Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for January 9, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun.
Abu Dhabi
Comedy show
Have some fun with the crew from Yalla Laughs, featuring top local and regional comedians, including headliner Maher “Jokah” Barwany (pictured), as well as Akshay Ahuja, Jon Boulton, Colin Armstrong and MC Erik Thornquist.
Tonight, 8pm, free entry, ages 21+, Blu Sky Lounge, Southern Sun, Mina Road, Abu Dhabi, www.yallalaughs.com
Dubai
Fitness classes
Register the family for karate and kickboxing classes led by MMA fighter Rafat Shawe. Children, ages 5 to 12, can learn karate while adults attend kickboxing classes.
Starting on January 16 for children’s karate, 5pm on Mondays and Thursdays, Dh1,680; January 21 for adults’ kickboxing, 4pm on Saturdays, Dh65 per session; Dh720 for a package of 12 classes, James & Alex Dance Studios, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 04 447 0773, info@jamesandalex.com
Nationwide
New movie
In the film The Founder, Michael Keaton stars as Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, who bought the burger operation of Mac and Dick McDonald (John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman) and turned it into a global, multi-billion dollar fast-food empire. Biographical drama, also starring Linda Cardellini, B J Novak, Laura Dern and Justin Randell Brooke.
Screening in cinemas across the UAE (PG-13)
Abu Dhabi
Fitness class
Get your ticket now to be a part of 100 Strong: The 100th release of BodyPump on January 14. BodyPump is a barbell-based strength training that focuses on specific muscle groups. Hosted by Primal Gym, the event will also include the relaunches for other Les Mills programmes. Tickets can be purchased at Primal Gym in Amaya Tower 2 on Reem Island.
Saturday, 3pm to 7.30pm, Dh50, Al Forsan Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/Primal.ae
Dubai
Spa offer
Share a therapeutic spa experience at Armani/Spa this month. When you book a 50-minute treatment, enjoy a second treatment on the same day for free for yourself, or a friend or family member for half price. Get access to the Armani Terme bathing facilities and use the peaceful lounge setting to relax.
Open 9am to 10pm, from Dh780, Armani/Spa, third floor, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 04 888 3282, www.armanihoteldubai.com
Abu Dhabi
Fitness event
Register now to take part in the Daman ActiveLife Electric Run Recharged on February 24. The updated format includes the new Power Hour, which gives exclusive access to the 5K neon course from 6.30pm.
February 24, from 6.30pm, from Dh165, Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.electricrun.ae
Dubai
Art exhibition
Catch the opening of the exhibition Landmarks II, in which Sharjah-based Syrian artist Thaier Helal experiments with different media, in an attempt to recreate the physical attributes of natural settings. Pictured: Water
Opens tonight, 7pm to 9pm, then daily until March 4, 10am to 6pm, Sundays to Thursdays; noon to 6pm on Saturdays (closed on Fridays), Ayyam Gallery, 11 Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 323 6242, www.ayyamgallery.com
Dubai
Art exhibition
Miniatures by Safwan Dahoul opens tonight. Dahoul presents a new body of work featuring images that are the size of one's hand and demand close examination, as though the viewer is peering into a secret world. Pictured: Dream 120
Opens tonight, 7pm to 9pm, then runs daily until March 4, 10am to 6pm, Sundays to Thursdays; noon-6pm on Saturdays (closed on Fridays), Ayyam Gallery, 12 Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 323 6242, www.ayyamgallery.com
Dubai
Comedy classes
Sign up to take part in a comedy class with Dubomedy. Choose among courses in stand-up and improv for adults and teenagers. Each course runs over seven weeks and ends with a public performance on March 11.
Starts January 28, Dubomedy, Lake Plaza, JLT, Dubai, lol@dubomedy.com
Dubai
Cooking classes
Sign up to learn how to make gnocchi in three ways in a cooking masterclass at Solo Italian Restaurant and Bar. The class, led by chef Doxis Bekris (pictured), features Italian dumplings made with potato, semolina and ricotta, as well as perfectly paired sauces.
January 28, 11.30am to 2pm, Dh300, Solo Italian Restaurant and Bar, Raffles, Dubai, book at 04 314 9720, www.solodubai.ae