The final curtain

FILM FESTIVAL - FINAL CHANCE
It’s the final day of the Gulf Film Festival, and there’s plenty on offer before the credits roll at Grand Cinemas, Festival City.

First up at 12.45pm is Haider Rashid’s ‘Silence: All Roads Lead to Music’, a film which shows the coming together of Sicilian, Arabic, Aboriginal and jazz styles in a music project. Then at 3.30pm, is ‘I am a White Mercenary’, Taha Karimi’s biography on Saeid Jaf, a controversial mercenary commander of the Iraqi Baath Party. Jaf is accused of involvement in the genocide of over 180,000 Iraqi Kurds. The feature film Amal, and a range of shorts are also on a busy schedule. www.gulffilmfest.com

STARSTRUCK IN THE UAE

Filipino hunk Aljur Abrenica is in Dubai to ‘charm his UAE friends and fans’ over two nights at the ‘Night with Aljur Abrenica… Live in Dubai! A Tropical Party’ event this week. The actor and singer, who bagged the title of ‘Ultimate Hunk’ in TV talent show ‘Starstruck’, will entertain fans with songs from the self-titled alternative and R&B album he released with Sony Music. Party with him on Thursday and Friday in Chi Garden at Chi@The Lodge. Doors open 6pm. Tickets are Dhs50 or Dhs100. For more info, call 050 919 2264, 050 685 8669 or 055 175 0311.

GIRL POWER

It is no longer a man’s world, which is why a panel of female leaders will explore the politics, policies and strategies that have led to top achievements of Emirati women. The discussion, open to the public, will also identify remaining challenges and discuss pathways to women’s full participation in the public and professional spheres. ‘Pathways to Social Change: Women Leading the Way’ will be held at Sheraton Corniche hotel, Abu Dhabi on Monday from 6.30pm. For more info, call 02 677 333.

WORLD OF FOOD

If you fancy a flavour or two to tempt your tastebuds then head to the Towers Rotana. The Flavours on Two restaurant has themed menus on offer throughout the week and delights include temptations from India, Italy and Britain. Packages start at Dhs185 and Ad7antage members can enjoy 25 per cent off the bill. Sign up at www.ad7antage.com

GIMME MORE

There’s always room for more when it comes to the fabulous ‘Oliver’.Popular Productions, which last year put on the record-breaking hit ‘The Sound Of Music’, is staging Lionel Bart’s award-winning musical, based on Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist. Oliver’ is the story of a young orphan boy who wanted “more” from life.

‘Oliver’ is an unforgettable, feel-good story of a remarkable boy looking for a place to call home. The show runs until April 23 at The First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Tickets are Dhs175. For more info, go to oliverdubai.com

LAP UP LUXURY

You know you deserve five-star treatment every day, but not many of us manage it. Make this week different and unwind at The Spa at The Palace - The Old Town, in Downtown Dubai. Choose from five treatments - which can be broken down to 20 minutes each, giving you 100 minutes of sheer relaxation - and get full-day access to the Oriental Bath House, inclusive of the steam room, Jacuzzi, and outdoor pool overlooking Burj Lake. Treatments include: intense glycolic face peeling, The Palace scalp ritual, foot and ankle massage, oriental body scrub, hot stone massage, and a back and neck massage. The spa is open 9am-10pm and the day of luxury will cost Dhs500. For reservations, email spawomen@thepalace-dubai.com or call 04 428 7888.