You know that moment on a Thursday afternoon when your work buddy asks what you’re doing this weekend and your mind goes blank? Well worry no more, friends, because What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.

TURN UP FOR THE PHILIPPINES
Saturday November 23
The Balearic Pool Sessions at the Dek on 8 at Media One Hotel will be raising money for the relief effort in the Philippines following this month’s devastating typhoon. DJs and artists, including Danny Kwang, Da Sendri, Just Lance, Eric Francis, Jack Woodcock, Jonny Thornhill, John Spoor, Marko SG, Natalie Brogan, Mark Evans and DJ Gaudere with Kane Smith playing acoustic guitar, will donate their earnings from the days events, and there will be other ways for you to help, too. Owner, resident and Ibiza stalwart – and old man – Da Sendri opens the party, who having played sunset sets at Salinas Beach and Savannah, as well as being resident for Stranded and the popular Nasimi Beach Saturday chillout sets for the last two years, knows exactly how to set the scene and have you dreaming of white sands on the White Isle.
Media One Tower, Media City, Dubai
Tel: (04) 427 3091 Taxi: Media One Hotel
Saturday 2pm-10pm
Free (BBQ Brunch option available for Dhs240 between 2-6pm), Happy Hour 5-8pm

QUOZ HAPPENS
Saturday November 23
One of the most anticipated days in the Dubai arts and culture calendar this year, Quoz Happens returns this Saturday, pegging itself as ‘a common ground for cultural minds’. Bigger even than last year’s inaugural event, which attracted 5,000 people, the 12-hour festival sees 32 different spaces in the area open their doors to the public, showcasing art, music, design and film of all kinds, aimed at both children and adults.
Various venues, including Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Tel: (04) 416 1900
alserkalavenue.ae

MS DYNAMITE
Thursday November 21
It was more than a decade ago that the now 32-year-old Ms Dynamite first started providing crisp vocals for UK garage tracks. Now, after a hiatus from music, she’s back with a new single and heading to Dubai. You can expect the consummate performer to drop old classics alongside her newer material, all in her usual inimitable style. While there sure have been ups and downs throughout her career, Ms Dynamite, it seems, is currently on an upward arc once more, and for that any and all lovers of urban music should be thankful.
N’Dulge, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Tel: (05) 5147 6034 Taxi: Atlantis, The Palm
Thursday, 10pm to 4am
Dhs100, Ladies free before 11pm

You can read more about Ms Dynamite here

Ms Dynamite

JUMPIN JACK FROST
Thursday November 21
It would be impossible to have a decent conversation about drum ‘n’ bass without touching on V Recordings and its many sub labels. The London imprint run by Brits Bryan Gee and Jumpin Jack Frost has been one of the backbones of the genre since the early ’90s, working with the likes of Roni Size, DJ Krust, The Prodigy and Carl Cox and Dillinja. Between then and now Jumpin Jack has remained a firm fixture on the DJ scene, holding down residencies everywhere from LA to London. There are few more integral people to the development of the genre over the years.
Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Mankhool, Dubai
Tel: (056) 7996335 Taxi: Mankhool Road
Thursday, 9pm to 3am
Dhs100. Free entry for Music Room privilege cardholders before 10pm

You can read our interview with Jumpin Jack Frost here

MOVEMENT
Saturday November 23
Fitness First are doing their bit to get Dubai fit with their ‘Movement’ event this Saturday. The one-day celebratory exercise experience encourages families and friends to get involved in whatever way they want with a range of popular activities such as Boot Camp, Body Jam or Yoga classes across the age spectrum. Whether you love to dance, spin, press, kick, stretch or simply move, there is something for everybody to feel rejuvenated and rewarded.
Fitness First Meadows Club, Emirates Hills, Dubai
Tel: (04) 4370545 Taxi: Emirates Hills
Saturday 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
Dhs50 (members), Dhs75 (non-members), Children U16 Free.
fitnessfirstme.com/UAE/

ABRI & FUNK
Thursday November 21
One of the Middle East’s most influential group of musicians, Abri &Funk Radius bring their  unique show to Jazz @  Pizza Express, JLT, on Thursday night. The group consists of six musicians made up of local MTV EMA nominee Hamdan Al Abri on vocals, Elie Afif on bass, Jay Wud on guitar, Rony Afif on drums, Jino Kim on sax and Joaquin Suza on trumpet. The set will consist of exotic covers of Bob Marley, The Beatles, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and many more.
Pizza Express, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Tel: (o4) 324 7324 Taxi: Cluster A
pizzaexpressuae.com

Jazz@Pizza Express

VINTAGE CLUBBING
Friday November 22
“All it takes is one song to bring back 1000 memories,” says the poster for Movida’s new Vintage night which launches at the swanky nightspot at Radisson Royal on Friday. Expect a hit selection stretching back two decades, with urban classics like Montell Jordan’s This Is How We Do It, Donell Jones’ You Know What’s Up and Keith Sweat’s Twisted.
Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: (05) 5174 4449. Taxi: Radisson Royal
Friday 11pm – 3am
Free entry , Guest List required
movida–club.com

FOAM PARTY
Friday November 22
The Olympic-sized ice rink at Dubai Mall will on Friday host its monthly ‘Foam Party’. The event takes place from 9.45pm on the ice, with disco lights and a DJ keeping those brave enough to don their skates entertained.
Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai
Tel (04) 448 5111. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Friday 9.45pm-midnight
Dhs125
Facebook.com/DubaiIceRink

BOAT SHOW
All weekend
The three-day Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show kicks off on Thursday bidding to appeal to the range of budgets. Even for those not interested in buying, the event promises plenty of activities around the Marina in Deira to keep the casual observer entertained.
Marina at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira,
Tel: (04) 380 1234
Saturday 11am–10pm; Sunday 2pm–10pm; Monday 2pm–10pm
Free.
www.dubaigolf.com

Boat show

ADOPT A CAT
Saturday November 23
Feline Friends Dubai have an adoption day this Saturday, being held at The Veterinary Hospital in Al Quoz between 1-4pm. Helping to provide safe and loving homes for Dubai’s feline community is only part of the mission, though, with Feline Friends Dubai also providing support, education and guidance to owners and the public on responsible treatment, care and ownership.
The Vet Hospital, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: (05) 0451 0058.
1pm-4pm

There is also a similar event happening at Petzone.
Petzone Vet Clinic, near Mazaya Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
2pm-6pm.
Tel: (04) 346 7870

CHRISTMAS MARKET
Saturday November 23
‘Tis the season to be jolly… almost. First out the blocks with the Christmas Markets is DUCTAC with their Things Yule Like market, where you’ll find Santa’s sack loads of artworks, clothing, jewellery, accessories and eco-friendly products from a predominantly independent line-up.
DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha.
Tel: (04) 341 4777. Taxi: Mall of the Emirates
Saturday 12pm-7pm.
Free
ductac.org 

HELP FIGHT DIABETES
Friday November 22
Landmark Group host their annual Beat Diabetes Walkathon at Zabeel Park, the annual, community-centric initiative that calls upon UAE residents to raise awareness about the illness. Those involved will be treated to live music, fitness classes, refreshments and free blood glucose tests. There will also be a Sports Zone and Kids entertainment zone. Entrance is free.
Zabeel Park, Gate 1, Dubai.
Friday 7am arrival, 8am walkathon start
Free to the public

**Due to the current weather conditions and the weather forecast of strong wind and rain for the weekend, the Beat Diabetes Walk which was to be held on Friday November 22 at Zabeel Park has been rescheduled. The Walk is now going to be held on December 6 at the same place and same time.**

EUROPE
Friday November 22
Before Europe got a record deal, label bosses told them to cut their hair and sing in their native language. Fortunately for rock history and a legion of head bangers around the world, they refused. With great respect to the people of Sweden, we’re just not sure that the classic rock lyric “It’s the final countdown…” would have sounded so catchy in Swedish. More than 25 years after their monster 1986 hit, the lads are on the reunion trail and landing in the UAE.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai
Tel: (04) 4473863. Metro: GGICO.
Friday 8pm
Dhs200.
mpremiere.com

Europe

OUTDOOR CLASSICS
Thursday November 21
Take an evening stroll along Jumeirah Beach this winter and you may just hear the strains of classical music floating over the surf. Music Under The Stars Of Dubai has returned for a second season, with Thursday nights once again devoted to al fresco concerts featuring a host of international classical artists. Performances will take place at 8.30pm every Thursday until December 26. The concerts are free to attend and no booking is necessary.
Music Under The Stars Of Dubai, Villa 1, Street 43a, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Tel: (050) 4761237.
Thursday 8.30pm
Free.
musicunderthestarsofdubai.com

MARY BLACK
Friday November 22
Traditional singer Mary Black will bring a touch of authenticity to McGettigan’s third birthday party. She’ll take to the stage with her band, performing classic tracks like No Frontiers and Only A Woman’s Heart. Supporting her will be her daughter, who performs as Roisin O. The celebrations at McGettigan’s will continue with a weekend of live music.
Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Tel: (04) 3560560.
Friday 8pm
Dhs120.
mcgettigansdubai.com

TRY TO REACH THE GOAL WITHOUT TOUCHING THE WALLS
All weekend
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi – that ‘nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect in the natural cycle of growth, decay and death’ – Michael Sailstorfer’s wilfully abstract works present us with pure meditations on beauty. Playing with context and form, it’s a fun, thought-provoking look at the world around us.
Carbon 12, Unit D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3406016. Taxi: Al Serkal Avenue.
Until January 7.
Free
carbon12dubai.com