Art, music and culture are the themes of the month, with a host of engaging and immersive events set to take place in the region and beyond in April
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
š April 6 - 18, 2023 šDubai, United Arab Emirates
Promising a unique cultural experience, the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival sees visitors flock to Al Marmoom Heritage Village along Dubai-Al Ain Road every year to gain insight into Emirati culture. Shining a light on the many facets of the local way of life, this free event aims to preserve Arabian traditions through a range of well-suited activities for the whole family. One of the biggest highlights is the camel races, which take place every day during the two-week event. Also featuring on the packed agenda are traditional dance shows, live concerts, handicraft workshops, cooking demonstrations and tastings, providing something for every visitor.
To book your hotel in Dubai, visit rotana.com
West Side Story at Dubai Opera
š April 25 - 30, 2023 š Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the most popular American musicals of all time is coming to the emirate this month. West Side Story has thrilled audiences across three continents since it first premiered and has been seen by over three million people in 28 countries. The production features American theatre virtuoso Jerome Robbins's original choreography and is elevated under the artistic supervision of renowned Broadway director and actor Lonny Price.
When the show first made its Broadway debut in 1957, it redefined an entire genre, both in terms of music and dance. Watch in awe as the stellar cast brings fiery Latin and Mambo rhythms to the stage to narrate an inspiring love story that overcomes a series of obstacles and prejudices along the way. This is not one to miss!
To book your hotel in Dubai, visit rotana.com
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
š April 14 - 23, 2023 šCalifornia, United States
Bad Bunny, Blackpink and Frank Ocean are set to headline the 2023 edition of one of California's biggest music and arts festivals. When Coachella returns to Empire Polo Club in California this month, the line-up will also see Calvin Harris, RosalĆa, Gorillaz, Bjƶrk, Charli XCX, Burna Boy, Alex G and Jai Paul perform for the crowds. This year's event will take place across two weekends, from April 14 to 16 and then from April 21 to 23, with plenty of entertainment for everyone in attendance.
Songkran
š April 13 - 15, 2023 šThailand
The festival of Songkran marks the beginning of the new year in Thailand and is a symbol of renewal in Buddhism. Meaning 'astrological passage' it's a time for transformation and change. On the occasion, people splash water on statues of Buddha for good luck while the younger generations take this cleansing ritual a step further with giant water fights in the streets. It also symbolises the washing away of the previous year and the ringing in of a new period in true festive spirit.
Islamic Arts Biennale
š Until April 23, 2023 šJeddah, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia made history earlier this year with the staging of the first-ever Islamic Arts Biennale. Running until April 23, the exhibition is taking place under the expansive canopy of the iconic Western Hajj Terminal at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, which is the very same place where the devout from all over the world gather to begin their pilgrimage to Makkah. More than 280 works of art, including rare Islamic objects and historical artefacts, are on display, with many pieces from homegrown artists that have never been exhibited before. Its staging in the kingdom is symbolic as it brings Islamic art back to the very birthplace of the religion, with creative finds exhibited under the theme "Awwal Bait" which means first house in Arabic.
To book your hotel in Jeddah, visit rotana.com
