Muscat
Some of the most famous names in opera and ballet have performed within this beautiful building since its inauguration in 2011, and the quality of the…
Must-see entertainment in Arabian Peninsula
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Downtown Dubai
Treating cine buffs to smart indie flicks from around the world on a pop-up basis since 2014, this dynamic platform has now taken up permanent residence…
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Downtown Dubai
Shaped like a traditional dhow – the sailing vessels that still ply the Gulf – Dubai Opera is the city's newest high-calibre performing-arts venue…
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Riyadh
A popular weekend destination, the King Abdulaziz Racetrack exemplifies the Kingdom’s rich equestrian heritage. The 5000-seat grandstand flanks the finish…
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Downtown Dubai
Reel is one of the top flick-magnets in town, screening mostly Hollywood blockbusters. It has 22 screens, including one featuring a state-of-the-art Dolby…
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Downtown Dubai
A custom-designed theatre with a 270-degree angle makes for perfect sight lines even in the cheaper seats of this magical show centred on an aquatic stage…
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Downtown Dubai
Dubai racing’s home is the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, about 5km southeast of downtown Dubai. Spanning 1.5km, its grandstand is bigger than most…
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Qatar
The atmosphere is electric when the ‘sport of sheikhs’ – now involving remote-controlled robot jockeys – is being played at Qatar's premier camel race…
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Manama
The country's national theatre sits in a stunning location, surrounded by the azure waters of Manama's northeastern bay, and offers an impressive calendar…
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Kuwait
For a thrilling taste of Kuwaiti sporting life, come to this race track in a 4WD on a Saturday and you can drive alongside camels (with electric jockeys)…
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Downtown Dubai
This 70-seat community theatre (plus bean bags on busy nights) puts on a busy schedule of improv, stand-up comedy, kids theatre and live broadcasts from…
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Abu Dhabi
Sporting colourful nosebags and matching blankets, camels are the stars of the show at the Al Wathba Race Track, 45km southeast of Abu Dhabi. Races are…
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Doha
This grand arabesque/Greek outdoor theatre at the heart of the Katara Cultural Village is a sight to behold. It has around 30 rows of deep steps and seats…
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Downtown Dubai
This community art space exhibits contemporary art by emerging local and international talent as well as being a DIY painting studio. If you're feeling…
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Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre
Kuwait City
This enormous 214,000-sq-m modern building cost KD235 million (US$773 million) to build and is the largest cultural centre in the Middle East. It contains…
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Dubai
This multiplex boasts 24 screens, including a 4D cinema with motion chairs, and wind, light and water effects; the region's first IMAX laser cinema; a…
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Downtown Dubai
Cool cats of all ages gather in this relaxed joint for some of the finest live jazz and blues in town, along with a full, reasonably priced bar line-up…
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Abu Dhabi
This old-timer doesn't need chi-chi designer interiors or a fancy-pants cocktail list put together by a world-famous mixologist to pull punters in. Heroes…
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Downtown Dubai
Since 2015 this pint-sized indie performing-arts space has hosted some of Dubai's most exciting cultural programming, from plays to concerts and comedy to…
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Downtown Dubai
Part of the Alserkal Avenue cultural campus, this talent-management agency runs a much beloved concert series (usually on Fridays) that shines the…
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Kuwait City
Popular movie theatre showing Western and Arabic films. There's a VIP option, with big comfy chairs, waiter service, and a small popcorn and soft drink…
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Doha
Holding screenings of local, independent and culturally relevant movies, many of which are by filmmakers from the Arab world, this independent, not-for…
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Abu Dhabi
This multi-venue arts centre, inside the New York University's Abu Dhabi campus, hosts a regular, eclectic program of dance performances, music concerts,…
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Bur Dubai
Every Sunday night during the cooler months, clued-in cinephiles invade the rooftop of the Pyramids Building, next to the Wafi Mall, to drop into a giant…
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Abu Dhabi
This popular Irish pub, with a poolside outdoor area, is a good spot for those seeking out live music, with bands playing every Wednesday, Thursday and…
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Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Watch your favourite movie kicking back in plush seating and with the latest hi-tech surround sound. International alternative films are also screened…
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Dubai
If you want to experience a deeply rooted Emirati tradition, head to a camel race. The closest track to Dubai is Al Marmoum, about 40km south en route to…
Dubai
The program at this handsome 442-seat theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is largely calibrated to the cultural cravings of British expats. Expect plenty of…
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Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
It's not a theatre, not a club, not a bar and not a restaurant – the lavishly designed MusicHall is all those things. The concept hails from Beirut, where…
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Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
It's really a pizza joint tucked amid residential high-rises, but this pretence-free place gets hopping just about nightly with open-mic jam sessions,…
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Doha
Tex-Mex food, margaritas galore and a resident band, plus tribute acts (think Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, ABBA and Queen). There's a happy hour between 5pm…
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Doha
The grand interior with red chairs, ornate balconies and a striking ceiling design has space for 550 guests, who come to enjoy philharmonic orchestras and…
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Oman
The Bedouin specialise in raising camels for racing and regular camel races take place throughout the region from mid-October to mid-April. Finding…
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Doha
Races with thoroughbred Arabian horses take place here between October and March; the public is welcome to attend at no cost. The race calendar is…
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Doha
The Doha Players have been staging amateur productions around town for the last 50 years, an emphasis on Shakespeare, at venues such as Katara…
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Muscat
One of several modern cinemas in town, this complex shows the latest Hollywood releases and offers a night out, followed by a scoop from Ice Cream Mama…
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United Arab Emirates
The camel races are the place to head to if you want to immerse yourself in local culture. Madinat Zayed's camel race track is just south of town and…
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Abu Dhabi
This 20,000-seater stadium is where all international cricket matches take place. If you're a cricket fan and there's a match on while you're in town,…
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Dubai
This family-geared cinema, with beanbags and kid-friendly snacks, is located at the new Springs Souk shopping mall, a 15-minute taxi ride from the Nakheel…
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Doha
This 490-seat venue infrequently hosts plays, concerts and film screenings. Check local listings for upcoming shows and booking details.
