Swinging into town

M magazine takes a look at what's on in the UAE this month.

Lauren Lancaster / The National

Monthly Datebook January 21-24: The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Some of the world's top golfers, including England's Paul Casey and and Spain's Sergio Garcia, will fight it out on the fairways and greens in front of expected record crowds for prize money of US$2.2 million (Dh8 million). It is the strongest field so far in the tournament's five-year history with many of the world's top 20-ranked golfers teeing off. There will be plenty of action off the course as well, with events along the Corniche where the F1 fanzone was located. At the Standard Chartered Golf Zone, free 10-minute golf lessons will be offered for a week from January 12, before the golf zone moves to the Spectator Village overlooking the fairway. Tickets, Dh125; Dh400 for a four-day pass. Call 04 210 8567 or see www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com, www.itptickets.com, www.timeouttickets.com (call 800 4669). Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl (off the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road).

JANUARY 14 & 15: Abu Dhabi Classics London's Philharmonia orchestra returns to the capital for a weekend of performances. Thursday night is Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Mozart's Piano Concerto No.9, and on Friday the orchestra will be joined by the voices of Abu Dhabi children to perform a selection of pieces from classic Disney films. A giant screen behind the orchestra will also show a selection of Disney animations, narrated by Paul Rissmann. Emirates Palace auditorium. Call 800 4669 for ticket prices and availability.

JANUARY 14: JON LOVITZ For one night only, the American comedy legend and former Saturday Night Live star, brings his stage act to Dubai. Doors open at 7.30pm; the show starts at 9pm. Dh250, Madinat Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Road, 04 366 6546 JANUARY 21 to 23: Merchants of Bollywood Featuring 40 dancers, 1,500 dazzling costumes and typically high-octane energy, this acclaimed Bollywood musical charts the history of the world's largest and most prolific film industry and has been a hit all over the world. Tickets from Dh150. 8pm, Palladium, Dubai, 04 391 4994

JANUARY 22: The Dubai marathon Running legend Haile Gebrselassie returns to the UAE to defend his title, targeting a new world record and a million-dollar prize. The event starts and finishes at the Westin hotel. For route details see www.dubaimarathon.org JANUARY 23: Anne-Sophie Mutter The celebrated German violinist presents The Magic Of The Violin and is joined by cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and pianist Lambert Orkis to perform works by Mozart and Mendelssohn. Tickets from Dh250. 8pm, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 800 4669

JANUARY 25: The Emirates Ensemble Featuring the UAE's leading classical musicians, this recital will focus on selections of string works by Mozart, Bach and Dvorak. Doors at 7.30pm. Dh50. Call 04 347 7793 or e-mail [e-mail]. The Fridge, Al Quoz 4, street 26, Dubai, 04 347 7793 JANUARY 25: Joaquin Cortés The world's most famous flamenco dancer, known for his intense, high-energy routines, performs his acclaimed Live! show, a fusion of jazz, Cuban and Spanish dance styles performed with a live orchestra. Part of Adach's World Stage season. 8pm, Emirates Palace. Call 800 4669 for ticket prices and availability.

JANUARY 28: Dubai Shopping Festival A month of sales, bargains and special events begins at shops and malls across Dubai. Runs until February 28. Call 600 54 5555 or see www.mydsf.com for details.

iFitness This great iPhone/iPod Touch app - an illustrated step-by-step workout guide - is like having your own cheap and unintimidating personal trainer. It features about 100 exercises for all core muscle groups, using free weights, machines, exercise balls or no equipment at all, plus suggested routines to keep things varied and optimise your gym time. Tap on the exercise or routine you want (choose according to muscle group or machine) and get clearly worded instructions, with videos or photos on individual exercises or routines for beginners, weight loss, strength-building and more. The app is regularly updated with more exercises and features, including one that allows you to customise your routines, track your body weight or progress, and though the model in all the photos is a man, all exercises are suitable for women. US$1.99 (Dh7), iTunes

Where to find the items featured in M this week. M IS ALL ABOUT Aldo: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 4426; Dubai Mall, 04 339 8441 Valleydez: Wafi Mall, 04 324 2883 Zara Home: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 5560; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9105 and elsewhere PUNK ROCKS Alexander McQueen: Dubai Mall, 04 339 8760 Alexander Wang: Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 409 8888 Amato Couture: Al Hana Centre, Dubai, 04 398 8586 Balu Joias: LuxeCouture, Souk Madinat, Dubai, 04 423 0633 Chanel: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 1030; Dubai Mall, 04 382 7100 and elsewhere Dior Homme: Dubai Mall, 04 330 8739 Gucci: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 6844; Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 0669 and elsewhere Helmut Lang: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 Giuseppe Zanotti: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 Julien MacDonald: Check www.julienmacdonald for availability Nanni: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 LnA: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 Sartori Sartori: Check www.sartorisartori.com for availability Stella McCartney: Dubai Mall, 04 339 9179 Tach: Check www.tachltd.com for availability Topman: Deira City Centre, Dubai, 04 295 1804; Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, 04 368 5948 Topshop: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 8242; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9802 and elsewhere Versace: Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, 02 690 8911; Dubai Mall, 04 339 8285 and elsewhere Vanessa Bruno: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 Vita: Harvey Nichols, 04 409 8888 TREND ALERT Boom and Mellow: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 3993 Louis Vuitton: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 2166; Dubai Mall, 04 341 4462; Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4462