From camel racing in Al Dhafra to the return of the MOTN Festival, here are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
MOTN Festival - Peggy Porschen
Visit The Extended Mother of the Nation Festival
MOTN Festival is not over just yet! The region's ultimate entertainment event has been extended by popular demand. MOTN reopens from 23 December - 1 January in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
With the six zones: Inspire Space, Thrill Zone, Amusement Park, Food Hub, Live Arena and Shopping District still intact, festival-goers can enjoy even more entertainment, more fun and more laughter.
The event will be open from 4 pm to midnight daily except on New Year's Eve when visitors can experience the festival between 4 pm to 1 am.
When: Dec 23rd to Jan 1st
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Timing:
- 4 pm to midnight - weekdays
- 4 pm to 1 am on NYE
Pricing: AED 30 online and AED 35 at the gate
Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.ae.
Liwa Village Calling
The desert has sprung into life at Liwa Village with a whole host of magnificent experiences just waiting to be discovered. Following the opening weekend that saw the indescribable FuelFest Arabia take over, along with showstopping performances from Ludacris, Eida Al Menhali, and Hamad Al Ameri, there is still plenty more in store for thrill seekers to enjoy this weekend.
Zuma at GAZE, Liwa Village
Prepare for the most incredible dining experience at GAZE as Zuma takes over the desert for a magical, immersive feast. The famed restaurant globally known for its modern authentic but not traditional Japanese cuisine. Zuma presents a sophisticated twist on traditional Japanese izakaya-style dining.
The Zuma experience at Gaze will run one session per evening on Friday and Saturday.
Where: Zuma at Gaze, Liwa Village
When: December 23rd and 24th, with 1 seating per day
Price: AED1,000 per person
Tickets are available here.
Mutref Al Mutref, Abadi Al Johar, and Rahma Riad at Liwa Village
A spectacular celebration of Emirati culture, art, music, and adventure, fans of great entertainment will not want to miss the bumper lineup of fantastic artists set to light up the stage at Liwa Village this weekend.
On Friday, 23 December, three incredible artists will take to the stage. To kick things off, the Kuwaiti sensation is Mutref Al Mutref. Also on the night will be the ever-loved Saudi musician, singer, and composer Abadi Al Johar. To finish off, the trio of talents will be the soulful Iraqi singer and actress Rahma Riad.
Tickets start from AED150 and can be purchased here.
Where: The Stage, Liwa Village
When: 23 December from 7 pm onwards
Price: Tickets start from AED150
*Tickets are available here
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Festival
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the Sheikh Zayed Festival launched on 18 November 2022 and will run until 18 March 2023.
The festival includes a variety of entertainment, educational and cultural events from 27 countries and cultures, more than 60 restaurants serving food and beverage, and daily folklore performances spread over 120 days of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Where: Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba
When: 18 November 2022 - 18 March 2023
Timing: 4 pm until 12 am.
Pricing: AED 5. Buy tickets
Entry is free for people of determination, children under the age of 3 and the elderly (above the age of 65).
The Ripe Market Al Maryah Island
Explore mouthwatering food, diverse crafts, and live entertainment at The Ripe Market, Academy Park, every weekend from 2 December 2022 – 30 April 2023. With an abundance of dining options by the crate-load, The Ripe Market is a shopping hotspot for residents and visitors alike. The market supports local businesses and offers a range of goods and garments, from wooden crafts to unique toys and other items, perfect for take-home gifts.
Where: South Plaza, Al Maryah Island
When: Every Friday and Saturday
2 December 2022 – 30 April 2023
Timing: 3 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: Free to enter
The Park Market at Umm Al Emarat Park
The annual outdoor event is back until 18 March every Friday and Saturday. Park Market brings the community together to experience a fun family day out filled with local food, organic products, goods, and entertainment.
The Park Market has something for everyone and is an excellent way for the whole family to spend time outdoors.
Where: Umm Al Emarat Park, Mushrif Area
When: Every Friday and Saturday
4 November 2022 – 18 March 2023
Timing: 3 pm – 9 pm
Pricing: Free to enter
Witness Camel Racing at Al Dhafra Festival
The 16th Al Dhafra Festival is currently underway in Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate's camel beauty contest season. The event is being held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al Dhafra Festival is organised by Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi. The festival's aim is to preserve and develop heritage activities, enable camel owners to continue the tradition of breeding and caring for camels and highlight the role of camels in the UAE's culture.
Where: Al Dhafra, Al Gharbia Region near Madinat Zayed
When: 28 October 2022 - 31 January 2023
Timing: 04:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Pricing: Free
Abu Dhabi Moments at Capital Park
Celebrate the season at Abu Dhabi Moments by visiting the weekend's three-day winter festival. Attracting more than 177,000 visitors since the initiative began for this year's edition, the Department of Community Development's social cohesion event will pop up at the heart of the city, Capital Park near Corniche, for the last time this year.
Explore 60+ activities and events ranging from snowball fight zone, LED winter parades, winter-themed stage shows, bumper cars, giant games and zip line. Enjoy exciting competitions, free health check-ups, skill games, candy land, and much more in addition to the arts and educational workshops sponsored by Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Early Child Authority and other entities.
Where: Capital Park near Abu Dhabi Corniche
When: 23 December until 25th
Timing: 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm.
Pricing: Free
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