Festivals, exhibitions, and even parkour workshops…

With a brand new month comes brand new events to check out, and culture vultures, we’ve rounded up plenty to keep you busy this October. Here are 6 cool cultural events to check out in the UAE this month.

1. African Art exhibition

In collaboration with Arthouse Foundation – a Nigerian initiative known for supporting local creative talent – the African Art exhibition will display the works of three promising young artists: painter Nengi Omuku, mixed media artist Tyna Adebowale, and visual artist Thierry Oussou. They straddle subjects from gender and body politics to authenticity.

Tabari Artspace, Podium Level, Building 3, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, from October 8, Sat to Thurs 9am to 9pm, Fri 12pm to 6pm. Tel: (04) 323 0820. tabariartspace.com

2. Parkour workshop

Ever wanted to try your hand at free running or parkour? Aside from looking cool to your friends, it’s actually a great fitness workout. Parkour includes running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, rolling and crawling, and was developed from military exercise. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun. This introductory workshop is for all ages.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sundays and Tuesdays, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, 4.30pm to 6.30pm children, Dhs130. Tel: (02) 657 5937. Pre-registration is required. Email: manaratalsaadiyat@dctabudhabi.ae. manaratalsaadiyat.ae

3. Big in Japan festival

As part of the celebration for the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s spectacular exhibition charting Japanese influence on French painting, the Big in Japan weekend festival includes a spoken word performance by Emirati Afra Atiq – who also has Japanese heritage – and a performance by the Turntable Symphonograph Orchestra, from Japan. The museum’s cafe will feature a special Japanese-inspired menu.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, October 25 to 27. Tel: (600) 565 566. louvreabudhabi.ae

4. Jali Diwani with Wissam Shawkat

One of Dubai’s most talented calligraphers leads a calligraphy workshop on how to master the types of script used by the Ottoman sultans Jali Diwani and Diwani. This four-day course offers both theoretical teaching and practical learning, and will conclude with a final piece produced by all participants.

Tashkeel, Streets 5 and 20, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, Dhs2295 for four days, including lunch and materials. Tel: (04) 336 3313. tashkeel.org

5. Nos Femmes

French language theatre production Nos Femmes is the ultimate tale of friendship put to the test. The play’s narrative surrounds three men, one of who has murdered his wife, and questions just how far loyalty can stretch.

The Junction, Unit 72, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, October 17 to 20, 8pm to 9.30pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 338 8525. thejunctiondubai.com

6. Arab Prints Volume IV

Learn about printmaking and different printmaking techniques from across the Arab world at the Arab Prints Volume IV exhibition, which is the fourth – and last – of an ongoing series. The artists are leading practitioners from Lebanon. The entire series will be documented in a publication, one of few on this topic in the entire region.

Meem Gallery, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, October 10, 6pm. Tel: (04) 347 7883. meemartgallery.com

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Images: Supplied

Words: Anna Seaman.
Anna is an arts and culture specialist in the UAE, and a regular contributor to What’s On. Find out more at annaseaman.com