5 things to do today: Visit the exhibition In the Water or See Marwan: Topographies of the Soul

Visit the exhibition In the Water or see Marwan: Topographies of the Soul or sign up for the DIY palette knife painting class and learn colour basics.

Shinji Ogawa. Courtesy XVA Gallery

Visit the exhibition In the Water. The Korean artist UnKyung Hur and the Japanese artist Shinji Ogawa present works that explore ideas of humanity, life and creation through traditional techniques and the theme of symmetry. 10am to 6pm, XVA Gallery, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, 04 353 5383, www.xvagallery.com

See Marwan: Topographies of the Soul, in which the Syrian artist Marwan Kassab Bachi presents a varied spectrum of the artist's works, including large-scale oil on canvas paintings, aquarelle works on paper, etchings, quick sketches and more, such as The Three Boys (pictured). 10am to 8.30pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Sharjah, 06 556 6555, www.barjeelartfoundation.org

Sign up for the DIY palette knife painting class and learn colour basics and work on a variety of application techniques to create a textured and harmonious finished painting. December 15, 7 to 9pm, Dh250 includes all materials except oil paints, which participants need to bring, ages 15+, thejamjar, Al Quoz, Dubai, book at [e-mail] 04 341 7303

Register your children ages 2 to 16 now for James & Alex Dance Studios Kids' Programme, which features ballet, contemporary dance, hip-hop, musical theatre, tap and salsa classes. Starting January 10, Dh990 for 22 weeks, Dubai Media City, [e-mail], 04 447 0773

Register to attend the New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi Open House. Tour the campus, meet the faculty and students, sit in on information sessions and learn about the programmes offered at the academy. Tomorrow, 2 to 5pm, New York Film Academy, off 15th street between 2nd and 4th streets, Abu Dhabi, register at 02 446 6442, [e-mail]