• Korea National Contemporary Dance Company: Jungle

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

    Our everyday lives are sometimes like a jungle, where everybody has to fight for survival in their own way. This work for 17 dancers of the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company interprets the jungle as a place of collisions between [ ... ]

    AED 150
  • Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

    Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Abu Dhabi Art: day two

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art has 102 galleries, the largest number to date. It has five principal sectors: Modern & Contemporary: for established galleries (who have been operating for at least seven years) with curatorial framework for booth [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • NYU Abu Dhabi MFA Open Studios

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

    A chance to see what the NYUAD MFA in Art and Media programme is all about – meet students and faculty, learn more about the programme, check out the application process and available scholarships (available for all students, with some [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Identity and Reshaping Public Space

    A panel discussion on the shared sociocultural topics of Lawrence Abu Hamdan’s Wsh Wsh (2024) and Nicholas Galanin’s In every language there is Land / En cada lengua hay una Tierra (2024). Abu Hamdan reimagines the intimate soundscapes of Damascene [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Functionality, Space, and Public Art

    This conversation extends from artist Christopher Joshua Benton’s Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home (2024), a vibrant, collaboratively made astroturf carpet developed with merchants from Abu Dhabi’s carpet souq and inspired by their stories and lives. The audience can [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Fridge Open Mic

    The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    An open mic gig for local musicians playing 10-minute performance slots. If you want to play, online registrations open on 18 November; or turn up from 6.30pm on the night and you might get a slot.

    Free (we think)
  • Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

    Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Focal Point 2024

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

    The seventh 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 (22 to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Tanweer Festival

    Mleiha Archaeological Centre Sharjah

    The inaugural Tanweer Festival promises “a three-day celebration that transcends language, culture, and borders” on 22, 23 and 24 November in the desert at Mleiha, itself a treasure of visual and archaeological significance. ‘Tanweer’ means something like ‘enlightenment’, and the [ ... ]

    AED 700
  • Lang Lang Plays Disney

    Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Top international pianist plus full orchestra and “special guests”plays Disney soundtracks – "a musical and visual experience of Disney’s most popular songs”. Lang Lang has been touring his take on Disney for some time – Disney has a 60-minute TV [ ... ]

    From AED 195
  • Fashionarte

    Chaka Arts Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    We don’t normally do fashion in magpie, but we do have a soft spot for Goshopia and its founder Araceli Gallego, repository and advocate respectively for sustainably-sourced don’t-scare-the-horses style in practical but very goodlooking wear, mostly for women. And now [ ... ]

    Free
  • Abu Dhabi Art: day three

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art has 102 galleries, the largest number to date. It has five principal sectors: Modern & Contemporary: for established galleries (who have been operating for at least seven years) with curatorial framework for booth [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Sociocultural Contexts and Public Art

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    This panel involves artists whose work connects us within cities. Bjørnstjerne Christiansen (SUPERFLEX) speaks about interspecies relationships and gathering spaces for humans and other species; Afra Al Dhaheri explains how her work fosters sensory engagement, promoting balance amid modern life's [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Globalisto – a Symphony for a Community

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

    This listening session, performance, and talk draws on the philosophy of Globalisto – the interplay of sound, memory, and identity in diasporic communities – developed by multidisciplinary artist and curator Ntshepe Tsekere (DJ Mo Laudi). Field recordings and Afro-electronic compositions [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Soulful Melodies: Cello & Piano Concert

    The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A highly accessible recital by Laura Peribáñez (cello) and Luca Maringola (piano). Not so sure about 'soulful melodies', but this is a programme of short pieces that includes some favourites (Gershwin, Bach, Saint-Saëns) and some less familiar examples (Huguet, Cassadó, [ ... ]

    AED 145
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Tania Candiani’s Nomadic Stage

    Tania Candiani's contribution to the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial features an inflatable mobile stage that moves across the city, transforming urban spaces into hubs for collective exchange and endowing these spaces with renewed significance. The performers for this live [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Zazie dans le métro: dir Louis Malle (1960)

    Jardins Germaine Tillion Hazza Bin Zayed St, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Classic surrealistic slapstick from France: Zazie is a brash and precocious ten-year-old (Catherine Demongeot) who comes to Paris for a whirlwind weekend with her rakish uncle (Philippe Noiret); he and the viewer get more than they bargained for, however. Louis [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Les Demoiselles de Rochefort: dir Jacques Demy (1996)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Delphine is a dance teacher ; her sister Solange composes and teaches the piano. Maxence, a poet and a painter, is doing his military service; Simon owns a music shop. They are all looking for love, without being aware that [ ... ]

    Free
  • Valentina Lisitsa

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

    With more than 83 million YouTube views, the Ukrainian-born pianist Valentina Lisitsa must be one of the most watched classical musicians on the internet. With her multi-faceted playing described as “dazzling”, Lisitsa has a vast repertoire ranging from Bach and [ ... ]

    From AED 199
  • Rumors!

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

    Complices Théâtre presents Neil Simon’s farcical package of gags, twists and zingers. A group of friends gathers for a dinner party, only to find that something is not quite right – the kitchen staff have vanished, the hostess is missing, [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Radisson DAMAC Hills Hessa Street Dubailand, Dubai

    This month's Laughter Factory tour has a particularly good look, with some top standups on the bill (and one more than usual). This is the second weekend of gigs. The acts: Stephen Grant hard-working emcee, a genius British comic Allyson [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Down to Earth 2024

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The Jameel’s annual festival for eco-consciousness and sustainability is back for its fifth iteration. Expect activities for all ages themed around botanical, sustainable and eco-conscious living with hands-on workshops, tours, talks and demonstrations, plus new interactive art installations, experiential performances [ ... ]

    Free
  • Nico Van Lucas: I PAINT COLORS

    Stu Studios First Al Khail Street, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Twelve paintings by the Italian artist featuring his trademark explosions of vivid colour, including his take on the UAE flag (above). He says his works place attention not on the subject, but rather on the gesture: "painting becomes the intermediary, [ ... ]

    Free
  • Create by Getty Images

    Gulf Photo Plus Unit D36 Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A free weekend of solid professional development for creatives, hosted at GPP from 8.30am to 5pm on each day and run by Getty Images Middle East – hear from Getty Images’ people on what visuals are in demand by companies [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: gubuyoBand – Animating the Desert

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    Rediscover Abu Dhabi's natural environment through the imagination of local participants. This workshop starts with a game-like activity (ink battle), then progresses to group activities on large pieces of paper. Participants can share local folktales and stories that take place [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Abu Dhabi Art: day four

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art has 102 galleries, the largest number to date. It has five principal sectors: Modern & Contemporary: for established galleries (who have been operating for at least seven years) with curatorial framework for booth [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Remote Abu Dhabi by Rimini Protokoll

    Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Abu [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Remote Al Ain by Rimini Protokoll

    Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Al [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Candlelight: Beethoven’s Best Works

    Raffles The Palm West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A candlelit performance on the Raffles' Royal Lawn. This programme of Beethoven favourites lasts around 65 minutes: ♦ 'Für Elise' (Bagatelle no.25 in A minor) ♦ Piano Sonata No.21 (Waldstein) – 1st movement ♦ Piano Sonata op. 27 No.2 (Moonlight) [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • Soulful Melodies: Cello & Piano Concert

    The Fridge Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    The second evening for this interesting recital programme by Laura Peribáñez (cello) and Luca Maringola (piano). The programme: Rogelio Huguet I Tagell Artero: 'Flamenco' from Suite Espagnole No.1 (solo cello) Rachmaninoff: 'Vocalise' (arranged for cello and piano) Granados: 'Andaluza' Spanish [ ... ]

    AED 145
  • The Snowman

    Dubai Opera

    ... and not just The Snowman: the completely brilliant animated film will be shown with live on-stage musical accompaniment by the National Youth Orchestra under the baton of Jonathan Barrett, but they will also be playing a concert of traditional [ ... ]

    From AED 170
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Tania Candiani’s Nomadic Stage

    Tania Candiani's contribution to the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial features an inflatable mobile stage that moves across the city, transforming urban spaces into hubs for collective exchange and endowing these spaces with renewed significance. The performers for this live [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Into The Beat | Dein Herz Tanzt: dir Stefan Westerwelle (2020)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A great coming-of-age movie – teen destined for ballet stardom discovers hip hop dance. She finds a new passion that challenges everything she knows. Torn between ballet and hip-hop, Kaya must decide which path to follow: the one set by [ ... ]

    Free
  • Igor Moiseyev Ballet: Dances of the World

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

    The Igor Moiseyev Ballet is a novel ensemble that blends classical ballet with folk dance. Founded by Moiseyev just before WW2, the company is  credited with creating a new dance genre; it now led by Elena Shcherbakova. There are performances [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Rumors!

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

    The second performance of this Complices Théâtre production of Neil Simon’s farce. A group of friends gathers for a dinner party, only to find that something is not quite right – the kitchen staff have vanished, the hostess is missing, [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club

    Dukes The Palm Palm Dubai, Dubai

    The fnal gig of this month's Laughter Factory tour. The acts: Stephen Grant hard-working emcee, a genius British comic Allyson June Smith another of the current crop of really good Canadian comics, back by popular demand (as they say) Denisa [ ... ]

    AED 160
  • Rumors!

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

    The final performances of this Complices Théâtre production of Neil Simon’s farce. A group of friends gathers for a dinner party, only to find that something is not quite right – the kitchen staff have vanished, the hostess is missing, [ ... ]

    AED 120
  • LAST CHANCE Artist’s Rooms: Sancintya Mohini Simpson

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Sancintya Mohini Simpson is a descended from indentured labourers sent from India to work on colonial sugar plantations in South Africa; her work navigates the complexities of migration, memory and trauma, moving between painting, video, poetry and performance to address [ ... ]

    Free
  • LAST CHANCE Artist’s Rooms: Augustine Paredes

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Augustine Paredes’ artist’s room brings together his own personal histories and stories that explore his relationship to identity and family via his personal journey as a migrant, navigating constantly between time, places and identities. Gradually moving away from the camera [ ... ]

    Free
  • Abu Dhabi Art: day five

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The final day of the 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art. It has five principal sectors: Modern & Contemporary: for established galleries (who have been operating for at least seven years) with curatorial framework for booth presentations. This is the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Deepak Unnikrishnan

    Abu Dhabi Main Bus Terminal Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    As part of the Biennial, poet and writer Deepak Unnikrishnan will host a workshop for audiences aged over 18 at 3.30pm at the Abu Dhabi bus station.

    Free
  • Vinyl Souk Mini Festival

    25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Trade Center Street, Dubai

    "This festival aims to strengthen the alternative music community as well as introduce new audiences to the underground sounds and creative vibrancy of Dubai" – it should be a groovy evening to celebrate the UAE’s nearest approach to an alternative [ ... ]

    AED 150
  • Remote Abu Dhabi by Rimini Protokoll

    Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Abu [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Remote Al Ain by Rimini Protokoll

    Rimini Protokoll pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre. During this performance walk within the collective’s ‘Remote X’ series (2013–ongoing), you are invited to explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in future cities; for this tour, designed specifically for Al [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Tania Candiani’s Nomadic Stage

    Tania Candiani's contribution to the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial features an inflatable mobile stage that moves across the city, transforming urban spaces into hubs for collective exchange and endowing these spaces with renewed significance. The performers for this live [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Igor Moiseyev Ballet: Dances of the World

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

    The Igor Moiseyev Ballet is a novel ensemble that blends classical ballet with folk dance. Founded by Moiseyev just before WW2, the company is  credited with creating a new dance genre; it now led by Elena Shcherbakova. There are performances [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Hard Shell Soft Shell | Fragile: dir Emma Benestan (2021)

    Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Trade Center St, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A handsome oyster farmer from the Mediterranean port town of Sète vows to win back his actress girlfriend after a botched proposal involving a ring hidden in an oyster shell. Fortunately, his friends are ready to do anything to help [ ... ]

    Free