5 things to do: Register to attend a talk by Richard Parks or attend the launch of Centenary Concert Series

Our daily round-up of things in the UAE: Sign up to take part in a landscape painting or abstract painting class; support breast-cancer awareness with Wear a Pink Dot nail art from The Nail Spa; get active at DFit and take part in the newly launched BodyCombat.

Richard Parks. Courtesy Dubai International Writers Centre

Register to attend a talk by the rugby player-turned-adventurer Richard Parks. He will talk about his sporting experiences and achievements and how his life took a new direction, making him a record-breaking extreme-environment athlete and the creator of 737 Challenge – in which he climbed the seven highest peaks on three continents in seven months. October 17, 8pm, Dh50, Dubai International Writers Centre, Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, 04 355 9844, register at www.diwc.ae.

Attend the launch of the Centenary Concert Series and enjoy a performance by Rachael Calladine and her band The Express All Stars, who will play jazz and soul classics remade into top 40 hits. The Uptowns and Mandefunk will join them onstage as part of the Destination DXB jam sessions. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm, from Dh50, free for children under 18, The Fridge, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 347 7792, www. thefridgedubai.com.

Sign up to take part in a landscape painting or abstract painting class offered by the artist Matt McCobb. Learn traditional and contemporary landscape techniques and abstract composition and colour combinations. October 21, 9 to 11am for landscape, Dh1,500 includes all materials, Mushrif Central Park, Abu Dhabi; 1 to 3pm for abstract, Dh1,500 includes materials, The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 055 145 4595, [e-mail].

Support breast-cancer awareness with Wear a Pink Dot nail art from The Nail Spa, where you can donate Dh5 to your transaction or purchase a pink ribbon, with all proceeds going to support Pink Caravan. The Nail Spa locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 600 544 001, www.thenailspa.com.

Get active at DFit and take part in the newly launched BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Cycle Spinning and Zumba classes. Burn mega calories and have fun in the group-class environment. Book your first five sessions this month and get one free session. From Dh70 for single sessions for non-members, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Muroor Road), Abu Dhabi, 02 698 8190, [e-mail].

* Compiled by Ellen Fortini