Today's Edition
Many places in the UAE and the capital Abu Dhabi have kicked off winter festivities in conjunction with private malls and government bodies such as Experience Abu Dhabi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. With Christmas approaching fast, Santa Claus is coming to a few experiences early.
Here are some options to ring in the cheer with the school break coming up: Meet Santa at the Fountains The enchantment of the holiday season comes alive with the arrival of Santa's Grotto at The Fountains at Yas Mall. The magical experience invites families to Santa's Grotto to share the festive cheer and create cherished memories with the jolly man himself.
Children will be offered the magical opportunity to meet Santa this Saturday and Sunday, even as the Grotto will be open until December 31. With the sound of bells and a warm smile, the Santa will greet guests between 2–4pm and 6–8pm. On other days, the experience will include a snow machine at the Grotto. Warner Bros The Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros.
Abu Dhabi features holiday shows, character meet and greets, and festive performances running through January 7 next year for family-friendly experiences that embody the holiday spirit. The famous Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, along with 50 international singers, dancers and acrobats, have been lined up in what is claimed by Warner Bros. as their most extensive theatrical production.
"The NutQuacker" will feature a live performance from Lola Bunny, Tweety, Sylvester, Taz as well as Tom and Jerry. Complementing the breathtaking spectacle, guests will also get to witness immersive projection mapping, special effects, and a selection of the most festive popular music, including the original song "Let it Shine", produced exclusively for the show.
Guests can visit Cartoon Junction to snap photos with Scooby-Doo and The Mystery Inc. gang, all dressed in their festive winter attire and ready to solve all the mysteries. For those wanting to shake a leg or two, there is the Daffy Holiday Dance Party. And The Flintstones will be all dressed up and ready to meet guests to show them how to celebrate this winter season in an authentic Stone Age fashion.
Al Maryah Island
The Galleria mall at Al Maryah Island has set up Winter Wonderland which is through December 26. Visitors can start with greetings from elves and thematic decorations at Santa's Grotto, from 10am to 10pm, where a donation of Dh10 is applicable.
All proceeds with be sent to relief efforts in Gaza through a charitable partnership. A 12-metre tree, live and interactive baking experiences and letting children to write a letter to Santa will be available at various places inside the mall. Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall Open all year round, it is among the world's largest indoor snow parks with 20 rides and attractions, including the Crystal Carousel, Polar Express Train, Flight of the Snowy Owl, Snowflake Garden, and Enchanted Tree.
For this period, step in to meet Santa, drink hot cocoa, go down some slides and get a special gift made by elves. Ticket: Dh150 (meet Santa package); Dh295 (snow park & meet Santa package) Liwa Village After its successful debut last year by DCT Abu Dhabi, an enhanced Liwa Village experience has been set up until the year ends.
Divided into several distinct zones, and with a fresh new look, the desert celebration combines the adventure of the outdoors with the best F&B, retail and entertainment.
The mini-oasis city weaves together authentic Emirati heritage, modern leisure and activities, the finest culinary options, and locally renowned celebrities and artists to provide a well-rounded winter experience for nationals, expatriates, and tourists alike.
The seven zones – Main stage, Souk, Oasis, Valley, Pavillion, Carnival, and a PUBG digital station – offer variety of entertainment options.
Performances have been lined up for each weekend, with a headline act on New Year's Eve and a series of breathtaking fireworks will mark the end of the programme. Sheikh Zayed Festival The highlight of the season and which goes until the end of the winter is Sheikh Zayed Festival, which is currently on and vowed the audience recently during the Union Day weekend.
Being held in Al Wathba region until March 9, this year's edition spans 112 days. Festival favourites such as the Heritage Village highlight local art and culture, focusing on traditional industries and crafts. Other highlights include a rare species reserve, Al Wathba Custom Show, Children's City, Fun Fair City, Glow Flower Garden, House of Fear; an art district; and various competitions and draws.
Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the Emirates Fountain and its special dancing water fountain shows, augmented by eye-pleasing laser shows and 3D hologram shows. More than 50 food concepts, featuring cuisine and street food from around the world, are also on offer.
