We've picked the top things to do in Dubai this week from arts and exhibition, family activities, upcoming concerts and more!
When: Now
Saruq Al-Hadid Museum
The story of Dubai is set to unfold in real time at Saruq Al Hadid, the newly opened museum in Dubai’s historical district. Displaying a stunning range of artefacts unearthed from a new archaeological dig at Saruq Al Hadid. The archaeological site was discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum while he was flying his helicopter, as he noticed that some dunes were a darker colour than others. The museum takes you through the mysterious route of archaeological discoveries and presents exciting treasures of long ago. You can take a leisurely walk among relics, dramatic displays of gold, bronze and iron and an impressive haul of over 900 objects discovered from the site. Young visitors can get hands-on with culture and reconstruct a pot, assemble an animal skeleton, or even help the experts solve a mystery. Open now, with tickets priced at Dhs 20 for individual and Dhs 10 for children aged 7 to 12 years. Entry is free for adults over 60 and children up to 6 years. www.saruqalhadid.ae
When: Now
Etihad Museum
Dubai is known for always looking towards the future, but a new museum in the emirate gives visitors a deeper look into the UAE’s past. The museum chronicles the era before the country’s founding, the agreement signing and subsequent declaration of the Union in 1971. It also provides insight and understanding of the UAE constitution and the rights and responsibilities of Emirati citizens. The building design was inspired by the shape of a manuscript, with seven columns symbolising the pens used to sign the Union agreement. As part of the museum initiative, the original Union House where leaders signed the treaty establishing the country was restored, and the famous flagpole at the end of 2nd of December Street was replaced with a slightly taller 123m pole. The museum complex covers 2.5 hectares. Open now with tickets priced at Dhs 25 for adults 25 years and over, Dhs 10 for students aged 5 to 24 years and free for children below 5 years and for individuals with disabilities. www.etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae
When: Now
Be a Ghostbuster!
Using innovative technology, The Void, a US-based company, creates an immersive experience that supersedes any virtual reality experience by deeply engaging players in a digital world complete with sight, sound, touch, smell and motion. Lasting 10-15 minutes, players interact with props and experience real-time effects. For the first time, The Void will open outside the US, bringing cutting-edge entertainment to The Beach. Open now with tickets priced at Dhs 110. www.thevoid.com/dubai
When: Now
Zoo zip!
Zoo Zip & Climb, Emirates Park Zoo and Resort’s newest addition, gives kids and parents a unique way to meet the residents and enjoy all that the zoo has to offer from the air. With a full body harness and a secure sling line you can enjoy zipping through the air in complete safety. There’s also two separate trails to cover - The Big Adventure for adults and the Junior Climb for children. Admission to the Zoo Zip & Climb Junior Climb and the Big Adventure can be purchased as an add on to the Emirates Park Zoo admission for Dhs 55 that permits two laps and Dhs 100 for one lap that covers two zones respectively. Call 02-5069000.
When: Now - May 12
Uprooting
If home is where the heart is, Helen Teede’s should be in Zimbabwe. However, the artist has been displaced from her home, country and sense of identity due to political turmoil. Feeling a sense of loss, longing and uncertainty, she attempts relay these feelings through oil, ink and chalk on canvas. Her collection, entitled ‘Uprooting,’ evokes an unsettled feeling, speaking to the violence and conflict taking place in a beautiful land. Running at Showcase Gallery, from now until 12th May. www.showcaseuae.com
When: Now - May 13
Solo exhibition
Sagar, the title of Lala Rukh’s solo exhibition at Grey Noise Gallery, embraces natural bodies of water and their ability to symbolise the ebb and flow of life; the passing of time and the ability to feel both stillness and chaos. Her minimalist style evokes a feeling of vastness which clearly comes through in this nature-inspired collection of photographic images and illustrations from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Burma. At Grey Noise Gallery, from now until 13th May. www.greynoise.org
When: Now - May 31
First anniversary
Custot Gallery turns one, and to commemorate its first anniversary, nine artists will feature in a curated group exhibition titled ‘BLACK, WHITE’. Expect to see photography, paintings and 3D sculptures from Fernando Botero, Nick Brandt, Ian Davenport, Richard Höglund, Jedd Novatt, Marc Quinn, Pablo Reinoso, Bernar Venet and Fabienne Verdier. From now until 31st May, at Unit No.84, Alserkal Avenue. www.custotgallerydubai.ae
When: Now - June 30
Artist Run New York: The Seventies
Step back in time to New York in the seventies to see the transformation of contemporary art. This exhibition present the creative works of Tina Girouard, Philip Glass, Robert Grosvenor, Richard Landry, Suzanne Harris, Jene Highstein, Nancy Holt, Joan Jonas, Gordon Matta-Clark, Richard Nonas, Alan Saret, Keith Sonnier, John Torreano, Richard Tuttle, Lynn Umlauf, and Laurence Weiner. Multiple mediums including photography, video, painting, sculpture, drawing, writing, archival materials and live performances will be on display. Running at the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation, from now until 30th June. www.jpnajarfoundation.com
When: Now - September 10
Fred Kleinberg
La Galerie Nationale brings back the successful concept of showcasing art and designer pieces in a space that is laid out to look like an apartment, with actual pieces of art as décor, including furniture. This time a whole new set of artists have been showcased in the unusual space, and Fred Kleinberg, creating art since 1985, is invited exhibit his oil paintings. At Unit 27, Alserkal Avenue, from now until 10th September. www.alserkalavenue.ae/en/neighborhood/la-gallerie-nationale.php
When: Now - September 11
Arabian sculptures
Dubai’s first private museum for contemporary Middle Eastern and international art, Salsali Private Museum, is hosting a six-month exhibition on sculptures. Sculptures are a part of our everyday existence; they are featured in parks, streets, private properties, gardens and in the architecture of buildings and memorials. This exhibition will give us an opportunity to study, examine and interpret a variety of Arabian sculptures collected through the ages. Available for viewing until 11th September. www.salsalipm.com
When: May 1 - 17
Mary Poppins, The Musical
For adults and kids alike, watching Mary Poppins will transport you back to a magical world of songs and happy memories. This famous story of Mary Poppins, the nanny who could fly around with her umbrella and find anything you could imagine in her bag, comes to help two little kids and involves you in their adventures through fantastic effects and choreography. At Dubai Opera from 1st to 17th May, tickets start from Dhs 250. www.dubaiopera.com
When: May 4
Grigory Leps Live
Prepare for an indulgent evening of food and music, ‘Russian Seasons’ is a gala dinner with a cocktail reception. While the beautiful setting and world-class cuisine might seem like the highlight of the show, the real star is a long-awaited performance baritone maestro, Grigory Leps on 4th May at Madinat Arena Ballroom in Madinat Jumeirah. Ticket prices start from Dhs 550. www.mpremiere.com
When: May 4 - 6
Photography LIVE
Amateurs and professionals in photography and videography will be at Photography LIVE, a platform for imagers in the industry will once again feature educational sessions, experienced speakers, product launches, hands-on demonstrations and leading brand exhibits. Keep an eye out for the live action zone, videography zone, print hub, post production workshop and other interactive areas that show innovative use of lenses, drones and action cams. From 4th to 6th May. www.photographylive-dubai.com
When: May 5
Dubai Concert Committee presents Rodion Pogossov
As part of the ‘World Classical Music Series’, Dubai welcomes the talented baritone Rodion Pogossov, who has performed around the world and regularly at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Together with the legendary piano master Semjon Skigin, Pogossov will wow classical enthusiasts in a resplendent evening of arias at the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel on 5th May. Tickets are priced at Dhs 250 for Gold, Dhs 350 for Platinum and Dhs 550 for VIP. www.dcc.ae
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