• Workshop: Dina El Wedidi – The Creative Blocks of Music

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

    Dina El Wedidi shares a bill at The Arts Center this weekend with Samora Pinderhughes, but is also leading this workshop which aims to explore the relationship between music, self, common struggles, and more. Working with the idea that music [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Culture Bus: Sikka Art and Design Festival

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

    A round trip to the Sikka Art and Design Festival for Abu Dhabi residents. You'll get three hours on site: 3.30pm: Depart from 421 5.30pm: Arrive at Sikka 8.30pm: Depart 10.30pm: Arrive at 421 Get there 10 minutes before departure [ ... ]

    AED 30
  • Franco Film Festival: Lebanese Shorts

    Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

    A programme of four shorts in this season of free Francophone films at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, showing in the Sorbonne's rather nice outdoor garden: A Broken Fan dir Assaad Khoueiry (2021) 13 min Somewhere In Between dir Dahlia Nemlich (2023) [ ... ]

    Free
  • Emel Mathlouthi

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

    The groundbreaking vision of the iconic Tunisian artist is spotlighted in a performance ranging from folk music to electronica via straight-up rock. Mathlouthi is a songwriter, composer, guitarist, and singer with an otherworldly voice that sounds equally at home in [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • John Legend

    Saadiyat Nights Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The last gig in the inaugural three-month series at Abu Dhabi's new open-air venue Saadiyat Nights sees the uber-smooth multi Grammy award winner John Legend on the stage.              

    From AED 295
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The sixth edition of the Summit, which runs 3 to 5 March, again brings together "leaders from fields of art, heritage, media, museums, music, public policy and technology from over 90 countries". Under the theme A Matter of Time, this [ ... ]

    tbc
  • Ready Set Improvise!

    Graduates of Dubomedy’s Improv’ Workshop and Pro-Troupe Members will perform a high energy, on-the-spot comedy show filled with short form games complete with audience participation.  

    Free
  • Stuntwomen: dir Elena Avdija (2022)

    Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

    “Cinema has a fascination with sexist violence. We like to see women suffer, getting kidnapped or raped,” said Avdija in a Variety interview. These are the scenes the stuntwomen protagonists of her telling documentary – Virginie Arnaud, Petra Sprecher and [ ... ]

    Free
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Echoes of the Orient

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    The inaugural exhibition of the brand new Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is curated from the private collection of Bassam Said Freiha to offer a perspective into how the Middle East has been perceived, portrayed and romanticised over time – particularly [ ... ]

    Free
  • Kevin Hart

    Coca-Cola Arena City Walk, Dubai

    The comedian, actor and multifaceted entrepreneur (“I work hard!!! That pretty much sums me up!!! Everybody wants to be famous but nobody wants to do the work”) is back again with his latest live show. A regular visitor to the [ ... ]

    From AED 295
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • 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. The bar's set pretty high: "from side-splitting stand-up to mesmerising improv, the finest comedic artists from near and far come to showcase their talent."  

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • The Female Gaze – Women in the Middle Eastern Art Scene

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A conversation in the recently inaugurated Bassam Freiha Art Foundation's Art Dialogues series, featuring four Emirati artists – Najat Makki, Latifa Saeed, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi and Azza Al Qubaisi – and led by BFAF’s Curator, Michaela Watrelot. Coinciding with International [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The City and the Writer

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

    A celebration of multicultural, multilingual authorship; a diverse lineup of award-winning writers come together to celebrate and share their writing. The evening is inspired by the column “The City and the Writer” for Words without Borders magazine, the most important [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • 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
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Noé Soulier: Passages

    NYUAD East Plaza Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A 40-minute site-specific project that adapts to each location in which it’s performed – the movement sequences by the four dancers are predetermined, and it uses a bodily vocabulary that choreographer Noé Soulier has been developing over the last 10 [ ... ]

    Free
  • Ola Maciejewska: Bombyx Mori

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

    In this 55-minute this work for three dancers, choreographer Ola Maciejewska draws inspiration from the innovative early 20th century work of modern dance pioneer Loïe Fuller. Bombyx Mori explores movement as a result of the interactions between the body and [ ... ]

    AED 105
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Laughter Factory: ‘Extermination Boredom!’ Tour

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    The Laughter Factory says it is flying in "three of the best live stand-up comedians that are currently touring the world", though since one of them already lives here presumably that's humorous hyperbole. On the bill are American-Egyptian Maria Shehata, [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Laughter Factory: ‘Extermination Boredom!’ Tour

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The second night of three for this Laughter Factory bill. On it are American-Egyptian Maria Shehata, making her debut in Dubai and trailing a CV that includes Comedy Central shows and some writing credits ("she is quite comfortable performing in [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Centre Stage: A DDG Showcase

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

    A programme of monologues and duologues by members of Dubai Drama Group – "enjoy a night of comedy and drama where we celebrate the inclusivity and joy of live theatre". Should be a good evening.

    AED 100
  • Jazz to Jive Valentine’s Soiree

    The Club Al Mina, Abu Dhabi

    Now this looks like a fun evening: the Take 5 Jazz Ensemble promise lively swing and jive rhythms along with Abu Dhabi's two established jazz a cappella groups, Blue Fever and Voices of Harmony – both excellent. And there will [ ... ]

    Non-members AED 160
  • Jazz to Jive Valentine’s Soiree

    The Club Al Mina, Abu Dhabi

    A second night for this show: the Take 5 Jazz Ensemble promise lively swing and jive rhythms along with Abu Dhabi's two established jazz a cappella groups, Blue Fever and Voices of Harmony – both excellent. And there will be [ ... ]

    Non-members AED 160
  • Shawn Chidiac: Wonderful Amazing Exciting WAEW

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

    UAE-based Shawn Chidiac – known as myparents_are_divorced on Instagram – is great at character skits, thanks in part to his excellent imitations of just about any accent from the region. The results have apparently offended some people, but don't come [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The UAE debut of the phenomenally successful Dutch violinist and conductor leading his Johann Strauss Orchestra, chorus, and a lineup of international soloists through a repertoire spanning classical masterpieces, waltzes, show tunes, and iconic songs from film, opera, and musicals. [ ... ]

    From AED 215
  • Laughter Factory: ‘Extermination Boredom!’ Tour

    Mövenpick Hotel JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Last chance to see this particular Laughter Factory bill. On it are American-Egyptian Maria Shehata, making her debut in Dubai and trailing a CV that includes Comedy Central shows and some writing credits ("she is quite comfortable performing in a [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • The Phantom of the Opera

    The Phantom of the Opera
    Dubai Opera

    Continuing its policy of attracting established blue-chip touring performances, Dubai Opera is running Broadway Entertainment Group's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's critically acclaimed musical for a three-week run. The story is based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel of a musical [ ... ]

    From AED 350
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro / The Office Improvised

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

    Exactly what it says: a regular Monday evening two-parter – scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers plus guests, then a break followed by a hilarious improvised office drama [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • 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
  • Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy: The Carpenter’s Daughters

    Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A pioneer in reviving Islamic chanting heritage in modern arrangements and western harmony, El Tohamy is the son of the noted Sufi chanter Sheikh Yassin El-Tohamy. For this Abu Dhabi Festival concert he presents the world premiere of The Carpenter's [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya

    Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya
    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An evening of music between the seafaring Arabian Gulf and Swahili coastal communities. Informal evening gatherings on three consecutive nights (15-17 March) will introduce the Kuwaiti diwaniya, where members from traditional groups including the Hamad Bin Hussein Ensemble and the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya

    Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya
    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An evening of music between the seafaring Arabian Gulf and Swahili coastal communities. Informal evening gatherings on three consecutive nights (15-17 March) will introduce the Kuwaiti diwaniya, where members from traditional groups including the Hamad Bin Hussein Ensemble and the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Film Lovers’ Suhoor and Trivia Night

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

    A late-night gathering for film fans under the stars – “a suhoor filled with favourite cinema moments, trivia challenges and connecting with other like-minded creatives”.  

    Free, but pre-register
  • Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya

    Ramadaniyyat: The Boom Diwaniya
    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    An evening of music between the seafaring Arabian Gulf and Swahili coastal communities. Informal evening gatherings on three consecutive nights (15-17 March) will introduce the Kuwaiti diwaniya, where members from traditional groups including the Hamad Bin Hussein Ensemble and the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Monday Night Comedy: This Is Impro / The Office Improvised

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

    Exactly what it says: a regular Monday evening two-parter – scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers plus guests, then a break followed by a hilarious improvised office drama [ ... ]

    Free but donations welcome
  • Les Monologues du V.

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

    The Vagina Monologues may have had the title toned down for wider public consumption – the original was hardly likely to get past the censors, even in this French-language version – but it still packs a powerful piece of feminist [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • 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
  • Oriental and Orientalist: Two Worlds Apart

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A lecture by Saleh Barakat, a Beirut-based gallerist (he founded Agial Art Gallery and then Saleh Barakat Gallery) who specialises in modern and contemporary art from the Arab world. His talk considers the way Western artists have portrayed the Middle [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The UAE Classical Talents: A Two Piano Night

    Alliance Française Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Sisters Nora and Zora Novotná are the latest artists in Stéphane Ferrault's series of recitals for UAE-based classical musicians. They perform together regularly, both in four hands on one piano, or in two-piano recitals as here. The programme includes works for [ ... ]

    AED 130
  • Yumi Nagashima: Yumiverse

    Warehouse Four Al Quoz, Dubai

    The Vancouver-based Japanese standup brings her Edinburgh Fringe show to Dubai; expect sharp, deadpan observational comedy from the viewpoint of a sassy young immigrant woman. She's good. Also on the bill: Dubai favourite Imah Dumagay  

    AED 95
  • From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables

    Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A showcase for the power of fables from different cultures and eras, providing “the opportunity to explore the universal themes and lessons found in these stories and understand the significance they hold in shaping our world”. It’s divided into three [ ... ]

    AED 60
  • The Fifth Wife

    Firetti Contemporary Unit 29, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    A group show, curated by Mara Firetti, Ali Cha'aban and Celine Azem and featuring Aidha Badr, ARE Studios, Ghaleb Hawila, Jason Seife, Khalid Zahid, Salmah Al-Mansoori and Sawsan Al Bahar. The exhibition explores the mythology of where the oral culture [ ... ]

    Free
  • CC: cARTpets

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

    Outsider artist CC, better known to his mum as Alireza Asbahi, shows his latest collection of carpets and hangings. It's quirky, interesting art that collages and layers materials and shapes. His works have the same kind of raw energy that [ ... ]

    Free
  • PowerPointless

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

    One of the most consistently funny of the Courtyard's classic improv gigs: the speakers have to give a presentation on a slide deck they’ve never seen before, with the topic determined at random by the Wheel of Destiny. Each presentation [ ... ]

    Free, but donations welcome