Things to do in the UAE this week, from a food festival to a fortune cookie treasure hunt

The last few days of 2024 are brimming with events, from a food festival and fireworks, to outdoor markets and concerts. While things slow down a bit after New Year's Day, there are still a handful of live acts to check out.

Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from December 30 to January 5.

Monday, December 30

Take the family to CanteenX, an annual food pop-up part of Dubai Shopping Festival. A number of food trucks are on site at Mushrif Park Gate 1, including some on-trend vendors such as Humm Crumbs and Dana's Creations. Matcha lovers can check out the Matcha Mania zone, where the green Japanese tea is highlighted via workshops and tastings.

Food aside, enjoy roaming performers, a children's zone with large inflatables and bouncy castles, as well as a makeshift stage hosting musicians and DJs.

December 30 and 31; 4pm-midnight; free entry; Mushrif Park, Dubai

Tuesday, December 31

Those ringing in the New Year in Abu Dhabi can spend the evening at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, where famed Italian vocalist Andrea Bocelli will be performing. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at the Grand Dome, followed by dinner courtesy of the hotel's award-winning portfolio of restaurants. The concert ends with a dazzling fireworks display, followed by an after-party.

December 31; doors open 8pm; Dh4,000 per person; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

Wednesday, January 1

Join the 20th anniversary celebrations of Dragon Mart. A record-breaking fortune cookie, four metres tall and six metres wide, is on display until January 8 – as an ode to Chinese culture and as a way to commemorate the mall's anniversary. Visitors can also participate in a treasure hunt for 20 cookies – each is filled with surprises and hidden across Dragon Mart, for a chance to win prizes.

Chinese entertainment is also on the cards, such as ribbon, fan and dragon dances.

Daily, 10am-10pm; until January 8; free entry; Dragon Mart, Dubai

Thursday, January 2

Check out the Pluma Circus Tent at Dubai Festival City Mall on Thursday. The water circus show combines thrilling acrobatics, 3D-projection mapping and stunning visual effects to tell the story of Pluma, which features a young girl's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in an ethereal world.

Until January 12; 7pm-9pm; from Dh95; Dubai Festival City Mall

Friday, January 3

Drive up to Hatta for the last leg of its winter festival. Live music and performances, a variety of gastronomic delights, as well as thrilling activities are on offer at Hatta Wadi Hub. However, the main event is the fireworks display lighting up the Hollywood-style Hatta sign on top of the Hajar Mountains.

Guests can also engage in ziplining, spear and axe-throwing, mountain cycling and more. Those who want to stay the night can book from several accommodation options, including luxury glamping lodges and caravans.

Until January 5; 4pm-10pm on weekdays, 1pm-midnght on weekends; free entry; Hatta Wadi Hub; 04 852 2200

Saturday, January 4

Iranian powerhouse Ebrahim Hamedi, also referred to as Ebi, is performing at Saadiyat Island as part of the annual Saadiyat Nights. The artist is known for his fusion of traditional Persian music, western pop and Latin rhythms, transcending three generations courtesy of his decades-long career.

January 4; doors open 6pm; from Dh200; Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Sunday, January 5

Arabic speakers can head to Dubai Opera to catch a hilarious sequel of comedy play Abracadabra. It follows a show troupe preparing for their biggest performance, which coincides with a police ceremony. A new chief officer is appointed, and issues a resolution to close the theatres, throwing the troupe into a conflict between their passion for performing and complying with new city rules.

January 5; doors open 5pm; from Dh194; Dubai Opera; 04 440 8888