The temperature may fall in November but the UAE’s social calendar is heating up, with an array of food and art festivals, music events and all the excitement of Formula 1.
Film
November 2
Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi,
Art space Warehouse421 launches a new season of film screenings with a double bill featuring Dubai International Film Festival favourite short The Aftermath of the Inauguration of the Public Toilet at Kilometer 375 (Omar El Zohairy, Egypt, 2015) and the feature film Love, Theft and Other Entanglements (Muayad Alayan, Palestine, 2015). Tickets are free but registration is required in advance. The screenings start at 7.30pm. www.warehouse421.ae
Music
November 3
Brian Wilson
The creative mind behind music icons The Beach Boys arrives in Dubai on November 2 midway through a globe-trotting tour marking the 50th anniversary of the classic Pet Sounds album. Joined onstage by former bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, this 99-date outing promises to be the last time Wilson will perform his landmark masterpiece in full – a true piece of living history. The show is at the Irish Village and tickets start from Dh225. Check Arts& Life on Wednesday for our
full preview. www.theirishvillage.com
Film
November 5
Reel Cinemas kids’ screenings
various Dubai locations
Reel Cinemas wants to give parents a break by offering a selection of fun kids activities and child-friendly screenings at Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, The Beach and City Walk on Saturday at 10am. Movies on offer include Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Pete's Dragon and Storks (visit website for screening times and locations). Each adult ticket purchased gives one child under 5 years free admission to all films starting before 11am. www.reelcinemas.ae
Art
November 3 to 12
Live calligraphy exhibition
Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
The winners of the inaugural calligraphy competition organised by Aldar Properties to celebrate the UAE’s 45th National Day, will be recreating their work live. The contest, which was launched last month, is being judged by a team led by prominent Emirati calligrapher,
Mohammed Mandi. www.yasmall.ae
Food
November 7 to 24
Italian Cuisine
World Summit 2016
The eighth annual Italian Cuisine World Summit brings together some of the best chefs, producers and restaurants from around the world to celebrate the country's food. The three-week celebration features masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs, the Italian Pizza World Summit (with a prize for world's best), the world's best gelato and risotto competitions, gala dinners and more. As well as special events, more than 20 Italian restaurants across Dubai will serve dinners prepared by Michelin-starred guest chefs. www.italiancuisinesummit.com/dubai2016
Food
November 10 to 12
Taste of Abu Dhabi
The festival for food-lovers returns to the capital for a third year. There is a new location, with Zayed Sports City replacing du Arena. The three-day event will serve up the best bites from some of the best restaurants in the capital, including Bu, Tamba, Punjab Grill, JW Steakhouse, The Sportsman's Arms and more. The event will also feature celebrity chefs, cookery classes, a kids' zone, VIP lounge and live entertainment. Visit www.tasteabudhabi.com for tickets
Music
November 11
Sensation Dubai
Promising to be the biggest electronic dance music bash of the season, the international festival brand Sensation returns for a third year, to a new desert location. Expect nine hours of non-stop dance tunes, courtesy of headliners Afrojack, Aly & Fila, Ummet Ozcan, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, YAX. X, Sem Thomasson, and resident party starter Mr White. It is at Bab Al Shams Event Arena, with the remaining tickets starting from Dh500. Visit www.platinumlist.net
Art
November 16 to 19
Abu Dhabi Art
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
The capital’s annual art fair is smaller than many of its international rivals but has the feeling of a boutique, well-selected event featuring some of the top names in galleries from around the world. The programme includes performances, panels, workshops, exhibitions, design presentations and installations, as well as an impressive schedule of talks.
Visit www.abudhabiart.ae
Fair
November 18 to 19
Sole DXB
The footwear, fashion and lifestyle fair
returns to Dubai Design District from noon to 10pm. Registration is free online ahead of the event, or costs Dh100 on the door. Puma will occupy a unique space at the festival, featuring musical acts including American singer-songwriter BJ The Chicago Kid. The luxe-sports brand will also reveal its new limited-edition shoe, dubbed the Puma Clyde x Sole “Swag”.
Visit www.soledxb.com
Art
November 21 to 30
Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award exhibition
City Walk 2, Dubai
See the 100 artworks shortlisted for this year's Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award competition at a free public outdoor exhibition. The contest, open to all UAE residents between the ages of 18-30, recognises and promotes emerging artists in the country. Visit www.youngartistaward.ae
Market
November 24
Andalusian bazaar
An Andalusian street market will be held in the capital on November 24 from 5pm to 10pm. Located at The Walk in Al Seef Resort and Spa, on Abu Dhabi's Eastern Ring Road, it will offer themed food and activities – including sand art for children – alongside stalls by Shawleez Poncho and Journey Toys. The event is scheduled to run on the last Thursday of every month during winter. Visit www.andalus.ae
Music
November 25 to 27
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
It's that time of year again. Seasoned UAE dwellers will not need reminding that the biggest event in the Emirates's social calendar happens next month. Nor will they need to be told that the event is about much more than Formula One, with many revellers enjoying the weekend festivities without ever setting eyes on a racing car. The big after-race concerts at du Arena this year feature Chemical Brothers, Lionel Richie and Rihanna (pictured), while the line-up for free Corniche festival, Beats on the Beach, is also worth a look. Visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
