• Laughter Factory: ‘The Good, the Bad and the Filthy’ Tour

    Hyde Hotel Dubai Marasi Drive, ​Business BayBusiness Bay, Dubai

    The second weekend for the November standups – Kate Barron from Canada ("after a lifetime of being told she is too big, too loud and too vulgar, by everyone from strangers to teachers, she decided to step on stage and [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Masood Boomgaard: Self-Help Singh

    Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai

    The rather good South African / Indian comedian is back in Dubai with his alter ego, Self-Help Singh, alternative life coach and de-motivational speaker (who apparently “first appeared to Boomgaard in a vision after he fell and hit his head [ ... ]

    From AED 125
  • Tanweer Sacred Music Festival

    Mleiha Archaeological Centre Sharjah

    Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s latest initiative is a three day festival (24-26 November) that aims to rediscover and celebrate traditional sacred music. Envisioned as “a testament to tradition, wisdom, and the power of togetherness”, it “aims to bring people closer [ ... ]

    From AED 554
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Boeing-Boeing

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

    Marc Camoletti's farce, which first played in 1960, was a smash hit in his native country and (in the English translation by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans) on Broadway and the West End; it went to Hollywood too in 1965, [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Jethro Tull: Seven Decades

    Dubai Opera

    Dating all the way back to the late 1960s, the darlings of quirky prog rock are still on the road with the Seven Decades tour. As with many long-lived bands, Jethro Tull has gone through many changes in its roster; [ ... ]

    from AED 295
  • Laughter Factory: ‘The Good, the Bad and the Filthy’ Tour

    Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

    Last couple of gigs for the November standups – Kate Barron from Canada ("after a lifetime of being told she is too big, too loud and too vulgar, by everyone from strangers to teachers, she decided to step on stage [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Down to Earth 2023

    The Jameel’s annual day-long festival for culture enthusiasts, the eco-conscious and sustainability is back, just days ahead of COP28's opening. Expect activities for all ages themed around botanical, sustainable and eco-conscious living with hands-on workshops, tours, talks and demonstrations, plus [ ... ]

    Free
  • Mohannad OrabI: Coloured Shadows

    Urbanist Art Gallery Box Park, Al Wasl Road, Dubai

    Collage art by the Dubai-based Syrian artist whose work reflects his interest in spontaneity, the liberation of forms and colours, and the creation of art without specific guidelines. To 20 December.  

    Free
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Boeing-Boeing

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

    A second evening for Marc Camoletti's farce, adapted into English by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans) and now it's getting the Dubai treatment with a H72 production at The Junction. It has a classic farce plot: swinging bachelor Bernard is [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Global Notes: Natalie Perez & Amira Fouad

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    Another impressive booking for the Global Notes series: the impressive young French mezzosoprano Natalie Perez is accompanied for this recital of songs and classical ariass by Amira Fouad on piano.      

    AED 265
  • Jim Gaffigan: Barely Alive

    Dubai Opera

    American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer brings his Barely Alive tour to Dubai. He's a hard worker – his ninth stand-up special premiered on Netflix in December and was nominated for a Grammy, his tenth comedy special will be [ ... ]

    From AED 250
  • Laughter Factory: ‘The Good, the Bad and the Filthy’ Tour

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    The final gig for the November standups – Kate Barron from Canada ("after a lifetime of being told she is too big, too loud and too vulgar, by everyone from strangers to teachers, she decided to step on stage and [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Boeing-Boeing

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

    A final pair of performances for Marc Camoletti's swinging 60s farce, adapted into English by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans) and now it's getting the Dubai treatment with a H72 production at The Junction. Swinging bachelor Bernard is simultaneously engaged [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Pablo Reinoso: Lines in Motion

    Waddington Custot Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The first solo exhibition in the region for the French-Argentinian artist features a selection of existing and brand-new works first shown at Abu Dhabi Art that provides a comprehensive survey of Reinoso’s sculptural practice. The show highlights the whimsical world [ ... ]

    Free
  • Rima Chahine: Euphoria

    The Warehouse Goshi Warehouse 57, Al Quoz 3, Dubai

    The Dubai-based Canadian artist's third solo show is a series of her signature abstracts, featuring striking use of colour and aiming to leave the viewer with "feelings of exaltation, elation and joyousness". Says the artist: "the remedy for self-fixation – [ ... ]

    Free
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Hekayah | The Story

    NYUAD East Plaza Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    What does 'home' mean to you? Your country, your city, your family? Abu Dhabi is conventionally but accurately described as melting pot of people from all over the world, and if anything NYU Abu Dhabi represents even more of a [ ... ]

    Free
  • 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
  • Focal Point 2023

    FOCAL POINT 2023
    Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square, Sharjah

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches, talks, workshops and musical performances during its run (24 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-booking is required
  • Small Island Big Song: Our Island

    NYUAD East Plaza Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Musicians from islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans sing of their concerns for the changing seas. The concert brings together artists from Taiwan, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tokelau/Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), performing songs they have co-written; the [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • 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
  • Jade Kim & Kai: SOMEDAY | Love and Labyrinths

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

    A dual exhibition for two interesting Asian artists – Jade Kim from South Korea and Kai from Japan. Jade Kim's practice is based around the animated character MIN, an embodiment of his wife, whose personality and characteristics inspire his paintings [ ... ]

    Free
  • Julian Charrière: Melting Point

    For COP28, the noted climate-engaged Swiss-French artist is presenting an important show in collaboration with Art of Change 21, a non-profit organisation on art and environment which has curated exhibitions and events at each COP since 2015; and Alserkal Initiatives, [ ... ]

  • Snarky Puppy

    Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Genre-blurring musical collective Snarky Puppy is in town for one night only. Playing together since 2004 and led by bassist Michael League, Snarky Puppy combines a variety of jazz idioms, rock, world music, and funk that has won it five [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • La Scala Theatre Orchestra: A Concert for Tomorrow

    Dubai Opera

    Extravagantly priced Dubai debut for the orchestra of Milan's Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The gala concert apparently "aims to unite audiences in a powerful display of solidarity and hope in support of the global effort to protect the planet and [ ... ]

    From AED 440
  • Dubai Motorcycle Film Festival 2023

    Warehouse Four Al Quoz, Dubai

    The third DMFF is an evening at Warehouse Four, with more than 20 short films from ten countries (including a couple from the UAE) at 7.30pm. Courtesy of Café Rider, there's a BBQ before that, from 5.30 on; it's included [ ... ]

    AED 65
  • Global Notes: Anna Fedorova & Nicholas Santangelo Schwartz

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    The Global Notes series of concerts presented by Dubai Opera and Encore Performing Arts continues with another excellent pick, a recital by the brilliant young Ukrainian pianist Anna Fedorova and her partner Nicholas Santangelo Schwartz (cello, double bass).  The programme [ ... ]

    AED 265
  • Gypsy Kings

    Dubai Opera

    The Gipsy Kings have been around since the 1970s, bringing the sounds of progressive pop-oriented flamenco music to a worldwide audience selling more than 14 million of their 'new flamenco' albums around the globe (their ninth studio album, Savor Flamenco [ ... ]

    From AED 295
  • 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
  • Arts Chat: Building a Life as an Artist

    NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A continuing series on building a life as an artist, presented by The NYUAD Art Gallery in partnership with The NYUAD Arts Center and NYUAD Career Development Centre. This conversation delves into opportunities and challenges that artists are facing in [ ... ]

    Free
  • Rushdi’s Comedy Souk

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

    A regular monthly evening of improv and stand-up hosted by Rushdi.

    Free, but pre-register
  • Resonance Climate Concert with Ricky Kej and Stewart Copeland

    Dubai Opera

    A Climate Concert hosted by UNCCD and the San Francisco-based nonprofit BayEcotarium for Cop28, featuring THE POLICE’s biggest hits (among them Roxanne, Don’t Stand So Close to Me, and Message in a Bottle) led by Stewart Copeland with four singers [ ... ]

    From AED 160
  • 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
  • Paul Oakenfold Live in Dubai

    Zero Gravity Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai

    A rare chance to hear one of the genuine legends of the mixing deck, the British DJ, producer, remixer, and label head is one of the most important figures in the history of dance music – in terms both of [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Sustainability in Museums

    Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A day of talks and tours that promises to “delve into the pivotal roles museums, professionals, and artists play in confronting environmental challenges and advancing toward a more sustainable future”. 11am – 12pm The Sustainability Challenge: ‘Make the Intangible Tangible [ ... ]

  • Yoshihiko Tsutsumi: Intersections of Cosmos

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

    Yoshihiko Tsutsumi is an accomplished graphic designer and artist (and a professional antiques dealer, gallerist and art director too, as it happens). Influenced by the immersive environment of his uncle's cinema billboard painting atelier in Kumamoto, Japan, he draws inspiration [ ... ]

    Free
  • Bookish Winter Shopping Festival

    Bookends Dubai Digital Park A3 Building, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai

    A three-day fair/sale of pre-owned books all related to "the hobbies and passions of reading and books" and book-themed merchandise by local artisans, authors, and crafters . Bookends is open 10am to 10pm.

    Free (unless you buy a book)
  • Sharjah Film Platform 6

    [various Sharjah locations]

    The sixth edition of Sharjah Arts Foundation’s annual indie/experimental film festival, which runs from 8 to 17 December, features more than 50 films from around the world – a range of independent cinema and experimental filmmaking that “foregrounds the transformative [ ... ]

    AED 15
  • From Ink to Action

    Warehouse 58 Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    This pop-up touring exhibition, part of the British Council’s creative commissions under its Culture Responds Global Programme, showcases 12 comic artists from the Arab region. Their work highlight ecological challenges and offers a unique artistic perspective on how we can [ ... ]

  • Rusted Stars

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

    A science fiction musical: long ago people left an uninhabitable earth to make a life in the stars. That sort of worked, but after centuries the infrastructure of their colonies is in disrepair and standards of living are crumbling. Then [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Dubai Opera

    One of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatre-goers around the world, reportedly receives a standing ovation following every single performance, and [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Laughter Factory: ‘Endless Fun, End of Season, Parties’

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Pre-Christmas standup jollity with Maher Barwany, Imah, Elsey de Almeida and Mark Maier. The tour schedule: 8 December Movenpick JBR Dubai 9 December Movenpick JBR Dubai 14 December Park Rotana Abu Dhabi 15 December Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills Dubai 16 [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Candlelight: Mozart’s Masterpieces

    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 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
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Dubai Opera

    Two more performances for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatre-goers around the world, reportedly receives a standing ovation following [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Rusted Stars

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

    Second performance for this science fiction musical, said to be the first original musical play to be produced in the UAE: long ago people left an uninhabitable earth to make a life in the stars. That sort of worked, but [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • Laughter Factory: ‘Endless Fun, End of Season, Parties’

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Second night of pre-Christmas standup jollity with Maher Barwany, Imah, Elsey de Almeida and Mark Maier. The remaining tour schedule: 14 December Park Rotana Abu Dhabi 15 December Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills Dubai 16 December Dukes The Palm Dubai  

    AED 160