With the weather finally showing early signs of cooling down this month, the promise of outdoor season is just around the corner. While we wait for the full transition, there is no shortage of ways to fill your calendar across the region. From mountain-top harvest retreats and thought-provoking exhibitions to heritage workshops, here is your guide to what’s happening in the GCC this September.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Celebrates Oman’s Olive Heritage with Fifth Annual Harvest Festival, Oman
Taking place from 23 to 27 September, this five-day festival celebrates one of Oman’s most distinctive agricultural traditions over 2,000 metres above sea level. Guests can immerse themselves in Jabal Al Akhdar’s mountain climate with hands-on olive-picking competitions, guided tours and artisan tastings at the Olive & Olive Oil Souk. The celebration also features Spanish and Italian culinary experiences led by Guest Chef Martín Aristondo, canyon-view cooking classes at Diana’s Point and breakfasts exploring the rich history of Omani olive cultivation. Book Now
Alo Opens Two New Stores In Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cult-favourite activewear label Alo deepens its footprint in the UAE with two major openings across the city. Hot on the heels of its Dubai Hills Mall debut late last month, the brand unveils a lavish 950-square-metre flagship at Mall of the Emirates on 18 September. Designed as a wellness hub and not just a boutique, the new space pairs full studio-to-street collections with VIP styling areas and natural greenery centered around a focal olive tree.
Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion, Museum Of Islamic Arts, Qatar
In collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Fund (ACDF), Museum Of Islamic Arts presents Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion, a four-part exhibition tracing the nation’s journey from being an ancient Silk Road trade hub to a modern state. The showcase explores the pre-Islamic era, the cultural renaissance of the Samanid and Timurid courts, and the regional scholars who shaped Islamic thought and scientific breakthroughs. Featured highlights include a rare 15th-century gold-and-ink folio from the Baysunghur Qur’an alongside living artisanal crafts, such as gilded silver jewellery and traditionally woven ikat chapans. Learn More
Middle East Film & Comic Con 2026, United Arab Emirates
Taking over Abu Dhabi from 11 to 13 September, the region’s biggest pop culture convention returns with an all-star guest list, including John Cena, Arden Cho and Charithra Chandran. Packed with fan screenings, immersive gaming, live shows and collectible pavilions, it brings the worlds of film, sci-fi, anime and comics together for an unmissable weekend. Book Now
The Memory Cup, Zayed National Museum, United Arab Emirates
Drawing inspiration from an ancient vessel in the museum’s collection etched with falaj illustrations, the hands-on workshop, The Memory Cup, explores how everyday functional objects preserve cultural identity. Participants will hand-shape their own cups using air-dry clay before decorating it with symbols, patterns, sketches and words that reflect personal narratives, places or relationships. It offers an intimate creative exploration bridging traditional Emirati craftsmanship with the art of personal storytelling. Learn more
