The bubble-themed fun run is returning to Dubai this week. Pawan Singh / The National
The bubble-themed fun run is returning to Dubai this week. Pawan Singh / The National
The bubble-themed fun run is returning to Dubai this week. Pawan Singh / The National
The bubble-themed fun run is returning to Dubai this week. Pawan Singh / The National

Things to do in the UAE this week: Hamilton, kite flying and a Bubble Run


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This week is ideal for culture buffs, with a film festival, major musical production and emotive exhibition all taking place across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from January 15 to 21.

Monday

Dane Swindells, a former Radio One presenter, is the quizmaster at Tap House in Dubai Hills. Photo: The Tap House
Dane Swindells, a former Radio One presenter, is the quizmaster at Tap House in Dubai Hills. Photo: The Tap House

Start the week with a quiz night at Tap House in Dubai Hills.

Former Radio One presenter Dane Swindells is the quizmaster. The first five groups to register at 7pm will receive complimentary drinks, while all UAE residents receive a 50 per cent discount on the food menu.

The five-round quiz covers general knowledge, pop culture, history, sports and more. Guests can form teams of two to six people, or participate individually.

Every Monday; 7pm onward; 50 per cent off a la carte for UAE residents; Tap House, Dubai Hills; thetaphouse.ae

Tuesday

Set out for Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, near Al Maktoum International Airport, to enjoy a unique film festival held in the desert.

The 10-day event is perfect for cinephiles who want to learn more about filmmaking, or those who simply want to chill under the night sky and enjoy a screening of a local film. Aside from the outdoor cinema experience, the event also has workshops and panel discussions with established professionals in the field.

Until Sunday; 4pm; free; Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai; @almarmoom.filmfest

Wednesday

Head to The Project Space at New York University Abu Dhabi to witness an evocative exhibition about the migration of Egyptians to countries in the Gulf.

Curated by Farah Hallaba, Farida Youssef and Ali Zaaray, the Being Borrowed: On Egyptian Migration to the Gulf exhibition features the works of 21 Egyptian artists. It explores the social cost of migration on families and entire communities, touching upon concepts of “arriving to, growing up in and getting out” of the Gulf.

Until February 7; noon-8pm; free of charge; NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; 02 628 8000

Thursday

Radisson Hotel at Damac Hills will be hosting a night of stand-up comedy on Thursday.

International comics Keith Johnson from Los Angeles and Eleanor Tiernan from Ireland are bringing their humour to the Dubai stage, alongside home-grown talents Saaniya Abbas and Yash Bhardwaj.

The show is part of the Start The Year, With 100% Guaranteed Happiness! by The Selfdrive Laughter Factory, which is one of Dubai's longest-running comedy producers.

Thursday; 8.30pm; from Dh160; Radisson Hotel, Damac Hills, Dubai; dubai.platinumlist.net

Friday

On Friday, kites of various shapes, sizes and colours are flying over Marsana for the first Hudayriyat International Kite Festival.

Families and friends are invited to head down to the beach for the fun-filled weekend that includes kite-flying shows, as well as kite-making workshops.

Until Sunday; 11am-8pm; free of charge; Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi; hudayriyatisland.ae

Saturday

The Bubble Run is at Expo City Dubai this year. Pawan Singh / The National
The Bubble Run is at Expo City Dubai this year. Pawan Singh / The National

After its course at Bluewaters last year, the fun-filled Bubble Run is back on Saturday, taking over Expo City Dubai.

The fun run involves giant cannons placed along the track, blowing streams of bubbles on the runners as they pass. The event is non-competitive and encourages families to join either the 4km or 8km routes.

There will be live music, as well as activities for little ones to enjoy.

Saturday; 4pm; from Dh45; Expo City Dubai; premieronline.com

Sunday

The musical tells the story of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton. Photo: Hamilton International Tour
The musical tells the story of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton. Photo: Hamilton International Tour

Tickets are selling fast for the Abu Dhabi leg of the international tour of acclaimed American musical Hamilton, which kicked off on Wednesday.

Book a seat at Etihad Arena to catch the Tony-winning show, which is the brainchild of Lin Manuel-Miranda, who wrote the music, lyrics and script over a seven-year period starting in 2009.

It tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, from his days at King's College in New York in 1776 to becoming the first US treasury secretary and his eventual death in 1804.

Until February 11; doors open 4pm; from Dh375; Etihad Arena, Yas Island; abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Green ambitions
  • Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
  • Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
  • Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
  • Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water 
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ethree%20three%20212.7kWh%20motors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201%2C000bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E15%2C600Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20530km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh500%2C000%2B%20est%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eearly%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
South Africa World Cup squad

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (w), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

On the menu

First course

▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water  

▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle

Second course

▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo

▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa

Third course

▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro

▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis

Dessert

▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate

▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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While you're here
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Indoor Cricket World Cup

Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty

Updated: January 15, 2024, 3:57 AM`