Whether you’re at the Korean Film Festival or Dubai Design Week, this is the weekend to celebrate culture in all its forms. Watch a play by a homegrown director, return to the 90s or patronise small businesses with the latest round-up of the top 7 things to do in Dubai this weekend:
Downtown Design 2018
The Middle East’s leading design fair Downtown Design, part of Dubai Design Week, wraps up this weekend so make your way over if you haven’t already. Downtown Design displays original, high-quality work by design enthusiasts, students and professionals from around the region and beyond. Browse products from furniture and lighting to textiles and kitchenware while experiencing the first-ever Downtown Editions, an exhibition of international bespoke designs. In addition to Downtown Design, Dubai Design Week will feature AJALA Nights on 17 November, a free event with a schedule of workshops, panel discussions, installations and live performances at in5 Design.
When: 15-16 November, 12-9pm
Where: Dubai Design District
Sutradhar at The Junction
Dubai’s very own actor, theatre connoisseur and writer extraordinaire Sanjeev Dixit is returning to the stage with his latest play, Sutradhar. Inspired by the lineage of Natya Shastra–an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts–and Greek tragedies, Sutradhar tells the story of a kingdom under siege, and its royal family pulled to pieces. Experience the new age telling of an age-old tale about love, duty, betrayal and vengeance at Alserkal Avenue's performing arts theatre, The Junction.
When: 15-17 November
Where: Dubai Design District
The Shower at Cinema Akil
The Korean Film Festival has arrived at Alserkal Avenue with a bill of independent South Korean films you don’t want to miss. Cinema Akil, the district’s independent art house theatre, is hosting free showings of acclaimed features from the foreign film festival. This weekend watch The Shower by AHN Jae-hun, an animated short film about a young boy and girl who forge an unexpected friendship alongside a bubbling brook. Other movies from the festival include Little Forest by Yim Soon-rye and Hwang Dong-hyuk’s The Fortress, screening during the week.
When: 16-17 November
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
Ripe Pop Up Market at d3
Continue the excitement of Dubai Design Week by stopping by the Ripe Pop Up Market. The local design market promotes small businesses by featuring art, jewellery, fashion, artisanal food and more, all crafted by local vendors. It’s a vibrant atmosphere enlivened by delicious food, live cooking stations and family-friendly fun. Get busy with free fitness classes or healthy snacks with Ripe Organic Stand’s selection of organic goods, from fresh produce to daily essentials. If you like what you taste, continue the shopping throughout the year at Ripe Market in Umm Suqeim and the Business Bay-based Farmers Market.
When: 16-17 November
Where: Dubai Design District
Dubai Women’s Run
Back for its eighth edition, the Dubai Women’s Run is an annual sporting event exclusively for female running enthusiasts. Join a collection of empowered, fitness-minded women at the race, which attracts thousands of participants across a spectrum of skill levels. Select between a 5km or 10km race and put yourself in the running for a first-place prize of AED5,000.
The Dubai Women’s Run is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a month-long initiative to promote health and fitness to make Dubai one of the fittest cities in the world. Be sure to check out a range of other fitness-related events taking place this weekend, including Yogafest, Super Sports Triathlon in Hatta, The Emirates NBD Unity Run and the free DPR Fun Run. There are always a variety of free fitness activities happening at the five fitness villages around the city, so download the DFC app to keep up to date.
When: 16 November
Where: Dubai Festival City
DXB 9020 Music Festival
Here we go, here we go, here we go again: the DXB 9020 Music Festival takes place this weekend, ready to take you by the ear back to the 90s. German techno-band Scooter is all set to play eccentric hits like ‘How Much Is The Fish’ while Italian electro-dance trio Eiffel 65 crank up auto-tune for the infectious 'Blue' (Da Ba Dee)’ for a one-night-only concert at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
When: 16 November
Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
Global Comedy Fest
One Africa Global has scoured the depths of Africa and the world to organise a dream comedy festival happening this Thursday. The Global Comedy Fest is a nightlong celebration of Africa’s funniest people like the award-winning Kenny Blaq, British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi and many more. Interested in other comedy events like this? Check out our list of top stand-up shows making their way to Dubai.
When: 15 November
Where: Dubai Festival City Arena
https://www.visitdubai.com/en/events/global-comedy-fest-dubai
