64 things to do in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates this November: from free events to festivals – The National
With the weather cooling down, things are heating up across the UAE. There are dozens of free-to-attend events on during the weekends, new movies to see, fitness challenges to test yourself with and art exhibitions to ponder over.
Here’s your ultimate guide to November events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates.
Ongoing
Kayaking at Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island
Watersports company Sea Hawk has launched a new kiosk at Reem Central Park on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island, offering people the chance to kayak and paddleboard around the island’s mangroves. With one and two hour rentals available for single and double kayaks, as well as SUPs starting from Dh60, it’s a great way to start a weekend morning.
Daily, 6.30am-6.30pm; from Dh60; Reem Central Park, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 673 6688, www.sea-hawk.ae
Visions of Palestinian sci-fi
Larissa Sansour’s presentation at this year’s Venice Biennale includes the film In Vitro, a story on the fallout of an eco-disaster in Bethlehem. The exhibition After features monochromatic images from her powerful work, drawn from production shoots and film stills, that tell a haunting narrative of loss and exile cast in richly contrasted light and shadow.
Until Thursday, November 7; 10am-6pm, Saturday-Thursday; free; Lawrie Shabibi, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, www.lawrieshabibi.com
Attend the Sharjah International Book Fair
The Sharjah International Book Fair has officially started and will run until Saturday, November 9. Turkey’s Nobel Prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk, Oscar-winning Indian lyricist Gulzar and US comic and author Steve Harvey are among the renowned names who will attend this year’s event.
Until Saturday, November 9; Saturday to Thursday, 9am-10pm; Friday, 4pm-11pm; free; Sharjah Expo, sibf.com
Take a free dip in Dubai
Make the most of the cooler temperatures with free entry to Palazzo Versace’s newly opened pool, La Piscina. The luxury lagoon, swim-up bar and restaurant is offering complimentary access to visitors who stop by on weekday mornings, instead of the usual minimal spend of Dh200 for men and Dh100 for women. La Piscina also offers free entry to women every Monday between 1pm and 4pm, as well as complimentary beverages, as part of its Ladies’ Day package.
Sundays to Thursdays, 10am-1pm; free; Palazzo Versace, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai; 04 556 8888, www.palazzoversace.ae
Sign the little ones up for a Mini Mudder obstacle course
Children between five and 13 years can try their hand at an obstacle course at the Kite Beach Fitness Village, set up as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge. Designed by Jeep Tough Mudder, the one-kilometre Mini Mudder route includes obstacles such as Everest, Secret Agent Web and Monkey Bar, which will test the ability to scale, squeeze and swing respectively. The adult version, meanwhile, is a 1.5km course, the slippery Everest quarter-pipe, 10-foot Berlin Wall the all-new Gauntlet (four consecutive challenges designed to test balance, grip and upper-body strength).
Until Saturday, November 9; 9am-9pm; free; Kite Beach Fitness Village, Dubai; www.dubaifitnesschallenge.ae
Up your steps at Wild Wadi Waterpark
If you find yourself in the waterpark on any day before the Dubai Fitness Challenge comes to a close on November 16, head to the information cabana by 3pm and pick a fitness tracking device of your choice to take part in a walking challenge. The contest tasks you with taking 3030 steps (in keeping with the event’s 30 minutes for 30 days motto). The first power walker to hit the number will receive a complimentary three-month pass to the waterpark, while every participant will get their next entry fee waived.
Until Saturday, November 16; 3.30pm-4pm; waterpark entry Dh149; Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai; www.dubaifitnesschallenge.ae
Get your heart rate up with a free adventure in Dubai
To mark this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, Tepfactor Dubai is offering a complimentary 30 minutes of access to its obstacle courses, in a bid to help the city’s residents stay active. The tunnelled adventure venue features 21 physical and mental challenges of varying difficulty, such as solving riddles, running up a warped wall and putting your balancing skills to the test. Quote TEPDFC19 at the time of booking, or present the Dubai Fitness App upon arrival, to take advantage of the free access.
Daily, 6.30pm-7.30pm on weekdays, 10.30am-11.30am on weekends; free; until Saturday, November 16; ages eight and above only, minimum requirement of two players; The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai; 04 398 8438, www.tepfactor.ae
Get crafty at Al Ain Handcrafts Festival
Visit Al Ain for the Traditional Handicrafts Festival presented by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This year’s theme is ‘Crafts of the Ancestors, Pride of the People.’ Learn about the crafts that reflect the UAE’s artistic heritage such as palm-leaf weaving, embroidery, pottery and spinning, and see traditional performance arts such as the dances Al Ayyala and Al Taghrooda. Plus, experience falconry displays, craftsmen presentations, and take part in activities and workshops in drawing, painting and graphic arts. The souq offers Emirati products such as clothing, perfumes, incense, aromatic spices and herbs, gold jewellery, henna, sweets and cuisine.
Until November 16, Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, www.visitalain.ae
November 1-7
Visit the book sale at Town Centre Jumeirah
Second-hand book sale to benefit animal organisations Visit the second-hand book sale at Town Centre Jumeirah in support of animal welfare groups 38 Smiles Dubai, Stray Dogs Centre Umm Al Quwain and Animals and Us Fujairah. All sorts of books are available for purchase from Dh10 to Dh20, including paperback and hardcover, and a wide selection of children’s books. Funds will go to the organisations’ efforts in helping stray and injured animals as well as the ongoing trap and neuter campaign.
November 1 and November 2, 9am to 8pm, Town Centre Jumeirah, Dubai, www.towncentrejumeirah.com
Race around Dubai’s scenic Festival City
One of the newest Dubai races returns for its second year, promising an interesting course set against one of the city’s northern suburbs. The run takes you around several of Festival City’s most pleasant sights; the golf course and the Creek boardwalk are highlights. If 21 kilometres sounds too intimidating, though, there are also 1, 5 and 10-kilometre options. The course is known for its flat gradient, which means many people will be looking for new PBs here.
Friday, November 1, 6.30am; from Dh47; Festival City Mall, Dubai; www.premieronline.com/event/the_dubai_festival_city_half_marathon_4282
See Dubai’s floral artistry in full bloom
Dubai Miracle Garden is back for its eighth season, bringing more than 50 million colourful, fragrant flowers to its series of sculptures, designs and displays. The attraction will this year add a 400-metre walking track to the 72,000-square-metre garden, which will play host to daily entertainment such as costume parades, Zumba sessions and street performers. Dubai Miracle Garden will also attempt to secure its fourth Guinness World Record with a yet-to-be-revealed botanical concept, while several of its favourite displays from seasons past, such as a floral castle, will make a welcome return.
Daily from Friday, November 1, 9am-9pm on weekdays, 9am-11pm on weekends; Dh55 for adults, Dh40 for children between three and 12, free for children under three and people of determination; Al Barsha South Third, Dubailand, Dubai; 04 422 8902, www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
Vegan brunch at Sweet Greens
Visit the newly opened Sweet Greens restaurant in the clubhouse of Rihan Heights. The health-conscious restaurant also has a focus on being eco-friendly. They will be hosting their first vegan brunch in honour of World Vegan Day. Expect signature dishes such as creamy chickpea Napoletana with zoodles, tofu, olive and chickpea shakshuka and the naked beetroot burger. There will be six current dishes as well as five new mains and three dessert dishes.
Friday, November 1, noon-4pm; Dh149, Clubhouse, Rihan Heights, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, 02 633 5563
Eat a meal cooked by Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Isnard at Bord Eau
French chef Nicolas Isnard, who runs the Michelin-starred Auberge de la Charme in Prenois, will create a six-course menu for Bord Eau at the Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, at a pop-up on November 1. The meal includes Isnard’s signature dishes: scallops tartare with cauliflower, Granny Smith apple and Neuvic caviar, pho-style foie gras, a modern onion soup and lobster tagine with saffron. The chef will also host a cooking class in the afternoon.
Friday, November 1; cooking classes from 1pm-4pm and dinner from 7pm; Dh348 (food only); restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com
Dine on the boardwalk
Head to Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort where the boardwalk has been transformed into an Italian alfresco dining concept. Ideal for groups and families thanks to its long-table set up, this culinary event comes with an oceanside breeze and sweeping beach views. It is the ideal spot for sunset socialising over a menu inspired by Italian white truffle and coastal dishes.
Friday, November 1, 5pm-8pm; from Dh375 with soft drinks (Dh475 with house beverages); Mare Mare, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island; 02 811 4342
Tuck into a traditional roast
Craving a traditional British roast? Dubai Hill’s Gastropub The Duck Hook hosts A Good Roasting every Saturday and Sunday. Diners can pick from stockyard beef cooked three ways or a roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings. It is also smoke-free, dog friendly and the terraces have just reopened for winter.
Every Saturday and Sunday from November 2, 12pm-12am; from Dh125; The Duck Hook, Dubai Hills Golf Club; 800 666 353
Watch and learn pizza acrobatics at Bice Dubai
Chef Pasqualino Barbasso, the two-time world champion pizza acrobat, is back in Dubai to feed and entertain foodies. Barbasso will cook live every evening at Italian restaurant Bice until November 2. Place your order from the a la carte menu (which includes three new pizzas put together by Barbasso), and watch the chef twirl the dough and juggle with the ingredients; he’ll even share tips and tricks on how to perform pizza acrobatics at home.
Until Saturday, November 2; 6pm-11pm’ a la carte menu from Dh65; Bice Ristorante, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR Walk; bicerest.jumeirah@hilton.com
Learn more about Arabic typeface
Tashkeel is collaborating with Khatt Foundation to offer new Arabic typeface workshops for beginners that will cover the basics of letterforms and the glyph-authoring software. Participants will learn how to fine-tune font files and explore localised alternates, such as Farsi and Urdu, plus plenty of other nifty tricks.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-6pm; Sunday, November 3-Thursday, November 7, 6pm-10pm; Dh3,808.57 for six days; Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai; www.tashkeel.org
Al Ain World Cinema
Head to the newly launched Al Ain Community Cinema at Zayed Central Library to catch a new film from World and Arthouse Cinema. The month of November will screen ‘Beginners’ (2010) by Mike Mills on Saturday, November 2, ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ (2013) by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel on Saturday, November 16 and ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) by Alan J Pakula on Tuesday, November 26. All screenings are free.
November 2, 16, 26, 6pm; free; Zayed Central Library, Mohammed Bin Khalifa St, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain, www.twitter.com/AAComCinema
Emirati Dagger Programme
Register to take part in the Emirati Dagger Programme at Qasr Al Muwaiji and learn the secrets of making a dagger, including the equipment and materials used as well as the correct way to wear it. Learn about the inscription and special decorations on the daggers of the ruling families of the UAE.
November 2, 11am to 3pm, free with registration, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, register at 03 767 4444, reservations@qasralmuwaiji.ae
View Marwan Rechmaoui: Slanted Squares
Lebanese artist Marwan Rechmaoui’s exhibition during Sharjah Art Foundation’s autumn programme launches on Saturday, November 2. The 2019 Bonnefanten Award for Contemporary Art showcase brings together three bodies of his work centred around the course of construction buildings. He takes inspiration from physical sites and the foundations of buildings to document history as well as uses them to create metaphors for the archaeology of a city. His work uses industrial materials such as concrete, rubber, tar, textiles and glass.
Saturday, November 2-February 2, 2020; 9am-9pm, Saturday-Thursday; 4pm-9pm Friday; free; Galleries 1 and 2, Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, www.sharjahart.org
Sharpen your elbows and bargain hunt
The Dubai Flea Market is always a busy one: it’s full of everyday people trying to sell off their old stuff. There are clothes, home goods, art, and more: remember, one man’s junk may just be your treasure. It starts at 8am, and we recommend getting there early for the pick of the crop. There will also be a flea market from 1pm to 6pm in JLT Park on Friday, November 15.
Saturday, November 2, 8am-3pm; Dh6 entrance fee; Zabeel Park; dubai-fleamarket.com
Walk though sound and music
Artist Hassan Khan presents a large-scale musical and multi-lingual artwork at Jameel Arts Centre’s Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park. Composed especially for the park, the piece is activated as visitors move through the space, creating a kinetic, interactive work that fuses spoken narrative and sound.
Saturday, November 2 to Monday, June 8, 2020; 10am-8pm, Saturday to Thursday; Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, www.jameelartscentre.org
Watch a movie on the beach in Dubai
Zero Gravity’s beach cinema is showing Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Sunday, November 3. Watch Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley in the swashbuckling family favourite flick at the Dubai beach club from 8pm. Snacks, including chilli cheese fries, popcorn, burgers and nachos will be served. The Dh50 entry includes a Dh50 food and drink voucher.
Sunday, November 3, doors at 7pm, screening at 8pm; Dh50; Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai; 04 399 0009; www.0-gravity.ae
See a world-class DJ hit the decks in Dubai
Acclaimed Viennese producer DJ Megablast will perform two shows in the UAE this month, at the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches of Peruvian restaurant Coya. The musician, best known for 2010 earworm Soy Como Soy, will take to the decks at Dubai’s Pisco Bar and Lounge in Dubai on Sunday, November 3 to treat party-goers to a fusion of techno, world, and electronica beats, followed by a similarly pumping set in the capital on Thursday, November 7. Expect Latin-influenced tracks to match the surroundings, and hours of non-stop dancing.
Sunday, November 3, 11pm-midnight; Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai; Thursday, November 7, 10pm-midnight; Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi; reservations@coyarestaurant.ae, www.coyarestaurant.com
Listen to Italian swing music at Roberto’s, Dubai
This month, Roberto’s DIFC is launching an on-going Italian Swing Night. From 10pm-1am, each week see Italian band Mark Zitti e i Fratelli Coltelli perform a host of jazz hits, guaranteed to get you up on your feet. Sip on drinks from the bar as you enjoy the music.
Sundays from November 3, 10pm-1am; free entry; Roberto’s DIFC, Dubai; www.robertos.ae
Horse Wellness Morning sessions
Make plans to attend a Horse Wellness Morning session at Dhabian Equestrian Club. The event is hosted by Ride to Rescue and takes place every Monday and Wednesday at 8.30am. The event allows guests to meet rescue horses and help groom, wash and take them out for a walk out around the stable. No previous experience with horses is needed. Prior booking is necessary.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8.30am-11am; Dh150; Dhabian Equestrian Club, Farm No645, Rahba, Abu Dhabi; www.ride-torescue.com
Attend FooDiva’s Three Chefs Dinner
Samantha Wood, founder of restaurant review website FooDiva, will host her third #ThreeChefsDinner experience at Ninive restaurant on November 4. The theme is “modern Middle East”, and the chef line-up includes Australian-Lebanese masterchef Greg Malouf, who’ll create the canapes and mezze; host chef Gilles Bosquet on main courses; and Burj Al Arab’s Emirati pastry chef Sahar Parham.
Monday, November 4; 6.30pm-10pm; Dh650, inclusive of food, beverages and a gift bag from boutique concept Avantcha Tea; Ninive, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai; www.foodive.net/dinnerevents
See Frank Sinatra’s life on stage
Sinatra Raw, starring British actor Richard Shelton, tells the darker side of Sinatra’s story. Shelton has impersonated the music legend for the past 15 years; he has recorded with his bandmates, visited his former home and even snapped up on of his tuxedos.
Tuesday, November 5; 8pm; Warehouse Four, Al Quoz, Dubai; tickets from Dh150; warehousefour.com
Enjoy a movie alfresco in Dubai
As autumn kicks into full gear, Azure Beach has reopened Sea-nema, the beach club’s weekly open-air cinema. Screening a film every Wednesday night on the lawn, the schedule will kick off with a showing of Batman favourite The Dark Knight Rises on November 6, with other movies such as Suicide Squad, A Star is Born and Aladdin on the schedule for the winter season. Seating options include beanbags and cosy sofas, while a special cinema-worthy menu, featuring hot dogs, popcorn and loaded fries, is also on offer.
Wednesdays from November 6, 9.30pm; Dh50 per person; until January; Azure Beach, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai; 052 777 9472, www.azure-beach.com
Take an artistic look at the future
Featuring site-specific works that speculate on what the future could look like, the exhibition Is This Tomorrow? is drawn from a 1956 seminal show at London’s Whitechapel Gallery. The 2019 edition will include artist-built immersive environments that open new ways of thinking about tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 6 to Saturday, November 23; 10am-6pm, Saturday to Thursday; free; Concrete, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, www.alserkalavenue.ae
Abish Mathew and Rohan Joshi
Get tickets to see standup comedians Abish Mathew and Rohan Joshi at the RajMahal Theatre at Bollywood Parks. The multitalented comedy duo will come together to provide an evening full of laughter. Mathew is known for his talk show Son of Abish and is one of the first Indian YouTube stars with more than 30 million views on his channel. Joshi is one of the earliest stand-up comics from India and was part of the now-defunct All India Bakchod group.
Thursday, November 7, doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 9pm; Bollywood Parks Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts; www.bollywoodparksdubai.com
Check out a new outdoor lounge
The people behind pan-Asian hotspot Lah Lah at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, are launching a new outdoor eatery, bar and lounge called Lah Lah Bazaar, to mark the drop in temperature. The opening weekend, which commences on Thursday, November 7, will kick off with a three-day hops festival and live acts performing under the stars. The Saturday will be more of a family-friendly affair, with children’s activities, entertainment and a three-hour brunch for adults.
Thursday, November 7-Saturday, November 9; various timings; various prices; Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai; www.zabeelhouse.com
November 7-14
Eat fine food at Taste of Abu Dhabi
Book tickets now for Taste of Abu Dhabi, the sixth year of the food, drink and music festival. Experience three days of cuisine from the capital’s top restaurants, cookery demonstrations, appearances by celebrit chefs including Jean Christophe Novelli, John Torode and Assia Othman, plus workshops, live entertainment and more. Thursday night’s entertainment features performances by UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro while Friday night’s sees Boyzlife taking the stage.
Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9, from 4pm-midnight on November 7; noon-midnight on November 8; noon-11pm on November 9; early bird tickets from Dh160 for Thursday; from Dh70 for Friday and Saturday; du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.tasteabudhabi.com
See Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on stage
An all-dancing, all-singing Bollywood stage production starring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, Prabhudeva, Manish Paul, Daisy Shah, and Guru Randhawa is flying into Dubai for one night only (after the March show was postponed). Called Da-Bangg: The Tour Reloaded, the concert has already toured the US and Canada. It relives the highlights of the extremely successful action film trilogy.
Friday, November 8, from 8pm; Dh150-Dh2,000; Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk; www.coca-cola-arena.com/en/events/da-bangg
Learn how architecture can shape our future
The three-month long Sharjah Architecture Triennial kicks off this month. Themed Rights of Future Generations, the event explores urbanism and the role of architecture in managing the long-term effects of climate change. The diverse programme features lectures from policy makers and scientists, as well as exhibitions by architects and artists.
Saturday, November 9 to Saturday, February 8, 2020; free; various timings; various locations, Sharjah, www.sharjaharchitecture.org
Get stylish at Dubai Design Week
This annual event promotes design and creativity, putting a focus on talent from across the world. It takes place on the d3 Waterfront in Dubai Design District and attracts leading design professionals, decision makers and savvy consumers from the region, who fly in to discover new products and brands across a multitude of design practices. Exhibitions, installations, workshops, tours, product reveals, competitions and plenty more will be going on throughout the week.
Monday, November 11-Saturday, November 16; various timings; various prices; Dubai Design District, Dubai; www.dubaidesignweek.ae
Relive the Queen of Sole at Dubai Opera
Mica Paris is an artist of many guises. After wowing Dubai Opera last year with a show dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald, the British soul star returns to the same venue with a brand new show dedicated to Aretha Franklin. Backed by a cracking band, Paris will perform select pieces of the Franklin’s six decade career in order to paint a picture of why she has been hailed as the undisputed Queen of Soul. The hits to be performed are many and includes the likes of Respect, I Say A Little Prayer, Bridge Over Troubled Water and A Natural Woman.
Thursday, November 14, 8pm -11pm; from Dh150; Dubai Opera; Downtown Dubai; dubaiopera.com
Guys, try a gentlemen’s night at Hakkasan
On Thursday, November 14, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi is hosting a Gentlemen’s Night. For Dh288, there will be sommelier pairings and hand rolled cigars for men to try, along with a selection of Hakkasan’s dim sum and homemade chocolate truffles. Plus, tailors Ascots and Chapels will be at the event to discuss men’s fashion.
Thursday, November 14, 8pm-midnight; Dh288; Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace; 02 690 7739; www.hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi
November 15-21
Stretch your legs over the mountains of Hatta
As the weather cools down, the Wadi Bih Run returns to Hatta for another year, three months before the original Dibba Wadi Bih in January. Catergorised into solo distances (35, 20 or 10 kilometres) and team relays (70 or 35 kilometres), there’s a run for everyone here. Expect challenging, rugged terrain, but an inclusive and fun atmosphere as hundreds of people take to the course.
Friday, November 15, 6am; Dh315 (solo entry), Dh1,500 (team entry); Hatta; https://wadibih.com/
Marvel at the Mozart of Madras
His work has garnered 25 Filmfare Awards, two Grammys, two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and a Bafta: it’s safe to say A.R. Rahman is one of the most celebrated composers of our time, and he’s performing at the Coca-Cola Arena for one night only this month. His live shows are particularly renowned, and organisers are promising that special guests will take to the stage too.
Friday, November 15, from 6pm, Dh50-Dh1,250; Coca Cola Arena, City Walk; www.coca-cola-arena.com/en/events/ar-rahman-live
Stride around Yas Island
The 35th Striders Half Marathon and 10 km run is set to take place around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island on Friday, November 15. The flat course will start at Yas Waterworld, taking in the Yas Plaza Hotels precinct, Yas Marina, Ferrari World, Yas Mall and Yas Gateway Park. All runners will receive a medal, breakfast and access to the waterpark on the day of the race.
Friday, November 15, 5.30am registration for 6.30am start; Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.gulfmultisport.com
The biggest Afrobeats concert in the Middle East
Head to the biggest Afrobeats concert in the Middle East on Friday, November 15. One Africa Music Fest 2019 will take place at Dubai’s Festival Arena. The line-up of artists includes Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Teni, Tekno, Tiwa Savage, 2 Baba Zlatan, Jah Prayzah, Akothee, Betty G, Lij Michael, Linah, and Diamond Platinumz, while Banky W will host.
Friday, November 15, from 6pm; Dh150; Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City; www.dubai.platinumlist.net
Run up a skyscraper at Dubai’s Media One Hotel
Mark the final day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge with the M1 Run on Saturday, November 16. Participants will take part in a 1.2km car park run, followed by a 33 floor climb, which is no less than 700 stairs. At the top a chill zone, goodie bags and massages will await runners, as well as snacks. Each participant will be tagged, to track their running time.
Saturday, November 16, 9am; Dh99; Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai; www.premieronline.com
Catch an award-winning documentary
Finding Vivian Maier (2013) is a brilliant documentary by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel on the late Vivian Maier, a mysterious nanny whose previously unknown archive of thousands of photographs earned her posthumous fame as one of the best street photographers. The photos were discovered by Maloof decades later at a local thrift auction house.
Saturday, November 16; 6pm; Zayed Central Library, Al Ain
Go around the world in 80 minutes
Settle in for a night of music from around the world as the Abu Dhabi Choral Group perform their Broadway review show Around the World in 80 Minutes. Let the cast whisk you off on a musical magic carpet ride at this family friendly show and keep an ear out for songs from your home country.
Monday, November 18 ,21 and 22, 7:30pm; Dh100; Al Raha International School, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi; abudhabicoralgroup@gmail.com
Watch Brazil play the beautiful game
Some of the world’s best football players will be in the capital for a friendly game of footie. The world famous Brazilian national team will take on South Korea as part of their global tour. Big names expected to be on the pitch include Neymar, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Tuesday, November 19, 5.30pm; from Dh120; Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, ticketmaster.ae
Geek out on all things horology
Back for the fourth time, Dubai Watch Week gathers horology aficionados to discover all things watch-related. There will be artists, collectors, curators and watchmakers in attendance to talk timekeeping, host workshops and lead discussion panels.
Wednesday, November 20 to November 24, 10am-10pm; free; The Gate, DIFC; 056 188 2741; dubaiwatchweek.com
Get into the swing of things with the world’s best golfers
An annual highlight on the golfing calendar, the DP World Tour Championships are back on the green in Dubai for another year. This tournament is an important one on the global calendar too, marking the end of the European Tour. About 60 well-known golfers will take to the green in Dubai for the event, and this year is expected to feature a few well-known names, similar to previous years which have featured appearances from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett. The golfers will compete for a whopping $8 million (Dh29.4m) prize purse.
Thursday, November 21 to Monday, November 24; general admission tickets free, hospitality tickets from Dh900; Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai; www.europeantour.com/european-tour/dp-world-tour-championship-dubai-2019/
Dance to Electro Arabic Dabke with 47Soul
47Soul, the Palestinian (Shamstep) band which has brought sounds of electric Arabic Dabke to fans throughout the Arab world and Europe is coming back to Abu Dhabi. This time they play as part of the Cultural Foundation’s opening season.
Thursday, November 21; 8pm-10pm; tickets from Dh75 excluding VAT; Cultural Foundation Theatre, Abu Dhabi; culturalfoundation.ae
November 22-31
Attend new creative festival On.DXB
On. DXB is launching on Thursday, November 21, a three-day creative festival in Dubai, which is set to “include engaging sessions, keynote talks, live pitches, workshops and panel discussions led by international experts and major companies across the film, game, video, and music industries”. BlacKkKlansmen director, Spike Lee; singer Kano; YouTube star, Liza Koshu and Saudi Arabian gaming personality MjrmGames are four of the high-profile names that will be attending to speak or perform.
Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23; Dh100 (one day pass for Nov 21 and 22), Dh150 (one day pass for Nov 23) Dh275 (three-day pass); Dubai Studio City; ondxbfest.com
Take to the trails in Fujairah
If you fancy a weekend away, and a good workout, then why not take a jaunt out to Fujairah for the weekend to take on the NBF Fujairah Trail Run? The 11-kilometre route is nestled within the boundaries of the Fujairah Adventure Centre, and includes some truly diverse terrain including mountain ranges, narrow trails and wadis – even a natural lake. It’s an event for amateur or professional runners alike and is touted as a family day out, so come prepared for a full day of fitness, activities, music and food.
Friday, November 22, from 7am; Dh135; Fujairah Adventure Centre; nbf.ae/en/nbf-fujairah-run-2019/nbf-fujairah-run-2019
Hear the freshest tango tunes with Plaza Francia Orchestra
World music duo Muller and Makaroff are set to come to Abu Dhabi with their latest project, the Plaza Francia Orchestra. The songs are inspired by the steep Argentinian dance tradition of Las Tipicas, which is a form of the Argentian tango. Expect a fresh and modern take of a traditional and much loved art form.
Friday, November 22, 8pm-10pm; from Dh75; Cultural Foundation Theatre, Abu Dhabi; culturalfoundation.ae
British Jazz history at Dubai Opera
You can sample a vintage slice British jazz music in Dubai. Located in the heart of London’s Soho, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has been hosting groundbreaking concerts since its creation back in 1959, helping to launch the careers of dozens of world-famous musical acts. The anniversary show will see the club’s in-house band, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, take audiences or a musical tour of the past 60 years, while sharing some of the best stories of years gone by.
Thursday, November 22, 8pm -11pm; from Dh170; Dubai Opera; Downtown Dubai; dubaiopera.com
Get dressed up for a charity ball
Get dressed up for a good cause at the Gulf For Good charity ball. Returning to Dubai’s The Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah on Friday, November 22, the ball will be raising vital funds for the charity which aims to empower lives and help children around the world. Profits from the ball will go specifically to 2020 projects in Nepal, Uganda, Peru and Lebanon. The ball will feature a three-course dinner following a welcome reception, with surprise entertainment and raffles throughout the night.
Friday, November 22, from 7pm; Dh650 per person; The Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; www.tickets.virginmegastore.me
Watch dragon boats whiz through Dubai Marina
There’s a strong dragon boating community in the UAE (find them @UAEDragonBoat on Facebook if you’re keen to join – it’s a sport for all ages and abilities). The watersport also makes for an excellent spectacle – and on the weekend of November 22-23, there will be 60 teams competing on the canal right in front of Dubai Marina Mall. Head down to catch the action.
8am-5pm, Friday, November 22 and 9am-5pm, Saturday, November 23, free to watch; water in front of Dubai Marina Mall
Stretch out at Yoga Fest Middle East
Yogis will take over the amphitheatre at Dubai Internet City from Thursday night until Saturday evening on the weekend of November 21-November 23. Yoga Fest is an annual celebration of salutations, with entirely free classes open to all. From vinyasa to sivananda, there will be hundreds of classes across the themed areas: from the meditation tent to the movement tent. There’s healthy food on offer in the ‘nourish zone’ as well.
Thursday evening, Friday, November 22, 7am-8pm and Saturday, November 23, 8am to 5pm, free but registration essential; Dubai Media City Ampitheatre; www.yogafest.me
Test your fitness with a Fujairah triathlon
It’s an active weekend in the UAE’s eastern emirate: the day after the Fujairah trail run, the Fujairah Triathlon returns for a second year. The adults can take part in either the Sprint Triathlon (750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike and five km run) or the Olympic Triathlon (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run), while there is a Kids Aquathon for the younger athletes.The event takes place on the rugged Fujairah beach; a beautiful backdrop for a rigorous workout.
Saturday, November 23, from 7am; from Dh52; Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort, Fujairah; www.premieronline.com/event/fujairah_triathlon_2019_4614
Watch an Oscar-nominated film
In Of Fathers and Sons Talal Derki returns to his homeland Syria, where he gains the trust of a radical Islamist family, sharing their daily life over two years. The documentary earned Derki his first Oscar nomination last year. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director.
Monday, November 25; The Arts Centre, NYU Abu Dhabi, nyuad.nyu.edu
Celebrate National Day with local spoken word talents
An annual event as part of NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre performance season, Hekaya celebrates UAE’s National Day with performances by a range of spoken word artists, musicians and story tellers. Hosted by Emirati spoken word talent Salem Al Attas, the line-up includes Emirati poet Maitha Al Suwaide and rocker Mohammed Bafoory, in addition to Vietnamese-Australian story teller Joey Bui and Indian singer Baljit Kumar.
Tuesday, November 26, 7pm; free; NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre; Saadiayat Island; Abu Dhabi; nyuad-artscenter.org
See Guy Manoukian at the Dubai Opera
After a sold out show at the Dubai Opera last year, Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer Guy Manoukian is back for a brand new show at the Dubai Opera. Known for his fusion of oriental melodies with modern arrangements, Manoukian is today one of the Arab world’s most internationally acclaimed pianists.
Thursday, November 28; 8pm; tickets from Dh195; Dubai Opera, Dubai; dubaiopera.ae
Check out the Abu Dhabi F1 concerts at Yas Island
The Abu Dhabi F1 After Race Concert line up is immensely impressive, as all four concerts features acts that are at the top of their respective genres. The concert action begins on Thursday, November 28, with Marshmello behind the DJ decks. Rapper Travis Scott will play on Friday, November 29, followed by singer Lana Del Rey on Saturday, November 30. US rockers The Killers will take on the prestigious race-day concert, on Sunday, December 1.
Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 1; from 6pm; from Dh999; du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; yasmarinacircuit.com
Climb the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb
Clymb, the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, is finally opening on Friday, November 29. Located on Yas Island and connected to Yas Mall and Ferrari World, the sporting facility will feature the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at a height of 43 metres, which makes it perfect for beginner, intermediate and expert climbers. There will be a total of four walls of varying and increasing difficulty. The sizeable project will also be home to the world’s widest flight chamber.
Friday, November 29; Clymb, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.miral.ae/en/destinations/clymb
Dive into Emirati history
Abu Dhabi’s Al Hosn presents a deep dive into the UAE’s history and heritage with a screening of the five-part documentary series History of the Emirates, which traces the country’s ancient past – stretching back 125,000 years – to its present day using CGI technology and 3D camerawork.
Tuesday, November 29 and Wednesday, November 30, timings not yet announced; Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi; www.qasralhosn.ae
See the ‘Fleabag’ stage show screened live
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag stage show to be screened in Dubai on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30. Before it was adapted into a hit TV series, Fleabag started life as a one-woman stage show in 2013, written by and starring Waller-Bridge. If you weren’t lucky enough to catch the show live in London or New York, a recording of the play is being shown at the Courtyard Playhouse.
Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30, 8pm-11pm; Dh100 (temporary membership), Dh700 (annual membership); ‘Fleabag’ at the Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai; courtyardplayhouse.com