• Abu Dhabi Art: day five

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The final day of the 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art. It has five principal sectors: Modern & Contemporary: for established galleries (who have been operating for at least seven years) with curatorial framework for booth presentations. This is the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Deepak Unnikrishnan

    Abu Dhabi Main Bus Terminal Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    As part of the Biennial, poet and writer Deepak Unnikrishnan will host a workshop for audiences aged over 18 at 3.30pm at the Abu Dhabi bus station.

    Free
  • Vinyl Souk Mini Festival

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    "This festival aims to strengthen the alternative music community as well as introduce new audiences to the underground sounds and creative vibrancy of Dubai" – it should be a groovy evening to celebrate the UAE’s nearest approach to an alternative [ ... ]

    AED 150
  • 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
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Tania Candiani’s Nomadic Stage

    Tania Candiani's contribution to the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial features an inflatable mobile stage that moves across the city, transforming urban spaces into hubs for collective exchange and endowing these spaces with renewed significance. The performers for this live [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Igor Moiseyev Ballet: Dances of the World

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

    The Igor Moiseyev Ballet is a novel ensemble that blends classical ballet with folk dance. Founded by Moiseyev just before WW2, the company is  credited with creating a new dance genre; it now led by Elena Shcherbakova. There are performances [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Hard Shell Soft Shell | Fragile: dir Emma Benestan (2021)

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

    A handsome oyster farmer from the Mediterranean port town of Sète vows to win back his actress girlfriend after a botched proposal involving a ring hidden in an oyster shell. Fortunately, his friends are ready to do anything to help [ ... ]

    Free
  • Dans la brume | Just a Breath Away: dir Daniel Roby (2018)

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Daniel Roby's film has a Parisian couple whose daughter suffers from an incurable disease that forces her to live in a hermetically sealed glass bubble. Then a mysterious toxic fog begins to spread in the Parisian streets, killing anyone who [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Comedy Night @ Ting Irie

    Ting Irie, Mamsga al Saadiyat Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

    "Hilarious live performances by up-and-coming stand-up comedians" at Ting Irie Abu Dhabi every other Tuesday (best to check their Instagram account @tingirieauh just to be sure). It's hosted by Funeral Home Comedy; the Jamaican vibe is always great, irrespective of [ ... ]

    AED 95
  • Into The Beat | Dein Herz Tanzt: dir Stefan Westerwelle (2020)

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

    A great coming-of-age movie – teen destined for ballet stardom discovers hip hop dance. She finds a new passion that challenges everything she knows. Torn between ballet and hip-hop, Kaya must decide which path to follow: the one set by [ ... ]

    Free
  • Imprinted Narratives. Stories of a Nation Through Postal Stamps

    Etihad Museum 1 Jumeirah St, Dubai

    Dubai Culture has an interesting way to celebrate the UAE's 53rd National Day: this exhibition, curated by researcher and architect Rashed Al Mulla, revisits key moments in the UAE's history through examples of the country's postage stamps that highlight achievements [ ... ]

    General admission AED 25
  • Pencil In

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

    We love this idea -- it's a writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You're [ ... ]

    Free
  • Hekayah | The Story

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

    What does 'home' mean to you? Your country, your city, your family? Abu Dhabi is conventionally but accurately described as a melting pot of people from all over the world, and if anything NYU Abu Dhabi represents even more of [ ... ]

    Free
  • Casablanca Beats: dir Nabil Ayouch (2021)

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

    Nabil Ayouch’s grittily authentic tale of a rapper turned teacher helping his students find their creative voices is a class act. It manages to combine familiar cinematic tropes like 'strength through making music' and the inspirational teacher with a taste [ ... ]

    Free
  • PowerPointless League of Legends

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

    Season-ending special for one of the most consistently funny of the Courtyard's classic improv gigs, a feast of wit, spontaneity, and sheer bravery: "fearless guest presenters from this year’s past shows ... gather to compete in the ultimate showdown of [ ... ]

    Free
  • An African Story

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

    Group show with four artists, each bringing "a unique interpretation of Africa's spirit and culture": Keith Zenda showcases Zimbabwe’s historical and cultural richness with evocative depictions of heritage and community, Tonderai Mujuru is known for breath-taking wildlife scenes, Barry Lungu [ ... ]

    Free
  • Improv Party 4

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

    Unscripted and unexpected, the team reacts to prompts from the audience. Classic improv, with the added bonus of experienced actors from the Junction's resident performers.

    AED 100
  • We call it Tango

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

    A 60-minute celebration of the sensational Argentine dance, “a whirlwind of romance and passion … The dancers, commanding the stage with precision and agility, invite you on an emotional journey through love and lust”. Two pro dancers, live music; sounds [ ... ]

    AED 140
  • LAST CHANCE Arda Aslanian: Obscured / Untold Stories

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

    A solo exhibition for the self-taught Armenian-Jordanian artist who uses her meticulously crafted works to explore the intricacies between visibility and concealment, using drapery as a metaphor for the complexities of human experience. This series of works delves into the [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Negin Fallah, Mai Al Remeithi, Annie Kurkdjian: Contours of Belonging

    Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    A group show for three female artists whose backgrounds, experiences, and practices converge in a shared exploration of cultural heritage, personal memory, and emotional landscapes. Negin Fallah examines the intersection of tradition and transformation, where echoes of Iranian illuminated manuscripts [ ... ]

    Free
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    AED 450
  • Bouchra Khalili: The Tempest Society

    Mirage City Cinema Al Mureijah Art Spaces, Sharjah

    Last chance to see Bouchra Khalili’s 2017 video work, part of a long series devoted to the legacy of Al Assifa ('The Tempest' in Arabic) – a theatre group comprising North African immigrant workers and French students that was active [ ... ]

    Free
  • Steinway Series: Anna Geniushene

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    The accomplished young Russian pianist Anna Geniushene plays an evening of Brahms – the Scherzo in E flat Minor; two Choral Preludes from “11 Chorale Preludes for Organ”, op.122 (arranged for piano); and the Piano Sonata No.1.

    AED 220
  • Naveen Richard: Read Between the Lines

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

    "Clean and family friendly stand up" about "everyday relatable things like bargaining at shops, learning how to cook and getting married the old-fashioned arranged-marriage way".

    From AED 90
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    From AED340
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    AED 450
  • The Streets

    Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

    The era-defining British rap artist Mike Skinner makes his Dubai debut with his band (also called The Streets). He's been quiet for a while, mostly DJing and working on a film that he largely wrote and directed himself (The Darker [ ... ]

    From AED 250
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    From AED 340
  • LAST CHANCE Emily Karaka: Ka Awatea, A New Dawn

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

    A survey of the work and practice of Emily Karaka. A largely self-taught painter, she is an abstract expressionist, a colourist and (occasionally) an assemblage artist. Her work is personal, passionate and anchored in the politics of the culture clash [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations

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

    Amplifying the voices of migrant and disenfranchised communities, Khalili makes manifest micro-histories erased by the nation-state. Featuring a selection of her most significant projects over the last two decades, including the regional premiere of The Public Storyteller (2024), the exhibition [ ... ]

    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
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    From AED340
  • Marc Quinn: Photosynthetic Forms

    Waddington Custot Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The rebranding of Custot Gallery Dubai to Waddington Custot Dubai is coming up trumps with some big names (the partnership of long-time London art dealer Leslie Waddington, and French dealer Stephane Custot dates back to 2010, and Custot became sole [ ... ]

    Free
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Singin’ in the Rain
    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    AED 450
  • 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
  • Putting the Record Straight: The Lost Women of Art History

    Society Dubai Jumeirah Street, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Last in this seven-part lecture series by art historian Rose Balston on female artists from the 16th through to the 18th century – “women who have not only been side-lined, but literally (and shockingly) blocked out of history”, mainly by [ ... ]

    AED 250
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    AED 450
  • LAST CHANCE Vian Sora: House of Pearls

    The Third Line Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The Third Line's first solo exhibition with Louisville-based artist Vian Sora features new paintings and works on paper that explore pearls as "a metaphor for achieving stability and the needed structural integrity for life itself to regenerate". Sora draws on [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Vian Sora: House of Pearls

    The Third Line Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    New paintings and works on paper from the Louisville-based artist that explore pearls as "a metaphor for achieving stability and the needed structural integrity for life itself to regenerate". Drawing on her experiences as a war survivor and immigrant (Iraqi-born, [ ... ]

    Free
  • Curators Talk: Salwa Mikdadi

    NYUAD Art Gallery Reading Room أبو ظبي, أبو ظبي, United Arab Emirates

    The first in the Curators Talk talk series of the 2024-2025 academic year features art historian and curator Salwa Mikdadi, Professor of Practice in Art History at NYUAD and Founding Director and Principal Investigator of the Al Mawrid Arab Center [ ... ]

    Free
  • Day 1 | Forest Cinema

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

    Dharamshala International Film Festival has a peripatetic and constantly changing programme called DIFF On the Road, part of the festival’s mandate to build networks of cinematic solidarity and to extend the space for discourse around independent cinema. In keeping with [ ... ]

    Free
  • Surf House Unplugged: Volume 1

    Byron Bathers Club 4, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    An unplugged line-up including Jedd Perlata, Ana Silva and Doza for this laid-back beach club on Palm Jumeirah. The AED 50 tickets include one drink.

    AED 50
  • On the Brink! A Celebration of Afro-Arab Identity

    Zayed Theatre, SUAD Campus Hazza Bin Zayed St, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The AlMultaqa Harmonic Orchestra blends African rhythms, Arabian melodies, and Sudanese pentatonic notes; this celebration of Afro-Arab culture and identity is realised through On the Brink, described as a "groundbreaking" composition that forges "a brave new path in orchestral music [ ... ]

    Free
  • Singin’ in the Rain

    Dubai Opera

    The highly successful stage adaptation of the iconic MGM film about silent film actors who face their share of struggles over the gradual transition to talkies. The plot isn't what matters, of course; it's the songs – classics like Good [ ... ]

    AED 450
  • Jazz At The Island: Mezzotono / Nesrine

    Al Noor Island Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah

    Jazz under the stars on Sharjah's Al Noor Island – though the evening might be stretching the definition of 'jazz'. The headliners are Mezzotono, the Italian a cappella five-voice group with a unique style which blends vocal harmonies, beatboxing, and [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Cineolio’s Cinenigh

    Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Three short films that reflect diverse visions and experiences from around the world, presented with Cineolio founder and film director Nawaf Al Janahi: Frog: dir Jung-In Kim (South Korea, 2011: 15 mins) The story of a young girl who dreams [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register