This Week In Dubai: Cirkopolis, 2015-16 Art Season And More

Dubai was packed with events this past week, including several high-profile art exhibitions, the Ripe popup market, Spandau Ballet, and the beginning of Eid Al Adha. Also Cirque Eloize came to Abu Dhabi this week, so there was plenty to do in the UAE all week long.

Cirque Eloize’s Cirkopolis

Photo Credit: Cirque Eloize

Cirque Eloize, which bills itself as Cirque du Soleil’s “hipper cousin,” brought it’s mesmerizing show Cirkopolis to Yaz Island in Abu Dhabi. The show started on Thursday and continues through Saturday night. Cirkopolis combines circus with theatre and dance to tell the story of a system that destroys individuality. The set design is certainly spectacular, setting the stage for a factory city with portals and giant gears.

Galleries Night at Alserkal Avenue

Photo Credit: Alserkal Avenue

Art destination Alserkal Avenue held its Galleries Night on Monday to mark the opening of the 2015-16 arts season and take the wraps off some of the exhibitions that are kicking off at the galleries. Ayyam Gallery is hosting work by Noor Bahjat as part of the Young Artist Residency Graduation Exhibition, while Green Art Gallery is hosting a solo show by Elias Zayat called After the Deluge. Gulf Photo Plus, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, and Showcase Gallery also welcomed new shows this week.

Art Space opens

Photo Credit: Art Space Dubai

Art Space held opening night for its new opening exhibition this past week as well, welcoming work by painter, sculptor, and printmaker Hussein Madi on Tuesday night. Considered one of the Arab world’s most important artists, Madi has been painting since before the 1950s. Thousands of people all over the world have viewed the Lebanese artist’s work, including in high-profile venues like the British Museum, the Ueno Museum in Tokyo, and the Venice Biennale.

Spandau Ballet in concert

Photo Credit: Spandau Ballet

The iconic British band Spandau Ballet performed live in concert on Thursday night at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Their Soul Boys of the Western World tour landed in Dubai about a year after the release of the film of the same name which tells their story. Spandau Ballet also released a fresh greatest hits collection entitled The Story, which included three new songs produced by Trevor Horn, the legendary producer.

Ripe Popup Market

The second Ripe popup market was held on Thursday during the BurjJuman Night Market, offering craft items and fresh organic fruit and vegetables. On the same night, the mall held its Flower Power exhibition with a stunning array of floral arrangements.