As always, this week is packed with new openings, art, conversations, and everything in between.

It starts with Swell, a newly opened wellness space in Al Quoz. Then, it moves into "All the Lands from Sunrise to Sunset" at Green Art Gallery, a group show reflecting on how ideas of empire still shape the present, and Talk to Strangers: Sentimental Value at Cinema Akil — part cinema, part social experiment built around unexpected conversations.

By the weekend, the pace picks up with Rascals x New Balance at Safa Park — community runs, music, and a laid-back hangout — alongside Déjà Vu at Concrete, a large-scale exhibition bringing together 50+ artists from across the UAE.

It all winds down on Sunday at the Farmers’ Market at Jaddaf Waterfront, a slower moment by the water, with fresh produce and the season's final edition.

Where? Club Swell, Al Quoz

Just opened a few days ago — a new space that brings together movement, recovery and culture, all wrapped in a retro-inspired vibe.

Where? Green Art Gallery

Since April 18, All the Lands from Sunrise to Sunset has been on view at Green Art Gallery.

A group exhibition featuring Alla Abdunabi, Fatma Al Ali, Alessandro Balteo-Yazbeck, and Michael Rakowitz, exploring how ideas of empire continue to shape the present through language, imagery, material, and myth.

Rather than framing empire as something of the past, the show presents it as an ongoing condition — constantly shifting and reappearing in today’s cultural landscape.

Across the works, themes of renaming, erasure, reconstruction, and repetition unfold: a gulf renamed, an artefact rebuilt, a coin in circulation, a lion surviving only as a symbol.

Where? Cinema Akil

At Cinema Akil, there is this great format called Talk to Strangers — part cinema, part social experiment.

You can come alone or with someone, but the whole point is to connect — talk, share, and end up in conversations you didn’t expect.

On April 23, they are back with a new edition around Sentimental Value — the stories we carry, the moments that shaped us, and the little things that somehow mean everything.

Where? Safa Park

New Balance is celebrating the launch of the Ellipse sneakers with Rascals by hosting a community event at Safa Park.

Morning (6:30 am onwards): a 5K run with fresh air, good vibes, and meeting new people. Afterwards, a special New Balance x Rascals menu to refuel and hang out.

Evening (6:00 pm–8:30 pm): DJ set by Shef Codes, a relaxed hangout, giveaways, merch, and the same limited-edition menu.

Open to everyone from April 24 to April 26.

Where? Concrete, Alserkal Avenue

On April 25, Déjà Vu opens at Concrete. A multi-gallery exhibition by Alserkal, bringing together 50+ artists from 20 of the UAE’s leading contemporary galleries — on view for 14 days.

Inspired by Raed Yassin’s neon work Déjà vu (2016), the show plays with repetition — looping histories, mismatched timelines, memory glitches, and slips in language.

Curated by Kevin Jones, Nada Raza, and Zaina Zaarour, in collaboration with participating galleries.

Where? Jaddaf Waterfront

Spend your Sunday at a vibrant open-air market set along the scenic Jaddaf Waterfront. Discover fresh, locally sourced produce, organic goods, handmade products, and a curated selection of artisan vendors. Enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere with food, drinks, and a welcoming outdoor setting by the water.

This is the final edition of the season, closing on April 26.

A gentle start to the week.