Annual arts festival, Quoz Arts Fest, is returning to Alserkal Avenue in Dubai this weekend, January 25-26. The two-day celebration of art, culture and creativity aims to explore human action on Earth, embracing "the small changes that contribute to a larger impact on economic, environmental, and social sustainability".
The event runs from 10am until 10pm each day, with something for everyone, from kid- and pet-friendly pop-ups to workshops, tours to film screenings, and food cooking demos to live music performances.
Here we have highlighted a few of the activities that stand out. For the full schedule, visit the Alserkal Avenue website here.
Interactive experiences
Make cookies with leftovers at Mirzam Chocolate Makers (Warehouse 70)
When? 9-10.30am, January 25 and 26
If food waste has been on your mind, this could be the baking class for you, as it teaches participants how to best repurpose leftover ingredients to make cookies.
Al Quoz road trip meeting at Nadi Al Quoz
When? 11.30am and 3.30am, January 25
Learn more about the entire Al Quoz area and join one of the electric car tours, taking participants to discover vertical farming, galleries, an upcycled cafe, antique museum, to see a shoe maker and more in the creative neighbourhood. Limited to 25 people per road trip, email rsvp@alserkalavenue.ae to register.
Upcycling plastic bags workshop at FN Designs (Warehouse 26)
When? 3.30pm, January 25
ahlanwasahlan.org is running a session, teaching participants how to make something reusable out of their disposable plastic bags. Guests are encouraged to bring bags with them.
Ceramic wheel throwing demo at Yadawei (Street 8, Al Quoz 1)
When? 11am-12pm, January 26
See how ceramics are thrown by the pros in this demonstration. The studio will be open to the public all weekend.
Screening of Memory of the Land and Screwdriver at The Yard
When? 7.30pm, January 26
Cinema Akil, in collaboration with The Reel Palestine annual film festival, is showing short film Memory of the Land, followed by Screwdriver (Mafak).
Watch the Screwdriver trailer here:
Vegan karak workshop at Wild & The Moon (Warehouse 77)
When? All weekend
Visit largely-vegan cafe, Wild & The Moon, to learn how to make your own vegan karak chai for Dh24. The spots are limited, so guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to take part.
'Crowdsourced 3.0' at The Good Life (Warehouse 20)
When? All weekend
Throughout the weekend, guests can take part in an entirely crowdsourced growing art installation, made entirely from recycled cardboard and assembled by members of the public.
Family-friendly
Kids' tours of Alserkal Avenue meeting at thejamjar (Warehouse 74)
When? 10.30-11.30am or 2.30-3.30pm, January 25 and 26
These tours are an introduction to galleries for kids aged five to 12 years old. Children will be shown around various Alserkal galleries, and taught about the UAE's sustainable art scene. To book kids in email create@thejamjardubai.com, specifying the date and time of the tour.
Half-priced grooming and doggy day care at Shampooch (Street 8 Entrance)
When? All weekend
A pet-friendly initiative, Shampooch is offering 50 per cent off on grooming sessions throughout the weekend, as well as free doggy day care, so guests can explore the festival while their pups are cared for. Up-to-date shots are essential.
