Things to do in Abu Dhabi this Eid Al Adha: shows, film screenings and fireworks

There's also cultural activities, comedy, a reading event, theme park deals and more

Enjoy family events and activities at The Galleria Al Maryah Island this Eid Al Adha. Courtesy The Galleria Al Maryah Island 
Powered by automated translation

Spend a relaxing and entertaining Eid Al Adha holiday in the capital with fun and family-friendly activities starting Wednesday and running throughout the following week. Heading to Dubai, too? Check out our list of things to do in Dubai for more great experiences.

Thursday, August 8 to Monday, August 12: Activities at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Spend time this Eid Al Adha at The Galleria Al Maryah Island with family-friendly activities daily from 3pm to 9pm, including an Arabian hospitality tent, arts and crafts, sand-bottle art, calligraphy, henna and more. While you're there, visit the exhibition of photographs presented in collaboration with the National Archive to mark the Year of Tolerance. See images of historical moments from 1965 to 1990 that commemorate Sheikh Zayed and highlight the values that the Year of Tolerance represents.

First three days of Eid: Take in the Yas Marina Fireworks

Courtesy Yas Marina 
Courtesy Yas Marina 

Yas Marina will be hosting a three-day celebration to mark Eid Al Adha, with each day ending with a fireworks display starting at 9pm, which will be easily visible from the promenade and any of the Marina's restaurants. Those looking for something a little different can enjoy the celebrations from the deck of a traditional dhow with Captain Tony's Eid Fireworks Fun Cruise, operating daily from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, from Dh100 per adult and from Dh50 for children. Dining options at Yas Marina include Aquarium, Cipriani, Diablito, Mr Miyagi's, Stars N Bars and The Scene.

Wednesday, August 14: Have some laughs with The Laughter Factory

Courtesy The Laughter Factory 
Courtesy The Laughter Factory 

Catch the Abu Dhabi show on the Laughter Factory Volume 1518 Tour, which features three top international comedians. Starting at 8pm at the Park Rotana, enjoy stand-up from Scott Bennett, a rising star from Yorkshire, angry American Dave Fulton and the headliner, Australian 'bad boy', Ro Campbell, pictured.

Thursday, August 8 to Friday, August 16: Four for three tickets at Yas Island Theme Parks

Courtesy Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi 
Courtesy Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi 

Yas Island theme parks are offering four tickets for the price of three. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld are hosting authentic Emirati cultural performances such as yola dancers and drummers alongside the popular rides and attractions. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is where you can find DC Superheroes and animated Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera characters making appearances. Yas Waterworld also continues its Ladies Day event on August 8 from 10am to 11pm and Ladies Night on August 15 from 6pm to 11pm, as well as Neon Nights on Fridays from 10am to 10pm. The parks have extended their hours throughout Eid Al Adha with Yas Waterworld (from Dh250) and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (from Dh295) open from 10am to 10pm and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (from Dh295) open from 11am to 10pm.

Saturday, August 10 and Monday, August 12: Catch a free film at Cinema Space

Joseph: King of Dreams (2000). Courtesy DreamWorks Pictures
Joseph: King of Dreams (2000). Courtesy DreamWorks Pictures

Cinema Space presents contemporary films and restored classics in free community screenings at the auditorium in Manarat Al Saadiyat. This Eid, catch a double feature on Saturday, August 10, starting at 5.30pm with the animated epic Joseph: King of Dreams about Joseph, who is sold into slavery and becomes the pharaoh's trusted adviser as a dream interpreter. At 7.15pm, a surprise film, a historical drama, will screen. On Monday, August 12, at 7.30pm, see I Know Where I'm Going, the 1945 film set in the Hebrides Islands of Scotland, where young Wendy arrives from Manchester to marry a rich lord. Her plans are thwarted, however, when she is stranded by a storm and meets a handsome naval officer.

Friday, August 9 to Tuesday, August 13: Performances at Abu Dhabi Mall

Abu Dhabi Mall is hosting five days of performances and entertainment for families to enjoy. See live stage shows for seven straight hours, from 3pm to 10pm daily, including music and dance acts as well as bubble and magic shows. The mall itself is open from 10am daily and includes venues and retail such as Xtreme Zone with trampolines, climbing walls and arcade games; Vox Cinemas showing films such as Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, The Lion King and The Queen's Corgi; as well as the family-friendly Fun City with games and activities for children.

Sunday, August 11 to Wednesday, August 14: Performances at Yas Mall

Courtesy Cascade Dining 
Courtesy Cascade Dining 

Yas Mall on Yas Island is hosting three days of Eid celebrations including live entertainment and activities with lively atmosphere as part of the mall's Around the World theme. Expect roaming performances and photo opportunities throughout the day. Yas Mall is also home to KidZania, which recently opened on the ground floor, as well as Vox Cinemas, which is showing films such as Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, The Lion King, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Secret Life of Pets 2 and The Queen's Corgi. The mall also has Cascade Dining, with a variety of restaurant options as well as entertainment running every 30 minutes at lunch and dinner throughout the holiday.

Wednesday, August 7 to Saturday, August 24: Kalima Encourages Reading at Khalidiyah Mall

Kalima Encourages Reading at Khalidiyah Mall is an initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism to promote reading among children and the general public as well as an interest in Arabic translation and to improve Arabic reading skills. See more than 400 titles of children's and young adult books with discounts of up to 70 per cent. There will also be activities, workshops and attractions designed to encourage children to read, with game and competitions with prizes for winners. Visit the second floor of the mall daily from 10am to 11pm.

Tuesday, August 6 to Saturday, August 17: Eid Al Adha Festival at Adnec

Adnec is hosting the Eid Al Adha Festival daily from 4pm to 11pm, with traditional song and dance performances to enjoy as well as fun activities. Browse sales of consumer goods, gift items and toys and games, as well as delicious authentic Arabic food for the whole family to enjoy.