Our picks of Dubai’s best cultural offerings this month.
3 November: Go Beyond Borders
The rich traditions of Arab and Greek cultures will come together at A Tale of Two Shores as Lebanese-Armenian pianist Guy Manoukian is joined on stage by a trio of Greek musicians – Thanassis Vassilopoulos (clarinet), Thanos Giouletzis (violin) and Andreas Karantinis (bouzouki) – for a night of sonic fusion. Taking place at Dubai Opera, this event is not only a celebration of their shared heritage, but also an extraordinary collaboration that proves music knows no boundaries. Learn more here.
5 November: Dive into Design
Design buffs have reason to celebrate once again as Dubai Design Week, the region’s largest creative festival, returns for its milestone 10th edition from 5 to 10 November. Taking place in d3, the festival will focus on sustainability while providing over 500 internationally acclaimed and emerging designers with a platform to showcase their thinking in the form of installations, exhibitions and overall experiential mediums. Learn more here.
8 November: Revisit a Classic
Spend an evening among the trenches as Dubai Drama Group – the country’s OG theatre company – presents Blackadder Goes Forth. Running at The Junction, this theatre adaptation of the fourth series of iconic BBC TV show Blackadder will have audiences in hysterics as Captain Edmund Blackadder repeatedly tries to avoid his military duties as the Brits fight in World War One, only to be bested by his rival, Captain Darling. Learn more here.
9 November: Laugh Aloud
Previously supporting the likes of Michael McIntyre and Jack Dee, Jake Lambert is now performing solo worldwide, bringing his The Sunshine Kid to Theatre by QE2. Examining his fear of being normal and how he tries to navigate everyday life with a little positivity, the comedian is ingeniously using the comedy circuit to raise awareness about epilepsy, which he was diagnosed with as a university student. Learn more here.
10 November: Loosen Up
De-stress, overcome your fear of failure, or simply have some fun at the branch new Monthly Improve Mashup taking place at Courtyard Playhouse. Led by the venue’s experienced instructors, these 90-minute drop-in classes take participants through a variety of fun and exhilarating improv games and exercises to draw them out of their comfort zone and into the world of improv. Learn more here.
14 November: Immerse in EDM
The International Music Summit is expanding to Dubai, with the inaugural local edition taking place across two days at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. With a focus on entrepreneurship and business growth, IMS Dubai will serve as a forum to explore emerging trends and capitalise on new opportunities while celebrating the innovative music and rich cultural heritage of the MENA region by spotlighting the artists, collectives, and visionaries driving its evolution. Learn more here.
23 November: Tour the World
Established in 1937 by legendary choreographer Igor Moiseyev and now led by Elena Shcherbakova, the Igor Moiseyev Ballet will make a pit stop in Dubai, performing its special Dances of the World programme at Zabeel Theatre. The troupe has already toured over 70 countries globally, showcasing the universal language of dance and uniquely blending classical ballet with folklore. Learn more here.
24 November: Journey Across Cultures
Comedian Mina Liccione returns with a new stand-up special, Arabized, taking the stage at Warehouse Four for only night only. True to the Dubai-based New Yorker’s unique brand of humour, the show will pair her sharp wit and trademark physical comedy with hilarious anecdotes around the beauty (and humorous mishaps) of cultural exchange. Learn more here.
30 November: Sing Along
Bringing together Andrew Wright’s electrifying choreography, Simon Higlett’s stunning set design, and even live rain showers, Singin’ in the Rain will take over Dubai Opera for a splashy stage adaptation of the 1952 film. Staying true to its plotline, this award-winning musical will depict the transition from silent films to talkies during the late 1920s, complete with Don’s charm and Lina’s squeaky voice. Learn more here.
