Festivals, photography and exhibitions, there’s heaps to keep you busy in Dubai this month…

With a brand new month comes brand new events to check out and, arts and culture fans, we’ve rounded up plenty to keep you busy this May.

Here are six cool cultural events to check out this month. 

Exhibition: Ramadanization

This annual exhibition offers the UAE’s artistic community the chance to express what the holy month means to them. The artworks on show are the result of an open call and are chosen to reflect a wide variety of artistic mediums, as well as how Ramadan influences the daily lives of people in the region. Think interpretative calligraphy and performance as well as more traditional takes on scripture, fasting and prayer.

Gallery Of Light, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm, May 15 to June 17. Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.org

Photo Tour: Naif By Night

The evening course hosted by Gulf Photo Plus offers the essentials in street photography combined with an exploration of one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods. Beginning at dusk to capture the city’s skyline, participants walk through Naif’s teeming streets and learn how to capture stunning images. Afterwards, share your photos over a mouth-watering meal from one of Naif’s many hidden gems. You will need to bring your own camera.

Tour begins at Al Ras Metro Station, Naif, Dubai, 5.45pm to 10.45pm, May 10, Dhs595 including dinner. Tel: (04) 3808545. gulfphotoplus.com

Festival: Ramadan Lates

A weekly celebration of art and creativity happens every Ramadan and is the perfect way to get your cultural fix during the month. All the galleries on Alserkal Avenue as well as the other cool spots spring into life afterhours. Don’t miss musical performances at The Fridge, workshops at The JamJar and fashion pop-ups along the avenue.  There will also be themed iftars and artistic celebrations.

Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Wed during Ramadan 7pm to 11pm, May 23 and 30. Tel: (050) 556 9797. alserkalavenue.ae

Workshop: Drop In And Draw (Portraiture)

An on-going monthly session for artists, designers and creatives wanting to share their sketchbook pages and to create a supportive community committed to drawing as a thinking process. This session, led by Anjum Khan, focuses on portraiture, and participants will explore various drawing techniques helping to build confidence and skill.

Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Thur 6pm to 8pm, May 3, Dhs31.50. Tel: (04) 3363313. tashkeel.org

Exhibition: The Diving Bell & The Butterfly

A poetically named art exhibition celebrates artists who choose to work within structures and restrictions but find freedom of expression within them. This could mean calligraphic artists who use interesting ways of working with script, art that works from mathematical or scientific principles or geometric and patterned art. A fitting concept for Ramadan.

Showcase Gallery, Warehouse 35, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, May 9 to June 30. Tel: (04) 3790940. showcaseuae.com

Event: Ramadan 101 For Expats

Have you ever wondered why Muslims fast during Ramadan or what is the correct etiquette during the daylight hours? Do you want to attend or host an iftar but not sure of the dos and don’ts? The Arab Culturalist is here to help. Nasif Kayed hosts regular sessions that take the form of informal lectures and a Q&A session aimed at clearing up misconceptions and providing answers to questions that we wonder about but don’t know who to ask.

MODUL University, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, Dhs100, pre-registration is required, Sat 2pm to 4pm, May 12. Tel: (050) 8802411. thearabculturalist.com

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