Here are 8 things to do in the UAE over the long weekend

The UAE has confirmed that Thursday, September 21 will be a holiday to mark the Hijri New Year.

With a three-day weekend for all, it’s time to start planning to make the most of it. Fortunately, there’s plenty on offer, with new shows, exhibitions, foodie events and Saudi National Day celebrations.

Here’s your inspiration for the long weekend.

Read: UAE confirms Islamic New Year holiday for public and private sectors

1. Enter a golf tournament

An amateur golf tournament is taking place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Thursday to celebrate the 100th issue of Golf Digest magazine. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, and The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort And Spa is offering a special double room rate of Dhs500 for players staying the night of the tournament.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 6pm, Thursday September 21. Dhs350. Tel: (02) 8853555. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Golf Club. golfdigestme.com

2. Check out a new exhibition

The story of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is told in a new exhibition at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque starting Wednesday, September 20. Hajj: Memories Of A Journey features photos, multimedia displays and art installations from private and public collections.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, 4.30pm to 10pm, Friday, 9am to 10pm, Saturday to Thursday. Free entry. Tel: (02) 419 1919. szgmc.gov.ae

3. See a musical theatre legend

Tony Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga is performing two shows at Dubai Opera this weekend. The Filipina artist was the original star of Miss Saigon, and was the first Asian actress to play the role of Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway.

Lea Salonga in Concert, Dubai Opera, 8pm, Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23. Tickets from Dhs250. dubaiopera.com

4. Take a tour of Dubai Opera

If you don’t have time to make it to a show, why not check out one of the new behind-the-scenes tours at Dubai Opera? The guided tours are available in both English and Arabic, with a focus on the theatre’s inner workings and design.

Dubai Opera, 10.30am daily. Dhs75, or Dhs40 for kids aged 3-16. dubaiopera.com

5. Witness La Perle

The long-awaited Franco Dragone production has finally opened its doors, and it’s the show on everybody’s lips. Experience spectacular aquatic and aerial stunts during the 90-minute live show, which takes place on a custom-built ‘aqua stage’ filled with 2.7 million litres of water.

La Perle, Al Habtoor City, 7pm to 8.30pm/9.30pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to 5.30pm/7pm to 8.30pm, Saturday. Tickets from Dhs400. laperle.com

6. Take part in a cheese tasting

French bistro La Serre in Downtown Dubai is hosting a cheese tasting experience in collaboration with cheese master, Patrice Marchand. Cheese enthusiasts can indulge in more than 40 types of cheese during the intimate seated session, while learning about the history and tradition of each variety.

La Serre, Vida Hotel Downtown, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday September 22. Dhs175 with one glass of wine, Dhs225 with three glasses of wine. Booking required. Tel: (04) 428 6969. vida-hotels.com

7. Enjoy a Saturday feast

La Ville Hotel & Suites, the boutique hotel in City Walk, has launched a new ‘Lazy Grazing Feast’ at its Graze Gastro Grill. Friends and families can enjoy a relaxed dining experience, with an endless flow of dishes served to the table, like sea bass ceviche, BBQ short ribs, baked oysters and wild mushrooms.

La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Dubai, 1pm to 6pm, starting Saturday September 23. Dhs199 for unlimited food with soft beverages. Tel: (054) 309 5948. livelaville.com

8. Watch a fireworks display

In celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, several fireworks displays will be taking place across Dubai. Fireworks can be seen at Riverland in Dubai Parks and Resorts, as well as at Dubai Creek, while a special ‘Imagine’ show will take place at Dubai Festival City.

Riverland, Dubai Parks and Resorts, 9pm, Friday September 22. Free entry. riverlanddubai.com
Al Seef Street, Dubai Creek, 8.30pm, Saturday September 23. Free. visitdubai.com
Dubai Festival City, 7.30pm/8.30pm/10.30pm, Friday September 22 to Wednesday September 27. Free. festivalcentre.com