The New Year opens an exciting new chapter of events and films across the Middle East. We have all had a bit of a rocky-road since 2020 and in light of overcoming the what we hope is the worst of the pandemic, we can now simply sit back and enjoy while making the most out of each and every moment. Finally, it’s time to go out and watch your favourite artists in concert, try out that new anticipated venue opening or simply spend quality time with our nearest and dearest. Whatever you decide to do, the last few years have taught us that time is precious and that we must fill it with moments of laughter creating wonderful memories.
So, with this change on the horizon and a positive return to hospitality and entertainment, we have got some great suggestions for new films to watch and where to go with your family and friends around the Middle East this year – our planners and calendars are already getting filled.
chicago at the Dubai opera house
This infamous Bob Fosse musical has finally arrived at Dubai Opera House. Set in Chicago in the jazz age, the musical is about femme fatales who are incarcerated for the murders of their husbands. A dazzlingly memorable performance, everything from the outfits to the choreography, this show-stopping musical will simply take your breath away. Watch Chicago at the Dubai Opera House between the 5th – 15th January 2022 – a great way to kick start your year with a little vintage flair.
Perfect strangers
Netflix is bringing us the Arabic adaptation of the Italian film Perfect Strangers and will be the streaming service’s first-ever original Arabic Film. The hilarious storyline is of seven close friends who get together for dinner and decide to play a game that involves them placing their cell phones on the dinner table, and agreeing to openly share every call, text and voice message they receive. Airing on Netflix 20th January.
black-eyed peas at expo 2020
The Iconic band are set to perform at Dubai Expo 2020, January 25th. The performance will celebrate the pop band’s 25 years of smash-hit releases. We cannot wait for the trio to implode our ears with the musical wonder of hits from over the years. The performance will also be streamed live on a wide variety of TV stations, via the VirtualExpoDubai website.
James Blunt, coca-cola arena
For one magical night, singer and songwriter James Blunt will be filling the air with his vocal talent at the Coca-Cola arena on 29th January in Dubai. Blunt will perform some of his best-known hits from The Stars Beneath My Feet album, playing Goodbye My Lover and You’re Beautiful, songs that we all know and love and will be sure to have a sing along to.
Saudi Arabia grand Prix
After the first-ever race held in 2021, The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Circuit will be returning for the second year. Boasting an incredible social buzz with attendees dressed to the nines we cannot wait to see all the incredible outfits taking over our Instagram feeds. As stars such as Justin Bieber, ASAP Rocky, Jason Derulo and David Guetta performed at the first race we can only imagine the headliners that will be announced for 2022. The dates for this year’s race will be 24 – 27th March.
abu dhabi f1 grand pRIX
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the finale of the race circuits to take place throughout the year. There will be visitors embarking from across the globe to attend and enjoy its action-packed environment of food and musical events from some of the world’s biggest artists. The races will take place from the 17th – 20th November 2022 at The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The Atlantis royal
September 2022 will bring us the long-anticipated opening of the grand Atlantis Royal resort and residence on the Palm Jumeriah in Dubai. The hotel will redefine luxury design, with the interior constructed by world-leading interior architect Sybille de Margerie.
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort
The Anantara World Islands opening is giving us an exotic and tranquil new stay-cay spot. It will be exclusive and unique to anything in Dubai so far and the first world island’s resort. It will be situated with only a ten-minute boat ride away from the Palm Jumeriah.
Fairmont Lusail Hotel, Qatar
A building that is beautiful and architecturally stunning, the six-stars Raffles and Fairmont Lusail Hotel in Qatar will be opening its doors to the public this year. Offering stunning views of the ocean the new landmark will be one of Qatar’s finest resorts to visit or stay in.
euphoria season 2
The teen drama of the decade is back with a second season, streaming from HBO. The series will feature a remarkable performance from Rue played by award-winning actress Zendaya who opened up recently on how she sincerely hopes to help others with their battles with mental health through watching her character on this seasons series. Euphoria season 2 will stream weekly at 9 pm (EST) with eight episodes.
batman
DC comic inspired Batman, has made yet another return with our favourite superhero for 2022. In his second year of yet again fighting crime, Batman uncovers major corruption across Gotham City that connects to his own family while hunting down a serial killer known as Riddler. The film was unfortunately postponed since last year but will finally be released in March. Along with the insane cast including; Peter Sarsgaard, Robert Patisons and Zoe Kravitz we know it is going to be a highlight of this year’s blockbuster releases.
