The local arts calendar is buzzing again after the summer with everything from foodie to fitness events. The Arts&Life team rounds up events that should not be missed over the next month.
September 1-30
Abu Dhabi Restaurant Month
Don't miss the chance to try some of Abu Dhabi's best restaurants at a bargain price during the capital's first-ever restaurant month. Thirty-one restaurants will offer three-course meals for Dh195 a person. Participating venues include Villa Tosacana, Byblos Sur Mer, Circo, Punjab Grill, Olives, Rodeo Grill, Bu, Stratos and Tamba. For the complete list, visit www.zomato.com/abudhabi/dining-nightlife-abu-dhabi-restaurant-month
September 1-3
The Big Clearance Sale
World Trade Centre, Dubai
Head to WTC Dubai's Za'abeel Halls 1, 2 and 3 to shop for bargains. More than 40 brands – including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara Home and H&M – will be offering apparel, accessories, cosmetics and homeware from recent seasons at discounted prices with up to 80 per cent off. Entry is free, from 10am until midnight Thursday and Friday, and from 10am until 8pm on Saturday. Visit www.visitdubai.com/en/events/the-big-clearance-sale-2016 for more.
Various dates
NYUAD returns
NYUAD, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
The programme at New York University Abu Dhabi's tenacious arts centre roars back into life, kicking off a broad arc of performance art with three events this month alone. They begin with a 27-hour concert of "ritual groove music" from maverick Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch (Thursday and Friday). Kuwaiti electronic innovator Zahed Sultan will present an immersive visual spectacle as part of a double bill with Brazil's DJ Dolores, on September 21 and 22. Tickets are free on a first-come-first-served basis – register online at www.nyuad-artscenter.org.
September 1-8
Against the Tides
Cartoon Art Gallery, Dubai
Unity, peace, tolerance and diversity are the themes of an exhibition by 27 Dubai-based artists (including one by Elizabeth Bruce, pictured). Against the Tides will showcase more than 60 artworks, including two paintings by five-year-old Sarrah Tambawala, as part of an attempt to promote art among children. Entry is free. www.cartoonartgallery.org
September 7
CrossFit GoYas
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Get a quick, intense workout every Wednesday at CrossFit sessions organised by Daman's ActiveLife at the Yas Marina Circuit. As part of the GoYas activities, the ladies classes will be taken by CrossFit YAS by Vogue Fitness. The team will conduct three 15-minute sessions involving a range of exercises, from squats to sit ups, that will help you shape up and get stronger. Register for the free classes on www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
September 9
Shankar Mahadevan Live– Songs of Krishna
Indian High School, Dubai
Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan will take the stage with his sons for the first time in Dubai for Songs of Krishna, a semi-classical concert featuring an eclectic mix of Carnatic music compositions and qawwalis infused with jazz and rock elements. The concert will feature songs in six Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Malayalam. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets prices start at Dh100 from www.platinumlist.net.
September 9
Comedy Superstar
Al Raha Beach Theatre, Abu Dhabi
Four giants of American comedy are coming to the capital for a night of mirth and mayhem. Eddie Griffin, best known for his role as Eddie Sherman in the sitcom Malcolm and Eddie, will be joined by Carlos Mencia, Charlie Murphy and Aries Spears for guaranteed giggles all night. The show begins at 8pm and ticket prices start at Dh145 from www.abudhabievents.ae.
September 18
Galleries Night
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
The art season officially begins, with all galleries in Alserkal Avenue coordinating their openings on Galleries Night. Be prepared to discover art from around the world, in a variety of media and genres. There will also be live music and refreshments. Visit www.alserkalavenue.ae
September 22
Invisible Threads, Technology and its Discontents
The Art Gallery, NYU Abu Dhabi
This group exhibition features works by several international artists, including Chinese activist Ai Weiwei and American Addie Wagenknecht (pictured). They explore the reality of living in a technologically saturated world. Visit www.nyuad-artgallery.org for more details.
September 30
Yanni
Du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Crossover star Yanni is coming to the capital to perform a concert at du Forum. The 61-year-old musician will perform alongside a 15-piece orchestra, presenting works from his latest album, Sensuous Chill. Although he has staged shows in other emirates – including a historic performance at Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2011 and, most recently, at Sharjah's Al Majaz Amphitheatre in November — this will be the multi-instrumentalist's first appearance in Abu Dhabi. Tickets are available from Dh495 at www.thinkflash.ae.
September 30
Cretan Festival
Majestic Hotel, Dubai
Elia, the Greek restaurant in Bur Dubai’s Majestic Hotel, is hosting a Cretan festival. The one-night-only celebration will feature an evening brunch-style buffet with dishes such as: snails in vinegar sauce; shrimp saganaki with feta cheese and ouzo; chicken with rosemary and thyme; squid stuffed with rice and herbs; beef stifado; salted cod with garlic sauce; and more. Live entertainment will help set the mood. From 8pm to 11pm, Dh190 with soft drinks. Call 04 501 2690 to book.
