There’s something for everyone this weekend in the capital – from basketball fun to
heritage and history, yoga, arts and crafts, shopping pop-ups, and more
The ADQ Carnival
There’s a brand new festival taking place this weekend in the nation’s capital, and curiously, it’s being held by ADQ - an investment and holding company. But don’t expect a serious event about finance – this is a family-fun carnival, featuring 19 of ADQ’s companies.
Taking place from 26-28 January in Khalifa Park, entry is free, and the carnival features a collaboration with the NBA, which will focus on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
You can get involved with a whole host of free interactive basketball activities, including shooting competitions and skills challenges, a live DJ, plus performances by Dunking Devils and appearances by NBA team mascots Slamson the Lion (Sacramento Kings) and Franklin the Dog (Philadelphia 76ers). There'll also be NBA fit clinics.
There’ll be plenty of food and drinks outlets as well, along with local artists and international performers.
The following ADQ companies will be taking part at the three-day event: Abu Dhabi Airports, AD Ports Group, PureHealth, Lulu Group, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), TAQA, ADNEC Group, Etihad Airways, E7 Group, Silal, Tadweer, Agthia Group, Etihad Rail, Emirates Steel Arkan, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), TA’ZIZ and MiZa.
Al Hosn Festival
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Abu Dhabi at the 2024 edition of the Al Hosn Festival.
Head down to Al Hosn in the heart of the city, which is home to the city's most treasured historic site Qasr Al Hosn, to get a first-hand glimpse of life in a traditional Emirati community, including great food, dress, customs, and arts and crafts.
The festival is open now and runs until 28 January. Open daily from 4pm to 11pm, you can check out traditional souqs, art exhibitions, and live music. There’s workshops for kids as well and you might just meet a camel or two.
Make sure you head to the Craft Zone, where you can try henna and check out a space that highlights the design of an Emirati home, bringing together antique sellers, designers, and new creative studios from across the UAE.
Looking for ways to wear the kids out this weekend? Head to Active on Al Maryah Island, for a weekend of sports and games that will also have parents sleeping well on Sunday night.
On Saturday, there’s inflatable games for kids, plus a DJ spinning tunes as the sun goes down from 5pm. You can then play a round or two of bingo from 7pm until 9pm. Want to start the weekend with your downward dog? Seven Wellness are hosting a yoga class at 9am. Sporty kids can play football or basketball from 4pm.
Meanwhile on Sunday, there’s more inflatable games to take part in, plus an arts and crafts workshop and a circus illusionists show. Adidas Running Club are hosting HIIT workouts and yoga classes in the afternoon as well from 4pm onwards.
Hotel Mirbad
There’s a new pop-up in town. Winter Shopping Season – Mirbad, takes place at The Bridge on Al Maryah Island and is themed around a historical souq spliced with modern designs and concepts.
Taking place daily from 4pm until 29 January, some 100 regional brands will be on display at the event including Oud Khoori, Azar Gems and AHR Atelier. Put simply, this will be a meeting of local talent, including designers and is your chance to go home with something that is very much home grown.
You can expect live performances and dancers during the event as well.