Abu Dhabi to light up New Year with eclectic activities

ABU DHABI / Emirates Business

Abu Dhabi is ready to light up at the turn of the year with leisure attractions, hotels and shopping destinations across the emirate geared to create unforgettable experiences throughout the duration of the festive season. From incredible hotel and dining offers, music concerts to entertaining festivals, cultural events and themed activations, Abu Dhabi invites everyone to join in and enjoy the array of events for the whole family to ring in 2017.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has collaborated with hospitality and tourism stakeholders to ensure a power-packed calendar for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the emirate. Commenting on the line up of events taking place across Abu Dhabi, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has garnered international acclaim as a world-class destination, offering residents and visitors to the emirate a rich diversity of tourism, leisure and cultural experiences for the enjoyment of the entire family.”
He added: “We greatly appreciate all the efforts made by our industry stakeholders and partners, who have come together to bring a multitude of top-tier events and entertainment to add to Abu Dhabi’s already attractive offerings, ensuring that the emirate is the place to be during the festive season. The UAE capital has something for everyone, presenting a diverse programme that includes fantastic winter-themed festivals, outdoor activities and musical performances headlined by international artists. Cultural celebrations such as the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival will infuse the local cultural element that Abu Dhabi is known for, while the hotels and leisure promotions on offer support our mandate by presenting unique opportunities for visitors and guests to enjoy diverse experiences, complemented by the wonderful weather that makes Abu Dhabi the ideal destination of choice during this time of the year.”

Yas Winterland Festival
For the fourth consecutive year, the captivating Winterfest returns at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with a range of festive family-friendly activities and performances. Running from December 16- January 7, 2017 every day from 11am – 8 pm, the Winterfest has an exciting line-up of activities and shows available, including Bjorn the Polar Bear, a colourful tree lighting ceremony, an outstanding ice skating show, a gigantic snow slide and so much more.

Winterland Carnival
For the first time ever, the Winterland Carnival is coming to Abu Dhabi. Held at the du Forum, the carnival will offer visitors a range of fun-filled activities for the whole family, including a snow park featuring an ice slide, snowball fights, snowmen and so much more.

Abu Dhabi Food Festival
Street Feast hits Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island from December 22 – 26, while exciting, interactive cooking events will keep families entertained as Kitchen Mission cooks up a storm at the Western Hotel in Al Gharbia from 21-23 December.

Watch the fireworks
This year the fireworks can be seen lighting up the skies on New Year’s Eve from Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island Promenade, and Khor Al Maqtaa.

Arab music
The multi-platinum recording artist and three-time World Music Awards winner, Lebanese singer Nancy Arjam will perform on New Year’s Eve, accompanied by Bilal Fares, the Lebanese singer famous for his Tarabieh songs and Kodood Halabia at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. To make the evening more exciting, Joan & Joe, the Lebanese band that performs to Fayrouziat and other songs in multiple languages including Arabic, English and French will join them for the night.

Families are also invited to sway at the soul-stirring music of Emirati star Hussain Al Jasmi, Egyptian pop icon Mohammad Hamaki, and Palestinian singing sensation Mohammad Assaf as they perform on the waterfront promenade of Al Maryah Island. Joining the line of concerts to elevate the night is Syrian singer Muhammad El Majzoub who will perform live at the Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi.
Attend the grand NYE Gala at Emirates Palace: The Etihad Ballroom at the Emirates Palace is set to welcome New Year’s Eve in style. Guests will be entertained with live music and a grand buffet. Each corner of the ballroom will feature exciting entertainment such as acrobats and contortionist dancers, while the beach area will display grand fireworks complete with a pyrotechnic display to countdown the last few seconds of the remaining year.
Immerse in culture at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival: The festival, named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is taking place at Al Wathba from 1 December to 1 January 2017. Illustrating the UAE’s remarkable progress and including cultural activities such as Emirati Folk Arts, a Traditional Customs exhibition and an International village market, the Festival is definitely worth a visit.