The Schools and Childcare Show is coming to DWTC
Choosing the right school for your child can be a minefield. The Schools and Childcare Show is a great place to start. Parents will be able to chat to representatives from a huge range of UAE-based private schools, preschools, nurseries and kindegartens, as well as a number of leading international boarding schools.
Discover heaps of information about the various education systems, curricula, facilities, fees and after-school clubs.
Free. Feb 6-Feb 8. Dubai World Trade Centre, www.schoolsandchildcare.com.
A powerful play
Khaled Hossein’s best-selling novel, The Kiterunner, has been adapted for the stage and is coming to Dubai Opera. The emotional story set in Afghanistan, tells a haunting tale of two boys from very different backgrounds who form a strong bond.
From Dhs350. Thu Feb 27-Sat Feb 29. Dubai Opera, www.dubaiopera.com.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is back
The line-up features a who’s who of talent from children’s book authors like Lucy Strange and Oliver Jeffers to explorers. Oh, and an astronaut will be there, too.
Prices vary. Tue Feb 4-Sun Feb 9. InterContinental, Dubai Festival City, www.emirateslitfest.com (04 355 9844).
The Hay Festival is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time
One of the world’s biggest literary festivals is coming to Abu Dhabi along with a whole host of talent. The family programme includes children’s authors Andy Stanton, Onjali Q Raúf and Philip Ardagh.
Tue Feb 25-Fri Feb 27. www.hayfestival.org/abu-dhabi.
Sing-along with the Mr Men
A Mr Men stage show is coming to the UAE. Puppeteers will bring the gang to life as little ones sing-along during the interactive production. There will also be some special magic tricks that will have the kids oohing and aahing. The play is set in Happyland and, as well as Mr Men like Mr Bump, Mr Tickle and Mr Happy, some of the Little Miss crew, including Little Miss Inventor and Little Miss Splendid, will be putting in an appearance too.
From Dhs65. Fri Feb 28, 11am, 2pm, 4pm. The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Sat Feb 29, 2pm, 4pm, Abu Dhabi Theatre, Abu Dhabi, www.virginmegastore.ae.
Don’t miss the world’s largest LEGO festival
Calling all masterbuilders, a cool new LEGO festival is coming to Dubai. Little kids and big kids alike can show off their master building skills at 11 themed zones across the shopping mall for Dhs30. But the brick-tastic fun doesn’t stop there. Little LEGO fans can watch their LEGO Ninjago heroes come to life in a 3D show complete with lasers and water, absolutely free. The IMAGINE Show will be taking place every day outside at Festival Bay. Everything is awesome!
Dhs30. Until Sat Mar 14. Festival City Mall, Dubai, www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com.
Children’s hour with Christopher Myers
The New York-based illustrator and children’s book author is heading to the capital to host a fun, interactive session for kids. This is an awesome opportunity to hear from an artist who comes from a long line of creative storytellers.
Free. Fri Feb 7, 2pm-3pm. The Arts Center at NYUAD, Abu Dhabi, www.nyuad-artscenter.org.
