Top things to do this April

Explore the best things to do in the region and around the world this season, from cultural festivals to global observances and more.

Al Batha Festival

🗓 Until April 28, 2022 📍Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The UAE’s oasis town, Al Ain, is home to the Al Batha Winter Festival where visitors can experience an authentic taste of Emirati culture and heritage.

Running until the end of April, the event offers fun for all the family, with an array of desert activities to enjoy the area’s stunning natural landscapes such as camping, desert safaris and horse riding. There is also a delicious selection of Emirati and Arabic cuisine at the food trucks showcasing the best of local and regional gastronomy.

To book your hotel in Abu Dhabi, visit rotana.com

Songkran Festival

🗓 April 13 - 15, 2022 📍Thailand

The festival to mark the Thai new year is a fun but symbolic period in the country’s cultural calendar. Meaning ‘passage of the sun’, Songkran is a time of both celebration and contemplation for Buddhists in the country.

Water is a key component of the festival, symbolic of washing away the previous year, and in festive spirit, Songkran is celebrated with street gatherings featuring loud music and a giant water fight as well as deeply traditional Buddhist rituals.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

🗓 April 15 - 24, 2022 📍California, United States

Passes for the much-lauded music and arts festival are now on a waiting list as festival fans have been eager to snap up tickets to the 2022 extravaganza. With all travel restrictions now dropped, it is business as usual for one of the world’s most famous festivals, spread over two weeks in the California desert. The all-star line-up includes Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Kanye West.

Large scale art installations will also be displayed by artists including Architensions, Cristopher Cichocki and Kiki Van Eijk.

Earth Day

🗓 April 22, 2022 📍Global

This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day which will be celebrated by millions around the world. Under this year’s theme – Invest In Our Planet – Earth Day 2022 will centre on accelerating solutions to combat our greatest threat – climate change. From community rubbish collections to tree planting and events promoting sustainable businesses, there is much being done around the world as the annual event gains ground as a pillar in the climate change calendar.