From comedy and culture to music and more, weekends in Dubai come packed with entertainment. ABBA’s greatest tunes take centre stage in a glittering tribute concert while India’s top comics bring the heat at Laughathon 3.0. Family fun at Modhesh World, eye-opening films and live performances – here are the top seven things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Mamma mia, here we go again!
The Queen Elizabeth 2 is inviting Dubai’s dancing queens and kings to sing and jive along to ABBA’s top hits at its 515-seat retro-glam theatre. The very director, producer and choreographer behind ABBA Mania is back again with the all-new ABBA Reunion – a show that recreates the musical charm and production glitz that made ABBA an icon in the annals of pop history.
When: 26-27 June
Where: Queen Elizabeth 2
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Catch India’s rising stars live
Enjoy an evening of infectious Bollywood tunes with India’s rising stars Neelanjana Ray, Nitin Kumar and Salman Ali. The three artists discovered the spotlight on popular reality television shows Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, Indian Idol and The Voice India Kids. Catch them showcase their star power and glittering talent at The Indian High School this Thursday.
When: 27 June
Where: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School
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Lift your spirits with Rahul Dua and Nishant Suri
Right after ABBA Reunion clears the stage at the QE2 Theatre, the third season of Hustle Entertainment’s Laughathon takes over. Catch India’s hottest comedians bring the heat once every month until September with fresh, hilarious zingers. Kicking off the show are Rahul Dua and Nishant Suri, two award-winning comedians who have won comedy competitions including Comedy Central Chuckle Hunt and Amazon Prime's Comicstaan.
When: 28 June
Where: Queen Elizabeth 2
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Let’s hear it for the DPA Youth Theatre Company
Dubai-based DPA Youth Theatre Company is putting on a new production of the 1980s smash hit film Footloose. This production tells the story of Ren McCormack, the new resident of a town that has a strict ban on dancing and rock music. His efforts to be himself inevitably result in friction, but also a slew of new friendships and youthful experiences. Enjoy this high-energy song and dance performance live at the Dubai Opera on Friday and Saturday.
When: 28-29 June
Where: Dubai Opera
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Watch a dark and unusual comedy
Carmichael has spent the last 27 years looking for his missing left hand, to no avail. When Toby and Marilyn claim to have the lost appendage for the reward, things begin to look up. The three plan to meet at a dingy hotel for the exchange but when Mervyn, the hotel’s manager, gets involved, things get a little rocky. Catch this critically acclaimed play, titled ‘A Behanding In Spokane’, brought to life by local talent at The Junction Theatre.
When: 27-29 June
Where: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue
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Movie night at Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue’s first and permanent film theatre, is showing Ahmed Fawazi Saleh’s ‘Poisonous Roses’ this weekend only. It shares the story of Taheya and Saqr – two siblings navigating a life of poverty and isolation in Cairo. Taheya is a 28-year-old washroom cleaner while Saqr works at a tannery. When he decides to leave his job and enter a relationship with a young medical student named Nahed, Taheya turns to dark arts to keep her brother close.
When: 28-29 June
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
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Go wild at Modhesh World
If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly weekend activity, Modhesh World is your top spot. Check out this year’s incredible line-up of attractions, rides, games and prizes. Play retro arcade games at Arcadium Zone, hop on bouncy castles at Little Adventures Zone and zip around on bumper cars at The Wheel Zone all under one air-conditioned roof. Add to that non-stop live entertainment and food at Show Town for high-energy family time.
When: 21 June – 17 August
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
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