20 January 2025

Bebel Gilberto: Songs My Father Loved

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

The Brazilian chanteuse presents a musical love letter to her father João Gilberto, one of the originators of bossa nova, featuring a deeply personal collection of songs he made famous. With her rich, smoky voice, Bebel has developed a distinctive [ ... ]

AED 105

Beasts of the Southern Wild: dir Benh Zeitlin (2012)

Museum of the Future Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

Faced with both her hot-tempered father's fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her beloved bayou home, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love. Her father contracts a mysterious illness, nature flies out of whack, and an [ ... ]

General admission: AED149

Wow Music Fest

Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

Live EDM DJing with a genuinely great bill. Headliners are Paul van Dyk (above) and genre-hopping duo Infected Mushroom; support comes from Weekend Heroes (hi-energy progressive house and techno) and the excellent progressive PsyTrance project Invisible Reality. Top local lad DJ [ ... ]

From AED 174

Breaking Boundaries II

Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Firetti’s original Breaking Boundaries exhibition featured the works of Nasser Al Salem and Josh Rowell; this successor, curated by Celine Azem as part of the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, has work by six artists from different parts of the world. It [ ... ]

Free

Saudi Film Confex

BLVD Expo Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Film Commission’s new industry event is a four-day conference and exhibition that aims to “lay the foundations for the Kingdom’s future film industry ventures ... underpinned the growing economic role of the film industry in Saudi Arabia”. We’re [ ... ]

Free for exhibition

Blane De St Croix: Horizon

NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Art Gallery at NYUAD opens its new season with works from a sculptor who works on the relationship between people and landscape and in particular the landscape of climate change. His practice is based on extensive field research; over [ ... ]

Free

Matilda The Musical

Dubai Opera

The multi-award-winning musical (it has won more than 99 international awards) inspired by the Roald Dahl book touches down in Dubai for what has to be one of the highlights of the season. As the New York Post put it, [ ... ]

From AED 325

Trevor Noah: Off the Record

Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show landed a record seven Emmy nominations this year; but he’s rather wasted in that talk-show-host role, IMO, for he’s a consummate standup performer – especially for large auditoriums – with sold out shows on five [ ... ]

From AED 250

Inge Thomson: Lecture Concert

Sharjah Art Foundation, Flying Saucer Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

In this Sharjah Art Foundation lecture performance, Inge Thomson will be performing excerpts from projects that have had an impact on her outlook as an artist and musician, while also sharing some of her thoughts along the way. Inge has [ ... ]

Free

Fridge Concert Series 41: Ghaliaa / Mira Habash

The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Ghaliaa should be able to make the most of the revamped Fridge venue with its redesigned stage and new state of the art sound system. Ghaliaa’s sound fuses RnB, hiphop, electropop, indie and jazz, all characterised by what [ ... ]

AED 70

A Utopian Stage: Excavated Archives: Festival of Arts, Shiraz-Persepolis

Meem Gallery Umm Suqeim Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This exhibition describes an open-ended, evolving project that “explores how in the aftermath of the collapse of European hegemonies and the rise of the Global South a fluid artistic exchange was possible across geographies, histories and forms in ways and [ ... ]

Free

Samuel Olayombo: Lotus Bloom Ranchers

Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery 796 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

“I cross the boundaries of traditional masculinity, macho culture, societal gender assertions and associations," says Samuel Olayombo, who works with oils, acrylics, charcoal and pastels to create vibrant and large-scale canvases of predominately male but non-gender normative portraits. Using a [ ... ]

Free

Fereydoun Ave: A Mini-Retrospective

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

Tehran's Dastan Gallery has worked with Fereydoun Ave since its establishment and has been part of many of his projects. In this exhibition, Dastan seeks to present a glimpse into the diverse and multidimensional world and practice of the artist. [ ... ]

Free

Connecting Worlds: Acoustic Ocean & Forest Mind Film Screenings with Ursula Biemann

NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Two short films by the Norwegian director Ursula Biemann that explore the profound connections of indigenous communities to their natural environments. Screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Biemann. Acoustic Ocean (2018, 18 mins) is a poetic invitation to [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Emmie McLuskey: Creative Practices and Curation in Sound Art

Sharjah Art Foundation -- Calligraphy Square Sharjah

Glasgow-based Emmie McLuskey works with sculpture, print, sound and performance to explore the physical embodiment of communication with a particular focus on systems of learning. McLuskey works across the roles of artist, programmer, writer and educator. She sees these as [ ... ]

Free

Postmordial Soup: Talal Al Najjar And Ziad Al Najjar, Miramar Al Nayyar

ICD Brookfield Place Al Mustaqbal Street, DIFC, Dubai

An immersive AV-plus-2D group exhibition featuring Talal Al Najjar, Ziad Al Najjar, and Miramar Al Nayyar in a new space at ICD Brookfield Place. Guests are invited to enter “an otherworldly space that feels simultaneously like a sanctuary of origin [ ... ]

Free

Koyaanisqatsi Live

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

Godfrey Reggio’s groundbreaking 1982 film Koyaanisqatsi set to an influential score by Philip Glass (his first major film success) and performed live by the Philip Glass Ensemble. Taking its title from a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” Koyaanisqatsi [ ... ]

AED 105

Mina and The Funny Girls Go Pink

Melrose Paramount Midtown, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai

This is the 12th annual event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a strong all-female line-up of comedians plus a special guest survivor, a BCA info booth and more. Men are very welcome too ... Mina Liccione hosts, [ ... ]

Free

Coco Makmak: Karakoz

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

The French-Lebanese funnywoman has a massive social media following for her character-based snippets of life – notably for Mother Makmak, a caricature of the typically caustic Lebanese mother. There are shows on 5 and 6 October, in French, Arabic and some [ ... ]

From AED 150

Festival X

Alserkal Avenue Al Quoz 1, Dubai

This is the second edition of a festival that described itself as “the point of intersection between art, technology and the community … The main goal is to attract and create a community of open minded artists, scientists, and tech [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Coco Makmak: Karakoz

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

A second show for the French-Lebanese comedienne and her character-based snippets of life in French, Arabic and some English.

From AED 150

Jason Leong: Brain Drain

Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai

The Malaysian doctor-turned-comedian is in town with his Brain Drain world tour. Expect quick wit and and great comic timing; his recently released second Netflix special, Ride With Caution, suggests that he is destined for greatness (he's keen to become Malaysia’s first [ ... ]

From AED 125

Creative Careers Days

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

The Jameel's annual festival devoted to helping the young explore a possible future in the arts is pitched at "all high school and university students, teachers, developing professionals and creatively minded youth in the UAE". Day one is aimed at [ ... ]

Free, but pre-registration recommended

Neon Keys with Jolynn J Chin

Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

Award-winning keyboardist Jolynn J Chin did well on America’s Got Talent with her eclectic blend of classical, pop and electronics. For this 90-minute ToDA gig, she's supported by immersive neon art from Polygon.

From AED 190

Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed

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 plus guests. There's a new angle to the event for this season – [ ... ]

Free but donations welcome

Fahad Salim: The Sin Within

Urbanist Art Gallery Box Park, Al Wasl Road, Dubai

The Omani artist’s first solo show in Dubai declares that there's always a way to emerge from darkness to lightness, as exemplified by the transformation of shame from something sinister into strength and confidence: bold colours suspending and transcending traumatic [ ... ]

Free

Matilda The Musical

Dubai Opera

The multi-award-winning musical (it has won more than 99 international awards) inspired by the Roald Dahl book touches down in Dubai for an eight-day run that has to be one of the highlights of the season. As the New York [ ... ]

From AED 325

Fridge Concert Series 41: Redaround / Ibby Vk

The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Redaround plays a blend of rock, pop and Arabic music that isn’t as rare as it once was – “taking inspiration from the melting pot of cultures in Dubai as well as the band’s own tastes and influences, they fuse [ ... ]

AED 70

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

Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA

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

A visually stunning spectacle of propulsive dance, dazzling lighting, and powerful live music from the Canadian experimental post rock band Fly Pan Am. Choreographer Dana Gingras and her Montreal-based dance company Animals of Distinction explore spaces of inclusion and exclusion, [ ... ]

AED 105

Natalia Osipova: Force of Nature

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

Called by The Independent “the most sought-after ballerina in the world”, Natalia Osipova’s Abu Dhabi Classics show promises a programme of favourite classics and contemporary masterpieces. Her new dance company, Blooms Dance Project, which has been running now for a [ ... ]

From AED 75

Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA

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

A second performance for this visually stunning spectacle of propulsive dance, dazzling lighting, and powerful live music from the Canadian experimental post rock band Fly Pan Am. Choreographer Dana Gingras and her Montreal-based dance company Animals of Distinction explore spaces [ ... ]

AED 105

The Jazz Night with Lady J

Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

Every Friday, ToDA transforms into a jazz venue for live performance accompanied by a 360° immersive show: this time it's Lady J & her trio in a 90-minute set. "Expect a sparkling arrangement of the Grooviest Classics together with jazzed-up [ ... ]

From AED 150

Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Four more standups, perhaps a bit more varied than usual and featuring a couple of good local comics on the bill for a change. Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and [ ... ]

AED 160

Henok Melkamzer

Al Hamriyah Studios Sharjah

Featuring more than 100 works, many on view for the first time, this exhibition is the largest solo presentation of artworks by Ethiopian telsem artist Henok Melkamzer. Traditionally termed as healing or talisman art, telsem is a sophisticated visual art [ ... ]

Free

Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS 11)

Al Hamriyah Studios Sharjah

Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual photography exhibition returns for its 11th edition, featuring artists “whose work challenges established notions of photographic practices” – four individuals and one collective, chosen through an international open call that received more than 350 applications. This [ ... ]

Free

Cross Cultural Dialogue: From Ancient Script to Contemporary Art

Museum of the Future Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

A really interesting panel discussion presented by Museum of the Future as a contribution to Dubai Culture's ongoing Calligraphy Biennale. The session promises to explore the role of calligraphy across diverse cultures, local communities, and heritages, looking at how it [ ... ]

AED 149

Darren Simpson

Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai

Following sold-out shows in New York, London and his native South Africa, Darren "Whackhead" Simpson returns to Dubai with his standup show – but expect a few of the phone pranks for which he's well known.

From AED 125

Stand Up All Stars

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

“An unforgettable night of laughs” (it says here, and who are we to argue?) from Dubomedy and Art For All . The line-up includes Dubomedy main man Ali Al Sayed and the equally stellar Mina Liccione (his partner in Dubomedy), [ ... ]

AED 150

Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A second evening on JBR for the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been described [ ... ]

AED 160

Candlelight: Mozart’s Masterpieces

Al Falak Ballroom Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

Aldo Dotto plays a recital of what does indeed look like a top selection of the composer's works, all lit by candlelight. The programme: ♦ Symphony 40, 1st movement (arranged for piano) ♦ Sonata no.5 KV 283 in G Major: [ ... ]

From AED 350

¡Fiesta Flamenca! Tribute to Paco de Lucìa

Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

German Cova and his musicians (guitar, piano, tabla and one dancer) will guide us through the world of Flamenco — from classical guitar to the passion of movement. "Every aspect of this vibrant show will leave you breathless," promises the [ ... ]

From AED 190

Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed

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 plus guests. There's a new angle to the event for this season – [ ... ]

Free but donations welcome

Art Therapy Conference: Empowering through Creativity

ERTH Khor Al Maqta Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road, Abu Dhabi

Ewaa, the Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care, is launching the MENA region’s first-ever art therapy conference on 17 and 18 October. Under the theme Empowering through Creativity, the conference promotes the creative application of arts and evidence-based [ ... ]

Free, but pre-register

Fridge Concert Series 41: Hawazin / DJ Andre Lyke

The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ethnic tribal electronic house music closes out the Fridge Concert season: Hawazin mixes Arabic house with the vibrant traditions of North African music. We’re promised “pulsating rhythms, live improvisation and enchanting melodies”. DJ Andre Lyke sets the tone for the [ ... ]

AED 70

Robbie Williams

Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Robbie knows how to put on a great show to back up some great pop tunes from a 25-year career (feeling older now?). Sure to sell out

From AED 295

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

Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

Park Rotana Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

A night in Abu Dhabi for the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been described [ ... ]

AED 160

Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet

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

Described by the organisers as “the perfect introduction to ballet”, this family-friendly version of the Prokofiev favourite, with original choreography by the Russian choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, offers a familiar story and all the language of classical ballet – albeit with [ ... ]

From AED 175