Make some popcorn and curl up with these mood-boosting flicks.

Feel-good classic and new movie releases to watch at home

We could all do with a few hours of escapism right now. Whether it is continuously scrolling through our social feeds for updates or tirelessly tuning into the latest breaking news, the current situation can leave even the best of us feeling a little low. 

Cosying up on the couch in front of an excellent film is a surefire way to take your mind off the world’s worries shortly and thanks to the growing number of online streaming services, there is now more viewing material at our fingertips than ever before. 

From the laugh-out-loud flick that always brings a smile to our face to a musical comedy that you can’t help but sing along to, here are five of the best movies to watch, all sure to boost your spirit – plus, where to order your favourite cinema food at home.

This Is 40

WatchThis is 40 on Netflix 

Where to watch: Netflix 
Perfect for: Watching with your other half 

While not a new release, we recently watched this hit movie on Netflix and can confirm that it still holds up in the comedy stakes. The brilliant Leslie Mann (the flick also co-stars her daughter) and Paul Rudd play a married couple entering their forties juggling the trials and tribulations of their jobs, bathroom boundaries and bringing up tech-obsessed kids. 

This film delivers many laughs and is one that many will find relatable – especially during a time when we are spending so much time at home with the family!


Frozen 2

From big kids to little kids, Frozen 2 will keep everyone happy

Where to watch: Apple TV 
Perfect for: Kids of all ages 

If you are a parent to little ones, then chances are you have already watched the blockbuster sequel to the first frozen flick. If, however, you missed it in the cinema, now is your chance to get extra brownie points with your brood and buy it on Apple TV.

Be aware – the songs are super catchy, and everyone in your house will be humming the same tune for many days to come.


Free Willy 

Troubled kid Jesse bonds with a killer whale in Free Willy 

Where to watch: Netflix
Perfect for: A family duvet day

An oldie but a goodie from 1993, this childhood classic was recently added to Netflix. Perfect for the whole gang – younger ages included – the story follows Jesse, a troubled young boy, who bonds with a killer whale named Willy. Jesse embarks on a battle to free his new friend back into the wild from owners who want to harm him. 

Sure, there are some sad bits, but this touching film is mainly upbeat and, most importantly, wraps up with a happy ending. 


School of Rock 

The cool kids in School of Rock with their music-obsessed ‘teacher.’

Where to watch: Apple TV 
Perfect for: Music-loving kids and adults alike 

Lead by legendary funnyman Jack Black; this pumping comedy is packed with music and fun. Black plays a rock enthusiast who, after being kicked out of his band, takes up a teaching job at a prestigious elementary school despite having no qualifications to do so. The plot sees Black’s character inspire the kids to break out their talent to form their very own band. 

Expect plenty of raucous comedy, hilarious performances and rock ‘n’ roll riffs from this crowd-pleasing flick. 


The Hundred-Foot Journey 

The Hundred-Foot Journey stars Dame Helen Mirren and Charlotte Le Bon

Where to watch: Netflix 
Perfect for: All the foodies

This film is quite literally a feast for the senses. A tale of clashing cultures and cuisine, the flick follows Dame Helen Mirren’s uptight character Madame Mallory, whose fancy gourmet restaurant in the French countryside is disrupted when Hassan Kadam (played by Manish Dayal) and his family move in opposite and open an exotic Indian eatery. 

A rivalry soon breaks out between the two restaurants, until things take an unexpected and heartwarming turn. 


Order Cinema Eats Straight To Your Sofa 

Order popcorn for your next movie night directly from VOX Cinemas in the UAE

Did you know that you could still order all of your favourite cinema snacks right to the comfort of your home? Available through Talabat, Uber Eats, Zomato and Deliveroo, you’ll find all of the tasty treats you know and love from VOX Cinemas’ menu, including nachos, hotdogs, burgers and tubs piled high with salty popcorn.

From arts and crafts to treasure hunts, here are a few ideas to keep your little ones busy.

Fun-filled activities for kids at home while social distancing 

Staying home and social distancing does not have to mean endless hours of screen time and computer games for your kids – there are plenty of alternative and affordable ways to keep the little ones entertained. Just look below, where we are counting down a few of our favourite games to play at home with the kids and creative ways to keep them busy. 

Bake Off

We love these colourful cakes seen on Poppi Kit’s Instagram  

Host a family bake-off in your kitchen by teaching little ones how to whip up simple recipes such as vanilla cupcakes and blueberry muffins. You could also set up a small cookie-decorating table with icing, sprinkles and colourful candies – we are game for any activities that involve dessert!

Treasure Hunt 

With Easter on the horizon, why not plan your egg hunt around the garden or house? If you are running low on chocolate (or want to avoid significant sugar highs), order reusable plastic eggs from the supermarket and fill them with pocket change, little treats or tiny toys instead. 


Movie Magic 

As seen on Taza’s Instagram, outfits like this one will come in handy for home movie making 

If like us, you have been watching a LOT of Netflix recently; we say put all that film knowledge to good use and inspire your brood to write up a mini-movie or skit script together. Create a makeshift stage with a curtain (bed sheets work well for this) and perform your play for the other parent. Your kids can even show off their acting skills in a fun video to send to family or friends. Every Oscar-winner started somewhere!


Positive Painting

Spread smiles by painting the rainbow-like @themasenhelders

Create a picture and pasta painting station for your little ones to get creative – just make sure to layout plenty of newspaper to protect your dining room table. 

You will need: 

• ½ cup baby cereal 
• ¾ to 1 cup of water
• Food Colouring 


Steps: 

• Add the baby cereal, water and food Colouring to a food processor. If you do not have one, you can mix with a whisk. 
• Mix until colour is well blended and adjust water quantity based on the consistency you would like. 


Help spread a little cheer in the neighbourhood by encouraging your young ones to make brightly painted rainbow signs splashed with positive sayings such as “In this together” and “Let’s all be well”, which you can then hang outside your home or in a window. Symbolising unity and hope, this mini-movement is picking up momentum all around the world and sends a simple yet powerful reminder that we can all create #MomentsTogether.

Where to throw a bash they will always remember.

The best children’s birthday party locations in the Middle East

Looking for a last-minute venue to throw a children’s birthday bash? We’ve picked out a range of top spots offering from face painting and magicians to ski-themed parties on the slopes. Book now and your little ones will love you for it.


A Winter Wonderland Awaits 

Kids of all ages will love meeting the penguins at Ski Dubai

Treat your little prince or princess and their friends to the Snowpark Birthday Package at Ski Dubai, in Mall of the Emirates. Up to 25 kids will get access to the Dubai snow park, where they can enjoy endless rounds of fun on the slides, tubes, toboggan and bobsled runs. 

The birthday girl or boy will also be given a special gift, while each guest will receive a party bag full to the brim with goodies. The entertainment venue will also provide invitations, party decorations and a delicious meal to complete the experience. It doesn’t get much more stress-free than that! You can also throw in some additional options to the party mix, including face painting, balloon bending, a magician and a penguin encounter. 

Ski Egypt also offers some birthday packages to choose from, including the North Pole Experience, which includes a ‘Discovery’ skiing or snowboarding lesson, along with refreshments, a custom birthday cake and a framed photo of the big day for the birthday girl or boy. 

Ski Dubai is located in Mall of the Emirates, and Ski Egypt can be found at Mall of Egypt.

Let Them Eat Cake

Celebrate a birthday at The Cheesecake Factory Dubai

This hugely popular restaurant chain is a firm favourite with families for plenty of reasons. Not only do they offer an extensive kids’ menu (even us grown-ups can’t resist the tasty mini corndogs) but they also whip up some of the best birthday-themed cheesecakes in town. 

The sprawling floor space also means you can book a large table to fit all the kiddies, or opt for the private dining section, which you can deck out with your table decorations, balloons and presents to make the occasion extra memorable for the little guest of honour. 

The Cheesecake Factory is located in Mall of the Emirates.


A Magical Party 

Face painting fun at Magic Planet 

Kids will love celebrating their birthday amongst all the exciting attractions at Magic Planet. Located in all the top malls across the region, book now for an experience they will never forget. From rides to games, bowling and even a soft play park for younger ages, little ones will be buzzing from all the fun options. 

Magic Planet will also help arrange delicious party food, decorations, music and party bags for their friends to take home. The venue can also provide face painters, magicians and a balloon sculpting experience via their in-house party-planning team. 

Magic Planet is located at the following malls in Dubai and across the MENA:

Mall of the Emirates
City Centre Mirdif 
City Centre Deira
City Centre Al Shindagha 
City Centre Me’aisem 
City Centre Fujairah 
City Centre Sharjah
City Centre Qurum 
Mall of Egypt
City Centre Beirut 
City Centre Bahrain
City Centre Alexandria
City Centre Maadi 
City Centre Muscat
City Centre Ajman

Article Source: http://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/entertainment/the-ultimate-places-to-celebrate-your-childs-birthday

The ultimate activities to keep boredom at bay during your time off.

Fun filled weekend activities for kids

1. Take them to the Slopes 

Enjoy some fun in the snow at Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt. The world’s largest indoor snow parks, these winter wonderlands in the malls make for a thrilling day out, especially with tots in tow. They’ll love zipping up and down the slopes, learning new skills at the Ski Schools, playing with penguins and the plenty more activities on offer at these snow-capped entertainment venues. 

Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt are fun for the entire family

2. A Live Fairy tale

Situated within Mall of the Emirates, a trip to Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) is one of the best things to do in Dubai. 

The creative district and theatre are equipped with an impressive 543-seat theatre, a black box studio theatre, dance and rehearsal studios plus 18 art studios, workshops and classrooms. 

Offering something to suit all ages, DUCTAC is a brilliant place to catch a live show or even perform yourself – there are options available for all age ranges (from kids to adults classes) so get your creative juices flowing and sign up now.

The centre regularly puts on live shows, and during March (and April) you can buy tickets to see Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale. 

Suitable for kids aged three and above, expect colourful costumes, musical magic, comedy and even audience participation at this classic family musical. Catch the show on the following dates and times: 

March 28th at 7 PM; 
March 29th at 11 AM; 
March 30th at 10:30 AM and 3 PM; 
March 31st to April 4th at 11 AM and 3 PM; 
April 5th at 3PM and 7PM; 
April 6th at 10:30 AM and 3 PM.

Enjoy acting classes and live shows at DUCTAC in Dubai

3.  The Ultimate Playground in the Mall 

Little ones are in for a serious hit of fun with a day out at Magic Planet – a dedicated children’s area nestled within the mall. With lots of locations across the Middle East, the entertainment venues are heaving with games, rides, attractions and even soft-adventure play areas for younger ages. A ticket here is sure to keep them happily entertained for many hours. 

Magic Planet is located in the following malls:

Mall of the Emirates
City Centre Mirdif 
City Centre Deira
City Centre Al Shindagha 
City Centre Me’aisem 
City Centre Fujairah 
City Centre Sharjah
City Centre Qurum 
Mall of Egypt
City Centre Beirut 
City Centre Alexandria
City Centre Maadi 
City Centre Muscat


4. A Family-Friendly Feast

The best restaurants for kids in the mall

Whether you have built up an appetite after hitting the shops or whizzing down the slopes at Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt, refuel with a feast at one of the many dining options within the malls. 

Finding a spot that the whole family will enjoy can often prove tricky, especially with fussy little eaters, but we’ve seen that California Pizza Kitchen in Mall of the Emirates never fails on the foodie front. Elsewhere, Roadster Diner in City Centre Beirut and Panda Express at City Centre Mirdif are both top picks.

If you’re in a rush to feed tiny mouths, you cannot go wrong with grabbing a quick bite in one of the mall’s food courts, which are packed with international foodie stations to suit all taste buds. 


5. A Night at the Movies  

Grab a box of popcorn and treat your family to an evening at VOX Cinemas. Throughout March you’ll find a host of family-friendly films showing, including Gnome Alone – a laugh-out-loud animation from the producer of Shrek. 

The plot follows a young schoolgirl named Chloe who joins forces with a group of garden gnomes (who have invaded her home) to protect the earth against hungry Trogg creatures. 

VOX Cinemas is located in the following malls:


Mall of the Emirates
Mall of Egypt 
City Centre Deira
City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Al Shindagha
City Centre Fujairah 
City Centre Ajman 
City Centre Beirut
City Centre Alexandria 
City Centre Qurum 
City Centre Muscat
City Centre Bahrain 

Make the mall your winter wonderland with these fun-filled activities  

Festive family fun at the malls in the Middle East

Each year the shopping malls in Dubai and further across the Middle East transform into a winter wonderland filled with Santa’s Grottos, festive decorations and elaborate towering trees decked with baubles and candy. Whether you’re heading on a day out with little ones or want to get into the festive spirit, the malls in December are certainly a sight to see.

From zipping down the snowy slops at Ski Dubai to the heart-warming family Christmas movie to watch at the cinema, here we present the best experiences to ring in the festive season at the mall.

Fun In The Snow

Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Feel the spirit of the holiday with a trip to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates.
One of the top attractions in Dubai for the whole family, Ski Dubai is a true winter wonderland (in the heart of the desert) with 22,500 square meters of snow-covered terrain and 5 slopes of varying difficulty for skiers and snow boarders. The Dubai snow park also offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, from discovery to competition level.  

Whether you want to simply slide around in the -4 degrees snow, play with the Ski Dubai penguins or try your hand at one of the many entertainment options, which include bobsledding, tubing, tobogganing, climbing walls, zorbing, snow bumpers and much more, Ski Dubai has it all.

Ski Dubai is located on the ground floor of Mall of the Emirates.

The Christmas Movie

The best film to watch at the cinema in December

Round up the troops and treat your family to a movie night at the mall. With numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates, VOX Cinemas is one of the top places to visit in Dubai.

November 30th will see the release of Daddy’s Home 2 - a family comedy starring Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. The story follows a father and stepfather who band together to make Christmas time perfect for their children. Their newfound friendship is soon tested when intrusive family members arrive to shake things up. Fans of the first film will be pleased to see lots more laugh-out-loud moments as the family dynamics gone awry.

Be sure to call ahead to check out screen times in your nearest VOX Cinema at either Mall of the Emirates of City Centre locations.

Book your tickets to November’s biggest film releases!

The top films to watch at Vox cinemas

Get ready for a month of mega entertainment at VOX Cinemas this month as some of Hollywood’s most long-awaited films finally hit the big screen.

VOX Cinemas has numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates. One of the best places to visit in Dubai, it also has the UAE’s first IMAX laser screen plus a VOX 4DX auditorium and The ThEATre by Rhodes – a luxurious experience with plush reclining seats, first class service and gourmet cuisine created by famous chef Gary Rhodes. Each dish will be cooked fresh and delivered straight to your seat to enjoy while you watch.

Scroll down below to see our pick of the top three must-watch movies over the coming weeks:

Suburbicon

Suburbicon stars Matt Damon and Julianne Moore

Welcome to Suburbicon - a peaceful, seemingly idyllic neighbourhood with beautiful homes and impossibly neat lawns. But all is not what it appears to be, as the Lodge family soon discover the dark secrets masking the town’s perfect facade. Set in the 1950s, the black comedy was directed by George Clooney and stars award-winning actors including Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac.

Release date: 2nd November

Murder On The Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express starring Johnny Depp

From best-selling author, Agatha Christie comes the remake of this classic tale. After a gruesome murder, a group of strangers stranded on the train must figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. With lead roles played by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley, this crime/mystery film will give moviegoers a thrilling and suspense ride.

Release date: 9th November

Justice League

Justice League is set to be a superhero film of epic proportions

With an all-star cast featuring your favourite superheroes (including Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot in her Wonder Woman role and Aquaman played by Jason Momoa), this hotly anticipated blockbuster will no doubt reign at the box office. Comic book and action fans will be on the edge of their seats as Bruce Wayne and his newfound ally, Diana Prince, recruit a team of heroes to join forces in fighting a powerful enemy. 

Release date: 16th November

Grab your popcorn and book your tickets - Vox cinema’s latest movies are going to be a sell-out…

After a long, hot summer – the blockbusters are back! And while some of the films may look familiar (with a sequel and a remake sharing top billing) we can promise a whole new slice of the action.

Blade Runner 2049

Picking up thirty years after the first film, a new blade runner LAPD officer K (Ryan Gosling) uncovers a deep secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into utter chaos. Driven by his desire to save humanity, the naïve rookie begins a quest to track down former LAPD blade runner (Harrison Ford in fighting form) the man who he believes can help him save society. The only problem – he’s been missing for thirty years.

Release date: 5th October

Mother!

One of the most controversial films of the season, Mother! unites Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence with Bond baddie Javier Bardem in a tense psychological thriller about the unravelling of a couple’s relationship. On one level the story is simple – a woman renovating her home while her partner writes a book finds their tranquil existence threatened by the arrival of uninvited visitors. But as their relationship unravels into a harrowing tale of twisted devotion and sacrifice, critics have chosen to interpret the film as a commentary on anything from relationships to climate change. You will either love it or hate it, but you should definitely see it.

Release date: 19th October

Thor: Ragnarok

Chris Hemsworth is back in swashbuckling form but this time around, he’s lost his hammer (and his hair). Following the events of the previous film, Thor finds himself imprisoned on the other side of the universe. Escaping proves to the be the least of his problems though – once he’s free, the mighty mountain of muscle has to engage in a gladiatorial contest against his former ally and fellow Avenger - The Incredible Hulk - in order to take on arch villain Hela and save his homeworld from destruction.

Release date: 2nd November

You will not want to miss these hotly anticipated films on in the cinema this month.

There’s a whole host of action-packed new flicks to enjoy at VOX Cinemas.

VOX Cinemas has numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates. One of the best places to visit in Dubai, it also boats the UAE’s first IMAX laser screen plus a VOX 4DX auditorium and The ThEATre by Rhodes – a luxurious experience with plush reclining seats, first class service, and gourmet cuisine created by famous chef Gary Rhodes. Each dish will be cooked fresh and delivered straight to your seat to enjoy while you watch.

Scroll down below to see our pick of the top three must-watch movies…

IT

A seriously creepy remake of the classic horror film, Stephen King’s IT tells the terrifying tale of a corrupt clown (played by the talented Bill Skarsgård) as he hunts a group of kids. The movie smashed industry records with the third largest opening weekend of 2017. However, be warned, you’ll need a manicure post movie if you are a nervous nail biter – it is certainly a tense watch.

The Hitman's Bodyguard

With an all-star cast including Salma Hayek, Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, and Gary Oldman, this action/comedy follows a top protection agent who must guard his mortal enemy, the world's most notorious hitman. Expect plenty of explosions, fight scenes and even a few laughs along the way.

The Beguiled

The long-awaited new film from director Sofia Coppola (of Marie Antoinette and The Bling Ring fame) has finally hit the big screen. Starring Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning, The Beguiled tells a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge as a group of students take in a wounded Union soldier (played by Colin Farrell) during the American Civil War.


Visit VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha, and Mall of Egypt.

Everything you need to know about the Islamic holiday and what to wear to ring in the festivities with your family



An important date in the Muslim calendar and expected to take place in the early days of September (depending on the moon), Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival celebrated worldwide. Otherwise known as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, the celebration will see many of the UAE’s residents enjoy a three-day holiday to mark the holy occasion.

A special time of both family and religious devotion, Eid Al-Adha brings with it a host of celebratory events where loved ones feast and share gifts with one another.

Here we reveal the ultimate Eid gifts to buy from the Dubai shopping malls and the stylish shopping picks to celebrate the occasion in fashionable form.

Moresque Alandalus Candle available at Paris Gallery, visit City Centre Fujairah

With rich notes of saffron, ginger and oud, this decadent candle is sure to be a well-received gift across the board.

Satin gown by Rochas available at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

This dress is made for feasting, thanks to the ever so clever drop-waist silhouette. We love the shimmering sequinned bodice and satin finish for glamorous after-hours occasions during Eid.

Embroidered skirt available at H&M

A vibrant cherry red maxi skirt that ticks all the right boxes – modest, bright and bang on trend with the floral embroidered overlay. For maximum impact, team with an equally bright blouse and statement soles.