• 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
  • The Laughter Factory Standup Comedy Showcase

    The Agenda Abdullah Omran Taryam St, Media City, Dubai

    The August Laughter Factory showcase has the usual stops, but with one additional name on the bill (most Factory tours have three comics). The acts are all good: Dimitri Bakanov is a UK-based half-Russian, half-Ukrainian comedian who has gigged all [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • The Laughter Factory Standup Comedy Showcase

    Studio One Hotel Dubai Studio City, Dubai

    The second gig for the August Laughter Factory tour, with four good acts: Dimitri Bakanov is a UK-based half-Russian, half-Ukrainian comedian who has gigged all over the world with a tight, slick routine – "dark, charming and never far from [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • 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
  • The Fridge Open Mic

    The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    An open mic gig for local musicians; each act gets two songs or a 10-minute slot. If you want to play, online registrations open on 18 August; or turn up from 6.30pm on the night and you might get a [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Laughter Factory Standup Comedy Showcase

    Studio One Hotel Dubai Studio City, Dubai

    The second weekend of the August Laughter Factory tour starts with its only Abu Dhabi gig. There are four good acts: Dimitri Bakanov is a UK-based half-Russian, half-Ukrainian comedian who has gigged all over the world with a tight, slick [ ... ]

    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 Standup Comedy Showcase

    Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

    The August Laughter Factory tour comes back to Dubai for its final two dates. There are four good acts: Dimitri Bakanov is a UK-based half-Russian, half-Ukrainian comedian who has gigged all over the world with a tight, slick routine – [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • 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
  • Thinking through Space: Curatorial Methods and Tools [day one]

    Sharjah Art Foundation, Flying Saucer Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Now this looks interesting: a two-day workshop (23-24 August) that offers a practical and reflective entry point into contemporary curatorial practice, showing how an initial idea can evolve into a coherent, site-responsive exhibition. Through a series of guided exercises, attendees [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Laughter Factory Standup Comedy Showcase

    The Agenda Abdullah Omran Taryam St, Media City, Dubai

    The final gig for the August Laughter Factory tour has four acts, all good: Dimitri Bakanov is a UK-based half-Russian, half-Ukrainian comedian who has gigged all over the world with a tight, slick routine – "dark, charming and never far [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Thinking through Space: Curatorial Methods and Tools [day two]

    Sharjah Art Foundation, Flying Saucer Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Second day of this two-day workshop that offers a practical and reflective entry point into contemporary curatorial practice, showing how an initial idea can evolve into a coherent, site-responsive exhibition. Through a series of guided exercises, attendees will learn how [ ... ]

    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
  • 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 … [ ... ]

  • Afra Al Dhaheri: Restless Circle

    Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Mureijah Square Sharjah

    A selection of works by Afra Al Dhaheri that explore the structural effects of tension, repetition and time provides Sharjah Art Foundation's first show of Autumn. "Working with materials such as cotton rope, fabric, cement and hair, the artist emphasises [ ... ]

    Free
  • Focal Point Pop-Up

    Al Mureijah Art Spaces Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    A one-day-only preview of Sharjah Art Foundation's December art book fair. We're promised "art publications and other printed matter from our archive" at discounted prices.

    Free, but pre-register
  • SAF Book Club Meetup: Art History in the Gulf

    Al Mureijah Art Spaces Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Another good-looking subject for a Sharjah Art Foundation meetup. The discussion will include Sabrina DeTurk's Women and Contemporary Art in the Gulf, The Development of An Art History in the UAE by Sophie Kazan Makhlouf and But We Cannot See [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • 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, [ ... ]

  • Barcelona Flamenco Ballet: Carmen

    Zabeel Theatre Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah West Crescent, Dubai

    BFB reinterprets Bizet’s iconic work with flamenco elements that effectively adapt the original to the realities of contemporary society. "The values that make Carmen a woman of our time, along with the adaptation of music and flamenco ballet infused with [ ... ]

    From AED 140
  • LAST CHANCE 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
  • 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
  • Barcelona Flamenco Ballet: Carmen

    Zabeel Theatre Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah West Crescent, Dubai

    Second and final performance for Barcelona Flamenco Ballet's reworking of Bizet’s iconic work with flamenco elements that effectively adapt the original to the realities of contemporary society. "The values that make Carmen a woman of our time, along with the [ ... ]

    From AED 140
  • LAST CHANCE Richi Bhatia: Antevasin – the one who sits at the border of two worlds

    Gallery Isabelle Unit 17, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The first solo exhibition at Gallery Isabelle for the UAE-based Indian artist. Her practice spans drawing, performance, object-making, food interventions, and assemblage; says the gallery, "inviting us to engage with liminality, her work challenges the normative categories that shape our [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Tajammul

    XVA Gallery Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The XVA group show for the summer, curated by Carina Vicente, promises "beauty and grace, capturing the aesthetics of the evolving art landscape in the contemporary Middle East" – the title comes from the Arabic root word for beauty (jamaal), [ ... ]

    Free
  • Whispers of the Past

    Sotheby’s Dubai DIFC Gate Village Building No3, Unit 01, Level B2, Dubai

    A group show by Aisha Alabbar Gallery in collaboration with Sotheby’s Middle East at Sotheby’s gallery space in DIFC. It featyures five influential rgeional artists – Najat Makki, Khalid Al Banna, Sara Al Haddad, Sara Aref Ahli, and Samar Hejazi [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Omar Al Gurg: Everyman’s Mountain

    Lawrie Shabibi Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    The Emirati artist and designer's inaugural solo exhibition comprises a series of photographs that documents the striking ecological diversity of Mount Kilimanjaro. Captured through Al Gurg’s attentive and empathetic gaze during a six-day journey in 2021, this work offers "a [ ... ]

    Free
  • Every Brilliant Thing

    The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A very welcome return for this single-hander play that has already been a smash hit at the Junction four times in the last three years. It’s not hard to see why: written by the English playwright/director Duncan Macmillan with actor/writer/comedian [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Game. Set. Match.

    Playhouse Studio Theatre New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The Playhouse Studio Theatre at New Covent Garden (located in a much-revamped Mall of the Emirates space that now includes a fully-equipped 575-seater theatre plus dance and rehearsal studios and a new restaurant) opens with this new Tall Tales / [ ... ]

    AED 126
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    The Agenda Abdullah Omran Taryam St, Media City, Dubai

    The September Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Peter Flanagan Hit Irish comic fresh from a critically acclaimed show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Expect “great storytelling" with "warmth and shamrock panache” delivered via razor-sharp writing (he's also a columnist for [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Ruba Salameh: Refined Compositions

    Zawyeh Gallery Warehouse 27, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    In the face of genocide, Palestinian artist Ruba Salameh finds her way forward through abstract painting – weaving her own narrative while connecting across generations to the work of art historian and artist Kamal Boullata. This exhibition reflects primarily on [ ... ]

    Free
  • Every Brilliant Thing

    The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A second night for this single-hander written by the English playwright/director Duncan Macmillan with actor/writer/comedian Johnny Donahoe, The Guardian called the original Edinburgh Festival production “one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression – and possibly one of [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Studio One Hotel Dubai Studio City, Dubai

    Second stop for the September Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Peter Flanagan Hit Irish comic fresh from a critically acclaimed show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Expect “great storytelling" with "warmth and shamrock panache” delivered via razor-sharp writing (he's also [ ... ]

    AED 160