Eid Al Adha 2020: Check out concerts, family fun and more across UAE

It’s the season to celebrate once again as Eid in Dubai kicks off with a multitude of live concerts and events to enjoy over the four-day long weekend, starting July 30. This year’s celebrations may be low key on account of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean fun can’t be had.

Charity concert: UAE favourite Hussain Al Jassmi will take to the stage at the Dubai Opera for an extra special charity concert this Eid Al Adha. The concert will feature songs performed by Al Jassmi alongside talented female vocalist Yara and will also feature a special appearance by young singers from the hit TV show, ‘The Voice Kids’.

Taking place on August 1, from 10pm to midnight, all proceeds from the concert will go towards helping children around the region who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets start at Dh495.

Magic of Umm Kulthum: Taking place following the official Eid Al Adha holiday but still a part of the week-long celebrations, the late Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum will make a spectacular return to the stage for three nights of live hologram shows at the Dubai Opera on August 6, 7 and 8. The concert, which was held earlier in Dubai, is a combination of live music and cutting-edge technology that allows guests to watch a hologram of Kulthum, who died in 1975, perform some of her most popular songs alongside a live orchestra.

Live 3D artworks: City Walk is staging a series of live art events and exhibits by acclaimed artists starting this Eid and running until the end of the summer. Additionally, from July 30 to August 31, Dubai Canvas at City Walk will showcase international street artist Juandres Vera (pictured) who will create 3D artworks on the floor of City Walk’s indoor courtyard. Famous for his paintings that turn pavements into optical illusions, Vera’s talents are well known to regular visitors to Dubai’s JBR – The Walk, which still hosts some of his pieces that were used in the popular Dubai Canvas 2016 event, including a giraffe that emerges from a wall. Alongside Vera, UAE-based artist @artkal3 will perform a live display of Pendulum Painting each weekend, with audiences able to watch as @artkal3 swings paint from a pendulum device to produce unique artworks. Also appearing at City Walk will be the talented artist Yaroslava Deeb, who will wow onlookers as she uses sand, glitter and a projector to produce frames of live art that appear animated as she draws intricate lines and images.

Pop up performances: Nakheel Mall will also host live performances by solo musicians, an art exhibit, the Ripe Market Retail Pop Up each Friday and Saturday and more, while visitors to Dubai Festival City Mall will have the chance to virtually meet Modesh and his new friend Dana from August 2 until August 7 as they pass by the installation located opposite Festival Souq.

Play time: Playwright Cerise de Gelder is back with her second full-length show ‘Together-Apart’, a story about two women, virtual strangers, who embark on a journey together. All their plans come to an unexpected pause when they’re forced into lockdown in their hotel room, leading to a joust of words as the two learn to live with one another. The play is directed by Sabiha Majgaonkar, who also stars, along with Lydia Medeiros. From August 6 to 8 at 7.30pm, with an additional 3pm matinee on the final day. Tickets priced at Dh80. Show screening at The Junction, Alserkal Avenue.

Get social: It’s time to be trigger happy at Mall of the Emirates with all kinds of life-sized photo ops waiting to bring you the perfect post for Instagram. Meanwhile, TikTok-ers can celebrate by following the comeback music video playing on the screen and recording their own take for TikTok for a chance to win prizes. From July 30 to August 15.

Play with Legos: Ibn Battuta Mall is inviting kids to ‘Blast Off to Mars’. Spend Dh50 on a meal at the mall and you can get your own Lego pack to help build a 27sqm mosaic. This futuristic and fun experience invites all ages to bring out their inner child and work with fellow shoppers on constructing a memorable Lego sculpture. From 10am to 10pm, until August 15.

Get crafty: Spend the Eid break by bringing out the natural artist in your child during an upcycling arts and crafts camp this summer. Michael Metzger, an artist from California, is inviting your little ones to unleash their imagination using natural and recycled materials. Get creative at these daily sessions where children will learn how to make natural soaps, crafts using palm leaves, beeswax candles and even natural paper. The little creators can take home everything they make or share them with their loved ones as unique, handmade gifts. Suited for children over 10 years, or younger if accompanied by their parents. At The Theater, Mall of the Emirates, from Sunday to Thursday. Until August 30 and priced at Dh105.

Book a private cinema: Ever wondered what it would be like to have an entire movie theatre to yourself? Vox Cinemas is allowing fans to host an exclusive movie night at any of their venues across Dubai. This truly unforgettable experience is designed for 10 guests starting at Dh450 for a Standard Experience and Dh800 for Gold.

Watch a live show: La Perle is open again with 65 artists performing staggering stunts and aerial antics above an on-stage pool filled with 2.7 million litres of water. This state-of-the-art, custom-built theatre will feature two shows, five days a week, providing audiences with ample opportunities to enjoy this captivating audio-visual treat which is unlike any other in the region. Tickets start at Dh400.

Story time for the kids: Dubai-based actress Emma Quintin, known for her role as ‘Bella’ in the award-winning children’s television show Tweenies, is hosting storytelling sessions at Mall of the Emirates. Children aged five to eight years can attend these immersive sessions to make new friends, meet new characters and bring them to life over insightful discussions. On August 1 at DPA Theatre, from 10am to 10.45am for Dh60 per person.

Malhaar’s Musical Concert: Celebrate Eid with Malhaar Baithak, which is commemorating the life and times of legendary poet, musician and scholar Amir Khusro. A live evening will be presented by team Malhaar’s artists filled with Sufi music, qawalis and poetry – all happening virtually. On July 31 at 6pm. Details on the Malhaar website.

Theme park fun: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and CLYMB are gearing up to welcome back guests on July 29, just in time for Eid Al Adha, but stringent precautionary measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests. Visitors are advised to download the respective smartphone apps for each park to enhance their contactless experience when they visit. Owing to the current circumstances, character meet and greets will also be temporarily unavailable. Yas Waterworld will remain closed at the current time. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be open daily from 11am to 8pm, while CLYMB is open 11am to 9pm.