Abu Dhabi will come alive later this week as it hosts EidFest Abu Dhabi, set to run from October 25 to November 19, with award-winning artists, theatrical shows and exhibitions, engaging visitors from across the region.

“Eid is a time of celebration, of sharing happiness and experiences, where everyone comes together. EidFest Abu Dhabi will be the common thread that binds the community, helping create memories and experiences that will help define the holiday period,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, events manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which is spearheading EidFest Abu Dhabi – the second in the event series.

Taking centre stage is Yasalam, the huge free-to-the-public festival running along the UAE capital’s Corniche beachfront. Yasalam is being held in conjunction with EidFest for the first time and will ensure international artists, acts and entertainers keep crowds buzzing in the build-up to November’s Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, running from 2 to 4.

Top names performing as part of the free-to-attend Beats On The Beach concerts over Grand Prix week include Missy Elliot, Tamir Hosny, Cee Lo Green and Mel C as well as UAE-based bands and DJs. Fans can also get up-close to the motorsport action over Eid at the F1 Fanzone, which will see autograph signings, merchandise stands, racing challenges and simulators running throughout.

TropFest Arabia, the world’s largest short film festival, set to take place on October 26 is a key attraction in the celebrations.

Eid Al AdhaShopFest will run from October 18 to 27 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), bringing the atmosphere of an Arabian-themed bazaar to life with dozens of clothing, painting, fabric and handicraft stalls. Entrance is free.

For kids, Barney Let's Go! Live On Stage!, featuring the lovable purple dinosaur, will run twice daily at Adnec from October 26 to 28. Tickets start from Dh99 ($27) with a very limited amount of VIP packages available that include the best seats, Arabic or western platters for ten people, merchandise and a meet and greet opportunity with Barney himself. Tickets can also be bought online.

TCA Abu Dhabi is also hosting its own free-to-attend daily shows at Al Ain Mall and Marina Mall on the Corniche throughout Eid.  

The Emirates Palace hotel will host the regional finale of the runaway hit ‘Rest Upon the Wind’ world tour – a revered theatrical stage production based on the life and times of Gibran Khalil Gibran, the third best-selling poet of all time and celebrated author of ‘The Prophet’, which has been published in more than 44 languages and sold over 140 million copies worldwide.

Produced by Ali Matar and directed by Tanushka Marah, the one-night-only show – part of the production’s globe-trotting world tour - has been organised by TCA Abu Dhabi and will take place on October 27. Tickets are available in four categories starting from balcony at Dh195 ($52).

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park and home to the planet’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, is hosting ‘Speed Week 2012: The Science of Speed’, daily from 11am - 9pm, between October 26 and November 4.

Science of Speed will hosts fun activities for the entire family – including an energetic Speed of Sound live show, an interactive Science Lab and Speed Week Studio for kids, and stunt racers. Speed Week 2012 will also feature the 8th World Finals of the international ‘F1 in Schools’ competition, as students from more than 40 countries around the world battle it out for the championship title.

EcoFuture, an interactive exhibition that gives glimpses of a future world and explores how we will survive on an ever changing planet, will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat daily from October 26 to 29. Entry for children under 15 years of age will be free between 10am and 1pm.

Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing facility, continues to live up to its ‘coolest place in the UAE’ moniker with special discount rates from October 25 to 29.

Its regular package (10am to 6pm) of Dh250 ($68) includes admission, swimming pool and kids splash area access, rafting, airpark, zipline and climbing wall access, whilst the sunset package (6pm to 10pm) is Dh50 ($14) for the same.

In Al Ain, the iconic Hili Fun City will extend its opening hours over Eid and offer ticket deals. The Al Ain Mall will get into the spirit with jugglers, magicians, roaming musicians, balloon twisters and cartoon characters performing daily. It also has daily celebrations and live orchestra music in its purpose built amphitheatre.

The Arabian Nights Heritage Village, which offers the ultimate authentic desert experience, has a 25 per cent discount on future bookings for anyone staying in the luxury desert camp from October 26 to 29.

Belevari Marine Catamaran Cruises, which operates Abu Dhabi’s largest sailing catamaran, is offering 20 per cent discount on tours. Cruises leave daily from Emirates Palace Marina.

Mushrif Mall will have its celebrations starting from October 23. In addition to Eid decorations, it will display the world's largest book, named ‘This is Muhammad’, which entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest book on February 27.

It took professional workers 16 months to finish the 5-metre-long, 4.03-metre-wide and 1.5-ton book, which is estimated to be worth $2.99 million.

Al Ain Zoo, with its 10am to10pm extended Eid hours, will host dance performances paying homage to the diverse cultures that its animals hail from, including the Emirati Al Harbia and the Dabka, an energetic Indian dance, and traditional African dances.

A captivating fire show performance promises to fascinate audiences, while guests can also enjoy the eagle and falcon presentations, bird and parrot shows, photo opportunities with parrots, and Ahlan services.

Hotels will also offer a wealth of top deals for the festive period. The Emirates Palace hotel, Sands Hotel and Jumeriah Etihad Towers are running a ‘stay longer, pay less campaign’, with reducing daily room nights for guests booking longer lengths of stay.

The Yas Viceroy Hotel is offering a ‘kids stay free’ room package when adults book two nights or more. For Dh1,395 ($380)inclusive of charges for two nights, guests get a kids room free, two adults and two kids tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, daily buffet breakfast and WiFi internet access.

Hilton Abu Dhabi is also offering two packages - wellness and family. The wellness package includes a one-night stay, a 30-minute massage at the Hiltonia Spa, an in-room juice bar, yoga, pilates or a different healthy activity of choice at the Hiltonia Health Club, a healthy meal at La Terrazza Restaurant and a late check-out. Rates start from Dh750 ($240) per person per night.

For the family package, the hotel offers families a 20 per cent discount on bed and breakfast of the best available rate and children under 12 eat and stay for free. The package includes a complimentary late check-out till 4pm and complimentary shuttle to the Marina Mall.

Rotana hotels across the emirate also have special Eid rates, starting at Dh250 ($68) per room; Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s rates start from Dh649 ($177) including breakfast; InterContinental Abu Dhabi is offering a double room with breakfast from Dh451 ($123); Ayla Hotels’ special room packages inclusive of tickets for Al Ain Zoo or Kids Fun Zone start from Dh650 ($177); and Hyaat Capital Gate is offering a three-night stay for Dh1,500 ($408) inclusive of all charges.

Meanwhile, TCA Abu Dhabi is extending its special EidFest welcome for visitors and residents. The Authority will mount 11 EidFestAbu Dhabi booths throughout the emirate for the four Eid days to welcome guests with dates and Arabic coffee while a henna designer will decorate hands, free of charge.

The booths will operate throughout Eid from 10am until 10pm daily and will be found at Marina Mall, Khalidiya Mall, Mushrif Mall, Mazyad Mall, Dalma Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (evening prayers only) and Al Ain at Al Jimi Mall, Al Bawadi Mall and Al Ain Mall.

A special 20x15 tent will also be open on the Corniche throughout, offering an extended activity line up including a falconer, photo-booth, calligrapher and Harbeya band. – TradeArabia News Service