Explore the best things to do in the region and around the world this season, from music festivals to sporting events, art exhibitions and more
Wimbledon
đ July 3 - 16, 2023 đLondon, England
The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world returns for yet another exciting season. Running from July 3 to 16, Wimbledon, this year, will see Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina return to defend their titles following their 2022 wins in their respective gentlemen's and ladies' singles categories. The two-week-long Grand Slam tournament of the worldâs top tennis talent remains a magnet to the worldâs whoâs who, including British royalty and Hollywood superstars. Off the court, the event is famed for its traditions, such as strawberries and cream, as well as its all-white player outfits and perfectly manicured lawns.
Tour de France
đ July 1 - 23, 2023 đStarts in Bilbao, Spain, and ends in Paris, France
This year marks the 110th edition of the world's biggest cycling race. Tour de France was first staged in the year 1903 and has been going strong through the century. In this multistage race, cyclists compete for the coveted yellow jersey through a 21-stage course in just a little more than three weeks. Last year's race, which covered a total distance of 3,540 kilometres from Copenhagen to Paris, saw Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard from Team JumboâVisma, Tadej PogaÄar from UAE Team Emirates and Geraint Thomas from Team Ineos Grenadiers secure the top three spots. This year, 22 teams will take part in the 2023 edition, which will start in Bilbao in Spain and end at Champs-ĂlysĂ©es in Paris.
Exit Festival
đ July 6 â 9, 2023 đNovi Sad, Serbia
One of Europe's biggest multi-genre music festivals, Exit Festival welcomes over 200,000 music lovers from across the globe annually. Taking place at the historic 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the event boasts a truly remarkable backdrop and brings together the scenic landscape with perfect acoustics emanating from more than 40 stages and music zones. Electro-punk band The Prodigy returns to headline the festival this year following a long break. Further on the agenda, fans will find Skrillex, CamelPhat, Hot Since 82, LF System, Vintage Culture, Indira Paganotto, The Toasters, Suzi Moon, Cockney Rejects, Human Rias, Mortal Kombat and Zoe Kida.
Istanbul Jazz Festival
đ July 7 - 19, 2023 đIstanbul, Turkey
For three decades, the Istanbul Jazz Festival has been drawing top talent from the genre and entertaining fans with its annual line-up. This year, the festival marks 30 years of bringing jazz enthusiasts from all over the world. Since 1994, the Istanbul Jazz Festival has served as a platform for local and international artists from various jazz sub-genres. It is now a firm fixture on the country's calendar and has grown in stature to become one of the regionâs most prestigious music festivals. In addition to the packed agenda of live performances, the festival also includes workshops, masterclasses and talks, providing a unique opportunity for aspiring musicians and fans to learn from established artists and interact with them.
Over the years, the Istanbul Jazz Festival has hosted some of the world's biggest names, such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins alongside local Turkish talent. The 30th-anniversary edition promises to be equally memorable, with an exciting line-up of performers and events.
To book your hotel in Istanbul, visit rotana.com
Picturing the Cosmos at Louvre Abu Dhabi
đ July 18, 2023 - June 30, 2025 đAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
One of the longest exhibitions to run at Louvre Abu Dhabi opens this July at the art hub. Titled Picturing the Cosmos, the showcase is dedicated to younger visitors (and the young at heart). Taking guests on a journey through space via its various representations in art across time and cultures, the works on display address themes such as the sky as a source of inspiration through the ages and humanity's eternal fascination with the heavens. Also, through interactive exhibits, junior visitors will be able to embark on a mission to develop the observational and analytical skills needed to become space explorers.
To book your hotel in Abu Dhabi, visit rotana.com
