Events
- Magrudy's 62 Jumeirah Street, DubaiFree, but pre-register

Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA
The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA 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 DhabiCalled 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 75Dana Gingras and Animals of Distinction: FRONTERA
The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA 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, DubaiEvery 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 150Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour
Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFour 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 SharjahFeaturing 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 SharjahSharjah 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, DubaiA 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, DubaiFollowing 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 125Stand 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 150Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour
Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab EmiratesA 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, DubaiAldo 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, DubaiGerman 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 190Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesExactly 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 welcomeArt Therapy Conference: Empowering through Creativity
ERTH Khor Al Maqta Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road, Abu DhabiEwaa, 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 EmiratesEthnic 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 DhabiRobbie 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 295Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTen 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, DubaiA 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 205Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour
Park Rotana Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA 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 DhabiDescribed 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 175Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour
Media Rotana Hessa Street, Al Barsha Heights, DubaiFirst 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 160Cinderella: Bitesize Ballet
Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu DhabiA 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 175Laughter Factory: “Menace To Society” Tour
Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, DubaiLast 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, DubaiDescribed 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 175Nine Nodes of Non-Being
421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA 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, SharjahSIFF 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 [ ... ]
tbcAsma Belhamar: Solid Void
421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesThis 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 [ ... ]
FreeThe UnPink Ribbon
Mogoa by Socialicious Street 73, Dubai Digital Park, DubaiA 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 [ ... ]
FreeKarama Arts Club: Local Matters – The Making of a Music Scene
25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, DubaiThe 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, DubaiThe 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 DhabiThe 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 250Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro & Ahmed
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesExactly 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 DhabiThis 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 EmiratesA 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 [ ... ]
FreeWednesday Night Impro: Maestro
Courtyard Playhouse Street 4B, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTen 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 DhabiA 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, DubaiA 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 EmiratesIt'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 EmiratesTamer 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 donateFor the Love of Palestine
Melrose Paramount Midtown, Al Mustaqbal Street, DubaiMusicians, 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, DubaiViolinist 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, DubaiRAUXA 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 EmiratesMustafa 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, DubaiEvery 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, DubaiThis 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, DubaiOver 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, DubaiThree 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




























