Culture Courtesy of The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai DThe winterUBA calendar I’S of this emirate comes Winter packed with an interesting line-up of activities and events Wonders suited to all tastes. Use ubai is forever reinventing this guide to discover itself with glitzy new shopping the best of the city’s malls, towering landmarks, goings-on during the impressiveD restaurants and a heady nightlife scene. Naturally, the city months of December perennially teems with a vibrancy and January. suited to globetrotters and residents alike. When the year-end holidays arrive, Dubai puts on its festive best Text Beverly Pereira to host a generous number of outdoor and indoor activities and world-class events. Take your pick from the best of these happenings to really experience the high-spirited mood of this metropolis. Massimo Borchi/age fotostock/Dinodia Massimo Borchi/age 42 JetWings International December 2018 Melinda Nagy / Shutterstock.com Courtesy of Nigel Norrington/Dubai Opera Courtesy of Nigel Norrington/Dubai JetWings International December 2018 43 Courtesy of Nigel Norrington/Dubai Opera Courtesy of h2Productions.ae Get in on the act Aladdin, the much-loved children’s story, comes to life in a pantomime production at Madinat Theatre. Running from December 19–28, this festive production brings together music and dance in a delightfully entertaining format to suit audiences of all ages. Intricately designed stage imagery and costumes coupled with world-class performances add to the magic of this event. Then there’s The Nutcracker and I, a multimedia performance by pianist Alexandra Dariescu that fuses piano, ballet, and digital animation. Inspired by the famous Nutcracker ballet, this family- friendly visual treat is set to take place at Dubai Opera on December 12. After a critically acclaimed run in London, the compelling production of Shakespeare’s Othello staged by the award- winning English Touring Theatre and directed by Richard Twyman will take place at Dubai Opera from January 31 to February 2, 2019. This contemporary and incredibly relevant take on the timeless play urges viewers to look beyond divisions of race, religion, and culture. Courtesy of Majid Al Futtaim Courtesy of Majid Be a sport Motorcycle enthusiasts will truly appreciate the fast- paced action at the Dubai Motorbike Festival scheduled to take place on January 11–12, 2019 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. From stunt tournaments and exhibits by local and international motorcycle brands, the festival, now in its second edition, will bring together the region’s riding community for two days of freewheeling fun. If travelling with kids in tow, a trip to Ski Dubai is always in order. While the indoor ski resort is open throughout the year, there’s nothing quite like a visit to this mountain-themed winter setting to set the tone for year-end holidays. Those who are adept at the winter sport can hit the slopes for some serious fun, while beginners can take an enjoyable ski lesson. Be sure to visit the Snow Park here, where bobsled rides and other fun activities guarantee endless thrills. Courtesy of Majid Al Futtaim Courtesy of Majid 44 JetWings International December 2018 Shop till you drop Retail therapy in Dubai reaches its peak at the Dubai Shopping Festival that runs from December 26 to February 2, 2019. This shopping extravaganza brings to the fore hard-to-beat bargains at luxury shopping hubs like the Dubai Mall and at outdoor retail complexes like City Walk. Be sure to make a trip to the city’s heritage souks to immerse yourself in the picturesque atmosphere, if not to shop for traditional souvenirs and gold. Sneakerheads, in particular, will enjoy another kind of shopping experience at Sole DXB. The annual footwear, fashion and lifestyle fair celebrates the region’s street art scene. This year, the festival runs from December 6–8 at Dubai Design District and will feature headliners such as hip-hop artist Nas and other exciting art and cultural events. Vishal Katyare / Shutterstock.com Vishal Katyare Courtesy of Dubai Opera John Rainford / WENN/Dinodia Get into the groove Some of the world’s best musicians, including Jennifer Lopez and Elton John, have graced Dubai’s prestigious stages. The line-up of concerts and music festivals slated to take place in December and January is just as enticing. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform some of his much-loved qawwali songs in the final show of his current world tour titled Just Qawali that will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 7. If Sufi devotional music isn’t exactly your cup of tea, treat yourself to an arena-style EDM concert by Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten on December 6 at Zero Gravity, near Dubai Marina. Corsten is skilled at extracting an unexpected emotional impact from electronic dance music of all genres, not just trance. Jingle Bell Favourites at Dubai Opera is an event more suited to the entire family. From December 13–15, Christmas carols and festive classics will be performed by the esteemed The London Concert Orchestra Show Band and Capital Voices Choir conducted by Freddie Tanner and West End star soloists, Alison Jiear and Matt Little. A special appearance by the young singers of the Gems Choir makes this an event that is sure to get you and the family into the mood of the season. In the New Year, on January 22, get ready to sway to the memorable songs of George Ezra, one of UK’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 46 JetWings International December 2018 Courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm Atlantis, Courtesy of A glamorous New Year’s Eve Dress up in black, white and specks of gold to ring in the new at the New Year’s Eve Black and White Party at Dubai Opera. Courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm Atlantis, Courtesy of Besides a night filled with good food, music and dancing, a ticket Feed your senses to this gala event will guarantee Atlantis, The Palm has put together an exceptional you a spectacular view of Burj gourmet dining experience for the family on December Khalifa’s brilliant fireworks and 6 called Cirque De Cuisine Christmas Edition. The event water fountain show. is set in a festive circus-themed venue, complete with Courtesy of Dubai Opera live entertainers and street performers. Indulge in a lavish meal at any of the hotel’s celebrity chef-driven restaurants such as Nobu, Hakkasan and Ronda Locatelli, and feast on traditional holiday treats in tune with the festive season. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the arrival of Santa Claus and his merry band of elves at The Lost Chambers Aquarium! Get your game on Games Arabia, the Middle East’s largest video game convention, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 20–22. The three-day gaming expo will give gamers the chance to play yet-to-be- released console, PC, mobile and online games. Watch or participate in eSports tournaments and gaming battles. Or, simply come dressed as your favourite gaming character to stand a chance to win prizes at the cosplay competition. n Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Dubai from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Mangaluru. Fact File Currency 1 United Arab Emirates dirham = 19.27 Indian rupees (approx.) For more information logoboom / Shutterstock.com Log on to www.visitdubai.com 48 JetWings International December 2018.