This week’s don’t-miss events.
Mohammad Abdo, Spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, Chinese American cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and many other artists are coming to the UAE to perform in this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival from March 14. The festival will feature performances in the Emirates Palace, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, and include an exhibition at Umm Al Emarat Park from March 23-April 23 featuring artwork by UAE-based artists that depict local species and habitats. Tickets range from Dh125 to Dh350 and students get a 50 per cent discount. Juan Pérez Floristán, Tarek Yamani, and Tomatito will be performing at NYU Abu Dhabi free of charge. For the programme and tickets see abudhabifestival.com
The Dubai Latin Fest will be returning to Dubai for a third time, from April 13-15 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will perform on April 14, while Rosario Flores will be the closing act on April 15. There will also be performances by reggaetón duo Cali Flow Latino, Eddi Duarte, and Taha Tito. Besides performances, the festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Latin dance, cuisine, traditional market stalls, outdoor film screenings and dance workshops. The events kick off with a party at Zero Gravity on April 12, and several yacht parties and desert safaris take place around Dubai. Early bird tickets are from Dh250 for three-day general admission, at dubailatinfest.com
Time to swing from the chandeliers and grab your tickets for Australian pop star Sia’s first UAE gig on March 25. The Cheap Thrills singer plays the Dubai World Cup’s annual after-race concert.
The eight-time Grammy nominated singer’s act is limited only to Dubai World ticket holders. Race tickets start from Dh450 at store.meydan.ae.
Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman is performing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 17. Expect to cheer for anthems such as Jai Ho and Humma Humma. Tickets from Dh50 at platinumlist.net
This autumn will be an exciting time for Dubai and not just because the weather gets better. Dubai Opera’s schedule for the Autumn season has been announced and will see the performing arts venue host The
Opera Trilogy – three operatic masterpieces by composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. The Marriage of Figaro will get the ball rolling on September 7 and 14. Comic opera Don Giovanni plays on September 9 and 16 and September 8 and 15 sees Così fan tutte , an opera about deceit and disguise, take to the stage. The newly introduced Opera Season Pass gets you seats to all three operas for the price of two when you buy a Premium or an A Reserve ticket. Visit dubaiopera.com
Think you’re tough as nails? Prove your mettle at the Desert Warrior Challenge ,atAl Zorah Marina in Ajman on March 24. Starting at 8am, the race will include a 5km obstacle course for those aged 16 and over, and two other courses for children aged six to 15 years. Obstacles include the warrior zip, marine madness zone, walk-the-plank and chimney.
Register online at desertwarriorchallenge.com. Tickets for the 5km fearless are Dh393, the 1km junior tickets (ages six to nine) are Dh117.50, and the 2km junior tickets (ages 10-15) are Dh162. Participants can register on the day for a higher fee.