AL-Monitor City Pulse: Exploring Dubai’s Vibrant Nightlife and Cultural Scene
Welcome to AL-Monitor City Pulse — Dubai, your ultimate guide to the city’s nightlife and its burgeoning music and food scene. As the Gulf metropolis cements its reputation as a regional cultural hub, we invite you to explore the exciting events and experiences that await you. To receive this newsletter in your inbox each week, sign up for free here.
Ramadan Kareem: Cultural Events Across the UAE
As we enter the second week of Ramadan, the United Arab Emirates is brimming with cultural activities that reflect the spirit of the holy month. One highlight is a newly opened exhibition in Abu Dhabi featuring the work of Italian artist Stefano Simontacchi. This exhibition showcases dynamic interplays of light, form, and color, inviting visitors to engage with art in a profound way. Additionally, Alserkal Avenue Art Week kicks off on April 13, just ahead of Art Dubai, promising a vibrant celebration of contemporary art. For those seeking a unique culinary experience, a restaurant serving a delicious Moroccan-style iftar is a must-visit.
Leading the Week: The Prism, Project Oneness
At the forefront of this week’s cultural offerings is “Trust, Gratitude, and Love Journey,” an immersive exhibition at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. This exhibition, featuring the works of Stefano Simontacchi, also known as The Prism, delves into the connections between art, emotion, and oneness.
The exhibition is characterized by large circular compositions that invite visitors to engage deeply with the artwork. These reflective surfaces allow viewers to merge their own images with the art, creating a unique, interactive experience. Simontacchi aims to foster a sense of community and inner peace through his work, stating, “Based on circular emblems and innovative use of light and space, I want the exhibitions to bring the community of Abu Dhabi closer to art.”
Curated by philosopher Marco Senaldi and presented in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the exhibition offers a multilayered experience that transcends traditional visual art. Accompanied by public programs focused on well-being and mindfulness, attendees can participate in yoga classes, sound-healing sessions, artist talks, and workshops.
- Date: Until August 31
- Location: Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Saadiyat Island
- More Information: here
Word on the Street: Moroccan Style Iftar Buffet at Tagine
For those craving Moroccan cuisine this Ramadan, Tagine offers an exquisite iftar buffet that begins with refreshing mint tea and dates to break the fast. Guests can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes, including chargrilled kebabs, fluffy couscous, and mouthwatering tagines. A standout dish is the meghoui, a slow-roasted lamb shoulder served with saffron rice, fresh mint, and crushed almonds.
The ambiance at Tagine is reminiscent of a traditional Moroccan majlis, where diners can enjoy their meals in semi-private alcoves accompanied by live music. This immersive experience transports guests to the heart of Morocco, making it a perfect spot for iftar.
- Location: Tagine, One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
- More Information: here
Dubai Diary: Upcoming Cultural Highlights
Alserkal Avenue Art Week Returns
Just before Art Dubai kicks off on April 18, Alserkal Avenue will host “A Wild Stitch,” the latest edition of Alserkal Avenue Art Week. This public program brings together diverse voices to explore multiplicity during times of change. Visitors can enjoy over 15 exhibitions at various galleries, along with film screenings, open studios, and other cultural gatherings, making this event a must for art enthusiasts.
- Date: April 13–20
- Location: Alserkal Avenue
- More Information: here
“Nice to Meet You!” by Louis Granet at Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery
“Nice to Meet You!” marks Louis Granet’s first solo show in Dubai, showcasing a series of vibrantly painted canvases that blend pop art and comic book illustration. The French artist incorporates techniques from the prestigious School of Comics of Angoulême, focusing on reinterpretations of tulip bouquets. This theme allows him to explore light, color, and texture in ways reminiscent of Van Gogh and Monet, yet distinctly rooted in a contemporary aesthetic.
- Date: Until March 29
- Location: Zidoun-Bossuyt Dubai, 796 Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 2
- More Information: here
“Ramadan Nights” at the Dubai Opera
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Ramadan with music and poetry at Dubai Opera’s "Ramadan Nights." This event features the rhythmic expressions of renowned Khaleeji poets Faisal Al-Adwani (Kuwait), Mohammed Saakran (Saudi Arabia), and Nasser Alwobair (Saudi Arabia). It offers a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Arabian culture through its poetic traditions and musical heritage.
- Date: March 21
- Location: Dubai Opera
- More Information: here
Book of the Week: "When Ground Shifts — The Story of Dubai Expo"
This week’s recommended read is "When Ground Shifts," a compelling firsthand account of the United Arab Emirates’ successful bid to host the first World Expo in the Middle East, South Asia, or Africa. Written by Reem Al-Hashimy, UAE minister of state for international cooperation, the book provides an intimate look at her journey in bringing Expo 2020 Dubai to fruition while balancing family and diplomacy. Al-Hashimy shares a story of resilience, detailing how she and her team overcame challenges to stage a unifying event amid a global pandemic.
Celebrating Emirati Culture Through Photography
Emirati photographer Ahmed Obaid Alnaqbi, a 2021 winner of the prestigious Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA), showcases stunning photographs of the United Arab Emirates on Instagram. Through his lens, Alnaqbi seeks to preserve and celebrate the traditions and heritage of his homeland, offering a captivating visual narrative of Emirati culture.
- See more of his work: here
Dubai’s Growing Population and Real Estate Trends
Dubai’s population has surged by more than 169,000 in the past year, reaching a total of 3.8 million, according to the Dubai Statistics Center. Notably, nearly 20% of homes in Dubai are valued at over $1 million, a figure that reflects the city’s booming real estate market. For comparison, around 30% of homes in New York, one of the most expensive real estate markets, fall into this category.
As Dubai continues to evolve, its cultural landscape and vibrant nightlife promise to captivate residents and visitors alike.
