A cultural delight is the only way to describe this weekend, with stage performances galore by local and international talents.

While Arab fans will delight to indulge in the diva, Nancy Ajram’s live performance, those who enjoy theatre are in for a treat with the final shows of the beloved classic, “The Sound of Music”.

But we are really rooting for the opera that is coming into town, with Verdi’s “La Traviata”, followed by a ballet performance the next day, with ticket proceeds held victims of child abuse.

Here’s the insider scoop:

Thursday

Nancy Ajram Live Musical Concert

Look who’s back. Again. Yes indeed, it’s the honorary Dubai resident and the Nightingale of the Arab World, Nancy Ajram, who once again returns to the stage in the emirate to entice fans with her mesmerising voice and her sex appeal.

Organised by Cyclops Communications, the concert is being held at   Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai with doors opening at 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm, and the show starting around 9.30pm.

Tickets are priced at Dh220, Dh640, Dh850, and Dh1,400. Call: 04 446 4801

The Sound of Music

From the producers behind the shows “Blood Brothers”, “Annie”, “High School Musical”, and “Fame”, comes the world’s most-loved musical.

Yes indeed, it’s the famous Von Trapp family and Sister Maria from “The Sound of Music” and it’s staged in Dubai just until this Friday.

Featuring a cast from London’s West End, Broadway and the UAE, this is the perfect feel-good family musical.

Evening shows start at 7:30pm, with an additional matinee performances at 2:30pm on Friday.

Tickets are priced at Dh170. Seats are allocated at the time of ticketing, so the earlier you buy your tickets the better you seats are likely to be. But hurry, because the final performances are almost sold out at the First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah. Call: 04 444 3459

Friday

La Traviata Opera

The opera is back in town and those of you who are starved for a cultural outing should not miss this unique opportunity, with this concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s legendary “La Traviata”.

Brought to life by some of the most gifted vocalists and musicians from Italy, America and Moldova, this memorable concert will feature three vocal artists singing the roles of the leads, accompanied by world class musicians.

“La Traviata” (The Fallen Woman) will feature international tenor Marc Heller, who has performed with Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko and Roberto Alagna; Dubai-based Italian soprano Monica De Rosa McKay, who studied with the Maestro Luciano Pavarotti; and talented Italian baritone Daniel Giulianini, a rising star in the world of international opera who made his debut in 2009 at the Capri Opera Festival in the title role in Mozart’s famous opera, “The Marriage of Figaro” at the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, Italy.

Being held at the Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates from 8pm, tickets cost Dh130 and Dh200.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket Match ODI

Catch the Asian cricketing giants, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as they come head to head at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City this Friday.

We expect packed houses here considering how serious fans take their cricket.

Gates open 12pm, while match starts 3pm. Tickets are priced at Dh50, Dh60, Dh100, Dh150, Dh250 and Dh1,550. Call: 04 425 1111

Saturday

Ballet for Childhood Charity Gala

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children is presenting the Fantasia Ballet with the UAE’s first ballerina, choreographed by Ballet Master, Svetlana Al Neyadi.

Fantasia Ballet members will perform different ballet styles including classical, character, modern, jazz and folk.

All proceeds of the event will go to victims of child abuse residing at the foundation’s shelter.

Don’t miss this opportunity, which is being held at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates.

Show runs from 6pm until 8pm, with tickets priced at Dh150, Dh195 and Dh275.