Make the most of the new year.

For the first time in years you've woken up feeling fresh on January 1 - so do something productive with your day! It's the first day of 2009, happy new year! Because so many events were cancelled last night or kept low key, for lots of us today will be the first new year's day we've surfaced before midday in a long time. So look on the bright side, partying until the early hours is all well and good but making the most of the day, in particular a day off work, is even better. So, if you're reading this paper from the comfort of your bed, get up and start the day (after you've finished reading this story of course). There's plenty going on in and around the city today and 7DAYS has listed just a few of the things you could do with your new year's day. If you're still in festive eating mode head down to Al Bustan Rotana hotel. They are celebrating Epiphany with an exclusive 'King Cake' festival. Guests can sample the delectable varieties 'La galette des Rois' or 'Cake of the King', a special pastry made of puff layers with a dense centre of almond filling. A tradition for families across Europe, the King Cake is one treat you will surely not want to miss before you start the new year health kick. If you prefer your savoury food, this may be the last day of seasonal meal deals in Dubai restaurants so give them a call and see if they have any special offers on. Blue Orange at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi beach resort and marina has a lavish lunch buffet for dhs350 for adults and dhs175 for children. Phone 04 5117141 for reservations. You could head down to Abu Dhabi to watch the Capitala World Tennis Championships. Today is the first day of the event, at the International Tennis complex at Zayed Sports City. Although popular stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer won't be on court today, you could catch a site of them as they're due to be signing autographs at the complex throughout the tournament. For details and directions visit www.capitalawtc.com Make the most of the local environment and take the kids on an educational day out. The Explorer guide says Dubai's reputation as a destination for birdwatchers has grown considerably over the years with many birds not easily found in Europe or the rest of the Middle East frequenting the emirate. The Khor Dubai wildlife sanctuary - Dubai's only nature reserve - plays home to flamingos and other shore birds and waders. Situated at the end of The Creek, entrance is prohibited but you can easily spot the birds from the road as you drive from Bu Kidra roundabout to the Wafi junction. Or, visit a local park where you can spot parakeets, Indian rollers, little green bee eaters and hoopoe. For those of you who have woken up rested with bags of energy and fancy having a new year's day you'll be able to brag about for years, spend the day at sea. The activity organiser Blue Banana has a special new year's 'Ultimate Watersports' day pass for dhs375. The pass allows you to do three awesome activities in the water. If you want to start the day on a high you can go parasailing at 300 feet over the amazing Gulf, or take a 30 minute speed boat trip. The next activity is a choice between a banana boat ride or a donut ride. And finally have an energising three hour session on a kayak or bodyboard. For more information visit www.bluebanana.com or phone 04 436 8100. If you fancy a day by the sea but your budget won't stretch to dhs375, just grab a few friends and a picnic and head to the beach anyway. Take a pack of cards or some other games and make the most of the cooler weather and a day off. We live so close to the sea but very few of us make the most of it. For those who want to get their dose of culture, head to Al Sahara Desert Resort for a performance of 'Jumana; Secret of the Desert'. Folklore from across Arabia is translated into a modern myth by 60 dancers and acrobats. With a full complement of camels, horses, pyrotechnics, lasers and water effects, it's a show for all the family. Prices are dhs130 for children and dhs255 for adults.The show starts at 9pm and for information phone 04 367 9500. And for those of you who haven't been on a desert safari yet, today could be the perfect opportunity. Desert Rangers will also be leaving today between 2.30pm and 3pm for a spot of dune bashing followed by camel riding, henna painting, shisha and bellydancing while watching the sun go down. They charge dhs295 per person. Phone 04 340 2408.

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