Abu Dhabi
Performance
Attend a performance of Octavia E Butler's Parable of the Sower created by Toshi Reagon and based on the US author's novels that chronicle the spiritual awakening of a young woman, Lauren Olamina, in an America of the future, wracked by violence fuelled by climate change. The story fuses sci-fi, African-American spiritualism as well as insights on gender, race and climate activism.
Tonight and tomorrow, 8pm, from Dh100, The Red Theatre, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.platinumlist.net
Dubai
Family fun
Attend Truckers and Riders and cheer on top show-jumpers and their horses as they compete in front of a VIP crowd. Plus, enjoy meals from top home-grown food trucks from Truckers DXB, shopping in a retail village, kids’ activities, music by a DJ, a live band and more.
Today, from 1pm to 11pm, Dh50 entry; Dh375 for brunch option, or pay as you go from 4pm, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Fitness event
The Get Driver Fit festival takes place today at du Forum, marking the end of the seven-week programme designed to promote active lifestyles in the community. Take part in drop-in classes, workshops, competitions and more. Also find out who will be crowned Abu Dhabi’s Fittest Person, with female and male winners receiving cash prizes. The festival will also have activities for children and food and beverage options.
Today, 3pm to 10pm, du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/GetDriverFit
Abu Dhabi
Performance
Buy tickets for tonight’s Lip Sync War presented by Rooftop Rhythms. Modelled after the TV show hosted by LL Cool J, contestants will perform a song of their choice without saying a word. The winner will be chosen by the audience and will then qualify to participate in the grand finale at the end of the season for a cash prize.
Tonight, from 8pm, Dh30 for guaranteed seating in advance; Dh30 at the door, Up and Below, Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi, search for “Lip Sync War” under Abu Dhabi at www.eventbrite.com
Abu Dhabi
Performance
The final four contestants in Project: Aloft Star – singers Stephon LaMar, Yousef Khalil, Iva Georgieva and Danny Aridi – will perform a mix of pop, rock and hip-hop live tonight for a chance at a kick-started music career from Sony, complete with a styling session, music video, mentoring session and more.
Tonight, 7pm to 10pm, Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi, aloftstar.com
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Read more:
[ Liam Gallagher: a life in rock'n'roll ]
[ Louvre Abu Dhabi: The Horses of the Sun ]
[ Ocean Colour Scene bring Britpop back on 20-year album anniversary ]
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Dubai
Food Market
Visit The Sum of Us for the launch of their Sunrise Market, which will run on Saturdays throughout the winter season. The food market will feature artisanal breakfast dishes, local arts and crafts vendors, as well as complimentary fitness classes from 7am to 8am. Al Tamimi Stables will also host a petting zoo with goats for children to enjoy.
Saturdays, from 7am for fitness classes; from 8am to 11am for Sunrise Market, The Sum of Us, Burj Al Salam Tower, Downtown Dubai, www.thesumofusdubai.com
Dubai
Film screening
See the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film To Catch a Thief as part of the Cinema Akil series of outdoor screenings Jewels of Cinema. The film stars Cary Grant as a cat-burglar who has retired to the Riviera and must work to clear his name after a spate of thefts in his style are pinned on him. It will be introduced by an art historian from L'Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels, the jewellery maker, who will talk about the jewellery in the film. The rooftop terrace also offers sweeping views of the Dubai skyline and will be transformed for each film in the series.
Tomorrow, 6.30pm, free entry, Hai, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, reservations at 800 82625333
Abu Dhabi
Concert
Ring in the new year with a performance by Katy Perry at du Arena. The American singer brings her stage show to the capital for the first time. Hits include Swish Swish, Firework and Roar.
December 31, 6pm to 2am, from Dh350, du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.ticketmaster.ae
Dubai
Talk
Attend the talk The Handheld Exhibition as part of the Literaturhaus at Nadi series. Moderator Marianne Catalan Kennedy will speak with NYU Abu Dhabi faculty member and visual artist Sandra Peters, who will discuss her sculptural work and her forthcoming project Per/Trans Performing the Cube, Transforming the Cube, about her attempt to present her work as a book that takes the idea of an exhibition.
Tomorrow, 4pm to 5pm, Nadi Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, www.facebook.com/AlserkalAve
Dubai
Family fun
Visit City Centre Me’aisem for a series of activities and events for the whole family at the new pop-up installation The Backyard. Enjoy workshops on science, floral arrangement, jewellery making, wellness sessions, yoga and more. Today kids can learn tricks from Magic Phil using everyday objects, Mr Adie will show how to make balloon creations, and parents and kids can learn juggling and more at the circus workshop.
Today, 1pm to 8pm; noon to 8pm tomorrow; 2pm to 8pm on weekdays; evening yoga at 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, free, City Centre Me’aisem, Dubai Sport City, www.citycentremeaisem.com
