1 Stilt walkers

Stilt walkers, pitchforked from Germany by Scorpions Productions, will entertain guests at Grand Hyatt with some awesome performances.

---

2 Gipsy kings

ARTE is building a magnificent two-day market showcasing handmade arts, crafts and designs of 125 artists, craft and designers, based in the Emirates. All works of art will be on display.

Syrian poet and painter Sabhan Adam is back for the second time in Dubai for the exhibition of his latest collection of paintings at Artspace, and the launching of his first self-titled book. The book portrays Adam’s extensive work from 1994 till date.

• Where: Art Space Gallery, Dubai
• When: Sunday, December 16 at 8pm
  

The American University in Dubai has teamed up with Independent Performance Group (IPG) from New York and Area 3 from Barcelona in order to introduce art forms, namely Performance Art and Electronic Art, in the form of a two-day art happening titled ‘Art for Rent!’

Good news for all those who wish to learn a few skills in the New Year. A whole range of classes – pottery, painting, photography, designing, mandarin, Arabic, Spanish etc – are on offer for all age groups.

Where: Dubai International Art Centre
When: January 19, 2008. Register on January 7, 2008

Runway Art fashion contest will present emerging designers showcasing their talents and creativity on the catwalk to esteemed local, regional and international players in the fashion industry.

Highlighting works of both amateur and professional Dubai-based designers, this year the competition theme will be ‘Eccentricity’, wherein all participants will be judged on their creativity, uniqueness, craftsmanship, material and fabrics used and, of course, overall presentation.

Dubai’s first-ever Millionaire Fair is an exclusive event for the region’s elite and the super rich.

A Dh5.4 million bottle of Tequila Ley 925 (see below) – the most expensive in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records – will be the highlight of the Millionaire Fair, which is all set to dazzle the region’s aficionados and followers of luxury.

The three-day event is expected to bring together key players from the "industry of opulence" and offer the finest luxury products from the world over.

A Dh623,900 luxury desk modelled in the form of the front section of a BMW car and a unique English jockey scale crafted from solid oak are among several priceless works of art on display at the ongoing Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fair. The event provides an opportunity for art and antique professionals to witness, evaluate and invest in market trends.

• Where: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
• When: Till December 15
  

Jewellery designers from all over the world are showcasing their creations at the Dubai International Jewellery Week. Packed with leading experts from the industry, the event gives visitors the chance to get expert tips and also participate in a raffle draw.

• Where: World Trade Centre
• When: Untill December 15
  

If your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to cook up a traditional Christmas dinner, try Pronto’s Gourmet Festive menu at Fairmont Dubai.

The menu offers an easy solution with Turkey to Go, a comprehensive holiday feast featuring a whole roasted turkey for 8-12 people, in addition to an apple, chestnut and cranberry sauce and a selection of traditional side dishes.

A delectable array of authentic Bengali dishes awaits you at the O’ Calcutta Food Festival which got under way at Ashiana, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotels & Towers recently.

Call 04-207 1733 to book your table and you stand a chance to win a return ticket to India. The festival is on until December 15.

A major crowd-puller and a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture, Global Village opens on Thursday to bring together diverse customs and cultures, covering a multiple spectrum of activities including music, dance, arts and handicrafts, theatre, costumes and cuisines of different countries.

Five-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan will regale her fans at a live concert on Thursday.

The hotshot Latino singer will debut songs from her latest album, 90 Millas (90 Miles), following the world premiere of the documentary of her husband, Emilio, bearing the same name.

• Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
• When: December 13
  

So what if you missed out on the action in Michael Clayton and the romance of Tajmahal. DIFF has still got some great movies from every genre.

Action

• The Assassination of Jesse James: Souk Madinat Theatre, Thursday, 8.15pm
• Exiled: Mall of the Emirates, Cinestar 8, Thursday, 3.30pm

Drama

Three of the hottest and most successful Filipino rock bands – Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee and Spongecola – will headline this year’s "Rakrakan Overload: The 2007 Middle East Tour in Dubai".

• Where: Dubai Airport Expo
• When: December 7
• Tickets: Dh60. Call 04-3902180
  

The UK’s best-kept secret phenomenon, Hat Club, return to Dubai to start their new bi-monthly residence. Providing you with the very best in upfront house and electro will be DJ James Fitch.

So find your most gorgeous head-wear, get down to the club and party like a rock star. There will be a Best Hat Competition and those wearing outrageous hats will be in for a hat-tastic surprise.

• Where: The Apartment Lounge & Club, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• When: December 6
• Tickets: Dh85. Call 04-406 8000
  

Innovative art, iconic photo exhibitions and avant garde fashion shows are among a series of interesting events lined up at the various halls of BurJuman.

• Where: BurJuman
• When: Till December 14
• Time: 10am-10pm
  

Stake-boarding, BMX and Moto X take centre stage at the adrenaline- pumping X Games from today. This is one exciting event which you just can’t afford to miss.

• Where: Dubai Festival City
• When: December 6-8