• Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA

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

    A visually stunning spectacle of propulsive dance, dazzling lighting, and powerful live music from the Canadian experimental post rock band Fly Pan Am. Choreographer Dana Gingras and her Montreal-based dance company Animals of Distinction explore spaces of inclusion and exclusion, [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • Natalia Osipova: Force of Nature

    Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

    Called by The Independent “the most sought-after ballerina in the world”, Natalia Osipova’s Abu Dhabi Classics show promises a programme of favourite classics and contemporary masterpieces. Her new dance company, Blooms Dance Project, which has been running now for a [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA

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

    A second performance for this visually stunning spectacle of propulsive dance, dazzling lighting, and powerful live music from the Canadian experimental post rock band Fly Pan Am. Choreographer Dana Gingras and her Montreal-based dance company Animals of Distinction explore spaces [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • The Jazz Night with Lady J

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Every Friday, ToDA transforms into a jazz venue for live performance accompanied by a 360° immersive show: this time it's Lady J & her trio in a 90-minute set. "Expect a sparkling arrangement of the Grooviest Classics together with jazzed-up [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Four more standups, perhaps a bit more varied than usual and featuring a couple of good local comics on the bill for a change. Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Henok Melkamzer

    Al Hamriyah Studios Sharjah

    Featuring more than 100 works, many on view for the first time, this exhibition is the largest solo presentation of artworks by Ethiopian telsem artist Henok Melkamzer. Traditionally termed as healing or talisman art, telsem is a sophisticated visual art [ ... ]

    Free
  • Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS 11)

    Al Hamriyah Studios Sharjah

    Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual photography exhibition returns for its 11th edition, featuring artists “whose work challenges established notions of photographic practices” – four individuals and one collective, chosen through an international open call that received more than 350 applications. This [ ... ]

    Free
  • Cross Cultural Dialogue: From Ancient Script to Contemporary Art

    Museum of the Future Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

    A really interesting panel discussion presented by Museum of the Future as a contribution to Dubai Culture's ongoing Calligraphy Biennale. The session promises to explore the role of calligraphy across diverse cultures, local communities, and heritages, looking at how it [ ... ]

    AED 149
  • Darren Simpson

    Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai

    Following sold-out shows in New York, London and his native South Africa, Darren "Whackhead" Simpson returns to Dubai with his standup show – but expect a few of the phone pranks for which he's well known.

    From AED 125
  • Stand Up All Stars

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

    “An unforgettable night of laughs” (it says here, and who are we to argue?) from Dubomedy and Art For All . The line-up includes Dubomedy main man Ali Al Sayed and the equally stellar Mina Liccione (his partner in Dubomedy), [ ... ]

    AED 150
  • Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A second evening on JBR for the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been described [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Candlelight: Mozart’s Masterpieces

    Al Falak Ballroom Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

    Aldo Dotto plays a recital of what does indeed look like a top selection of the composer's works, all lit by candlelight. The programme: ♦ Symphony 40, 1st movement (arranged for piano) ♦ Sonata no.5 KV 283 in G Major: [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • ¡Fiesta Flamenca! Tribute to Paco de Lucìa

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    German Cova and his musicians (guitar, piano, tabla and one dancer) will guide us through the world of Flamenco — from classical guitar to the passion of movement. "Every aspect of this vibrant show will leave you breathless," promises the [ ... ]

    From AED 190
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed

    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. There's a new angle to the event for this season – [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Art Therapy Conference: Empowering through Creativity

    ERTH Khor Al Maqta Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road, Abu Dhabi

    Ewaa, the Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care, is launching the MENA region’s first-ever art therapy conference on 17 and 18 October. Under the theme Empowering through Creativity, the conference promotes the creative application of arts and evidence-based [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Fridge Concert Series 41: Hawazin / DJ Andre Lyke

    The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Ethnic tribal electronic house music closes out the Fridge Concert season: Hawazin mixes Arabic house with the vibrant traditions of North African music. We’re promised “pulsating rhythms, live improvisation and enchanting melodies”. DJ Andre Lyke sets the tone for the [ ... ]

    AED 70
  • Robbie Williams

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Robbie knows how to put on a great show to back up some great pop tunes from a 25-year career (feeling older now?). Sure to sell out

    From AED 295
  • 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
  • Coco Makmak: Big Time

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

    A new one-woman show by the much-loved Coco Makmak delves into the complexities of Lebanese culture with her usual sharp humour and insight. We're promised "a clever mix of social critique, personal confession, and intentional caricature" which is indeed Coco [ ... ]

    From AED 205
  • Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

    Park Rotana Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A night in Abu Dhabi for the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been described [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet

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

    Described by the organisers as “the perfect introduction to ballet”, this family-friendly version of the Prokofiev favourite, with original choreography by the Russian choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, offers a familiar story and all the language of classical ballet – albeit with [ ... ]

    From AED 175
  • Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

    Media Rotana Hessa Street, Al Barsha Heights, Dubai

    First of two final Dubai gigs for the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Amr Diab

    Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

    The Egyptian singer (and songwriter, and actor) has a magnetic stage presence and a great back catalogue, based on more than 30 albums and four decades of contribution to the Arabic and global music scene – and especially his way [ ... ]

    From AED195
  • Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet

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

    A second Abu Dhabi performance for this family-friendly version of the Prokofiev favourite, with original choreography by the Russian choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov. It offers a familiar story and all the language of classical ballet – albeit with a reduced company [ ... ]

    From AED 175
  • Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    Last gig of the latest Laughter Factory tour – Dana Alexander (originally from Canada, now based there and in the UK) tours a lot and has been a hit in Dubai before; her style has been described as “smart, irreverent [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet

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

    Described by the organisers as “the perfect introduction to ballet”, this family-friendly version of the Prokofiev favourite, with original choreography by the Russian choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, moves to Dubai after its Abu Dhabi performances. It offers a familiar story and [ ... ]

    From AED 175
  • Nine Nodes of Non-Being

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

    A group exhibition with works by nine artists, thinkers, filmmakers, and researchers from East, South, Southeast Asia, the MENA region, and South America. Curated by Ritika Biswas, it conceives of climate-related extinction through various states of negation and excess emerging [ ... ]

    Free
  • Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF)

    Vox Cinema, City Center Al Zahia University Road, Al Zahia, Sharjah

    SIFF is back for its tenth edition on 22 to 28 October with an official selection of 81 films from 37 countries (slightly down on last year, which saw 90+ from 47 countries). But "the new edition promises to exceed [ ... ]

    tbc
  • Asma Belhamar: Solid Void

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

    This solo exhibition captures the tensions between shifting natural geographies and dynamic urban environments, featuring new works inspired by the UAE’s architectural history. It narrates the topographic evolution of the UAE, as influenced by Western classical modernity, contemporary traditionalism in [ ... ]

    Free
  • The UnPink Ribbon

    Mogoa by Socialicious Street 73, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai

    A free-to-attend community awareness event – “raise awareness, get educated, and voice your thoughts against Corporate Cancer”. The theme is blue rather than pink because “the Corporate World over the last few years has begun to sell Pinktober, almost as [ ... ]

    Free
  • Karama Arts Club: Local Matters – The Making of a Music Scene

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    The intelligent networking session for creative peers is back after its summer break with an extended evening session – a social (with private bar) for members and guests (5.30 to 8.30) followed by the meat of the evening, a panel discussion [ ... ]

    Free with a drinks package
  • Khurshid Aziz: Musica Classica

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    The Uzbekh piano virtuoso Khurshid Aziz plays some favuorites and a few less well known pieces ... with a twist: he's accompanied by ToiDA's 360° visuals, in an AI-based AV show by Japanese artist Saeko Ehara. The programme: Saint-Saens / [ ... ]

    From AED 190
  • Andrew Schulz: The Life Tour

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The sharp-witted American comedian (and actor, TV producer and podcaster) is touring an entertainingly complicated exploration of current events, politics, and the beautiful chaos of creating life – "an evening of irreverent humor and astute insights that only Schulz can [ ... ]

    From AED 250
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed

    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. There's a new angle to the event for this season – [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Mathilde Magnier: What We Leave Behind

    Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

    This series of images of the UAE, started when Mathilde Magnier Rabate moved to the Emirates in 2014, attempts to document the impact of the country's rapid transformation on the Emirati traditional landscape and ecosystems. In a part of the [ ... ]

    Free
  • Jamal Tayara-Baroudy: Ways of Seeing

    FN Designs Unit 26 Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A solo exhibition by the UAE-based Lebanese artist, an alumna of Tashkeel's Critical Practice Programme 2022. The subject of Jamal’s research over the last 18 months has been the giant milkweed, a species of flowering plant native to MENASA that [ ... ]

    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
  • Asaad Arabi: Still Life to Abstraction

    Artbooth Gallery Centro Capital Center, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi

    A mini-retrospective for the Syrian artist, with works from 2008 to 2023. Most reflect Arabi’s enduring connection with Damascus, the city where he was brought up before moving to France; a distinguished art theorist and critic, Arabi has consistently reinvented [ ... ]

  • Femalarity

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

    A group show of ten female Asian artists, curated by Hing Kong gallerist Matt Chung. The artists: Haeji Min Sonya Yufei Zhang Von Hyin Kolk Debbie Kim Chey Claire Yang Du Estelle Tcha Kyungmin Lee Hilarie Hon Wong Sze Wai [ ... ]

    Free
  • Samuel Beckett in the UAE

    Amphitheatre Robert de Sorbon Paris Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    It's the 70th anniversary of the world première of Waiting for Godot, and this symposium (bilingual in English and French) muses about its impact – and especially its appearance in both English and French. Given the musicality of its language, how [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Alam: dir Firas Khoury (2022)

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

    Tamer and his friends lead typical high school students' lives until the arrival of the beautiful Maysaa.  As he grows closer to her, Tamer agrees to take part in a mysterious flag operation dubbed ‘Alam' on the eve of Israel's [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-regisrer and donate
  • For the Love of Palestine

    Melrose Paramount Midtown, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai

    Musicians, comedians and poets take to the stage for an evening of art and solidarity. Ali Al Sayed hosts and there's standup from Mina Liccione, Isra Abu Zayed, and Fajer Abu Zayed; music from Arqam Al Abri and Ibby VK; [ ... ]

    Free, like Palestine should be
  • David Garrett: ICONIC Tour 2023

    Dubai Opera Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai

    Violinist David Garrett has built a reputation for his fearless playing and genre-defying repertoire (he has won awards in both classical and pop categories). A genuine child prodigy, he became the youngest artist to sign with Deutsche Grammophon at 13; [ ... ]

    From AED 295
  • RAUXA CIA: The Crisis of Imagination

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    RAUXA CIA, a performance duo from Spain, combines modern circus art and theatre in this story of two adults suddenly regaining their childhood imagination – "for a fleeting moment they find themselves in a world where anything is possible," says [ ... ]

    From AED 190
  • 200 Meters: dir Amin Nayfeh (2019)

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

    Mustafa and his wife Salwa live 200 metres apart in villages separated by the Israeli wall. One day he gets a call every parent dreads: his son has had an accident. Rushing to cross the checkpoint, Mustafa is denied entry [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-regisrer and donate
  • Ladies of Jazz

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Every Friday, ToDA transforms into a jazz venue for live performance accompanied by a 360° immersive show: this time it's Christine & her band, an all-female ensemble that "explores the full spectrum of jazz, trip-hop and funk with unmatched skill" [ ... ]

    From AED 140
  • Global Notes: Linus Roth & Boris Kusnezow

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    This is the gala opening performance for the Global Notes Series from Dubai Opera in collaboration with Encore Performing Arts. Global Notes is a new recital/concert programme “dedicated to celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity and supporting young musicians [ ... ]

    AED 275
  • Mayar Obeido: Mutual Change

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

    Over the last year, the Dubai-based Syrian artist has produced a large body of work that explores the interconnectedness of everyday life. Interested in the concept of change and the visual possibilities of documenting this process, Obeido's work considers how [ ... ]

    Free
  • RAUXA CIA: The Crisis of Imagination

    Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

    Three more performances for this one-hour show that is "touching, absurd, and profoundly sincere ... Its multi-layered storytelling resonates with universal themes of kids' imagination, wordless storytelling, simplicity, and humor that transcend language barriers". RAUXA CIA, a performance duo from [ ... ]

    From AED 190