As the temperatures continue to rise, we bring you a showcase of the best things to do in the region and around the world this June
Eid Al Adha
đ June 28 - July 1, 2023đWorldwide
Eid Al Adha is celebrated all over the world as it marks the culmination of the season of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah â considered one of the most important religious observances in Islam. It is also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice as it commemorates the tale of Prophet Abrahamâs willingness to give the life of his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God, who then provided a ram instead as an offering before the sacrifice could be made. Traditionally a time to gather friends and family, the occasion is marked throughout the region with spectacular fireworks displays and a range of festivities for all ages across public spaces.
Sculpture Park at Dubai International Financial Centre
đ Until September 30, 2023 đDubai, United Arab Emirates
The second edition of the DIFC Sculpture Park exhibition is currently underway, transforming one of Dubai's most vibrant neighbourhoods into an extraordinary contemporary sculpture park once again. Titled Tales Under the Gate, this year's exhibition sees a number of international artists come together to represent the realm of contemporary sculpture through different themes. Highlights include two white flying horses from Antonio Signorini, a gilded bronze sculpture called Shell Sphere (pictured below) created by Gianfranco Meggiato as well as an interactive sculpture produced by Michelangelo Bastiani using holograms and video projection.
To book your hotel in Dubai, visit rotana.com
Bollywood Superstars exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi
đ Until June 4, 2023 đAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A regional industry that grew to become a global phenomenon in less than a century, Indian cinema is now one of the worldâs largest, releasing more than 1,500 films each year in almost 20 languages. The industry reflects the subcontinent's diversity and acts as a public forum where social and cultural debates are played out. It now comes under the spotlight at Louvre Abu Dhabi with the museum's current showcase Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema.
Featuring extracts from around 40 films and more than 80 artworks, the collection investigates the diverse origins of Indian cinema, from 19th-century traditional shadow theatre and early silent movies to the 21st-century stars of the screen. Visitors can explore the richness of Indiaâs image-making traditions alongside the influence of popular arts such as storytelling, dance and theatre, as well as its close relationship with mythology and religion.
To book your hotel in Abu Dhabi, visit rotana.com
Fete de la Musique
đ June 21, 2023 đFrance
While the June Solstice is simply the longest day of the year elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, France knows just how to turn this into a celebration. For the last four decades, the country has seen music take over the streets on this day, with live bands, singers and amateur artists expressing themselves through song and dance, inviting the crowds to join them. In the capital, stages spring up all over Paris, particularly in major squares and parks, entertaining spectators all through the evening. Some of the best spots in the city to catch these live shows are the Jardin des Tuileries, the Petit Palais, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Louvre, Jardin du Luxembourg, on Place Denfert Rochereau and along the banks of the Seine.
Art Basel
đ June 15 - 18, 2023 đBasel, Switzerland
Bringing the international art world to Switzerland over the course of four days, this year's edition of Art Basel will see more than 4,000 artists from 285 leading galleries across five continents showcasing their best creations. One of the world's most influential art shows, it shines a spotlight on various forms of modern and contemporary works produced by masters as well as upcoming talent and serves as a meeting place for artists, art collectors and many celebrities from the art scene.
While the Swiss town becomes a temporary museum during the event as exhibitions pop up in the city for a week-long celebration of global talent, a number of high-calibre exhibitions take place concurrently outside of Basel, creating a region-wide art week that draws enthusiasts from all over the world.
