Pencil In
We love this idea, and it's just the sort of thing that we'd hope for from an arts centre like 421. It's a writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome, [ ... ]
Free
50 events found.
Events
421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
El Norte | The North: dir Gregory Nava (1983)
Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates"A Grapes of Wrath for our time” said critic Roger Ebert of this lovingly rendered, heartbreaking story of hope and survival. After their family is murdered by the government during a civil war massacre in Guatemala, brother and sister Enrique [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Colour Gives Me Life
Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, DubaiA group show of works by Ludmilla Radchenko, Rachel K (above), Ihab Ahmad, Laurent Perbos, Yana Abramova and Samuele Ventanni curated by Celine Azem. The aim is to explore how colour extends beyond visual experience, "shaping memory, emotion, and perception [ ... ]
FreeGidion’s Knot
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesOver the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother’s son. Gidion may have been bullied – or he may have been [ ... ]
AED 100
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra: Jonathan Tetelman, Kyohei Sorita
Emirates Palace Abu DhabiThe New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1972; the charismatic Japanese conductor, Yutaka Sado, has been the music director since 2023 and he conducts two concerts to open the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival. In this first concert, star tenor [ ... ]
From AED105
Vanessa Moreno Live at Jazz Avenue
Jass Lounge DIFC – Gate 2, DubaiThe acclaimed singer and composer known for blending MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) with jazz and contemporary influences continues to be a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian music. For this two-night residency, the top British jazz singer Emma Smith provides the [ ... ]
AED 175Gidion’s Knot
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTwo further performances (at 2pm and 8pm) for this powerful two-hander by Johanna Adams. Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of [ ... ]
AED 100
Dilyara Kaipova: Silk and Velvet: Warning safety signs
Andakulova Gallery Unit 18, P4 Level Damac Park Towers, DIFC , Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDilyara Kaipova's practice is located at the intersection of folk artisan traditions and contemporaneity; she works with Uzbek textiles, employing centuries-long traditions to make work that is relevant to the socio-cultural and ecological issues of the region. To 8 April.
FreePublic Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: FLEX* by Load na Dito
FLEX* is a talking and listening game created by Manila-based curatorial and research initiative Load na Dito; participants explore the meaning of words based on personal experiences while moulding clay. Inspired by the city’s ubiquitous gift shops, the accompanying installation will [ ... ]
Free, but pre-register
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra: Kyohei Sorita
Emirates Palace Abu DhabiIn the second concert for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yutaka Sado, the orchestra plays Yasushi Akutagawa’s Triptyque for Strings and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5. The soloist is the young rising star Kyohei [ ... ]
From AED100Seven and Friends
The Workshop Villa 45 - St 23b, off Al Wasl Road, DubaiComedy from the coolest Chinaman in town at what he calls "the coolest gallery café in Dubai" for "a night of stand-up, good vibes, and unfiltered laughs". DM seven_chinaman on Instagram for a reservation.
FreeVanessa Moreno Live at Jazz Avenue
Jass Lounge DIFC – Gate 2, DubaiSecond of two nights at this top jazz lounge venue for the acclaimed Brazilian singer and composer. The top British jazz singer Emma Smith provides the support.
AED 175Gidion’s Knot
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe final performances (at 2pm and 8pm) for this powerful two-hander by Johanna Adams. Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of [ ... ]
AED 100LAST CHANCE Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances
Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiAn exhibition of masterpieces from the Post-Impressionist period that is organised into in nine sections, each celebrating both the individual styles and the shared themes that connect this transformative era in art – visitors can follow paths dedicated to Neo-Impressionism, [ ... ]
AED 63Public 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 EmiratesArtist 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
Willow: dir Ron Howard (1988)
Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesWarwick Davis stars as Willow Ufgood in this Tolkien-ish family-friendly mix of fun, fantasy and action; the diminutive Willow teams up with a wandering rogue swordsman (Val Kilmer) to protect a baby princess who has miraculously fallen into his care. [ ... ]
FreeRemote Abu Dhabi by Rimini Protokoll
Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Abu [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerRemote Al Ain by Rimini Protokoll
Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Al [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerPerformance Co/Lab
421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAn ongoing programme of performance exercises such as contact improvisation, breath work, acting warm-ups, games, and techniques aimed at "performing artists, creatives, and curious individuals looking to explore movement practices. Instructors are multidisciplinary theatre artist and game designer Carlos Páez [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerTOUCH: dir Baltasar Kormákur (2024)
Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesSuperbly filmed, the romantic film of the year spans decades, continents and cultures as a widower embarks on an emotional journey. Based on the bestseller by Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson and directed by Iceland’s multi-award-winning director Baltasar Kormákur, TOUCH is the [ ... ]
FreeMonday Night Comedy: This Is Impro
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesExactly 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. Classic Courtyard improv. It's free, but you need to put your [ ... ]
Free but donations welcomeLAST CHANCE Bygones
NYUAD Project Space NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiWhat does it mean to come from a home that does not exist today? The artworks in this exhibition examine the idea of true foreigners – whose left-behind homes exist not only in a different place, but also in a [ ... ]
Free
The Fridge Concert Series Season 45: Arqam | Vahimiti
The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe Fridge's series of showcase concerts closes with Emirati soul singer Arqam – six hit singles to date. Support comes in the form of Polynesian from Vahimiti, debuting two tracks from her upcoming album.
AED 100Potted Potter
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiVery silly, very funny: all seven Harry Potter books (and a game of Quidditch) condensed into 70 minutes, with all the main Harry Potter characters, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props, and a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon ... [ ... ]
From AED 120Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe Courtyard's most peopular evening of elimination improv. 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 [ ... ]
Free but donations welcomePotted Potter
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiTwo more performances (at 3pm and 7pm) of this very silly, very funny show: all seven Harry Potter books (and a game of Quidditch) condensed into 70 minutes, with all the main Harry Potter characters, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous [ ... ]
From AED 120
Sabrina: dir Billy Wilder (1954)
Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA newly-restored print of one of Hollywood's classics – romantic, witty, a great director, and full of stars: Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn lead in this Cinderella story of a gauche girl who returns from a trip to [ ... ]
FreeAlmost, Maine
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesA rare non-improv evening at the Courtyard, and a perfect Valentine's treat: John Cariani’s play is made up of a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming [ ... ]
FreePotted Potter
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiThe final Dubai performances (at 3pm and 7pm) of this very silly, very funny show: all seven Harry Potter books (and a game of Quidditch) condensed into 70 minutes, with all the main Harry Potter characters, endless costumes, brilliant songs, [ ... ]
From AED 120Block Barty
421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates"Better than the art afterparty" claims 421. "We’re ramping up the art season with pop-up vendors, independent brands, eclectic workshops, diverse entertainment, neighbourhood walks, and obviously, more art ... Block Barty is for the 'art' people, the non-art art people, [ ... ]
Free
L’ÉCOLE Festival
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates“An immersive celebration of jewellery arts” with “an exciting lineup of engaging experiences” that showcase the school’s expertise across its three pillars: art history, 'savoir-faire', and gemology. The jewellery school’s director, Sophie Claudel, describes it as “a celebration of everything [ ... ]
Free, but pre-register
Romeo and Juliet
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiNow this looks a lot of fun: a version of the Shakespeare play (pretty faithful to the original, apparently) woven together with Queen music, a five-piece band and choir, dancing, and lots of swordfighting. Says the blurb: “Imagine Shakespeare’s classic [ ... ]
From AED 120Almost, Maine
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesA second performance of John Cariani’s play, a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming exploration of love's many facets, filled with wit, warmth, and unexpected surprises, [ ... ]
FreeRomeo and Juliet
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiTwo further performances (at 2.30 and 7.30pm) for this version of the Shakespeare play featuring a five-piece band, songs by Queen, dancing, and lots of swordfighting. Says the blurb: “Imagine Shakespeare’s classic envisioned by Freddie Mercury, blending elements of Zeffirelli, [ ... ]
From AED 120
Jamal A. Rahim: The Art behind the Stars
Kutubna Cultural Center Madina Avenues 17, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai"An exhibition that bridges the glamour of international stars from cinema and music and the depth of fine art portraiture" – a total of 22 portraits by Bahraini artist Jamal A. Rahim of figures from Hollywood and the Arab world, [ ... ]
FreeSolimar Miller: Symphony of the Wetlands
XVA Gallery Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThis solo show by the Dubai-based artist/designer celebrates the Gulf’s mangroves, celebrating their vital role in protecting wildlife, the coastline, and the balance of nature, "celebrating their inherent tranquillity and the intricate tapestry of endangered wildlife thriving within their protective [ ... ]
FreeL’ÉCOLE Festival
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates“An immersive celebration of jewellery arts” with “an exciting lineup of engaging experiences” that showcase the school’s expertise across its three pillars: art history, 'savoir-faire', and gemology. The jewellery school’s director, Sophie Claudel, describes it as “a celebration of everything [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerBook Launch: Short Circuits by Vikram Divecha
Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, DubaiA conversation between Vikram Divecha and writer Robert Kilroy about the publication developed after Divecha’s 2024 solo exhibition at the Jameel, exploring his concept of “found processes”, where he observes how people navigate, adapt and disrupt systems. Recommended.
FreePublic Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: FLEX* by Load na Dito
FLEX* is a talking and listening game created by Manila-based curatorial and research initiative Load na Dito; participants explore the meaning of words based on personal experiences while moulding clay. Inspired by the city’s ubiquitous gift shops, the accompanying installation will [ ... ]
Free, but pre-register
Boiler Room Six
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesNow this should be an impressive piece of theatre: Boiler Room Six tells the almost impossible but true survival story of Frederick Barrett, lead firemen in one of the boiler rooms on the Titanic. Barrett’s story is one of the [ ... ]
AED 120Almost, Maine
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe penultimate Courtyard performance of John Cariani’s play, a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming exploration of love's many facets, filled with wit, warmth, and unexpected [ ... ]
Free
Omar Lye-Fook Live at Jazz Avenue
Jass Lounge DIFC – Gate 2, DubaiTop British soul talent who has had a long and storied career, much peer approval and an MBE but still deserves wider recognition. A two-night residency at this intimate venue and a knowledgeable audience should suit him, though. Recommended.
AED 175Public 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 EmiratesArtist 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-registerRemote Abu Dhabi by Rimini Protokoll
Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Abu [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerDubai Bibliophiles: The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years
21grams Urban Balkan Bistro Meyan Mall, Al Thanyah St, Umm Suqeim 2, DubaiAnyone who has read The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years by Chingiz Aitmatov is free to take part in this book club meetup – attendees will each get the chance to express their impressions, then a moderator will [ ... ]
FreeBoiler Room Six
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe second (and final) performance of Tom Foreman's account of the almost impossible but true survival story of Frederick Barrett, lead firemen in one of the boiler rooms on the Titanic. Barrett’s story is one of the most devastating accounts [ ... ]
AED 120Romeo and Juliet
Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, DubaiThe final performance for this version of the Shakespeare play – featuring a five-piece band, songs by Queen, dancing, and lots of swordfighting. Says the blurb: “Imagine Shakespeare’s classic envisioned by Freddie Mercury, blending elements of Zeffirelli, Baz Luhrmann, Jamie [ ... ]
From AED 120Almost, Maine
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe final Courtyard performance of John Cariani’s play, a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming exploration of love's many facets, filled with wit, warmth, and unexpected [ ... ]
FreeOmar Lye-Fook Live at Jazz Avenue
Jass Lounge DIFC – Gate 2, DubaiSecond of two nights at this superb jazz lounge for a top British soul talent who has had a long and storied career, much peer approval and an MBE but still deserves wider recognition.
AED 175Cosmopolitan Imagination: Cultural Reflections from the 21st Century
NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesWhat does it mean to be a citizen of the world? How do literature, culture, and identity shape our understanding of belonging and difference? These are the kinds of profound questions that Werner Sollors, one of our time's most celebrated [ ... ]
Free
