All the amazing events to enjoy in Abu Dhabi this December

Sing festive favourites in the desert

Offering a unique experience in the build up to December 25, a popular al fresco musical event is coming back to dial up the Christmas spirit. Carols in the Desert is set to return to the capital on Friday December 6. The annual event sees hundreds of people take the short drive out of Abu Dhabi city to the dunes where Christmas carols are sung as the sun sets. You can sing along with the music, cook some food on the communal barbecues and get caught up in the Christmas spirit. The free-to-attend family-friendly event is a popular date on the calendar every year and we’re sure this year will be the same. To reach the event, search for Carols in the Desert on Google maps, to find the location that’s around 30 minutes’ drive from Al Maqta Bridge. Can’t find it? Well, the GPS coordinates are 24.407 59N, 54.96457E, plus there is lots of signage to keep you right too. Once there, there’s a small climb up a dune to reach the site, which is worth keeping in mind if some of your party has limited mobility. Plus, it gets a little chilly in the evening so it’s worth bringing a blanket or jumper and a seat doesn’t go a miss either. We don’t know about you but we’re excited.

Free. Dec 6. From 4pm. Sweihan Road (GPS 24.407 59N, 54.96457E) www.facebook.com/CarolsInTheDesert

Explore the World of Food festival

Abu Dhabi Culinary Season has already brought us great events like Yas Mega Mela and Taste of Abu Dhabi, plus great promotions such as Pit Stop Menus. Next up on the line-up is World of Food Abu Dhabi, and it looks set to be another very tasty and brilliant celebration. The five-day food festival, taking place from December 5 to 9, features a host of live cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chefs including Nikita Ghandi, street food vendors serving food from 12 different countries, live entertainment from bands and artists, cooking activities for children, a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest variety of desserts presented at one time and more. It sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of eating too.

Dhs5 per person, (free) children under 12, plus Dhs10 entry to the park. Dec 5, 8 & 9 5pm-11pm; Dec 6-7 2pm-11pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, www.worldoffoodad.com.

Head for the finish line at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

The count down to the 2019 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is on and you can already sign up for the big race. Looking ahead to the big day, excitement is building as the new route for the race has been revealed. Taking place on December 6, it will start in front of the ADNOC building before heading along to the Heritage Village. Runners will then make their way around Marina Mall before passing Qasr Al Hosn and other city landmarks. Getting the city ready for the race, The Energy Zone will also be open from 3pm-9pm from December 2 to 5 for runners and families to have some fun before the main event. Need more motivation to take part? A prize fund of $388,000 (Dhs1,425,000) is up for grabs. Good luck!

Prices vary. Dec 6, www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com

Have an ace time at Mubadala World Tennis Championship

The world’s biggest tennis starts are coming to Abu Dhabi for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship again this year. Returning to Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre from December 19 to 21.You can see Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medevev and more take to the court. In fact, you can see four of the world top six in action in Abu Dhabi. Tickets to the event are already on sale and it’s sure to be an exciting event both off and on the court again this year.

From Dhs100. Dec 19-21. International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, www.mubadalawtc.com

Get a culture fix at Al Hosn Festival

Qasr Al Hosn will showcase the heritage of the UAE once again this December with the launch of the Al Hosn Festival. Taking place from December 12 to 19, over eight days you will be able to explore different parts of Qasr Al Hosn including the historic fort, The Cultural Foundation and The House of Artisans. Qasr Al Hosn will transform into a living museum where you can see men, women and children re-enact daily routines of people who lived and worked at the palace in the past century. The House of Artisans will host a range of workshops based around traditional handicrafts including burqa design, printmaking and more as well as showcasing traditional performances including Ayyala, Al Razfa, and Al Naham. Outdoor film screenings will also take place from Cinema Akil and more, musical performances from bands including Jadal, dance performances from Che Malambo, art and design workshops, a children’s area food and retail stands will also be set up throughout Qasr Al Hosn. It sounds like an immersive and intriguing celebration and we look forward to visiting once it opens in December.

Dhs30 (Adults), Dhs15 (children from five to 12). Dec 12-19. www.alhosn.ae

End 2019 with Bruno mars

World-famous musical megastar Bruno Mars is bringing some of his 24 karat magic to Abu Dhabi to celebrate the start of 2020. That’s right, the Hawaiian singer-songwriter, pop star polymath will be performing at Resolution by Night on Yas Island. Mars rose to prominence in 2010 with his debut album Doo-Wop & Hooligans and hits The Lazy Song, Just The Way You Are and Grenade. Follow-up Unorthodox Jukebox got to number one. In 2014, he collaborated with producer Mark Ronson on Uptown Funk. 24k Magic, his 2016 album was another smash. With more than 200 million singles sold and 26 million albums worldwide, he’s one of the biggest solo artists of all time and we can’t wait to ring in the new year with him.

From Dhs350. Dec 31. du Arena, Yas Island. Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across The UAE.

Start the year with Resolution by Day

On New Year’s Day, Resolution by Day will take over du Arena. The family event will be open from 2pm until 10pm with attractions including the ultimate MONSTER, which is coming from the UK. It’s a 300m-long inflatable castle with more than 40 obstacles and an 18m Mega Slide, as well as the Tunnel of Love and The Bouncy Cage of Doom. Sounds brilliant. There will also be stage shows and roaming entertainment from the likes of face painters and magician Magic Phil. Kids tickets start from Dhs20, while adult tickets are Dhs50 and families of four can get entry for Dhs120. Bruno Mars ticket holders can get 50 percent off adults and child tickets to the Resolution by Day festival.

From Dhs20. Dec 31-Jan 1 du Arena, Yas Island. Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across The UAE.