This week: 20.08.10 to 26.08.10

A series of interactive embroidery workshops are held in Abu Dhabi and the violent Roman adventure Centurion opens in cinemas.

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Embroidery workshops To compliment the extended A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions(see exhibitions) comes a series of interactive workshops where young and old can learn how to weave their own work. A quartet for programmes will be run, two of them aimed at youngsters only. The Repeating Patterns class teaches six to 11-year-olds about the basic foundations of embroidery, while the Create Your Own Designs teenage workshop allows 12 to 17-year-olds to produce works of their own. The Pattern and Design classes are for all the family while the Create Your Own Ilgich Wall-Hanging is for adults only. The workshops are not daily, so visit www.artsabudhabi.ae for details of when they are taking place. Until September 6 Gallery One Education Room, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, free entry. Prior booking is essential, 02 6908207, [e-mail]

Dreams Defered Altayeb Amer's large canvases demonstrate the evolution of abstract expressionism in the oriental Sufi style. Inspired both by dreams and life around him, the Syrian artist delves in to the physical and mental aspects of society and culture. Explosions of colour, the division of space and layering of surfaces are all used to great effect. Wednesday until October 3, 11am-9pm, Aspen Café, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 040 341 0000

Color The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery is mixing things up by keeping its colours apart. The entire gallery has been colour-coded and divided into six sections - red, blue, green, black, brown and white. With all works split into these coloured sections, rather than by genre or artist, it gives you a totally new way in which to study them. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm, Saturday (12-6pm), closed Fridays, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Building 10, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai, 04 425 0400

Beyond the Surface A summer exhibition by a group of 15 Dubai artists aged from 16 to 18. The works ask the viewer to look beyond the obvious surfaces which frame our everyday life. The exhibition brings together art which can be taken at face value or used as something which inspires further thought and contemplation of the work on show. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm (Friday 2-8pm, closed Sundays), thejamjar gallery, Street 17, Dubai, 04 341 7303

Celebrating Ramadan The work on display at this seasonal showcase features both professional and amateur artists, and includes Arabic calligraphy. There is a real mixture of pieces, which have been created using oils, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media. Much of the work is for sale, making this a great opportunity to pick up a special gift, or buy yourself something to help celebrate this special time of year. Daily until September 4, 9am-3pm, closed Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Street 75b, Villa No 27, 04 344 4398

Sumayyah al Suwaidi's Ramadan Art Bazaar This fine collection of pictures has plenty of works for sale by no less than 24 artists. And with top-end price-tag of Dh4,000, there is something available to suit a variety of budgets Daily until September 9, 9am-1pm and 8-11 pm (closed Fridays), Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi, 02 665 5332.

That Shimmering Beast: The Capture of Urban Life Virgilio Ferreira, Miyuki Okuyama and Mehrdad Naraghi offer their own unique take on what factors give cities their unique feel and characteristics. It goes far beyond the architecture and urban planning, showing that humans cannot control the personality of a town, no matter how much they may try to. Daily until September 9, 9am-10pm (Fridays 3pm-10pm), The Empty Quarter, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 1210

KalimatThe word kalimat literally means "words" and while the artworks that make up the exhibition all contain elements of the written Arabic word, they embody a variety of styles, techniques and approaches in the spirit of tradition and Middle Eastern culture. Daily until September 13, 2-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm (visit www.ductac.org to confirm opening hours), Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777

The Story of Islamic Art in 99 Objects Curated with Zayed University, this brilliant exhibition is historical, educational and captivating. Farhad Farjam's extensive private collection is a joy to behold. A must-see during this special time of year. Daily until September 15, 10am-8pm, Saturdays 12pm-8pm, closed Fridays, Farjam Collection@DIFC, Gate Village 4, Dubai, 04 323 0303 Blue Skie'd and Clear This exhibition features Birgit Graschopf, Yuko Ichikawa, Maria Maeser, Jamie Baldridge, Maximillian Pramatarov and Hazem Mahdy as they look to "expand the photographic horizon". All of them play with the notion of everyday life and try and define what this phrase means to them. Daily until September 25, 11.30am-7pm (closed Fridays), Carbon 12 Gallery, Al Quoz 1, Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse D37, Dubai, 050 464 4392

A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions This noteworthy exhibition was extended by two months due to its popularity. It features hundreds of textiles, some more than two centuries old, including pieces from Central Asia and Russia. See also the main event. Daily until September 25, 10am-2pm and 8.30pm-11.30pm, ladies only on Tuesdays 10am-2pm, Gallery One, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, 02 690 9000

The President of the UAE Cup Series Photography Gallery Brand Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Equestrian Federation have come together to create this superb selection of photos from the past 15 years which celebrate Arabian horses in the UAE. Many of the pictures are privately owned and have never been on public display before. A fine collection which illustrates the passion that is held for these beautiful animals in the Emirates. Daily until October 17, Gate 4, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, www.presidentscup.ae

Peripheral Vision Paintings, photos and sculptures created by artists from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE examine unique Arab identities and the complex struggles facing different communities. The works show areas of culture not usually discussed in public circles. Daily 10am-8pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Arts Centre, Sharjah, www.barjeelartfoundation.com Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition Take a glimpse of the future cultural plans for the capital by checking out the designs for buildings such as Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Daily Euntil February 25, 2011, 10am-10pm, Emitrates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, 02 690 8207, www.artsabudhabi.ae

Museum Me the UAE If you fancy taking your first step in the world of art and want to give something back to the Emirates at the same time, then why not help out thejamjar gallery in Dubai - which is looking for 100 objects to display in the upcoming exhibition Museum ME the UAE - a brief history of one country. Submissions must be made via email to [e-mail] by October 1, with full details of the object and no more than 150 words on why it is important to the country. The exhibition will take place at thejamjar from October 14-21. www.thejamjardubai.com

Regarding Borders Shelter Maraya in Sharjah is looking for people to submit photographic or video works which celebrate the landscape of the Arabian peninsula for a forthcoming exhibition. The deadline for submissions is September 25, with the exhibition taking place from December 15 until January 16. You can enter via email at [e-mail] or hand in your work in at Shelter in Dubai or Sharjah, 10am-7pm, Sunday to Thursday. For more details visit www.shelter.ae or call 06 556 6555

ADIHEX The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is after applications for its heritage competitions to be held at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at Adnec in Abu Dhabi from September 22-25. Among the competitions are an Arab coffee brewing contest, art and poetry competitions and a saluki beauty championship. For more details visit www.adach.ae or call 02 657 61711

Kids Theatre Works Drama Camp Youngsters can learn how to perform and read and write their own lines, culminating in a show at the end of this week-long workship. Murder mystery, soap operas and superhero adventures will all be explored by the group. Allcomers are welcome and there are no auditions to join. The final camp starts on August 29. Sunday 9am-3pm daily, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Dh650 for one week, 04 341 4777

Dubai Mall Summer Camp These week-long camps offer five very different days, with ice skating, movie watching, a trip to KidZania and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo all on the schedule. The scheme runs until September 9, and there are also separate camps at KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Sunday-Thursday 9am-3pm, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dh950, 04 448 5200. Racing Lessons There's no better place to learn the basics of motor racing than on Abu Dhabi's F1 race track, with a host of different vehicles available. Yas Racing School, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, from Dh1,500. For information and bookings call 02 6599544 or visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com.

Grand Iftar At Sofra Bld's renowned buffet you can sample a splendid array of cuisine with an abundance of Middle-Eastern flavours, in addition to specialities from award-winning Shang Palace and Hoi An. Daily throughout Ramadan, sunset until 11pm, Sofra Bld, Shangri-La hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Dh170 per person (inclusive of Ramadan beverages) plus service charge, 02 509 8555 or email [e-mail]

Ramadan & Eid This consumer show takes up half a dozen of Adnec's huge halls and has plenty of shopping and gifts on offer, as well as traditional song and dance being performed. Today until September 14, 8pm-3am, Halls 1-6, Adnec, Abu Dhabi, 800 23632 Art & Craft Market Members of Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) show off and sell their latest wares, from jewellery to home furnishings, all of which were made in the country. Today 6pm-midnight, Mezzanine level (near Ikea), Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 800 33232

DTCM Ramadan Tent 2010 Islamic and other educational lectures are being offered to help celebrate the Holy Month in a tent orgranised by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Daily until August 28,Al Towar, Dubai, www.almultaqa.ae Ramadan At the Top Enjoy unparalleled scenery from the world's highest viewing deck at the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. You can watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea before breaking your fast with complimentary dates and water. While later visitors can watch the city come to life as night falls. Daily until September 9, 5pm-midnight, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Dh100 (Dh75 for children) in advance, Dh400 on the door, www.atthetop.ae

Sharjah Ramadan Fair A fine selection of fashion goods and perfumes are on offer at this huge shopping extravaganza, as well as plenty of entertainment for all ages. Daily until September 11, Expo Centre Sharjah, 06 577 0000

Summer Art-rageous Kids aged between 6 and 12 can unleash their creativity while learning about famous artists and art techniques. All participants get a free camp t-shirt. August 29 & September 5 Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777 Introduction to Digital Photography Break free of the shackles of the auto setting by finally getting to grips with your SLR. You can learn, in detail, the wide variety of functions which your camera has to offer and how to take pictures in a host of different ways and settings. Starting September 3 2-6pm, Magrudy's Educational Resource Centre, Dubai, Dh900 for a four-week course, 17+, 800 4669

The Laughter Factory Mickey Hutton makes his second appearance of the year in the Emirates and is joined by Craig Campbell and Doc Brown for a series of live shows. September 14-23 Various venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Dh115, 21+, www.thelaughterfactory.com, 800 4669 Improv Comedy Classes This intermediate to advanced-level course is also being used to put together a group of performers who will do shows around the UAE. Expect the atmosphere to be fun, but with a definite competitve edge. Sepember 15 7.30-9pm, lessons are every Wednesday and culminate in a show on November 10 & 11, Kadomz Dance Studio, Marina Mall Dubai, course Dh1,000, 800 4669

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix If the closeness of the first half of the season is anything to go by, then the second Formula One race is the capital could well be the title decider. November 12-14 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, two day tickets from Dh1,800, three day tickets from Dh2,000, 800 927, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Centurion This British-made Roman adventure was described in one review as "hideously violent". Michael Fassbender, above, plays Quintus Dias, the only survivor of an attack on a Roman fort by the native Pictish people. His response is to lead an assault on the locals, but things go from bad to worse when his unit are cut off from the rest of their ranks and find themselves behind enemy lines. Scotland is far safer today, honest. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae

Whatever Works Larry David, the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, takes his comedy to the big screen as he stars in Woody Allen's film about a intellectual recluse who comes home to find a young woman (Evan Rachel Wood) on his doorstep. David, who plays Professor Boris Yelnickov, reluctantly lets her into his home, and his world view begins to change. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com

Mestine: Death Instinct This is the first half of L'instinct de Mort, a story split into two separate films about the life of French gangster Jacques Mesrine. This part is based on Mesrine's autobiography and stars Vincent Cassel, who won several awards for his portrayal of a violent and troubled man. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae

The Maiden Heist Old geezers go bad as a trio of guards at a museum decide to steal some artworks they have fallen in love with after a new boss decides to ship them off to Denmark. We all like Morgan Freeman, right? But comedy has never been his strong suit, as he, William H Macy and Christopher Walken look to make a clean getaway without putting their backs out. Imagine the Thomas Crown Affair on a Zimmer frame and beta blockers. www.grandcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae Jonah Hex Michael Fassbender whooshes down from the first movie listing, and through history, arriving in the US just after the end of the American Civil War in this film based on a DC Comic. Also starring Josh Brolin. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae