Your guide to all the events taking place in the nation’s capital over the next few days

Thursday July 12

See The Rock in Skyscraper

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson attempting to save his family who are trapped in the world’s tallest skyscraper with a bunch of terrorists? And the building’s on fire? And Dwayne only has one leg? And he’s married to 1990s teen icon Neve Campbell? Erm, why not?! Despite the preposterous plot and terrible acting, this disaster thriller is a mildly entertaining romp that will feel a little familiar to Die Hard fans. It’s in UAE cinemas from today.

Dance and culture at Around The World

Bawadi Mall in the garden city of Al Ain is hosting Around The World during Abu Dhabi Summer Season – it’s a series of folklore dance performances featuring troupes from six countries, including Poland, Serbia, Peru and Armenia.
July 5 to August 14
Bawadi Mall, Meyzad Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 5.30pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (03) 7840000. Taxi: Bawadi Mall. bawadimall.com

Friday July 13

Get creative at Warehouse421’s workshops

Fancy yourself as a creative but not sure whether photography or jewelry making is your forte? Warehouse421 is running Summer Club: The Making Edition this month, a series of introductory and intensive workshops for budding creatives and enthusiasts alike. Running for three weeks in Mina Port, there are 13 workshops that offer a balanced mixture of theory and hands-on experiences. There’s craft-based workshops, including paper and textiles, as well as photography and video production. Meanwhile, the technical workshops also explore 3D printing. The sessions are open to all, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro.
Until July 21
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, prices vary. Taxi: Warehouse421 in Mina Port. Tel: (02) 6768803. warehouse421.ae

There’s a pilates workshop for gents this weekend

Gents can learn the basic principles of pilates in this two-day workshop at Bodytree Studio this Friday and Saturday.
July 13 to 14
Bodytree Studio, Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi, from 11am to 1pm, Dhs395. Tel: (02) 4434448. Taxi: opposite Adnoc, 11th and 26th streets. bodytreestudio.com

The Maya Fridays parties are back from today

Never been to Al Maya Island? It’s a 10-minute boat ride away from the mainland of Abu Dhabi and once there you’ll find the Al Maya Island Resort – and every Friday, you’ll also find a beach party taking place on the island’s white sands and by its pool, appropriately called Maya Fridays. Local DJs such as Chad Funk and Keith Dobbs regularly spin the wheels of steel, bashing out dance and house tunes. Ladies get free entry before 1pm, Etihad staff before 2pm. Table packages for drinks and food, such as mixed fajitas, are also available. Guests must be aged 21 and up.
Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 9pm, Dhs125, ladies free entry before 1pm. Tel: (02) 6677777. facebook.com/BPM.AL.MAYA

Local art at Al Qattara

There’s a new exhibition running in Al Ain this summer that’s all about community. Summer Exhibition at Al Qattara Arts Centre is showcasing 28 artworks by 23 emerging UAE-based artists and students. Running until late September, each piece offers insight into how every artist views their community, society and the world using a variety of mediums including oils, pastels and digital art. The exhibition also includes pieces by local Al Qattara students, fitting given that since opening in 2011 the centre has offered locals a year-long public programme including exhibitions, activities and art workshops.
Until September 25
Al Qattara Arts Centre, Al Ain, daily 8am to 8pm, free. Tel: (03) 7118225. Taxi: near Al Ain Sports Club. visitabudhabi.ae

Saturday July 14

Scoff a freakshake!

Black Tap, the iconic outlet that serves giant shakes and burgers, will open in the capital for the very first time this weekend.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, timings TBC. Tel: (800) 9276255. Taxi: Yas Mall. blacktapme.com

Watch the World Cup

It’s the last weekend of the football. Tonight is the 3rd place match between Belgium and either Croatia or England, with kick-off at 10pm. The final takes place at 10pm on Sunday. Click here for your guide to where you can catch all the games in the capital.

Master Pop Art on Reem

Art Central on Reem Island is hosting another session about Pop Art – you’ll learn how it all started, who invented it and you’ll get to make your own masterpiece while there.
Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat 4pm to 6pm, Dhs175. Tel: (056) 2017970. Taxi: Boutik Mall. artcentral.ae

Chinese films at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi is paying homage to China today by showing a series of travelogues, newsreels and home movies from the BFI National Archive, featuring music by Ruth Chan. The films are inspired by A Chinese Scene (Jean-Baptiste Pillement, 1765-1767), which looks at daily life in China through Western eyes in the 18th century. The artwork is on display in Gallery 9 of the capital’s museum.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat 5pm to 6.15pm, Dhs60, under-12s free. Tel: (600) 565566. Taxi: Louvre. louvreabudhabi.ae

Help some sharks

The InterContinental is holding a Shark Awareness Day, with a trip to Bamboo Point plus a 10 per cent discount on diving trips with Al Mahara.
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 8.30am to 2.30pm. Tel: (800) 423463. Taxi: Intercon. interContinental.com

Vapiano now open in Al Ain

Fancy Italian food? The global brand has opened its first branch in the garden city of Al Ain.
Bawadi Mall, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 11am to midnight. Taxi: Bawadi Mall. Tel: (056) 5048723. de.vapiano.com

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