A brief guide to the month ahead

After the traditional lull of summer the UAE roars back into life with a wide collection of events that you’d be smart to get involved with. If you don’t have time, make time.

Here are a few to get you started:

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Fandom of the Opera
September 1 to 16

Dubai’s first ever Opera Season is upon us. Yes, the magnificent new Dubai Opera House has opened and has an eclectic opening schedule:

The Pearl Fishers (Sept 1 and 3)
A classic opera that sees two friends vowing never to let a woman come between them. We sense trouble…

The Barber of Seville (Sept 2 to 4)
Considered to be one of the greatest comic operas ever written. Who wouldn’t trust a barber named Figaro?

Giselle (Sept 16)
A proper ballet love-story here.
The Russian State Ballet will have your partner swooning.

Impossible! (Sept 26 to 30)
Some of the world’s greatest illusionists take to the big stage for some thrilling stunts, er, magic.

 

Varekai
September 6 to 24
So well renowned are Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular shows that it would be forgiven if, for once, it just decided to produce something half-hearted. If that were ever to happen it would be with its latest smash show, Varekai, which roughly translates to “whatever”. But rather than describing a bored teenager’s angst, it’s the title for a show that incorporates all the theatrical bamboozlement you could imagine from anything this marque produces. Expect to be amazed, again. tixbox.com 
 
Paralympic Games
September 7 to 19
Following the immense spectacle of the Olympics, the fifteenth Summer Paralympic Games will be keeping that Olympic fever you’ve picked up running well into the next month. Live on Abu Dhabi sports, this fantastic competition showcases the sporting prowess of the very best disabled athletes from all over the world. Highly recommended viewing for anyone who needs reminding about the true meaning of sportsmanship.
 

Eid al-Adha
September 11 to 16

If there is one thing we know for certain, it’s that the UAE loves a fireworks display.You can bet your bottom dirham there will be plenty of pyrotechnics this month as we celebrate Eid al-Adha. With plenty of cultural events planned across the emirates, make sure you pencil in the grand fireworks shows lighting up the skies in Dubai’s JBR and The Beach. Viewing is free, so grab your spot early. 

 
GAMES16
September 22 to 24
The UAE’s biggest annual Gaming Expo is back again for another weekend of button-bashing fun, side-scrolling action and no doubt outfits of varying degrees of heroicness. Housed at the huge Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s event could be the best yet, so expect some huge announcements, exclusive launches, and more interactions than you can shake a joy-stick at. games-me.com
 
 
Adam Saleh

September 22
 
In general, bloggers are a bit hit-and-miss. Sure, anyone can do it, but to do it well — and by that we really, really well — is no mean feat. Adam Saleh falls into the latter category, with more than one million subscribers to his YouTube account. The multi-titled rapper/actor/blogger brings his humorous show to the Centrepoint Theatre, Dubai. If you can count yourself as one of his million subscribers, then you can buy VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet. ductac.org