• All That Breathes: dir Shaunak Sen (2022)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    From their makeshift bird hospital in their tiny basement, two brothers --  Mohammad Saud and Nadeem Shehzad – try to care for thousands of the black kites that struggle in New Delhi's smog-choked skies. As environmental toxicity and civil unrest [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • Nezouh: dir Soudade Kaadan (2022)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Fourteen-year-old Zeina lives with her mother and father in Damascus, one of the few remaining families in a devastated neighbourhood. Covert visits from a local boy offer Zeina glimpses of freedom outside the oppressive control of her father – but [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • The UAE Classical Talents: A Night of Harp and Piano

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A cocktail reception (8-8.30pm) followed by a recital from two artists who have been a hit in the Classical talents series – pianist Magdalena Wajdzik and harpist Erdinç Komsu. They will be performing works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Hasselmans. [ ... ]

    AED 130
  • Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The Egyptian surgeon-turned-satirist Bassem Youssef and the American comedian-turned-actor Maz Jobrani actually make a good double act, as seen/heard on various podcasts, chat shows and interviews, though for this Abu Dhabi Comedy Week we’d expect them to be doing successive [ ... ]

    From AED 250
  • L’hôtel du libre-échange

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

    A second show for this Feydeau farce set in a notorious hotel, with a motley group of guests entering and exiting rooms that are only sometimes the right ones ... Performed by students of Culture Emulsion's Dubai-based drama school as [ ... ]

    AED 110
  • Goodbye Julia: dir Mohamed Kordofani (2023)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, 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 [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • LAST CHANCE Rachid Koraïchi: An Ode to Intertwined Histories

    Elmarsa Gallery 23 Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A solo exhibition with examples of many of the disciplines and media that made up Koraïchi's practice, all "showcasing his abiding fascination with the creation of deeply layered seams within the spiritual, political and intellectual". Koraïchi often speaks of belonging [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Zhivago Duncan: The Rare But Known Phenomenon

    Meem Gallery Umm Suqeim Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    It's a pleasure to find an artist who is prepared to expand on their principles, and to do with Zhivago Duncan's level of articulation. "Within this new collection," writes Duncan, "I have endeavoured to distill the complexity of ideas and [ ... ]

  • LAST CHANCE Omran Younis: Rise of the Cactus

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

    A new body of work in this solo exhibition from Syrian artist Orman Younis offers "a poignant social commentary on his surroundings, the human condition, and current state of political affairs in the region" that "combines ideas of post-Modernism with [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Dima Srouji: Charts for a Resurrection

    Lawrie Shabibi Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    The first-ever solo exhibition for artist, architect and researcher Dima Srouji, whose work acts as a form of political commentary and as a place-making (or un-making) tool – "Interested in the ground, objects, displacement, restitution, forgeries, and living archives, the [ ... ]

    Free
  • 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
  • CinemaMAS Weekend day one

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An afternoon of films, some full-length and some shorts, for a single price (AED 50) as part of the sixth edition of the Manarat’s CinemaMAS film festival. (Individual films on weekdays are AED 30 per head, and there’s an all-inclusive [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • CinemaMAS Weekend day two

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The final afternoon of films in the sixth edition of the Manarat’s CinemaMAS film festival; there's a single price (AED 50) for the whole programme. (Individual films on weekdays are AED 30 per head, and there’s an all-inclusive ticket at [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • Comedy Braai: Robby Collins and Celeste Ntuli

    The Sportsman’s Arms First Floor, International Tennis Center Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi

    We like the idea of comedy with brunch (the price doesn’t include any food and drink, of course) and these two South Africans should be a pretty tasty addition to Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Robby Collins is a hard-working comedian [ ... ]

    AED 125
  • Improv Comedy Workshop

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A second improv workshop, billed as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, that focuses on the nuts and bolts of improvisational comedy, short-form games, and exercises you can take away; it’s open to all levels (min age 15) and is [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • Exclusive Live Comedy Podcast: Ali Al Sayed

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A second chance to sit in on what's promised to be a "raw, real and hilarious" live podcast, hosted by top local comedian Ali Al Sayed with guests as a contribution to Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Free to attend, but [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Tom Segura: Come Together

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The American actor/comedian/writer is one of the biggest names in the comedy tour business – this current tour is visiting more than 40 cities worldwide, and this gig for Abu Dhabi Comedy Week falls somewhere in the middle of the [ ... ]

    From AED 195
  • Qui veut la tête de Rakowsky?

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

    Panic blows through a burlesque cabaret when the star artists discover the assassination of their boss. Sassy or down to earth, rebellious or naive, or even mothers with psychopathic tendencies, they decide to carry out the investigation – in their [ ... ]

    AED 110
  • Phunny Filipinos

    Jazz Bar Radisson Blu, Corniche, Abu Dhabi

    Pinoy standup for Abu Dhabi Comedy Week from Ahmed Kasid, Joshua-John Dias and the ever-reliable Imah Dumagay.

    AED 95
  • LAST CHANCE The Fifth Wife

    Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    A group show, curated by Mara Firetti, Ali Cha'aban and Celine Azem and featuring Aidha Badr, ARE Studios, Ghaleb Hawila, Jason Seife, Khalid Zahid, Salmah Al-Mansoori and Sawsan Al Bahar. The exhibition explores the mythology of where the oral culture [ ... ]

    Free
  • Magic Phil

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A show from the popular kids entertainer as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Slightly disappointing that this is pitched as a family-friendly gig with one price for all – there are no reduced-price tickets for kids.

    AED 125
  • Performance Co/Lab

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

    An open invitation to all performing artists, creatives, and curious individuals looking to explore movement practices: participants will explore performance exercises such as contact improvisation, breath work, acting warm-ups, games, and techniques. Each session will introduce new and unique exercises [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Exclusive Live Comedy Podcast: Ali Al Sayed

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Last chance to sit in on what's promised to be a "raw, real and hilarious" live podcast, hosted by top local comedian Ali Al Sayed with guests as a contribution to Abu Dhabi Comedy Week.

    Free, but pre-register
  • Tacarra Williams and Mina Liccione

    Saadiyat Rotana Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    Two top women standups with real American sass – Liccione from New York via Dubai, Williams (“known as The Beautiful Beast”) from LA. Expect a woman’s point of view with no holds barred from this Abu Dhabi Comedy Week gig [ ... ]

    From AED AED 150
  • Jo Koy World Tour

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Top Filipino-American comic with a nice line in impersonations, anecdotes, and witty commentary on life (mainly his) and his colourful family. This gig is part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week.

    From AED 180
  • Qui veut la tête de Rakowsky?

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

    A second performance of this comic thriller by students of Culture Emulsion's Dubai-based drama school as part of its annual Tous en Scène festival of Francophone theatre.

    AED 110
  • Chris Tucker

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Tucker may have transitioned successfully into Hollywood hits like the Rush Hour franchise, but he hasn’t lost any of the energy and slick timing that distinguish his comedy specials. He gets the late spot (following Tom Segura) in this Abu [ ... ]

    From AED 250
  • Desi show featuring Akaash Singh

    Saadiyat Rotana Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    Desi-American comic Akaash Singh shares this Abu Dhabi Comedy Week bill with local Desi comedians Saaniya Abaas, Miqdaad Dohadwala and Yash Bhardwaj. “If you’re easily offended, maybe don’t come to this one.” say the organisers …

    From AED 150
  • LAST CHANCE Elastic Visions

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

    A group exhibition curated by Faridah Folawiyo, showcasing artists of African origin across the world and examining how artists from Africa and the diaspora see the restrictive concepts of Eurocentric cultural superiority. The show aims to stretch audiences’ limits and [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Oussama Diab and Wadeei Khaled: A Real Bad Dream

    Centro Capital Centre by Rotana Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Abu Dhabi

    Tales of displacement and resilience from the Palestinian-Syrian Dutch artist Oussama Diab and Palestinian Wadeei Khaled. "Viewers are invited to explore the delicate terrain of individual and collective memories, manifested in the rich variety of Diab and Khaled’s artworks." The [ ... ]

    Free
  • Artist Talk: Independence in the Music Business with Oddisee

    NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Prior to his Arts Center show tomorrow, the fiercely independent hip hop artist Oddisee will lead a talk in the NYUAD Gallery Reading Room that focuses on the DIY entrepreneurial approach to building his career – instead of pursuing record [ ... ]

  • 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 stuff. It's free, but you need to put your [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • LAST CHANCE Amir Khojasteh: Living in a Burning House

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

    "Amidst the unsettled times of an uprising in Iran, grappling with uncertainties, sadness, and paradoxes, artist Amir Khojasteh sought solace in his studio and tried to make sense of what was happening ... In this topsy-turvy world, the artist persisted [ ... ]

    Free
  • Oddisee

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

    A rare chance to see an unusual, indeed exceptional hip hop artist at work. Oddisee has always ploughed his own furrow – making his own music for the last 20 years and running his own label now, avoiding the temptations [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • De Grandes Espérances: dir Sylvain Desclou (2022)

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The regular Alliance Française ciné-apéro evening (a glass of wine and canapés before the screening) this month features Desclou's psychological/political thriller; a young couple with political aspirations more or less accidentally kill a violent driver on a remote country road. [ ... ]

    AED 45
  • More Than Honey: dir Markus Imhoof (2012)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “If the bee disappears from the surface of the Earth," said Albert Einstein, "man would have no more than four years left to live". Well, all over the world bees have been dying for the past few years. Although the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Stop Making Sense: dir Jonathan Demme (1984)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The best ever concert film? Certain one of the best; and one of the best suits, too ... Jonathan Demme captured the energy and artsy groove of David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison at their best. Shot [ ... ]

    Free
  • Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro

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

    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 with the lowest score is eliminated. Eventually only [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • LAST CHANCE Miramar Al Nayyar: Moving Through the Ether

    Tabari Artspace Gate Village Level 2, DIFC, Dubai

    A collection of abstract figurative works on canvas, "inviting viewers into a realm of recognition and constant metamorphosis ... Each 190 x 120cm canvas serves as a conduit for Miramar's endeavour to encapsulate the essence of the natural formations of [ ... ]

    Free
  • Art History Evenings: Orientalism in Decorative Arts, Architecture and Fashion

    BFAF Culture District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    BFAF's art history lecture programme continues with art historian and researcher Maryam Jalali, who will explore how Eastern motifs and styles were romanticised in Western design from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Above: Fabio Fabbi, Women Resting on [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Les Monologues du V.

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

    A reprise of Culture Emulsion's careful and effective treatment of the Vagina Monologues; the dramatist Eve Ensler based her text on more than 200 interviews with women who confided their sensations, their traumas, their aspirations, their anxieties, their joys … [ ... ]

    AED 110
  • PowerPointless

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

    One of the most consistently funny of the Courtyard's classic improv gigs is back after a couple of months' hiatus: the speakers have to give a presentation on a slide deck they’ve never seen before, with the topic determined at [ ... ]

    Free, but donations welcome
  • LAST CHANCE Mr Brainwash

    Oblong Contemporary Art Gallery Al Khayat Art Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai

    A solo show for the French-born LA-based street artist who started filming graffiti art and subsequently became an artist in his own right after an off-hand suggestion from Banksy. As it happens, many of the 10 works on show here [ ... ]

    Free
  • Mohamed Yousif and Maggie Otieno: Solace in Soil

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

    A duo exhibition for Emirati artist Mohamed Yousif and Kenyan sculptor Maggie Otieno that "celebrates the grounded connections between the practices of the two artists and the cross-cultural exchange between the Middle East and Africa". Or as curator Shamma Al [ ... ]

    Free
  • Spectacle d’improvisation

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

    Ninety minutes of unplanned improv, performed (in French, of course) by students of Culture Emulsion's Dubai-based drama school as part of its annual Tous en Scène festival of Francophone theatre.

    AED 110
  • Ballet Hispánico

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    An Arab World Premiere for Ballet Hispánico, the largest Hispanic cultural organisation in the States. The company (and subsequently its associated School of Dance and Community Arts Partnerships) was founded in 1970 to challenging stereotypes and demonstrate the joy and [ ... ]

    From AED 100
  • Hans Zimmer Live

    Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

    Hans Zimmer is probably best known for some of the most listened-to soundtracks in the history of cinema – The Lion King, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight, Dune - but his live show is also pretty special. [ ... ]

    From AED299
  • LAST CHANCE Sheher, Prakriti, Devi

    Ishara Art Foundation Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Riffing on the interwoven relationship between cities, the natural environment and the sacred, this show presents work by 12 artists and collectives working across diverse contexts of urban, rural, domestic, communitarian, public and non-material spaces. In this show are works [ ... ]

    Free
  • Sean McLennan: key of the glass door

    Mahaweb Art Studio Goshi Warehouse Village - 14 22nd St, Al Quoz 3, Dubai

    A short exhibition of work by the Scottish Mawaheb artist, his first solo show. To 6 June.

    Free
  • Les Tontons flingueurs

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

    A stage version of Michel Audiard's screenplay. Former mobster Fernand is living a quiet life, but things change when a dying friend asks him to take care of both his daughter and his shady business ... Gripping stuff. Performed (in [ ... ]

    AED 110