From catching Hungarian cellist, István Várdai, to signing up for a specialised course in interior design…

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 September.

Here are 7 cool cultural events to check out in the UAE this month.

Exhibition: Arrival

Dubai-born artist Farah Al Qasimi presents her third solo exhibition with The Third Line gallery. The artist, now living in New York, makes bright and bold coloured images of
her native country and in this show she uses the language of horror cinema to explore jinn folklore across the UAE.

The Third Line, Unit 87, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, from September 18 Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, Tel: (04) 341 1367. thethirdline.com

Play: An Inspector Calls

JB Priestley’s classic thriller comes to Dubai for the first time under the direction of Patrick Sandford. When the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the Birling family home, he shatters their peaceful family celebration with his investigations into the death of a young woman. A must-see.

The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, 7.30pm on September 10 to 13, Tel: (050) 8539123, lollipoptheatre.com

Play: Much Ado about Nothing

Considered one of William Shakespeare’s best comedic plays, Much Ado About Nothing follows the twisted love story of Beatrice and Benedick, as well as several other plot lines. The narrative has been brought up-to-date in a vibrant, funny and moving production directed by Derek Bond.

Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Shows at 2pm
and 8pm on September 25 to 28,  Dhs 150-450 Tel: (04) 4408888, dubaiopera.com

Exhibition: Popular Culture in the City

Including items of European, American and Middle Eastern pop art, this exhibition comprises of a collection owned by The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Using the city as inspiration, the show explores urban culture across ages and continents.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm until October,
Tel: (02) 6575937, manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Workshop: Interior Design

Sign up for a specialised course in interior design at Lotus Educational Institute this September. Learn how to dress your bathroom and kitchen, or spruce up your living and dining areas with training from experts, and come away with a professional certificate.

Lotus Educational Institute, Office G01, Block 13, Dubai Knowledge Park, 10am to 1pm (different times available) from September 8 to 29. Tel: (04) 3911718, lotus.ae

Performance: Haider Rahman: poetry and flute

This bilingual performance fuses Hindustani classical music performed by flautist Haider Rahman, with poetry in Urdu. The poems were written by Sanaullah Sani Dar ‘Miraji’, a bohemian, modern poet from the early 20th century, who championed Urdu free verse.

The Fridge, Unit 5, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, 4pm to 7pm on September 7, Tel: (04) 3477793, thefridgedubai.com

Recital: István Várdai

István Várdai is a Hungarian cellist and winner of many international awards. He is also the joint artistic director of the Kaposfest Chamber Music Festival in Hungary. Notably Várdai plays the ‘1673 Stradivarius’ and audiences are in for a treat.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. 8pm to 10pm on September 14, Organised by Dubai Concert
Committee, Tel: (050) 6593796 

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