1. Give them entertainment beyond the curve at The Arch
Bribe your brood (aka blatantly bemused bag carriers) to come up to Dubai Festival City Mall this DSF by packing them off to The Arch. One of the city’s newest adventure parks, this venue has a whole host of adrenaline-fuelled activities such as climbing walls, a bag jump, pump track and an exhilarating zipline. If your little ‘angels’ need adult supervision, send the other half along to look after them. Make sure you grab their credit card so you can continue your spending spree, though.
From Dhs100. Until December 31. Open Sun-Wed 2pm-10pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight. Dubai Festival City Mall, dubai.platinumlist.net
2. Sing Feliz Navidad with some live Latin guitar
Beat those Boxing Day blues with some live strumming action thanks to the hugely talented German Cova. He will be bringing his repertoire of more than 250 songs (in both English and Spanish) to the main stage at the Etisalat Market Outside the Box. Although he’s playing three sets today, we’re not sure he could possibly fit in his entire back catalogue but we’re certain he will bring some musical merriment to shoppers at Burj Park. Expect a heady mix of pop, flamenco, jazz, latin, bossa nova, R&B and trova, plus some timeless ballads thrown in for good measure. Forget Covid this Christmas and enjoy some Cova instead…
Boxing Day 1.50pm, 3.30pm and 6.25pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, youtu.be/S0t24z4pZm8
3. Witness a real Christmas Cracker
Few things scream ‘Yuletide’ louder than Tchaikovsky’s balletic masterpiece, The Nutracker. And thanks to Art for All, the Theatre at Mall of The Emirates will be offering up a special screening of The Royal Ballet’s performance of this consummate Christmas classic. Filmed live at The Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, this restaging of Peter Wright’s celebrated two-act production features students of The Royal Ballet School alongside the full company. Watch out for the new battle scene between the respective armies of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, all choreographed by Will Tuckett. This is one not to be missed.
Tickets from Dhs75. Dec 23, 8pm. The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, artforall.ae
4. Chuckle along to a multicultural one-man show
Popular Dutch-Moroccan stand-up Najib Amhali is bringing his irreverent take on what it means to be an immigrant in the cultural melting pot of The Netherlands to the Dubai World Trade Centre. His shows sell out wherever he goes, and it’s easy to see why. And although he’s dabbled in acting (with some success, it must be said), Amhali is definitely in his element when he can regale his audiences with witty tales based mostly on his own experiences. He’s quite a natty drummer, too, so we’re hoping he packs his snare and gives his set yet more rhythm. Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, this could prove to be one of DWTC’s most hilarious of recent comedy nights.
Tickets from Dhs180. Dec 23, 8pm. Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre, visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar/najib-amhali
5. Sit back and enjoy some sheer class with Cirque de Glace
Forget those cumbersome ‘celebrities’ making fools of themselves on Dancing on Ice and see how the professionals do it. Billed as an ‘ice show beyond imagination’, Cirque de Glace brings to life the story of Earth’s creation, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology, all on skates. True to its circus roots, this production combines all the most skilful of ice-dancing manoeuvres with music, colour, cracking costumes and awe-inspiring acrobatics. Watch out for the contortionist, aerial silks, German wheel and Russian bar and try not have your eyes glaze over in sheer wonderment.
From Dhs295. Christmas Eve, 8pm; Christmas Day 2pm and 8pm; Boxing Day 2pm and 8pm (doors open 30 minutes before the show). Dubai Opera Auditorium, dubaiopera.com/events/cirque-de-glace/
6. Let absence make the heart grow fonder
In these troubled times it could be hard to justify that trip to our neighbours up the road. We have everything we need right here in Abu Dhabi, right? However, if you are longing for a slice of Dubai but can’t actually venture there, send one of your shopping-crazy buddies over to the Etisilat Market OTB where they can pick you up any amount of memorabilia at the dedicated, Dubai-branded stall. Here you’ll find far more than the usual tourist tat. A breakdancing Burj Khalifa? No, thanks.
Open Sun-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
7. Let pop put the pandemic out of your mind, for one night at least
Face up to the facts: 2020 has been an almost absolute write-off. But if there’s one thing that can warm the hearts of the population, surely it’s a night of pure, unapologetic pop. A pair of Egypt’s top music exports – Mohamed Hamaki and Mahmoud El Esseily – are taking over the Coca-Cola Arena for a Christmas Day spectacular choc-full of chart-topping tracks. Presented by Klontia, the MUSAIC Concert will bring together two of Arabic music’s biggest stars of the year playing an array of the hits that have made them household names. Dress to impress, but please wear a mask.
Tickets from Dhs250. Christmas Day, 9pm (doors open 60 minutes before the show). Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, coca-cola-arena.com/en/events/Musaic-Concert
8. Bag Boxing Day bargains across Dubai
The shrewd shoppers will have their eyes on the prize when it comes the dazzling array of discounts promised the day after Santa has brought his stocking fillers down the chimney. Yes, we doubt the little’uns could wait that long (although we’ve found putting the clocks back could distract them temporarily) but when more than 100 stores are set to offer as much as 90 per cent off their goods then surely a bit of patience is required. The 12-hour sale at Majid Al Futtaim Malls is available at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me’aisem, City Center Al Shindagha and My City Centre Al Barsha. Also, if you spend Dhs300 or more at these venues you’ll have a chance to win one million Share Points and spread the savings yet further.
Boxing Day 10am-10pm. Across Dubai, majidalfuttaim.com
9. Travel to Al Seef, aka ‘Gaudí Arabia’
We’re well aware that a break in Barcelona is very much off limits right now, more’s the pity. But the DSF Market at Al Seef is bringing a certain Catalan charm to its streets this weekend with a tribute to one of that region’s most famous sons, Antoni Gaudí. A trip to this historic, creek-side Dubai district will be akin to walking into a living art class, inspired by the works of the great man. Stilt walkers will wander Al Seef, appearing to have come straight out of one of Gaudí’s abstract ceramic mosaics. And once they stop still and you can grab the right angle, there’ll be a social media snap almost as unique as the legend himself.
Free. Dec 24-26, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. DSF Market at Al Seef, mydsf.ae
10. Witness the ultimate Harry Potter battle
Whether or not you’re a fan of JK Rowling’s unfeasibly popular series of child magician books, undoubtedly someone you know is. So for that Harry Potter fan in the family, buying them a ticket to see the Entity Allstars recreate the performance that got them into the final of Britain’s Got Talent would be a wizard idea. ‘Harry vs Draco’ is an energetic, rip-snorter of a show full of synchronised street dance at its flipping, tricking best. Even us grown-ups could appreciate the talent on display here, although we’re voting for Draco. Why should the bad guy always lose, eh?
Dec 24-26, 1pm, 3.30pm, 6pm and 9pm. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com
11. Witness brilliant ballet live from Paris
Ballet is undoubtedly one of France’s finest gifts to the world and few troupes perform this majestic dance better than L’Opéra National de Paris. Founded way back in 1669 by Louis XIV, L’Opéra has been at the forefront of the genre and has produced some of the greatest dancers the world has ever seen. Thanks to Art for All, you too can witness its sheer brilliance with a stunning one-off screening of its annual Christmas spectacular, with a sublime soundtrack provided by its outstanding orchestra and conducted by the legendary Kevin Rhodes. This is certainly one to get your glad rags on for…
Tickets from Dhs60. Dec 28, 8pm (doors open 30 minutes before the show). The Theatre – Mall of The Emirates, artforall.ae/fetez-la-danse/
12. See Santa swap his sleigh for a Christmas camel
Don’t get us wrong, we love camels. We’d certainly not tell them to their faces that we didn’t as, from past experiences, some of these ships of the desert have a chip on their shoulder. Clearly, Santa Claus has earned their respect, though. Enough so that they will let him put on his full festive fineries, hop on their back and ride them across Global Village laden with presents for all those who’ve been good this year. Naughty children, steer clear.
Dhs15 for park entry. Open Sat-Wed 4pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 4pm-1am. Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, globalvillage.ae
13. Hit the sales and let DSF deliver you super savings
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Being generous to your loved ones at Christmas can often mean you’ve completely blown the budget come the big day. However, by perhaps keeping your own self-indulgent gifts to a minimum, you can splash the cash you’ve scrimped and saved on for one of those purchases you’d promised yourself all year long. The DSF Sale Season starts on Boxing Day, and it’ll be truly gloves off when it comes securing a super saving or two. For a full 36 days, more than 800 brands across 3,500 outlets will be chopping as much as 75 per cent off their usual prices. Just make sure you’re first to the punch when it comes to these knockout discounts.
From Boxing Day until Jan 30. Daily from 10am-10pm. Venues across Dubai, mydsf.ae
14. Go gaga for Gigi
We’re always 100 per cent behind the idea of supporting local talent. We certainly wouldn’t bother with our Time Out Awards otherwise. And so when we heard about the Gigi Concept Store opening at the Galleria Mall Al Barsha, we were there – purse in hand, minds set to ‘open’. Sadly, on our wages, we weren’t set to splurge but we couldn’t help but admire the sheer volume of Middle Eastern creativity on display. So should you be short of ideas for a special gift for that special someone this Christmas, browse Gigi’s selection of clothing, jewellery and accessories, interior design inspiration and unique art.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Galleria Mall Al Barsha, gigiconcept.com
15. Take your ticket to ride with the Dubai Pass
It can be quite hard to cram everything into a single day out in our northern neighbour so for those savvy shoppers among you, make the most of DSF with an extended stay thanks to the Dubai Pass. Available for three, five and even 14 days (should your boss have let you book the time off), this is your golden ticket with which to truly explore all of the city’s top attractions. As well as not having to lug around a binder full of A4 print-outs, this pass provides you with as much as 60 per cent off the usual price of 48 unmissable experiences including LEGOLAND Dubai, Aventura Nature Adventure Park and Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Tickets from Dhs405. See visitdubai.com/en/sc7/deals-and-offers/dubai-pass for more.
