Eid Al Adha 2018: family friendly activities to do in the UAE

From malls to theme parks, we've made a huge fun-filled list of activities for the whole family to enjoy

Masha and the bear. Courtesy Marina Mall
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Follow this guide to a fun-filled family Eid Al Adha weekend no matter where you are in the UAE

ABU DHABI

Masha and the Bear

Masha and the Bear will perform at Marina Mall this Eid Al Adha, in a performance that combines theatre, music and dance. There will be dress-up photo opportunities, crafts and other activities in an immersive experience suitable for children up to early teenagers.

August 21-23, 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm, from Dh10, Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, 800 6623, www.marinamall.ae

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Eid Al Adha at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi during Eid Al Adha for a variety of culturally inspired activities including entertainment, live music, international cuisine, storytelling and more in addition to the rides. There will be traditional yola dancing, arts and crafts and a cultural maze with rare photographs of Sheikh Zayed in celebration of the Year of Zayed. On Thursday, August 23 at 3pm, see the Black Box Chef Competition with a live cook-off between top Yas Island chefs.

August 22-26, 11am to 8pm daily, except extended hours from 11am to 1pm on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, from Dh310, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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Cascade Dining Eid Al Adha festivities

Enjoy five days of Eid Al Adha festivities at Cascade Dining with fun activities for the whole family, including Eid-inspired arts and crafts in a heritage-themed area. There will be live shows at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm including Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights, plus roaming characters, a balloon bender, marionettes, stilt walker and golden statues. There are 19 dining experiences on site and water fountain shows every 30 minutes during lunch and dinner.

August 21-25, 4pm to 10pm daily, free, Cascade Dining, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.cascadedining.ae

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Yas Marina Eid Al Adha festivities

Yas Marina presents three days of festivities to celebrate Eid Al Adha, including a variety of culinary experiences from the marina’s restaurants and food trucks, as well as fireworks at 9pm daily and a one-hour fireworks fun cruise with Captain Tony’s.

Eid Al Adha, ongoing, 8.30pm to 9.30pm for the fireworks cruise, from Dh100 per adult; from Dh50 for children ages 6 to12; 9pm for the fireworks, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarina.ae

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DUBAI

Meraas Eid Fireworks

Spend the day at the Meraas waterfront destinations, The Beach, Al Seef and La Mer, over the three days of Eid Al Adha and enjoy fireworks displays every night. The Beach offers a bustling seaside venue with shops, food, watersports and walkways. The quaint Al Seef is a 1.8-kilometre creekside promenade with two distinct heritage areas, a marina and markets. The laid-back vibe at La Mer includes dining, shopping and leisure in three areas across 2.5 kilometres of pristine beach, with a waterpark and inflatable playground.

Eid Al Adha, ongoing, 9pm daily for fireworks, The Beach, Al Seef and La Mer, Dubai, www.thebeach.ae; www.alseef.ae; www.lamerdubai.ae

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Emaar Entertainment Double Up

This Eid Al Adha, visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink or VR Park and get a Double Up 50 per cent off voucher for half off a ticket at any other Emaar Entertainment venue. Simply show the voucher along with the receipt to redeem the discount.

Until August 25, locations at The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaimall.com

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Eid Al Adha at The Dubai Mall

This Eid Al Adha, The Dubai Mall presents Sheibitna, the grandfatherly figure of Arabian folklore, who will share stories and words of wisdom with the whole family, from August 21. Families can meet Sheibitna in the Souk Atrium, where children can receive an Eidya gift and enjoy virtual-reality experiences and interactive games from VR Park. There are complimentary treats from Candylicious, and caricature portraits at the Jardin de Parfums pop-up at Fashion Avenue Catwalk.

Eid Al Adha, 10am to 1am; Metro link bridge open until midnight, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, 800 38224 6255, www.thedubaimall.com

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Iftah Ya Simsim at Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart Mall hosts the characters of Iftah Ya Simsim, who will perform a song-and-dance routine that teaches children about outer space in a fun and engaging way. There will also be a Iftah Ya Simsim roaming parade on the first three days of Eid Al Adha at 4.30pm, 5.45pm, 6.45pm and 8.15pm.

August 23-September 1, 5pm, 7.30pm and 9pm for the live shows, Dragon Mart 2, Dubai, www.facebook.com/DragonMartComplex

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Eid Al Adha at Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates hosts performances by the King Charles Troupe of young basketball players from New York. From the first day of Eid, for five days, see a basketball game like you’ve never seen before. Watch as the players dribble, dunk and weave their way around the court with the ball, all done on unicycles.

Eid Al Adha, live shows at 4pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 9pm; mall open 10am to 1am; restaurants open 10am to 2am, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, www.malloftheemirates.com

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Eid Al Adha at City Centre Mirdif

Catch the high-flying antics of the Enchanted Circus at City Centre Mirdif this Eid Al Adha. Aerialists in mystical costumes and make-up create a fairytale setting where they perform their graceful moves from high above the stage. Performers will interact with visitors before the shows for some memorable photo moments.

Eid Al Adha, live shows at 4pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm; mall open 10am to 1am; restaurants open 10am to 2am, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai, www.citycentremirdif.com

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Eid Al Adha at City Centre Deira

Enjoy a fantasy world of sweets and treats at City Centre Deira this Eid Al Adha, as The Red Icon troupe of candies, lollies and chocolates come to life as boisterous performers, juggling and miming in bold and eccentric costumes. The Flight Crew Jump Rope troupe will also perform awe-inspiring acts the whole family will enjoy.

Eid Al Adha, 2pm, 5pm, 7.30pm and 9pm for The Red Icon live shows; 3pm, 6pm, 8.30pm and 10pm for Flight Crew Jump Rope live shows; mall open 10am to 1am; restaurants open 10am to 2am, City Centre Deira, Dubai, www.citycentredeira.com

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Eid Al Adha at City Centre Me'aisem

Learn the Oompa Loompa dance this Eid Al Adha at City Centre Me’aisem. The popular characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will teach their easy-to-follow dance moves in four 20-minute shows for the first four days of Eid. Children will also enjoy the chocolate lollipops from Patchi that will be distributed during the event.

Eid Al Adha, 3pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9pm for the live shows; mall open 10am to midnight; restaurants open 10am to 1am, City Centre Me'aisem, Dubai, www.citycentremeaisem.com

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Eid Al Adha at Al Ghurair Centre

Visit Al Ghurair Centre this Eid Al Adha for a range of exciting entertainment, with spectacular decorations and festive cheer. Enjoy Drum Fest, with roaming drummers performing in traditional African attire. A live session allows visitors to sit and play with the artists. The Aloha Summer corner lets families create summer-themed handicrafts such as flower garlands and greeting cards. There will also be a raffle draw, prizes and shopping deals.

Eid Al Adha, 10am to 1am, Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai, www.alghuraircentre.com

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Eid Al Adha at City Walk

City Walk has a variety of entertainment for families to enjoy this Eid Al Adha. The Crazy Drummers, a Ukrainian group, will drum up a beat throughout the destination, while The Black and White Show offers an interactive mix of juggling, acrobatics, dance, magic and improvisation. Dubai’s mascot, Modhesh, will visit on Wednesday, August 22.

Eid Al Adha, shows from 4pm to 10pm, City Walk, Dubai, www.citywalk.ae

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TEPfactor Eid offer

TEPfactor, the indoor adventure experience, presents a special offer this Eid Al Adha in which four guests can participate for the price of three until 6pm. Put your skills to the test with 21 challenges to solve, including puzzles, balancing acts and teamwork. Advance bookings and comfortable activewear and trainers are encouraged.

August 21-23, 10am to 6pm, from Dh80 per person, ages 13+, ages 8 to12 when accompanied by an adult, TEPfactor Dubai, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 04 398 8438, www.facebook.com/tepfactor.dubai

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Little Farmers

Matajer Al Juraina hosts a children’s play area that resembles a mini garden, where kids can plant flowers and vegetables as they learn about sustainable habits. Children will be provided with the necessary tools to create their pots safely. The workshops also include face-painting.

August 20-31, 5pm to 10pm, Matajer Al Juraina, Sharjah, www.matajersharjah.com

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Gardening at the Matajer Malls

This Eid Al Adha, children can take part in special sessions that feature garden blooms and let kids use their imagination as they create floral crowns. The malls will be decorated in flowers and foliage with fairy lights entwined among the lush displays. There will also be a balloon artist who will create rubber flowers and animal characters for the children.

Eid Al Adha, 6pm to 10pm, Matajer Al Juraina; Matajer Al Mirgab, Sharjah, www.matajersharjah.com

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Eid Al Adha at City Centre Sharjah

Visit City Centre Sharjah this Eid Al Adha and enjoy the quirky, back-to-school entertainment with dancers dressed as books, pencils, erasers and sharpeners will perform a special choreography cued to upbeat tunes in special 20-minute shows. Families can also take part in the Whiz Quiz, a knowledge-based game in which families compete against each other to win prizes.

Eid Al Adha, mall open 10am to 1am, Saturdays to Thursdays; 2pm to 1am on Fridays; restaurants open 10am to 2am, Saturdays to Thursdays; 2pm to 2am on Fridays, City Centre Sharjah, Sharjah, www.citycentresharjah.com

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AJMAN AND FUJAIRAH

Eid Al Adha at City Centre Ajman and City Centre Fujairah

Visitors to City Centre Ajman and City Centre Fujairah can experience an underwater world this Eid Al Adha as high-energy performers in vibrant costumes of sea creatures and divers present 20-minute musical acts.

Eid Al Adha, live shows at 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm; mall open 10am to 1am; restaurants open 10am to 2am, City Centre Ajman, Ajman, www.citycentreajman.com; live shows at 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm and 10pm; mall open 10am to 1am; restaurants open 10am to 2am, City Centre Fujairah, Fujairah, www.citycentrefujairah.com

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