Ultimate UAE weekend guide: Brunches, pool parties, staycations and more
Kick off summer with a pool party
Celebrate the end of the school year with a family-friendly day out at the Yas Acres Summer Break Pool Party. Happening on Saturday, 21 June, the all-day event promises poolside fun, food truck bites, and entertainment for all ages — from arts and crafts to balloon twisting and face painting. Don't miss the artistic swimming performance by Oceana, sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Where: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Acres, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 June 2025 | 10am – 7pm
Price: Dh150 per adult (Dh100 redeemable on F&B) | Free for kids under 11
Booking: Walk-ins welcome or contact the club for details
Go underground this weekend
Looking to escape the heat and dive into something sultry? LY-LA, the hidden speakeasy beneath ALAYA, turns up the weekend vibes every Friday and Saturday with back-to-back DJ sets, luxe beverages, and late-night energy. Kick things off on Friday with DJ Gregorio's nostalgic House grooves, then close out your weekend with DJ Fedde's soulful mix of Afro, Organic, and Tech House. LY-LA is where summer weekends go to stay out late, so what are you waiting for?
Where: LY-LA, beneath ALAYA, DIFC
When: Friday & Saturday | 10pm – 3am
Reservations: +971 56 680 0430 | reservations@lyladubai.com
Spanish night
TATEL Dubai brings back its iconic Noche TATEL every Thursday from 8.30pm till late — a fiery fusion of Madrid-style nightlife, live music, flamenco dancers, and bold Spanish cuisine. Expect electric performances by Keko Fontana and guitarist Fernando Gutiérrez, a vibrant crowd, and dishes like tuna tartare, seafood arroz del señoret, and their famous Basque cheesecake. Whether you're after a laid-back dinner or a lively night out, this Downtown hotspot delivers a dose of Spain with every bite and beat.
Where: TATEL, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai
When: Every Thursday, from 8.30 PM onwards
Reservations: Call 04 215 2121
Beachside summer staycation
If you're staying in the city this summer, Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach has launched a limited-time staycation offer perfect for families, couples, or friends. Book an Executive Room or a spacious Two-Bedroom Apartment and enjoy a complimentary Half Board upgrade, plus up to 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay. Guests also get 20 per cent off food and drinks at three popular outlets: Fogueira's Brazilian churrasco with skyline views, wholesome bites at Jones the Grocer, and laid-back fun at Speakeasy Dubai.
Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Offer: Complimentary Half Board + bonus Bonvoy points + 20% off F&B
Bookings: Available at best available rate directly through the hotel
Saturday brunch goes luxe
Saturdays with Eva is your chic indoor escape this summer — an elevated brunch experience at Eva Beach Club, The Club, Palm Jumeirah. From 1pm to 5pm, indulge in refined dishes like oysters, burrata, truffle pizza, and Wagyu short ribs, topped off with handcrafted drinks and dreamy pistachio ice cream. Stay for the After Brunch Party from 5 to 8pm, where the energy amps up with vibrant music and a glam crowd.
Where: Eva Beach Club, The Club, Palm Jumeirah
When: Every Saturday, Brunch 1pm–5pm | After-party 5–8pm
Packages: Dh395 (soft), Dh495 (house), Dh575 (premium)
Reservations: Call 04 510 4800 or WhatsApp 056 506 4122
All-inclusive luxury meets immersive art
Looking for a getaway that blends beachside bliss with artistic wonder? Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is offering an exclusive summer package that includes complimentary access to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi —the region's newest immersive digital art experience—when you book a minimum two-night all-inclusive stay. Guests can explore 17,000 sqm of interactive, ever-evolving installations by the acclaimed Tokyo-based collective teamLab, then unwind at the luxury resort with gourmet dining, spa indulgence, family-friendly fun, and panoramic Arabian Gulf views.
Where: Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Offer: Stay two nights or more and enjoy complimentary adult access to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Bookings: Email reservation.saadiyat@rixos.com
Game on!
For a high-energy outing that blends play, food, and friendly competition, head to Tiger Strikes at Megaplex Dubai. From the UAE's first augmented reality cricket experience (WIKIT) to neon-lit bowling, digital darts, and pool tables, there's plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained. Refuel with a menu packed with crowd-pleasers like Cheesy Bacon & Jalapeño Bites, Loaded Nachos, and the signature double-patty Siberian Tiger burger.
Where: Tiger Strikes, Megaplex Dubai
What: AR cricket, bowling, digital darts, pool, and elevated casual dining
Get a glow up
Step into ReFIVE Spa, the award-winning wellness haven at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, for a summer-ready glow-up that's anything but ordinary. With premium treatments like the collagen-boosting Natura Bissé facial, a detoxifying Voya Mud Wrap, or the Signature Hammam experience, ReFIVE offers serious skin TLC with a luxury twist. Add bamboo massages with CBD oils and refreshing ice therapy sessions, and you've got the perfect wellness escape.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Top 60 concerts and events coming to the UAE in 2025 and 2026, from Maroon 5 to Metallica
Rock, rap, opera and a hit musical are some of the exciting performances coming to the UAE over the next few months. A host of global names will take centre stage, from pop stars Katy Perry, Post Malone and Elissa, to hip-hop star Travis Scott, classic metal stalwarts Metallica and British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart. Dubai Comedy Festival will continue to bring the laughs, with stand-up shows featuring Zakir Khan and Morgan Jay. Here, The National rounds up the live events to look forward to. 1. Natalie Imbruglia: August 23 at Dubai Opera She may be best known for her 1997 global smash Torn, but Australian-British singer Natalie Imbruglia is an underrated singer–songwriter who has cultivated a cult following through a consistently strong catalogue. Among her highlights is the criminally overlooked album White Lilies Island, featuring the minor hit That Day and her recent collection, Firebird. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295 2. Macy Gray: August 29 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Grammy-winning R&B singer Macy Gray is set to bring her inimitable voice to the UAE in August. She'll likely perform her biggest hit I Try, off her multi-platinum debut album. Show starts at 8pm; Tickets from Dh99 3. Ramy Sabry and Maha Ftouni: August 30 at Dubai World Trade Centre The Egyptian pop star brings his romantic ballads and pop hits to Dubai, performing favourites including Ahy Sah and Ana Bahebak. The evening will also feature Lebanese singer Maha Ftouni. Doors open at 7pm; tickets from Dh165 4. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Shazman Ali Khan: August 30 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The Pakistani singer and Qawwali music maestro's annual shows at the venue have become a hot ticket over the last few years due to the quality of the musicianship and extensive body of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's work. Nephew of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat worked with an eclectic list of musicians including Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder on the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning 1995 film Dead Man Walking as well as 2002's The Four Feathers. He will be joined by his son, Shazman. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh150 5. Haitham Yousif: September 5 at Dubai Opera The Iraqi crooner, known as the King of Love among his fan base, will showcase three decades of romantic balladry. Expect renditions of Ah Law Aeruf Ashbik, Asaal Ena and Kul Ma Ahebak Akthar. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295 6. Kostcon 2025 – Korean OST Concert: September 5 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Hear the favourite theme songs from K-dramas performed by six K-pop artists – from Lyn, Kim Bum Soo, Soyou, Heize and Lee Mujin – in a concert celebrating the emotional soundtracks that defined the genre. Show starts at 7pm; tickets from Dh199 7. Harry Potter Film Concert Series: September 6 and 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Relive the magic and splendour of the family classics Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets as they're screened in high definition on a towering 40-foot screen, accompanied by a live performance from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble brings John Williams' unforgettable score to life in a spellbinding cinematic experience. Shows start at 7.30pm (September 6) and 3pm (September 7); tickets from Dh120 8. AP Dhillon: September 7 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The popular Indian-Canadian artist returns to Coca-Cola Arena after selling out the venue in February 2024, bringing his signature blend of Punjabi traditional and international pop music flair. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh345 9. Dionela: September 14 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Filipino R&B singer Dionela brings his ongoing The Grace World Tour to Dubai in September, along with special guest Jay-R. He'll perform hits including Marilag and Oksihina. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295 10. La Boheme: September 18 to 20 at Dubai Opera The Hungarian State Opera presents Puccini's masterpiece La Boheme, a romantic tale of art, love and loss featuring the popular arias Che gelida manina and Quando m'en vo. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh240 11. Swan Lake: September 25 to 28 at Dubai Opera Celebrated as one of the most famous ballet classics and set to Tchaikovsky's legendary score, Swan Lake has been wowing audiences since 1877. Presented by the Hungarian National Ballet is a fairy tale about Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette whose love is undermined by a sorcerer's curse. Shows start at 8pm (September 25, 26, 27), 2pm (September 27 and 28) and 7pm (September 28); tickets from Dh240 12. Candlelight, Queen vs Abba: September 27 at Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert A string ensemble will conjure the magic and thrills of hits by Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You) and Abba classics (Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia) amid an intimate circular stage in the desert resort. The show is part of the Candlelight concert series, where popular songs are reinterpreted in refined settings surrounded by candlelight. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh200 13. Marwan Khoury and Faya Younan: October 1 at Dubai Opera Lebanese hit-maker Marwan Khoury graces the Dubai Opera stage with his lush, romantic ballads, including beloved favourites like Kel El Qasayed and Ya Rab. He is joined by Syrian-Palestinian songstress Faya Younan, whose evocative vocals and poetic lyricism promise an enchanting evening of popular Arabic music. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295 14. Tom Segura: October 2 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The American stand-up comedian is best known for his observational and often dark comedy style. Segura has released several stand-up specials on platforms such as Netflix, including Completely Normal, Mostly Stories, Disgraceful and Ball Hog. In addition to his stand-up career, Segura co-hosts the popular podcast Your Mom's House with his wife and fellow comedian Christina Pazsitzky. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including current events, personal stories, and humorous commentary on internet culture. In July 2022, he released his New York Times bestselling book, I'd Like To Play Alone, Please. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295 15. Omid Djalili: October 5 at Dubai Opera The British comedian is popular in the UAE, performing here several times in the past decade. He is known globally for his scene-stealing Hollywood roles. But it's on stage – through his homespun tales and sharp observations – that his talent truly shines. Show starts at 6pm; tickets from Dh195 16. Morgan Jay: October 6 at Dubai Opera, Dubai A night of pun-filled songs from the Los Angeles funnyman can be expected at the Dubai Comedy Festival. Armed with a guitar, Jay delivers quirky serenades exploring relationships and the awkwardness of modern dating. Show starts at 9.30pm; tickets from Dh250 17. Sebastian Maniscalco: October 8 at Etihad Arena One of the hottest comedians touring right now, the American funny man – and star of comedy hit film About My Father alongside Robert De Niro – brings his It Ain't Right tour to Abu Dhabi for his maiden UAE visit. The show unpacks everything from rising prices and bad manners to the chaos of social media, all delivered with his signature animated and grumpy style. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh325 18. Mo Amer: October 9 at Dubai Opera The Palestinian-American comedian and star of Netflix's Mo returns to the Dubai Comedy Festival with two back‑to‑back shows. Expect his trademark storytelling on family, fatherhood and Palestinian identity. Shows start at 6.30pm and 9.30pm; tickets from Dh295 19. The Smashing Pumpkins: October 9 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi The alternative rock veterans will make their regional debut in Abu Dhabi as part of their Rock Invasion 2025 world tour. Expect a set spanning more than three decades of hits, including 1979, Bullet with Butterfly Wings and Tonight, Tonight. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295 20. SB19: October 11 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The popular Filipino boy band will launch their world tour in Dubai. Expect the freshest choreography and renditions of fan favourites such as Gento and Mapa. Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh199 21. Abdul Majeed Abdullah: October 11 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Tenured Saudi artist Abdul Majeed Abdallah, a pre-eminent Khaleeji performer, will showcase songs from his decades-long career in Abu Dhabi, including Yabn Elawadem, Hann El Ghareeb and Tetnafasek Denyaay. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh545 22. Zakir Khan: October 12 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai As part of the Dubai Comedy Festival, one of India's leading comedians brings his signature observational humour to the stage. Expect quirky tales of love, failure, and family life. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh199 23. Kings of Convenience: October 16 at Dubai Opera Norway's popular indie folk duo Kings of Convenience, who are often compared to Simon & Garfunkel and Belle and Sebastian, will make their way to Dubai in October. Expect an intimate performance featuring hit songs including Misread, Know-How and I'd Rather Dance With You. Show starts at 8:30pm; tickets from Dh350 24. Svetlana Loboda: October 17 at The Agenda, Dubai The Ukrainian pop star returns to Dubai with a high-energy set featuring Eastern European hits including Tvoi Glaza, Boom Boom, and Moloko. Loboda rose to fame after representing Ukraine in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, where she placed 12th. Show starts at 7pm; tickets from Dh250 25. Lil Baby: October 18 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby makes his Dubai debut as part of his global Who Hard As Me world tour. Known for chart-topping hits like Drip Too Hard, The Bigger Picture and My Dawg, the Atlanta star brings his high-energy set to one of the city's biggest stages. With stops across the US, Europe and Australia, this tour cements his place as one of hip-hop's most electrifying acts. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh250 26. Andre Rieu: October 18 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi He one of classical music's biggest-selling acts, with more than 40 million albums sold, but Rieu is also renowned for almost single-handedly reviving the waltz, a popular European 16th-century folk dance originating in Austria. He returns to Abu Dhabi with his own 80-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra to perform waltz standards and classical version of modern hits. Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh250 27. Scorpions: October 21 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi German rock band Scorpions return to Abu Dhabi as part of a world tour celebrating their 60th anniversary. Expect a night of classics including Wind of Change and Rock You Like a Hurricane. Doors open 7pm; tickets from Dh325 28. Grease The Musical: October 24 to November 2 at Dubai Opera Inspired by the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the stage version has been wowing audiences worldwide since its debut. Now, UAE audiences will relive the summer romance of Sandy and Danny, soundtracked by 1960s jukebox hits including Greased Lightnin' and Y ou're the One That I Want. Shows start at 2pm and 8pm; tickets from Dh270 29. Russell Peters: October 25 at Coca-Cola Arena The Canadian comedy titan returns to the same venue he inaugurated in 2019. Part of his Relax World Tour, Peters's new show retains his blend of sharp cultural commentary and lightning-fast improvisation. Expect an energetic set that dives into everything from family and technology to the absurdities of modern life. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh199 30. The Rasmus: October 27 at The Agenda, Dubai Known for their global hit In the Shadows, Finnish group The Rasmus will bring their gothic-infused pop-rock to Dubai with a set featuring crowd favourites such as First Day of My Life and Guilty, along with tracks from their latest album, Rise. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh250 31. Stereophonics: October 29 at Coca‑Cola Arena, Dubai Welsh rock veterans Stereophonics are back on the road with new album Make 'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Cry, Make 'Em Wait. As well as fresh cuts, expect to here many of the band's signature anthems including Dakota, Maybe Tomorrow and Local Boy on the Photograph. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295 32. David Gray: October 31 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai After headlining festivals, the British singer-songwriter returns to Dubai for his first solo concert. Fresh off the release of his elegiac album Dear Life, Gray will perform tracks from his new work alongside enduring hits such as Babylon, Sail Away and This Year's Love. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh395 33. Enrique Iglesias: November 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Enrique Iglesias's previous UAE concerts have been near sell-out affairs – and his coming return to Abu Dhabi is expected to be no different. Known for his irresistible blend of Latin-infused pop, the Spanish star will perform fan favourites including Bailamos, Bailando and Loco. Doors open at 7pm; tickets from Dh325 34. Elissa: November 3 at Dubai Opera The Lebanese pop star brings her signature romantic balladry to Dubai Opera. Expect an intimate evening of lovelorn hits including Aa Bali Habibi, Betmoun, and Ajmal Ihssas. 35. Untold Dubai Festival: November 6 to 9 at Dubai Parks and Resorts The second edition of the four-day music festival promises a line-up of top pop acts, DJs and eye-popping stage design. Names revealed so far include hitmakers Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Steve Aoki. Festival starts at 4pm on November 6; general access tickets from Dh420 36. Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf: November 7 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Expect an enchanting night of spiritually inspired music with separate sets from British-Azerbaijani singer Sami Yusuf and Pakistan's Atif Aslam. Yusuf will present his eclectic body of work, blending traditional, classical and contemporary sounds with influences spanning from Morocco to South Asia. Aslam, meanwhile, will deliver a stripped-back set featuring beloved hits alongside selections from his latest album Borderless World. Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh200 37. Wael Jassar & Abeer Nehme: November 10 at Dubai Opera Lebanese singers Wael Jassar and Abeer Nehme will perform separate sets at Dubai Opera. Both have hefty catalogue ranging from contemporary Arabic pop to stately ballads. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh395 38. International Music Summit: November 13 and 14 at 25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai More than just a music conference, IMS brings together global and regional leaders from the electronic music scene, alongside live performance showcases by a new wave of emerging artists. From 9am to 6pm daily; conference tickets from Dh650 39. Travis Scott: November 15 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi The Grammy-nominated rapper returns to the capital with his record-breaking Circus Maximus World Tour. Visually, the show resembles a haunted theme park, complete with flying heads and explosive pyrotechnics. The setlist features standout tracks from Utopia, including Hyaena, Sirens and Fe!n, alongside fan favourites such as Sicko Mode and Butterfly Effect. Show starts at 7.30pm; tickets from Dh495 40. Okean Elzy: November 15 at The Agenda, Dubai One of Ukraine's biggest rock bands will bring their 30th anniversary tour to the UAE, performing anthem such as Bez Boyu and Obijmy, as well as tracks from their latest albums That Day. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh250 41. Deep Purple: November 20 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai The British group, who helped define hard rock and heavy metal, bring their monstrous riffs and blazing organs to Dubai for a career-spanning set featuring classics like Smoke on the Water, Child in Time, and Highway Star. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh249 42. Beetlejuice The Musical: November 20 to 30 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi The hit Broadway adaptation of the cult film will make its Middle East debut in 2025, featuring the gothic show tunes, sharp comedy, colourful costumes, and delightfully macabre storyline that made Tim Burton's 1988 original a fan favourite. Various timings; tickets from Dh99 43. Ronan Keating: November 21 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Witness Irish pop star Ronan Keating under the stars with a show featuring solo hits and Boyzone favourites, such as When You Say Nothing at All and Life Is a Rollercoaster. Doors open 6pm; tickets from Dh249 44. Level 42: November 21 at Bla Bla Dubai The British pop-funk group bring their slick hits to Dubai. Expect UK chart-toppers including Lessons in Love and Something About You. Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh299 45. Teddy Swims: November 22 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai After a standout performance at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Teddy Swims returns for his first stand-alone UAE concert. The American singer rose to fame with his soulful 2019 cover of Rock With You before topping the charts with Lose Control in 2023. He released his new album I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) in January. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295 46. Karan Aujla: November 29 at Etihad Park One of Punjabi music's biggest stars is heading to the capital. Known for blending hip-hop swagger with socially conscious lyrics, Aujla's live shows are packed with fan favourites including Softly and 52 Bars – and perhaps even a surprise guest. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh195 47. Naseer Shamma: November 29 at Dubai Opera Iraqi oud composer and founder of the Bait Al Oud series of music schools will deliver a performance showcasing the dynamism and history of the stringed instrument. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh295 48. Benson Boone: December 4 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi The rising American pop star will open the four-day after-race concert series at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in what will be their first UAE gig. Boone has shot to fame over the past year, with his hit songs Beautiful Things and In The Stars totalling more than three billion streams combined on Spotify. His backflips and Freddie Mercury-like stage presence at both the Grammys and Coachella have also garnered attention. Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders; tickets available online 49. Post Malone and Elyanna: December 5 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi Rapper Post Malone and Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna will co-headline the second night of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts, with each performing their own set. Malone returns to the capital with a genre-blending catalogue that includes hip-hop-infused pop hits such as Sunflower and Circles, along with tracks from his latest album F-1 Trillion, which explores a new country music direction. Elyanna, meanwhile, takes the stage only months after supporting Coldplay during their record-breaking four-night run at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Park. She will showcase the dynamic fusion of Arabic pop, modern RnB, and contemporary flair that has made her one of the most exciting new voices in pop music. Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders; tickets available online 50. Metallica: December 6 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi The American metal band will return to the UAE as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Metallica remain one of the most successful heavy metal acts in history, having sold more than 150 million albums since their 1981 debut. Their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, released in 2023 to critical acclaim, earned them the Best Metal Performance award at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The accompanying M72 World Tour is now in its third year and continues to break attendance records across North America. Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders; tickets available online 51. Katy Perry: December 7 at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi The American singer is set to perform the race day concert as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Her return to Abu Dhabi follows last year's seventh studio album 143, in which she revisits her dance-pop roots and reuniting with longtime collaborators Max Martin, Dr Luke and Stargate. The album has produced three singles so far, including Woman's World and I'm His, He's Mine. By the time she arrives in the capital, Perry and her band will be a well-oiled machine, having performed more than 80 shows on The Lifetimes Tour, which begins in Mexico City on April 23 and spans the US, Europe, Australia and South America. Access to the concert is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders; tickets available online 52. Franz Ferdinand: December 13 at Coca-Cola Arena The Scottish rock band behind Take Me Out and Do You Want To bring their mix of indie-rock nous and danceable anthems for a swagger-filled show in Dubai. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh295 53. The Yemenis Orchestra: December 14 at Dubai Opera Maestro Mohammed Al Qahoom and his celebrated company return to Dubai Opera for another orchestral celebration of Yemeni folk music. Show starts at 9pm; tickets from Dh395 54. Rod Stewart: December 17 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi For his first UAE concert in eight years, the British singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, 80, will perform hits from his six-decade career, including Maggie May, Forever Young and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You. Stewart announced his retirement from major global tours in November, though he doesn't plan to step away entirely. 'This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love,' he said on X. Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh295 55. Arijit Singh: December 19 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi After postponing his Abu Dhabi show earlier this month due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Arijit Singh has fulfilled his promise to fans by announcing a new concert date. Known for his soulful voice, Singh rose to fame with Tum Hi Ho from the 2013 film Aashiqui 2 and has since performed a string of sold-out shows across the Emirates. With beloved tracks such as Kabira, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Channa Mereya, Singh is widely regarded as the 'king of playback singing' – recording songs that are lip-synced by actors in Indian cinema. Doors open at 6pm; tickets from Dh290 56. Omar Khairat: December 24 at Dubai Opera The acclaimed Egyptian composer and pianist returns will deliver another nostalgic evening with a catalogue spanning 50 years. Expect to hear compositions Khairat created for seminal Egyptian television dramas and films from the 1980s and 1990s. Doors open at 8.30pm; tickets from Dh395 57. Sonu Nigam: December 27 at Coca‑Cola Arena, Dubai Bollywood playback legend Sonu Nigam will bring his career‑spanning set, featuring hits such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, to Dubai. The singer recently released the single Dil Pe Chalai Churiya with Indian content creator Raju Kalakar. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh95 58. Maroon 5: December 31 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai The American pop-rock band will headline Atlantis, The Palm 's new year's eve bash. In addition to a lavish buffet dinner and fireworks, expect chart-toppers such as Moves Like Jagger, Sugar and This Love, followed by a fireworks display stretching across the Palm Jumeirah. Doors open at 7pm; tickets from Dh4,500 59. Rob Beckett: January 22 at Dubai Opera British comedian Rob Beckett, referred to as 'everyone's favourite oversharer', will be returning to the UAE in January for a new comedy special titled Giraffe. The entertainer gained international exposure recently thanks to his well-received stint on the hit series LOL: Last One Laughing UK, i n which he starred opposite fellow comedians Richard Ayoade, Bob Mortimer and Jimmy Carr. The retro music festival gets bigger and bigger as it returns with a line-up of 1980s and 1990s pop acts led by lead by Bananarama, Jason Donovan, Nik Kershaw and Go West.
The National
2 days ago
- The National
After a decade under lights, Amna Al Qubaisi steers her career in a new direction
Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi didn't realise the impact of her story until she saw it through the eyes of others. From the day she first took the driver's seat at 14, her dream was to finish what her father, Khaled Al Qubaisi – the first Emirati to reach a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France – had started. She wanted to win, to hear the UAE's national anthem play where it had never been heard before. 'I was always just trying to represent my country in a really good manner,' she tells The National. 'I was focused only on results. I wanted to prove to the world that we were not there just to participate – but to win.' In those early days, as she began turning heads on the track, she was unaware of the effect she was having. 'When I was 14, my dad was very strict with my social media. He took full control – I barely even had a phone. And I'm glad he did, because of him I thought everything was normal.' It wasn't until years later, when she began running her own accounts, that she realised she had both changed perceptions of what a racing driver could look like – and of what an Emirati woman could be. 'A lot of girls were messaging me,' she says. 'One thing that really caught my eye was when they told me their bond with their father became much better because they saw my dad supporting me. 'They told me, 'Our father is now supporting us because we showed them: look, her dad's supporting her in motorsports, he's always there for her.' Now they're getting the same reciprocation from their dads.' Starring in Netflix's F1: The Academy Since then, Al Qubaisi has grown increasingly aware of the effect that her story can have. In May, along with her younger sister Hamda, she was one of the central stars of the Netflix docuseries F1: The Academy, which chronicled her final season racing for Red Bull in the all-female F1 Academy championship. 'We were really happy that we were a part of it,' says Al Qubaisi. 'We got to share our personality, our side of our story, and how seriously we and our dad take this.' At the same time, she was disappointed that her family was portrayed, from her point of view, as the wealthy upstarts compared to the seemingly more humble European drivers – even though virtually everyone gets there as the result of massive financial investment into their talent. Al Qubaisi explains: 'When we say we're Emirati, automatically, people think we have a mansion made of gold and an endless fleet of cars. But racing is very expensive and those costs apply to all racing drivers. Anyone who's joining in motorsport has the money. 'The way they made the other drivers look like they were selling stuff to be able to race is completely inaccurate. It's kind of sad that they singled us out and made it look like we were the only ones who had it easy.' She believes, whether on screen or off, that the deck was stacked against her through the second year of her F1 Academy experience – in which she dropped to 15th in the standings a year after she had placed sixth overall, collecting two wins in her first season. 'The first year was less political, as it was the first championship to be held. My sister and I finished very strong. In the second year, it felt like they didn't want a Middle Eastern person to win. I got an engine that was around seven to 10 kilometres slower down the straights and I couldn't do much about it. I talked to Red Bull about it, and they told me, 'just deal with it'.' When she realised winning was near-impossible, she started paying more attention to the Netflix cameras following their every move – and grew more involved in how her story was being told. 'In the first few rounds, I would tell them, 'I don't want to do anything. I'm too focused. But then I thought I might as well just take advantage of it and try to give myself some exposure for future sponsors. I said, 'I've got nothing to lose', and I gave them full access.' That strategy, which made her one of the show's most visible stars, proved emotionally challenging as her struggles mounted. 'We were still there to win,' she explains. 'So having them film me at my most vulnerable, and at my worst, was hard. I didn't want the world to know. It was a big fear of mine. But now that it's out there, I think people can relate. 'And if there's criticism against my driving ability, I don't mind. My sister takes it more personally than I do. I have a fan account that I created that I will use to start roasting them back,' Al Qubaisi laughs. Why she moved to endurance racing In the wake of her F1 Academy experience, Al Qubaisi, who had previously raced in Formula 4, has decided to give up on her Formula One dreams. Instead, she's charting a new course in endurance racing that has allowed her to rediscover what she loved about racing in the first place. Moreso than in Formula racing, endurance racing tests the durability of equipment and participants. Teams of multiple drivers using the same car in shifts attempt to cover a large distance in a single event. 'When it comes to Formula racing, it's too expensive. Because of our budget, we were constantly behind the pack. 'So this year, we decided to move into endurance racing, where it's much cheaper and the costs are split between drivers. When I moved into endurance racing, it was the first time I felt like I was actually enjoying driving in a long time.' In some ways, her path to endurance racing mirrors the fictional journey of Brad Pitt's Sonny Hayes in F1 The Movie, in which Hayes finds himself constantly at the back of the pack and has to figure out a way to turn that to his advantage. 'In F1 Academy, I was always starting from the back and I took that as practice for overtaking,' Al Qubaisi explains. 'I learnt to get through traffic and find a gap. Now, in endurance, I'm always catching up to the guys up front, because I know how it's done. 'In endurance racing, you have to really plan – you have tyre management, fuel consumption and overtaking through traffic – because you're racing with different categories. 'It's so much more enjoyable. In single seaters, you're just praying and hoping for something to happen. But in endurance racing, anything can happen. Someone can be leading a race and then have a problem and you have a whole hour to strategise.' Al Qubaisi and her sister will continue their new path towards endurance racing on August 22 and 23 the Spa – Francorchamps Heat as part of the 2025 Ligier European Series. The series marks the third tier on the endurance racing ladder of Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the company behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. 'Sharing a car, we work together and help each other. We go through data together and strategise together. Having each other makes this decision easier, as we're both really good and we know each other, so we have an advantage.' What is the future of women in F1? Back in Formula racing, Al Qubaisi is rooting for the many young women working towards a spot in F1 but believes the sport as not a level playing field. 'It's very difficult to have a female in Formula One, no matter how good she is, no matter how big her achievements are. The Formula One teams need to have really big trust in those female drivers. 'They will need to invest in women drivers from a young age. I think they just need to start trusting women more to be able to reach that point too. 'Because now, all the girls who are working so hard in single seaters, who've made it to the top 10, who won races, nothing is done for them. No opportunity is provided and then they end up on the sidelines as a development driver or reserve driver, which isn't enough. If it was a male competitor, he would immediately have support, a test drive in a Formula One car.' Basic engineering was also an issue. Al Qubaisi faced difficulty with singer-seater cars that were built only for male bodies – 'we can't fit in that car' – which caused her and other women drivers to complain to the FIA regulatory body to ensure cars were built for both men and women. That issue was fixed, but Al Qubaisi feels it's symbolic of the inequality that exists in the sport. Telling her own story As she sets off on a new racing journey with her sister, Al Qubaisi feels that every bump along the way has prepared her for the difficulties ahead – not just as a racing driver, but as a public figure. She will rely less on how others tell her story and start to take an even greater hand in telling her own. 'I have a cameraman and we're doing our own YouTube docuseries for the racing championship. Every race weekend we show everything from our perspective and it's very authentic and very natural,' she says. 'I've learnt that I don't need anything polished and professional. These days, I just have to be real.'
UAE Moments
2 days ago
- UAE Moments
Check out These India's Independence Day Discounts at Platinumlist UAE
India's Independence Day celebrations are getting even more exciting for UAE residents this weekend, thanks to Platinumlist 's special offers. Whether you're looking for a night of laughter or a day packed with thrilling attractions, these deals are the perfect way to mark the occasion without breaking the bank. Comedy lovers can take advantage of buy two tickets, get one free offers on some of the biggest stand-up events in the city. The deal applies to Gaurav Gupta's live show, Telling Lies ft. Aashish Solanki, Ravi Gupta Live, and Maheep Singh Live. It's the perfect chance to gather friends and enjoy an evening of witty punchlines and non-stop entertainment. For those in the mood for immersive experiences, Platinumlist is offering 27% off tickets to Aya Universe Dubai, the city's futuristic light and sound wonderland. You can also enjoy 10% off at Snow Abu Dhabi, where you can cool down and experience the magic of winter indoors. Thrill-seekers will love the 20% discount at House of Hype, an interactive entertainment hub, and up to 38% off tickets to IMG World of Adventure, one of Dubai's largest indoor theme parks. If you're after breathtaking views, head to The View at The Palm, where tickets are available for up to 15% off. These Independence Day discounts are available for this weekend only, so it's the perfect time to book your tickets and make the most of the celebrations. Whether you're laughing along with India's top comedians or exploring Dubai's most popular attractions, these Platinumlist deals bring together the best of entertainment and adventure.
