Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival Returns to Goa for Its Landmark 10th Edition


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Serendipity Arts Festival is set to return to Panjim, Goa, from 12โ€“21 December 2025 for its landmark 10th edition, offering a 10-day celebration of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, craft, photography, and immersive experiences for all ages. This December, Panjim will once again transform into a nucleus of creativity, presenting over 250 projects curated by more than 35 leading voices. The Festival unites artists, performers, chefs, musicians, designers, and storytellers from across India and the world, promising families, students, travellers, and culture enthusiasts a vibrant and unforgettable experience.

Over the past decade, Serendipity Arts Festival has embraced a nomadic spirit, bringing its celebration to cities across India and beyond. From Birmingham to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Varanasi, Chennai, Gurugram, and Dubai, the Festival has fostered artistic exchange, cultural exploration, and community engagement, culminating in Goa for its largest edition yet. Founderโ€“Patron Sunil Kant Munjal reflects that culture builds empathy, cultivates leadership, and teaches what education alone cannotโ€”kindness, patience, and the ability to hold multiple perspectives. The Festival transforms public spaces into living canvases of creativity and supports hundreds of emerging artists across South Asia.

The 10th edition of Serendipity Arts Festival is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. Events are family-friendly, mostly free to attend, and spread across walkable routes with free shuttles connecting venues. The Festival unfolds across multiple locations in Panjim, including the Old GMC Complex, Art Park, Festival Barge along the Mandovi, and the Nagalli Hills Arena. Accessibility features, volunteer assistance, sustainable practices, and interactive sessions for children and individuals with special needs reflect the Festivalโ€™s commitment to responsible cultural growth.

Visitors are encouraged to follow hygiene and safety guidelines, including responsible parking, shuttle usage, and use of refillable water bottles. First-aid facilities and information desks are available at all venues. While most projects are free with registration, tickets for limited events can be booked online via the Festival website or app.

As it celebrates ten years, Serendipity Arts Festival remains committed to its simple yet powerful vision: culture is for everyone. With its expansive and diverse program across disciplines, the Festival invites audiences to Goa not just for a holiday, but for a celebration of creativity, connection, and community. Registrations are now open for the 2025 edition, and audiences can book their Art Pass, explore workshops, exhibitions, and performances, and stay updated with the latest announcements on the Festival website.

#TravelwithAllycaral ๐Ÿ‘’

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ranked #1 in the Middle East and 8th Globally by TripAdvisor


Abu Dhabi, UAE โ€“ The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as one of the worldโ€™s leading cultural landmarks, being named the number one tourist attraction in the Middle East and eighth globally in TripAdvisorโ€™s 2025 Travellersโ€™ Choice Awards. The mosque climbed two spots from its 2024 global ranking, continuing its trajectory as an architectural and cultural beacon.

Selected from more than 8 million global landmarks, SZGM is now among the top 1% of all reviewed attractions, based on feedback from millions of international travellers. This recognition is a testament to its outstanding visitor experience, inclusive programming, and architectural grandeur.

A Vision of Culture, Faith, and Innovation

โ€œThe global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE,โ€ said Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC). He credited the rise in global standing to the mosqueโ€™s year-round strategic efforts in enhancing guest experiences, expanding cultural initiatives, and developing infrastructure and services.

SZGM: More Than a Mosque

Beyond being a site of prayer, SZGM is a global hub for cultural dialogue, drawing over seven million visitors annually. Its mission revolves around peace, coexistence, and heritage, making it an inclusive destination for people of all backgrounds.

Visitors can enjoy:

  • ๐Ÿ•Œ Cultural tours by trained Emirati guides
  • ๐Ÿš— โ€˜Unseen Glimpsesโ€™ electric car tours exploring exclusive parts of the mosque
  • ๐ŸŽง El-Delleel โ€“ a 14-language multimedia guide including sign language & childrenโ€™s content
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Souq Al Jamiโ€™ โ€“ shopping & dining experiences
  • ๐Ÿƒ Jogging track offering panoramic views
  • ๐ŸŒŒ Sura evening tours โ€“ 24-hour access for transit tourists

Landmark Achievements Across the UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also earned global recognition, ranking in the top 10% of tourist landmarks worldwide. This is especially significant considering its relatively recent activation of visitor services.

Together, both mosques exemplify the UAEโ€™s commitment to cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue, rooted in authentic Islamic values.

Cultural Experiences Beyond Compare

The mosqueโ€™s Dome of Peace, Light & Peace Museum, and rotating exhibitions like Hajj: Memories of a Journey and Coins of Islam offer immersive encounters with Islamic heritage.

The Diya โ€“ A Universe of Light experience uses 360-degree sound, wind, and light to take visitors on a sensory journey through starlit universes into the heart of the UAEโ€™s cultural soul.

A Symbol on the World Stage

Thanks to its excellence, SZGM has become a must-visit site for international dignitaries, with 82% of visitors coming from abroad. Its rising stature strengthens Abu Dhabiโ€™s position as a cultural capital, while showcasing the UAEโ€™s ethos of peace and innovation.

As global recognition grows, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands tall โ€“ not just as a building, but as a living message of unity, light, and legacy.