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Scents are a dominant theme this weekend, as we help you sniff out everything that’s good to do in Dubai. Learn how to capture a memory in perfume, discover how to breathe with a tai chi master, and find out why sloths smell like trees (yes, you read that right).
Check out our top seven weekend activities here:
A tumultuous tale at the Junction
Head to theatre space at the artsy Alserkal Avenue this weekend for a Third Half Theatre production of the richly-comic biographical play, Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell. Directed by Sanjeev Dixit, the mostly-monologue, highly-acclaimed piece reveals the ups and downs and the life and times of real-life London journalist, raconteur and bohemian, Jeffrey Bernard.
When: 9-11 August 20182018
Where: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue
More info and tickets
Summer of Laughter straight from Montreal
Dubai’s homegrown comedy night, The Laughter Factory, continues its monthly foray into the best of global live comedy. This month’s trio of comics come to The Grand Millennium in Barsha Heights and Jumeirah Golf Estates straight from Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. The UK's Dane Baptiste kicks off your side-splitting evening with excerpts from his sellout Citizen Dane tour. Canadian Sean Collins is up next with his wry observational humour, while Bronx native and ex-lawyer Jackie Fabulous adds some New York sass and acerbic wit.
When: 9 August at Grand Millennium Barsha Heights
10 August at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Tickets & More Info
Memories and traditions in perfume making
A scent can bring back a flood of memories, and this weekend you can learn more about how perfumes tantalise our senses and evoke emotions. Head down to a free-to-attend perfume workshop at Alserkal Avenue hosted by perfumier Mona Bassam Haddad, part of the Al Quoz arts district’s summer programme, ‘Sensing Memory’. Mona will share her expertise in creating perfumes and matching smells with memories and personalities. Learn the techniques of mixing essential oils, making sachets with Arabic perfume powders, and mixing scented oud.Space is limited so book ahead at rsvp@alserkalavenue.ae, with the subject line 'Perfume making workshop'.
When: 11 August
Where: Nadi Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue
More Info
The Big Flip screening: women as breadwinners
Cinema Akil, Dubai’s arthouse cinema, offers us the chance to witness what life is like for four couples when traditional gender roles are reversed. ‘The Big Flip’ is a 2016 documentary, directed by Izzy Chan, which focuses on observation rather than dialogue. We are invited to observe and consider the changing dynamics of the modern American family unit. The free-to-see showing of “The Big Flip’ is sure to be a big hit, so get over to Alserkal Avenue’s A4 Space cinema room early for the 7pm showing.
When: 11 August 2018
Where: A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue
More Info
Artistic tribute to the UAE’s founding father
Grab a coffee and a croissant at Le Patio, the Habtoor Palace Hotel’s French restaurant this weekend, and you’ll have the chance to view artistic works from more than 15 global artists, chosen to pay tribute to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Emirati Artist Ahmed Al Falasi is the force behind the exhibition, which is curated by Bhairavi Mistry. The free event showcases works in a variety of mixed media, including resin, portraits, charcoal, seascapes, Dubai heritage, Indian style, and mosaic ceramic work.
When: 24 July-24 September 2018
Where: Le Patio, Habtoor Palace Hotel
More Info
Relieve the stresses and strains of urban living
Do yourself a favour on Saturday morning by joining one of the free tai chi sessions taking place at Nadi Al Quoz. The ancient martial art is renowned for improving breathing, defence techniques and strong health benefits. The hour-long classes are conducted by Masters Hang and Luo from Shaolin Kung Fu, the first Chinese martial arts school in Dubai. Places are limited - reservation is recommended by calling +971 50 556 9797 to reserve your space at the beautiful location.
When: Every Saturday until 15 September 2018
Where: Nadi Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue
More Info
Where the urban jungle and the real jungle collide
Green Planet at City Walk offers an incredible day out for all the family. Dubai’s very own indoor tropical rainforest features more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds. Whether you love animals and foliage or not, it’s a wonderful departure from the modernist architecture of the surrounding City Walk district, and worlds away from the hustle of the city.
Step inside the climate-controlled zone, and you’ll come up close with a startling array of animals, birds, bugs and aquatic species. You are free to walk down the gently-sloping circular path at your own pace, spotting new animals, birds and flying critters with every turn. While you might be there to try and score a selfie with a sloth, it’s unavoidably a wonderful learning experience for the whole family, leaving you with renewed respect for nature.
When: Sunday to Wednesday: 10am - 7pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Where: Green Planet, City Walk, Al Wasl
More Info
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