25 things to do in Abu Dhabi this week

Wednesday 2
Watch Arab stars
Watch concerts with the biggest Arab stars and see stunning fireworks.
Free. Concerts at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival stage, Al Wathba or Madinat Zayed Park from 9pm. Fireworks at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Khor Al Maqtaq from 8pm-9pm.

Wednesday 2
See rowing race
Traditional National Day rowing races with 40ft boats are taking place off the Corniche, finishing opposite the Heritage Village where there will be a traditional souk and entertainment including Ayalla dancing.
Free. From 8am-8pm. Corniche Breakwater, www. torath.ae/en.com (02 445 6456).

Thursday 3
Ariana Grande
Go on honeymoon with a pop princess. The Focus star is flying in as part of the 44th National Day celebrations. ‘The Honeymoon Tour’ features a set-list of the Disney darling’s ultimate hits from the number one album My Everything, including One Last Time, Break Free, and Problem that features Iggy Izalea’s vocals.
From Dhs250. From 7pm. du Arena, Yas Island. Buy tickets at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastore outlets.

Thursday 3
Roll into National spirit
Try Sumo Sushi’s National roll and the new garden mango roll: a healthy snack combining fresh asparagus, tomato and lightly seared tuna encased in a mango wrap drizzled with Sumo’s special sesame dressing. Or opt for the Bibimbap, a mouthful of appetising Australian beef with a side of the chef’s special hot bean paste.
From Dhs35. Open 11am-11pm. Sumo Sushi & Bento, Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, Podium Level (02 557 0500).

Thursday 3
Car Parade
Thousands of cars decorated in the colours of the UAE national flag will gather to start a parade route starting from du Forum, Yas Island and travelling to the Corniche. You can even get behind the wheel at the annual decorated car parade to show support for national military and cavalry teams in the best decorated car competition. (But make sure you stick to Abu Dhabi Police’s rules.)
Free entry. 4pm-11pm. Check out the regulations at www.adpolice.gov.ae.

Thursday 3
National day chocolates
Bateel, a home-grown company recognised as supplying the highest quality of dates available in the country, has once again partnered with Emirates Palace for a Dates Exhibition. Take part in tasting sessions of up to 44 dates and learn about UAE heritage as you nibble.
Free entry. Until December 8, from 10am-6pm. Emirates Palace.

Thursday 3
Wicked wakes
Watercooled is holding a Wicked Wake Week from Nov 29-Dec 5. Celebrate the National Day holidays by learning how to wakeboard and waterski from the professionals, and take advantage of world-class wake waters on the Corniche. Once you’ve stood up on the water, you’re away!
Dhs150 per 15 mins. For experienced skiers, tows from Dhs100 for 10 mins. Nov 29-Dec 5. Abu Dhabi Corniche. For more info and bookings, email bookingsauh@watercooleduae.com, www.watercooleduae.com (02 6395997).

Thursday 3
Festive parties at gastropub
The Sportsman’s Arms, the new gastropub in Zayed Sports City, will cater for your Christmas party in style with special canapés, finger food and drinks.
Price on request. Sportsman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4235).

Friday 4
Christmas cracker cycle ride
Join this really long ride from Al Zeina out to the Al Qudra cycle track and back again. The 300km all-day event will have one steady group of about 25 riders apiece and a series of stops, between ADNOC, Ghantoot, Bab Al Shams and Al Qudra. Don’t miss the cyclist’s version of an office Christmas party.
Free. From 5am-4.30pm. Raha Cycling group, Mugg & Bean, Etihad Plaza www.facebook.com/raharevolution.

Friday 4
Movies at Yas Marina
Kids Film Fridays shows holiday classics to keep the whole family entertained. There’s also a musical, interactive fountain and playground to keep the little ones occupied, and plenty of takeaway offers at the Yas restaurants to keep the adults happy.
Free. Every Fri 6pm-8pm. Yas Marina.

Friday 4
Holi Festival of Colours
Fill your life with friends, music and a rainbow of colour at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Celebrate the Holi Festival of Colours, an electronic and trance dance music festival in honour of National Day. A seriously fun day out.
Dhs170. From 3pm. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif area, www.holifestival.com (02 445 9600).

Saturday 5
Chase Santa at The Westin
It may sound cruel, but kids sprinting after the man in the red suit is part of holiday tradition. Be part of the ultimate Christmas experience and get your children to participate in the popular Annual Santa Chase event on the hotel outdoor greens. The first child to catch Santa will win a big Christmas present – we wish we could join in!
From 2pm-4pm. Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9999).

Saturday 5
C.R.E.A.M night at Catch with DJ Saif
You’ll be like the cat that got the cream at Catch on Saturday nights. Join Radio One’s DJ Saif & Sound as he takes you on a “magical musical voyage” of RnB and hip-hop at the rooftop bar.
Free entry.10pm-3am. Catch Rooftop Bar & Lounge, near Nation Riviera at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Khubeirah (02 611 10909).

Saturday 5
Build a gingerbread house
In need of some Christmas arts and crafts? Take home the Westin’s DIY gingerbread house kit for you and your family to make together. It has everything you need to build your very own gingerbread house, with plenty of icing and decorations for customising it to your unique style. Stock up on puddings, chocolates and Yuletide logs while you browse the Christmas shop!
Dhs119. 7am-11pm. Gingerbread House Christmas Shop, The Lobby Lounge, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9999).

Saturday 5
Festive flea market at Sheraton
The Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s charity flea market returns in support of children’s charity UNICEF. In the season of goodwill, join for a fun-filled day to sell and buy pre-loved goods.
Free entry. 9am-2pm. Arzanah Ballroom, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Corniche. Exhibitor tables Dhs285, contact Sabine.Farah@Sheraton.com (02 677 3333).

Sunday 6
House of Allure
Visit Abu Dhabi’s newest home of beauty, House Of Allure Spa. Experience reasonably priced brands and treatments from Leyla Milani, Hershesons, Eminience and Cham D’orient in the pretty setting.
Open daily, 10am-10pm. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, opposite Khalidiyah Park, www.houseofallurespa.com (02 666 6317).

Sunday 6
Tree lighting
When the lights begin to shine on the tree, carols are sung and the air is filled with aromas of cinnamon, baked apples and gingerbread, the festive season has officially begun at Beach Rotana.
Free entry, From 5pm. Beach Rotana, Al Zahiya area (02 697 9000).

Sunday 6
Festive season afternoon tea at St. Regis Saadiyat
The Drawing Room, with its open lounge and inviting sofas, plays host to an enchanting festive afternoon tea. Enjoy magnificent pastries, including almond stollen, spiced gingerbread loaf and Yule log with a glass of bubbly or cup of tea.
Festive Afternoon Tea Dhs140, Festive Sparkling Afternoon Tea (includes one glass of bubbly) Dhs180. 2pm-6pm, until January 5. The Drawing Room, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8443).

Monday 7
Majilis festive bake sale
Buy baked delights such as delicious ginger stollen, gingerbread houses, traditional Yule logs and cartoon inspired, ‘Frosty’ the white chocolate snowman. All created by chef Francois Leo, executive pastry chef at Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs35. Dec 7-27. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sowwah Square (02 813 5550).

Monday 7
Hekayah the story
An exciting line-up of performers will honour National Day through words and music, from Nabati poetry to spoken word and hip-hop.
Free entry. From 7pm. East Plaza. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Marina District, www.nyuad-artscenter.org (02 628 5511).

Monday 7
Holiday hoopla
The month-long festive programme at Ritz Kids features gingerbread cookie-making classes, reindeer sack races, junior chef competitions and movies under the stars to get you in the holiday spirit.
Dhs50 per hour. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi (02 818 8888).

Monday 7
Shop a closet at Jones
Looking for something fabulous to wear this festive season? Shop pre-loved items from the closets of fashion stylists, personal stylists, image consultants, fashion agents and magazine stylists.
Free entry. 7pm-10pm. jones the grocer, Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach. If you would like to sell your closet, email glamouronthegoantoinette@gmail.com.

Tuesday 8
Tropical Tuesdays at B Lounge
Nestled in a palm tree resort, the B Lounge’s ‘Tropical Tuesdays’ offers comfy loungers and al fresco dining, with fruity beverages, tasty bites, aromatic shisha and DJ sessions. Expect commercial and pop tunes for an enjoyable night under the stars.
Free entry. Happy hour from 6pm-9pm, 25 percent off beverages for all guests. B Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).

Tuesday 8
Fairmont tree lighting
Start your festivities with a traditional experience at Al Naba’a Lounge and join Fairmont’s tree-lighting ceremony, accompanied by melodious carols, fabulous treats and a visit from Santa.
Free. 7pm-8pm. Hotel Lobby, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3333).