Cirque du Soleil, International ballet stars and an exciting opening ceremony…

As we head into a new month, we’re looking ahead to all the fun things that are coming our way next month. A quick show of hands in the office and it looks like we’ll collectively be heading to the circus, taking our pet to a festival, eating our bodyweight in sushi at a big brunch, and getting teary at an opera, all before lying down in savasana at a yoga fest. Phew…

Here are 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi in March.

March 6 to 16: Run away to the circus

Filled with sumptuous costumes, beautiful choreography and undeniable gymnastic mastery, Bazzar is an homage to the tradition of Big Top circus. Set inside a Big Top standing at a giant 19 metres tall and 41 metres in diameter, it is bound to impress. Written and directed by Susan Gaudreau, it features classic acrobatic disciplines such as tightrope walking, acrobatic bikes, contortions and trapeze, as well as fire-breathing and stilt-walking. Of course, the entire performance is topped off with exhilarating music and lighting to add maximum drama. Catch it while you can.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, various timings, Dhs195 to Dhs1,495. Tel: (056) 6756834. tixbox.com

March 7: See the Korean National Ballet

In the first week of March, the Emirates Palace Auditorium hosts timeless romantic ballet Giselle choreographed by famous French star Patrice Bart, and performed by the Korean National Ballet.

Emirates Palace, 8pm, from Dhs175, Tel: (02) 6908896. 800tickets.com

March 8: Check out a new mega brunch

La Brasserie, Barfly, Todd English’s and Tokyo Grill come together to host Brunch Town, a brand new mega brunch at the Venetian Village every Friday. Expect signature a la carte dishes served to your table, live Latin music, and a host of activities for children.

Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks,  Dhs595 with champagne. Tel: (02) 4041921. venetianvillage.ae

March 10 and 11: Take the little ones to see Dear Zoo

See Rod Campbell’s best-selling children’s story Dear Zoo come to life as a stage production at the Madinat Theatre this March. Based on a letter asking for a zoo to deliver a series of (very) unsuitable pets, the 1982 classic lift-the-flap story has gone on to sell more than eight million copies worldwide in over 36 years. Loved for generations, Dear Zoo is delighting audiences with a superb production written by the original author. Children will love to see their favourite stories and characters live before their eyes in this family-friendly play. Suitable for ages 2+. Running time: 55 minutes (approx.) 

Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi. Dhs130. Tel: (04) 304 2340. artforall.ae

March 12 to 23: Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTNF)

Along one kilometre of Abu Dhabi Corniche, the fourth edition of the Mother Of The Nation Festival is a mix of musical and entertainment performances, art exhibits, interactive workshops, activities for adults and children, and an e-sports gaming championship. Look out for the Happiness Zone aimed at making all visitors smile. Awwww.

Abu Dhabi Corniche, March 12 to 23. motn.ae

March 14 to 21: Meet the determined

Watch 7,500 athletes of determination compete in 24 individual and team sports at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. The Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 takes place on March 14 at Zayed Sports City. It will also feature the Athlete Parade where 7,500 athletes from more than 190 nations will walk into the Zayed Sports City arena in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 spectators, VIPs and Special Olympics officials.

Zayed Sports City, 5pm, Dhs100. Tel: (800) 86823. ticketmaster.ae

March 15: Celebrate St Patrick’s day…

On March 15, tuck into a St Patrick’s Day-themed Friday brunch at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi with pool and beach access included. Meanwhile, Once Due, The Village’s resident band will perform live.

The Village, Fri noon onwards, Dhs25 happy hour drinks, brunch Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs349 with house drinks. facebook.com/lemeridienabudhabi

March 15: …Or get cultured at the opera…

Abu Dhabi Festival audiences will be treated to the Arab debut of Giacomo Puccini’s famous opera Tosca – A Concert Production on March 15 at Emirates Palace. An orchestra performs alongside world-leading opera stars Kristine Opolais, Vittorio Grigolo and Sir Bryn Terfel. This performance of Tosca is an operatic experience full of love, corruption, intrigue and murder.

Emirates Palace Auditorium, 8pm, from Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6908896. 800tickets.com

March 15: … Or take your four-legged friend to a pet festival

An annual must-attend community event that presents an entertaining and educational day for the people and pets of Abu Dhabi. This event is designed to raise awareness about animal welfare and pet services within the UAE, including pet health, training, nutrition and fashion. Activities such as the international dog show, dog agility competitions and cat beauty contests entertain spectators, while hands- on activations such as educational farms, animal welfare programs and Veterinary specialists educate guests on the importance of pet care and the resources available in the UAE.

du Arena, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 10pm, petfestival.ae

March 23: YogaFest Abu Dhabi

The first ever Yoga Festival in Abu Dhabi takes place at Umm Al Emarat Park this month. The event will feature a variety of free yoga classes as well as workshops, children’s activities and a Ripe Market.

Umm Al Emarat Park, Sat 10am to 6pm, free. yogafest.me

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