This week: May 21 - 27

A list of upcoming events and activities taking place in the UAE this week. From Performance art and exhibitions to family events and restaurants.

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Birdhouse Factory A splendid show in which the factory workers are acrobats and the machines are circus props. A contortionist performs on a turntable powered by unicyclists, a trapeze artist flies high, and trampoline artists defy gravity - and all the while the audience are enchanted by this comic story of love, flight and the quest to build a better birdhouse. Today & Saturday 8pm, the show runs Weds-Sat until May 29, The First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, tickets from Dh125-150, 04 366 6546 Verdi's Masterpiece: Messa da Requiem A local production of a wonderful work with the 130-strong Festival Chorus and 65 piece UAE Festival Orchestra taking centre stage. Martyn Bagnall will conduct proceedings while Christina Dunwoodie and Clare Shearer will both be singing. Should be a good night out. Today 8pm American University of Dubai Auditorium, Dubai, tickets Dh150, 800 4669

Dubai Chamber Choir This troupe of locally based amateur and semi- professional singers will perform an evening of music under the direction of conductor Stuart Squire. Monday 8pm, The Fridge, Dubai, tickets Dh50 (under 18s free), 04 347 7793 Ahlan The Future Centre for Special Needs is putting on Ahlan, its eighth annual musical presentation. The children of the Future Centre will perform alongside four musicians of the UK's Live Music Now. Wednesday 7pm, Abu Dhabi National Theatre, www.future-centre.com

The Duke Ellington Big Band Big tunes from the band who were formed in tribute to one of America's greatest and most prolific composers. Duke's grand-daughter Mercedes will be accompanying the band. She'll fit in well in Dubai with a name like that. Thursday 7pm doors, 8pm performance, The Palladium, Dubai, tickets Dh195, 800 4669 Toploader Last month's shows were postponed after that volcanic ash cloud prevented the band from dancing in the moonlight. The band who enjoyed their moment of fame a decade ago should be back in these parts this week, unless we suffer from further Icelandic interruptions.

Wednesday 7pm, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, tickets Dh100, 02 656 3053 Thursday 9pm, Alpha Club, Le Meridien, Dubai, tickets Dh95 (over 18s only), 800 4669

An Evening of Talks A series of presentations to tie-in with the Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions exhibition. Thursday 6.30pm-8.30pm, Gallery One, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, free admission, 02 690 8207

Islands & Dubai Episode For his first solo exhibition in the region, Abbas Akhavan's Islands project deals with the mapping and remapping of the space, geography and architecture of Dubai and its blossoming art market. We wonder if the Canadian-based, Iranian-born artist would be game for putting his aerial shots into book form and producing a definitive A-Z of the UAE? The inaugural exhibition at the gallery's new projects space, Dubai Episode, promotes the work of emerging artists Mona Ayyash (her work pictured at right), Raja'a Khalid and Sara Naim, who have lived or currently reside in Dubai. The trio bring a photographic insight into the city, landscape, infrastructure and faces that Dubai has undergone in recent years, as seen through female eyes. Daily 10am-7pm until June 10 (closed Fridays), Third Line Gallery, Dubai, 04 341 1367 Ajjo jewellery This Islamabad-born designer began making handmade jewellery in the early 1990s, with a style that weds heritage, traditional South Asian jewellery and a modern outlook. Precious stones and gold are the two key elements to be used in Ajjo's bracelets, bangles, necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 7pm, The Foyer, Dubai International Art Centre, 04 344 4398 I'll Be Back Someday Lantian Xie's time-based work may be harder to describe than it was for him to create. Xie was born in China and raised in Bahrain, Dubai, and New Orleans, which explains much of the installation he's put together. Visitors encounter obstructions as they experience the sensation of departure. The work leans heavily on airport ideas and finishes with some food. Interested? You will be.

Daily until May 28 10am-8pm (Fridays 2pm-8pm, closed Sundays), The Jam Jar, Dubai, 04 341 7303 The UAE Art Exhibition and Book Launch This exhibition by pioneering Emirati artists features the works of Abdul Qader al Rais, Mohamed Mandi, Dr Najat Makki and Abdul Rahim Salim. It coincides with the launch of a set of four publications that pay homage to the artistic development of the region and aims to make the art of the country more accessible to the world. Daily until May 30, 10am-8pm (Saturday 12pm-6pm, closed Sundays), Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Dubai, 04 425 0400

Art For All & Blooming Attitudes A group of international artists brought together to create the Art For All Exhibition, a mix of emerging and established talent. Every few weeks the works on display change, meaning it's definitely worth a repeat visit. Blooming Attitudes is the opposite - showcasing the work of just one artist, Cynthia Richards. She does a fantastic job of depicting the power and poignancy of nature, despite leaning towards some pastel shades. Daily until June 24, 10am-9pm (Fridays 2pm-9pm), Art Couture gallery, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 04 399 4991

Resurrection des Mannequins A host of Dubai intellectuals put their own twist on Sertac Tasdelen's work. The surrealist photographs on display are inspired by the effect of urbanisation and how it changes our interactions with one another. Daily until May 31 (closed Fridays), Portfolio Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 323 2395

Visions Syrian-born artist and interior designer Abdulla al Jassem displays a collection of impressions. The 29-year-old is known for his ability to create complex textures through layering and his tendency to use natural colours. Daily until June 2, 9am to 9pm (Saturday through Wednesday), 9am to 4pm (Thursday), Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, 04 344 4398 Against the Grain A new show by Jalal Luqman, the Emirati artist who is said to push the boundaries of digital art. Daily until June 3 (closed Fridays), Tashkeel Gallery, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, 04 336 3313

Recent works Mohammed el Rawas's exhibition of his latest creations is another fine mix of three-dimensional structures and mixed media. Daily until June 6 (closed Fridays) Art Sawa, Dubai, 04 340 8660 Beyond Borders & Time Regained Frederic Lezmi, a German with a Lebanese father, charts his trip from Vienna to Beirut with photographs in Beyond Borders. Sinisa Vlajkovic may have been born in Serbia, but Lebanon and Syria both played an important part in his formative years, as he shows in Time Regained. Daily until June 6, 9am-10pm (Fridays 3pm-10pm), The Empty Quarter, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 1210X Diary of the Future Lara Baladi's exhibition explores the distinctly Middle Eastern tradition of coffee cup reading.

Daily until June 10 (closed Fridays), Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Dubai, 04 323 5052 Shabab Uprising This exhibition showcases 10 critically acclaimed emerging artists, including painters Thaier Helal and Kais Salman and photographer/ filmmaker Ammar Al Beik. Daily until June 30 (closed Fridays), Ayyam Gallery, Dubai, 04 323 6242 A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions The textiles displayed include those that fuelled the trade across the desert from Central Asia to Russia. See also talks, seminars & classes. Daily until July 28, Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi (ladies only Tuesday 10am-4pm), 02 690 9000

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 the different communities by showing areas of culture that are usually not in the general public's focus. Daily 10am-8pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah, www.barjeelartfoundation.com

Tandoori Treasures Enjoy some tantalising tastes with a special Tandoori menu cooked in a clay oven to bring out all the flavours. Tuesdays & Wednesdays until the end of June, 8pm-11pm, Zaika, Al Murooj Rotana Dubai, Dh185 including service charge, 04 321 1111

The Outback Spectacular Ball Aussies Abroad invites anyone with a love of Australia to their annual ball - an evening with food, entertainment, seat prizes and competitions offering the chance to win a range of gifts, including two business class tickets on Etihad Airways to Australia. Today 7pm, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, tickets from Dh450-500, 050 444 3774, www. aussiesabroad-abudhabi.com

Wild Nights Al Ain Wildlife Park's summer opening hours are now in full effect, allowing you to see the animals at midnight until the end of August. Just like humans, they change their routines in the hottest months, and this creates a very different experience for visitors. The park has a range of family activities and entertainment planned for the summer months. Crocodiles, penguins, and the animals in the Arabian and mixed African exhibits are fed in the twilight hours. Open daily, Saturday to Thursday 4pm to midnight, Fridays 10am to midnight, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Al Ain, 03 782 8188

International Museum Day Sharjah Museums Department has organised a number of cultural and social activities to promote museums and spread awareness of their vital role in the community. As part of these celebrations, all Sharjah museums are offering free entrance. Today and Saturday www.sharjah museums.ae The Families Festival Abu Dhabi's Corniche plays host to a few more days of family fun, including international stands selling clothing, perfumes, jewellery, furniture, accessories and more, as well as games and small rides for children. Daily until Tuesday 4pm to 11:30pm, Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater, www.wu.gov.ae FAKiE The first skateboard art show in the country will display a wonderfully diverse mixture of work from 30 artists from nine countries which cover four continents. All works will be sold off at the end of the exhibition for Dh2,000 in what is to become an annual event.

Daily until Thursday 9am-9pm (Fridays 4pm-9pm), The Shelter, Dubai, 04 434 5655

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Based on a video game story-line, a rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal, pictured) and a rival princess (Gemma Arterton, pictured) team up to battle against the dark forces. They weren't going to be light, were they? Together, they attempt to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae, www.cinestarcinemas.com Kites Jai (Hrithik Roshan), the film's central character, is a wanted man for reasons that are not entirely clear. As the prospect of death stalks his every move, the only thing keeping him alive is the quest to reconnect with Natasha, the love of his life, who (wouldn't you know it) is betrothed to another man. Hindi with English subtitles. www.grandcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae, www.cinestarcinemas.com Triage Mark (Colin Farrell) and David (Jamie Sives) are war photographers capturing images in battle-scarred Kurdistan. Mark wants to keep searching for the perfect photo, but David decides to return to his pregnant wife Diane (Kelly Reilly) and now she wants to know why her husband has flown home without Mark. Do you think there's more to this than meets the eye? www.cinestarcinemas.com Robin Hood For those unfamiliar with his work, Hood (Russell Crowe) and his band of marauders (some might say merry men) confront corruption and generally bash the upper classes to correct the injustices of 13th-century England. He's like a Medieval RoboCop, only he wears baggier clothes and is quite handy with a bow and arrow. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae, www.cinestarcinemas.com Adrynaline The office of Mahmoud Abu al Lail attempts to unravel a mysterious murder in this Arabic thriller. www.grandcinemas.com