Socially yours: The weekend’s must-do events

After, what has felt like the longest week ever, the weekend is finally rolling around and the time for being lazy is long past.

We are now in the precious few weeks in the lead up to summer and Mother Nature is beckoning for all of you to let down your hair and get your groove on in the great outdoors.

Emirates 24|7 has rounded up the hottest outdoor activities this weekend to cool you down. And yes, there are a few token indoor events for those who are allergic to sunny Dubai.

Coolio Live in Concert at Barasti Beach

March 25

Coolio. Remember him? The American rapper who once shot to fame, back in 1995 to be precise, with his smash-hit track “Gangsta’s Paradise” from the motion picture soundtrack of “Dangerous Minds” is zipping into Dubai to blast you firmly back into the past.

The musician will be performing live at Barasti Beach at, well, your guess is as good as ours. But the bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi will be open between 5pm and 3am so head down there for an early sundowner and enjoy the weather and the crowd before the rapper rocks it.

Entry is free between 5pm and 11pm, and Dh100 after. Joining Coolio will be Marty Metcalf, Rohan Nunez and The Barasti Beach Angels.

Umeed 2011 at The Palladium

March 25
 
It’s power to the Pakistani musicians as some of the top acts from the Asian powerhouse make their way to Dubai this Friday.

Shafqat Amanat Ali of Fuzon band is the headliner, whose stirring melodies such as “Aankhon Ke Saagar” and “Mora Piya” has inspired many a romantic soul to up the ante and woo their loved one. The singer has also successfully crossed over into Bollywood in the recent past, with his most popular track being “Mitwa” from director/producer Karan Johar’s magnum opus, “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”.

Accompanying this talented singer will be our personal favourites, the effervescent Strings. The Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood duo has wowed generations of fans over the decades.

While its original line-up comprised four musicians, this duo has managed to breathe fresh air into a music scene that is largely populated with remixes and flash in the pan acts.

Our recommendation: polish up on all the hit tracks because these boys will not disappoint.

Unsure of the tracklist? Add “Sarkiye Pahar”, “Duur”, “Dhaani”, “Koi Aane Wala Hai”, and our personal favourite, “Najanay Kyon” from the film soundtrack of “Spider-Man 2”.

Rounding up this fusion of talent is the not-so-popular-yet-but-seconds-away- from-the-limelight rock/fusion band, Overload.

Walking with the accolade of being the Loudest Band in Pakistan, founder and drummer Farhad Humayun has witnessed many line-up changes since the band’s formation in 2004, but the music is just as fresh.

Hits include “Cursed”, “Dhamaal” and “Storm.”

Organised by Baqaa Glamour Events, tickets start at Dh100 for the Rocking Dugout and go up to Dh1250 for the Premium Seating. From 7pm until 1am.

The concert is being held at The Palladium, Dubai Media City. Call: 04 323 7858 
 
Abu Dhabi Festival 2011: Macadi Nahhas & The Levant Music Heritage Project at Emirates Palace

March 25
 
Culture vultures please take note. The Abu Dhabi Festival, which runs until April 4, will delight you with its daily treats, providing connoisseurs with new and exciting opportunities to engage in the arts.

Including classical music and jazz, ballet and contemporary dance, opera, traditional Arabic music, visual arts and spoken word, with thriving education and community programmes, the festival continues in its drive this Friday with a lecture and concert by the inspirational Jordanian vocalist Macadi Nahhas on a pioneering research project into the folkloric music of Bilad Al Sham.

Tickets for the event have already sold out online but you may try your luck at the Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation box offices.

Show starts at 8pm. Tickets priced at Dh100.The event is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Call: 050 907 6158 
 
Mongolian Animals Circus at Zayed Sports City

March 25 until April 28
 
The circus is coming to town and what we’ve been promised is a fun-filled family event, which ensures the safety and treatment of its animals is paramount.

Organised by Sky Events Management, the show will be held daily, except Saturdays, with a special 10am matinee show.

Magicians, acrobats, crazy clowns with their crazier antics – the whole shebang is offered on the cards. Now don’t say there aren’t that many events for the younger lot.

Tickets start at Dh95, going up to Dh595 for VVIP (it’s the UAE. Every event has a VVIP slot these days). Call: 02 633 4630
 
Mickey’s Amazing Adventure at Mall of the Emirates

From March 25 until 31

If you have kids or just love Disney movies and characters then head to the Mall of the Emirates for Mickey’s Amazing Adventure at the main Galleria stage, Central Atrium.

Audiences will join Mickey and the gang in a globetrotting voyage of discovery, visiting far-away lands in the jungle, under the sea and across the African savannah.

Characters from “The Jungle Book”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Lilo and Stitch” and “The Lion King” will join Mickey and friends on stage for a fun adventure.
 
This magical musical show featuring classic Disney songs will have families wanting to sing and dance along with their favourite Disney characters.Each show is 30 minutes long and attendance to the show is free. Seat allocation will be on a first come first served basis with performances held daily at 4:30pm, 7pm and 9pm. Do not forget your cameras.

The event is brought to you by the Dubai Events and Promotions Organisation. 
 
Holi Dhamaal by Embassy of India at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

March 25
 
If Dubai can do it, then can the capital be far behind?

After two sensational holi celebrations last weekend – one featuring UK bhangra act RDB while the other was at Al Mamzar Beach – the Indian festival of colours will be celebrated in style by the Embassy of India.

Indians and guests are invited to stock up on colours and bring in the spirit of holi at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where Indian pop singer Anamika (of  “Kaala Sha Kaala” fame) will be performing live after a long hiatus.

Joining her on stage will be DJs Zobha, Ricky, Ronny and Knox. The event kicks off at 10am.

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