Dubai date for soul star Billy Ocean

Also, British parliament honours Shah Rukh Khan; Al Ain Music Festival gets bigger and better; Taylor Swift to be a mentor on The Voice; and Life Achievement Award for Steve Martin.

The soul singer Billy Ocean will perform in Dubai on October 28. Burak Cingi / Redferns via Getty Images

Billy Ocean is returning to Dubai. The English soul singer will perform at MusicHall Dubai on October 28, bringing hits such as Caribbean Queen, Love Really Hurts Without You and When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. The 64-year-old singer remains active on both the live and recording fronts – his latest release, his 11th studio album, was last year's Here You Are. The concert also marks the arrival of MusicHall Dubai in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, at The Palm, as a bona fide live, indoor-theatre venue. Tickets prices start at Dh225 from www.platinumlist.net. – The National staff

Al Ain Music Festival gets bigger and better

This year's Al Ain Music Festival is set to be bigger and better than last year's successful inaugural event, with eight concerts featuring classical music, rock, folk and jazz. It kicks off on October 31, with a Halloween Rock and Blues evening at the Sands Club from 8.30pm. This will be followed by two concerts each week: Takht Sharqi will perform at the Multaqa Social Club Auditorium on November 5 and there will be a choral evening at Al Qattara Arts Centre on November 7; a recital by the pianist Richard Lewis will take place at The Municipality Theatre, Al Jimi, on November 12 followed by a woodwind evening at Al Ain International School on November 14; a piano recital by Polina Fedotova and Dr Ioannis Potomousis will be at the Municipality Theatre on November 15; a World of Folk evening in the Ayla Hotel ballroom on November 20; and a Musical Delights night, featuring the Al Ain Chamber Orchestra, on November 21, for which the venue is yet to be confirmed. Many of the events are free. The festival also has a stronger educational component, with a woodwind demonstration for youngsters and informational talks. The Gardens of Sheikh Zayed Competition for young local artists will also be held at the Municipality Theatre from November 13 to 15. Visit www.alainmusicfestival.com for more details. – The National staff

British parliament honours Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan was presented with the Global Diversity Award at the State Room of the House of Commons in London on Saturday. The Bollywood actor received the award from the British parliament for his work in cinema, ahead of his Slam+ The Tour concert at The O2 Arena in the English capital. He tweeted: "Now at the Houses of Parliament to receive the Global Diversity Awards ... humbled & grateful. Thank you." The award is presented to individuals who have made a major contribution to worldwide diversity and are international role models. Previous recipients include the action-movie star Jackie Chan, the Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, and Jesse Jackson, the former United States presidential candidate. – The National staff

Taylor Swift to be a mentor on The Voice

The Shake It Off singer Taylor Swift has signed up to be a mentor to young singers on the American reality-television talent show The Voice. She'll make her first appearance on October 27, the same day that her new album, 1989, is due to to be released. She will appear on at least three episodes, advising the contestants on vocal technique, stage presence and picking the right songs to match their vocal strengths. – AP

Life Achievement Award for Steve Martin

Steve Martin is to be honoured with this year's Life Achievement Award, the American Film Institute's highest honour for a career in film. It will be presented during a televised tribute in Los Angeles in June next year. Martin, 69, found fame as a stand-up before moving into movies with his debut film, The Jerk, in 1979. Other movie credits include Three Amigos!, Roxanne and The Man with Two Brains. – AP