• Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro

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

    A new season of this 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
  • Cie Hervé Koubi: Sol Invictus

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

    The new NYUAD Arts Center season opens with a spectacular new show from the returning Compagnie Hervé Koubi. Koubi is building a reputation for stunning choreography that blends contemporary dance and kinetic urban moves; this piece features no fewer than [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • Mamma Roma: dir Pier Paolo Pasolini (1962)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Pasolini's audacious second feature is a tale of doomed maternal love set against a stark backdrop of ancient ruins and prefab apartment blocks on the desolate outskirts of Rome. Anna Magnani is superb as a middle-aged streetwalker who attempts to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Ayesha Sultana: Fragility and Resilience

    Ishara Art Foundation Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    The first major solo show in the GCC for the Bangladesh-born US-based artist. Her practice spans drawing, painting and sculpture, "exploring the material and conceptual possibilities of form and medium ... Sultana proposes that fragility can be a form of [ ... ]

  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • The 7 Sins

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

    We’re always happy to promote local talent, and this series of playlets is written by three Dubai-based playwrights (Dee Gee, Edwige Narbey, Alex Broun) Dee Gee directs; they are set in Dubai on New Year’s fireworks time, and the show [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Cie Hervé Koubi: Sol Invictus

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

    The second and last performance for this spectacular season opener at the NYUAD Arts Center. This new show from the returning Compagnie Hervé Koubi features no fewer than 17 male and female dancers who perform as a cohesive unit, emphasising [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • Layla Kaylif

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

    The British-Emirati singer-songwriter (and occasional filmmaker) Layla Kaylif celebrates the 25th anniversary of her hit single Shakespeare in Love with this one-night-only gig. (Hopefully it will include her very cool Arabic version of Hallelujah as well.) Joining her will be [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • LAST CHANCE backbone

    Carbon 12 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    studio salasil has curated this group show of six artists "who engage in risk and interruption within their practices", structuring the exhibition around the effective concept of the backbone – "a central, internal structure of strength that binds and connects [ ... ]

    Free
  • 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
  • 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
  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • Ghizlane Agzenaï: Kaleidoscope

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

    The Moroccan artist's debut Middle East exhibition is described by the gallery as "a milestone event that offers a unique opportunity to experience Agzenaï’s vibrant and dynamic art in person". On show is a collection of Agzenaï’s signature totems and [ ... ]

    Free
  • The 7 Sins

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

    Second performance for this series of playlets. They are written by three Dubai-based playwrights (Dee Gee, Edwige Narbey, Alex Broun) and directed by Dee Gee; set in Dubai on New Year’s fireworks time, they feature cast and crew drawn from [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Same Same, but Different: A Sit Down with Shawn and Friends

    VOX Mercato Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Rd, Dubai

    The latest edition of Shawn Chidiac's now-monthly chat-plus-comedy evening at VOX Cinemas Mercato Mall. For the September edition, Shawn will be joined by stand-up comedians Sundeep Fernandes and Anand Raman.

    From AED 175
  • Cirque Dreams: Elysion

    Al Ain Square Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    “A breathtaking journey through a land of pure imagination and wonder … an extraordinary adventure into a world of fantasy and awe” promises the blurb, adding “the audience is transported to an ethereal garden atmosphere, alive with animated creatures that [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • The World of Us: dir Yoon Ga-eun (2016)

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Yoon’s confident debut feature picked up numerous nominations and awards both in his native South Korea and abroad. An award-winning coming of age tale, with simple, unadorned storytelling that immerses us in the world of two primary school girls. Their [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Candlelight: Mozart’s Masterpieces

    Al Nojoom Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    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 150
  • Nataly Aukar

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

    Lebanese-born and raised, NYC based, combining sharp city wit with anecdotes of a strict upbringing amid a civil war, described by her mum as "really pretty when she makes an effort" and by her friends as "great when you get [ ... ]

    From AED350
  • The 7 Sins

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

    Last chance to see this series of Dubai-set playlets. They are written by three Dubai-based playwrights (Dee Gee, Edwige Narbey, Alex Broun) and directed by Dee Gee; cast and crew are drawn from 11 different nationalities – which is about [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • 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 but donations welcome
  • LAST CHANCE Timur D’Vatz: Arcadian Dreams

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

    A summer-long exhibition of work from one of the gallery’s stalwarts, Timur D'Vatz, featuring his signature mix of stylised figures and symbolic settings that owe something to mediaeval European tapestry, something to Byzantine decoration. The title refers to the dawn [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Always Growing

    Foundry Downtown Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai

    Subtitled “look into the history of contemporary digital art in China” and curated by Jing She, this exhibition features works from 10 artists or collectives from the contemporary digital art scene in China that showcase AI, generative art, 3D imaging, [ ... ]

    Free
  • I Wish To Be Happy, I Want To Be Yellow

    A group show for an eclectic collection of artists — Mohammad Alfaraj, Aminah Al huqail, Dalia Baassiri, Richi Bhatia, Jumairy, Tamara Kalo, Adrian Pepe, and Alia Zaal. The common factor is that they “cultivate a visceral and intimate relationship with nature” [ ... ]

  • Mouza Al Hamrani: Homepage

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

    The first solo show by the Emirati illustrator and multimedia designer reflects the duality of the digital age — “celebrating the opportunities the internet has provided, while also expressing the exhaustion and apprehension that come with a prolonged digital presence. [ ... ]

    Free
  • Rouge | Red Soil: dir Farid Bentoumi (2020)

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    An occupational nurse in a chemical plant turns whistleblower over toxic discharges but has to balance fighting for the truth against the risk of alienating her entire family – many of whom work for the giant chemical works, an ominous [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Putting the Record Straight: The Lost Women of Art History

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

    A 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 the (male) [ ... ]

    AED 250
  • Diamond, Art & Science

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A talk in L'ÉCOLE Middle East's regular evening series, presented by gemologists Chandra Horn and Tania Heikal (both lecturers at L'ÉCOLE): "embark on a voyage to discover the diamond, between science and history". The talk is preceded by a welcome [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • Wednesday Night Impro: Maestro

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

    The Courtyard's regular 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 with [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Chicago

    Chicago
    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The longest running American musical in Broadway history – and “the most exciting musical of its generation” (The Times) – is coming to Yas for a decent run from 12-22 September 2024. First seen in 1975 and still an all-round [ ... ]

    From AED 185
  • Randa Maddah: Hanging Gardens

    Tabari Artspace Gate Village Level 2, DIFC, Dubai

    The inaugural solo exhibition of the Syrian visual artist whose practice spans painting, drawing, sculpture, video, and installation. In this recent work, Maddah repurposes the vocabulary of traditional miniature paintings to depict "dream-like scenes that negotiate themes of belonging, resilience, [ ... ]

    Free
  • Chicago

    Chicago
    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The longest running American musical in Broadway history – and “the most exciting musical of its generation” (The Times) – is coming to Yas for a decent run from 12-22 September 2024. First seen in 1975 and still an all-round [ ... ]

    From AED 185
  • Aida

    Dubai Opera

    "Back by popular demand", says Dubai Opera. Verdi's masterpiece is a suitable opener for the 2024-2025 season, performed by the Polish National Opera Orchestra, Choir and Soloists under the baton of conductor Patrick Fournillier and the direction of Roberto Laganà [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • Chicago

    Chicago
    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The longest running American musical in Broadway history – and “the most exciting musical of its generation” (The Times) – is coming to Yas for a decent run from 12-22 September 2024. First seen in 1975 and still an all-round [ ... ]

    From AED 185
  • Aida

    Dubai Opera

    Verdi's masterpiece is delivered by the Polish National Opera Orchestra, Choir and Soloists under the baton of conductor Patrick Fournillier and the direction of Roberto Laganà Manoli. This is the second evening of three; the final performances is on 15 [ ... ]

    From AED 380
  • Chicago

    Chicago
    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The longest running American musical in Broadway history – and “the most exciting musical of its generation” (The Times) – is coming to Yas for a decent run from 12-22 September 2024. First seen in 1975 and still an all-round [ ... ]

    From AED 185
  • Aida

    Dubai Opera

    The final performance of Verdi's masterpiece as delivered by the Polish National Opera Orchestra, Choir and Soloists under the baton of conductor Patrick Fournillier and the direction of Roberto Laganà Manoli.

    From AED 380
  • Comedy at Melrose

    Melrose Paramount Midtown, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai

    Dubomedy's occasional Sunday evening gig is back after a summer break, featuring a mash-up of stand-up and improv ("a killer line-up ready for you" and "you never know who will pop in"). It's free, though you do have to pre-register [ ... ]

    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 but donations welcome
  • LAST CHANCE Susan Doe: Entwined

    NYUAD Project Space NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The first Project Space exhibition of the new season features a series of paintings, sculptures, and installations through which Susan Doe explores ideas of intersectionality, rooted in her own bicultural upbringing. Says the gallery: "Reflecting on her Chinese American background, [ ... ]

  • Sébastien Labrunie: Brèche

    kanvas Dubai Unit 1, Al Khayat Art Avenue, 19th Street Al Quoz 1, Dubai

    "An organic dive through matter, light and memory," says the blurb. "This hybrid narrative sculpture blurs the line between macro and micro perspectives while connecting moments and places of the past." Labrunie’s first large-scale immersive installation (first seen back in [ ... ]

    Free
  • Alia Ahmad: Aspects [مظاهر]

    Lawrie Shabibi Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    The first solo exhibition in the UAE for the Saudi Arabian artist presents a new body of paintings and watercolours that seeks to "peel back the layers in order to expose her personal vocabulary". Her point of departure is the [ ... ]

    Free
  • Armin Najib: -continuum

    Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse C19, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Najib is a multidisciplinary artist from Iran whose practice includes painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and art jewellery but primarily revolves around kinetic mechanisms and magnetic fields. His fascination with magnetism, ergonomic placement elements, and environmental sensing has led him to [ ... ]

    Free
  • Istoria: A Retrospective Reimagining Middle Eastern Feminism with Leila Nseir

    Ayyam Gallery B11, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    This retrospective for the late Syrian artist honours Leila Nseir’s legacy and celebrates her contributions to art and feminism. Nseir’s art was rooted in humanist concerns and feminist thought, addressing themes of conflict, inequality, and poverty; her career was impacted [ ... ]

    Free
  • Kaikhan Salakhov: Astral Space Exploration ‐ The Cosmic Renaissance

    Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Salakhov's work is “a profound exploration of the intersection between science, art, and spirituality, using sacred geometry to illuminate deep cosmic truths”. On show are 36 “meticulously crafted” acrylic paintings that reimagine Renaissance art through a modern lens, blending classical aesthetics [ ... ]

    Free
  • I Kept The Night Vigil …

    Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Subtitled ‘Exploring Women’s Voices Across and Beyond the Middle East’, this exhibition – curated by Behrang Samadzadegan – is inspired by the evocative poetry of al-Khansa, who eloquently conveyed the nuances of grief, strength, and transformation. Says the gallery: “the exhibition resonates [ ... ]

    Free
  • Sumayyah Samaha: Lines and Forms

    Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A range of works from the Lebanese-born NYC-based artist that are rooted in spontaneity and the intuitive interplay between forms and lines. The exhibition continues an exploration of form, line, and colour in a series that began in 2014 and continues [ ... ]

    Free
  • Maria Jose Benvenuto: Nature’s Pulse

    Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A series of vibrant abstracts inspired by the landscape of North Head National Park in Manly, Australia, the area where Benvenuto works. The series is guided by intuition and emerges directly from the subconscious, drawing on the deep reservoirs of [ ... ]

    Free