From stunning oil paintings by award-winning Alexander Tyunkin to a six-week acting workshop…

With a brand new month comes brand new events to check out, and culture vultures, we’ve rounded up plenty to keep you busy in March.

Here are 6 cool cultural events to check out in the UAE this month.

Exhibition: Elusive Light

Explore the beauty of Crimea in this display of oil paintings by Alexander Tyunkin, an award-winning Crimean artist. The paintings are intended to capture light amid scenes of nature. Each work in the series focuses on one fleeting instant in a day and immortalises it on the canvas.

N2N Gallery, Ground floor, Al Ain Tower, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 10am to 10pm. Sat 2pm to 9pm, now until March 17. Tel: (050) 728 3778. n2nartgallery.com

Talk: Virtues of Self-Knowledge

The ancient philosopher Socratesn once said that “the unexamined life is not worth living”. In today’s busy world, what is the best way to learn about yourself? Find the answer and maybe some time to self-reflect during this lecture by Christian Coseru, Professor of Philosophy, College of Charleston.

A6 Lecture Hall, The Institute at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm on March 12. Tel: (02) 628 5242. nyuad.nyu.edu

Exhibition: Perception and Reflection by Rana Begum

You know those neat little reflectors that help cars see passing bicycles at night or that light up road signs? Well, this is an art exhibition made solely from them. The geometric and repetitive patterns are an artistic way of symbolising urban life.

The Third Line, Unit 87, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, starts March 5 until May 9. Tel: (04) 341 1367. thethirdline.com

Workshop: The Desert Monologues

This six-week course is an acting workshop for adults, taking participants through a variety of drama-based activities and culminating in a monologue performance. Challenging, fun and for all acting levels.

The Courtyard Playhouse. Sat 6pm, Sun 7.30pm, March 9. Tel: (050) 781 2269. courtyardplayhouse.com

Event: Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTNF)

Along one kilometre of Abu Dhabi Corniche, the fourth edition of the Mother Of The Nation Festival is a mix of musical and entertainment performances, art exhibits, interactive workshops, activities for adults and children, and an e-sports gaming championship.

Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thur to Sat 2pm to midnight, from March 12 to 23. Tel: (800) 555 motn.ae

Screening: Don Quixote

This film of a live ballet performance choreographed by Carlos Acosta is a fresh and colourful take on Don Quixote – the classic tale of a knight who tries, failingly, to revive chivalry. Don’t miss the chance to be immersed in romance and dance.

Roxy Cinema, City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai. Timings vary, March 8. Tel: (800) 7699. cinemauae.com

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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