9 things to do in Dubai this weekend

It’s all about music this weekend as Dubai’s first Dance Music Conference brings talks and workshops at Toolroom Academy as well as performances from industry greats such as Faithless founder Sister Bliss. Busta Rhymes is also in town, bringing his classic party tunes such as “Touch It” to Eden Beach Club. Those of you who are looking for something a little more chilled out can make your own music in the desert, with a drumming session to celebrate the full moon.

Dubai Dance Music Conference
Dubai’s inaugural Dance Music Conference, held at Pacha Ibiza Dubai on April 21 and 22, is being greeted with considerable excitement. The Winter Music Conference in Florida’s biggest city has been going since 1985 and has acted as a catalyst to the global electronic music scene. The timing is certainly right for Dubai to create its own version. With the likes of Sister Bliss from Faithless and Mark Knight’s Toolroom Academy coming to town, the first Dance Music Conference is certainly dropping all the right names from day one.
When: April 21 & 22
Where: Pacha Ibiza Dubai, www.dancemusicconference.com

The Hub featuring Busta Rhymes
Celebrating hip-hop and RnB, Busta Rhymes will have party dwellers dancing to his hit songs like “How We Roll” and “Touch It”.  “Calm Down” there’s more, he’ll also be joined by Lebanese DJ Tony H. From AED250.
When: 21 April
Where: Eden Beach Club, 

Jason Byrne “20 Years a Clown” tour
Irish comedian and radio host, Jason Bryne is making his highly anticipated return to Dubai this week. Known for his crowd participation guests can expect hilarious social commentary, quick-witted improvisation and the occasional tear as he tests the limits of (picks on) those in the audience. AED150.
When: 21 and 22 April
Where: McGettigan’s JLT, 

Chase & Status at Nasimi
English electronic duo Saul Milton and Will Kennard, better known as Chase & Status, are set to headline Nasimi Beach’s Full Moon Party. Best of all – entry is free!
When: Friday April 22, 7pm-3am
Where: Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm Dubai, +971 552 004 321

Desert Drumming
This full moon is extra-special – it’s the smallest full moon of 2016, and it’s being dubbed the mini-moon. The captivating occurrence happens once a year with every appearance taking place a month and 18 days later, this year’s  is set to take place this Friday, April 22. If you’re looking to celebrate this annual occurrence with those with fellow astrological enthusiasts who also appear to have a little more rhythm in their step, then make your way to Dubai Drums Desert Venture Camp. Expect drumming, a belly dancing performance, henna painting, camel riding and traditional Emirati food. From AED250.
When: From 6:30 pm, Friday, 22 April
Where:  Gulf Ventures Camp, Al-Awir, +97156 7442129

Romeo & Juliet
It is the 400th birthday of William Shakespeare this month and, under the banner “Shakespeare Lives”,  the theatre world has gone into overdrive to celebrate the anniversary. As well they might. In Dubai, this is taking the form of a special – and interactive – version of the classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Set in contemporary Dubai, the famous ill-starred love story centres on the feuding houses of the Karama Montagues and the Jumeirah Capulets. It is being produced by Dubai-based theatre company Constellation and delivered in a “promenade” style, meaning that the actors and audience will move around difference locations to watch the action unfold – in this case, around various parts of DUCTAC theatre, including the Kilachand Studio and the rooftop. There are three performances in total, with the middle one, on the Friday, taking place at 10.30pm for a special “under the stars” experience. Tickets are just AED100.
When: April 21-23
Where: DUCTAC Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, +9714 341 4777, ductac.org

Outlook Festival Dubai Launch Party
After cementing its place as one of the largest dance-music festivals in Europe, Outlook Festival is set to make its Dubai debut this weekend. They are describing it as the “largest multi-genre bass driven line-up to ever hit Dubai”, which means that revellers get more than 10 hours of music of all types – including reggae, dancehall, UK garage, drum and bass, grime and, of course, hip-hop. Tickets start from AED100.
When: April 22
Where: Story Lounge, Holiday Inn Express, Knowledge Village, +971 56 649 9728

Pottery Classes with Yadawei
Let your inner sculptor out this Earth Day with Yadawei Ceramic Studio. The fun-filled art session will have you perfecting three basic pottery techniques – coil, slap and pinch – during your quest to create a great pot.
When: April 22
Where: Yadawei Ceramic Studio, Al Quoz, +9714 379 1312

Cinema – The Huntsman: Winter’s War (15)
Set as both prequel and sequel to the 2012 gothic fairy tale Snow White and the Huntsman, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron make a welcome return to the series. Kristen Stewart’s morose Snow White is absent this time around, though, having been emphatically replaced by Emily Blunt’s Ice Queen and Jessica Chastain’s hard-as-nails warrior, Sara. Half the film takes place before the events of the predecessor, with the rest chronicling Queen Ravenna’s resurrection and malevolent reunion with her Ice Queen sis.
In cinemas from April 21