Our picks of Dubai’s best cultural offerings this month.
2 July: Connect with Yourself
According to Mayan belief, working with cacao – a.k.a. food of the gods – allows one to cultivate awareness on an emotional and spiritual level, guiding you in the direction that you need to take. And that’s where the Cacao Meditation 360º session at the Theatre of Digital Art comes in. Taking place under the tactful guidance of Dr Lanalle Dunn, this cacao ceremony will help open the heart and mind, helping you embrace your wounded parts and bounce back with bliss and gratitude. Learn more here.

3 July: Embrace Lactose
On Wednesdays, we eat cheese — at Soirée, that is. Having brought a completely new approach to wine culture in Dubai, the stylish grape bar at the Opus is hosting Wine & Cheese Wednesdays every Wednesday evening, pairing funky wines with exquisite cheeses from artisanal cheese shop Maison Morand Paris for AED 295 per person. Learn more here.

5 July: Laugh Aloud
Outrageous comedy sensation Ice Hole is back for one special weekend at Theatre by QE2, bringing with it plenty of creativity yet again. Described as a “cardboard comedy”, the story of the play revolves around a man in a three-piece suit fishing in the plains of the Great North when an accidental encounter with a mermaid changes his destiny. Learn more here.

12 July: Beat the Heat
Injecting a little much-needed excitement into summer is the third edition of Beat the Heat, a series of indoor concerts in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises. An impressive line-up of musicians bringing different genres into the spotlight is scheduled: Jordanian singer-songwriter Siilawy and Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa will perform live at the Dubai World Trade Centre on opening night. Learn more here.

13 July: Feel the Glow
Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of unique, one-of-a-kind concerts played by flickering candlelight to locations worldwide – which now includes Dubai. The unique A Century of Iconic Arab Music concert will span 65 minutes and introduce audiences to iconic Arab music by the likes of Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, and Rachid Taha under the gentle glow of candlelight at Majlis Al Salam Ballroom in Mina A’Salam Hotel. Learn more here.

15 July: Support Local
With dates holding a place of honour in the UAE’s culture and cuisine, the beloved Liwa Date Festival is a family-friendly event that’s both educational and interactive. Returning for its 20th edition in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region from 15 to 28 July, it will feature competitions, sampling sessions, discussions, handicrafts, and kids’ entertainment while supporting the region’s local farmers. Learn more here.

20 July: Change the Game
Football fans are in for a treat as the National Theatre screening of Dear England arrives at Courtyard Playhouse for one night only. A new play by James Graham, it stars Joseph Fiennes as football manager Gareth Southgate, and explores topics like national identity, the pressure of penalties, and why the England men’s team is burdened with such high expectations. Learn more here.

27 July: Master the Basics
Break free of your camera’s Auto mode thanks to the Photography Level 1 workshop hosted by Gulf Photo Plus. Not only will you gain a solid understanding of the essential elements in achieving perfect exposure – ISO, shutter speed, aperture – but you’ll also explore the creative side of photography with a focus on the traditional rules of composition, as well as how to break them. Learn more here.
