9 great things to do in Dubai this Eid

Visit the Green Planet
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the recently opened Green Planet at City Walk, this is the perfect time to do so. The bio-dome is designed to be an enclosed ecosystem and recreates the world of a tropical rainforest. You can spot more than 3,000 animals and plants, and there’s even a resident sloth! Great fun for the little ones.
Where: City Walk, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
Contact: 800 637227

Go wild at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Another recent opening, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world. Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the park has four zones with around 20 signature rides and attractions, 28 F&B outlets and 25 retail stores. The Marvel and Cartoon Network themed rides are the main pull, with ones themed around the likes of Thor, Iron Man, Spiderman and The Avengers. And you have at least five days over Eid to make the most of it all.
Where: IMG Worlds of Adventure, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Contact: +9714 403 8888

Bargain hunt at The Outlet Village
Although mall hopping may be the last thing you want to do during Eid (the crowds…the crowds…), a bargain or two may tempt you to brave it. The Outlet Village recently opened in Jebel Ali and is billed as Dubai’s first upscale outlet mall. Brands on offer include the likes of Fendi, Tom Ford, Kenzo and DKNY, and there are loads of great deals to be unearthed. We’re also told that the mall’s Tuscan-themed architecture is one of the highlights of visiting.
Where: The Outlet Village, Jebel Ali, near Dubai Parks and Resorts
Contact: +9714 317 3999

Watch the Eid fireworks
Fireworks are always a big part of Eid celebrations. This year you can catch them for free at The Beach, JBR, every night from 8:30pm between September 11 and 16.
When: September 11 – 16
Where: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Contact: 800 637227

Catch a ballet performance
Another great attraction that opened in the city recently is, of course, the eagerly-anticipated Dubai Opera. Over the Eid holiday week, there will be two major ballet shows – Copéllia (September 15 and 17) and Giselle (September 16) – making it a great time to visit and see the opera house in all its glory. Tickets start from AED350.
When: September 15 and 17 (Copéllia) and September 16 (Giselle)
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Contact: 800 36227

Chow down at a food truck festival
‘Eid Caravan’ is taking place over the holidays at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz. The concept is simple: food trucks, live entertainment, free cooking classes and market stalls come together in an air-conditioned warehouse. Two of the food trucks taking part are Casa Latina (Venezuelan and Colombian food) and Toasted (yummy toasted cheese sandwiches).
When: September 10 – 17 from 11am – 11pm
Where: Warehouse Four, Al Quoz
Contact: +971 451 49488

Catch iconic Arabic singers in concert
Some of the Arab world’s biggest singers will be performing at the World Trade Centre over Eid. These include Mohamed Abdo (September 16), and Rabeh Sager together with Shamma Hamdan (September 13). Tickets start from AED500 for both concerts.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Contact: +971 4 332 1000

…or iconic Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
The Sufi music favourite sells out shows across the world and is now making his way to Dubai where he will be performing live only for one night. Expect to hear his biggest Bollywood hits and Qawwali classics in this three-hour music show. Tickets start from AED150
When: September 16
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Contact: +971 4 332 1000

Book a yoga retreat 
Natural Elements Spa & Fitness Centre at Le Meridien Dubai is hosting a weekend retreat on September 10 – 11. For the price of AED2599 you get a one-night’s stay at the hotel, ‘yogic’ meals and snacks for two days, four hours of yoga, a one-hour massage, two sessions of 30-minute of Pranayam (yogic breathing) and a load of other stuff. Sounds like the perfect zen staycation.
When: September 10 – 11
Where: Le Meridien Dubai
Contact: +971 4217 0000 or