From Ghosts, a play by the Norwegian playwright Ibsen to neon nights at Yas Waterworld…

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 August.

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

Exhibition: Extra Muros

Algerian painter Driss Ouadahi has spent the best part of his career investigating the architectural structures of urban spaces. These artworks, which play with light, dimensions and perspective, are made of grids and conceptually tackle issues of religion, politics and class.

Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Sat to Thur 10am to 6pm until August 31. Tel: (04) 3469906. lawrieshabibi.com

Performance: Ansaf

Produced by Sima Dance Company, Dubai’s leading contemporary dance company. Ansaf, a new work by acclaimed Syrian born-and-raised Palestinian choreographer Alaa Krimed, is inspired by the writings of Canadian philosopher Alan Deneault and explores the relationship of consumerism and populism with critical thinking and the role of excellence in serving the public good.

The Black Box, The NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center, Saadiyat Island. 8pm on August 23 and 24. Tel: (02) 6286868. nyuad-artscenter.org

Exhibition: L’île monde (The World is an Island)

French painter Nathalie Beras was born in Martinique and spent her childhood in Tahiti. This exhibition is a series of paintings of islands and mountains that invite us to ponder our identity, which is made upon those we meet and surround ourselves by.

Alliance Francaise, Street 18, Oud Metha, Dubai. Sat to Thur 9am to 5pm until September 12. Tel: (04) 3358712 afdubai.org

Workshop: Portraiture Drawing

Under the guidance of teachers Ibrahem Swaid and Manar Laham, participants will learn to master the proportions of drawing a portrait as well as how to add light and shadow. Bring your own drawing material and sketchbook to document your progress.

The jamjar, Unit 74, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. 3pm to 5pm on August 10. Dhs115.50. Tel: (04) 3417303. thejamjardubai.com

Play: Ghosts at The Junction

Henrik Ibsen’s (1828-1906) above, famous tragedy, played out in three acts, portrays the struggle between the inner and outer self as well as the relationship between past and present. The play, which was written in 1881, will be staged by Tell Tales Productions.

The Junction, Unit 72, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai. 7.30pm on August 22 to 24. Dhs75. Tel: (04) 3388525. thejunctiondubai.com

Event: Neon Nights

Glow-in-the-dark water slides, a neon river, and a silent disco with glowing headphones means it’s fun for all the family this month at Yas Waterworld. Every Friday, enjoy all the rides, slides and attractions with extended hours and a neon evening buffet

Yas Waterworld. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Fri 10 am to 10pm until August 30. From Dh250. Tel: (02) 4142000. yaswaterworld.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