The UAE live events scene is all set to bounce back after a brief pause for Ramadan.
From gala performances by Arab stars and concerts by modern and retro pop acts, to a staging of a classic musical, here are some of the biggest events taking place between now and June.
1. Haifa Wehbe & Nassif Zeytoun: April 22 at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Two generations of Arab pop talent will team up for a concert taking place during the Eid Al Fitr holiday. Veteran Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe will headline a gala evening, complete with a banquet. Warming up the stage will be Syrian crooner Nassif Zeytoun.
Doors open 8.30pm; from Dh630; dubai.platinumlist.net
2. Eida Al Menhali: April 23 at Dubai Festival City Mall
Known for the hit Motasoa, Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali is a dynamic performer with sets blending Khaleeji pop with spoken word poetry.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh299; dubai.platinumlist.net
3. West Side Story: April 25-30 at Dubai Opera
Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the timeless plot of West Side Story charts the trials of two young lovers embroiled in rival New York gangs.
The original 1957 production marked the Broadway debut of legendary lyricist Stephen Sondheim — a record-breaking Tony Awards winner — while composer Leonard Bernstein’s score includes many familiar melodies, including Something’s Coming, Maria and I Feel Pretty.
Showtime is 8pm each night and an added 2pm matinée session on April 29 and 30; from Dh250; dubaiopera.com
4. Bred Abu Dhabi: April 26-30 at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
An urban music and fashion festival, Bred Abu Dhabi will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of hip-hops.
Expect nightly outdoor concerts by a range of artists, including Big Sean, 2Chainz, Dave East and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Syrian singer and cult figure Omar Souleyman will also be on hand for a special opening night performance.
Doors open 8pm, from Dh195; ticketmaster.ae
5. Texas: April 29 at The Irish Village, Dubai
Scottish rock band Texas return to the UAE to play their much-loved hits, as well tracks from their new album, Hi. Expect to hear old favourites such as I Don't Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Let's Work It Out.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh199; dubai.platinumlist.net
6. Sherine Abdel Wahab: April 28 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
After wowing Abu Dhabi fans with an Eid Al Fitr concert last year, Egyptian pop-star Sherine Abdel Wahab is bringing her hefty catalogue of hits to Dubai. Expect enthusiastic singalongs when Abdel Wahab performs signature tracks Mabtefrahsh and Keteer Ben'sha.
Doors open 8pm; from Dh195; coca-cola-arena.com
7. Omer Elamin: April 29 at Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Dividing his time between Dubai and the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Omer Elamin has built a steady body of work centred around soulful Sudanese folk songs. Anchored by his smooth crooning, his show promises to be as entertaining as it is a revelatory introduction to a proud Arabic music genre.
Showtime 8pm; from Dh100; culturalfoundation.ae
8. Asake: April 29 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
With Afrobeats fast becoming a commercial juggernaut, one of the genre's most exciting artists is making his Middle East concert debut in Dubai. Known for club hits Mr Money and Don't Hype Me, expect a large crowd when Nigerian singer Asake takes the stage.
Doors open 8pm; from Dh195; coca-cola-arena.com
9. Back to the 90s: May 5 at The Agenda, Dubai
Roll back the years with this 1990s pop festival. Some of the era's biggest selling artists will take the stage to separately perform their hits, such as Dr Alban (It's My Life), Culture Beat (Mr Vain), Rednex (Cotton Eye Joe) and former Ace of Base singer Jenny Berggren.
Doors open 8pm; from Dh195; dubai.platinumlist.net
10. UK Pink Floyd Experience: May 6 at Dubai Opera
More than simply a Pink Floyd tribute band, the group deliver a high-tech performance that has been packing in fans across the UK and Europe.
Expect to hear faithful interpretations of key Pink Floyd cuts, such as Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Another Brick in the Wall (Part Two), accompanied by a cutting-edge audio visual show.
Showtime is 8pm; from Dh195; dubaiopera.com
11. Jimmy Carr: May 16 at Dubai Opera
Jimmy Carr returns to the UAE six months after his well-received show in Abu Dhabi.
This time he will headline the Dubai Comedy Festival, taking to the stage with a new show called Terrible Things. Known for his deadpan delivery and near-the-knuckle one-liners, the British comedian is the presenter of hit UK television shows I Literally Just Told You, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Showtime is 7pm; from Dh200; dubaiopera.com
12. Bjorn Again: May 26 at Dubai Opera
Break out the flare trousers and sequin disco outfits, as wildly popular tribute band Bjorn Again returns to the UAE. The Australian group have been paying homage to the long defunct Swedish pop group Abba for the best part of three decades, with an entertaining mix of humour and pin-point harmonies.
Showtime is 8pm; from Dh150; dubaiopera.com
13. Guns N' Roses: June 1 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The US rock titans will begin the next phase of their world tour in Abu Dhabi, returning to the UAE capital four and a half years after their race day concert at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With no new album to promote, expect a set stacked with hits such as rock staples Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City and You Could Be Mine.
Doors open 6pm; from Dh325; etihadarena.ae
Company profile
Name: GiftBag.ae
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 4
Sector: E-commerce
Funding: Self-funded to date
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)
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Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
More from UAE Human Development Report:
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The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat
UAE FIXTURES
Friday February 18: v Ireland
Saturday February 19: v Germany
Monday February 21: v Philippines
Tuesday February 22: semi-finals
Thursday February 24: final
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The squad traveling to Brazil:
Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.
Under-21 European Championship Final
Germany 1 Spain 0
Weiser (40')
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Fanney Khan
Producer: T-Series, Anil Kapoor Productions, ROMP, Prerna Arora
Director: Atul Manjrekar
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand
Rating: 2/5
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
$1,000 award for 1,000 days on madrasa portal
Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.
School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.
“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.
“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”
Australia squads
ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
Fitness problems in men's tennis
Andy Murray - hip
Novak Djokovic - elbow
Roger Federer - back
Stan Wawrinka - knee
Kei Nishikori - wrist
Marin Cilic - adductor
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SNAPSHOT
While Huawei did launch the first smartphone with a 50MP image sensor in its P40 series in 2020, Oppo in 2014 introduced the Find 7, which was capable of taking 50MP images: this was done using a combination of a 13MP sensor and software that resulted in shots seemingly taken from a 50MP camera.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
The lowdown
Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
Rating: 3/5
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How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa
The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
