Music, movies or making art – whatever you’re interest, Dubai’s events calendar has got you covered. Get in the groove of summer with exciting online and offline activities, whether that's fine-tuning your photography skills or being inspired by artists from around the world. Plan out your weekend with our top seven things to do.
Brighten your weekend with multicultural pop
Settle in for an evening of pop and R&B soundwaves courtesy of Sandra Sahi. The Iraqi-Belgian artist is performing a selection of original tracks for Dubai Opera’s virtual concert series on Instagram this Thursday. A Dubai-based songbird, Sahi drew crowds for blending distinct cultural influences in her Oriental pop compositions, singing in Arabic, French and English. She originally found fame on YouTube, where she shared pop covers and original songs, earning more than 800,000 subscribers to date.
When: 25 June
Where: Online
Have your camera at the ready
Amateur filmmakers and vloggers on the rise, Gulf Photo Plus is hosting limited-space workshops at their Alserkal Avenue warehouse to help you find your angle. Instructor Caleb Arias is leading hands-on smartphone videography sessions so you can harness the full potential of your cell to produce, shoot and edit captivating footage. Learn the basics of filmmaking, including how to ensure steady shots and clear audio, by using the resources at hand. You’ll get to work in a team (complying with all social distancing regulations) to produce a documentary sequence and master editing tools for the final cut. Check out all the other photography sessions taking place here.
When: 27 June
Where: Gulf Photo Plus, Alserkal Avenue
Whip up a feast for the family
Impress your loved ones – or simply treat yourself – to a delicious meal with a little help from chef duo Nick Alvis and Scott Price. The restaurateurs are sharing some of the best dishes from their popular Dubai food haunt, Folly by Nick and Scott, in recipe boxes packed with all you need to rustle up a delicious meal. They were trained under the keen eye of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay for 15 years, so you can trust their expertise. The menu for Thursday is their famous tagliatelle topped with goat cheese, tomato, and zesty basil pesto, so order in advance for something delightful to look forward to this weekend.
When: 25 June
Where: Order in
Travel great distances at Cinema Akil
Ready to hop on a plane and jet off to remote corners of the world virtually? Get your adventure fix with actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan. Cinema Akil is screening the duo’s acclaimed comedy-drama The Trip To Greece, which follows Brydon and Coogan as they trace the footsteps of the mythological king, Odysseus, from Troy to Ithaca. What takes the ancient figure ten years to accomplish only takes the actors six days – and the viewer, just under two hours – thanks to modern transportation, navigating their way around historic destinations. Strict social distancing measures are in place so you can enjoy the film at the cosy theatre with tickets purchased online. When: until 25 June
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
Spotlight on Japan
Look through the lens of up-and-coming Japanese photographers at a virtual exhibition hosted by Chi-Ka. For just the month of June, you can see a meticulously curated collection of the country’s emerging artists, including winners of the Japan Photo Award. From stunning shots that zoom into nature to moments that capture daily life, this exhibition invites viewers to explore Japan with its contemporary culture creators. See all the works on a 360-degree tour of the gallery-store, part of the Alserkal Online initiative.
When: Ongoing
Where: Online
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away
Let little ones whisk off to a whimsical world deep in their imagination during a live interactive show. With Fantasy Fairy Tales, your child is the audience, scriptwriter, director and critic of the spectacle taking shape on the screen, deciding what comes next. Vote as you go for how the story unfolds in this colourful combination of dance, acrobatics and performance art. The debut show takes place this Saturday, and following episodes will stream every week. Book your seats in advance – early birds get 20 percent off while the first 70 ticket holders can be part of the digital face wall during the live show.
When: 27 June
Where: Online
Drive-in spectacular
Relish the retro romanticism of drive-in movie theatres, a treat that peaked in the 1960s, with Reel Cinemas. Hosted in the parking lot of The Dubai Mall Zabeel, an extension of the record-breaking mall, cinephiles can enjoy evening screenings of popular blockbuster films from the comfort and safety of their cars. Book a ticket for two people to a car, which includes a delicious F&B combo of movie snacks, and drive up to your spot, set before a large, outdoor film screen. Tune in to the designated radio frequency to catch all the dialogue and sound, experiencing the wonder of movies under the stars.
When: Ongoing
Where: The Dubai Mall Zabeel car park
