Yas Mega Mela: A Festival Of Food, Music & Culture Comes To Yas Island

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Yas Mega Mela: A Festival Of Food, Music & Culture Comes To Yas Island

A three-day fest celebrating Indian culture and Bollywood is coming your way! One of the biggest festivals in the UAE, the Yas Mega Mela is coming back and how! From 31 October to 2 November, the Du Arena will transform into a vibrant party venue, packed with food, music, sensational performances by celebrity singers, kids workshops, art and craft activities and much more!

The festival is scheduled to take place days- from 31 October -2nd November 2019, at the du Arena. The mega mela is expected to be a fun fair packed with good food, music and some sensational live performances. Here’s what’s in store!

What’s It?

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral is organising the Yas Mela, a three-day fest on the Yas Island.  The mega fest has a whole lot of events and activities lines up to keep you entertained. Wondering how? Bollywood’s sensational singers Kanika Kapoor and Ankit Tiwari are headlining this first ever Yas Mega Mela. (Jumps in joy)

Witness live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, binge on Indian and international cuisine, be part of food tasting sessions, shop at street markets and experience much more!

Here are other things you can do at the Yas Mega Mela:

Live Music and Dance

The festival promises three days of fun, but the highlight ought to be the live music by celebrity singers. Kanika Kapoor, the voice behind some of Bollywood’s biggest hits- Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, Baby Doll and Jugni Ji, will entertain the audience at the Yas Mega Mela on Thursday, 31 October. On Friday, 1 November award-winning singer, Ankit Tiwari will have the audience groove to his musical hits including Sun Raha Hai and Galliyan.

The three-day Yas Mega Mela promises to host a jam-packed musical weekend with back to back Bollywood pop and classical performances, bhangra dancers, live bands and DJs.

Taste of India

From fine dining restaurants to an array of food and drink stalls, the mela will serve lip-smacking Indian and international cuisines, allowing foodies to explore unique flavours. In addition, street foods lovers can binge on authentic Indian street food!

Credits: Yas Mega mela/ Facebook

Celebrity Chefs’ Theatre

Meet celebrity chef, cookbook author and self-proclaimed gastronomic junkie, Vicky Ratnani and watch dish out signature delicacies and share cooking techniques.

Fireworks Extravaganza

Each evening, an intense and vibrant fireworks display will light up the night sky over du Arena and Yas Island to celebrate the season of the festival of lights. Don’t miss out on what is set to be the biggest firework display Abu Dhabi has ever seen.

Shopping Bazaar

Shopaholics, listen up! The Yas mega mela will feature a Shopping Bazaar where you can nab pretty little things. From hand-made Indian artefacts to International brands selling garments and accessories, there’s a little something for every kind of shopper.

Health & Beauty Masterclasses

If skin and haircare come first for you, you’re sure to love this! The mela will have a panel with beauty influencers sharing skin and haircare tips, and discussing new products in the market. Oh, and don’t forget to take home some of the products!

Credits: Yas Mega mela/ Facebook

Cricket Academy – Coaching & Challenges

Young cricket enthusiasts, here’s your chance to get expert batting and bowling lessons. Get involved in a friendly match too! Do you know someone who has what it takes to be the fastest bowler at the Yas Mega Mela?

Kids’ Zone

How can we forget the kids! The mela has a dedicated Kids Zone packed with everything from a merry-go-round, carnival games and swings, a carousel, jumping castles, henna, and arts and crafts activities.

Credits: Yas Mega mela/ Facebook

Tickets are on sale now www.yasmegamela.ae with Standard tickets starting from AED20. VIP tickets provide  exclusive access to the VIP lounge along with two drinks vouchers starting from AED75. Kids under the age of 16 go free.

Yas Mega Mela Timings

  • 31st October, Thursday – 4pm to 11pm
  • 1st November, Friday – 2pm to 11pm
  • 2nd November, Saturday – 2pm to 10pm