Discover this month’s best happenings around Dubai, from botanical workshops and fitness events to meditative-movement sessions, al fresco markets, and more.
November 1 to 12: Catch the Light
The month starts with a hint of sparkle as the Dior ‘Dior Dior Dior’ high-jewelry collection arrives in the city. And adding to said sparkle will be the display of pieces from the previous ‘Archi Dior’, ‘Précieuses’, and ‘Dior à Versailles’ collections. They can be viewed at the Dior boutiques in The Dubai Mall (Dubai) and The Galleria (Abu Dhabi).
November 1 to 24: Get Fit
The Dubai Fitness Challenge has returned, prompting us to get off our couches and commit to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days straight. Following its opening carnival at Dubai Festival City, the adrenaline-packed event features five “fitness villages” set up in areas like DIFC and Al Khawaneej, with plenty of free activities on offer. Learn more here.
November 1 to 30: Watch This Space
Movie screenings continue every night at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue during November, with the independent cinema platform hosting a flawlessly curated selection of films such as Black Girl, My Pure Land, Leto, and more. See the complete schedule here.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has long been the name associated with all things strange, surreal, and sensational – and now the franchise is shocking Dubai residents as it makes its first-ever appearance in the region at Wafi. Free to view, the traveling show is hosting over 75 exhibits across science, human oddities, education, and more. Find more details here.
November 1 to April 6: Tour the World
Impulse purchases, street food, cultural performances, extreme rides, and family-friendly attractions – if you want to pair the return of cooler weather with a little old-fashioned fun, Global Village is where it’s at. Details on the upcoming 23rd edition can be found here.
November 3: Be Mindful
Unplug from your daily habits and create space for healing your relationship with food, your body, and yourself – all in one day. Joining forces with three wellness experts, H Retreats is hosting a program called Mindful Eating & Body Perception to help women explore the links between mindfulness, meditation, and intuitive eating. Learn more and register here.
November 5 to 9: Snap Happy
You constantly take photos with your smartphone – now do it right by attending the Introduction to Mobile Photography workshop at Gulf Photo Plus. The three-hour session will delve into essential camera controls, focus, and exposure lock in addition to teaching you the fundamentals of using light and shadow. Also included? How to develop a personal style, apps to conduct in-camera editing, accessories to enhance your phone’s capabilities, and more. Register here.
November 6 : Celebrate Diwali
Book a spot on the Indian Festival of Lightstrail by Frying Pan Adventures, a tour designed to introduce participants to the dazzling holiday of Diwali. The five-hour journey will entail an abra ride followed by a walk through the bustling alleys of Meena Bazaar, where you can enjoy the colors, costumes, and culinary treats associated with this celebration. To learn more, click here.
November 6 to 17: Build Bridges
Exploring a fashion dialogue between Swiss and Middle Eastern cultures through a street-style exhibition, screenings, talks, illustrations, and a library of publications from both regions is Peaks and Dunes II by nomadic fashion platform Septieme Etage. Taking place in Alserkal Avenue, it will also feature Swiss designers alongside regional labels like Abadia, Bedouin, and Faissal El Malak. Discover more here.
November 7 to December 9: Get Dressed
You’ll rethink your workwear after this one – The Showroom, curated by online booking platform Share This Space, is a pop-up that aims to redefine the office dress code. Hosted by Studio 8 in The Dubai Mall, it will bring together homegrown labels Three Fifty Nine, Savanna Creations, House of Savoi, and Maison Nabooda to showcase luxury office wear that promises color, playfulness, and personality. Timings for The Showroom are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
November 7 to 28: Please Your Palate
Raise your hand if you have no idea what the term “single origin” means – and join the Chocolate Tasting Workshop hosted by artisanal chocolate factory Mirzam at Alserkal Avenue every Wednesday this month. It will guide you through different flavors and provide an overview of the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. Register here.
November 8 to 17: Live in Color
In keeping with the long-standing relationship between Hermès and color, the label is hosting the Species of Spaces installation in its boutique at The Dubai Mall. It features the maison’s 2018-19 collections for the home, with pieces – furniture and lighting, objects and textiles, fabrics and wallpaper, and more – being staged in a softly colored space where each object can express the rigor of its lines, the playfulness of its colors, and the fantasy of its patterns.
November 9: Bend, Stretch, Twist
Start your weekend right – and by that, we mean the Morning Yoga Class led by new Brazilian fitness studio Power Cycle Dubai at Levee Café and Lounge. For AED 80, you’ll start your morning at 8:30 a.m. with a method of the TACFIT training system, which exclusively focuses on the use of body weight. And once you’re done aligning your body, mind, and soul, breakfast – both sweet and savory items – awaits.
November 10: Color Up
The Color Run (also known as the “happiest 5K on the planet”) returns to Dubai, encouraging participants to walk, jog, or run five kilometers with friends as they’re doused with colored powder – and lots of it – for charity. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and will kick off at 7 a.m. at Dubai Autodrome. Sign up for the race here.
November 12 to 17: Think Big
Design buffs have reason to celebrate as over 200 events will be staged for Dubai Design Week, the region’s largest creative festival. Expect everything from architectural installations and talks to workshops, temporary pavilions, and even children’s activities. Highlights include the sixth edition of anchor event Downtown Design and the fourth edition of Global Grad Show. See the complete program here.
November 17: Make a Day of It
Music, food, art, and design – it’s all happening at Alserkal Avenue. Highlights include a Color of the Year trail with SVENM, a paper-clay workshop inspired by Guy Van Leemput’s organic geometry, a busking session featuring Jay Abo, a talk with German jeweler Lia Staehlin, a PechaKucha Night themed around sustainability and modernity, and more. See the schedule here.
November 20: Laugh Aloud
Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer – it’s not surprising that the name Dave Chappelle needs no introduction, and even less surprising that tickets to his show sold out almost immediately. Now, to the delight of Dubai residents, new tickets have been issued for the legendary comedian’s return to the city. He will perform at the Dubai World Trade Centre for one night only, so buy your tickets here – and act fast.
November 22: Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the US, and it essentially entails a lot of food. This year, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera is sharing the wealth by hosting a curated feast of comfort food with the brasserie’s signature spin. Expect hearty dishes such as roast turkey, rib of beef, and mac and cheese – followed by lots of pie, of course. Call (+971) 4 362 7312 to make a reservation.
November 26 to 30: Solve a Mystery
Journey to Canada for a theatrical pop-up as #DXBExperiments hosts A Murder Mystery at The Lodge, a whodunnit series of interactive evenings taking place at Weslodge. Participants will play a designated role in the performance, including a specific character, curated outfits, and murder motives – all delivered over an elaborate gastronomic experience. Find more details here.
Promo Photo: Courtesy of @Eletrico_AE
