What to do this weekend in the UAE

Miss India Worldwide Pageant at various venues

May 12 and 13

Hold your breaths gentlemen, as bevy of Indian beauties are cruising into town to set many a hearts flutter and win the coveted Miss India Worldwide crown in the process.

After three years being hosted in South Africa, this time Miss India Worldwide will be held in the Middle East for the first time, with the Talent Night being celebrated on Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai.

This will be followed by a meet and greet at Lamcy Plaza on Friday at 7pm, with the opportunity of taking photos, alongside the contestants, and sign autographs.

“Lamcy Plaza is synonymous with enhancing the overall shopping experience with opportunities that one can’t enjoy anywhere else, and this one is no exception.  Shoppers will get this exclusive chance to meet with these style icons before they head off to AbuDhabi for the grand finale of the pageant,” said Tim Jones, COO, Lamcy Plaza.

Finally, the mega final will be held on Saturday, at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi. The guest of honour at the event is expected to be none other than former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress, Sushmita Sen.

While the Emirates Palace hotel final is meant to be an invite-only event, you can catch the 32 finalists at Crowne Plaza on Thursday, with tickets ranging between Dh100 and Dh350.

The event is organised by Emirates Vision Events and Plan B Advertising. Call: 04 345 0067

The Laughter Factory

May 12 at Grand Millennium, Dubai

It’s time to get that funny bone tickled once again as the line-up for this month includes the fabulous trio, Ian Coppinger, Mark Maier and Chris McCausland.

Coppinger is a well-known name in Ireland, having performed to packed houses, including annual appearances at the Kilkenny Cat Laughs comedy festival, the Edinburgh Festival, the Adelaide Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Having toured in Ireland, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, Ian is now not only a favourite at the comedy stores, but also a regular on the world comedy circuit.

Talented writer and stand-up, Maier, is a highly sought after comedy performer, on both the national and international comedy circuits. He has toured Germany, Holland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Bahamas, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand - and has also appeared at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and Caroline’s in New York.

Amongst his many credits, Mark has taught improvisational comedy in London and founded the group ‘MadLib’ which performed at the 1994 Edinburgh Festival. He now appears regularly as a guest with the acclaimed 'Comedy Store Players'.

Held in high esteem by the UK press and recognisable from Paramount‘s most recent series of The Comedy Store, award-winning comedian McCausland performs globally quite regularly.

A force to be reckoned with McCausland achieved, within his first year of stand-up, a top three placing in pretty much every UK national competition, including securing the title of Jongleurs Best Newcomer.

Organised by Factory Productions, the show starts at 9pm, with tickets costing Dh130. Call: 04 355 1862

PANKAJ UDHAS

May 13 at Westin Resort Mina Seyahi

The legendary Indian ghazal singer, Pankaj Udhas, returns to Dubai for, what promises to be, a night of soulful music that will surely mesmerise fans.

Over the last three decades, Udhas has captured fans with hits such as “Chitti Aayi Hai” from the film “Naam”, which shot him to fame back in 1986 and there has been no looking back for him since.

Since, he has popularised the ghazal genre with classics such as “Chandi Jaisa Rang”, “Aur Ahista”, and “Phir Haat Mein Sharaab Hai”, to name but few.

If you are a music connoisseur, this is one night not to miss. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets priced between Dh275 and Dh1,000.

Swayamvar 2010

May 14 at DUCTAC, Mall of The Emirates

Ego clashes often results in failed marriages nowadays. Here is a story of five individuals trying to find a way through the maze of human relations. This Hindi play, which has garnered rave reviews across India, is being presented by Bangalore’s famous drama group, Kalayan.

The show is being held at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates on Saturday, with a 5pm and a 7.30pm show. Tickets cost Dh100. Call: 050 455 7250

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