Big Apple Circus This world famous New York institution makes its first stop in the Middle East. Gravity-defying trapeze artists, hysterical clowns and awe-inspiring acrobats will all be on show in a riotous carnival of colour and excitement. The show features eight acts and 16 performers, with not an animal in sight. "People should expect a real circus," says artistic director Guillaume Dufresnoy, "The performers do really extraordinary things in a way that is very accessible. It's well presented, and I always hope that it conveys a sense of potential into everybody that watches it." The show was certainly a hit when it opened for Britney Spears' tour in 2008. "These are seasoned performers at work here, and you can trust that they are going to make a beautiful show," adds clown Jeffrey Gordon. "The circus is here to inspire awe, wonder, delight and laughter." Today until August 3, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm, Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, tickets Dh200 (children Dh75), buy one get one free, www.boxofficeme.com, www.summerinabudhabi.com
Full Moon Party DJ Natalie B and DJ Chad Phunk bring some beats and a flavour of Ibiza to this pool party on top of one of the capital's best hotels. The dresscode is swimwear, so don't forget to iron your best Speedos. Today 8pm, Mai Cafe, Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, Dh100 (including two drinks), there is also a special deal for Dh399+tax for two people, which includes entry to the party and a night's stay at the hotel, 21+ only, 02 654 5114 2 Idiots Live in Dubai Indian comedian Sunil Pal and his Pakistani counterpart Umer Sharif perform together for an evening of laughs. Thursday doors 8pm, show 9pm, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Dubai, tickets from Dh50, 500 4669
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. Daily until October 17, Gate 4, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, www.presidentscup.ae
This Location A trio of female painters chart how relocating to a different country has made them consider the importance of location when it comes to their work. How much of their creativity comes from nature and how much is nurture? The artists now live in Qatar, India and England. Daily until July 31, 10am-7pm (closed Fridays), Mojo Gallery, Unit 33, Al Serkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, 04 323 6367
I U Heart Mahmoud Bakhshi, Shahab Foutouhi, Arash Hanaei, Mamali Shafahi and Vahid Sharifian illustrate their individual responses towards how Iran's politics dominate its global image. Daily until July 31 (closed on Fridays), 10am-7pm. The Third Line Gallery, Dubai, 04 341 1367 Summer Exhibition Sameer Reddy's startling photographs and Saba Qizilbash's works on paper present a positive outlook on modern life. There is a repeat showing of the whole exhibition from September 1-22. Daily until July 31, 9am-7pm (closed Fridays), XVA gallery, Bastakiya, Dubai, 04 353 5383
Summer Salon Work from 10 Dubai-based artists is on show, with all pieces up for sale and new works arriving all the time. Paintings and sculptures will sell for between Dh1,000-7,000. Daily until July 31, 9am-4pm, (closed Thursday and Fridays), Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, Street 75b, Villa No 27, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 04 344 4398 Dunya - Glimpses of Muslim Life in Europe Ahmed Krausen's photographs provide a true insight into Islamic life on another continent. Daily until August 14, 8am-8pm (Fridays 4pm-8pm), Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah, family ticket Dh10, adults Dh5, children free, 06 565 5455
Iraq: Transition to Peace Tina Hager's spellbinding collection of photos from Iraq paint a very different picture of the country than much of the mainstream media has touched on. The work on display ranges from the moment the United States went to war - photographed from the West Wing of the White House, to former president George W Bush's first trip to Baghdad, US troops in Iraq and finally, the emergence of a new nation. Daily until August 15, 9am-7pm (closed Fridays), Portfolio Gallery, Dubai, 04 323 2395
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. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm, Saturday (12-6pm), closed Fridays, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Building 10, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai, 04 425 0400 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
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. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm (Friday 2-8pm, closed Sundays), thejamjar gallery, Street 17, Dubai, 04 341 7303
That Shimmering Beast: The Capture of Urban Life Virgilio Ferreira, Miyuki Okuyama and Mehrdad Naraghi offer their own take on what factors give cities their unique feel and characteristics. It goes far beyond the architecture and urban planning, and shows that humans cannot control the personality of a town, no matter how much they may try. Daily until September 9, 9am-10pm (Fridays 3pm-10pm), The Empty Quarter, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 1210
Peripheral Vision Paintings, photographs and sculptures created by artists from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Syria and the UAE examine the question of Arab identity. Daily 10am-8pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Arts Centre, Sharjah, www.barjeelartfoundation.com
Chocolate-making class Children can learn how to make chocolates from one of the top chefs in the capital. There will also be a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen. Framed photos and chocolates will be given out at the end. Saturday 11am-1pm, Shangri-La hotel, Abu Dhabi, Dh180 (including lunch), Dh100 for just the class, 02 509 8565 Creative Entrepreneur Talk The award-winning British film producer Anna Higgs will screen two of her short films before taking questions about her life in the film industry, and tips on how to succeed in the creative business world. Sunday doors 5.30pm, start 6pm, Shelter, Block E, 1st Floor Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Sharjah, free entry, 06 556 0777 For more information you can contact British.Council@ae.britishcouncil.org
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. DUCTAC Summer Camp Children can enjoy painting and creating for five days, with pottery and fabric work also available. The week-long courses will begin every Sunday until August 8. Sunday-Thursday 10.30am-1pm daily, Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, one week Dh900 (two weeks Dh1500), 04 341 4777
Zouk Dancing Learn the Lambada style of Zouk - a form of dance which came out of the Franco-Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It's bold, colourful and lots of fun. Monday 7.30-9.30pm, Shelter, Warehouse 209, 318 Road, Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai, Dh40 (Dh35 for members), RSVP to events@shelter.ae Do Buy A screening of the film by Soniya Kripalani, which follows three fashion entrepreneurs. The movie will be followed by an expert panel discussing the "challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the creative industries". Tuesday Shelter, Warehouse 209, 318 Road, Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai, free entry, 04 434 5655 For more information you can contact British.Council@ae.britishcouncil.org
Hong Kong street food Taste the best in street hawker fare, including dishes such as shredded stir-fried chicken with rock melon and honeybeans, and wok-fried scallops with sliced mango. Today Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 02 509 8888
Modhesh World There are over 100 things for kids to do at this Dubai summer treat, including games and rides. Daily until August 7, 10am-10pm, Thursdays 10am-midnight, Fridays 3pm-midnight, Dubai Airport Expo, 600 545 555, www.modheshworld.com Summer in Abu Dhabi A host of fun for kids at this annual event aimed at the capital's children. There are plenty of music, dance and performance attractions for all ages, which are both enjoyable and educational. Daily until August 4, 4pm-10pm, 2pm-10pm Fridays & Saturdays, Hall 11, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, Dh15, 02 444 0444, www.summerinabudhabi.com
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 12 noon-9pm, Mezzanine level (near Ikea), Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 800 33232
Cool Summer Nights This weekly Brazilian carnival-themed night includes Samba dancers and beach football. There is also manta ray feeding and a laser and fireworks display at the end of the evening. And if it all gets a bit much, you can cool off on one of the brilliant waterslides. Thursday 7pm, Aquaventure, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, tickets Dh200 (Dh165 children 3-11), pay on the door, www.atlantisthepalm.com
Red Tie and Tiara Ball More than 250 guests are expected to attend this fabulous event to raise money for the Dubai Autism Centre. A gala reception, dinner and a top DJ and band are all on the menu. Today 7.30pm,Constellation Room, The Address, Dubai Marina, tickets Dh395 (includes dinner and unlimited house drinks), call 050 6581338 or email showthemyourlove@gmail.com to book.
Collectors Exhibitions A brilliant yet simple idea highlighting a host of collections, from stamps to cars, and jewellery to coins, all under one roof. Daily until Saturday, 10am-11pm, BurJuman Centre, Dubai, 600 54555 Shrouded Memories The first solo exhibition in the UAE by Egyptian artist Wael Darwesh concentrates on social issues in his homeland. Daily until Sunday, 10am to 7pm (closed Fridays), Art Sawa, Dubai, 04 340 8660
Liwa Date Festival Dh5.5m prize money is on offer for farmers of the nation's favourite fruit in this sixth annual contest. There are also performances of traditional song and dance, as well as displays of local art and heritage. Daily until Monday, Liwa, Al Gharbia (the Western Region), www.adach.ae A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions It's rather an emotional moment for us, as this cracking textile exhibition has been a staple of our pages since we began. Best not wipe our tears on a valuable piece of Uzbek embroidery though. Daily until Wednesday, Gallery One, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi (ladies only Tuesdays 10am-4pm), 02 690 9000
Digital photography lessons Break free of the shackles of the auto setting by finally getting to grips with your SLR. Begins July 30 DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, a four-week course costs Dh900, e-mail photography@ tiffanyschultz.com or call 055 967 3927 The Laughter Factory Comedians Jo Enright and Karl Spain are joined by mirth-making musician Rob Deering as the trio embark on a truncated tour of the Emirates. August 3-6 Various locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all shows start at 9pm with tickets Dh115, 800 4669
Salt The release of this thriller featuring Angelina Jolie as a suspected KGB agent dovetails perfectly with the recent expulsion of 10 Russian spies from the United States. Indeed, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura says that during filming, Jolie was "infiltrating places that are impossible to infiltrate". Expect plenty of leaping and explosions, but sadly no cameo from Anna Chapman. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae
The Sorcerer's Apprentice Jerry Bruckheimer has continued the transformation of this story, which began as an 18th Century ballad and became a segment in the 1940 Disney classic Fantasia, by turning it into a fully blown Hollywood fantasy adventure. This, of course, means that it's set in Manhattan rather than some stuffy old rural castle. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae
The Time That Remains This semi-autobiographical movie charts life in Israel, from its formation in 1948 until the present day. Elia Suleiman, who directed, wrote and stars in this film, used his parents' diaries and correspondence, as well as his own memories, to piece together a story in four distinct parts which focuses on the lives of those Palestinians who were labelled "Israeli-Arabs". www.reelcinemas.ae
Splice Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley are a couple of genetic scientists who combine the DNA of various animals to create a new hybrid species, with horrifying consequences. Not the least of which being they appear to have stolen the plot from the 1980s American TV cartoon series The Wuzzles. Despite the film being mainly Canadian funded, there is a disappointing absence of a giant beaver with moose antlers, eh? www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae
Laila's Birthday This Palestinian comedy, directed by Rashid Masharawi, surrounds a taxi driving judge who is desperately trying to keep a promise to his daughter by bringing her a cake on her birthday, while juggling his busy work life. Tuesday 8.30pm, Shelter, Warehouse 209, 318 Road, Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai, Dh15 (free for members), RSVP events@shelter.ae or 04 434 5655
