• The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A second JBR gig for this month's Laughter Factory tour: Rory O'Hanlon The Irish comedian is a firm favourite at the Fringe, thanks to his rapid-fire delivery – "a joke every 30 seconds" calculated the Irish Times. Highly recommended. Darius [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Funny Face: dir Stanley Donen (1957)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Classic feelgood Hollywood of the 50s: a Paris-set musical with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire at their most charming, directed by the legendary Stanley Donen, gowns by de Givenchy, songs by George and Ira Gershwin ... No wonder it was [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Liz Bains: Special Fringe Preview

    Melrose Paramount Midtown, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai

    The excellent Liz Bains (a Dubomedy alumnus) is previewing her Edinburgh Fringe stand-up show before she heads off to Scotland. Expect "hilarious cultural observations and expat anguish", and you will never look at cucumbers the same way again ... The [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Sounds of Sufi

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Fadi Rifaai (vocal) is joined by Sandu (tabla) and Zahi Saba Ayon (keyboard) for an immersive sound journey through the poetry of the greatest Sufi mystics — Al-Hallaj, Ibn al-Farid, Abu-al-Hasan — supported by ToDA's signature 360º visuals.    

    From AED 190.29
  • Hotel Salvation: dir Shubhashish Bhutiani (2016)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A warm tale of life and relationships, embedded in Indian culture and Hindu rituals. Daya decides he wants to die in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi. Rajiv, his over-worked accountant son, struggles with anxieties about his responsibilities back home [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • ELF Community Night

    One Life Kitchen & Café Building 5, d3, Dubai

    An evening of poetry and spoken word performances "of all kinds" inspired by the theme 'Passages' in response to an open call (so a kind of pre-curated open mic event). It's run by Emirates Literature Foundation, organisers of LitFest. The [ ... ]

    AED 25
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Al Habtoor Polo Resort Al Safa 5, Emirates Road 611, Dubai

    This month's Laughter Factory tour moves into midweek: Rory O'Hanlon The Irish comedian is a firm favourite at the Fringe, thanks to his rapid-fire delivery – "a joke every 30 seconds" calculated the Irish Times. Highly recommended. Darius Davies Definitely [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    The Club Al Mina, Abu Dhabi

    This month's Laughter Factory tour calls in on Abu Dhabi, something it hasn't done of late: Rory O'Hanlon The Irish comedian is a firm favourite at the Fringe, thanks to his rapid-fire delivery – "a joke every 30 seconds" calculated [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • New Orleans Jazz: Nikolai Mishchenko Quintet

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Classic New Orleans jazz favourites in ToDA's immersive 360º visuals that "will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans". The band: Nikolai Mishchenko piano Matt West saxophone Tona trumpet Rami Lakkis bass Satya Darcy drums    

    From AED 211.43
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

    The penultimate gig for this month's Laughter Factory tour: Rory O'Hanlon The Irish comedian is a firm favourite at the Fringe, thanks to his rapid-fire delivery – "a joke every 30 seconds" calculated the Irish Times. Highly recommended. Darius Davies [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Dreams of Miyazaki

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    A journey in 360° space through the worlds created by Hayao Miyazaki & Joe Hisaishi with the Armenian pianist Gayane Aslanyan. "In 60 minutes, she will transport you to a realm of wonder and fantasy where imagination knows no bounds [ ... ]

    From AED 211.43
  • Improv Party

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

    A spontaneous, unscripted live show created on the fly in response to audience prompts. We're promised "comedy, drama, mischief, and a bunch of unique emotions". Mostly comedy, we'd guess ...

    AED 100
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    Last gig for this month's Laughter Factory tour: Rory O'Hanlon The Irish comedian is a firm favourite at the Fringe, thanks to his rapid-fire delivery – "a joke every 30 seconds" calculated the Irish Times. Highly recommended. Darius Davies Definitely [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • LAST CHANCE Leila Eskandari: Whispers of Legends

    Zawyeh Gallery Warehouse 27, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Eskandari's exuberant and busy paintings intertwine myth and reality, exploring the power of storytelling – the artist's inspiration for this series comes from the Shahnameh, or the Book of Kings, an ancient Persian epic poem filled with mythical figures and [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Lion King: dir Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff (1994)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A gorgeously restored print for the 30th anniversary of the family friendly classic. With help from his long-lost friend, Nala (Moira Kelly), and a curious pair of newfound friends, Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella) and Timon (Nathan Lane), Simba (Matthew Broderick) must [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Ali & Ava: dir Clio Barnard (2021)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A compelling contemporary love story about two fundamentally lonely people – classroom assistant Ava and landlord/failed DJ Ali – who bond over a love of music and their shared affection for the child of Ali’s Slovakian tenants. But even as [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • LAST CHANCE Houda Bakkali: Digital Art, Digital Culture

    Alliance Française Abu Dhabi Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An exhibition that aims to demonstrate the power of digital art to break spatial, temporal and generational borders, "creating synergies between different audiences and making art not only timeless, but also universal, close and understandable". It features work by Bakkali [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE ChefBurger: Journey Through the Arts – From Tokyo to Paris

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

    A collection of digital and painted art from ChefBurger (aka Mano Gonzalez) that "offers a unique opportunity to experience the convergence of diverse cultures through compelling portraits, French masterpieces, and a profound reverence for nature". Included is a new series [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Jazz Night with Winck

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    ToDA transforms into a jazz venue for live performance accompanied by a 360° immersive show for a 90-minute set from Luisa Winck, with keyboard and drums as accompaniment. Expect a range from soulful ballads to upbeat foot-tappers ...     [ ... ]

    From AED 180
  • Same Same, but Different: A Sit Down with Shawn and Friends

    VOX Mercato Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Rd, Dubai

    Looks like VOX has a winner with this one: Shawn Chidiac, aka ‘My Parents are Divorced', is doing this chat-plus-comedy evening once a month at VOX Cinemas Mercato Mall until the end of the year. For the August edition, Shawn [ ... ]

    From AED 175
  • LAST CHANCE Drawing Time: Duets

    Al Mureijah Art Spaces Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    This exhibition spotlights new and historical works from the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection that present the range and possibilities of drawing and print culture. The first instalment of a four-part series, it delves into the concept of “the double, the [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Khaled Jarada: Non Key Frame

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

    The title of this exhibition evokes a notion that originates from the world of the moving image. Key frames are those that define a scene in a film; they set its starting as well as ending point, they are typically [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Jazz Night with Olesia Glants & Big Band

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    ToDA delivers big-band jazz accompanied by a 360° immersive show for a 90-minute set from Ukrainian vocalist Olesia Giants, with backing from a stellar collection of top Dubai musicians. Expect classics by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and [ ... ]

    From AED 190
  • LAST CHANCE Gold and Treasures: 3,000 Years of Chinese Ornaments

    L’ÉCOLE Middle East Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East – Van Cleef and Arpels' school of jewellery arts– is celebrating its opening in Dubai Design District with this spectacular exhibition. The clue is of course in the name: the pieces on show (a hundred or so [ ... ]

    Free
  • SAF Book Club: Dystopian Literature in the Present

    Sharjah Art Foundation, Flying Saucer Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    An SAF Book Club meetup to talk about dystopian literary titles such as The Book Censor’s Library by Bothayna Al-Essa, Vauhini Vara's Immortal King Rao and the granddaddy of the general, Orwell's 1984. You're also welcome to bring your own [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • LAST CHANCE Echoes of the Orient

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The inaugural exhibition of the brand new Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is curated from the private collection of Bassam Said Freiha to offer a perspective into how the Middle East has been perceived, portrayed and romanticised over time – particularly [ ... ]

    Free
  • Susan Doe: Entwined

    NYUAD Project Space NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The first Project Space exhibition of the new season features a series of paintings, sculptures, and installations through which Susan Doe explores ideas of intersectionality, rooted in her own bicultural upbringing. Says the gallery: "Reflecting on her Chinese American background, [ ... ]

  • Uncharted Paths: DocuShorts in Focus

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

    An evening of short documentary films from the region, works by artists taking part in Image Nation Abu Dhabi's Arab Film Studios programme: Luminary: dir Nada Jahed Arabic, 9.5 mins A poetic portrait of a blind father who is strongly [ ... ]

    Free
  • Summertime: dir David Lean (1955)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    David Lean’s lush love letter to Venice was his personal favourite among his own films. A sublimely bittersweet tale of romantic longing, it also has Katharine Hepburn at her best, portraying the conflicting emotions in a lonely, middle-aged American tourist [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The Laughter Factory tour this month looks like one of their best: John Fothergill "Everything he says is funny ... He looks like he was born onstage, under a follow spot, with a mic in his hand" said the Guardian  [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • One Hundred Years of Painting: Arab Art from 1916 to 2017

    Kutubna Cultural Center Madina Avenues 17, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai

    An explicitly-titled exhibition of 27 paintings selected from two Dubai collections, those of the International House Group and Al Noon Residence; included are works by Farid Aouad, Amine El Bacha, Saliba Douaihy, Farghali Abdel Hafez, Faek Hassan, Shaker Hassan, Emanuel [ ... ]

  • The Spot Camp

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The Spot camp is back with workshops, games, music (including an open mic), and a bunch of retail and F&B stalls. There's lots for the kids (bubble machines, face painting) and interactive art and live painting. Should be fun, though [ ... ]

    AED 17
  • The Jazz Night with Winck

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    ToDA transforms into a jazz venue for live performance accompanied by a 360° immersive show for a 90-minute set from Luisa Winck, with keyboard and drums as accompaniment. Expect a range from soulful ballads to upbeat foot-tappers ...     [ ... ]

    From AED 180
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A second night at the Mövenpick JBR for this month's Laughter Factory tour: John Fothergill "Everything he says is funny ... He looks like he was born onstage, under a follow spot, with a mic in his hand" said the [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Wolfwalkers: dir Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart (2020)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An excellent Irish animation that combines history and myth in a compelling narrative that explores friendship and difference. A young apprentice hunter journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack and befriends Mebh, a free-spirited [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Thelma: dir Josh Margolin (2024)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A poignant action-comedy featuring veteran Oscar nominee June Squibb in her first leading role and featuring the final performance of trailblazing blaxploitation legend Richard Roundtree. Squibb is Thelma Post, a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • For the Love of Palestine

    RAW Coffee Company 7A Street, Al Quoz, Dubai

    Musicians, comedians and poets take to the stage for an evening of art and solidarity. Opens at 7pm for artisan stalls "and solidarity".  

    Free, like Palestine should be
  • LAST CHANCE Through the Seasons with Eric Carle

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

    For the first time in the region, the work of the noted illustrator and children’s book author (more than 70 titles to his name, including of course The Very Hungry Caterpillar) is celebrated through Carle’s brilliant imagery of the seasons, [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Mummy: dir Stephen Sommers (1999)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Formulaic but neatly done. Adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) teams up with librarian Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) and a motley archaeological crew to conquer the vengeful reincarnation of Egyptian priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) for 124 minutes of non-stop action with some [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    The Club Al Mina, Abu Dhabi

    An Abu Dhbai visit for this month's Laughter Factory tour (looks like The Club will be a regular stop now): John Fothergill "Everything he says is funny ... He looks like he was born onstage, under a follow spot, with [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

    The last weekend for this month's Laughter Factory tour (looks like one of the best). On the bill: John Fothergill "Everything he says is funny ... He looks like he was born onstage, under a follow spot, with a mic [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    Last date for this month's Laughter Factory tour. On the bill: John Fothergill "Everything he says is funny ... He looks like he was born onstage, under a follow spot, with a mic in his hand" said the Guardian  A [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • LAST CHANCE Mona Ayyash: The Clock Doesn’t Care

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

    In her first solo exhibition, Mona Ayyash presents a collaborative video piece with a group of actors, dancers, and performance artists, focusing on small body movements. Selected through an open call, the artist’s collaborators committed to a long-term creative process [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE On a Timeline: 2024 MFA Graduate Show

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

    Marking the third year of collaboration and an expanded partnership between 421 Arts Campus and NYUAD, the exhibition of work by students completing the two-year Master of Fine Arts in Art and Media at NYUAD showcases research and experimentation by [ ... ]

    Free
  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • Closing Program: Spring 2024 Exhibitions

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

    Most exhibitions open with a bang and close with much less fanfare, so 421 is to be commended for marking the end of its current shows – Mona Ayyash: The Clock Doesn’t Care and On a Timeline: 2024 MFA Graduate [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Sound of Music: dir Robert Wise (1965)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    One of the best loved films of its time, this sumptuous adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show gets renewed punch from a newly restored print of the film. Julie Andrews is of course Maria, the spirited young governess [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register