16 July 2025

Ahmad Nabil: Fetus Exodus

Jameel Library Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai

A Jameel Library Commission by the Palestinian artist and educator that explores regional myths and legends through ten monthly texts – chapters in fact, in digital form – that address an imagined foetus (referred to as a “child of myths") [ ... ]

Free

The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

The Club Al Mina, Abu Dhabi

The July Laughter Factory tour looks like a good one to finish the season. The acts: Steven Briggs excellent high-energy US standup with a CV that includes winning one of the Moth's StorySLAMs (open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can [ ... ]

AED 160

Friday Night Spotlight

Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Courtyard's community theatre night, described as "a celebration of creativity and experimentation" with community members and in-house performers taking the stage to try out fresh ideas and showcase their talents. The first half features performances from the community, offering [ ... ]

Free

The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

The July Laughter Factory tour looks like a good one to finish the season. The acts: Steven Briggs excellent high-energy US standup with a CV that includes winning one of the Moth's StorySLAMs (open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can [ ... ]

AED 160

Summer Cinema: Rematerialising the Archive

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

Jameel’s Summer Cinema, organised in collaboration with The Culturist Film Club and curated by Hind Mezaina, is a season of free-to-attend films about cities, archives, and the ways we live and remember together. Audiences are encouraged to engage in "collective [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

The final gig for the July Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Steven Briggs excellent high-energy US standup with a CV that includes winning one of the Moth's StorySLAMs (open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, five-minute [ ... ]

AED 160

LAST CHANCE Eltiqa: How to Work Together?

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

More 80 artworks by the Palestinian artist collective Eltiqa, Eltiqa (Arabic for “encounter”) is an artist collective from Gaza City founded in 2000. Eltiqa members have developed artistic practices together – including the setting up of a dedicated exhibition and [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE The History of Letters and Diacritical Marks

Al Rahmaniyah Mall Abu Amr Al Basri St, Al Rahmania Suburb, Sharjah

This short Sharjah Public Libraries exhibition – part of SPL’s centennial celebrations – features rare manuscripts and artefacts from the Sharjah Quran Complex collection, shedding light on the vital role the Arabic script has played in preserving cultural identity and [ ... ]

Free

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

M.O.R.O.N.S

Blacksmith Bar The First Collection Business Bay, Al A'amal Street, Dubai

Mad Cat's Business Bay comedy night – "Dubai's Wildest Crowdwork Roast Show". The cover charge of AED 99 includes one drink.

AED 99

Summered

Artbooth Gallery Centro Capital Center, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi

The summer show at Artbooth Gallery is a group exhibition featuring Soraya Abu Naba’a, Gilbert Halaby, Asaad Arabi, James Mathews, Habuba Farah, Noor Bahjat, Bruno Sfeir, Oussama Diab, Layal Khawly, and Elias Naman. We’re promised “more than an ode to [ ... ]

Free

The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

Mad Cat brings its standup crew to Abu Dhabi's Easy Tiger bar in the Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

AED 99

I Am Cuba: dir Mikhail Kalatozov (1964)

Efiɛ Gallery 2 Al Khayat Art Avenue, First Al Khail Street, Dubai

A landmark in radical political cinema and one of the most visually ravishing films ever made, this legendary hymn to revolution was the product of an ambitious collaboration between the Soviet and Cuban film industries, I Am Cuba unfolds in [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Politically Incorrect Comedy

The Clavichord Signature Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai

Mad Cat Comedy is back at the Clavichord in TECOM with "Dubai's wildest comedy night ... raw, unfiltered, hilarious". The cover charge of AED 80 includes one drink.

AED 80

Joke Hub

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai

Another regular Mad Cat Comedy night – "Dubai's wildest comedy show on Saturday" (sic). The cover charge of AED 99 includes two drinks.

AED 99

LAST CHANCE Nima Nabavi: Sunrise at the Vortex

The Third Line Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The second solo exhibition by Nima Nabavi at the gallery features new works that mark a significant evolution in the artist's practice, reflecting a deepened commitment to introspection, geometry, and modes of making that embrace technology alongside traditional tools. Created [ ... ]

Free

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Jameel Library Commissions: A Conversation and Workshop with Ahmad Nabil

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

Artist Ahmad Nabil talks with Jameel Library’s Azim Al Ghussein about Nabil's ongoing Fetus Exodus project, followed by a bilingual writing and drawing workshop. The discussion will consider the transformative nature of myth-making and storytelling, and the ways they shape, [ ... ]

M.O.R.O.N.S

Blacksmith Bar The First Collection Business Bay, Al A'amal Street, Dubai

Mad Cat's Business Bay comedy night – "Dubai's Wildest Crowdwork Roast Show". The cover charge of AED 99 includes one drink.

AED 99

The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

Mad Cat brings its standup crew to Abu Dhabi's Easy Tiger bar in the Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

AED 99

LAST CHANCE time heals, just not quick enough

Efiɛ Gallery 2 Al Khayat Art Avenue, First Al Khail Street, Dubai

This group show of film and photography features works by contemporary artists across generations – Samuel Fosso (b.1962), Aïda Muluneh (b.1974), Kelani Abass (b.1978), Abeer Sultan (b.1999) and Sumayah Fallatah (b.2000). Curated by Ose Ekore, the exhibition seeks to provide [ ... ]

The Comedy Lab

Radisson Red Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai

Mad Cat's regular Thursday stop in Silicon Oasis promises "the UAE's top comics".. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

AED 99

Summer Cinema: Home, Longing and Solitude

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

Jameel’s Summer Cinema, organised in collaboration with The Culturist Film Club and curated by Hind Mezaina, ia a season of free-to-attend films about cities, archives, and the ways we live and remember together. The four short films this evening explore ideas [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Rushdi’s Comedy Souk

Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A rare midsummer evening of improv and stand-up hosted by Rushdi. The bar's set pretty high: "from side-splitting stand-up to mesmerising improv, the finest comedic artists from near and far come to showcase their talent".      

Free, but pre-register

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

LAST CHANCE Ihab Ahmad: I PUT MY BRAIN ON PAUSE!

Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

The new body of work in this solo exhibition marks a turning point in Ihab Ahmad’s practice – "a move toward instinct, spontaneity, and emotional exploration" as the gallery puts it. Smiling faces populate the canvases, each a reflection of [ ... ]

Free

Friday Night Spotlight

Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Courtyard's community theatre night, described as "a celebration of creativity and experimentation" with community members and in-house performers taking the stage to try out fresh ideas and showcase their talents. The first half features performances from the community, offering [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd: Garden of Murmurs

CARBON 12 17th Street, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd's body of work delves into his Iraqi heritage, while bridging painting, drawing and fibre art – "reconciling the tactility of textiles with a sensitive examination of form", as the gallery puts it. "Focusing primarily on the [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Architectures of the In-Between

Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse C19, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

A group show featuring Nevine Hamza, Atefeh Majidi Nezhad, and Layla Juma. Says the gallery: "Each artist navigates the threshold between structure and sentiment, material and memory, between what is seen and what is sensed ..." Hamza’s work draws on [ ... ]

Free

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Faraj Suleiman Live in Concert

The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

For his full UAE debut Suleiman takes to the stage with a full band to performing selection from his albums, including his breakthrough Better Than Berlin and his most recent release Maryam. His music blends jazz, rock, classical, and Arabic [ ... ]

AED 125

LAST CHANCE Nazgol Ansarinia: Instruments of Viewing an Obscurity

Green Art Gallery Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Recent projects from the Tehran-born artist. Nazgol Ansarinia’s work examines the systems and networks that underpin her daily life – from everyday objects to routines, events and experiences. She's interested in the relationships they form to make up a larger [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Maitha Abdalla: Between Metamorphosis and Reality

Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

With a mix of painting and sculpture, this solo exhibition by the Emirati artist explores folklore, mythology, psychology, and social constructs that shift between abstraction and representation. Says the blurb: "The exhibition highlights the power of art to spark dialogue, [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE No Trespassing

Ishara Art Foundation Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Ishara’s first summer exhibition, curated by Priyanka Mehra, features six UAE-based and South Asian artists exploring their relationship with the street – “a collection of individual experiences that alternate between chaotic and orderly, gritty and beautiful, uninhibited and curated … [ ... ]

Candlelight: From Mozart to Chopin

Mina A’Salam Hotel Jumeirah Road, Dubai

Aldo Dotti plays a 65-minute programme of classical piano favourites by the gentle glow of candlelight. The programme: Mozart: Rondo alla Turca from Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K 331 Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 12 in F Major, [ ... ]

From AED 150

LAST CHANCE The Prism: Project Oneness / Trust, Gratitude, and Love Journey

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

"An immersive exploration of The Prism’s distinctive artistic vision ... Going beyond aesthetics, these exhibitions create emotionally and spiritually resonant experiences, transforming light and space to challenge perceptions and inspire deep reflection ... Through dynamic interplays of form, colour, and [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Elysian Awakening of Powerful Spring

Rarares Galllery Zone C, Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai

A group exhibition, curated by Sara Serpilli and Marina Baisel, featuring Fatma Latooh, Barbara Duran, Sara Alkhayyal and Zeina Abdullah. Says the gallery: "this exhibition is not merely a showcase – it is a tribute, a declaration, and an invitation [ ... ]

Free

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Bik Van der Pol’s The poem that jumps the fence

Abu Dhabi Beach Al Hisn Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artist duo Bik Van der Pol (Liesbeth Bik and Jos Van der Pol) engage in collaborative projects on how art constructs public spaces for speculative thought and collective creativity. The poem that jumps the fence features weekly performances on Abu [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

LAST CHANCE Shingo Yamazaki: Mauka to Makai

Volery Gallery Maze Tower - 5201, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai

The Middle East solo debut for the LA-based artist, known for layered, poetic paintings that explore the intersection of memory, identity, and place. Says the gallery: "Yamazaki constructs atmospheric compositions where domestic interiors dissolve into natural landscapes. Veil-like layers of [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Summer Collective: Wavering Hope

Ayyam Gallery B11, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ayyam Gallery’s summer group show celebrates and questions the current siutation in Syria with works by Kais Salman, Khaled Takreti, Tammam Azzam, Abdalla Al Omari, Othman Moussa, Safwan Dahoul, Thaier Helal, Elias Izoli, Abdul-Karim Majd Al-Beik, Mohannad Orabi, Nihad Al-Turk, [ ... ]