• Samaa Wakim & Samar Haddad King: Interdisciplinarity in Dance

    The Yard Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Samaa Wakim graduated from the faculty of Theatre at the University of Haifa and has since performed in numerous dance theatre productions; Samar Haddad King, the founding artistic director of Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre, has a BFA in choreography, has [ ... ]

    Free
  • Remote 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-register
  • Remote 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-register
  • Bye Bye Tiberias: dir Lina Soualem (2022)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Thirty years ago, Hiam Abbass left her native village in Galilee to follow her acting dream in France. Camera in hand, her daughter Lina questions her mother’s bold choices and the way the women in her family – who she [ ... ]

    Free
  • Nicolas Fattouh: Living with a Piece of Furniture

    Dar al Nadwa Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Second and final performance of this comedy with a point, written, performed and directed by Nicolas Fattouh It revolves around the inhabitants of a small Christian village on Mount Lebanon, the relationships and disagreements that make up their daily lives. [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Precious Ornamental Stones

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A talk about the use of ornamental stones, from ancient civilisations to their revival in modern jewellery and decorative arts. The speakers are two lecturers at the L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts; Chandra Horn, gemologist, and David Usieto [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

    Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

    Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Tran Luong: Tầm Tã – Soaked in the Long Rain

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The first major survey of Vietnamese contemporary artist Tran Luong covers 30 years of painting, installation, performance and work with communities showcasing how his practice has been shaped by political and social transitions and his multifaceted roles as activist, curator, [ ... ]

    Free
  • Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

    Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Trần Lương: Tầm Tã – Soaked in the Long Rain

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Trần Lương is a major figure in performance and visual art in Vietnam. This exhibition is the first international survey for the artist; it includes painting, installation, performance, community engagement and institution-making as it traces Trần’s life and work from [ ... ]

    Free
  • Day 2 | Forest Cinema

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

    Three films selected from the two editions of Ghost, a triennial video and performance art series in Bangkok, that show how natural and manufactured subjects can haunt and possess novel forms of life and knowledge. Mangosteen dir Tulapop Saenjaroen (Thailand [ ... ]

    Free
  • Goodbye Julia: dir Mohamed Kordofani (2023)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Mona is a retired singer in a tense marriage in Northern Sudan. Wracked by guilt after covering up a murder, she tries to make amends by taking in the dead man’s southern Sudanese widow, Julia, and her son, Daniel. Mona [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    Tchaikovsky’s all-time seasonal favourite is back, again delivered by the Astana Opera Ballet and Orchestra. Choreography is by Yuri Grigorovich, the set designs by Simon Virsaladze are described as "stunning", and the blurb promises that audiences will be transported "into [ ... ]

    From AED 290
  • Solos on the Barge

    Perform Sjarjah Barge Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    For three days (20, 21 and 22 December, 5-9pm each day) a barge moored in Sharjah's historic port across from the Bait Obaid Al Shamsi will host several short performances and monologues from classical Arab theatre delivered by professional actors. [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    A second performance for Tchaikovsky’s all-time seasonal favourite is back, as delivered by the Astana Opera Ballet and Orchestra. Choreography is by Yuri Grigorovich, the set designs by Simon Virsaladze are described as "stunning", and the blurb promises that audiences [ ... ]

    From AED 290
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    Tchaikovsky’s all-time seasonal favourite is back, as delivered by the Astana Opera Ballet and Orchestra. Choreography is by Yuri Grigorovich, the set designs by Simon Virsaladze are described as "stunning", and the blurb promises that audiences will be transported "into [ ... ]

    From AED 290
  • LAST CHANCE Fashionarte

    Chaka Arts Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    This month-long exhibition for Goshopia aims to “reimagine sustainable fashion as museum-worthy wearable art ... FashionArte represents a significant milestone in Dubai's sustainable fashion movement, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience eco-conscious fashion through an artistic lens while supporting [ ... ]

    Free
  • Bye Bye Tiberias: dir Lina Soualem (2022)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Thirty years ago, Hiam Abbass left her native village in Galilee to follow her acting dream in France. Camera in hand, her daughter Lina questions her mother’s bold choices and the way the women in her family – who she [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Nutcracker

    Dubai Opera

    The final performances (at 2pm and 8pm) for Tchaikovsky’s all-time seasonal favourite, as delivered by the Astana Opera Ballet and Orchestra. Choreography is by Yuri Grigorovich, the set designs by Simon Virsaladze are described as "stunning", and the blurb promises [ ... ]

    From AED 290
  • 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
  • Remote 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-register
  • Remote 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-register
  • Remote 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-register
  • Home Alone: dir Chris Columbus (1990)

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    The original and the best of the Home Alone franchise, funny and slightly sad because eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris for Christmas and they simply don’t notice that he’s not there [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Mask of Zorro: dir Martin Campbell (1998)

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones have great fun in this easy-to-watch action/adventure movie. Hopkins is Zorro, escaping from prison to find his long-lost daughter (Zeta-Jones) and avenge the death of his wife. He is aided by his successor [ ... ]

    Free
  • Bye Bye Tiberias: dir Lina Soualem (2022)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Thirty years ago, Hiam Abbass left her native village in Galilee to follow her acting dream in France. Camera in hand, her daughter Lina questions her mother’s bold choices and the way the women in her family – who she [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Laal Collection Volume II

    Total Arts at the Courtyard Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The latest instalment of this exhibition features Fereydoun Ave's extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary Iranian and international art, from 1959 to the present – a potent (and highly recommended) reflection of the collector’s personal journey, connections, sensibilities, and experiences. [ ... ]

  • Home Alone: dir Chris Columbus (1990)

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    The original and the best of the Home Alone franchise, funny and slightly sad because eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris for Christmas and they simply don’t notice that he’s not there [ ... ]

    Free
  • Home Alone: dir Chris Columbus (1990)

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    The original and the best of the Home Alone franchise, funny and slightly sad because eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris for Christmas and they simply don’t notice that he’s not there [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Way of the Forest

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

    This travelling edition of the Colomboscope arts festival features work by 19 artists from South Asia and Africa. Taking over Galleries 1 and 2 inside 421 Arts Campus, it focuses on interdependence, custodianship, and restorative practices across rainforests, wilderness, mountain [ ... ]

    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
  • Goodbye Julia: dir Mohamed Kordofani (2023)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Mona is a retired singer in a tense marriage in Northern Sudan. Wracked by guilt after covering up a murder, she tries to make amends by taking in the dead man’s southern Sudanese widow, Julia, and her son, Daniel. Mona [ ... ]

    Free
  • Home Alone: dir Chris Columbus (1990)

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    The original and the best of the Home Alone franchise, funny and slightly sad because eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris for Christmas and they simply don’t notice that he’s not there [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Farid Abu Shakra: Threads of Landscape — Engraved Narratives

    Fann à Porter The Workshop, Villa 45, St. 23b, off Al Wasl Road (opposite Box Park), Jumeirah 2, Dubai

    A solo exhibition of works that fuse engraving, embroidery, and landscape, presented by Gallery One, Ramallah. In Abu Shakra’s work, landscapes are more than geographical representations: "they are woven tapestries of experience and narrative”, says the gallery. "Each piece captures [ ... ]

    Free
  • Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival

    Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve Dubai

    The fourth edition of Dubai Culture’s mini film festival takes place for nine days in January at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. Under the theme ‘Where Stories Come to Life', it aims to provide an innovative platform for filmmakers to [ ... ]

    Free
  • A Writer on Honeymoon

    Sharjah Institute of Theatrical Arts Calligraphy Square, Sharjah

    In a special commission by Sharjah Art Foundation for Perform Sharjah, theatre director Ahmed El Attar collaborates with the noted actor Sayed Rajab to adapt a one-act play by the controversial playwright Ali Salem. In this contemporary adaptation, the plot [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • LAST CHANCE Thaier Helal: Navigating Through Nothing

    Ayyam Gallery B11, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A solo exhibition featuring Helal’s most recent body of work and a pivotal moment in the artist’s evolution, a more straightforward yet deeply expressive style without the constraints of his previous methods. The new approach, characterized by loose, dynamic strokes, [ ... ]

    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
  • Remote 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-register
  • LAST CHANCE Abdoulaye Konaté: Sambadio

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

    This solo show for the pioneering Malian artist Abdoulaye Konaté is inspired by the final track of Ali Farka Touré’s iconic 1976 album Le Jeune Chansonnier du Mali. The song Sambadio celebrates farmers with lyrics reflecting a father’s passionate plea [ ... ]

    Free