6 great Abu Dhabi events beginning this Friday

Mark your calendars…

Festive season is here, and Abu Dhabi has numerous exciting events up lined up for you as we bid goodbye to 2023. Here are a few that we’re very excited for:

2023 Spartan World Championship

Less than a week remains until the 2023 Spartan World Championship in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, and we’ve been excited about this one for a while. Watch an inspiring display of true mental and physical strength, skill and grit at Abu Dhabi’s own Spartan night race. If limit-busting endurance is your forte get a super 50 per cent off when you register with code 50ADSC. If you’d just like to see how it’s done, that’s fine too, you can make your way down to the event from December 8 to 10.

2023 Spartan World Championship, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, December 8 to 10, 5.30pm. @spartan

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays

Get set for seemingly impossible, mind-bending feats at the Etihad Arena this weekend, as these Broadway superstars showcase jaw-dropping tricks by seven of the most incredible illusionists on the planet. You might rub your eyes or shake your heads in disbelief, but as they say, seeing (or not) is believing…

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 8 to 10, from Dhs95. Tel: 600 511115. @etihadarena.ae

Yas Winter Fest

December in the capital is about to get all kinds of amazing, as Abu Dhabi’s newest, biggest winter celebration welcomes you to a five-day winter wonderland. With a host of seasonal attractions, free activities and exciting giveaways on offer, there’s plenty to be enjoyed by the whole family. This is one not to be missed.

Yas Winter Fest, Gateway Park South, Yas Island, December 6 and 7, 2pm to 10pm, December 8 to 10, 12pm to 11pm, Dhs25 (standard), Dhs15(children), ages 3 and below enter for free. @yaswinterfest

Michelin Guide Food Festival

The country, nay, the region’s first Michelin Guide Food Festival is coming to Abu Dhabi this weekend, and with it come three whole days of top-tier culinary experiences. Taking place against the backdrop of the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, chefs from 16 Michelin-selected restaurants around the globe under the theme ‘Discover the Art of Flavour,’ will present their finest with specially-curated menus, a selection of culinary masterclasses and much more to be enjoyed.

Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi Food Festival, Louvre Abu Dhabi Park, Saadiyat Island, December 8 to 10, tickets from Dhs100. platinumlist.net

Mother of the Nation

Abu Dhabi’s own annual cultural, traditional and family extravaganza is back for this season, and it takes place at the Abu Dhabi Corniche from December 8 to 31. Notable performances include the Black Eyed Peas on December 13, Let’s Sing Taylor on December 16, Rasha Rizk on December 23 and Cairokee and El Far3i on December 30. On New Year’s Eve, you can look forward to an exciting show by one of the region’s top artists, Tamer Hosny, and also one by Iraqi composer and singer Saif Nabeel, who will share the stage.

Mother of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, December 8 to 31. @ticketmaster.ae

Liwa Village

Following its incredible debut last year, Liwa Village returns to Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 31. Look out for unmissable attractions, events and wintry vibes in the Abu Dhabi desert, as this 24-day celebration combines the adventure of the great outdoors with the best in entertainment, to pack in attractions such as their Souk, the Oasis, Valley, Pavilion, Carnival, a digital station by PUBG and of course their main stage, where a host of top-tier regional and global talents are set to wrap up the year with exciting performances.

Liwa Village, Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi, December 8 to 31, from Dhs15. platinumlist.net