Our picks of Dubai’s best cultural offerings this month.
6 January: Laugh Aloud
Following the success of his sold-out gig at Dubai Opera in September 2021, British stand-up comedian and TV star Russell Kane is set to return – this time performing on board the QE2. As for what audiences can expect? Gags, anecdotes, and plenty of comedic observations about Brits abroad. Learn more here.
8 January: Reap the Rewards
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 will be the Year of the Rabbit, one in which past sacrifices will be rewarded generously. Celebrate your upcoming stroke of good luck at Dubai Opera, where traditional elements, national characteristics, and regional culture will be highlighted at the Chinese New Year gala. Learn more here.
12 January: Embrace the Chaos
Dive headfirst into a colourful ecosystem in which insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love thanks to the non-stop riot of energy and movement that is OVO. A total of 11 spectacular showings across seven days of this exciting Cirque du Soleil experience await at Coca-Cola Arena. Learn more here.
13 January: Get Connected
Homegrown mentalist couple James Harrington and Marina Liani will debut their brand new Mind2Mind show at Theatre by QE2. This Las Vegas-style mentalism theatre show, Connected, will feature their captivating form of mind-reading, enabling audiences to learn about ‘connection’ and uncover their own mental abilities over a span of 60 minutes. Learn more here.
14 January: Follow the Light
Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of unique, one-of-a-kind concerts played by flickering candlelight to locations worldwide – which now includes Dubai. The upcoming 65-minute performance will pay tribute to the work of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi at L’Alliance Française. Learn more here.
21 January: Tap Your Toes
Theatre of Digital Art is an immersive art space that continues to diversify, hosting everything from perfume-making workshops to breathwork meditation sessions. We’re marking our calendars for What A Wonderful World, an evening of jazz starring Sher Oston and his orchestra of 22 world-class musicians who take jazz, opera and pop classics to the next level. Learn more here.
27 January: Crash the Party
Expand your culinary horizons at the Taste of Owambe supper club hosted by Man like Mus. Inspired by Nigerian “Owambe” parties, this intimate dining experience introduces attendees to classic festive dishes (think: jollof rice with lamb chops, peppered beef and grilled plantain, and more) and illustrates why the food is the best part of every Owambe party. Learn more here.
28 January: Listen Up
The popular Quoz Arts Fest returns to Alserkal Avenue for two days of art, culture, markets, food trucks, workshops, and plenty of surprises. The upcoming tenth edition is themed Shift Away, headlined by Syrian rapper Bu Kolthoum and Palestinian artist Saint Levant, both of whom will make their UAE debut. Learn more here.
29 January: Join the Journey
Today’s your last chance to intensify the score at Sky Castle, which responds to crowd flow and fluctuations. Located in d3, this interactive installation features a cluster of inflatable arches that span in a colourful symphony across public space. The movement of visitors powers and progresses the soundscape, stimulating colour changes to evoke the joy that sunshine brings after every storm. Learn more here.
