Malls and more
The city comes alive at night during the Holy Month, and some of the busiest places are the city’s malls. Head to your nearest for great festivities and great savings as well.
Abu Dhabi Mall
For every Dhs200 you spend here, exchange your receipt at the customer service desk for a scratch and win card and a raffle coupon. Prizes consist of Abu Dhabi mall gift vouchers ranging from Dhs2,500 to Dhs15,000. You’ll also be entered into the Big Draw, which takes place on August 11, where the grand prize is an Audi Q5. There’s also a host of family entertainment including a children’s corner with arts and crafts activities, a Ramadan village and tent, a playground area, calligraphy, pottery and poetry workshops, henna painting and interactive storytelling performances.
www.abudhabi-mall.com (02 645 4858).
Al Raha Mall
The King of Magic Dr Muntaser will be playing at Al Raha Mall throughout Ramadan. The first Emirati magician honoured with two Merlin Awards is a must-see and great entertainment for all the family as he displays his unique tricks and amazing skills. Elsewhere there’s an interactive shows for kids and adults alike, plus face painting and clowns.
www.al-rahamall.com (02 556 2229).
Al Wahda Mall
Until August 20 Al Wahda Mall is giving away bundles of top prizes as part of their Abu Dhabi Summer Surprizes 2013 campaign. The draw won’t be made until September 1 but some of the prizes on offer include BMW Z4 sports convertibles and watches. Spend over Dhs200 in any of the shops and it works like this: if you made your purchases on the third floor you get three raffle tickets, two if you made your purchases on the second floor and one if the purchases were made on the first floor.
www.al-wahdamall.com (02 443 7000).
Mushrif Mall
Mushrif Mall has an exhibition until August 10 featuring traditional products from the UAE. If you decide to pop along you’ll find various products such as abayas, jalabiyas, sheilas, handicrafts, sweets and more.
www.mushrifmall.com (02 690 4422).
Do something different
Break your fast on the ocean waves, go on a short break with your family or loved one or take in a festival.
Ramadan and Eid Festival
This event showcases family-friendly consumer goods, unique gift items, Arabic food, toys and games, as well as traditional song and dance to bring in the spirit of togetherness during the month of Ramadan. It’s all happening at ADNEC from July 20-August 10.
www.adnec.ae.
Eighth Ramadan Festival
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi Theatre Club is holding Ramadan & Eid Al Fitr Festivals in Abu Dhabi Theatre at Breakwater on the Corniche, until August 10. The events during Ramadan Festival include: Islamic lectures and seminars, the Holy Qur’an recitation competition, Hashimi Maled band (Inshad band), Emirates folkloric band and
a Moroccan Inshad band. The events during Eid Al Fitr Festival include a play called Feelings Island for the kids. It’s free and open to the public, there will also be awards and prizes for the audience.
abudhabitheater@gmail.com (050 273 2131).
Have an iftar at sea
Belevari Marine are offering something pretty swish and a bit different this Holy Month, with the launch of the Ramadan iftar cruises, which will take place on Belevari Marine’s Catamaran74 luxury yacht. The cruises will start at Emirates Palace Hotel and set off at sunset to the Corniche, Lulu Island and Maha Island lasting around three hours. The iftar can accommodate up to 50 people and consists of live grill cooking, 40 international dishes, live entertainment and VIP car parking at the Emirates Palace Marina. ‘In recent years we have witnessed a diverse group of communities embracing the Ramadan culture and enjoying the experience of breaking the fast at sunset. The Belevari iftar cruise offers a unique setting to commemorate a unique gathering in the middle of the Arabian Sea,’ says Max Casey, event producer of Belevari.
www.belevari.com (02 643 1494).
Tilal Liwa Hotel
Situated at the edge of the Empty Quarter their summer package includes a stay in a Rub Al Khali desert view room with breakfast for two adults and two children younger than 12. So if you’re up for a spot of quad biking, sand boarding, stargazing, camel riding and more, head here.
www.danahotels.com (02 894 6111).
Get free parking
Good news for shoppers. Mawaqif paid parking timings have been reduced during the Holy Month. There are now two free parking periods throughout the day; one from 4pm-10.30pm, the second from 2.30am-9am. Parking on a Friday remains free all day.
