• Timur Akhmedov: Kaleidoscope

    Andakulova Gallery Unit 18, P4 Level Damac Park Towers, DIFC , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A solo exhibition for the respected Uzbek artist with new works alongside some that have already been seen. Akhmedov's style is a surreal symbolism that is almost fairytale-like and frequently depicts the artist (and others) as characters in a story, [ ... ]

    Free
  • M83

    Dubai Opera

    The French (but LA-based) icon of electronica – originally a duo but for several years now the project of multi-instrumentalist Anthony Gonzalez comes to Dubai as part of a short world tour to promote his new album Fantasy. The ninth [ ... ]

    From AED 375
  • The Jazz Garden: Bruce Johnson

    The Arena, Montgomerie Gulf Club Al Thanayah Fourth - 10 7th Street, Dubai

    Talented soul and R&B singer, originally from Indianapolis but with a style honed in France. He performs with the regular resident jazz band, the Alexey Cheremizov Quartet. Should be another good night for this end-of-season gig. Doors open at 7pm, [ ... ]

    From AED 125
  • Rooftop Rhythms #99 Grand Slam Finale Competition / Season Closing

    Marketplace, NYUAD Campus Abu Dhabi

    The Middle East’s best (and longest-running) poetry and performance open mic night winds up its 11th season with original material from spoken word artists, poets, and musicians. Rooftop Rhythms is hosted by founder Dorian Paul Rogers, with opening and closing [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register online
  • Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

    Rixos Premium Dubai JBR Jumeirah Beach Residences, Al Mamsha Street, Dubai

    One of the most successful production in the Candlelight Concerts series – "classical music concerts aimed at democratising access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live music candlelit performances".  The Vivaldi favourite was written [ ... ]

    From AED150
  • Candlelight Abu Dhabi: Best of Chopin

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

    Fever brings its candlelight classical music recitals to Abu Dhabi for the first time – "a series of classical music concerts aimed at democratising access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live candlelit music [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Fête de la Musique

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Fête de la Musique is an annual global celebration of music, organised in France by the Ministry of Culture and in more than 1,000 cities around the world by Alliance Françaises. It's a day where free, live music would be [ ... ]

    Free
  • Ali Al Sayed: CancelD Culture

    Theatre at Mall of the Emirates Level 2, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Celebrating his 15th anniversary in comedy (and, as it happoens, his birthday), Ali Al Sayed's new English-language standup gig is pitched as his most daring and honest solo show yet – "Ali comedically highlights the Arab and Muslim perspective through [ ... ]

    AED 175
  • Culture Bus: Al Sadeem Observatory

    421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The 421 Culture Bus is taking a stargazing trip to the observatory on the outskirts of the city to observe the cosmos using traditional and smart telescopes. We're promised a unique experience using traditional and smart telescopes; included in the [ ... ]

    AED 180
  • Urinetown

    Sharjah Performing Arts Academy University City, Sharjah

    You can’t deny the ambition of the Musical Theatre and Production Arts students of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy – they’re doing the Tony award winner Urinetown, a satirical musical that attacks corporate greed, rampant exploitation and unsustainable lifestyles. There’s a [ ... ]

    Free but pre-register
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro

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

    Exactly what it says: a regular Monday evening of scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers. Classic Courtyard stuff. It's free, but you need to put your name on [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Assadour: Etchings

    Meem Gallery Umm Suqeim Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    In the seventh instalment of Meem's ongoing series of exhibitions focused on printmaking in the Arab world, the gallery is showing 15 etchings by Lebanese-Armenian artist Assadour. His artworks reflect his own heritage and tumultuous upbringing, seamlessly blended into a [ ... ]

    Free
  • Urinetown

    Sharjah Performing Arts Academy University City, Sharjah

    A second performance for this satirical musical by SPAA students; the story is set in a dystopian future, where a chronic water shortage means that public loos have been extravagantly privatised. The plot hinges on a rebellion led by a [ ... ]

    Free but pre-register
  • Spectrum Exhibition: Cohort One

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An exhibition for the outcome of the first cohort of the MAS Spectrum Photography Residency. We're promised "a broad range of ideas, subjects, and techniques that span a spectrum of human experiences". To 4 September.

    Free
  • Welcome Home / Marhaba al Sah

    ME by Meliá The Opus by Omniyat, Al Amal Street, Business Bay, Dubai

    A continuation of the interesting Useless Palace exhibition, a specific group show by ten artists staged in the desert by popup gallery InLoco (who are due to move into a permanent Al Quoz location this autumn) in the desert last [ ... ]

    Free
  • Urinetown

    Sharjah Performing Arts Academy University City, Sharjah

    Final performance for this satirical musical by SPAA students; the story is set in a dystopian future, where a chronic water shortage means that public loos have been extravagantly privatised. The plot hinges on a rebellion led by a cleaner [ ... ]

    Free but pre-register
  • Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro

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

    Ten actors converge for a night of scenes, songs and games based on audience suggestions. After each round you score the players on a scale of 1 to 5, and the one with the lowest score is eliminated. Eventually only [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

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

    H72 Productions has found another interesting play for its current season. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a comedy by the American writer Christopher Durang, has been praised as a humorous adaptation of Chekhovian themes that doesn't require any [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • A Summer Allegory

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

    A group exhibition with a seasonal theme: "summer is when all positive feelings surface allowing for a better appreciation of everything we do,” says the curatorial statement. “A Summer Allegory aims to encompass this summer’s glamour through a selection of [ ... ]

    Free
  • Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

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

    A second performance (of three) for this bittersweet comedy by H72 Productions. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a play by the American writer Christopher Durang, has been praised as a humorous adaptation of Chekhovian themes that doesn't require [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

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

    The third and final performance of this bittersweet comedy by the American writer Christopher Durang. Praised as a humorous adaptation of Chekhovian themes that doesn't require any familiarity with Chekhov, its story revolves around the relationships of three middle-aged single [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro

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

    Exactly what it says: a regular Monday evening of scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers. Classic Courtyard stuff. It's free, but you need to put your name on [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Karama Arts Club: 2023 Summer Soirée

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    Karama Arts Club winds up what sounds like a successful first year with "a Summer Soirée that's hotter than the middle of August" – a chance to network with the cream of Dubai’s creatives over a few a drink with [ ... ]

    From AED 65
  • Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro

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

    Ten actors converge for a night of scenes, songs and games based on audience suggestions. After each round you score the players on a scale of 1 to 5, and the one with the lowest score is eliminated. Eventually only [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • First Gentleman: dir Hayato Kawai (2021)

    RAK Chamber of Commerce of Industry Al Nakheel, Ras al Khaimah

    Hiyori (Kei Tanaka) is an ornithologist whose wife Rinko (Miki Nakatani)) unexpectedly becomes prime minister – making him the first gentleman of the country. Unexpected circumstances complicate things in this romantic comedy. This is part of Japan Film Week, co-hosted [ ... ]

  • Neko Ninja: dir Takeshi Watanabe (2017)

    RAK Chamber of Commerce of Industry Al Nakheel, Ras al Khaimah

    Cat ninja action – the adventures of a rogue ninja and a fat cat who he believes is the feline form of his legendary but long-disappeared and ninja father ... This is part of Japan Film Week, co-hosted by the [ ... ]

  • Little Nights, Little Love: dir Rikiya Imaizumi (2019)

    RAK Chamber of Commerce of Industry Al Nakheel, Ras al Khaimah

    Romantic drama based on the collected short stories of Kotaro Isaka that follows the lives of 27-year-olds Sato and Minako and those around them – friends, colleagues, children – over a 10 year period, showing how love, hope and friendship [ ... ]

  • Children of the Sea: dir Ayumu Watanabe (2019)

    RAK Chamber of Commerce of Industry Al Nakheel, Ras al Khaimah

    Fantasy animated adventure – a young girl is drawn into a mystery involving sea life around the world, in which two boys are somehow involved. This is part of Japan Film Week, co-hosted by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al [ ... ]

  • Artists Talk I: Brian Gonzales, Diego Mendoza, Hala El Abora, ji-Hye Kim

    Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse 101, Al Quoz 2, Dubai

    As part of the programme for Press Print!, the gallery's current show, four of the participating artists talk about their creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind their works in the exhibition. (The other four artists in the exhibition are [ ... ]

    Free
  • Artists Talk II: Brian Gonzales, Diego Mendoza, Hala El Abora, ji-Hye Kim

    Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse 101, Al Quoz 2, Dubai

    As part of the programme for Press Print!, the gallery's current show, four more of the participating artists talk about their creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind their works in the exhibition.

    Free
  • Chopin’s Best Works

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Chopin favourites by Candlelight, a recital for solo piano by Aldo Dotto. These concerts are "a series of classical music concerts aimed at democratising access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live candlelit music [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Van Gogh x Japan The Immersive Experience

    Van Gogh’s love for Japanese art ran deep: he admired the way Japanese artists lived in harmony with nature and the complete focus on their work, and he aspired to do the same. Although he only discovered Japan in the [ ... ]

    From AED 110
  • In the Heart of Another Country: the Diasporic Imagination Rises

    Al Mureijah Square Sharjah

    Originally shown at Deichtorhallen Hamburg, this exhibition exploring the concept of home has been expanded for its Sharjah Art Foundation visit with the addition of recent acquisitions and newly restored works of art from the Foundation's own collection. The exhibition [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Piano Alchemy

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Neoclassical music from the trio of Kiann (piano and compositions), Marilies Guschlbauer (cello), and Alessandra Toni (vocal). We’re promised a seamless fusion of smooth classical harmonies with contemporary styles, all inside ToDA’s immersive 360° visual environment.

    From AED 200
  • Dreams of Rumi

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    An evening of music, poetry and Dervish dancing in tribute to the poetic wisdom of Rumi, delivered by a small ensemble within ToDA’s 360° impressive immersive visuals.

    From AED 200
  • Talk: Maha Alsharif – Collecting Prints

    Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse 101, Al Quoz 2, Dubai

    Maha Alsharif from the MA in Art Business faculty at ZU talks about the nuances of the print market and the value and significance of limited edition prints regionally and internationally. This talk is part of the programme for Press [ ... ]

    Free
  • Omar Kamal

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

    With influences ranging from Sinatra’s jazz and swing to Arab idols like Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Fairuz, Omar Kamal’s broad repertoire and emotional delivery promise to make for an enchanting evening. Kamal’s vocals have been described as powerful, emotive, and [ ... ]

    From AED 300
  • Siwon Ghim: The Sense of Living

    Korean Cultural Center, Yas Yas Creative Hub P2, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Abstract paintings by the Seoul-bawed artist, a Slade graduate who has “consistently expressed her determination to define her identity through her artwork". Said Siwon Ghim: "For The Sense of Living, I have carefully selected paintings that exemplify my ever-changing internal [ ... ]

    Free
  • SAF Book Club: Readings on diaspora and migration

    Al Mureijah Square Sharjah

    This SAF Book Club meeting begins with a tour of the current Al Mureijah Art Spaces exhibition, the rather good In the Heart of Another Country. The show is about diaspora and migration, and that's the theme of the book [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Victor Sitali: African Hues

    Le Meridien Fairway Al Garhoud Road, Dubai

    An exhibition for the Zambian (but Dubai-based) artist in the hotel's lobby (why don't more hotels do this?) that promises "a wide range of bold artistic styles, mediums, and themes". Sitali says he takes inspiration from" the colourful nature of [ ... ]

    Free
  • Women Expressions

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

    A group show that "celebrates the unifying spirit of art, showcasing how these talented artists from different parts of the world have found common ground through their creativity and unique expressions" ... which sounds like a somewhat vaporous theme. Hopefully [ ... ]

    Free
  • Sohni Mahiwal

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

    An award winning treatment by Yusra Irfan of an epic love story, timed for the Independence Day weekend of India and Pakistan, and set in Punjab (which is part of both). Sohni Mahiwal (or Suhni Mehar) is a established tragic [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Sohni Mahiwal

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

    The second and final performance of this epic love story, timed for the Independence Day weekend of India and Pakistan. Sohni Mahiwal (or Suhni Mehar) is a long-established tragic romance from Sindh and Punjab, dating back to the 10th century [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Bill Burr

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The Emmy-nominated US comedian gets a big stage for his quick wit, dark humour, and unrivalled storytelling with rants about relationship advice, sports and the Illuminati ...

    From AED 250
  • Star Wars: A New Hope dir George Lucas (1977)

    Cinema Akil Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    The first, and arguably the best – if only because of the impact of the opening titles. Universally acknowledged as a landmark in action films and featuring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher in their prime (plus Alec Guinness [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Candlelight: Beethoven’s Best Works

    Raffles The Palm West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The title of this concert certainly sets the bar high, though it seems a pretty good selection of the composer's works for piano. The pianist is Magdalena Wajdzik, and the other plus is the way these recitals are lit by [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Aftersun: dir Charlotte Wells (2022)

    Cinema Akil Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Charlotte Wells’ stunning feature debut movingly portrays a father-daughter relationship. Calum (Paul Mescal) and Sophie (Frankie Corio) are on a week’s holiday in Turkey; it’s a chance for the two to re-bond, and they do. Twenty years later, Sophie's tender [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Summer Editions 23

    Mestaria Gallery Unit 35, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    A curated exhibition of work from six artists -- energetic street and pop art fusion from Mr Brainwash, capturing iconic cultural moments; Dan Pearce's innovative mixed-media explosions; intricate hyperrealistic paintings of figures by Craig Alan; textured tales of city life [ ... ]

  • Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

    Raffles The Palm West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    One of the most successful productions in the Candlelight Concerts series of "classical music concerts aimed at democratising access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live music candlelit performances".  The Vivaldi favourite was written [ ... ]

    From AED200
  • Bellissima | Beautiful: dir Luchino Visconti (1951)

    Cinema Akil Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    A newly restored print of this black-and-white classic. It’s a pointed satire on the film industry; Maddalena (Anna Magnani) is a screenstruck mother convinced of the star potential of her daughter Maria (Tina Apicella) and desperate to escape of everyday [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register