6 things to do in Dubai this week

Fashion Forward Dubai
The leading fashion industry event in the region returns for the autumn programme, with even more runway shows, retail spaces, talks, workshops and, naturally, networking events and afterparties – again all taking place over a week at D3. There will be shows from the likes of Starch Foundation, Madiyah Al Sharqi and Zareena, and panel discussions about fashion entrepreneurship and trend forecasting. An event fashionistas can’t afford to sidestep, really.
When: October 20-25
Where: Dubai Design District, www.fashionforward.ae

Anantara Gourmet Festival 2016
We don’t lack for food festivals in the UAE but this one can claim to be a little different. Over the course of a week, the lavish Thai-themed hotel on The Palm is hosting a series of chef showcases from celebrity chefs that offer bite-sized – figuratively, literally – glimpses into the world of gourmet cuisine. Among the big names taking part are Australian Tom Walton, who owns and runs The Bucketlist on Bondi Beach, Sydney, French chef Xavier Caille, the world oyster-opening champion, and Claudio Sadler, a two Michelin starred chef. All week they will be hosting masterclasses, cooking demonstrations and special dinners. Priced per event.
When: October 23-29
Where: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, www.dubai-palm.anantara.com/anantara-gourmet-2016

Cinema – Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (18)
You do have to hand it to Tom Cruise. Whatever misgivings one may have about his increasingly oddball off-screen persona, he is still able to pick action roles he can inhabit with a conviction few can match. He was terrific in Oblivion, decent in Edge of Tomorrow and entirely believable in Jack Reacher. A second outing for the latter, then, is very welcome news. Having cleared an accused assassin in the first film, Jack is now out to save himself. Violently.