Kick-Start the Holiday Season With ExpatWoman's Festive Fair 2019

Check out what's happening throughout the day so you don't miss any of the festive fun!

Meet Santa at his grotto

Each year, we like to give kiddies the chance to get their Christmas lists to Santa early - and 2019 is no exception. Little ones will be able to meet the main man himself to share their Christmas wishes... And they'll walk away with a gift, too!

PLEASE NOTE: Santa’s Grotto tickets cost AED 50 per child, and each child will receive a toy worth AED 100+. We encourage you to arrive early to ensure a slot with Santa.

Christmas shop in our Crafter's Market

We're proud to partner with some of the most talented artisans and boutiques in the city, who help to bring you a diverse and unique shopping experience at our fair. You'll find those one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts and stocking-fillers for everyone on your list.

Refreshments and food on the day

Visitors to our Festive Fair will find various food trucks and bars onsite throughout the event, plus over those over 21 will be able to access our beer garden.

Live entertainment and stage program

Full details are TBC - but expect live entertainment throughout the day by some of the city's best local talent, as well as a band who'll be performing rock and seasonal tunes to really get you in the festive mood. Not forgetting our carollers will be returning for 2019, too!

Kids' Fun Zone

There'll be all-day free activities for children including a festive train, bungee, obstacle course and more!

Win big

Visitors to our Festive Fair can enter a chance to win a four-night full-board stay in an overwater villa at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives!

Holiday home workshops with GMC

We've teamed up with Al Ghandi Motors and GMC to bring event-goers a jam-packed day filled with festive workshops that are the perfect way to get into the festive mood. From making keychains to dreamcatchers and other unique gifts and decorations, you can find out more about what's happening and the schedule here.

See, sit on and visit the FRIENDS Central Perk couch in person!

Thanks to STARZPLAY, the world-famous orange couch will be making its way to our 8th annual Festive Fair! So if you missed your chance to see it for its 25th-anniversary world tour, you'll be able to visit a replica of the recognisable sofa in person at our event on November 22. Find out more here!

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV, Acadia crossover, the unmistakable Yukon and the most powerful V8 pickup in its class the Sierra.

At our 2019 event, the team from GMC will be holding Holiday Home workshops, which will see a full-day program of DIY sessions that are sure to inspire you to decorate your home this festive season.

Blossom and Babilou Nurseries follow the Modern British Curriculum EYFS, the program is designed in a way to help children boost their self-confidence as children are guided to learn through experience and play. All activities contribute to one of the below areas of development:Cognitive Development, Social and Emotional Development, Speech and Language Development, Fine Motor Skill Development and Gross Motor Skill Development.

Meet the Blossom Nursery team at the event and take part in some fun activities at their stall near the kids' fun zone!

King’s College Hospital London in Dubai has been established to provide for the healthcare needs of the whole family and, whether your medical problem is simple or complex, their clinics can deliver the finest levels of healthcare including consultations, diagnostic tests, treatments, and recovery support. Stay tuned for further details about what's happening with King's College Hospital London on the day...

• Photography and video on the day

There will be dedicated photographers and videographers on the day taking pictures of our entire event. If you do not wish for you or your child's photo to be taken, please just let one of our team members know on the day and they'll be happy to assist!

We'll also have members of the EW team taking photos and videos for the purposes of sharing on social media, so if you do not wish to be included, please just let a member of the EW team know when you arrive.

• Will there by parking?

We strongly encourage all guests to enter via Hessa St, and there is free parking available in the Sports Village car park and on the sand by the tennis courts. We encourage you to arrive early or to take a taxi on the day to avoid any traffic and/or delays in getting in and out of the area.

• Is there an ATM machine onsite?

There is an Emirates NBD ATM machine onsite at the Sports Village.

• Can I bring my children?

Of course you can! Absolutely, children are very welcome to this event. Plus, it'll be there first chance to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, so definitely bring them!

• Can I bring my pet(s)?

We're sorry, you can't bring your household pet to our event. If you own a guide dog who must attend with you, please email our Events Manager at [email protected] and we'll come to an arrangement for you if necessary.

• Can I buy refreshments at the event?

Yes of course, there will be refreshments and a bar available to all who attend throughout the event.

• Will there by handmade crafts or products to buy?

That's the best bit! Browse the fantastic work of the Emirate's crafters on the day... You might even pick up a fantastic new Christmas decoration for your home or the perfect gift to give this Christmas?

• Will there be children's entertainment and games?

Not only will there be Santa's Grotto for all the children to meet the man himself, but there will also be a bouncy castle on site, a festive train, and more!

• Is there an entrance fee to attend the event?

Absolutely not! Entrance is free on the day, so there's no excuse not to bring everyone.

**If you wish to get involved as a crafter or vendor, please ensure you arrange this in advance by emailing [email protected]**

• Do I need to pre-register to attend?

Nope! There's no need to pre-register, just turn up on the day.

• What are the opening times?

New for this year - we've extended our timings! Our fair will be open to the public from 10am to 9pm!

• Is this a female only event?

Absolutely not, bring your husbands and your sons, your brothers and your father! We know they all secretly love ExpatWoman anyway...

• Is it an indoor or outdoor event?

This event is completely outdoors except toilets which are located inside the Sports Village.

• Will there be first aid on-site if needed?

Yes of course, we aim to ensure the safety of all visitors joining us on the day and first aid services will be on hand should you need them.