Red hot attraction offers, award-winning artists, engaging theatrical shows and exhilarating exhibitions all combine later this week for an exciting EidFest Abu Dhabi running 26-29th October.

The emirate will come alive through a co-ordinated activation of compelling offers, attractions and events to woo visitors from across the Emirates and around the GCC.

“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 this Eid 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 Abu Dhabi 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 2-4th.

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.

Just before the Grand Prix, fans of all-things celluloid and animation should make a beeline for TropFest Arabia, the world’s largest short film festival, on 26th October– a key attraction in the awesome Yasalam and EidFest Abu Dhabi celebrations.

For a bit of retail therapy, the Eid Al Adha ShopFest will run from 18-27th October at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), bringing all the atmosphere of an Arabian-themed bazaar to life with dozens of clothing, painting, fabric and handicraft stalls. Entrance is free; bargains will be everywhere!

For younger kids, it’s an entertainment wonderland this EidFest Abu Dhabi with a wealth of shows on offer.

Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage!, featuring the lovable purple dinosaur, will run twice daily at ADNEC from 26-28th October. Boasting 90 minutes of song, dance and fun, it is a must do for fans of the huggable star. Tickets start from AED99 (US$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 be bought online through www.boxofficeme.com or by calling 800 90.

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 super-sweet Strawberry Shortcake and friends will take to the stage twice daily in Al Ain (28-29th) with loads of interactive games and competitions as part of her 50 minute show as will the characters of Hamtaro, a golden hamster with an insatiable curiosity who will be joined by his ‘Ham-Ham Friends’ for their 50 minute, twice daily spectacle at Marina Mall (26-27th).

For those more culturally akin, 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 27th October. Tickets are available in four categories starting from Balcony at AED195 (US$52) and can be bought at www.timeouttickets.com, via a domestic toll-free hotline on 800 4669, or an international sales hotline on +971 4 210 8943.

Away from the stage, a host of Abu Dhabi stakeholders are offering special Eid packages.

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, October 26th to November 4th.

‘Science of Speed’ 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, stunt racers and many more surprises round the corners! Speed Week 2012 will also feature the exciting 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.

Another favourite will be EcoFuture - an interactive exhibition that gives glimpses of a future world and explores how we will survive on an ever changing planet. Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat daily, entry for children under 15 years of age will be free between 10:00 -13:00 on 26 – 29th October 2012 as part of EidFest Abu Dhabi.

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 EidFest Abu Dhabi discount rates, 25-29th October. It’s ‘Regular Package’ (10am to 6pm) of AED250 (US$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 AED50 (US$14) less for the same.

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

The Arabian Nights Heritage Village, which offers the ultimate authentic desert experience, has a 25% discount on future bookings for anyone staying in the luxury desert camp over Eid, 26-29th October.

For those looking to get out on the cool Arabian waters this Eid, Belevari Marine Catamaran Cruises, which operates Abu Dhabi’s largest sailing catamaran, is offering 20% discount on tours over Eid. Cruises leave daily from Emirates Palace Marina; to book (subject to availability) call +971 2 6431494.

Mushrif Mall will have its Eid celebrations starting from 23rd October onwards. In addition to Eid decorations, it is displaying the world’s largest book, named ‘This is Muhammad’, which entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest book on February 27th. 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 US $2.99 million.

Details of all EidFest Abu Dhabi activities, attraction offers and information can be found on www.eidfestabudhabi.ae or by calling toll-free 800 555.

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