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29 March 2024

UAE Diary: What to do this weekend?

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

After last weekend’s lull in events, organisers have returned to the table with bang, setting up a volley of star-studded entertainment attractions that will leave residents spoilt for choice and wishing for a few additional hours in a day to cram it all in.
 
Bookworms across the country will unite in the capital as the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi Book Fair beckons.
 
Meanwhile, party revellers can choose between the versatile Estelle’s soulful voice and The Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo, as both take to the stage on Friday to what we can assure will be packed houses.
 
But what we are really cheering for is the 20-year celebrations of the beloved Feroz Khan directed play, “Tumhari Amrita”, which sees the return of Shabana Azmi and Faroque Shaikh on stage.
 
Read on for all the details.
 
Thursday
 
Abu Dhabi Book Fair

 
The six-day Abu Dhabi Book Fair opened yesterday to an excited crowd, who are still enjoying the after effects of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature earlier this month.
 
On the agenda at ADBF are author meets and book signings, cooking demonstrations, children’s workshops and much more at the fair’s 22nd edition.
 
ADBF, which is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), will run until April 2, and has been organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and is being held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
 
Over 500,000 titles will delight bookworms in 33 languages, which are being offered at the fair by 904 participants from 54 countries.
 
Famous authors appearing include Robert Irwin, the Dubai-based Ariana Bundy, Ebrahim Nasrallah, Taghreed Najjar, along with authors of the graphic novel, “Zahra’s Paradise”, Khalil and Amir.
 
ADBF is also simultaneously conducting a charity book driver for the underprivileged and members of the public are encouraged to donate books and support the campaign by bringing their books to the book fair and drop them in the Book Drive Drop Box.
 
The six-day ADIBF will operate daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except for Friday when it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.
 
Max Amini Live in Dubai
 
Close on the heels of Indo-Canadian powerhouse Russell Peters, it is time to tip your hats for the ever-popular American-Iranian comedian, Max Amini.
 
Amini kicked off his stand-up comedy career in 2002 at the Los Angeles Improv. According to his bio, the show was his final class in a comedy workshop, and despite being the self-described “worst kid in class” by the end of his performance the audience was in awe.
 
Since then, Amini has been playing to packed houses in LA and globally for the past nine years, expressing his views on family and cultural topics through his spectacular theatrics and energetic humour.
 
For those who aren’t familiar with his biting humour may have seen his acting abilities at work including NBC’s “Heroes”, and regular appearances on Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia”.
 
Organised by M4 Events, catch him on Thursday or Friday at the First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Doors open 8.45pm, show starts 9pm, with tickets priced at Dh220 and Dh400. Call: 04 354 4944
 
Friday
 
Black Eyed Peas member Taboo

 
On March 30, Dubai’s partygoers will be in for a special treat as Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas performs at the Cavalli Club, Restaurant and Lounge.
 
The artist from multiple award winning, platinum album selling band will sing a selection of Black Eyed Peas tracks, before hitting the decks.
 
His DJ set will see him play commercial, dance and house tracks, including a selection of his bands best known tracks.
 
Guests should expect a high-energy night from the singer come showman, whose previous performances have often featured the musician break dancing.
 
Doors 8pm, with tickets priced at Dh250. Call Cavalli Club on 04 332 9260
 
Tumhari Amrita
 
For those who have never experienced the poignant of love will never see a more finer theatrical performance than the Feroz Abbas Khan-directed “Tumhari Amrita”, which sees lead case Shabana Azmi and Faroque Shaikh return to essay their roles in the show’s 20th year.
 
An Indian adaptation of AR Gurney’s “Love Letters”, and the Hindi/Urdu version was created in 1992 by playwright Javed Siddiqui, which narrates the saga of unrequited love in a series of love letters between Amrita Nigam and Zulfikar Haider, exchanged over 35 years.
 
The play will be staged on Friday and Saturday at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC), Mall of the Emirates at 9pm.
 
Tickets are priced at Dh100, Dh250 and Dh500. The Dh150 tickets are already sold out on both days.
 
Organised by Renu Singh, for more information call: 04 390 2500
 
Lounge Acoustica – The Bean Bag Sessions
 
The biggest outdoor acoustic music festival comes to the Wafi Rooftop Gardens this Friday, where a host of cross genre musicians and bands will take to the stage to show off their talent, while special initiatives like the art corner, the photography corner, flea market and more will entice others.
 
Organised by Rock Nation, the event runs from 3pm until 11pm, with tickets priced at Dh80. Call: 050 113 9873
 
XL Beach Club 1st Birthday with Estelle
 
Multi-Grammy Award soul/R&B singer Estelle’s will bring the beat to the beach this Friday, as she showcases her versatile voice, which makes her one of the most vibrant artists in the business.
The event will be held at the XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai from 12pm.
 
Organised by Accenture Entertainment, tickets are priced at Dh250. Call: 04 454 2927
 
Saturday
 
World Arab Boxing Championship Dubai 2012

 
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Federation of Arab Boxing will be hosting The World Arab Boxing Championship, with the support of Dubai Sports Council,
 
Heavyweight champion, Daniel ‘Danny’ Williams, better known also as The Brixton Bomber, will be one of the star attractions at the event.
 
And while the action stays in the ring, there also be entertainment outside it as Lebanon’s Miriam Fares, along with Mansour (Iran) and Ibrahim Alahmmadi (UAE) perform on day one at this two-day event.
 
The second day will see the Free Style Philippines Band and Pakistan’s multi-talented Atif Aslam take to the stage at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.
 
Organised by Golden Star Event tickets are priced at Dh200, Dh300 and Dh500. The event kicks off on both days from 6.30pm. Call: 050 717 5684