Thousands of visitors are expected to participate in the upcoming Festember, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and entertainment event, featuring experiences from all over the globe in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), as part of Abu Dhabi Food Festival (ADFF), Festember will run as part of Abu Dhabi Food Festival from December 5 to 9.

With a remarkable new location – the Waterfront Park next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and a thrilling theme focusing around lights, illuminations and inflatables, visitors can expect to experience never-seen-before entertainment, retail and food and beverage offerings that highlight Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class destination with something for everyone.

The theme is designed to allow visitors to dream, to engage with their emotions and interact with installations – light and illusions will permeate every aspect of Festember, every night.

Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, executive director, Tourism Sector, DCT Abu Dhabi,  said: “Festmeber this year will be a spectacular opportunity for families, friends and visitors to experience the very best the region – and the wider world - has to offer – from music to fashion, art to sport – and everything in between.

“As Abu Dhabi’s leisure tourism sector grows year on year, events such as Festember are attracting global interest, and form a key part of our strategy to meet future demand for world-class events. We are looking forward to hosting artists, artisans and companies from every corner of the globe. ”

The lifestyle and entertainment event launched in 2015 is the brainchild of millennial Emirati, Latifa Al Hamed. Her ambition, drive and youthful exuberance has rapidly created one of the emirate’s coolest, must-attend events.

Festival founder Latifa Al Hamed said: “Our aim is always to capture the unusual, celebrate originality and foster fun. Hosting the event in our beautiful city with so much support from the government and ADFF means we have a great deal of latitude in who - and what - we can invite to take part. This year’s programme will suprise, delight and excite everyone – and we can’t wait to see and hear people’s reactions!”

Festember is proudly the region’s leading platform for regional entrepreneurs and emerging brands to showcase their concepts - and a catalyst for bold new ideas.

Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy is also attending Festember, with the opportunity for festival-goers to better understand the academy’s aim of empowering women and girls in the UAE, through promoting sports, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. The FBMA hosts a number of local, regional and international sports events; facilitating community activities; managing and developing local talent, provides education and undertakes research work.

Mexican Nights is an unmissable pop-up element especially curated with foodies in mind, featuring renowned international chef Cristina Mennah Govela, who will offer guests a contemporary healthy approach to traditional Mexican fare, La Tostada.

Chef Cristina said: “What is special about La Tostada, is the love for my family, my country and my passion for cooking and creating unique dishes inspired by my experiences. I’m very excited to be sharing a piece of me and my journey in this country on every Tostada. Festember at Abu Dhabi Food Festival is an event made for foodies and anyone who likes eating and trying new dishes (which is everyone!).”

The celebration of all things ‘south of the border’ continues with Iconbooth’s ‘Viva la Mexico’ installation, a pop-up photo studio by photo artist Marta Lamovsek, where visitors can don a variety of outfits and costumes exploring the Mexican theme.

Retail with added detail
Since it began in 2015, retail has been a key part of the Festember experience – but this is no High Street pop-up scene; rather a group of around 20 vendors - artisans, craftspeople and innovators - bringing unique items to the table, with a strong focus on quality, innovation and design.

Many of the specially selected retailers, featuring clothing, perfumes, jewellery and food, will be offering pieces to visitors never seen before, with Festival founder Latifa Al Hamed explaining: “Our retail section has a strict selection criteria. We scour the region for emerging retailers who offer something a little different, and we are astounded by the talent we manage to discover every year. Come and support these incredible people – these are the bedrock of Festember’s ongoing success.”

Festember surprises

Installations include the 30 metre long “Illusinations Tunnel”, which plays with innovative and abstract forms, visual structures and an interactive rainbow of lighting.

Perhaps inspired by a quote from Russian revolutionary anarchist Mikhail Bakunin: “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge,” festival-goers are invited to break things thanks to Smash Room, the Dubai-based concept whereby visitors don safety goggles, choose their weapon of destruction and destroy anything and everything from glass items to electronics.

“We are very excited to be at Festember and share the innovation of the brand and its concept with a larger audience,” said Ibrahim Abudyak, co-founder of The Smash Room. “We've all just wanted to smash something, right? It's a break from the everyday, an outlet to unleash our pent-up frustrations, a way to place what's stressing us out into a lifeless object, and then smash those stressors to bits. It's hard to explain other than it just feels so good! ”

Get funky at Festember

Live music is another strong element of Festember, with a full roster of local and international talent. Local legend in the music scene, Jay Abo, will be bringing his inimitable style to the Festember stage, and he sets the scene for the event vibe beautifully: “It's always amazing to be part of a big event like this during the winter season. There's just something in the air that changes this time of year. People are kinder, they talk more, listen better at shows. I walk more and try to think about things that matter. I'm also incredibly happy to be around other talented artists and musicians, some of which I know dearly and others whom I don't - but am equally thrilled to meet!”

Singer-songwriter and music producer Aman Sheriff is one of a number of talented local and international acts performing over the five-day festival. He said: "Super stoked to be performing at Festember for the very first time! Let's sing, dance and have a great night together!"

Head for the Festember stage each evening from 5:30pm to catch a wide and wild variety of acts, including performances from Colombian singer Vera Ciocca, Bahraini singer/songwriter Banah and Virgin Best Artist Award-winner Danny Aridi, the Canadian/Lebanese singer, guitarist and songwriter, who said: “I’m very excited to perform at this year’s Festember festival. I love to perform in Abu Dhabi, and this year I’ll be singing some of my new original songs that are not yet released! My set features raw, soulful music with an acoustic performance on guitar as well as some upbeat backing tracks! I can’t wait, see you at Festember! :)” – TradeArabia News Service