Do you feel it? We are slipping into the rhythm now. Each week in the UAE seems to be getting fuller — and here is a little spoiler: this one is packed with art, cool DJ sets, and, of course, the flavours we all love. Honestly, I am not sure how anyone could catch it all, but at least try to make it through half of it!

Where? Tashkeel Studio & Gallery, Dubai

Ranim AlHalaky, a Syrian–Lebanese graphic designer and visual artist born in Damascus, has long been part of the Tashkeel Critical Practice Programme — and this exhibition marks the culmination of her journey with it. Her practice sits somewhere between design and visual art, blending disciplines in ways that feel both unexpected and contrasting. Contrast itself lies at the heart of her new show “Of Liminal Threads” — exploring permanence and impermanence, presence and absence, memory and forgetting.

The opening on September 16 promises to be one of the most sincere, distinctive, and unmissable events.

Where? Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay

The name Amar Diwakar might not sound familiar, but say Funky Chapati and things start to click. Once you have heard his beats, they stick with you.

For those already tuned in, here is the news: he is making his debut at VNYL Hi-Fi on Wednesday, bringing a heady mix of jazz, funk, folk-pop and Turkish psychedelia from the 1970s and 1980s.

And if you have yet to discover him — this is the perfect moment. See you at Honeycomb!

Where? Dubai Mall Fountain views, Alba Restaurant

Going out for dinner is always a lovely, warm, uniting experience — one I recommend to all couples and even first-time companions every now and then. (I am no psychologist, but mine certainly agrees with me!)

The beauty of a restaurant dinner is that it is never just about good food with a bit of conversation on the side — it is about the experience itself. And that is exactly what Alba Restaurant offers now: a tasting journey into Japan’s liquid heritage. Perfectly paired with their wagyu tataki and grilled aubergine with kimchi cream, it is a night to savour.

Where? Abu Dhabi, The Red Theater

Before you start complaining that driving to Abu Dhabi on a Friday feels like a bit much, let me tell you why it is worth the trip. “Find Your Eyes” is an immersive performance by British photographer and visual theatre maker Benji Reid — so quite obviously blends photography, choreography and theatre. Reid weaves together Afro-futuristic elements, surreal imagery and striking contrasts to create a world that fascinates.

The creators caution that the show is raw and deeply emotional. It draws directly from Reid’s own life experiences — vulnerability, tragedy, mental health struggles and grief, including his personal story of his mother’s stroke.

The performance takes place on September 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm.

Where? Jameel Arts Centre

Do you know what I love most about artists? When they approach their work with a sense of playfulness — because that usually means the art carries the deepest roots and richest backgrounds. That is exactly the case with Bady Dalloul.

The opening talk marks the start of his solo exhibition — and despite the title, it isn't really about cats (or any pets, for that matter). The “cat” here is symbolic: something imagined, absent, or longed for. Just like that, the exhibition itself weaves together material objects, personal narratives, found imagery and cultural critique. It asks us to reflect on the gap between what we have and what we imagine, on the things that may not exist but still shape our identities.

The opening talk will feature Dalloul himself, alongside curators, publishers and fellow artists who have been closely engaged in his practice.

We usually point you to the cool dining spots — whether it is pasta, shawarma, a juicy cut of meat, or just a cosy, leafy corner. But this week’s theme is all about new openings. Simple, yes — but definitely intriguing.

At least once a week I stick to the same ritual: switch on “Do Not Disturb” mode on my phone, draw the curtains, and head to bed by 9 pm (sometimes even 8:30). It is the best life hack I know for an instant energy boost.