Entertainment
Where to celebrate Eid Al Etihad in UAE?
The UAE is gearing up to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad, with a range of events that blend heritage, art and family-friendly activities.
From workshops and traditional performances to large-scale festivals, the long weekend offers plenty of ways to connect with the country’s history and community spirit. Several emirates will also host fireworks displays, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Whether looking for hands-on crafts, outdoor celebrations, heritage experiences or cultural showcases, here are some events to take part in.
In Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Yas Island
After opening its expansion earlier this year, the water park will be transformed with vibrant entertainment and heritage-inspired encounters, including spirited fisherman dance routines, appearances from beloved characters and activities such as pottery, basket weaving, calligraphy and falcon encounters. There will also be a beautifully decorated majlis area for guests to enjoy.
TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is celebrating with a long weekend of immersive art, culture and performances. Expect Ayala dancers, coffee and dates, and explore the museum’s ever-changing digital artworks that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. The visit can be rounded off at Anko, a Japanese cafe offering coffee, matcha and sweets with views of Saadiyat Cultural District.
Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is marking the occasion with a programme celebrating the nation’s heritage and unity. Expect musical performances, traditional Ayala dances, Emirati hospitality, a falcon experience and guided cultural moments throughout the palace.
Highlights include the Qasr Al Watan Library, the House of Knowledge with its Golden Ink manuscripts exhibition, a daily Horse Marshal display at 5.45pm, and a Military Music Show on select days. Each evening will conclude with the Palace in Motion light and sound show at 6.30pm.
Al Qana
Al Qana will host a series of Eid Al Etihad celebrations each evening from 5pm to 11pm until December 3, featuring Emirati cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy Ayala and Harbiyah performances, along with face painting, henna, pottery demonstrations, heritage crafts and a photo opportunity with falcons. The waterfront space will also feature dedicated areas for families to explore and take part in traditional arts.
Hudayriyat Island
Marsana on Hudayriyat Island is celebrating with a family-friendly festival on December 2. Held on the Green Lawn, the event will feature traditional performances, roaming entertainers and children’s activities, all set by the seashore. The celebration is from 3pm to 8pm.
Emirates Heritage Village
On December 1, Heritage Village will host a full day of celebrations from 8am to 6pm, featuring traditional Talli, Sadu and Khous weaving, Ayala performances and Emirati cuisine. Visitors can explore a community souq with local entrepreneurs, enjoy henna and family-friendly activities, and capture memories at dedicated photo booths.
In Dubai
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The bazaar-style venue will host a two-day celebration from noon to 8pm on December 2 and 3, transforming its amphitheatre into a vibrant showcase of Emirati culture. Visitors can explore heritage huts offering Sadu, fishnet and carpet weaving, enjoy storytelling sessions, experience falconry displays and join children’s arts and crafts workshops.
City Centre Mirdif
The mall is celebrating with a pavilion featuring live oud performances, an interactive string-art wall, a photo booth and the immersive Voices from the Past audio experience. Visitors can also try the heritage claw machine or join creative workshops in pottery, tasbeeh-making, rope art and embroidery. The food and beverage area will serve hot chocolate in National Day-themed cups.
Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai is marking Eid Al Etihad with events across various venues. At the newly opened House of Arts, visitors can explore exhibitions, artist-led workshops and community activities inside the former Morocco Pavilion.
On December 2, the space will host National Day celebrations featuring tastings, children’s workshops, talli and burqa-making sessions, an art talk with Amna Abulhoul, a performance by the Firdaus Orchestra and film screenings by Cinema Akil.
Families can also visit Terra for the Nature & Wonder Festival on December 1 and 2, offering workshops, storytelling, camel rides and activities that highlight the UAE’s native flora and cultural heritage.
Al Shindagha Museum
From November 29 to December 3, the museum will host a series of cultural stops and workshops celebrating Emirati craftsmanship. Near Al Maktoum House, expect sessions in burqa sewing, Al Sadu weaving, making fishing gargoors, silversmithing and perfume blending, alongside folk performances such as Al Nahmah, Al Ayala and Al Yowla.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood & Hatta Heritage Village
On December 2 and 3, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Hatta Heritage Village will host cultural performances and heritage activations, offering visitors a chance to enjoy traditional arts in two of Dubai’s most historic settings.
Etihad Museum
Etihad Museum’s celebrations from December 1 to 3 will see the building illuminated in UAE flag colours and a programme highlighting the story of the Union. Visitors can explore interactive installations rooted in Emirati values, a VR station showcasing national achievements, hands-on planting and clay workshops, and heritage performances including Al Harbiya, Al Ayala and oud music.
In Sharjah
Al Layyah Canal
Al Layyah Canal in Sharjah is hosting Eid Al Etihad celebrations for the first time, with nightly events until December 2.
Visitors can enjoy Emirati folk performances such as Al Razfa and Al Ayala, interactive shows, light displays and a Sultan of Sharjah presentation by Al Shaer Band. The canal also features youth-led projects, heritage-inspired crafts and family-run stalls. There will also be children’s zones with art workshops and play areas.
Sharjah Museums Authority
Sharjah Museums Authority is marking the occasion with a programme of cultural activities across the emirate until December 3. As part of the celebrations, all SMA museums in Sharjah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan will offer free entry on December 2 and 3.
Highlights include heritage performances, educational workshops and interactive stations at sites such as Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi in Kalba, Sharjah Fort and Hisn Khor Fakkan, alongside extended museum hours and guided tours.
Visitors can explore traditional crafts, maritime heritage showcases, children’s activities and community murals, as well as a range of exhibitions, from Andalusian cultural pieces to displays on native UAE plants and archaeological artefacts.
Kalba Kayak & Adventure Cafe
Absolute Adventure is celebrating the long weekend at Kalba Kayak & Adventure Cafe, set inside Al Qurm Mangrove Reserve. From November 29 to December 2, families can enjoy children’s activities and scenic outdoor experiences. Kayaking, sunset paddle sessions and bike rentals are available on a walk-in basis, while the cafe will offer a refreshed menu and views over the mangroves.
The National
Entertainment
Meryl Streep comeback in ‘Mamma Mia 3’
In Mamma Mia, Meryl Streep portrayed Donna Sheridan, a single mother and independent hotel manager. Fans raved about her performance in the musical hit franchise.
But in the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again: her character was revealed to have died. Though it was not shown how.
Now, as the third instalment is confirmed, according to Dame Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, questions are raised: would she make a comeback?
“If Meryl Streep would like to come back, we’ll find a way to bring her back,” the head responds to a question about the actress’ character’s return.
Further, the executive confirms the film has been greenlighted. “Yes, I’m going to say right now that there will be a Mamma Mia 3.”
Though, Langley insists the project is in an early phase, so there is no specific time when the movie will roll out in theatres. “We’re talking about it.”
Earlier, Amanda Seyfried, who played Sophie in the Mamma Mia franchise, said her character Sophie should be the third film’s focus.
The international News
Shakira to perform at Egypt’s iconic Pyramids of Giza in April
Colombian pop star Shakira is set to perform live at the Pyramids of Giza on April 7, as part of her worldwide “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour, organisers said.
The concert is expected to draw a large audience to one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, with the global singer planning a visually ambitious production designed to match the scale and symbolism of the ancient site.
The show marks Shakira’s return to Egypt nearly two decades after her successful 2007 performance at the same venue as part of her Oral Fixation Tour, which at the time drew a large audience and widespread media coverage.
Shakira is expected to perform a selection of her most popular hits that have shaped her global career over the years, in a setting that blends music with history.
Gold, Silver Prices Make Olympic Medals Most Valuable in Modern History
It isn’t solid gold — but it’s never been worth more.
Athletes stepping onto the Winter Olympic podium in Italy this month are being draped in the most valuable medals in the Games’ modern history thanks to near record-high precious metal prices.
Since the Paris Summer Olympics started on July 26, 2024, spot gold prices have jumped roughly 110% to about $5,000 per ounce, while spot silver has surged about 180% hovering near $78 an ounce, according to FactSet data.
At current prices, the intrinsic or “melt value” of an Olympic gold medal — value based solely on the metals it contains — is roughly $2,300 to $2,500. Silver medals now carry a raw metal value of about $1,400.
Each gold medal handed out at this Olympics weighs in at about 506 grams, roughly 17.5 ounces, but only six grams of that total is pure gold.
Surprisingly, despite the name, Olympic gold medals are mostly silver. There hasn’t been a solid gold medal since the 1912 Stockholm Summer Olympics.
Under current International Olympic Committee guidelines, gold medals must consist of at least 92.5% silver and include a minimum of six grams of gold plating. Those six grams — about 0.2 ounces — are worth just over $1,000. The remaining silver core adds roughly $1,300 or more, depending on daily market swings.
Silver medals have about 500 grams of silver. Bronze medals, made primarily of copper and weighing in roughly 420 grams, carry only minimal intrinsic value at current commodity prices, worth just $5 to $6 in metal value.
Precious metal prices have climbed sharply over the past year as investors have poured money into traditional safe havens amid geopolitical instability, inflation concerns and ongoing economic uncertainty.
“The fundamentals and the tailwinds of this debasement trade are still in place, and the global central banks all over the world are acquirers of gold for the first time in many years,” Joe Terranova, a CNBC contributor and senior managing director for Virtus Investment Partners, said on CNBC’s Halftime Report Thursday. “You want to have some ownership.”
Even with bouts of volatility — including recent pullbacks over fears precious medal prices had overshot fundamentals — bullion remains near historic highs.
“The sell off [of precious metals] was attributable to excessive speculation,” Terranova said. “I don’t think it was attributable to any form of the shift in the fundamentals.”
Just this week, precious metals prices stabilized from that slip as investors assessed U.S.-Iran tensions and a drop in U.S. jobless claims that pointed to labor-market stability ahead of inflation data later this week.
Despite the soaring value of this year’s medals, they have been accompanied by an unexpected wrinkle.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee has acknowledged it’s looking into what is described as an “issue affecting a small number” of medals after several athletes reported broken ribbons or clasps during celebrations.
Organizers said they are working with the Italian State Mint to address the issue and repair affected medals.
CNBC
Entertainment
Shakira to perform at Egypt’s iconic Pyramids of Giza in April
Colombian pop star Shakira is set to perform live at the Pyramids of Giza on April 7, as part of her worldwide “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour, organisers said.
The concert is expected to draw a large audience to one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, with the global singer planning a visually ambitious production designed to match the scale and symbolism of the ancient site.
The show marks Shakira’s return to Egypt nearly two decades after her successful 2007 performance at the same venue as part of her Oral Fixation Tour, which at the time drew a large audience and widespread media coverage.
Shakira is expected to perform a selection of her most popular hits that have shaped her global career over the years, in a setting that blends music with history.
Entertainment
Alan Cumming Thanks BAFTAs Audience After Activist’s Tourette’s Interruption
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday night after audible outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson were heard during the ceremony.
The event, held at Royal Festival Hall and broadcast on BBC One, was briefly disrupted when Davidson, 54, let out involuntary shouts. At one point during the ceremony, Davidson could be heard yelling, “Shut the f*** up,” during a speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt, as well as “f*** you” when the directors of the winner for Best Children’s and Family Film accepted their award.
Davidson also shouted a racial slur as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects, per Variety. Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at 25 after experiencing symptoms from childhood, is the inspiration behind the nominated film I Swear.
Those in attendance, including BAFTA president Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, reportedly reacted with visible surprise as the auditorium fell silent during speeches, making the outbursts more noticeable.
“The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded,” a source told HELLO!
Cumming acknowledged the moment on stage, explaining that strong language can be part of how Tourette’s presents for some individuals. “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Alan said on the stage. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone. We apologise if you are offended.”
Cumming addressed the audience again later in the evening, this time apologising to anyone who may have been offended by Davidson’s words. “Tourette’s syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight,” he said.
Prior to the show as well, the event’s stage manager introduced Davidson, 54, to the audience and alerted attendees that they might hear some “involuntary noises or movements” during the ceremony, per Variety.
Davidson appeared to have left the audience during the second half of the show, per Variety.
I Swear, directed by Kirk Jones, received five nominations, including best leading actor for Robert Aramayo, who ultimately won the award as well as BAFTAs EE Rising Star.
During his acceptance speech for the latter award, the actor praised Davidson and called for greater understanding of his condition. “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met,” Aramayo, 33, said. “He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should still be so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”
Aramayo continued, “I just want to say for people who are living with Tourette’s, it’s the buzz around them that helped define what their experience is, so to quote the film, ‘They need support and understanding.’”
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