayhem in this stunning stage adaptation – direct from a smash-hit West End season – of the classic children’s book.
How: February 23-25. Dh100-135, Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah, call 04-3666546 for timings and bookings.

Sign your kids up for The Magic Lantern

What: A film club for kids aged six-12, The Magic Lantern provides mini movie enthusiasts with a fun and creative outlet for watching, understanding and discussing film. Along with being a safe environment for sharing ideas, it offers your child the chance to meet like-minded friends.
How: Once a month on Saturdays 4-6pm until April in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain cinemas. Visit www.magiclantern.ae  for more info.

Improve your health for free at the Wellness festival

What: Aquarius has this month joined forces with Oasis Centre to provide families with healthy living ideas. From nutrition workshops and cooking demos, to yoga sessions and fitness classes, you can learn more about achieving good health, for free! Each day delivers a different theme – from Embracing Motherhood and Daily De-Stress, to Couples’ Wellness and Family Health, with lots of free fitness and food sessions. There’s Dynamic Yoga for weightloss and Prenatal Yoga at Balance 360; Zumba demo classes and Flab to Fab sessions at Fitness First; and Cooking for your Body Type demo sessions and Mum and Me Cookie-Baking classes at Balance Café.
How: February 15-29, Oasis Centre, see schedule at
www.oasiscentremall.com.

Take a family trip to fun Al Ain

What: Fancy a budget-friendly day out with the family? Look no further than Al Ain, where you can pick up a Combo Ticket for two fun destinations until March 31. The Combo Ticket gives you access to both Al Ain Zoo (where you can discover more than 4,000 animals) and Hili Fun City (where you can experience some 31 attractions, including roller-coasters and rides and a 3D Action Cinema). Great fun!
How: Combo Ticket available until March 31, adults Dh70, kids Dh40, call 04-7041628.

Treat your love on Valentine’s Day

Spa treatments: Indulge in a day of pampering for two with Balance 360’s Him & Her Package, which includes a private yoga session, lunch at Balance Café, and a 60-minute custom-created spa therapy. Dh448 each, call 04-3847010. Alternatively, indulge in Mandara Spa’s Romance Ritual for two, which includes a couple’s traditional body polish, Balinese massage and a two-hour refresher facial. Dh950 per couple, 04-5018888.

Romantic meals: Enjoy an Arabic barbecue among rolling dunes at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Dine beneath a starlit sky as Arabian gazelles and camels roam nearby. Your personal chef and butler will deliver treats like camel milk ice cream, date margaritas and chicken with dukkah. From Dh850 per couple, call 07-2067777. Or, dine aboard a dhow along Dubai Creek, Dh310 each, www.arabianadventures.com.  

Exciting experiences: Enjoy a hot air balloon and breakfast experience over the dunes, visit www.arabian-adventures.com. Take a three-hour ‘love cruise’ aboard the Athena Charter Yacht from Dubai Marina Yacht Club – think stunning sights, a four-course dinner, a bottle of bubbly and your own chef and waiter. February 14, Dh7,000 per couple, call 04-3627900.

If you do one thing this month…

Take part in Aquarius and Balance Café’s culinary competitions at February’s Wellness Festival. Enter the couples’ Ready Steady Cook-off on February 25 or the smoothie-making competition on February 26. Prizes up for grabs! See www.oasiscentremall.com or Aquarius’ Facebook page.