Sponsored: Live German music, hearty dishes and plenty of festive cheer Ernst Biergarten brings a warm Alpine spirit to 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central this festive season, hosting a Christmas Eve brunch on December 24 that’s built for all ages. Expect live German entertainment, hearty holiday dishes, and wallet-friendly packages wrapped up in a cosy beer-garden buzz. On the festive menu, options include hearty holiday dishes and traditional German favourites. Pair it with soft drinks, or you can add some sparkle to your festive celebrations and treat yourself to house spirits and wine, draught, and bubbly. Prices start from Dhs300

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Sponsored: If you want NYE with music, food and fireworks right in front of Burj Khalifa – HuQQabaz has it all If your ideal NYE is all about great food, music and fireworks with the Burj Khalifa as the spotlight, HuQQabaz Souk Al Bahar is the place to be. The energy flows naturally through the space, creating a lively Downtown atmosphere that feels open and welcoming. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or on a date, it’s a spot that ticks all the boxes – good music, great views, and the perfect setting for ringing in the New Year. The

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The capital gears up for the Abu Dhabi Marathon with thousands set to run at sunrise The city is stretching its legs for one of its favourite days of the year. Tomorrow, the Abu Dhabi Marathon sends thousands of runners into the morning light, and the whole place starts to feel a little more alive. There is something hopeful about watching people chase a finish line long before the rest of the world has had its first coffee. It reminds you that the UAE has a soft spot for movement, for community, and for doing big things with heart. Image:

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Sponsored: La Cantine Beach club keeps getting better With its sporty and chic aesthetic, family-friendly pool, and fabulous dining options, La Cantine Beach is one of Dubai’s best beach clubs. But it keeps getting better – and just in time for the prime Dubai weather returning, the beach club has unveiled an exclusive new collection of cabanas. Elevating the art of laidback luxury on Bluewaters, the relaxed and refined French-Mediterranean beach club has enhanced its daycation options with a boutique collection of just six stylish cabanas, designed for sun-soaked days with loved ones. Strategically positioned across the pool and beach,

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Sponsored: Shangri-La Dubai is rolling out a festive season like no other This Christmas and New Year, the hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in warmth, joy, and festive wonder with a curated collection of seasonal experiences. Whether you’re planning a gathering or a treat-yourself moment, Shangri-La Dubai blends luxury, flavour, and togetherness amid Dubai’s skyline. A festive haven in the heart of Dubai Afternoon tea Step into the holiday spirit with a winter-inspired afternoon tea, complete with festive pastries, freshly baked cranberry scones, rich hot chocolate, and artisanal teas and coffees. Ideal for a graceful daytime gathering. Times: 1pm

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A legendary tale: Antar and Abla captivates Abu Dhabi this weekend Arabic Opera: Antar and Abla opens to the public on December 12, but a lucky crowd got a first look last night. Abu Dhabi’s first Arabic Opera took over the International Tennis Centre turning it into something far grander than its usual sporting self. Image supplied The preview showed just how much craft sits behind this production. The Lanzhou Symphony Orchestra carried the story with a full, textured score that tied neatly into the movement on stage. Performers, dancers and visuals together with the mix of light, projection and

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New Year’s Day is officially a holiday in the UAE The best way to start the year? With a well-earned day off. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed that New Year’s Day 2026 will be a public holiday for all federal government employees, giving the nation a welcome chance to ring in the new year with a little extra downtime. According to the official announcement, Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a fully paid holiday across federal entities and the public sector according to Khaleej Times.  That means a long weekend of celebrations, family time, or simply

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A calm, coastal escape that helps you loosen your shoulders and find your breath again Some places soften the world the moment you cross the threshold. Talise Spa, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island does that with no effort at all. One step inside and the chaos of the day slips off your shoulders like a forgotten scarf. Saadiyat’s coastline sits just beyond the windows and suddenly you understand why people talk about wellness as if it’s a calling. For Abu Dhabi’s first Talise Spa, it feels like it arrived exactly when we needed a place to breathe. This is a place built

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