In Dubai, the August calendar only gets more packed as summer passes. Prepare for all kinds of time-travelling fun, whether it be back to the past, fast-forward to the future or quality family time. Music, art and laughter align to make this weekend’s top seven things to do.
Buy a one-way ticket to Berlin
Alserkal Avenue’s art-house theatre Cinema Akil is changing time zones with a week long Berlin-themed movie program. From dramas to documentaries, catch films that explore the city after the historic fall of the Berlin Wall up until modern times. Movies on our must-watch list are Wolfgang Becker’s hit comedy Good Bye, Lenin! and Berlin: Symphony of a Great City, an experimental documentary from 1927.
When: 23 & 24 August
Where: Cinema Akil
More info: Good Bye Lenin! & Berlin: Symphony of a Great City
Laugh with Abhishek Upmanyu at QE2
With nearly two million subscribers on his personal YouTube channel, Abhishek Upmanyu is no less than a comedy star. A popular face in India’s comedy scene, Upmanyu’s wit is almost as fast as his delivery. He sprinkles every topic with a heavy dose of sass and sarcasm, from break-ups and crime to the cosmos. Catch him aboard the QE2 this Friday, where you can also explore the former cruise liner’s incredible history.
When: 23 August
Where: Queen Elizabeth 2
More info
Muse over a new apocalyptic end at Alserkal Avenue
Unravel sustainability and speculative fiction during Alserkal Avenue’s on-going summer programme, Foretold Now. Through music recitals and exhibitions, guests can explore how portrayal of the future is shifting across different disciplines. Join an illuminating debate this Saturday that confronts a new image of the world's apocalyptic end, which – atypically – is more visible to scientists via data and research than artists through predictive vision.
When: 24 August
Where: Concrete, Alserkal Avenue
More info
Rock out with Immolation
Live from New York, it’s Immolation! The four-member metal band was formed in 1986 and is now one of the oldest-running bands of its kind in the United States. Immolation has mastered complex technical skills, contrasting guitars riffs to drum patterns, to create elaborate rhythms written in dissonant harmony. They’re the latest act in a string of heavy-weight metal stars to play at El Barrio, an Asian restaurant and lounge.
When: 23 August
Where: El Barrio, Hyatt Place Al Rigga
More info
Weekend by the waterfront
If you haven’t already, drive down to Jameel Arts Centre this weekend. This innovative institution is dedicated to supporting contemporary artists and creative communities in and around the region. Exhibitions, workshops, film screenings and discussions – Jameel Arts Centre is an art lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the centre’s on-going group exhibition ‘Second Hand’, which features diverse mediums including installations, paintings, drawings, sculptures and more pulled from the Art Jameel Collection.
When: Until 23 November
Where: Jameel Arts Centre
More info
Discover Ripe Market’s new stomping grounds
A favourite for Dubai’s residents, Ripe Market is a fabulous destination to find eccentric gifts and goods to take home. Along with its summer home in The Springs Souk, Ripe Market now has pop-ups at The Ranches Souk in Arabian Ranches 2 and Times Square Center off Sheikh Zayed Road. Find the spot closest to you and explore this eclectic bazaar for fresh fashion, soaps, arts, crafts and interior accessories by homegrown vendors.
When: Until 26 October
Where: The Ranches Souk & Times Square Center
Prepare to be amazed with La Perle offers
There are no more excuses to put off seeing Dubai’s world-class fantasy production, La Perle by Dragone, with incredible summer deals on offer. Book in advance for 70% off silver tier tickets, find all-inclusive family packages for AED299 per person or double-up with dinner and show packages for AED384. The brainchild of renowned art director Franco Dragone, La Perle features 65 talented artists executing gravity-defying acts on a mesmerising, state-of-the-art stage.
When: Until 28 September
Where: Al Habtoor City
More info
