Comic Con returns, a legendary ballet, a must-see art exhibition and Backstreet’s back, alright!

The new month is here, and that means there’s heaps of new stuff to look forward to. As well as concerts by stars from Biffy Clyro to Backstreet Boys and a K-Pop takeover at Autism Rocks, Comic Con makes its return, and there’s a must-see classical ballet at Dubai Opera.

Here are 10 things to look forward to this April. 

April 5 to 7: Get your geek on

Described as the largest pop culture festival in the Middle East, from April 5 to 7, the Dubai World Trade Centre will be packed with some of the world’s biggest names in film, TV, sci-fi, anime, manga, comics and more as Comic Con returns.

Comic Con, Dubai World Trade Centre, Thurs April 5 to Sat April 7, from Dhs110. mefcc.com

April 6: Head to a huge K-Pop concert

This April, Dubai is playing host to a massive K-Pop concert called SMTOWN LIVE. There will be a whopping 35 artists in total performing, including some of Korea’s biggest stars – such as EXO, BoA, Kangta, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, Red Velvet, TRAX, and Henry.

Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai Outlet Mall, from 4pm, Friday April 6, from Dhs375. Tel: (04) 423 7980. 117live.com

April 7: Party poolside with a famed Marbella brand

For a one-off event, Ocean Club will take over the recently opened luxury beach destination, Drift, promising to bring it’s signature party vibe to the shores of Dubai Marina. Guests can expect Ocean Club’s team of international DJ’s taking to deck duty, an international live saxophonist, as well as a singer playing poolside. The venue’s dance troupe will also be flying in to entertain guests as the party goes from day to night.

DRIFT, One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, 10.30am to 8pm, Saturday April 7, from Dhs300. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com

April 11 and 12: Experience a tasting menu by two award winning chefs

Chef de Cuisine at Ossiano, Grégoire Berger, will join forces with two time Michelin-starred chef, Ronan Kervarrec, for a bespoke dinner on April 11 and 12. Taking place at underwater restaurant Ossiano at Atlantis, the Palm from 7pm until 10.30pm, the nine-course menu will feature dishes inspired by both of the chef’s hometown of Brittany, France, and will be priced at Dhs995 per person.

Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm, 7pm to 10.30pm, Weds April 11, Thurs April 12, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 426 1000. atlantisthepalm.com

April date TBC: Dine (and drink) in at a licensed cinema

We first brought you news of the opening of Dubai’s first licensed cinema back in February, and now the venue is finally set to open this month. Although an exact date for the drink and dine in cinema (a collaboration between Reel Cinemas and celeb chef Guy Fieri) is yet to be announced, we’re advised it’s going to be this month.

Guy Fieri’s Jebel Ali Kitchen and Bar, Jebel Ali Recreation Club, coming soon. reelcinemas.ae

April 18: See a Scottish rock band in the city for the first time

Iconic Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro are set to perform in Dubai for the first time ever this month, putting on an intimate performance at the Hard Rock Cafe on Wednesday April 18. The alternative rock band, who first formed in 1995, have been producing music for the last 23 years, as well as performing around the world at top festivals including Download and Reading.

Biffy Clyro at Hard Rock Cafe Dubai, Festival City, Wednesday April 18, tickets from Dhs300. 117live.com/BiffyClyro

April 19 to 21: Glam up for a night at the opera

One of Russia’s leading troupes are coming to Dubai, and they will be performing the classic Romeo and Juliet from April 19 to April 21. Romeo and Juliet, the needs-no-introduction Shakespearian tale of star-crossed lovers, was first performed as a complete ballet in 1938, and we can expect the Moscow Ballet’s rendition to be truly world class (they are one of Russia’s largest touring ballet companies)

Romeo and Juliet at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 8pm onwards, Thurs April 19 and Fri April 20, 4pm Sat April 21, from Dhs350 . Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

April 20: See a legendary 90s Boyband

Backstreet Boys have been confirmed as the headline act for Blended music festival this month. It’s the first time the famed 90s boyband are performing in Dubai since their December 2009 performance at The Paladium. If you’ve not already got your tickets, you’re out of luck as the concert has already sold out.

Backstreet Boys at Blended, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Media City, 6pm to 12am, Friday April 20, from Dhs350. blended.ae

Until April 23: See a stunning exhibition

Titled Van Gogh Alive: The Experience, this is not the sort of exhibition where you have to stand back and admire the paintings while stroking your chin. Instead, the Dutch impressionist’s famous works are projected onto the walls, ceilings and floors, making you feel as though you’re walking right into his paintings. It’s on until April 23, and it’s a must-see.

Van Gogh Alive: The Experience, Dubai Design District, 9am to 10pm, until April 23, Dhs70. Platinumlist.net

April 27: Get loud as an award-winning DJ takes to the decks

Award-winning DJ Fatboy Slim returns to Dubai for an all-day dance music festival on the sand on Friday April 27 at Zero Gravity. As a solo artist, Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, has played to millions around the globe. Slim will be supported by bass-driven house music band Gorgon City and mash up masters A Skillz and Krafty Kuts. A beach festival brunch package is available from 1pm to 5pm for Dhs350.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Al Sufouh, 8am to 3am, Friday April 27, Dhs200 or brunch 1pm to 5pm for Dhs350. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

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