Tel Aviv
Founded in 1998 in a multiarched Old Jaffa building to bring two cultures together, this stage showcases Hebrew- and Arabic-language plays, sometimes with…
Must-see entertainment in Middle East
Beirut
If you've got the dosh for a big night out, spend it at this Gothic basement cabaret. MusicHall's mysterious owner, the Lebanese-Greek politician…
Haifa
A community centre with frequent amateur concerts, performances and classes (including yoga, Pilates and tango). Art exhibitions change on a monthly basis…
Jerusalem
HaMazkeka bustles late into weekend nights with people gathering for a drink and enjoying the sounds and sights of the city’s emerging and independent…
Dubai
This multiplex boasts 24 screens, including a 4D cinema with motion chairs, and wind, light and water effects; the region's first IMAX laser cinema; a…
Downtown Dubai
Cool cats of all ages gather in this relaxed joint for some of the finest live jazz and blues in town, along with a full, reasonably priced bar line-up…
Abu Dhabi
This old-timer doesn't need chi-chi designer interiors or a fancy-pants cocktail list put together by a world-famous mixologist to pull punters in. Heroes…
Iran
A local form of wrestling, koshti bachukeh is popular across the region, but every year, two weeks after Noruz, the year's championship comes to a…
Downtown Dubai
Since 2015 this pint-sized indie performing-arts space has hosted some of Dubai's most exciting cultural programming, from plays to concerts and comedy to…
Marina Breakwater
Cool cats flock to this sophisticated supper club at the Radisson Blu that serves international cuisine in a modern art-deco-inspired setting. But the…
Jerusalem
One of the city's more happening alternative arts venues, Nocturno's small stage sees a wide range of Israeli performers, from live music, stand-up comedy…
Jerusalem
Hamiffal (meaning 'the factory') is perfect for travellers looking to experience Jerusalem’s alternative art and culture scene. Originally started by an…
Downtown Dubai
Part of the Alserkal Avenue cultural campus, this talent-management agency runs a much beloved concert series (usually on Fridays) that shines the…
Kuwait City
Popular movie theatre showing Western and Arabic films. There's a VIP option, with big comfy chairs, waiter service, and a small popcorn and soft drink…
Tehran
Opened in 1968, this circular building covered in beautiful tiles is, visually, Tehran’s most impressive playhouse. Come here to see Iranian stage actors…
Doha
Holding screenings of local, independent and culturally relevant movies, many of which are by filmmakers from the Arab world, this independent, not-for…
Jerusalem
Crafted out of a disused railway warehouse, Zappa has an industrial feel and an attractive bar backlit against weathered stone. It stages jazz, folk, rock…
Deira
Enjoy your favourite cocktail along with the latest blockbuster while kicking back on a plush lounge-style sofa at this rooftop cinema overlooking the…
Abu Dhabi
This multi-venue arts centre, inside the New York University's Abu Dhabi campus, hosts a regular, eclectic program of dance performances, music concerts,…
Jerusalem
One of the city's largest premier concert venues, hosting big-name Israeli and international performers, is situated in the open-air in this historic…
Jerusalem
Jerusalem doesn't have many Palestinian cultural spaces left, but Al Ma’mal Art Foundation, a Palestinian art incubator, is one of the scene’s centres…
Bur Dubai
Every Sunday night during the cooler months, clued-in cinephiles invade the rooftop of the Pyramids Building, next to the Wafi Mall, to drop into a giant…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
This cavernous British-style pub gets crammed on Thursday and Friday nights when the house band takes to the floor. There's a swag of weekly events and…
Jerusalem
Celebrating its 50th birthday during the 2017–18 season, the Khan continues to stage high-quality Israeli and Western classics, as well as original…
Akko
Forging links between Jewish and Arab performers, Akko Theatre Centre is proud of its program of innovative multidisciplinary performances for adults and…
East Jerusalem
Shuttered for nearly 30 years (after the First Intifada), Al Quds Cinema reopened in 2015 and now East Jerusalem's only movie theatre. It screens…
Abu Dhabi
This popular Irish pub, with a poolside outdoor area, is a good spot for those seeking out live music, with bands playing every Wednesday, Thursday and…
Jerusalem
Housed in a former 19th-century school building at the edge of Mahane Yehuda, this vibrant space hosts art exhibitions, events and performances and is a…
Haifa
Israeli and international bands rock out at this top performance venue, which is affiliated with the local music school and occasionally moonlights as a…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Watch your favourite movie kicking back in plush seating and with the latest hi-tech surround sound. International alternative films are also screened…
Marina Breakwater
If you need to beat the heat, or the kids need a time-out, this ultracomfortable cinema has all the latest Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters in 2D, 3D…
Tehran
The centrally located Vahdat is a beautifully designed traditional horseshoe-shaped theatre venue dating from 1967. Look out for classical or pop music…
Tel Aviv
Home to Israel’s national theatre company, Habima stages weekly performances in its restored, modern dome-shaped building. Most have simultaneous…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Abu Dhabi's top venue for catching international comedy gigs, with big names on the comedy circuit regularly performing here. Check the website for…
Tel Aviv
The city's major opera house is also home to the Israel Ballet. It's located in the complex next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Cameri Theatre.
Haifa
Screens avant-garde, off-beat and art films in two halls. It's key venue for Haifa's film festival.
East Jerusalem
Up a staircase on Al Zahra St, this art gallery is one of several Palestinian spaces that's part of the growing Jerusalem Arts Network. There isn't a…
Dubai
If you want to experience a deeply rooted Emirati tradition, head to a camel race. The closest track to Dubai is Al Marmoum, about 40km south en route to…
Dubai
The program at this handsome 442-seat theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is largely calibrated to the cultural cravings of British expats. Expect plenty of…
Jerusalem
Named after Jerusalem's former mayor, the 31,700-seat Teddy Kollek Stadium is home to the Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem…
