October Events Calendar UAE

Gear up for a month of art, sport, fashion, films, food and festivals

Diaries at the ready... Gear up for a month full of art and culture, sport, fashion, films, food and festivals.

TUE 1

Abu Dhabi Chocolate Festival, at Marina Mall, until October 7.

6th Arab Bowling Tournament until 8th

Reflets per Pierre Gagnaire opens Terrasse, an outdoor bar, from 6.30pm. Call 04-7011199.

MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show, Expo Centre Sharjah, until Oct 5.

Vibrance fashion exhibition, 11am-8pm at Al Yasat Ballroom, Al Murooj Rotana.

Adventurer Adrian Hayes and Ryan and Sean Penny from The Wellness brothers will give a talk on “The Height of Success”, 7pm at Adventure HQ, Times Square Center.

WED 2

Cinderella on Ice on a custom built 170sqm ice rink at Adnec, until October 5. Shows Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm; Friday, 3pm and 7.30pm; Saturday at 11am and 3:30pm.

Emotional Colors, an exhibition by three Italian artists — Silvana Pasini, Elena Brindani and Elisa Brindani — at Pro Art Gallery, Jumeirah Beach Road, until October 26.

Komedya Nights tour (also October 4-5) Manila standup with Super Tekla, Whacky Kiray and Krissel Valdez, at Rocky’s Cafe, Regent Palace Hotel Dubai.

THU 3

Dubai duo Few As Much perform at the new music night at Qube Sports Bar, Meydan, from 10pm; entry free with drink promotions until 2am; call 04-3813780.

Syrian singer Hussein El Deek and Talal El Daour perform at Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi.

GA.BO.SIA, a solo exhibition by Amartey Golding, until November7, at Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba 1.

Long’s Bar celebrates its 13th anniversary at Towers Rotana Dubai with drinks specials at Dh13, 8pm-midnight.

Hong Kong day at Mirdif City Centre, a three-day event showcasing the city from 10am-10pm with Kung Fu performances and classes. 

Season VIII with Audiotonic at 360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel with DJ Nick Curly, DJ Raxon and resident DJ Tristan Bain. Call 056-6826617.

At the movies: Besharam unites Ranbir Kapoor with his parents Rishi and Neetu on the big screen for the first time.

FRI 4

T-PAIN featuring DJ Artful Dodger at Abu Dhabi’s du Arena.

Rick Ross Live Al Badia Golf Club

Numaish, a fashion exhibition inspired by traditional weaves and textiles, 10am-9pm, at Diamond Ballroom, Address Hotel, Dubai Mall.

Ayushyavar Bolu Kah, a Marathi poetry evening, at Shaikh Rashid Auditorium with Saleel Kulkarni and Sandeep Khare; tickets Dh40-75; call 056-7745786.

Juliana Down perform at Live at Aloft Festival, Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tickets Dh50, including two drinks, or Dh399 for a room at the hotel including two tickets; aloftabudhabi.com

House South Brothers at Cavalli Club, mixing  house and electro with live instruments; call: 800 CAVALLI.

SAT 5

Dubai Desert Run

Global Village opens, until March 1 2014

GITEX Shopper 2013, until 12th

Dubai Flea Market, Safa Park Gate 5, 8am-3pm, entry Dh3.

Carré comme un ballon, a clown family show by the Radio Cirque Company at the Alliance Française of Dubai in Oud Metha, 4pm. Dh40 (children), Dh60 (adults), Dh10 more for non-members.

Fashion exhibition by designer Shamaeel at Ensemble, Villa 259, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, from 5-8pm.

Open mic night, new season at B Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, from 7pm. Call 02-6773333.

SUN 6

Get the kids Halloween-ready with All For Children, H&M’s collection of dress-up pieces for boys and girls with 25 per cent of sales going H&M’s project with UNICEF to promote the rights of children in communities where H&M operates. At Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre and Mirdif from October 3.

MON 7

Out Of Body, an exhibition by Aidan Salakhova, at Cuadro Gallery, DIFC Gate Village, until November 7.

Gallery WARD, with contemporary Egyptian art, opens in Al Quoz, next to The Courtyard, 10am-6pm. Call 04-3883204.

Aara Fashion House exhibition with designs by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Umar Sayeed, Varun Bahl and more, 7.30-10.30pm, at Villa 375A, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1.

TUE 8

The Snail & the Whale, a children’s play at Madinat Jumeirah Theatre, Dh140, shows at 11am, 2pm, Friday and Saturday at 4.30pm, until October 12.

Miley Cyrus releases her latest album, Bangerz.

WED 9

Eid Al Adha exhibition at Adnec, until October 18.

Spirited Hues, an exhibition by M.A Bhatti at Mussawir Art Gallery, until November 11. Open 11am-7pm; call 04-3882663.

THU 10

Vogue Fashion AT Dubai at Dubai Mall

Professionelle Boutique will be popping up with designers present LAYKH, By Malina, Sandra Mansour, Elena Burba and Vanina

Oktoberfest, du Forum, Abu Dhabi, Dh200 including Dh85 food and beverage voucher.

Haveli trunk show, 10am-8pm at Oberoi Hotel, Downtown Dubai with designers such as JJ Valaya, Gaurav Gupta, Azeem Khan and Mandira Wirk (pictured).

Tenor Alessandro Safina performs at Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah; tickets Dhxx

Comedian Jason Byrne’s Special Eye Tour (also October 11), 9pm at Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers; tickets Dh120; call 800McGS (6247).

Celebration of Giuseppe Verdi’s bicentennial at Raffles Dubai, by Emirates Opera Project and Al Sharq Orchestra. From Dh500; call 050-9280085.

At the movies: War Chhod Na Yaar sees Sharman Joshi and Soha Ali Khan try their hand at satire, while the true stories of Diana and Metallica also screen. For kids, it’s Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2.

FRI 11

Bamboo and Rivermaya Live in Dubai

Sandance: The Killers

Dubai Flea Market, Uptown Mirdiff near Spinneys, 2-7pm.

Arab Idol concert at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel with Mohammad Assaf, Farah Yusuf and Ziad Khoury with Faris Karim, 9pm. Tickets, Dhxx, at xx

Omid Djalili, Dubai World Trade Centre, 8pm.

ADCB Zayed Sports City 5 and 10k Run, open to all ages; proceeds go to local charities. Visit premiermarathons.com;

SAT 12

WWE Live Abu Dhabi with Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, The Big Show, The Miz and The Shield, at Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre from Oct 10. Tickets at ticketmaster.ae.

SUN 13

Rocktober week-long rock academy for kids 8-18 at Dubai British School, Springs 3, Emirate Hills, 9am-3pm with live showcase Oct 16 at The Fridge. Dh2,000; email info@rockacademyworldwide.com.

MON 14

Ferrari World is now open on Mondays, for a quieter day to check out the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa.

TUE 15

Fashion Forward: Season 2

KidsFest Abu Dhabi, five-day entertainment festival for parents and children at Zayed Sports City (until October 19). Visit facebook.com/KidsFestUAE.

Fireworks at Um Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, showcasing the Eid in Dubai celebrations, for four days at 9pm.

WED 16

Check out EidFest Abu Dhabi celebrations, which run October 15-17. 19 street performance acts will stage 40-minute shows at Al Ain Mall and Bawadi Mall in Abu Dhabi’s heritage Oasis City, as well as the UAE capital’s Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Mushrif Mall, Dalma Mall, The Galleria at Sowwah Square and on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Call 800 555 for timings.

THU 17

Celebrate World Food Day (October 16) with a cooking class for two at SCAFA, JLT featuring dishes from across the world. Dh500 for two serving sole ceviche (Peru) veal saltimbocca with gnocchi (Italy) and baked cheesecake with strawberry coulis (North America), from 6.45-9.30pm. Call 04-3794044.

Hala Turk performs at Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall, 6-8pm.

Rabeh Saqer performs at Habtoor Grand Hotel, 10pm.

Laugh Dubai Laugh, stand up comedy show with Raju Srivastav, at Crown Plaza Dubai.

At the movies: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock get lost in space together in Gravity; Akshay Kumar turns gangster in action comedy Boss, while Shahid recounts the life of the murdered lawyer who defended those wrongly accused in terrorism-related cases.

FRI 18

Dandiya Raas with Indian music composer and playback singer Aadesh Srivastava and Diwali fair at Wonderland, Oud Mehta, 5pm-2am.

SAT 19

Rihanna Diamonds World Tour

FIFA U17 World Cup UAE kicks off at Al Rashid Stadium (Al Ahli Stadium).

The Bridal Affair with dozens of exhibitors, at Samaya Ballroom, Ritz Carlton DIFC, 10am-9pm with Young Designer Of The Year talent hunt.

SUN 20

See U/C-Under Construction, an exhibition by Michael Bosworth, at Gallery 76 at Dubai International Arts Centre, until November 2. Call 04-3444398.

MON 21

See Emotional Colors, an exhibition by three Italian artists — Silvana Pasini, Elena Brindani and Elisa Brindani — at Pro Art

Gallery, until October 26.

TUE 22

Out Of Body, an exhibition by Aidan Salakhova, at Cuadro Gallery, DIFC Gate Village until November 7.

WED 23

Russell Peters at du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; tickets Dh250-650 at ticketmaster.ae.

Junior Simpson, Jeremy O’Donnell and Simon B Cotter at Punchline Comedy Club, Danat Hotel Al Ain, 9pm. Dh150. Also at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on October 24 and Emirates Golf Club Dubai October 25 (Dh200, inclusive of pub grub food). Tickets at urbanevents.ae.

THU 24

Abu Dhabi Film Festival until November 2

Dubai’s Big Pink Ball, Meydan

Gulf Bike Week at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, until October 26, day pass Dh60; visit gulfbikeweek.com. Performers include Jay Wud, Point of View and Chronicles of Khan.

Studio F re-launch their restaurant and nightclub from 8pm with guest DJs and designers.

Short+Sweet playwrighting weekend with Alex Broun, director of Short+Sweet Festival Dubai on how to write a great ten-minute play. Limited to 15 writers, Dh1,000, (students Dh750). Email abroun@bigpond.net.au

At the movies: Mickey Virus, a comedy about Delhi-based hackers, features Manish Paul, Elli Avram and Varun Badola. Benedict Cumberbach plays Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate.

FRI 25

Jose Carreras and Katherine Jenkins at du Arena

Ladies Day Out at Sky Bubble, Meydan Racecourse until October 27 with model scouting, the Estee Lauder Fashion Stage, Formul’A Hair Academy, Esmod Make-up Academy, DJ lessons and more; tickets, Dh100 (Dh120 on the door), at ladiesdayoutdubai.com.

Open auditions for Beauty and the Beast at Madinat Theatre, for kids 6-16 who can act and dance. Registration starts at 10am.

SAT 26

An Introduction to the International Art Market, a three-day short course by Christie’s Education featuring local artists, curators and gallery owners; US$2,000; email shortcourses@christies.com.

SUN 27

GA.BO.SIA, a solo exhibition by Amartey Golding, until November 7, at Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba 1.

MON 28

Christian Voigt photography exhibition from Voigt’s journeys through Vietnam, Laos and the UAE. Until November 1 at at Salsali

Private Museum.

TUE 29

Try Balance Cafe’s Grill Festival, daily from October 15-November 15, with platters of meat, seafood and vegetables. There’s a farmers market on October 5.

WED 30

Reflets per Pierre Gagnaire has opened Terrasse, its outdoor restaurant and bar, this month. Open from 6.30pm. Call 04-7011199.

THU 31

It’s Halloween! Party at Al Qasr Hotels’ evening Halloween brunch, 7-11pm with Halloween-inspired food and beverages and fancy dress. Dh575 with beverages, call 04-3666730.

Amr Diab, Elissa and Hussain Al Jassmi perform at the first Yasalam after-race concert, du Arena, Yas Island.

O1NE Yas Island, a new club, has its grand opening weekend until November 3. After that, it will only open every Thursday for up to 1,000 club goers.

15th Women’s Exhibition (until November 3) at Dubai World Trade Center with fashion, jewellery, spas and wellness; email info@thorayagroup.com.

At the movies: Tom Hanks aims for another Oscar in pirate drama 

September events calendar

UAE events calendar: September 2013

Diaries at the ready... Gear up for a month full of art and culture, sport, fashion, films, food and festivals. Here’s tabloid!’s don’t-miss guide to what’s happening in the UAE.

• Image Credit: Gulf News

September 1

Hello Kitty will be out to delight and bring joy to the lives of her little fans at BurJuman until September 4 as part of the  “Summer is Dubai” events. Shows at 6.00pm, 7.15pm and 8.30pm

September 2

Hip Hop Chic Mondays with DJ Bliss, hip-hop beats mixed with Cirque le Soir’s (Fairmont) renowned flair for theatre. Doors open afrom 10.30pm. Call 050-9955400.

September 1

Hello Kitty will be out to delight and bring joy to the lives of her little fans at BurJuman until September 4 as part of the  “Summer is Dubai” events. Shows at 6.00pm, 7.15pm and 8.30pm

September 2

Hip Hop Chic Mondays with DJ Bliss, hip-hop beats mixed with Cirque le Soir’s (Fairmont) renowned flair for theatre. Doors open afrom 10.30pm. Call 050-9955400.

September 3

Launch of Sparkle ladies Night with DJ M’Raz from 8pm, at the Thirty 1st, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi.

Opening of Resonating Script, a calligraphy exhibition featuring contemporary artists at Mussawir Art Gallery, Al Quoz 1. Exhibition on until September.

September 4

Movies and Munchies at Desert Palm Resort, screening The Dark Knight Rises. Movies screened poolside at Epicure every Wednesday from 7.30pm, Dh40 gets you a towel, tasty popcorn and a popular movie; additional food and beverages available upon request. Call 04-3238888.

September 5

Back to School, a shopping and entertainment event for children between the ages of four and 14, at the Shaikh Saeed Halls, Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Tickets Dh15, Dh50 for a family ticket and Dh100 for a group of 10.

At the movies it’s the sequel to hit action flick Kick-Ass 2, this time also starring Jim Carrey, Vin Diesel’s sci-fi film Riddick and Jennifer Aniston comedy We’re the Millers. Bollywood film lovers can catch Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra as they try to redefine love in Shuddh Desi Romance.

September 6

90-minute sunset yoga class at Park Hyatt Dubai, 7pm in the waterfront gardens with instructor, Lina Wehbi. Every Friday; Dh100 per session, sx sessions for Dh500; 12 sessions Dh900. Call 04-6021660.

The Raaga Factory, at the Q Underground, Holiday Inn Barsha, a new night featuring The Raaga Rockers, local musicians who fuse global music genres.

September 7

Sukhothai cooking class, learn the art of exotic thai cooking. Spicy chicken salad and roasted duck curry with pineapple at Dh199 inclusive of cooking demo and snacks, 12.30pm, Le Meridien Dubai. Call thai 04-7022455

September 8

Book a 60-minute Classic Shave at Raffles’ Amrita spa (Dh129) and get a free haircut. Shave uses a straight razor and badger hair brush for a close shave.

September 9

Khosh Bosh! Beirut — An Identity Adrift by Hatty Pedder, an exhibition at The Mojo Gallery, Al Serkal, Dubai (until October 31). Open Saturday-Thursday, 10am-7pm.

Hip Hop Chic Monday with Tim Westwood, regarded as an influential figure for hip-hop in Europe performs at Circue Le Soir, Fairmont.

September 10

Passing the Crisis, an exhibition by Rezvan Sadeghzadeh, at Ayyam Gallery, DIFC. 99 Objects Possible to Find on a Cloud, by Nadim Karam, launches at Ayyam Gallery Al Quoz.

Rawiya: She Who Tells a Story, an exhibition (until October 16) by members of the Rawiya photography collective, at Gulf Photo Plus’ gallery at Al Serkal Avenue. Artist talk at 7pm, registr on 04-3808545.

September 12

Punchline Comedy Club Middle East with John Lenahan, Simon Bligh and Fox Klein, at Emirates Golf Club, 7.30pm with dinner; show at 9pm. Dh200 including food. Also at: Abu Dhabi Golf Club (13th, Dh150, not incuding food); Hilton Al Ain (18th; Dh150, set Italian menu additional Dh90);  Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (19th, Dh150, not incuding food); Sharjah Rugby Club (20th Dh150, not incuding food). Tickets at urbanevents.ae.

At the movies: Filipino film Ekstra (The Bit Player), a socio-realist drama-comedy, follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the exploitation of the marginalized labourers like her. Disney film Planes, featuring Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is out as well as the new Piercy Jackson film Sea of Monsters.

September 13

Big Foam Dance pool party with Greg Stainer, Darko De Jan, Roberto Mermand and S3r-Han at XL Beach Club, 3-8pm. Call 056-6406161.

September 14

Indian Street Food Festival featuring live chaat, pav bhaji and vada pav counters and an a la carte menu of more than 15 popular street food delicacies at Claypot, Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai, until October 12.

September 15

Launch of the Route 66 Sundays, journey along the infamous American route with this Route 66 special.  Feast on chilis from Chicago, frozen custards from Missouri, BBQs from Kansas, Texan burritos, Mexican tortillas, Arizona burgers and Santa Monica steaks, just to name a few.  Available every Sunday from 15th September onwards at Sofitel, Abu Dhabi Corniche.

September 16

Inside Street Football, an exhibition exploring street football from Amsterdam to Riyadh, Dubai to Marseille. All the images were taken by Getty photographers through the lens of the HTC One smartphone. Admission is free. At Ductac, Mall of the Emirates. Until September 19.

Photography and production company Wouter Kingma’s solo photography exhibition, marking the launch of their online print store, includes photos and installations at Create!, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, Dubai, until September 30.

September 17

Deepak Chopra, Indian born American physician will deliver ‘The Future of Wellbeing’ seminar at Madinat Arena. Tickets start at Dh150 upto Dh1,000. Call 800 FLASH (35274)

September 18

Opening of The Blind Owl, an exhibition by Pouran Jinchi continuing her investigation into deconstructing calligraphy, at The Third Line Gallery, Al Quoz 3. Exhibition on until October 24. Call 04-3411367.

September 19

Wear What How autumn/winter fashion styling workshops with Kelly Lundberg, at Harvey Nichols – Dubai, at 11.30am, 3.30pm and 7pm. Call 04-4098888 to reserve.

Monte Carlo Beach Club’s Sea Lounge relaunches its ladies night on Saadiyat Island. Ladies receive complimentary drinks throughout the evening while award-winning resident DJ Natalie Brogan spins the tunes. Every Thursday, 4pm-late; selected drinks from 8pm. Men, Dh50 on the door inclusive of two house beverages.

Tom Jones, the Welsh legend returns to du Forum, Yas island. The iconic singer will perfrom a selection of his greatest hits along with material from his last two albums. Tickets start at Dh300 for general admission and Dh450 for the golden circle. Details at thinkflash.ae

At the movies: Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor is back in a comedy with Phata Poster Nikhla Hero and that sleeper hit from last year, starring Eli Roth, called Aftershock. For martial arts fans, the third Ong Bak film is out.

September 20

London College of Fashion starts its latest short course series at Vida Hotel, Downtown Dubai, with principles of fashion styling (approx Dh6,000). Also on offer, until end of the month, are luxury fashion brand management, starting your own fashion label and the new handbag design. Book at fashion.arts.ac.uk/short-courses/middle-east

September 21

Puesta Del Sol, with chef Matthew Goodlet cooking Spanish paella live, every Saturday from 4pm. Flamenco performances, dancers and a Spanish guitarist until 7pm, then resident DJ Melohman. Paella dishes from Dh99 per person, at Monte Carlo Beach Club.

SoPritti presents Araaish, a charity fashion exhibition benefitting PRIDE India and Al Manzil School, Sharjah. Celebrity designers include Rimple & Harpreet, Vikram Phadnis, Shehla Khan and Mana Shetty there in person.

September 22

Rodeo Grill launches its Oyster Week promotion, feast on a selection of classic oysters on ice paired with condiments or choose to enjoy the gratin specialties such as Oysters Oysters on braised leeks and potato,  black truffle oil and crispy Panko until September 28, at Al Bustan Rotana Dubai.

September 23

Sofitel French Wine Week in all of its  hotels worldwide. From 23-30 September 2013, the week will be entirely dedicated to French wines in order to celebrate the harvest that traditionally takes place in the northern hemisphere in September, offering a wide range of French wines à la carte, including: Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Languedoc, Loire, Rhône and more.

September 24

Sounds at At.mosphere Lounge, Burj Khalifa with Electric Harpist Harjoot Singh and Violinist Haruka Horii, bringing alternate sets from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. From 7pm to midnight, international DJ Lou Lou brings her signature style of main room house, progressive and tech with a contemporary twist.

September 25

Moscow Grand Circus, featuring hand-picked acts across Russia, be amazed by acrobatic stunts, world-class dancers and mischievous clowns. At Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

September 26

Arthur’s Day celebrations, live music with Top Loader and The Lightning Seeds (unplugged). Doors open at 7pm, concert at 9pm. Tickets Dh70. Call 04-2395000.

At the movies: Justin Timberlake is back in action along with future Batman Ben Affleck in crime drama Runner, Runner. Then there is British science fiction comedy film starring Simon Pegg that everyone’s talking about, called The World’s End. It’s from the same team behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

September 27

Wedding Fair, brides-to-be can peruse a full spectrum of services including wedding planners, dress designers, florists, event managers, photographers and videographers, hair and make-up specialists, jewellery designers and gift companies, at the Constellation Ballroom, The Address Dubai Marina.

September 28

The DIVAlicious 2013 extravaganza, glitz and glam with fashion week designers at The Godolphin Ballroom at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, to be held from 10am to 8pm on two days. Call 050-4585265 or log into facebook.com/ddivaliciouss.

September 29

Italian Artisan Cheeses at La Mamma Restaurant, Sheraton Abu Dhabi featuring some of Italy’s superb cheeses, from the Alps to the islands, including sheep, goat and cow cheeses. To complete the tastings, the delicious cheeses will be accompanied by home-made marmalades and confits, paired with matching wines. Call 02-6773333.

September 30

Ikea ladies Morning, women can get together for warm beverages and inspiring ideas from Ikea experts, at the Yas Island store, 10-11am. Details at ikeauae.com.

A new school opens in Dubai... The Universal Academy of Excellence

A new school owned and operated by Dubai Education is expected to open its doors next month..

Based in Al Safa, The Universal Academy of Excellence will open to students from Foundation Stage 1 (nursery) to Year 6 on September 2.

Licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the school will teach the internationally recognised Cambridge British Curriculum."We have everything at the school to enable children to succeed," said the principal, Kamel Fodil, who has worked through Dubai Education's plan to convert the school to a mainstream curriculum.

"We are transforming our facilities into state of the art," he said.

"We already have smartboards in every classroom, computers and sports facilities.

"We have the tools and knowledge to provide them with the highest levels of support to achieve their goals and continue their development. This includes on-site therapists and specialists in education."

Students from the Jumeirah-based St Andrews School, which closed last year after the owner allegedly absconded with Dh200,000 in funds, are among those joining the school. The school was rescued by Dubai Education and operated under a new name.

"We have quite literally laid the foundations of a bright future for these children, through all different levels of learning," said Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Dubai Education's chairman.

"The academy reinforces our commitment to the needs and the education of these children, and the greater Dubai community.

"Following in the footsteps of our success with the Canadian University of Dubai, education is a priority in Dubai and the UAE."

Enrolment and registration forms can be found on the website, www.theacademy.ae. For more details, call 04 388 1388 or email info@theacademy.ae.

In case of any support with school search, HelpXpat is here to assist.

Please contact on 052 8102948 or enquiry@helpxpat.com

Top reward schemes and loyalty programmes

Air Miles
Miles can be earned at more than 120 stores across the UAE, including Sharaf DG, Spinneys and Adidas. Extra air miles are available to HSBC cardholders.
Apply at www.airmilesme.com.
Coffee shop cards
Pick up a loyalty card at Costa Coffee or Caffe Nero, and earn a free coffee once you have collected nine stamps.
Apply in store.
Grazia Insider CardGet 20 percent off at selected stores, including American Eagle, Rvier Island, Valleydez and Topshop.
Apply at www.grazia.ae.

Habtoor HotelsLoyal One point is earned with every Dhs10 spent on food, beverages and room charges. Points can be redeemed against hotel rooms, dining and Diamond car rental.Minimum spend of Dhs 1,000 at the hotel to become a permanent member. 
Apply at www.habtoorloyal.com.

HHonours
This Hilton scheme sees members earn ten points for every Dhs4 spent on dining, spa treatments and stays at the company’s properties, which can then be redeemed against future stays.
Apply at hhonors3.hilton.com.
Hyatt Passport
Members get five points for every Dhs4 spent at Hyatt hotels, which can be redeemed against free stays, room upgrades, meals and spa treatments.
Appy at www.hyatt.com.
IHG Rewards Club
Earn ten points for every Dhs4 spent on stays, spa treatments and dining. Earn 2,000 points for each stay at the InterContinental Festival City. Points can be redeemed for reward nights and use of hotel facilities. Valid for InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Hotels. 
Apply at www.ihg.com.
Le Club Accor
Valid at Novotel, Sofitel, Pullman and Ibis properties, spending Dhs50 will earn rewards from 20 points. Once members earn 2,000 points, they will receive Dhs195 to spend on all hotel facilities except conference events. 
Apply at www.acor.com.
Marriot Rewards
Earn ten points for every Dhs4 spent on hotel stays (excluding facilities used while there) and redeem against future stays to save now and enjoy later. 
Apply at www.marriot.com.
The Nail Spa
This loyalty scheme at the ladies-only salon allows customers to earn one point for every Dhs1 spent. Once customers have earned 850 points, they are entitled to a free treatment, Sunday to Wednesdays. 
Apply at www.thenailspa.com.
Rotana Rewards
This scheme has three tiers – the first two are free. Classic cards get patrons two points for every Dhs1 spent (except on restaurant reservations), while Select cards offer complimentary late check-out and VIP guest room amenities, plus two points for every Dhs1 spent in all facilities, except Al Mawal and Chi Zen outlets. 
Apply at www.rotanarewards.com.
Shukran Card
Accumulate points at stores across the city. Rewards for spending Dhs10 range from two to ten points, depending on the store. Once you’ve earned 100 points, you can redeem them for Dhs25 worth of products. Members must have a minimum of 500 points in their account at all times.
Apply at www.shukranrewards.com.
Sirius JumeirahWith this free scheme, guests earn one Sirius point for every Dhs12 they spend on dining, shopping, spa treatments or hotel stays at Jumeirah hotels, resorts and residences worldwide. Points can then be used for stays, upgrades and dining.
Apply at www.jumeirah.com.
Starwoods Preferred Guest
Get two points for every Dhs4 spent at any Starwoods hotel in Dubai (except Le Meridien Dubai and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Méridien Fairway and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina). Points can be redeemed against hotel stays, room upgrades and activities. 
Apply at www.starwoodshotels.com.

SubwayCollect a stamp every time you order a six-inch sandwich, and once you’ve earned eight stamps, your next sandwich is free with the purchase of a soft drink.
Apply in store.

Tips to save money for a better future

Analyse essential, optional and avoidable expenses

Abu Dhabi: Saving is, theoretically, what is left after expenses. But practically it never happens, says K.V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the UAE-based Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, a social organisation for Indian expatriates in the Gulf.

Here are his five tips for saving money:

1. If you wait to save after meeting all expenses, you can never do it. Set aside at least 20 per cent of your salary as savings as soon as you receive it and spend the remaining amount only. For example, if your salary is Dh10,000, set side at least Dh2,000 before you start spending.

2. Make a budget for monthly expenses and strictly follow this. Reasonably minimise variable expenses in daily life such as food, electricity and water consumption, etc. You can’t minimise fixed expenses like rent, school fees. o But you can minimise the number of visits to posh restaurants and instead cook at home.

3. Expatriates remitting money to family back home should help the family prepare a budget for expenses. The family should also be encouraged to save money from the remittances. (Only two per cent of Indian families save money from remittances they receive).

4. Everyone thinks that he or she doesn’t make any unnecessary expenses. But if you write down your essential, optional and unnecessary expenses every day, the reality may be different. If you do it for 15 days, you can find many unnecessary expenses. Then it will be part of your habit to avoid them.

5. Convert savings into productive investments in diverse sectors, which should give you a regular income.

For all your relocation needs, HelpXpat is here to assist

enquiry@helpxpat.com

052 8102948