Your key to happiness

Want to start the New Year on the right note? Look no further than the Art of Living Foundation's Happiness Programme. All set to take place from January 7-11, this extensive programme, conducted by Art of Living member Mawahib Al Shaibani, is designed to teach yoga enthusiasts simple stretching and relaxation exercises, interactive exercises and Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing technique that is believed to restore harmony in the body and mind while also helping the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. The benefits are immense and there's nothing quite like a few sessions to clear your mind, reduce stress and enhance your overall quality of life. The course fee is Dh750, and details can be found at www.artoflivingme.org. What are you waiting for?

Who's the best pianist?
The fourth edition of the Sharjah World Music Festival, organised by Furat Qaddouri Music Centre and sponsored by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), is finally here and the event will be kicked off with an eight-day talent hunt for gifted pianists. If you have skills on the keyboard, be sure to take part in the competition that will take place from 7-14 January between 7pm and 8pm at Al Qasba, Sharjah. Talented participants will be judged by a jury of music experts as well as the audition panel of the Federal Council of the Royal Academy of Music in London. And of course, there are cash prizes to be won by those in the first, second and third place. Call 06-252999 or email info@furatmusiccenter.com to take part.

Take a trip back to the 90s
Start your New Year on a swell note with the aptly named Feel Good Fest by Mission Control X, set to take place on January 13. If you ever get nostalgic about the 'good ol' days', this is a party you wouldn't want to miss. After all, how can you possibly feel down when you're dancing to Macarena or singing along with Mambo No. 5. Other highlights of the festival include British pop sensation Atomic Kitten wowing audiences with hits like The Tide is High and DJ Sash! getting people to dance to hits such as Ecuador. The event will take place at Nasimi Beach and ticket prices start at Dh295 (to be available on www.platinumlist.com and www.800tickets.com). For details, check out their Facebook page.

Stop and smell the roses
Premium flower delivery brand Forever Rose has just launched its latest product line and it's sure to be a sweet-smelling surprise for all. The Forever Oud Sticks are made from ground oud wood and release a heady scent when burned. And it may just be the perfect gift when paired with the ornately carved diffuser box that releases a controlled level of smoke (so as not to disrupt any smoke alarms). Each stick burns for about 35 minutes and 30 can be bought for Dh200. Perfect for any occasion.

Calling all young entrepreneurs
Does your kid have natural flair for business? Well, here's how you can develop those skills. The Arcadia Preparatory School has teamed up with 7billionideas to launch the Entrepreneur-in-Residence programme. The school will be hosting a special workshop on January 7, from 10 am-12pm, where kids between the ages of 3 and 11 can participate in a variety of activities to help them develop integral skills such as public speaking, listening, presentation and teamwork. The event is free and open to all students across the Emirates, but registration is mandatory. So, if you think your kid has what it takes to be the next Zuckerberg or Branson, just call 04-5522600 to sign 'em up. For more information, email info@arcadia.sch.ae.