Movie Time
If you want to catch a movie, you’ve got
plenty of high-tech multiplexes to take in the
blockbusters; almost all are in shopping
centres. Alternative and art-house cinemas
are practically nonexistent (there’s one
screen at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall that
screens non-mainstream fare). Galleries and
alternative venues, such as the XVA Cafe
(p71), occasionally run one-off film nights.
Also check out the a liance l française (Map
p214; %04-335 8712; http://www.afdubai.org),,) which
shows weekly films in French and occasion-
ally hosts festivals. Indie screenings are
usually free and promoted in Time Out.
Another good site to unearth upcoming
screenings is http://www.artinthecity.com.
The Dubai International Film Festival
(p22), usually held in December, is arguably
the cinematic highlight of the year. There’s
also the Middle East International Film
Festival (p21), held in Abu Dhabi in October,
which is seen as a warm-up for the Dubai
event. The other weeks of the calendar can
be disheartening. The only independent
cinemas are dedicated to Tamil, Hindi and
Malayalam films, while English-language
films are restricted to the unadventurous
multiplexes.
l ve Musici
Dubai’s live-music scene is finally generating
a buzz. Although cover bands still predomi-
nate, there’s an increasing pool of local tal-
ent hitting the stages of such venues as Chi
(p72), Barasti (p111), Fridge (p98), Jambase
(p98 and the Irish Village (p57). Home grown
bands to keep an ear out for include metal
band Nervecell; the hip-hop collective The
Recipe; Arabic folk trio Dahab; hard-rock
band Nikotin; and reggae rock by Sho.
Dubai-based quintet Juliana Down gained
serious cred when they warmed up the
crowd at a 2011 concert of Guns N’ Roses in
Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, long-term favourite
Sandwash released the album Master Blast-
er Hole in 2010, a crisp pop-punk selection of
edgy and experimental compositions.c ncert Venueso
International top talent also comes to town,
although many bypass Dubai to give con-
certs at the swanky Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi,
where big names like Paul McCartney ap-
peared in 2011. Still, it was Sting, Carlos San-
tana and Elton John who gave the inaugural
concerts at Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse in
early 2010. Other venues that have hosted
big stars (such as Robbie Williams, Tom
Jones and Jamie Cullum) include the Dubai
Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Festival
City Arena and the Sevens Stadium.
Unfortunately, several fledgling mu-
sic festivals, such as Dubai Desert Rock
Festival and Desert Rhythm, have been
postponed ‘until further notice’. Thankfully
the Dubai International Jazz Festival is an
exception and celebrated its 10th anniver-
sary in 2012, with James Morrison, Jason
Mraz and Jools Holland included on the
star-studded line-up.
Meanwhile, you might also want to keep
an eye out for Middle Eastern and subcon-
tinental stars. When you see big posters
and hear multiple radio ads for acts you’re
unfamiliar with, do a quick Google search to
find out where they’re from. There’s a reason
they’re so popular. Lebanese, Indian,e tertainmentn
Generally you don’t come to Dubai if you’re after full-on highbrow
entertainment. Live performances tend to be light fare – musicals, cabaret
or touring shows. That said, you can find some serious stars on the
concert circuit both here and in neighbouring Abu Dhabi: Tom Jones, Paul
McCartney and Britney Spears all played to sell-out audiences in 2011.