Events you can't afford to miss this week in the UAE
From music and drone shows to eco events and more, here are some must-attend events
Winter at Expo City
From 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, Al Wasl Plaza will transform into a magical Winter City, with Expo City Dubai bringing the community together through eco-friendly events to celebrate the season, while also increasing climate awareness and promoting greener living.
Featuring Santa’s sustainable house, Mrs Claus’ bakery, an eco-friendly toy factory and Frosty’s farmhouse, visitors of all ages are invited to join Santa on his quest to help save the North Pole and its precious wildlife from the rapid and dramatic impacts related to global climate change.
Santa will also be opening the doors to his toy factory, a place where children immerse themselves in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while promoting sustainability. Making their own toys from recycled materials, crafty kids will embark on journeys to become eco-conscious stewards of the planet. Winter City will open from 3pm-11pm daily, with entry priced from Dh20 for adults and free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available on platinumlist.com. For more information visit expocitydubai.com.
Winter activities
As we transition into the holiday season, Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi will transform its garden area into a Winter Wonderland until 31st December. Among the highlights are a winter market, and an assortment of food trucks offering various culinary delights. Kids can look forward to a range of activities designed to keep them entertained, while roaming performers and skill games will add an element of fun.
Afroworld
The 4th iteration of Afroworld is on December 16 and this year's concert promises to be an unforgettable experience with headlining artist Gunna, one of the hottest artists in the music scene. Afroworld promises a one-of-a-kind spectacle that transcends genres and showcases the rich tapestry of Afro-inspired sounds. At Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.
Solomun’s act
Soho Garden Festival at Media City Amphitheatre presents an electrifying evening with world-renowned artist, Solomun, on December 16th. With sold out shows across the globe, the four-time DJ Awards winner, Solomun is not one to be missed! Expect to hear hits such as “Home,” “Never Sleep Again,” and “Tuk Tuk.” Doors open at 8pm with tickets available on Platinumlist.net, starting from Dh200 per person. Age Limit: 21+ Original IDs required.
Winter Wonderland
The Galleria Al Maryah Island has a spectacular line-up of festive events and activities to make this holiday season unforgettable for the family. From enchanting activities to delightful encounters with Santa, it’s all happening at the Winter Wonderland until 26 December. Families can experience a delightful encounter with Santa Claus, who will be available from 10am to 10pm until 24 December, or can step into Santa’s Bakery on Level G for an immersive experience filled with festive magic and the aroma of freshly baked goods
Honey Singh to headline music fest
Get ready to groove. Celebrated artists Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Aastha Gill, Divya Khosla Kumar, Zahrah Khan, Young Stunners and Jasmine Sandlas will be taking to the Coca Cola Arena stage for the Moonlight Music Fest on December 21. Tickets start from Dh75 on Platinumlist.com and Coca Cola Arena. The Moonlight Music Fest is open to all age groups.
Dramatic Drone Shows
Prepare for an unparalleled magical experience as Dubai Shopping Festival unveils the Dubai Lights DSF Drone Show. On until 14 January, you can witness a nightly awe-inspiring synchronised story telling display that paints the sky with cutting-edge drone technology taking place at The Beach, JBR and Bluewaters at 8pm, and then at 10pm.
Marvel as 800 drones take flight, creating a symphony of colors and shapes, to form stories that will leave viewers in awe and with memories that will last forever
Dubai Lights
Dubai Lights is dazzling the city across different destinations, with unique works that represent creativity and artistic expression. This year, the delightful inflatable duo TheAnooki, will be lighting up Hatta, Etisalat MOTB, d3, and Al Seef for the first time in Dubai, transforming both the creative hub and the historical sight into a playground of lights.
Dubai Neon features 40 light-festooned Abras, transforming the creek into a beautiful work of colour. Stop by the Al Seef neighborhood and the well-known Old Gold Souk to see it come alive with a neon dream of inspirational writings, radiating a vibrant glow throughout the cobblestone streets and creating and perfectly instagrammable spots
Toda’s 5-D show
Prepare for an extraordinary family adventure as the Winter Galaxy Show comes to Dubai—an immersive 5D experience promising enchantment, kindness, and holiday magic. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the show will captivate audiences from December 22nd to 30th.