• The Twentieth Line

    The Third Line Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The Third Line gallery is currently running The Only Way Out Is Through: The Twentieth Line, a significant retrospective exhibition curated by Shumon Basar to mark its 20th anniversary by looking back on two decades of The Third Line’s story [ ... ]

  • Restless Circle: Tour and Conversation

    Al Mureijah Square Sharjah

    What goes into conceptualising and curating a solo exhibition? Artist Afra Al Dhaheri and curator May Al Qaydi lead an enquiry-based tour of Al Dhaheri's current exhibition Restless Circle (ends tomorrow, 14 December), followed by a conversation between the two that [ ... ]

  • SAF Book Club Meetup: The State of Publishing

    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    Held during Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair, this special session of SAF's always interesting book club looks at the realities of contemporary publishing from independent presses to shifts in digital technology via AI and self-publishing.

    Free, but pre-register
  • Dubai Motorcycle Film Festival

    Warehouse Four Al Quoz, Dubai

    The fifth edition of the only film festival in Dubai "exclusively dedicated to screening short films focussed on motorcycles" (it expanded in 2025 to London and is planned to launch in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur next year). It kicks off [ ... ]

    AED 75
  • The Unfriend

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

    A second performance for Steven Moffat's black comedy of manners, boundaries, and exquisitie embarassment. The final show is on 14 December.  

    AED 120
  • Franz Ferdinand

    Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

    Always one of the more interesting indie bands, Franz Ferdinand went through a bit of a mid-career trough; but the January 2025 release of their sixth album, The Human Fear, was a return to form (with a new drummer and [ ... ]

    From AED 295
  • Joke Hub

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

    A regular MadCat Comedy night – "Dubai's wildest comedy show on Saturday" (sic). The cover charge of AED 99 includes two F&B coupons.

    AED 99
  • Jazz at The Island: Mayssa Karaa and Las Migas

    Al Noor Island Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah

    First of two jazz-ish gigs on consecutive nights at Al Noor Island. This one features the Lebanese-American singer-songwriter (and Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi) Mayssa Karaa (above); fluent in eight languages and with hits in several of them, she [ ... ]

    AED 130
  • Jazz at The Island: Mayssa Karaa and Las Migas

    Al Noor Island Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah

    Second of near-jazz gigs on consecutive nights at Al Noor Island. This one features Ars Nova Napoli (below), the Italian nu-folk funsters (traditional Neapolitan rhythms with a modern twist) who really do know how to throw a party; and the [ ... ]

    AED 130
  • Dubai Opera Jazz Studio: Roger Ryan

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    The last gig this year for Dubai Opera's late-evening jazz bar features jazz, R&B, neo-soul and gospel from the singer, producer, and keyboard player (he also teaches at Berklee Abu Dhabi). The door price includes one drink.

    AED 100
  • The Yemenis Orchestra

    Dubai Opera

    The Yemenis Orchestra, led by its noted conductor Mohamed Al-Ghoom, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Yemen's rich musical heritage. It grew out of Al-Ghoom's Heritage Symphonies project, aiming to integrate traditional Yemeni music with orchestral arrangement, and the results [ ... ]

    From AED 395
  • Focal Point 2025

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The eighth and biggest edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s art book fair – the region’s only book fair dedicated to publishing about art, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • 1 Minute to Krushit

    TGIFriday's at the Rove Hotel Downtown 312 Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai

    1M2K returns with the comedy game show where around 15 standups get just one minute to make you laugh – and you choose the winner too. Admission is free, but there's a minimum spend of AED 25 per person.   [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Unfriend

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

    The final performance for Steven Moffat's black comedy of manners, boundaries, and exquisitie embarassment. The final show is on 14 December.  

    AED 120
  • Steinway Series: Ilya Shmukler – Schumann

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    The internationally acclaimed pianist, once a child prodigo and now an established favourite known for technical brilliance combined with passion and imagination, performs a programme of Schumann pieces – one Clara but mostly Robert, with the monumental Symphonic Études to [ ... ]

    AED 250
  • LAST CHANCE Whispers of Play

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

    A group show for three young Japanese artists that celebrates the playful sensibility at the heart of contemporary Japanese expression – "a sensibility that transforms familiarity into wonder, nostalgia into dream" as the gallery has it. These artists have used [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

    Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

    MadCat’s standup team at its regular stop in the Easy Tiger bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

    AED 99
  • Kwang Hyun Kim: Flytrap Anthology

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

    A solo show for the Korean artist reflecting Kim’s belief that we live within a paradox where we can be both predators and shelter for one another. Says the gallery: "despite this contradiction we continue to reach outward, to connect, [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    Tchaikovsky’s all-time seasonal favourite is a Dubai Opera staple for the time of year, delivered on this occasion by the Astrakhan Theater Opera and Ballet – one of the newer Russian classical companies, but one with a decent reputation for [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • The Comedy Lab

    Radisson Red Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai

    MadCat Comedy's regular stop in Silicon Oasis promises "insane laughs every week". The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks.

    AED 99
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    Two further performances (at 2pm and 8pm) for the seasonal favourite, delivered by the Astrakhan Theater Opera and Ballet in a suitably classical manner and of course featuring some of the best-loved music that Tchaikovsky ever wrote ... There are [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • Tajouj: dir Gadalla Gubara (1977)

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

    The first feature film to be directed by a Sudanese filmmaker, this historical romance tells of the beautiful Tajouj whose cousin publicly declares his love for her in a song. The traditions of the tribe decry such an act and [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Carols Reimagined

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

    "Not just a concert, it’s a soulful celebration of joy, light, and togetherness" says the blurb. We're not sure how much reimagining has gone on to deliver "the spirit of Christmas like never before", but the lineup is pretty good [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • Politically Incorrect Comedy

    Xandros Singature 1 Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai

    MadCat Comedy's regular standup night at Xandros in Signature 1 Hotel, TECOM. The cover charge of AED 80 includes one drink.

    AED 80
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    Two further performances (at 2pm and 8pm) for the seasonal favourite, delivered by the Astrakhan Theater Opera and Ballet in a suitably classical manner and of course featuring some of the best-loved music that Tchaikovsky ever wrote ... The final [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • LAST CHANCE Hussain Jamil: Refracted Life

    Oblong Contemporary Art Gallery Al Khayat Art Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai

    In this exhibition, Jamil presents a new body of work that explores how we see ourselves — and how we are seen — in an ever-changing world. Working with hand-formed polished steel wall sculptures, woven metal mesh, and mirrored sculptural [ ... ]

    Free
  • Once Upon a Time in Dubai

    The Agenda Abdullah Omran Taryam St, Media City, Dubai

    A musical celebration of love, ambition, and the power of dreams, "a story of passion and perseverance set in the glamorous city of Dubai" with spectacular choreography, an original soundtrack, and dramatic sets. It's at the Agenda for a lengthy [ ... ]

    Fro260
  • Bait Al Oud Annual Concert

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

    The Bait Al Oud Annual Concert brings together students, graduates, and instructors to celebrate the musical achievements of the year with the oud, qanun, cello and rebabah. It's always good ...

    tbc
  • Joke Hub

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

    A regular MadCat Comedy night – "Dubai's wildest comedy show on Saturday" (sic). The cover charge of AED 99 includes two F&B coupons.

    AED 99
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    The final performances (at 2pm and 8pm) of the seasonal favourite, delivered by the Astrakhan Theater Opera and Ballet in a suitably classical manner and of course featuring some of the best-loved music that Tchaikovsky ever wrote ...     [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • Sunday Night Comedy

    Social Distrikt The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

    The weekly sandup night at Social Distrikt from Dubomedy, top dogs on the Dubai comedy scene. We’re promised "an evening of Big Laughs, Live Music, a Killer Line-up and Great Vibes” … It's free but there’s a minimum spend of [ ... ]

    Free, but minimum spend
  • It’s a Wonderful Life: dir Frank Capra (1946)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Capra's classic snow-laden tearjerker (five Oscar nominations) has James Stewart as a struggling banker (!) who becomes so disillusioned with his small-town life that he contemplates suicide. Fortunately his trainee guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), is able to intervene and [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

    Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

    MadCat’s standup team at its regular stop in the Easy Tiger bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

    AED 99
  • The Muppet Christmas Carol: dir Brian Henson (1992)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The best film version of Dickens' novel? Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine, obviously having a lot of fun) is visted on Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Holdovers: dir Alexander Payne (2023)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A warm-hearted and thoughtful holiday story of three lonely, shipwrecked people who find support in the most unlikely of places. A curmudgeonly teacher (Paul Giamatti) is forced to remain on campus at a New England prep school over Christmas to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Comedy Lab

    Radisson Red Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai

    MadCat Comedy's regular stop in Silicon Oasis promises "insane laughs every week". Given the date, we'd expect something a bit special ... The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks.

    AED 99
  • Politically Incorrect Comedy

    Xandros Singature 1 Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai

    MadCat Comedy's regular standup night at Xandros in Signature 1 Hotel, TECOM. 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

    A regular MadCat Comedy night – "Dubai's wildest comedy show on Saturday" (sic). The cover charge of AED 99 includes two F&B coupons.

    AED 99
  • LAST CHANCE The Only Way Out Is Through: The Twentieth Line

    The Third Line Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Shumon Basar curates this project marking the gallery’s 20th anniversary, a look back on "two decades of The Third Line’s story in relation to global cultural, political, and economic shifts". The exhibition component features both early and more recent works from [ ... ]

  • LAST CHANCE Art Here 2025

    Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The fifth edition of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition, featuring six artworks by seven artists shortlisted for the Richard Mille Art Prize, has been curated by guest curator Sophie Mayuko Arni under the theme Shadows – "exploring the [ ... ]

    General admission AED 65
  • Beauty and the Beast: dir Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise (1991)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A tale as old as time gets the Disney treatment, with added lustre from a newly restored print of this family-friendly animation: the beast (an enchanted prince, of course) tries to win the love of the young and beautiful Belle [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

    Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

    MadCat’s standup team at its regular stop in the Easy Tiger bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

    AED 99
  • LAST CHANCE Fereydoun Ave, Raana Farnoud, Shaqayeq Arabi: IMPROVISATIONS

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

    The artists in this group show have distinct visual languages that do find commonalities: they "transform the familiar through acts of care, attention, and intuitive play ... a shared attentiveness to what is provisional, such as a line that wavers, [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Fertile Dreams

    Tabari Artspace Gate Village Level 2, DIFC, Dubai

    The group show brings together artists from the MENA region and its diaspora whose practices engage fertility as a generative force tied to questions of origin, transformation, and the cycles that govern land and self. Across drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Manar Abu Dhabi 2025

    [various Abu Dhabi locations] Abu Dhabi

    Manar Abu Dhabi returns for its second edition with the theme The Light Compass, presenting 19 newly commissioned light-based artworks by Emirati and international artists Key locations include Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and, for the first time, Al Ain’s [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Mohammad Alfaraj: Seas are sweet, fish tears are salty

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The first institutional solo exhibition of Mohammad Alfaraj brings together installations, photography, video works and site-specific commissions that respond to the gardens and outdoor spaces of the Jameel. Central to Alfaraj’s practice is his use of storytelling, both in written [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Aliyah Alawadhi: Girl Parts

    Bayt AlMamzar House 2, 26 Street, Al Mamzar, Dubai

    "Childhood is a half-remembered taste: sweet, sticky, and sometimes spoiled." In Girl Parts, her first solo exhibition, Aliyah Alawadhi expresses this residue in paint – bodies shimmering in pinks and creams, mouths agape, devouring and dreaming. Says the gallery: "These [ ... ]

  • LAST CHANCE SILA: All that is Left to You

    Maraya Art Centre Al Qasba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    In times of adversity, especially amid the ongoing devastation in Gaza, tatreez – the ancient practice of hand-embroidery, a foundational element of Palestinian intangible heritage – becomes an act of survival and defiance. This exhibition of works by 25 artists [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger

    Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

    MadCat’s standup team at its regular stop in the Easy Tiger bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...

    AED 99