PHOTO
If travel doesn’t feature in your plans over the upcoming Eid Al Fitr break, then we’ve got you covered with an action-packed long weekend filled with Bollywood stars, a mouth-watering food festival, the opening of a new crocodile park, dazzling fireworks and a whole lot more to keep the family entertained.
Ayushmann Khurrana Live in Concert
Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana will take to the Dubai stage once again, performing live at the Coca-Cola Arena on April 23. The Bollywood star, best known for the hit films Andhadhun, Vicky Donor and Badhaai Ho, will perform some of his biggest tracks, including “Naina Da Kya Kasoor”, “Pani Da Rang” and “Mitti Di Khusboo”. Speaking ahead of his gig, the 38-year-old said in a statement: “I have always enjoyed performing live, and if there’s one thing that I truly missed during the pandemic, it’s this. I am really looking forward to this gig. And what better way to celebrate Eid than to ring it in with the people in Dubai. I am sure the festive fervour is going to add immense zeal to the night.”
Tickets for the concert are on sale via Platinumlist, with the Gold category starting at AED 195. Doors open at 7pm with a 9pm start.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
All through the Eid break
Beat the heat at this temperature-controlled indoor theme park with six zones that will keep kids (and adults) of all ages happy over the Eid break. The Cartoon Network Zone will transform into the bustling souk Qaraiyat Emarat, where henna artists and face painters will entertain young kids. Live performances in the form of Khaleeji dancers, Bollywood musicals and African drummers will keep the rhythm flowing, and a magical show will cap off the acts. Elsewhere, Marvel superheroes and Cartoon Network characters will roam the theme park as well. And when it’s time to hit pause on the entertainment, you can indulge in some traditional Middle Eastern fare.
IMG Worlds of Adventure will be open until midnight this Eid, with tickets available through its official website from AED 345.
Dubai Food Festival
Various locations
The annual Dubai Food Festival will return for its 10th edition on April 21 with a mouthwatering line-up of culinary events across the city. Running until May 7, the festival will feature a mix of old favourites and new draws, including culinary workshops, Dubai Restaurant Week and the 10 Dirham Dish deals.
The crowd favourite, the Etisalat Beach Canteen, located behind Sunset Mall and serving as a showcase for homegrown food outlets, also returns in time for the Eid celebrations.
“The 2023 edition of the Dubai Food Festival will be the biggest and best yet. As it seeks to highlight Dubai as a global gastronomy hub, the festival showcases the best of Dubai’s gastronomy scene, offering affordable prices and shining a spotlight on the city’s top culinary talent and food capabilities,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).
The culinary workshops and DFF Food tours kick off on April 23, while Dubai Restaurant Week runs from April 27 until May 8, with exclusive set menus and discounted prices at 50 of the city’s top restaurants.
More information is available through Dubai Food Festival’s official website and Visit Dubai.
Dubai Crocodile Park
Near Mushrif Park
After much anticipation, the Dubai Crocodile Park will finally open its doors to the public on April 18, just in time to welcome visitors during the Eid long weekend. Home to 250 Nile crocodiles of all ages, the 20,000-sqm facility has been designed with climate-controlled waters for its inhabitants.
The park will feature a natural history museum, an African-lake-themed aquarium, and large outdoor landscaped areas.
“Welfare and education are at the heart of Dubai Crocodile Park. Since the crocs moved into our facility, we’ve had babies hatch, which is the ultimate proof of the animals thriving,” said Tarryn Clare, the exhibit curator of Dubai Crocodile Park, in a statement.
In addition to the crocodiles, the park will also feature multiple dining outlets and air-conditioned spaces.
Tickets for Dubai Crocodile Park can be purchased at the park entrance, priced at AED 95 for adults, AED 75 for children between 3 and 12 years and free for those below 3 years. The park will be open from 10am to 10pm daily.
Legoland Dubai
Across all Eid days
To celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the “3-in-1 Playcation” at Legoland Dubai combines fun at the theme park, the water park and the Legoland Hotel. Parents can avail a 10% discount using their mobile phones when booking their stay in a themed room.
Families of up to 5 can have a sleepover in one room, with bunk beds, a play area and a TV, separate from the parents’ area, which features a master bed, TV and a bathroom. For larger families, the hotel has various family suites. Special meal deals are also on offer, including free meals for children during the minimum two-night stay.
Rates start from AED 1,656 per night per room based on a family of 2 adults and 1 child, excluding taxes. This includes theme and water park entrances.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah staycation
Across all Eid days
If Eid travel plans didn’t take off for the family, there are staycation deals to be had that offer fun for the whole family. The Kids Go All Inclusive Package at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah has been designed specifically for families and includes a range of dining options and kids’ activities.
The resort’s kids programme offers specially crafted menus as well as unlimited soft drinks, snacks and healthy grab-and-go treats from select venues. There is also a kids club, complimentary for children aged between 4 and 12 years old, with a shaded playground, a wading pool, and a monthly revolving calendar of activities that include yoga, crafts and karaoke.
The deal runs from April 20 to 23, starting from AED 2,633 for 2 adults and 2 kids below 12 years.
BOGO Eid brunch deals at Hilton
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk have your brunch plans sorted over the long weekend with its buy-one-get-one-free offer on brunch packages at VERO, Trader Vic’s, Mango Tree and Pure Sky Lounge on April 22. Prices vary.
Zamna Festival
Surf Club, Palm West Beach
The famous Zamna Festival is making its way to the shores of Palm West Beach for its very first edition in the city during April 22–23. The Tulum-based musical production will bring popular EDM artists to the Surf Club for two days of back-to-back sets.
Since its first edition in Mexico in 2017, the immersive experience has travelled across the globe to countries like Spain, Brazil, and Greece. Ticket prices and details are available through its official website.
Kids have fun at OliOli
Across Eid days
Grab the kids for Eid celebrations at OliOli with the return of the iconic Museum of the Moon to mark the last days of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. The five-metre replica of the moon, created by artist Luke Jerram, will take over OliOli’s Creative Lab.
Families with two or more kids have access to limited edition family passes, starting from AED 269 for two children and the same number of adults go free. Valid from April 14 to 30.
Atul Khatri Live
Theatre by QE2
Businessman-turned-comedian Atul Khatri returns to the Dubai stage, bringing his take on travel packing, the inevitability of old age and everything in between on April 22 at Theatre by QE2.
The comedian, who was crowned the winner of CEO's Got Talent Season 1 and is a former member of the popular East India Comedy collective, has a strong portfolio of more than 400 comedy shows and YouTube videos to date.
Tickets start at AED 100 and are available on Platinumlist. For 18 years and up.
Stas Starovoitov Live
The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Dubai will welcome another funnyman with Russian comedian Stas Starovoitov bringing his witty one-liners to The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates on April 22.
Growing up in the student city of Tomsk, Starovoitov developed an interest in the comedy-game show franchise KVN, which included putting on amusing skits and sketches. He then joined the popular TNT show Stand Up in 2012 and has been a regular headliner on it.
This live performance is for 18+ only, and doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets starting at AED 300.
Taher Mamelli Live
Dubai Opera
Famed Syrian composer Taher Mamelli will take to the stage at Dubai Opera on April 22, along with singers Saoud Abu Sultan, Linda Bittar, Alicia Morales and Amer Khayat, for a concert titled “Nostalgia”.
You will be treated to songs from albums like Ahlam Kabirs, Zaman Al Jameel and Al Zeer Salem, among others. A live orchestra will also perform.
Tickets start at AED 195 and are available through the Dubai Opera website.
Mr Kind and Lele
At Ibn Battuta Mall
Treat your little ones to an educational music act during April 20–23 at Ibn Battuta Mall's China Court. Follow the heart-shaped mascot Mr Kind and his friend Lele as they embark on a journey of discovery.
With five original songs and a unique storyline, this production teaches children values such as love, kindness and sharing. The tale also includes characters like Planet Earth and Steve the Garbage Bin, who share tips on how each of us can do our part in taking care of the environment.
Entry is free for everyone. Timings vary.
Eida Al Menhali live
Dubai Festival City Mall
Famed Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali is gearing up for a special Eid performance on April 23. See the musical maestro light up the stage at Dubai Festival City Mall with a live act filled with hit music.
Al Menhali will belt out hits like “Motasoa” and “Ya Boui”, along with other popular songs from albums such as Mestareeh, Gharami and Qemt Al Zooq.
Tickets start at AED 299 and are available from Platinumlist. Doors open at 7pm.
Tsoi: Last Hero
The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Fans of Victor Tsoi can enjoy a tribute show that will put a spotlight on his life and work on April 24 at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.
Journey back to the 1980s, when Tsoi’s music was captivating fans across the globe. This concert will bring back memories of a time when he was the lead singer of the band Kino. During the show, expect to hear chart-topping tunes like “In Our Eyes”, “Goodnight” and “The Legend”.
Tickets start at AED 185 and are available through Platinumlist.
Max Amini Live
Dubai World Trade Centre’s Sheikh Rashid Hall
Iranian-American comedy star Max Amini is making his way back to Dubai for another gig on April 24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s Sheikh Rashid Hall.
Starting his career at the LA Improv and performing his popular tour Exotic Imports across the globe, plus TV appearances on shows like NBCs Heroes, Netflix’s Real Rob with Rob Schneider and Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central, Amini is a popular name on the circuit.
Doors open at 8pm, with tickets starting at AED 295. Tickets available on Platinumlist.
Fun in the Sun
Summersalt Beach Club
If winding down is on the agenda this Eid Al Fitr, then you can’t go wrong with the Summersalt Beach Club at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Overlooking the Burj Al Arab, the venue has rotating live entertainment and a line-up of musicians including violinists, saxophonists and acoustic singers.
The beach club serves a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine that you can tuck into while lazing by the pool.
A day pass starts at AED 500, which isn’t redeemable towards food and beverages.
Salman Khan on screen (and maybe in Dubai)
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is returning this Eid Al Fitr with his new film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. However, we also hear that the actor is headed to these shores on April 24 for a special live appearance at the Float Club Dubai. Details have yet to be released, but social media is already abuzz with the news. Watch this space for more information.
Light and Sound Show
Motiongate Dubai
The popular venue at Dubai Parks and Resorts has planned a roster of fun-filled events over Eid, including the launch of ‘Illuminate’, a new light and sound show that will play out on 21 April at Motiongate Dubai’s Hollywood Theatre. It will recount the story of a dancer who discovers the power of hope through a magical light that transforms his sadness into happiness.
‘V.I.Ks’ Unite
Lapita Hotel
Parents and kids are invited to feel like stars at Lapita Hotel’s new V.I.K (Very Important Kids) programme this Eid where they will be able to meet fan-favourite Emirati cartoon characters from the series ‘Shaabiat Al Cartoon’. The offer also includes various room options starting from AED 1,074 for half-board dine-around at the hotel or selected outlets at the parks, free park tickets, Q-Fast access, a lunch at the Kalea Restaurant, kids’ activities, and a chance to meet the Smurfs. Children up to the age of 12 will also receive a limited-edition V.I.K, badge.
Eid Fireworks
Across Dubai Parks and Resorts
End the long weekend with a bang by catching a fireworks display that can be viewed at Riverland or across any of the theme parks on April 22. There will be two displays, one at 7pm and then at 9pm.
ABU DHABI
Haifa Wehbe and Nassif Zeytoun Live
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
What is an Eid celebration even without Lebanese singer and actress Haifa Wehbe live in concert? The superstar, best known for her hit tracks “Ragab” and “Fakerni”, will perform live on April 22 at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, sharing the stage with Syrian crooner Nassif Zeytoun, who is best known for his song “Mesh Aam Tezbat Maae”. The gala dinner and concert is priced from AED 630, with doors opening at 8.30pm. Tickets are available through Platinumlist.
Abdel Majeed Abdallah Live
Etihad Arena
Saudi Arabian singer-actor Abdel Majeed Abdallah will perform live at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on April 23. With a career spanning more than 35 years, the artist has an impressive repertoire of hits in the Arabic pop genre. The vocalist will be belting out tracks from all his hit albums including ‘Raheeb’, ‘Melyon Khater’ and the 2021 release ‘Aalam Mowazi’.
Tickets for the event are currently sold out on the Etihad Arena website.
Mohamed Ramadan Live
Yas Links
Popular Egyptian actor-singer Mohamed Ramadan returns to the UAE for an Eid spectacle at Yas Links on April 22.
The rapper and music producer, best known for popular hits such as “Alla Allah” and “Ya Habibi”, in collaboration with ‘Gims’ and ‘Mafia’, is one of the biggest musical names in the Arab world, with more than 20 million followers on Instagram and 14.7 million subscribers on YouTube.
Joining Ramadan will be DJ Kaboo, known for his Arab Traps music, and DJ Saif and Sound.
Tickets start at AED 220 and are available on Platinumlist.
Abu Dhabi fireworks
Citywide
Kicking off the Eid celebrations, Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors will be dazzled by fireworks lighting up the skies across the city from 9pm with shows along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, at Al Ain’s Hazza Stadium and Madinat Zayed Public Park, Gayathi and Al Marfa’s AlMugheirah beach in Al Dhafra region, along with Yas Bay, Yas Island.
Palace in Motion
Qasr Al Watan Sound and Light Show
See the historic landmark come to life with the Palace in Motion light and sound show playing out all through Eid at 7.15pm.
Take a journey through time and get a glimpse of the UAE’s past, present and future through an audio-visual display projected onto the facade of the Palace.
Comprising three acts, the show merges traditional Emirati instruments with a futuristic twist to create an immersive experience while highlighting significant achievements and milestones that shaped the UAE.
Tickets for Palace in Motion are priced at AED 25 and are available through the Qasr Al Watan official website.
Fontana Circus
Marina Mall
Starting April 18, and taking us all through Eid, the month-long Fontana Circus spectacle is sure to be a hot ticket. The travelling water circus is produced by Cirque du Liban, featuring a blend of live entertainment, artistic circus performances, a dancing musical fountain, aerialist displays, special effects, laser shows, and more, performed by a cast of dancers, aerialists, and entertainers.
Fontana is performed in a tailormade aquatic theatre inside a custom-designed circus tent. The family-friendly aquatic extravaganza is suitable for ages 2 and above; adults and children must hold a valid ticket to enter the circus tent.
There are two daily shows over Eid, with tickets starting from AED 90 and available on Platinumlist.
Al Ain Oasis
Across Eid days
Eid Al Fitr celebrations will include traditional performances, henna corners, workshops and giveaways to children reviving the tradition of Eid celebrations in Al Ain Oasis.
Freej and more live
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
This Eid, the children’s play area at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island will host storytelling sessions featuring Arabian folk tales. Other creative activities for the little ones include Jenga, board games, arts and crafts, sewing, and video games.
Um Khammas and Abood from the Emirati phenomenon Freej will also be coming to The Galleria for a meet-and-greet between kinds and their iconic heroes in an interactive session. This features across Eid days between 2pm and 6pm.
Citywide celebrations
Throughout the Eid public holiday, citywide activities will be hosted at the popular tourist and cultural attractions, including Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Qasr Al Hosn. Al Ain’s Palace Museum will see special Al Ayyala and Al Razfa performances, with Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Muwaiji also hosting yet-to-be-announced celebrations across the four days.
(Reporting by Bindu Rai; editing by Seban Scaria)
