CinemaNa screenings
November 4 to 25
Celebrating Arabic cinema, the film series CinemaNa is putting on two free screenings at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in November. First up on Monday November 4 is MAFAK (Screwdriver) at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Then on Monday November 25, the Academy Award-nominated documentary Of Fathers and Sons will be screened at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. Both screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions with the directors.
Free. Nov 4 & 25. Various locations, including The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, www.nyuad-artscenter.org.
Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi: French Luxury in the 21st Century
Until February 18
TFlânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi is a joint project between Abu Dhabi and the Comite Colbert, an association of 84 French luxury houses and 16 cultural institutions founded in 1954. As part of the programme a series of events are taking place at locations across the UAE’s capital including The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi, House of Artisans and at Abu Dhabi Art 2019. The events will explore 21st century French luxury and its cultural significance.
Until February 18, 2020. For more information visit visitabudhabi.ae.
T10 Cricket
November 14 to 24
The T10 Cricket League is coming to Abu Dhabi in November and will be held in the city for the next five years. The short-form game, that lasts 90 minutes, is bringing some big names to the city this year. Taking place at Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 15 to 24, teams including Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls, Bangla Tigers, Qalandars and Karnataka Tuskers will take part this year. Among the big names participating are England’s ICC World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan (pictured), Australian star Shane Watson, West Indian Andre Russell and Sri Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga. Ticket prices start from Dhs10 and, apart from the final on November 24, cricket fans will be able to watch three matches every day.
From Dhs10. Nov 14-24. Zayed Cricket Stadium, www.abudhabicricket.ae.
Walk 2019
November 15
Walk 2019 is returning to Yas Island for its 13th edition. Aiming to engage the community and encourage them to lead a more active lifestyle, people of all ages and abilities are invited to take part. Hosted by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, the 5km walk sees thousands of people take a stroll around the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit. On the day there’s loads to do with climbing walls, trampolines, food trucks, nutritional cooking demonstrations, Pilates, yoga, Zumba and more to keep you entertained. Those under 16 can take part for free. All participants will receive a T-shirt, bag and cap.
Dhs10. Nov 15, from 2pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.walkon.ae.
Brazil versus South Korea
November 19
The Brazilian national team will be in Abu Dhabi as part of their global tour to face South Korea in a glamour friendly. The match, to be played at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on November 19, will see some of the world’s best players come to the capital. A full-strength Brazilian team is expected to play the match including Paris Saint Germain’s Neymar, Bayern Munich’s Coutinho, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and more. Among the South Korean team are stars including Tottenham hotspur’s Son Heung-Min, Red Bull Salzburg’s Hwang Hee-chan and Valencia’s Lee Kang-in.
Nov 19. To keep up to date with the latest announcements follow the Brazil Global Tour on Twitter @BGT_ENG.
Abu Dhabi Art
November 21 to 23
This popular art fair is heading back to the capital for its 13th year where it will once again be showcasing some of the most innovative and established galleries from around the world. There will be an extensive programme of events for art connoisseurs to enjoy, plus a variety of stunning artwork on display by both established artists as well as up and coming talent.
Free (students and kids below seven), from Dhs45 (adults). Nov 21-23. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, www.artdubai.ae.
Ramusake pop-up
November 27 to December 1
Hip Japanese Dubai stalwart, Ramusake, will be taking over Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi on Yas Island when it hosts a five-day pop-up event. Taking place from November 27 to December 1, overlooking Yas Marina Circuit, you can get your fill of modern Japanese cuisine and beverages as well as live music from international DJs and performers. First up, on November 27 and 28, you can enjoy a set menu of Ramusake’s signature dishes and free-flowing drinks from 8pm to 11pm with packages starting at Dhs800. On Friday 29, you can enjoy a brunch packed with Japanese classics from 2pm to 6pm, prices are from Dhs800 per person. You can watch qualifying on Saturday 30 with brunch from 2pm to 6pm. The early bird rate is Dhs1,100 and a minimum spend of Dhs1,200 applies to anyone going on the evening. On race day, brunch will cost Dhs1,500 and is running from 2pm to 6pm, with a minimum spend of Dhs900 in the evening.
Nov 27-Dec 1. For more information visit www.ramusake.ae.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
November 28 to December 2
The massive car racing event is now in its 11th year and will stretch over five days for the first time.
The race itself will be held on Sunday December 1, with the final day of activities on Abu Dhabi Hill taking place on December 2, the UAE’s National Day. As is now the norm, the race will be the finale of the F1 season and there will be F2 action as well. New ticket packages have been announced, including a Family Pass offering for the North Grandstand, which is close to the Yas KartZone, Yas Mall, du Arena and the island’s theme parks. There’s also an online deal whereby everyone who buys two adult passes can get half-price tickets for three kids 12 and under for all five days. Family Friday will also be back, which includes free entry for up to four kids 12 and under with any Grandstand ticket. They’ll also get free entry to Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. New ‘premium’ seats and hospitality packages are also available. Tickets, starting from Dhs699 for Abu Dhabi Hill access and Dhs1,379 for Grandstand seating, are available now from
the racetrack’s official website, Virgin Megastores and more.
From Dhs699. Thu Nov 28-Mon Dec 2. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
Sotheby’s car auction
November 30
Over Grand Prix weekend in Abu Dhabi, RM Sotheby’s is holding a collectible car auction. Set to be held on Saturday November 30 at Yas Marina Circuit, the auction will see plenty of interesting lots to bid on. Among the most eye-catching is a 2017 Pagani Zonda Aether (estimated to sell for Dhs19m), Michael Schumacher’s F2002 Ferrari car, a six-wheel Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, a 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series and a 1990 Ferrari F90. Other lots up for grabs include Fernando Alonso’s Renault R29 engine cover from 2009, Gilles Villeneuve and Jody Scheckter’s Ferrari 312 T4 wings from 1979 and more.
Nov 30. For the full list of items up for sale at the auction this year visit www.rmsothebys.com.
F1 concerts
November 30 to December 1
The Killers, Lana Del Rey and Marshmello are set to bring the house down at the du Arena on Yas Island over the Abu Dhabi Formula One weekend. The international superstars will headline at this year’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts as part of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. DJ Marshmello will be hitting the decks on Thursday November 28, US singer songwriter Lana Del Rey will perform on Saturday November 30 and Las Vegas stalwarts The Killers will be taking to the stage and bringing down the curtain on Sunday December 1.
From Dhs699 (for the Grand Prix). Sun Dec 1. du Arena, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
National Day
December 2
Abu Dhabi is set to celebrate the UAE’s 48th National Day in style with a huge celebration at Zayed Sports City. Legacy of our Ancestors will reflect on the nation’s achievements, heritage and traditions, with stories from the UAE’s past that use amazing effects, sounds and visuals to bring the tales to life on stage. A series of live performances will also take place at the event to celebrate the achievements of the UAE 1. Tickets to the official celebration start from Dhs60. Groups of four or more people can get tickets for Dhs50 and children under the age of two can attend for free.
Free (kids under two), Dhs50 (groups of four or more), From Dhs60 (adults). Dec 2. For more information and tickets visit www.uaenationalday.ae.
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
December 6
back for the second edition, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will be encouraging the public to be more active and lead healthier lifestyles. Open to people of all abilities you don’t have to take on the full distance to take part. The marathon includes 42km, 10km, 5km and 2.5km distances, so there’ something to suit people of all ages and abilities so there’s no excuse not to be a part of one of th biggest sporting events of the year. For more information on the event and to sign up visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com.
From Dhs50. Fri Dec 6. www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com.
SIAL
December 9 to 11
The annual trade fair attracts thousands of trade visitors from the food, beverage and hospitality industries each year. Over three days food experts have the opportunity to visit the stalls of thousands of exhibitors and to network with fellow industry leaders. The event has grown year on year with the 2018 instalment having drawn in 1,089 exhibitors, 34 country and specialised pavilions, and 28,073 industry experts and unique visitors from more than 45 countries.
Dec 9-11. ADNEC, www.sialme.com.
Al Dhafra Festival 2019
December 9 to 24
This annual festival is one of the most comprehensive showcases of bedouin lifestyle and heritage in the region. Tribespeople from all around move into the Al Dhafra area of the Empty Quarter, along with their caravans of purebred camels, coming together for the festival. The event includes a bazaar, camel racing, camel auctions, photography competitions, folk music, poetry, Saluki racing and falconry shows.
Dec 9-24. Al Dhafra and Madinat Zayed Park.
Yas Winter Carnival
December 10 to 14
A free winter festival is coming to the city from December 10 to 14 to help get you in the mood ahead of Santa’s visit. Yas Winter Carnival will take over Yas Gateway Park for five days of festive fun. The free event will feature a winter market, a tree lighting ceremony, a snow zone where you can build your own snowman and singalongs to all the festive classics. There will also be a daily fireworks show, carnival rides, a gingerbread making station, travelling entertainers and magicians and more. All we need now is to find the perfect cheesy Christmas jumper.
Dec 10-14. To register for your ticket and more for information visit www.wintercarnival.ae.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship
December 19 to 21
Every year some of the best tennis players in the world come to Abu Dhabi to take part in the annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship, and 2019 is set to be no different. Taking place earlier in the calendar this year, the event has already confirmed Rafa Nadal and Daniil Medvedev to take part. Nine matches will be played across three days of competition with off-court attractions including tennis clinics, autograph and question and answer sessions and the tennis village keeping families entertained.
From Dhs100. Dec 19-21. International Tennis Centre, Abu Dhabi, mubadalawtc.com.
Winter Wonderland at Warner Bros. World
December 20 to January 4
Festive fun for all the family awaits at this cool Abu Dhabi theme park this winter, where it’s not just the thrilling rides the kids will be wanting to visit for. (Is that Santa delivering presents from his roller coaster…?) There will be live shows and performances featuring all your favourite Warner cartoon characters who will be dressed to impress with a touch of festive flair. Carnival activities, cookie decorating and face painting sessions are just some of the fun activities awaiting little ones at Warner Bros. World this holiday season.
Dec 20-Jan 4. Yas Island, www.wbworldabudhabi.com.
Resolution New Year Festival
December 31 to January 1
World-famous musical megastar Bruno Mars is bringing some of his 24 karat magic to Abu Dhabi to celebrate the start of 2020. Organised by Flash Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the huge event will be held at du Arena on December 31 and January 1, with Mars playing on New Year’s Eve. 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. 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 – 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. There will also be stage shows and roaming entertainment from the likes of face painters and magician Magic Phil.
Dec 31-Jan 1. From Dhs350 (Bruno Mars). From Dhs20 (Resolution by Day). du Arena, Yas Island. Tickets from ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE.
