20 May 2025

Omar Al Gurg: Everyman’s Mountain

Lawrie Shabibi Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

The Emirati artist and designer's inaugural solo exhibition comprises a series of photographs that documents the striking ecological diversity of Mount Kilimanjaro. Captured through Al Gurg’s attentive and empathetic gaze during a six-day journey in 2021, this work offers "a [ ... ]

Free

Sharmila Dance Extravaganza 2025

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

The final day of performances for this annual show by Sharmila Dance Center, one of the UAE's longest-established dance schools. Currently in its 24th year, this is a show for aspiring performers of all ages – from 7-year-olds to professional [ ... ]

From AED 150

Shrek the Musical

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

The final performance of the Abu Dhabi Choral Group’s Summer Revue. This "hilarious and heartwarming" adaptation of the popular film, a successful Broadway and West End musical (music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire) is based on [ ... ]

AED 105

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

Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro

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. Classic Courtyard improv. It's free, but you need to put your [ ... ]

Free

Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro

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

The 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

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

Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro

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. Classic Courtyard improv. It's free, but you need to put your [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Reynier Llanes: Reverie

Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

An exhibition inspired by French philosopher Gaston Bachelard’s comment on 'reverie' – "Reverie is not a mind vacuum. It is rather the gift of an hour which knows the plenitude of the soul", a space where imagination and memory intertwine [ ... ]

LAST CHANCE Thomas Lélu: Calm Down It’s Just Art

Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery 796 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

Thomas Lélu’s practice interweaves photography, installation art, and textual elements, frequently featuring the appropriation and recontextualisation of imagery from popular culture and media to interrogate themes of contemporary society, consumerism, and media representation. His methodology of exploration, archiving, and contextualization [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Mohamed Al Astad: Rust & Waves

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

An exhibition showcasing the artistic journey of the Emirati artist known for his ability to capture maritime heritage and coastal landscapes through the interplay between nature and time; he characteristically incorporates elements of rust, waves, and the textures of the [ ... ]

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

LAST CHANCE Zhou Song: Supernatural·Algorithm

Volery Gallery Maze Tower - 5201, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai

Zhou Song's solo show echoes traditional Chinese landscape painting but employs symbolic imagery to explore relationships between nature, technology, and faith. The 'anthropomorphic tree' is central, serving as a metaphor for nature’s alienation by technology – "these trees retain natural [ ... ]

Free, but book appointment slot

Pencil In

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

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 invited to polish your writing skills [ ... ]

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

LAST CHANCE Abdullah Al Othman: Structural Syntax

Iris Projects Studio 20, Madar 39, MiZa, Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Saudi artist has long been developing a highly characteristic visual language rooted in the Arabian urban landscapes, architecture, and linguistic history. In his work, In his monumental installations and sculptures Al Othman reflects on the layers of history embedded [ ... ]

Free

We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

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

This is a version of the ballet that features just six dancers (rather than the 30 or more in a full conventional production) "to bring this classic tale to life on stage".  The show is created, directed, and choreographed by [ ... ]

From AED 139

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

LAST CHANCE Bashir Makhoul: The Promise

Zawyeh Gallery Warehouse 27, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

New works by the noted Palestinian artist. The title The Promise suggests a poetic and ambiguous statement of intent; a promise is made but can also be broken. Makhoul's practice engages deeply with the concept of home, with the recurring [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits

Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Subtitled explicitly 'Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today', this exhibition is a selection of works from the Seoul Museum of Art, curated by SeMA's Kyung-Hwan Yeo and Maya El Khalil for the Abu Dhabi Festival, and it aims to [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE MyLysses

XVA Gallery Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

How do contemporary artists grapple with the shifting role of text, literature and knowledge in an age of AI? This group exhibition curated by Tor Seidel tries to answer that question. As Seidel puts it, "Has access to texts and [ ... ]

LAST CHANCE MyLysses

XVA Gallery Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

How do contemporary artists grapple with the shifting role of text, literature and knowledge in an age of AI? This group exhibition curated by Tor Seidel tries to answer that question. As Seidel puts it, "Has access to texts and [ ... ]

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

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

LAST CHANCE Eltiqa: How to Work Together?

Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

More 80 artworks by the Palestinian artist collective Eltiqa, Eltiqa (Arabic for “encounter”) is an artist collective from Gaza City founded in 2000. Eltiqa members have developed artistic practices together – including the setting up of a dedicated exhibition and [ ... ]

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

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

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

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

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

LAST CHANCE Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd: Garden of Murmurs

CARBON 12 17th Street, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd's body of work delves into his Iraqi heritage, while bridging painting, drawing and fibre art – "reconciling the tactility of textiles with a sensitive examination of form", as the gallery puts it. "Focusing primarily on the [ ... ]

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

Faraj Suleiman Live in Concert

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

For his full UAE debut Suleiman takes to the stage with a full band to performing selection from his albums, including his breakthrough Better Than Berlin and his most recent release Maryam. His music blends jazz, rock, classical, and Arabic [ ... ]

AED 125

LAST CHANCE Nazgol Ansarinia: Instruments of Viewing an Obscurity

Green Art Gallery Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Recent projects from the Tehran-born artist. Nazgol Ansarinia’s work examines the systems and networks that underpin her daily life – from everyday objects to routines, events and experiences. She's interested in the relationships they form to make up a larger [ ... ]

Free

LAST CHANCE The Prism: Project Oneness / Trust, Gratitude, and Love Journey

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

"An immersive exploration of The Prism’s distinctive artistic vision ... Going beyond aesthetics, these exhibitions create emotionally and spiritually resonant experiences, transforming light and space to challenge perceptions and inspire deep reflection ... Through dynamic interplays of form, colour, and [ ... ]

Free