Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for December 16, 2016, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun.
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Abu Dhabi
Festive fun
Visit Al Maryah Island for the Winter Wonderland, featuring cosy cottages hosting activities including bauble-decorating, cracker-making and gingerbread-house-decorating. Plus there’s a skating rink and snow park, and live performances of Arctic Cirque, Alice in Wonderland and The Snowman.
Daily until December 30, 3pm to 10pm, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.almaryahisland.ae
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Abu Dhabi
Craft market
Head to upMarket, a pop-up boutique that showcases a range of locally made and handcrafted products, including beach kaftans, clutches, swimwear, beach bags and homewares, and find great gift ideas for friends and family.
Today, 1pm to 6pm, free entrance, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Abu Dhabi, www.tinybeanevents.com
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Nationwide
New movie
Catch a screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a stand-alone story set before the events of the original Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance recruits Jyn (Felicity Jones) to join a team planning to steal the design plans for the Galactic Empire’s new weapon, the Death Star. Sci-fi adventure, also starring Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen and Jimmy Smits.
Screening in cinemas across the UAE (PG-13)
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Abu Dhabi
Festive event
Head to Yas Mall for Festive Fantasia, a winter-themed event, at the heart of Town Square. Enjoy brightly coloured lights, a snow-fight zone and a daily line-up of live entertainment featuring acrobatic performances. Take a journey through a wonderland with the Toymaker as he discovers the Sugar Plum Fairy, tap-dancing penguins and jack-in-the-box acrobats, ending with a snowstorm finale.
Daily until December 27, 10am to 10pm, Town Square, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmall.ae
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Abu Dhabi
Art exhibition
See the exhibition Flamboyant Impressions, in which German photographer Andreas Denstorf presents Platux photo art, which is based on multidimensional images that include separations, reflections, overlays and colours. Pictured: Spirit of Venice
Daily until March 4, Mezzaluna restaurant, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 050 225 1783, www.swissartgateuae.com
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Dubai
Art event
Visit Alserkal Avenue for Area 01, a community-focused event that combines the Urban Market with the acoustic and electric sounds of the Music on the Avenue, with an emphasis on local talent and businesses. Enjoy yoga, music, design, crafts and food from 50 vendors and food trucks.
Today and tomorrow, 11am to 9pm, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, www.alserkalavenue.ae
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Dubai
Concert
See Sami Yusuf live in concert at Dubai Opera for one night only and experience the world premiere of his new composition, Glorification, featuring lyrics from the poetry of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as songs inspired by traditional music of the East and West, including new songs and greatest hits.
Tonight, doors open at 7.30pm, concert begins at 8pm, from Dh350, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
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Dubai
Festive fun
Take part in DXB Carols in the Desert. Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of festive music outdoors, with a campfire, hot chocolate and coffee, and song sheets to help you sing along. Bring warm clothes, food and drink, and a tent if you choose to stay overnight.
Today, from 4pm, desert near The Sevens Stadium, off E77, Dubai, www.facebook.com/dubaicarols
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Dubai
Concert
Register now to purchase tickets for the Justin Bieber concert in May in Dubai. The Canadian pop star returns to the UAE with his Purpose World Tour. Hits include Baby, Boyfriend, As Long as You Love Me and One Time.
May 6, Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai. www.117live.com
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Sharjah
Cultural gala
Attend a two-day cultural gala on Flag Island. Today’s events include a drums and vocals workshop, Music, Ritual & Fun, by Iza Kowalewska (pictured) and Ryszard Bazarnik, followed by a concert by Kowalewska at 8pm. Tomorrow, attend an artistic workshop by Portuguese composer Carlos Guedes, focusing on building instruments out of recycled materials.
Today and tomorrow, 2pm to 6pm on Friday for the workshop, 8pm for the concert; 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, The Flag Island, Sharjah, search for “Flag Island Sharjah” on www.facebook.com
