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When it comes to music, there’s no place quite like Dubai this February. From new-age pop artists to tribute concerts for cultural legends, this weekend is jam-packed with live shows for all generations. Add in cricket and fitness to the mix, and you get yourself the top seven things to do this weekend:
Catch Camila Cabello, Macklemore and friends live
Six chart-topping artists are arriving at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for the UAE’s #1 pop music festival, RedFestDxb. See Macklemore, Camila Cabello, DJ Snake, G-Eazy and more live in action as they perform their sensational tracks for crowds in Dubai. This jam-packed occasion includes food trucks by trendy eateries, exciting activities and two days of A-list performances you don’t want to miss. Mega-fans can keep the festivities rolling with Macklemore at Drai’s DXB and G-Eazy at White Dubai. Get the full lowdown on who’s performing here.
When: 14-15 February
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Witness a coin toss featuring Pitbull
HBL’s Pakistan Super League kicks off on Thursday with a star-studded opening ceremony and a match between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. This Twenty20 cricket league sees a mix-and-match of international players spread across six teams go head-to-head for the title prize. It’s a thrilling sports occasion with games taking place in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Lahore and Karachi. The best part: the opening ceremony sees performances by Mr Worldwide – Pitbull – alongside Pakistan’s Sufi-rock legends Junoon.
When: 14 February
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Run towards a healthier you
Even when the Dubai Fitness Challenge isn’t in season, fitness is always at the forefront. The latest in a string of community sports events is the family-friendly Dubai Canal Run. Running enthusiasts of all levels are invited to lace up their sneakers and run one of three distances depending on their choice of challenge: 1km, 5km or 10km. The running path features stunning views of the city along with water and aid stations guiding you through. It’s the perfect start to a healthy weekend.
When: 15 February
Where: Dubai Canal
Celebrate love with Pakistan's music heros
If you haven’t gotten the hint – this weekend is all about music. If Western pop isn’t the groove that gets you in the mood, Dubai Parks and Resorts may have your fix. Pakistan’s Shafqat Amanat Ali and Strings are performing at Bollywood Parks on Friday in a concert titled All for Love.
Shafqat Amanat Ali is a classical singer who stole hearts across Pakistan with soulful ballads like “Aankhon Kay Sagar” and even more in India with super hit soundtracks like “Mitwa”. His co-performers, Strings, are Pakistan’s top pop-rock duo who have been legends in the country’s music scene since 1988.
When: 15 February
Where: Bollywood Parks, Dubai Parks and Resorts
Light a candle for the Star of the Orient
Extraordinary songstress Ghalia Benali is honouring Umm Kulthum, the Star of the Orient, in a tribute concert at Dubai Opera on Saturday. The Tunisian singer will revive Kulthum’s breathtaking repertoire of classics, including audience favourites like “Al Atlal” and “Alf Leila w Leila”. For those playing catch up, Umm Kulthum was a multi-talented Egyptian actress and singer whose vocal range stunned listeners across the Arab world. The concert will celebrate the life and times of this pop legend, who has inspired generations of artists after her including Benali herself.
When: 16 February
Where: Dubai Opera
Get a taste of the Las Vegas lifestyle
A piece of Las Vegas is landing in town with Wow, a glamorous variety show featuring over 30 acrobats, dancers, aerialists and contortionists. While the show kicked off on Monday, this weekend is the perfect occasion to watch the Caesars Palace-original before it ends. Wow has dazzled over 2.5 million people from around the world in the past with impressive choreography and a stage brought to live with 3D projections and holograms. Prepare for the same level of grandeur, as it takes up temporary residence at The Rotunda, a 360-viewing space, for the next six weeks.
When: Until 25 March
Where: The Rotunda, Caesars Palace Bluewaters
Vois la vie en rose with Edith Piaf
Right before Arab’s across the UAE celebrate the Egyptian songbird Umm Kulthum at Dubai Opera, the French will be celebrating the world-famous singer Edith Piaf on the same stage. The critically-acclaimed musical PIAF! Le Spectacle combines her hit songs with never-seen-before photos to bring back to life a legend remembered around the world. The heiress to Piaf’s musical legacy, Anne Carrere, will be performing the musical alongside singer and comedian Nathalie Lermitte.
When: 14-15 February
Where: Dubai Opera
