5 things

Visit Vibrance Festive Fiesta, take in Al Ain Reads, step up to the mic at Pizza Express and register for a news design conference.

Learn about the fun you can have as an amateur astronomer with the Emirates Natural History Group.
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Join the Emirates Natural History Group to learn about backyard astronomy. Denis Cheng, a teacher, avid scuba diver and backpacker as well as an amateur astronomer, will give an Introduction to Amateur Astronomy. At 7pm, free entry, Emirates Hall, Abu Dhabi Women's College, off 11th Street, between 4th and 6th streets, Abu Dhabi, www.enhg.org

See new collections of designer clothes, accessories, home ware, ­jewellery and more at Vibrance Festive Fiesta. After shopping and browsing, enjoy a quick-fix polish change, a 15-minute massage and a hair consultation from Snob Salon & Boutique. From 11am to 8pm, Al Yasat Ballroom, Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai

Load up on Emirati culture and heritage at the 5th Al Ain Reads Book Show, which features Emirati authors, readings, poetry evenings and panel discussions. You can also show off your literary talents at the open-mic sessions. The Book Exchange is back again, allowing you to swap old reads for new ones. Creativity corner will keep the young ones (ages 6 to 12) engaged. Daily until October 5, 9am to 2pm then 5 to 10pm, Friday 5 to 10pm, Al Ain Convention Centre, Hall 1, Al Ain, www.adnec.ae/al-ain-convention-centre/whatson

Step onstage at Jazz@PizzaExpress’ open mic night. From 8pm to 1pm, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, 04 4416342

Register for the Creative Design Conference, in which leading media professionals will discuss print and digital platforms. ­October 7, from 9.30am to 6pm, free for ­Society for News Design members, Dh500 for non-members, Conference Center, Dubai ­Knowledge Village, 04 406 7315, www.snd20events.org