10 things to do today: attend a Zumba class at Alliance Française, enjoy fashion and fitness with GuavaPass and the So Chic pop-up

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Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for May 16, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun. Aarti Jhurani rounds up 10 things to do today in the UAE.

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Abu Dhabi

Fitness class

Register to attend a Zumba class at Alliance Française Abu Dhabi on Wednesdays. Zumba involves dance, aerobics and upbeat music, and is a great option for a fun workout.

Every Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8pm, Dh50, Alliance Française Abu Dhabi, off 32nd Street near the Irish Embassy, Abu Dhabi, www.afabudhabi.org, to book a spot call 02 612 2900

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Abu Dhabi

Fashion and fitness

Enjoy a day of fashion and fitness with GuavaPass and the So Chic pop-up. Start the day with a hatha yoga session, open to all levels and aimed at strengthening the body and calming the mind. You can also get VIP access to the first viewing of So Chic’s new collection. Alternatively, update your wardrobe from a collection of pre-loved and new designer clothes, shoes and bags, and get pampered with mini-facials from French skincare brand Caudalie. In the afternoon, head to Saadiyat Beach Club’s gym for high-intensity circuit training, with a mix of cardio and weight exercises.

Today, 8am to 9am for the yoga class, 3pm to 4pm for circuit training, 8am to 9pm for the pop-up store, free, Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, to register for the class email abudhabi@guavapass.com

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Abu Dhabi

Shopping

Check out the Abu Dhabi Summer Fair and shop for food, clothing, shoes and accessories from various nations, all under one roof. Explore different countries’ heritage, watch fashion shows, take part in recreational activities and enjoy dance shows from India, China, Turkey, Serbia, Palestine, Lebanon, the UAE and more.

Daily until Saturday, 3pm to 11pm, free, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, www.adnec.ae

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Abu Dhabi

Kids’ camp

Sign up your children, ages 5 to 11, for the Ramadan Kids Camp at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. There is plenty to keep the little ones busy – from swimming-pool games and indoor activities to arts and crafts, movies, a talent show and games.

May 28 to June 1, June 4 to June 8, 2pm to 6pm, costs from Dh160 per day, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi, to register call 02 697 9302 or email bodylines.beach@rotana.com

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Dubai

Art exhibition

See the exhibition Drifting Island, in which artist Marwan Sahmarani uses colour and gestural abstraction in expressive paintings that reflect his experiences, Lebanon's day-to-day politics, the landscapes of Spain and current events. His work also explores the roots of violence. Pictured: I Had a Dream III

Daily until June 4, 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays), Leila Heller Gallery, I-87, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 056 831 3520, www.leilahellergallery.com

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Dubai

Art exhibition

Tehran-based painter Afshin Pirhashemi presents her exhibition House of Cards, featuring large-scale works portraying how the dominant role of media in everyday life increasingly shapes our world views. The artist incorporates popular culture references as well as iconic female protagonists to portray power in various ways. Pictured: An untitled image by Afshin Pirhashemi

Daily until May 25, 10am to 8pm, Sundays to Thursdays; noon to 8pm on Saturdays (closed Fridays), Ayyam Gallery, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, 04 439 2395, www.ayyamgallery.com

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Dubai

Film screening

Book tickets to see the Swedish comedy A Man Called Ove as part of the independent cinema initiative DIFF 365@Vox, sponsored by du. Directed by Hannes Holm, the film is based on a novel by Fredrik Backman and tells the story of an angry old man, Ove, who spends his days enforcing housing association rules that only he cares about, as well as visiting his wife's grave. When a new family moves to the neighbourhood they form an unlikely friendship with the old man, and more is revealed about his past happiness and heartbreaks.

Thursday to May 31, various timings, Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, for more information and to book tickets visit uae.voxcinemas.com

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Dubai

Open-mic

Head to Alliance Française Dubai for an open-mic night (in French) and enjoy theatre, stand-up, poetry, songs and dance performances. French actress Morgane Gauvin will welcome six new performers every Tuesday. The first hour is a rehearsal with the actress, and the second hour is open to the public.

Every Tuesday, from 7pm to 9pm, free, Alliance Française Dubai auditorium, Alliance Française Dubai, Oud Metha Road, to register email ossama@afdubai.org, for more information visit www.afdubai.org/open-mic

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Dubai

Performance

See Mary Poppins at Dubai Opera. The nanny arrives at the Banks home on Cherry Tree Lane, bringing a world of magic, travel and imagination to the family's children. The timeless score includes the popular Disney singalong songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Until May 25, 7.45pm daily, plus 3pm on May 19, 20, 24 and 25 (no shows May 21), tickets from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com

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Dubai

Dance class

Sign up to attend salsa classes at Ritmo de Havana. They are available for different levels of experience and are held twice a week, for three weeks. Since course dates are subject to change, check the website for the latest information.

The Level 1 Salsa course starts May 27, classes are held on various days from 9pm to 10pm, Dh600, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, www.ritmo-de-havana.com/salsa-classes

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