Events
LAST CHANCE Marwan Bassiouni: New Western Views (Preview)
Lawrie Shabibi Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, DubaiThis first solo exhibition in the region for Bassiouni offers a first look at an ongoing international project that reframes landscape photography through the lens of lived Muslim presence in the contemporary West. Each of these photographs – taken from [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Mona Al Khaja: Caravan of Colors
Aisha Alabbar Gallery Warehouse C19, Alserkal Avenue, DubaiA retrospective celebrating over four decades of work by the Sharjah-born artist. It traces Mona Al Khaja’s journey from her studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo to her continued exploration of abstraction, symbolism, and colou, featuring works [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Lala Rukh: The importance of staying quiet
Grey Noise Unit 24 Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe first exhibition of the new iteration of The importance of staying quiet, a survey of Pakistani art, features photographic archives from Lala Rukh’s years at the University of Chicago (1974-76). It includes early works that carry a cinematic sense [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Wassef Boutros-Ghali: A Retrospective (1965-2016)
Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab EmiratesIn the canvases of Wassef Boutros-Ghali, colours informed by a knowledge of unrelenting Mediterranean sunlight flood the flat plane of the canvas; architectural forms emerge, collide and re-engineer themselves without a narrative. Boutros-Ghali’s art speaks to the pure and unrestricted [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Morteza Khosravi: The Floating Table
Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab EmiratesInfluenced by the likes of Lucian Freud and Egon Schiele, Khosravi's drawings and paintings suggest that he's looking for artistic ideas – "for him, how to encounter pieces is important than pieces itself". But does have a characteristic style of [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE Katya Emelyanova: Elevated State
Leila Heller Gallery Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe practice of Moscow-based Katya Emelyanova explores the phenomenology of aesthetic experience, aiming to evoke emotion, foster direct engagement, and maintain accessibility. Drawing from fauvism and abstraction, her vibrant forms begin as abstract concepts that gradually evolve into refined, expressive [ ... ]
Free
Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook: The Bouquet and the Wreath
Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, DubaiThe acclaimed Thai artist’s first international large-scale survey exhibition brings together works from the last 45 years alongside new commissions. Including performance, video and installations plus some large-scale sculptures not seen since the 1990s, the exhibition fills the indoor galleries, [ ... ]
FreeMajda Abdulshakour and Noura Ali-Ramahi: All is Here
La Galerie, Alliance Française Dubai Alliance Française Dubai, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesInspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s reflection that “It is here that we must love. All is here,” this exhibition of painting and sculpture invites viewers to rediscover paradise not as a distant place, but as something that exists within our [ ... ]
Tim Kent: Horsepower
JD Malat Gallery ACT 2 Tower, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd 13A ,Downtown Dubai, DubaiA solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based artist Tim Kent that examines the historical and cultural significance of the horse. Working across large-scale painted interiors, landscapes, and invented worlds, Kent transforms historical reference into contemporary compositions that hover between reality and imagination; [ ... ]
Free
Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)
Expo Centre Sharjah SharjahUnder the theme 'Between You and a Book' the 44th Edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair offers 12 days of panel discussions, talks, and interactive workshops with a lineup of authors, creators, and publishers. There’s also a full cultural [ ... ]
FreeLAST CHANCE The Narrative of Decline
Carbon 12 Dubai, United Arab EmiratesBernhard Buhmann curates this group show based on the idea that plunging downwards is both terrifying and liberating – the gallery quotes Andrea Roelig: "We stand between death and life, and decline is dangerously enticing because it also carries an [ ... ]
Free
The Poetry of Birds
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFollowing previous editions of this exhibition in Paris and Tokyo, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to offer a dialogue between 19th and 20th-century Western jewellery and Islamic arts, with poetry as the common thread. Jewels, precious objects, and gouaché [ ... ]
Free
Richard Hearns: Threshold
Artbooth Gallery Centro Capital Center, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu DhabiA solo exhibition by the Lebanese-Irish painter, born in Beirut and adopted into Ireland to bear a dual heritage that shapes his artistic identity. This, his first solo exhibition in the UAE, presents a new body of work that reflects [ ... ]
Free
Lydia Nakashima Degarrod and Susan Ossman: Projects of Art Ethnography
NYUAD Project Space NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiThis exhibition brings together works by two artist-anthropologists with practices on the boundaries between scholarship and art. Their projects invite viewers to reflect on migration, memory, identity, and the ways knowledge takes shape across bodies, materials, and stories. The exhibition [ ... ]
Free
Kenan Adnawi: moonlight road
The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesKenan Adnawi is a Syrian virtuoso oud player, composer, and improviser known for blending traditional Middle Eastern music with classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. His solo oud performances are a mesmerizing journey through Arabic maqamat, unfolding from introspective modal improvisation [ ... ]
AED 105
Roberto Bolle and Friends
Dubai OperaA production that has become one of the most acclaimed dance galas in the world; Roberto Bolle, recognised as one of the great ballet stars of his time, is not only the leading performer of the evening but also its [ ... ]
From AED 190The Comedy Lab
Radisson Red Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DubaiMad Cat's regular stop in Silicon Oasis promises “Dubai’s wildest comedy night". The door price of AED 99 includes one drink and popcorn ...
AED 99LAST CHANCE Elias Izoli: Inside Out ‘25
Ayyam Gallery B11, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesAfter a long break from painting, Izoli has returned with a new body of work centred around "the circus of life" – Izoli uses the circus as a metaphor for the unpredictability and complexity of life as a Syrian citizen. [ ... ]
FreeNight at the Museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiLouvre Abu Dhabi is celebrating its eighth anniversary with exclusive after-hours access to 1am for all the galleries, the excellent Mamluks exhibition, Art Here 2025, the Children’s Museum and the museum’s VR experiences. (There's also a free outdoor screening of [ ... ]
General admission AED 65Art in Motion
Souk Madinat Jumeirah DubaiA seven-day live art "experience" (7-13 November, 5-9pm) lets visitors watch and take part in the creative process as a different artist each day runs a live demonstration and participative workshop. The artists: 7 Nov Azza Al Qubaisi Express Yourself [ ... ]
FreePeter Pan Syndrome
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesNow this sounds a lot of fun: at Neverland Publishing, deadlines are chaos, the creatives are barely holding it together, and Managing Editor James Hook has some terrible news: Upper Management has sent in Sylvia, a brand-new AI robot, to [ ... ]
AED 120Politically Incorrect Comedy
Xandros Singature 1 Hotel, Barsha Heights, DubaiMadCat Comedy returns to Xandros in Signature 1 Hotel, TECOM. The cover charge of AED 80 includes one drink.
AED 80
Music On The Barge: Ruhaniyat
Khalid Lake SharjahFeaturing vocals, tabla and harmonium, Ruhaniyat's music is influenced by Hindustani classical traditions and Sufi poetry alongside contemporary influences. The ensemble is led by vocalist Hetartho Chatterjee, whose practice bridges raga, Sufi, ghazal and popular forms; this performance on the [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerThe Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club
The Agenda Abdullah Omran Taryam St, Media City, DubaiThe November Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Tom Elwes Sold out his Edinburgh Fringe show: expect high-energy storytelling and razor-sharp wit Kate Barron One of the funniest things to come out of Canada (possibly) ever. "Fierce, unfiltered, and hilariously relatable" [ ... ]
AED 160
Image Keepers
The Photograohy Gallery Al Manakh Al Manakh, Hay Al Qasimiah, SharjahFor its inaugural exhibition, SAF's Photography Gallery presents a panorama of artistic experimentation and engagement drawn from the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection. Says the Foundation: "the works navigate the sociopolitical terrain of the last six decades against a backdrop of [ ... ]
Free
Photographic Encounters along the Gulf Coasts
The Photograohy Gallery Al Manakh Al Manakh, Hay Al Qasimiah, SharjahAn exhibition of 165 photographs and archival documents from the collection of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, that provides a starting point for research into how photography translates and interprets history. On permanent display at Sharjah [ ... ]
FreeBerklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit
Berklee Abu Dhabi UAE Pavilion, Saadiyat ISland, Abu DhabiBerklee Abu Dhabi's "groundbreaking" music summit is intended to explore "the intersection of artistic expression and intelligent innovation" while "addressing the personal and professional journey artists take to discover their unique sound and creative identity". In practice this means a [ ... ]
AED 120Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art
VCUarts Qatar Education City, Doha, QatarThe theme for VCUarts Qtara's 11th biennial Symposium on Islamic Art, Islam and Visual Culture in Contemporary Asia, aims for a fresh look at how Muslim communities across South, Southeast, and East Asia are engaging with Islamic art. The co-chairs, [ ... ]
FreePanel Discussion: Poetry of Birds
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesA panel discussion in support of the current Poetry of Birds exhibition, with ... Entisar Muean Al Obeidli Curator, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization Dr Anne-Lise Tropato art historian, Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi Faisal Alrais conceptual artist [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerPeter Pan Syndrome
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe second performance for writer/director Gaby Milky's satirical comedy: Neverland is actually Neverland Publishing, Hook is the Managing Editor, and Peter Pan is organising the workforce to counter the threat of a new AI robot brought in to “enhance workflow [ ... ]
AED 120
Christos Papadopoulos: Mellowing
Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu DhabiIn his new production the Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos embarks on his inaugural collaboration with the dancers of the Dance On Ensemble, a group that features performers aged more than 40. Incorporating their knowledge and experience into the creation, together [ ... ]
From AED 150The Fridge Presents: A Tribute to Peace
The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesA rare choral collaboration between Chorus Omnis and Angels Singing Choir, two exceptional local ensembles united under choirmasters Marc Misael Gamil and Yuliana Kireyeva. "The performance takes the roots of choral music and stretches its capacity in rhythm and vibe, [ ... ]
AED 80Joke Hub
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, DubaiA regular MadCat Comedy night – "Dubai's wildest comedy show on Saturday" (sic). The cover charge of AED 99 includes two F&B coupons.
AED 99The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club
Studio One Hotel Dubai Studio City, DubaiThe November Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Tom Elwes Sold out his Edinburgh Fringe show: expect high-energy storytelling and razor-sharp wit Kate Barron One of the funniest things to come out of Canada (possibly) ever. "Fierce, unfiltered, and hilariously relatable" [ ... ]
AED 160LAST CHANCE Ruba Salameh: Refined Compositions
Zawyeh Gallery Warehouse 27, Alserkal Avenue, DubaiIn the face of genocide, Palestinian artist Ruba Salameh finds her way forward through abstract painting – weaving her own narrative while connecting across generations to the work of art historian and artist Kamal Boullata. This exhibition reflects primarily on [ ... ]
FreeChoreographic Laboratory 40+
StudioRepublik Eiffel Building, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, DubaiA two-hour dance workshop for those aged over 40. It's led by Laura Böttinger, a senior dancer with the Dance On Ensemble – a company made up of dancers aged over 40 who are in the UAE for a performance [ ... ]
AED 40Dubomedy’s Stand-up Showcase 1
Social Distrikt The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, DubaiFirst of two stand-up sessions today by Dubomedy's finest – graduates of Dubomedy's Fall Stand-up Workshops plus special guests perform fresh new material. Free, but (a) pre-register because spaces are limited and go fast; and (b) there's a minimum spend [ ... ]
FreeThe Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club
The Club Al Mina, Abu DhabiThe November Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Tom Elwes Sold out his Edinburgh Fringe show: expect high-energy storytelling and razor-sharp wit Kate Barron One of the funniest things to come out of Canada (possibly) ever. "Fierce, unfiltered, and hilariously relatable" [ ... ]
AED 160Peter Pan Syndrome
The Junction Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe final performance for writer/director Gaby Milky's satirical comedy: Neverland is actually Neverland Publishing, Hook is the Managing Editor, and Peter Pan is organising the workforce to counter the threat of a new AI robot brought in to “enhance workflow [ ... ]
AED 120Dubomedy’s Stand-up Showcase 2
Social Distrikt The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, DubaiSecond of two stand-up sessions this evening by Dubomedy's finest – graduates of Dubomedy's Fall Stand-up Workshops plus special guests perform fresh new material. Free, but (a) pre-register because spaces are limited and go fast; and (b) there's a minimum [ ... ]
FreeMusic On The Barge: NOON
Khalid Lake SharjahDubai's art-rock ‘experimental Oriental’ combo plays on the barge in Khalid Lake (the barge is actually a purpose-built floating stage, the surrounding park provides the view for the audience) as part of Sharjah Art Foundation's Perform Sharjah performance programme. NOON’s [ ... ]
Free, but pre-registerMarwan Sahmani: Rupture Into Light
Farjam Foundation Unit GF-97 Gate Avenue, DIFC, DubaiA solo exhibition of works (some never seen before) by the Lebanese artist "whose works emerge from the intersection of identity, contradiction and modernisation" as the gallery has it. Born in the 1970s in war-torn Beirut, Sahmani embodies Lebanon’s complex [ ... ]
The Comedy Lab @ Easy Tiger
Al Ain Palace Hotel Corniche Road, Abu DhabiMadCat’s standup team comes to the Easy Tiger bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace. The door price of AED 99 includes two drinks ...
AED 99
Dhai Dubai
Al Wasl Plaza Expo City, DubaiDhai Dubai, Dubai Culture's light art exhibition, has a very specific remit: just seven works but seven artists, all Emirati. The theme for this second edition of the show is ‘Light Influences Life’. The artists represent an interesting selection, and [ ... ]
FreeGypsy Jazz Quartet
Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab EmiratesGypsy jazz always makes for a good night out. This band, led by Alexandre Colleuil, really does rhythm and swing than Reinhardt and Grappelli, but they're still great fun and good musicians) ... The door price includes one drink; AF [ ... ]
AED 60
Łiljana Burćul: Lilium Art
Renaissance Business Bay Hotel Al Abraj Street, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, DubaiPaintings on silk by the Serbian artist known internationally as Lily. Her process combines pigment, water, alcohol, and salt to produce layers of colour and depth; on to these surfaces, Lily adds Swarovski® crystals, fine glass, quartz, and gold, "giving [ ... ]
Free
Cirque Du Liban: Fontana
Circus Tent, Marina Mall Abu DhabiCirque du Liban returns to Abu Dhabi (it did a show on Yas last year) with "the first travelling water circus in the Middle East ... live entertainment, breathtaking artistic performances in a tailor-made aqua theatre, waterfalls cascading, artists diving [ ... ]
From AED 100
Banksy
Champop Gallery ACT ONE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Opera District, DubaiParis-based CHAMPOP Galerie opened an outpost in Downtown Dubai this summer. It specialises in pop art and street art, and its first full-scale exhibition in Dubai features Banksy. On show are several originals plus screenprints and limited editions; the former, [ ... ]
FreeHarsh Realities
Radisson Red Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DubaiHarsh Kocher brings all his jokes to the Radisson Red for this MadCat'gig. The door price of AED 99 includes a drink and popcorn
AED 99
