Things to do in the UAE this week, from a writers' workshop to a K-Pop dance class

There's also an exhibition with more 100 artists participating and a new show coming to the theatre of digital arts

OliOli has unveiled five new interactive installations. Photo: Supplied

Whether you're feeling creative, playful, or studious, there's something happening around the UAE this week to get your teeth stuck into.

Those whose artistic side is calling can enrol for an acrylic painting session at The Bridge in Al Qana or sign up for a writers' workshop with a peer reviewer at Warehouse421. If it's little ones in need of entertainment, OliOli's is well worth a visit to explore its new installations, while older children can head to a one-day K-pop dance class hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre.

Here are seven things to do around the Emirates, from August 5 to 11.

Monday, August 5

Children’s play museum OliOli has unveiled five new interactive installations. There's punch-a-nator (boxing to the beat of music), shake-o-matic (dancing), hang-o-rama (hanging from monkey bars), bolt-a-tron (sprinting the fastest) and pull-a-nator (activating muscles to get the heart pumping).

The learning centre has interactive exhibitions, climbing nets, water cannons, and a cafe. The museum was designed for children ages 1 to 11, although some galleries are enjoyed by older children as well.

Tickets start at Dh139 for one child and one adult; 10am to 7pm, Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm, Thursday, 10am to 9pm, Friday to Sunday; Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 702 7300

Tuesday, August 6

Alice in Wonderland 360° is at the Theatre of Digital Art until the end of August. Photo: Toda

Alice in Wonderland 360º has come to the Theatre of Digital Art. Based on the classic novel by Lewis Carroll, jump down the rabbit hole with Alice as she goes on an adventure through Wonderland where she meets interesting characters and solves mind-bending puzzles.

Until August 31; Dh70 for children, Dh148 for adults; 10am to 11pm daily; Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai; 04 277 4044

Wednesday, August 7

The artworks of more than 100 artists are on show at the 14th Made in Tashkeel exhibition at FN Designs. Walls are decked floor-to-ceiling with paintings and photographs, risoprints and AI-generated images. There are also installations sprawled across the floor with smaller sculptures curated on top of the centre tables. The exhibition also has a dedicated wall to art that explores Palestinian identity.

Until August 27; free; 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; FN Designs, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai; 04 379 0490

Thursday, August 8

Warehouse421 is hosting a writing event called Pencil In: A Writers’ Group. The session includes peer reviews and conversations mentored by an artist or writer from the community. This one will be with Dalia Mustafa, a Sudanese-American writer currently attending NYU Abu Dhabi who specialises in poetry, personal essays and short stories. Each workshop comes with a free cup of coffee from Auro cafe for participating writers. The event is open to those age 18 and older.

August 8; free; 6pm to 8pm; Warehouse421, Zayed Port, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi; 02 676 8803

Friday, August 9

The Bridge is located in Al Qana. Vidhyaa Chandramohan for The National

The Bridge will be hosting a two-hour acrylic painting session with art teacher Olena Tarasenko. Benefits of the art workshop include reduced stress and anxiety, better mood and improved emotional well-being. The class will take place at Taste restaurant on the ground floor. Prior reservation is required.

August 9; Dh295 per person; 4pm to 6pm; The Bridge, Rabdan Al Maqta’a, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi; 02 616 4555

Saturday, August 10

Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain has more than 1,300 dogs in its care. The dog rescue group holds weekly adoption days at The Petshop in Dubai Investment Park every Saturday. Interested families can meet the dogs and learn more about the animal shelter.

11am to 1pm; The Petshop, Dubai Investment Park; 050 458 5002

Sunday, August 11

A one-day K-pop class from the Korean Cultural Centre will take place at Dee Studio. The mixed class is for those aged 14 and older. Participants can learn popular dance routines from K-pop idols such as Riize, Kiss of Life, Aespa, (G)-IDLE, Babymonster and more. The class is taught by an instructor from South Korea. Due to limited space, prior registration is required.

August 11; free; noon to 1.30pm; Dee Studio, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi; 056 868 5847