Last chance to experience the Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger. The show brings together 15 performers for a whirlwind of traditional and modern floor acrobatics, dance, and breakdancing, with a touch of taekwondo and freestyle football too that also involves a [ ... ]
The latest in this excellent series of panel discussions spotlighting the experiences of local talent, presented by NYUAD Art Gallery and NYUAD Career Development Center, considers current opportunities and challenges for artists in the UAE. The panel: Shilpa Ananth – [ ... ]
A solo exhibition for the emerging Emirati artist, "a journey through Abu Dhabi’s constructed and social worlds from the 1980s until the present day" via a series of mixed media works on canvas – "intimate portraits as a window into [ ... ]
A new Dubai gallery space opens with this group show for five conceptual artists, curated by Nadine Khalil: Fatma Al Ali, Mona Ayyash and Khalid Jauffer from the UAE plus Alexander Ugay (Kazakhstan) and Minja Gu (South Korea). The theme [ ... ]
Now we think this could be one of the highlights of the art year locally: it will be Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s first exhibition in the region (he shows mainly in his native Japan and the Pacific Rim, with a foray to [ ... ]
For the Fall iteration of Library Circles, the jameel's series of research, talks and experimental interventions by UAE practitioners that explores alternative research methodologies and representations, Jameel Library presents a display by Another Empty House. This collaborative research-based project by [ ... ]
In his first exhibition in the Middle East and South Asia, co-produced by Art Jameel with the Japan Foundation, Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s solo exhibition in Galleries 4-8 focuses on large-scale conceptual installations that span techniques and materials including sound, [ ... ]
The regional debut for the UK-based abstract expressionist, curated by Ellen Nash. He says his art can be seen as people's perception of the material and psychological worlds and their desire to understand the universe through increasing self-awareness; "Uvs' works [ ... ]
In his first public presentation in the UAE, the UK based artist-composer will talk about recent works underpinned by his interest in energy and power in their various forms – Mirza considers electricity as his primary artistic medium, creating from [ ... ]
One of the outstanding pianists of the 21st century has programmed a recital with pieces that are sure to showcase his virtuosity, with a programme that we’re told will range from Mozart and Beethoven to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.
An exhibition organisaed by Fann À Porter Dubai and ZAAT Beirut that brings together a group of artists to offer a critical perspective on the current state of living conditions, political climate, social dynamics, and psychological landscapes. Reality Show aims [ ... ]
The annual Jameel Arts Centre Youth Takeover – a physical takeover of the Jameel's spaces by the eight members of The Assembly 2022-2023 – features multiple audiovisual and artwork interventions around the stairs, passageways and galleries 9 and 10. The [ ... ]
Ms King is “an expressive, big-voiced singer who combines jazz with elements of R&B, blues and gospel” as her blurb puts it. She does sing rather well – she’s from Philadelphia, which probably helps, and she’s been on the circuit [ ... ]
A solo exhibition for the self-taught Lebanese-Canadian artist who “explores the human condition through abstract art in vivid colours and bold brushstrokes” that “embody fearlessness, aggression and an impressionistic style". Chahine's works are undeniably emotional, based on the experiences of [ ... ]
A group show for four contemporary artists, curated by Mara Firetti around three central themes: memory and identity, nature and environment, and innovation and experimentation. Californian Robert Santoré explores his personal history and cultural roots; African-American artist Halim Flowers draws [ ... ]
A group show for six African artists, curated by Celine Azem and exploring the nature of identity. "The exhibition draws on the influential theories of Bell Hooks, emphasising the importance of compartmentalising existence and acknowledging the ever-evolving construct of individuality" [ ... ]
In celebration of Warner Bros Studios’ 100th anniversary, this concert features arrangements of popular music from the Warner Bros back catalogue played by the Belle Corde String Quartet and lit by candlelight. There are performances at 6.30pm and again at [ ... ]
In collaboration with Blank Space, the open mic community initiative co-founded by Mohammed Abdelhakam and Mathani Mohamed, Sharjah Art Foundation is trying out an open mic night at Mirage City Cinema. Poets, musicians, performers or comedians "at any level of [ ... ]
This Brazilian documentary revisits the Afro-diasporic research of the African American linguist Lorenzo Turner in Brazil during the early 1940s. The film focuses on the terreiros de candomblé across the city of Salvador and the Recôncavo Baiano region in Bahia, [ ... ]
An evening session at 421, with guided tours of the current shows (5-5.30pm Of Mythic Proportions, led by the artist, Mahshid Rafiei: 5.45-6.30pm And The Mirrors Are Many, led by curator Mona Al-Jadir and including a performance by Reem Almenhali). [ ... ]
A first solo show for the Tehran-based artist, who had exhibited little outside Iran before Green Art Gallery brought her to Art Dubai 2022. Asadi works across a variety of media, including, ceramic sculpture, painting, drawing and embroidery; material is [ ... ]
This solo exhibition – her first in the UAE – marks the completion of Sophiya’s journey on the Tashkeel Critical Practice Programme, mentored by Salima Hashmi and Dawn Ross. Nooks of Power aims to investigate the ways in which humans [ ... ]
For the 40th Fridge Concert Series, the Fridge's people have paired new acts with alumni of past concert series for one-off guest collaborations – "merging voices, genres and artistic styles to create memorable music moments". Karman Line, who will be [ ... ]
For the 40th Fridge Concert Series, the Fridge's people have paired new acts with alumni of past concert series for one-off guest collaborations – "merging voices, genres and artistic styles to create memorable music moments". This gig celebrates International Jazz [ ... ]
A show by a diverse group of artists from the UK's Moosey Gallery that promises to showcase "the best of contemporary art". The title is a playful nod to the Dubai climate rather than any statement about the artists, but [ ... ]
A solo show for the abstract sculptures of the Jordanian-French artist. Appearance explores the intrinsic essence of the artist’s vision and the experiences which led to the creation of these vessels – “a culmination of time specks that are made [ ... ]
The official launch of Dubomedy's new weekly gig at Melrose, the bar in Business Bay's Paramount Midtown. The 'secret' bit is the line-up: "you never know who will drop in ..." RSvP recommended since space is limited.
A dynamic lineup shares perspectives on space and the UAE's role in exploring it. “From stunning space photography to inspiring strategies for promoting STEM education, our speakers will take you on a journey through the cosmos and offer a glimpse [ ... ]
It’s not often that a dance piece involves a climbing wall on the stage. But then it’s not often you’ll come across a dance piece that tests the ensemble’s physical strength, emotional barriers, and trust in each other in quite [ ... ]
John Cariani’s play is made up of a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming exploration of love's many facets, filled with wit, warmth, and unexpected surprises, [ ... ]
Jazz at the Theatre of Digital Art with Lady J and her trio. We're promised "a sparkling arrangement of the Grooviest Classics together with jazzed-up Radio Hits in 360° space" ...
The long-established Australian comedy troupe (two brothers, and their best mate) comes loaded with classic comedy references – the likes of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the Marx Brothers Laurel and Hardy – and an act that is usually rooted [ ... ]
A Sharjah Architecture Triennial exhibition, curated by architect George Arbid, that highlights three institutions in the Arab world that hold and preserve key regional architecture archives – the Arab Center for Architecture (ACA) in Beirut (co-founded by Arbid), the Rare [ ... ]
A second performance of this extraordinary dance piece choreographed by Rachid Ouramdane, an ambitious, captivating work about confronting danger, mastering the self, the beauty of flight and the desire to escape the chains of gravity; acrobats, rock climbers, flyers, slackliners [ ... ]
A second evening for the H72 production of John Cariani’s play, a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. A charming exploration of love's many facets, filled with wit, [ ... ]
The Dictator is an interpretation in English of the play by the late, great Lebanese playwright Issam Mahfouz. This timely absurdist tale, set in a claustrophobic fictional world, tells the story of a tyrant (the General, played by Aida Laubach) [ ... ]
This Australian documentary explores the personal relationship and musical partnership of First Nations singer-songwriters Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter as they rehearse and perform for the 2004 premiere of Kura Tungar—Songs from the River, presented in collaboration with Paul Grabowsky [ ... ]
Top South African comedy from a standup who claims more than 25 years in the business (including seven as host of a hit SABC travel show). He was a founding member of the influential Cape Comedy Collective in 1999, but [ ... ]
Two final performance for H72's production of John Cariani’s play, made up of a series of interconnected vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical New England town called Almost. It's a charming exploration of love's many facets, [ ... ]
The excellent 421 Culture Bus is visiting Sharjah for the Maraya's current exhibitions (3-4pm) and a guided tour of Al Noor Island (4.15-5pm). There'll be plenty of time for a pre-gallery lunch at Al Qasba (not included in the bus [ ... ]
The Indian comedian and actor is known for his “uniquely Indian” style of comedy, riffing on the emotions that are common to every Indian household. This Hindi language show is part of the Dubai Comedy Festival. A second show is [ ... ]
A second performance for this interpretation in English of a timely absurdist tale by the late Lebanese playwright Issam Mahfouz. Set in a claustrophobic fictional world, it tells the story of a tyrant (the General, played by Aida Laubach) whose grandiose [ ... ]
An evening of top quality chamber music, presented by SAMIT Event Group as part of the VIP Classical initiative. Violinist Maria Solozobova and pianist Christophe Berruex celebrate the best of the repertoire for their two instruments. The tickets are pricey [ ... ]
Fashion illustrator (and the founder of Russia's first illustration and art-content agency for the fashion industry) Alena Lavdovskaya is the latest Artist in Residence at ME Dubai. This exhibition showcases her 20 years in the industry, with Alena illustrations, a [ ... ]
The generally excellent comedian (and writer, amateur astronomer, astrophotographer) is back on tour, and this gig falls right in the middle of another massive stint on the road. Apparently though he likes touring, and he enjoys appearing in front of [ ... ]
They are three of the best female American standups around at the moment – Atsuko Okatsuka, Beth Stelling, and Rachel Feinstein. LA-based Atsuko Okatsuka was named one of Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch in 2022; born in Taiwan to [ ... ]
The marmite comedian is back in town with a brand-new show that contains jokes about all kind of terrible things: “but they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things ... Having political correctness at a comedy show is [ ... ]
The Dubai-based four-piece comes highly recommended, not least by a stonking residency at the Palazzo Versace and a brilliantly versatile repertoire that crosses from jazz to electronica. This is at ToDA, so expect cutting-edge 36o° visuals ... (Don't be fooled [ ... ]
For the 40th Fridge Concert Series, the Fridge's people have paired new acts with alumni of past concert series for one-off guest collaborations – "merging voices, genres and artistic styles to create memorable music moments". This gig pairs highly-rated and [ ... ]
This year’s University of Sharjah annual CFAD faculty and alums exhibition features works by Ahed Al Kathiri, Brian Gonzales, Hala El Abora, Kawthar Alshurafa, Lina Elmalik, Muatasim Alkubaisy, Mohamed Yousef Alhammadi, Nada Abdallah, Nourbanu Hijazi, Thaier Helal, Tor Seidel, and [ ... ]
A two-person show for the summer, cleverly pivoted on that terrible time to be awake – too early to get up, too late to get back to deep sleep ... Says the gallery's essay: "Grabuschnigg and Malas don’t just share [ ... ]
Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally have been running their weekly chat for 150+ podcast episodes now; My Therapist Ghosted Me is the result of Joanne's therapist doing just that – ignoring her calls, refusing to answer the door at the [ ... ]
A 6’7” tall Brazilian "with an accent like Dracula's", Rafi Bastos was one of the first to pioneer the art of stand-up in Brazil. He's particularly good at quick-witted observational humour; this show (in English) is part of the Dubai [ ... ]
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 [ ... ]
Top-quality improv from a British troupe of regulars (Stephen Frost, Steve Steen, Andy Smart, and Ian Coppinger) with no script and not the faintest idea of what will happen. They're very, very good; this show is part of the Dubai [ ... ]
The Australian stand-up is stopping off at the Dubai Comedy Festival as part of a world tour. He's brash and confrontational, but able to charm and offend in equal measure; and he's a really good storyteller ...
Marking the second year of collaboration between 421 and NYUAD, the exhibition showcases the research and experimentation of the inaugural cohort of students completing the two-year Master of Fine Arts in Art and Media at NYUAD: For Elizabeth Dorazio, nature [ ... ]
Nasrallah’s solo show is a mythical exploration of the relationship between humans and machines. Through a collection of intricate drawings, paintings, publications, textiles, and installations, the UAE-based artist takes us on a journey into a world of mechanical creatures that [ ... ]
Originally trained as a classical choral singer, Griffith is a working-class comedian, actor and choirboy from Grimsby (he was a presenter on Sky Sports show Soccer AM until the end of the 2018–19 season). A stand-up favourite, he has toured [ ... ]
Raunchy humour and no filters from the Iraqi-American Paul Elia and Canadian Dave Merheje: definitely not suitable for children – “nothing is off limits”. This is a Dubai Comedy Festival Show.
The Indian comic (aka The Married Guy) has clocked up 100 million views across his social media platforms. Generally observational in style, his comedy crosses global boundaries; this Dubai Comedy Festival show – in English, incidentally – is an interwoven [ ... ]
A conversation with attorney Vanja Mégevand, founder of AI-based legal tech company Lawrence Legal, discussing the changing landscape of art collecting and the challenges and practices that collectors and patrons face in their interactions with artists, galleries, and institutions. Expect [ ... ]
The Middle East’s best (and longest-running) poetry and performance open mic night enters its second decade with original material from spoken word artists, poets, and musicians. Rooftop Rhythms is hosted by Jaysus Zain with opening and closing DJ sets by [ ... ]
The Egyptian actress and stand-up comic entertains with her spin on motherhood, womanhood, and all things related. Joining her on the same bill are Reem Nabil and Ahmed El Hareedy (host). This is a Dubai Comedy Festival Show.
Romanò combines artistic creativity with his skills in restoration and preservation. He works with antique mirrors and frames, transforming used pieces of framed mirrors into whole new entities; “Romanò’s ‘mirrors could look rich and beautiful, yet they are extremely fragile, [ ... ]
Musicians from the largest youth orchestra in the region and finalists from the recent National Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition 2023 perform classical favourites and an exclusive premiere of the NYO’s new Vivaldi Four Seasons Project, with solo performances by several [ ... ]
Faustin Linyekula is a contemporary dancer and choreographer whose style incorporates the quick, syncopated rhythms of the West African dance style of Ndombolo. Linyekula’s focus is on notions of loss, memory and the legacies of war and terror; exploring the [ ... ]
One of the best of India’s funnymen – the New York Times called him “India’s most intelligent comedian”, the BBC said he was “India’s answer to British wit”, the Guardian said he was “very clever, very funny”. The Nation Wants [ ... ]
An immersive musical journey through some of the best-love songs of France, including hits by the likes of of Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Dalida, Joe Dassin & other legends, delivered Lady J and her jazz trio. This is at ToDA, [ ... ]
The very excellent monthly get-together for creative folk from the region turns to fashion: a panel of industry heavyweights share expertise and opinions about the business, about building a sustainable label, and about the challenges and opportunities that Dubai brings. [ ... ]
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is getting into its stride now; it's still basically a commercial environment where publishers and distributors make deals, but in the last few years it has developed into a celebration of reading and writing [ ... ]
Exactly what it says: an evening of scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers. Classic Courtyard stuff. It's free, but you need to put your name on the guestlist [ ... ]
This solo exhibition explores themes of uniformity, replication, flatness, originality, fiction, and exclusivity within the frame of each painting, but also between the different frames, and throughout the overall arrangement of the works. The deliberate arrangement of the paintings, with [ ... ]
Bady Dalloul's solo show comprises a series of 200 miniature drawings displayed inside pocket matchboxes. The vividly coloured and seemingly childlike images sharply contrast with the harsh reality of the stories they depict of the Syrian civil war; by re-appropriating [ ... ]
Lamya Gargash’s fifth solo show at the gallery celebrates the artist’s poetics of space, recounting human experiences throughout different geographies without the direct presence of the human figure. “Photographing selections of objects, furniture pieces, window details, and wall trimmings speaks [ ... ]
An immersive evening at the Theatre of Digital Art – digitised projected art ("the masterpieces of the greatest artists of the 20th century") is accompanied live by Soren Lyng Hansen on cello, double bass and piano. He is very good, [ ... ]
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 [ ... ]
Born in Jamaica, raised in the British RnB and then Northern Soul scenes, Roy Young has a terrific voice for soul and great stage presence. He gigs with the Alexey Cheremizov Jazz Quartet. Doors open at 7pm, Young is on [ ... ]
An evening that claims to “break the norms of conventional electronic music shows in the Middle East region, to create something above and beyond” via “a unique experience and atmosphere based on a unison of light, sound and technologies”. The [ ... ]
Third Half Theatre and Movement Mantra are reprising their original 2019 dance-theatre production to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. Movement Mantra ‘s founder, movement coach Vonita Singh, has been championing the Parkinson’s cause in the UAE for the last 10 [ ... ]
This premiere by the New Zealand contemporary dance company Black Grace was commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation for SB15; it’s a development of the company’s 2009 work Gathering Clouds, which responded to prejudice and xenophobia against Pacific migrants in New [ ... ]
To end this third season of the UAE Classical Talents recitals, violinist Nicolas Mann and pianist Olga Kirpicheva promise us a Romantic journey with music from the key composers of the period.
Jazz at the Theatre of Digital Art with Lady J and her trio. We're promised "a sparkling arrangement of the Grooviest Classics together with jazzed-up Radio Hits in 360° space" ...
Aspiring actress and young jazz musician find love in Los Angeles. Yes, it's the plot of La-La Land, and City of Stars ∼ which also happens to be one of the better songs from the soundtrack – is an adaptation [ ... ]
A second and final show for this reprise of the Third Half Theatre and Movement Mantra dance-theatre production that aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. Movement Mantra ‘s founder, movement coach Vonita Singh, has been championing the Parkinson’s cause [ ... ]
"Modern classics that speak to your heart ... Relive the most precious moments of your life" with virtuoso pianist Fyodor Biryuchev, who promises to revive "memories that truly matter. First love. Heartbreak. The joy of reunion. The moments of profound [ ... ]
The first of two films by the Canadian documentary maker gives voice to first nation citizens concerned about the environmental and cultural impact of unprecedented mining industry developments on Aboriginal lands. This is a Sharjah Biennial 15 Film Programme screening.
The second of two films by Cousineau explores the death of a young Inuk man, Solomon Tapatiaq Uyarasuk, who is found dead in a remote Inuit community. The locals suspect murder, but the police suggest suicide. As the film investigates [ ... ]
Sharjah Art Foundation presents the Queen of Western Sahara Desert Blues Aziza Brahim and her Tabal Quartet live in Sharjah as part of the Sharjah Biennial 15 Music Programme. Born and raised in the Saharawi refugee camps on the frontier [ ... ]
Matinee and evening performances (2pm and 7.30pm) for this musical adaptation of La-La Land by Yasseen Ashri, who also directs The Greenroom youth theatre group.
In northwest Tunisia, young women work the summer harvest. Largely improvised and set on a single day, this film by Erige Sehiri (who is perhaps better known as a documentary maker) packs argument, gossip, romance and social criticism into a [ ... ]
Exactly what it says: an evening of scenes, stories and narrative improvisation influenced by audience suggestions and featuring the Courtyard Playhouse's most experienced improv performers. Classic Courtyard stuff. It's free, but you need to put your name on the guestlist [ ... ]
7pm Without Her|Bi Roya dir Arian Vazirdaftari (2023) Just two weeks before Roya is set to emigrate from Iran to Denmark, she encounters a quiet young girl who appears to be lost and doesn’t remember anything. Roya takes her in, [ ... ]
A group show that celebrates printmaking practices in the UAE, especially "the inherent experimental potential and various techniques available to artists working today". From the gallery's press release: Dubai-based illustrator and printmaker Azim Al Ghussein experiments with image making methods [ ... ]
7pm Foragers dir Jumana Manna (2022) Shot in the Golan Heights, the Galilee and Jerusalem, the film employs fiction, documentary and archival footage to capture the joy and knowledge embodied in the traditions of foraging for wild edible plants alongside the [ ... ]
You probably won't have more fun in the theatre this year: based on ("ripped off from") the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this highly irreverent musical parody of Arthurian legend has lyrics and book by Python's Eric [ ... ]
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 [ ... ]
A group show by six African artists presenting “a captivating and thought-provoking collection of artworks that highlight the diverse landscapes and thematic intersections of African art across generations … The exhibition offers a glimpse into the complex histories, traditions, and [ ... ]
This exhibition marks the first duo show for Emirati brothers Talal Al Najjar and Ziad Al Najjar. They each maintain a distinct individual artistic practice, but developed in close proximity to one another; and both draw upon their relationship to [ ... ]
7pm 19B dir Ahmad Abdalla (2022) The richly-layered narrative centres on the elderly caretaker of an abandoned Cairo villa known as 19B. The owners have been absent for so long that no one even knows how to contact them, and the [ ... ]
“Books alone can’t save the world,” says the blurb for this new book club. “But passionate readers can.” At the opening event of what we’re told will be a regular LitFest-style session with “renowned authors from around the world”, the [ ... ]
A second performance of this highly irreverent musical parody of Arthurian legend, based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail with lyrics and book by Python's Eric Idle and a score by Idle and John Du Prez. [ ... ]
MTDXB (Musical Theatre Dubai) is – as far as we know – the first and only adult theatre group in Dubai to specialise in musicals. Formed in 2021, they have done four performances to date, and they tend to be [ ... ]
Tchaikovsky’s all-time crowdpleaser is danced by the Moscow Ballet “La Classique”. Expect ballet mastery, lavish costumes, and magnificent stage sets; "La Classique" specialises in sumptuous, unashamedly traditional touring productions of which this must be one of the most classic ... [ ... ]
Superb soul and gospel, and purveyor of one of the best Nina Simone tributes (one of her ten albums). Her voice is sensational; "I could listen to this lady all day" said a Jazz Weekly reviewer. She sings with the [ ... ]
7pm A Letter From Al Barzakh dir Waleed Al Madani (2019) Al Barzakh is a period of time where the dead live between the moment they die and their judgement day. In this short experimental documentary, Al Madani takes the [ ... ]
A second performance for this musical sequel to the original Addams Family story by MTDXB. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a [ ... ]
The third of four days of performances for this highly irreverent musical parody of Arthurian legend based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's funny and clever, and it's brought to us by the Abu Dhabi Choral Group, the [ ... ]
The final performances (shows at 2.30 and 7.30pm) for this musical sequel to the original Addams Family story by MTDXB. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man [ ... ]
The final two performances (thyere are shows at 2pm and 7.30pm) for this irreverent musical parody of Arthurian legend, based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's funny and clever, and it's brought to us by [ ... ]
A second and final performance for Tchaikovsky’s all-time crowdpleaser as danced by the Moscow Ballet “La Classique”. Expect ballet mastery, lavish costumes, and magnificent stage sets; "La Classique" specialises in sumptuous, unashamedly traditional touring productions.
Gulf Shorts – Past and Present A program of short films from the Gulf region by filmmakers looking at the past through personal and cultural histories. 3pm Clouds dir Muzna Alumusafer (2020) 15 mins A journey inside a tribal society [ ... ]