Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for May 6, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun. Ellen Fortini rounds up 10 things to do today in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi
Workshop
Sign up now to attend a media workshop with DJ Eric San, popularly known as Kid Koala. During the session, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the artist through the use of turntables and video equipment. The workshop is being presented in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi’s Interactive Media Programme. Kid Koala will also host other events at NYUAD.
Tomorrow, 8pm, The Arts Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. For more information and to book your spot, visit www.nyuad-artscenter.org
Abu Dhabi
Film screenings
Catch the last day of On Arab Geographies, a film programme by Image Nation and Cinema Akil. It showcases a broad spectrum of critically acclaimed contemporary Arab films that capture narratives and stories from the region. The weekend-long programme will screen eight films, including feature-length and short narratives, from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia and Lebanon. Today, take a tour of the exhibition The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence; sit in on a panel discussion on The Role of Arab Film Funds in Encouraging Arab Cinematic Production; and watch the films Mare Nostrum by Anas Khalaf and Rana Kazkaz, Zeinab Hates the Snow by Kaouther bin Hania and House Without Roof by Soleen Yusuf.
Last day today, tour at 2pm, panel discussion at 4pm, Mare Nostrum at 5.30pm, Zeinab Hates the Snow at 5.45pm, House Without Roof at 7.30pm, seats available on a first-come-first-serve basis, Manarat Al Saadiyat Theatre, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. For more information, search On Arab Geographies on Facebook
Abu Dhabi
Traffic week
Take your youngsters to Dalma Mall, where as part of Arab Traffic Week 2017 they can learn about traffic safety, check out an exhibition and visit the virtual-reality corner, in which a car-accident application is being used to raise awareness about road safety. There will also be art and theatre performances.
Daily until Wednesday, 4pm to 10pm, central atrium, Dalma Mall, Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi, www.dalmamall.ae
Abu Dhabi
Workshops
Explore the themes of The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence, the second exhibition of artworks from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection, through free public workshops. At the Moving Drawing Sculpture workshop, children between the ages of 6 and 12 can design a kinetic sculpture that moves and makes its own drawings at the same time. Children can take their creations home. Teenagers and adults can take part in a sound-mixing workshop lead by a professional musician and DJ, in which they draw inspiration from artist Anri Sala and get to mix, make, record and sample their own sound pieces.
Today, 10am to noon for the children’s workshop, 2pm to 5pm for the adults workshop, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, tcaabudhabi.ae
Nationwide
New film
The Guardians – Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) – reunite for the sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. As they struggle to keep their newfound family together, they continue their quest to unravel the mystery of Quill’s parentage, which takes them to the outer reaches of the galaxy. Action adventure directed by James Gunn, also starring Michael Rooker, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell and Karen Gillan.
Screening at cinemas across the UAE (PG15)
Dubai
Drama
Book tickets now to see Dubai Drama Group’s Black Light, a production consisting of a series of nine comedies. The collection of plays bring to life dark, humorous twists to everyday situations, such as two friends having coffee, strangers in a lift or the happenings on a factory floor. Written and directed by playwright Cliff Single, the cast includes 12 Dubai-based actors.
Thursday to May 13, May 18 to May 20, 8pm on Thursday, May 13, May 18 and May 20; 4pm and 8pm on Friday and May 19; free, 16+ only, The Courtyard Playhouse, Street 4B, Al Quoz, Dubai, reserve your spot at courtyardplayhouse.com/events
Dubai
Shopping
There’s something for everyone in the family at the Outlet Village, including arts and crafts workshops and entertainment to keep children busy while parents shop. Until May 24, the shopping destination offers different experiences – Mondays are dedicated to male shopping brands; Wednesdays for ladies, when there will be stylists on hand to provide tips, makeovers are available on request; and on Saturdays the focus is on children.
Daily until May 24, 10am to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, 10am to midnight Thursday to Saturday, The Outlet Village, Jebel Ali, Dubai, www.theoutletvillage.ae
Dubai
Concert
Book tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning Chamber Orchestra of Europe perform at Dubai Opera. Two gala evenings will feature works by Mozart, including the Magic Flute Overture, Violin Concerto No 3 and Symphony No 4, as well as Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Violin Concerto and Symphony No 5. The orchestra will be led by conductor Robin Ticciati with Christian Tetzlaff (pictured) on violin.
November 2 and 3, from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
Dubai
Art exhibition
In the exhibition Dancing East, Ahmed Kassim presents works that aim to capture the social, political, ideological and cultural chaos of Arab countries through dancers set against Middle Eastern landscape, with identifiable clues as to the locations. Pictured: The Sufi Journey – Dark Night
Daily until Wednesday, 10am to 6pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays), Gallery Ward, Al Quoz, Street 6, beside The Courtyard, Dubai, 04 388 3204, www.galleryward.com
Dubai
Yoga event
Kick-start your day with a free yoga class at The Beach. Sessions take place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays on the South Lawn and are open to yogis of all levels. Arrive early to claim your spot and bring along a mat, towel and water.
Today, 7am, South Lawn, The Beach, Dubai, www.thebeach.ae
