Waka Waka to the wedding of the year

So Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting hitched this Friday and Dubai has already hung up its party streamers in style.

We say chink away with a few Pimms before hopping on to a bus to take the celebrations into the night with Colombian queen Shakira and Egyptian royalty Amr Diab, in a concert that is sure to be charged with adrenaline and will take the local wedding celebrations of Will and Kate well into the night.

So what are you waiting for? Read on for details.

GeekFest Dubai at The Shelter, Al Quoz

April 28

Geeks ahoy! The GeekFest, the last one to be held at the old Shelter facility (or so we have been told), is great opportunity to network and indulge in a fun-filled evening that is a thankful change from your average Thursday night clubs, pubs and movies.

Look out for the GeekFest Mobile, which will showcase mobile apps by ishopaholic, CareZone, me360, and Aramex Shop and Ship.

The ever popular GeekFest Talks will hear Ion Gonzaga talk about World Blogger’s Day, David Westley on MidEast Posts, and Narain Jashanmal on Voila Dubai; Joumana Medlej will also be presenting the story of Malaak, a cartoon strip.

Our favourite, of course, is the GameFest, along with the chance to grab a 45 Gigapixel print of Dubai.

An added bonus is the 7.45pm screening of Emirati film maker Ahmad Al Redha's “Emirati Zombie Movie”.

The event runs from 7.30pm until 11pm. Entry is free.

MSF Vertical Marathon at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

April 29

Here’s your chance to get fit for a good cause. The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Vertical Marathon race returns to Dubai, with a stair climb up the 52 floors or 1334 steps of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Office Tower).

This 9th annual edition of the MSF Vertical Marathon will see participants choose to run individually across four categories or as part of a team, with a minimum of three and maximum of four members. You can enter multiple teams.

Entrance fees are Dh500 for adults and Dh350 for juniors.

This year, all participants will be timed using computerised timing chips by Premier Timing. On the morning of the event, all pre-registered participants will sign in and collect their timing chips between 6.30am and 7.30am at the Godolphin Ballroom. The race is scheduled to start at 8am.

All participants and their supporters are invited to join us for a complimentary breakfast buffet in the Godolphin ballroom during / after the race. There will also be an awards ceremony to conclude the morning. Call: 04 345 8177

Will and Kate wedding in Dubai

April 29

Posh frocks and tailored tuxes might just be what that neighbourhood fashionista has ordered as Dubai hangs up the party streamers for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29.

Hotels around the emirate are pulling out all stops to get into the sprit as royal feasts are being cooked to mark the happy occasion, while special drinks and dishes are being created just in honour of the happy couple.

So who cares if you can’t get yourself on the guest list and join the wedding celebration of the year at Westminster Abbey?

Emirates 24|7 shows you how it’s really done - Dubaistyle.

PS: If you are a homebody, tune into Dubai One, which will be airing the wedding live from 2pm.

Shakira and Amr Diab Live at Yas Arena

April 29

Flash Abu Dhabi brings you the sensation Shakira, who will shake a hip with Middle East’s very own heartthrob, Amr Diab.

The duo will set the stage on fire at Yas Arena, Yas Island on Friday; and if you have missed the twosome in their respective solo performances then here’s your lucky chance to see two at the price of one.

Columbian singer Shakira will be returning to the UAE after her 2009 New Year’s Eve concert that was a smash hit; and why not, considering her Lebanese roots make her a huge hit with the large population from the Levant country that reside here.

Songs that you are sure to hear include “Estoy Aqui”, “Whenever, Wherever”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, “She Wolf” and “Waka Waka”. Who knows? Even a medley with Diab will not be amiss that evening.

For those of you not in the know, Egyptian singer Diab became an overnight sensation when his tracks “Nour el Ain” and “Tamalli Maak”, peaked on the global charts.

Doors open from 6pm. Tickets range between Dh250 and Dh595, with a special VIP table booking of 10, including beverages and 2 VIP Parking passes (21 years old and over only) for Dh10,000. Call: 800 FLASH

Walk for Autism 2011 at Zabeel Park

April 30

If there was ever a charitable cause that needed your support then the Walk for Autism 2011 is it. Taking place at Zabeel Park from Saturday 5pm, the initiative is sponsored by the Child Early Intervention Medical Center.

What promises to also be a fun-filled family event, the idea behind it is mainly to raise awareness and help integrate special children in the community. The event is also being held in collaboration with UAE Red Crescent and supported Dubai Health Care City.

Part of the activities will include health and safety corner, bake sales, educational activities, an art and craft area where paintings, handicrafts, handcrafted-jewellery will be sold.

Daiji Darbar at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium

April 29

Daiji Darbar-2011 is a special event being held in Dubai to honour the 12 th anniversary of the association of Konkani writers in the UAE.
 
Beinge held on Friday at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium of Indian High School from 4.30pm onwards, a host of singers and comedians from India will be flown in exclusively to perform at the event.

During the event, the annual Daiji Award will be conferred on Jerry Niddodi while the lifetime achievement award will be given to Henry D’Souza from Mumbai, the singer known for the hit song, “Katrina”. Salman are you listening?

D’Souza has been pencilled in as the star performer, along with Nephie Rod Pradhan from Bollywood. The duo will present the greatest Konkani hits of all time.

Keny Zuzarthe, known for being in touch with his feminine side, will be another attraction of the event. He will also render his popular songs along with a couple of new songs.
 
Young and emerging singing sensations Antony Tauro and Munita Veigas, who has created a name for herself at a young age, will be performing for the first time in Dubai.

For tickets call: 050 6547235

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