Your Where-to-How-to gig guide for National Day

Picture courtesy: (Amazingonly.com)

Published Wednesday, November 30, 2011

By Bindu Suresh Rai

The excitement mounts in the lead up the country’s 40th National Day celebrations, with concerts and gigs galore to rev up the ante as December 2 fast approaches.

Organisers have taken advantage of the long weekend to create an action-packed calendar of events that stretches across the UAE, with many more cultural spectacles that offer fun for the whole family.

Emirates 24|7 dives into the melee and brings you the best of the fest with this UAE National Day guide.

December 1

Khaleeji musical nights

It’s time for local and regional musicians to take centrestage this National Day, with performances across the country, including downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Gharbia and Dalma Island.

Commencing Thursday, head to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) where Emirati singer Mansour Zayed will perform his most popular hits, with follow up acts by Saudi singer Aseel Abu Bakr, Kuwait’s Abdullah Al Rowaishid and Morocco’s Mona Amarsha.

Across the city, Emirati singers Hamad Al Amri and Rania will also wow crowds in Al Gharbia’s Madinat Zayed Cultural Centre while Meetha and Harbi Al Amri will belt out performances in Dalma Park on Dalma Island.

On Friday, Emirati singers Hussain Al Jasmi will be joined by Eida Al Menhaly in Abu Dhabi while Zayed and young Emirati singer Al Yazia along with Amdel Menem Al Amri and Kuwait’s Yousuf Al Omani will perform live at Al Ain’s Heritage Village.

Meanwhile, Emiratis Faisal Al Jassem and Said Al Salem will take to the stage in Al Ghariba, while Dalma Island will see a gridlock of fans for Habib Al Yasi and Al Yazia.

On Saturday, Al Omani, Hamad Al Amri and Aryam will bring the National Day celebrations to a close at Al Gharbia.

The concerts kick off at 9pm every night. Entry is free.

Spoiled: Featuring DJs Bob Sinclar, Alex Gaudino and Alexandra Stan

Only the best would do for the 40th UAE National Day celebrations and who better than one of the world’s top DJs to head to Dubai for the special occasion.

Indeed, Bob “Love Generation” Sinclar is en route to the emirate, who will be performing live with DJs Alex Gaudino and Alexandra Stan at Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah on December 1.

For those not in the know, Sinclar is only one of the top dance music DJs across the globe. The prodigy hit the decks at the age of 17, back in 1987 and shot to fame notoriously when his track, “Gym Tonic”, which was co-produced by Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk, featuring vocals illegally taken from a Jane Fonda fitness tape.

A little bit of notoriety was enough to put Sinclar on the map, and there has been no looking back since his 2005 smash hit, “Love Generation” reached number in top 10 charts across Europe and the UK.

Not only did this track become one of the official anthems for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, but its follow-up hit “World, Hold On”, broke even bigger records.

Need we say more?

Gates for this National Day gig open at 8pm, with tickets priced at Dh240 and Dh450. Call: 04 446 7301

World Top DJs Festival 2011

It’s time to let down your hair and groove the nights away as the three-day World Top DJs Festival 2011 and Awards comes to Dubai with Leeroy Thornhill, Freemasons, Akcent, Artful Dodger and many more top acts from around the world spinning the decks from December 1 until 3.

The massive gig is being hosted at the Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai from 4pm until 2am.

Tickets are priced at Dh250, Dh450 and Dh995, across various categories. For details, call Merchant E Media on: 04 354 6447

December 2

Opening ceremony: A royal affair

All roads will lead to the Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium, Abu Dhabi this Friday, which will serve as the nucleus of all National Day celebrations.

The mega opening ceremony is expected be attended by royals, government members, citizens and residents of the UAE in a never seen before spectacle that is expected to mesmerise the masses.

Expected to take to the stage is a cast of over 100 performing artists, with Khaleeji singers, traditional Arabic dancers, aerialists, acrobats and more.

The special treat, of course, will be the three-dimensional animation display that is supposed to cap of this spectacle with finesse.

Capping off the celebrations will be a spectacular fireworks display.

Those interested can attend this exciting celebration free of cost. However, due to space restrictions, only a limited number of seats are up for grabs. To book your spot, log on to Uaenationalday.ae/eticket.

Gates open at 2pm with celebrations scheduled to start from 5pm.

Unplugged by Souk Madinat featuring Kate Nash

British songstress Kate Nash is all set to perform at this National Day treat at the Amphitheatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

The 24-year-old prodigy has already sampled fame in her young career with hits such as “Foundations” and “Do-Wah-Doo.”

With two studio albums to her name, Nash is an artist who is expected to hit the leagues of Gwen Stefani very soon. Catch her live while you still can.

From 6pm, with advanced tickets priced at Dh150 and Dh180 at the door.

Organised by OHM Records, for details call: 04 397 3728

Hollywood Legend Michael Winslow Live

Get set to have that funny bone tickled with a Hollywood comedy legend making his way to our shores on this monumental occasion.

Best known for playing Sergeant “Motor Mouth” Jones in the hugely successful Police Academy film series, Michael Winslow’s show is a whirlwind of staggering special effects, astounding sounds and extraordinary noises.

Not to be missed, the hugely popular actor will be performing at Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.

Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm. Tickets are priced at Dh175 and Dh250. For details, call Viva Arts: 04 374 6789

Atif Aslam and Euphoria Live

It’s the 40th UAE National Day and how can it not be a time for the Asian communities to also celebrate, which have played an integral role in the country’s social and economic landscape over the past four decades.

To pay tribute on this special day, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and and Indian rock-pop band Euphoria will be performing live at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Expect all the popular track from their respective repertoire, including Aslam’s “Doorie”, “Bheegi Raatein”, “Jal Pari” and more. Meanwhile, Euphoria is sure to bring on their trailblazing “Dhoom” and “Phir Dhoom” tracks, amongst others.

Free for children under two years, tickets are priced at Dh25, Dh100 and Dh250. From 6pm until 11pm. Call Shahzeb Khalid: 055 319 7766

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