Five things to do today: attend a talk by Emirates natural History Group and see the exhibition Damascenes

Our daily round-up of things to do. attend a talk by the Emirates Natural History Group; see the exhibition Damascenes; enjoy women's loyalty cards at City Walk; sign up for Proud2b Spinning 2015 Marathon; and register the kids for Julia Donaldson's Summer camp: A Picture Book Journey.

Peter Hellyer. Sammy Dallal / The National

Attend a talk by the Emirates Natural History Group, which features The National columnist Peter Hellyer, who first came to Abu Dhabi in 1975 and has written and edited several books on UAE history and archaeology. Hellyer will discuss an introduction to the history of Abu Dhabi from the Palaeolithic Age to the present.

From 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Alayzya Ballroom 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.enhg.org

See the exhibition Damascenes, in which the Syrian artist Khaldoun Chichakli presents drawings and woodcuts that offer a poignant look into the Damascus of years gone by, including Old Damascus Derwichieh Street at Night.

From 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays), Green Art Gallery, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 346 9305, www.gagallery.com

Enjoy specially curated offers for the fashionista, the foodie and the free-spirited with the Her Tuesdays reward card at City Walk. Register for the women-only loyalty card and get discounts at 26 anchor tenants all year.

From 10am to 10pm, junction of Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, 800 637227, www.citywalk.ae

Sign up to take part in Proud2b Spinning 2015 Middle East, a six-hour spinning marathon that features surprises, presenters and the chance to make new friends.

On June 12, 9am to 3pm, from Dh250 per person; Dh150 for team riders (1-5 hours), The Room, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, register at 056 331 0310, [e-mail]

Register the kids ages 3-7 to take part in Julia Donaldson Summer Camp: A Picture Book Journey. They will explore five picture books including The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room On the Broom, Stick Man and The Snail & The Whale by the award-winning children's author.

July 5 to 9 and July 12 to 17, 10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm, Dh1,000, The Courtyard Playhouse Theatre, Al Quoz, Dubai, register at 055 967 3927, [e-mail]