Thursday 22

Community drumming
Head down to Marina Mall every Thursday to take part in family community drum circles and fire dancing. All ages and abilities are welcome to join, and drums are provided free by the organiser.
Free. Thu 6.30pm-9pm. Ongoing. Ground-floor promenade, Dubai Marina Mall (050 659 2874).

Dubai Spelling Bee Championship
To engage students and families in English literacy, educational facility Sylvan Learning and the Arabian Center in Mirdif have been hosting free spelling bees for the past month. Today will see the kids battle to win the championship.
Free. 7pm-9pm. Until Thursday 22. Al Barsha Boutique, Barsha (04 343 5400).

Friday 23

Christmas salsa meet-up
Celebrate Christmas and The Talk’s first anniversary with this community salsa group. A free class will run from 8pm-9pm for Meet-up members, followed by a Christmas dinner buffet, a dance by the pool and finally a party until the early hours. Prizes will be given out throughout the evening.
Dhs120 in advance, Dhs165 on the night. 8pm-2am. The Talk, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, www.meetup.com.

Saturday 24

Buy Al Noor greetings cards
These greetings cards have been designed by special-needs students at Al Noor.
To see a catalogue, contact alnoorspneeds@alnooruae.org. From Dhs3.50. Ongoing. www.alnoorspneeds.ae (04 340 4844).

Sunday 25

Give your old clothes to Aid in Motion
The organisation collects and distributes second-hand clothing to those in need.
For more information, visit the Aid in Motion Facebook page. Ongoing. www.volunteerindubai.com (06 503 4535).

Monday 26

African djembe and Arabic tabla classes
Drop in on a whim and learn to play the African djembe drum, which the organisers claim is a great way to de-stress. Alternatively learn to play the tabla.
Djembe Dhs50 per session, Tabla Dhs60 per session, drums provided. Djembe beginners 7.20pm-8.20pm, regulars 7.40pm-8.40pm, Tabla 8.45pm-9.45pm. Ongoing. Ductac, Mall of the Emirates (056 744 2129).

Tuesday 27

Donate your unwanted items to TakeMyJunk
TakeMyJunk collects unwanted household items, from furniture to clothing. Proceeds from the sales are used to provide meals, medical care and help for labourers and needy individuals across the UAE.
Pick-up service is available. Ongoing. Drop-off point: Pastels Hair Salon, 873 Al Wasl Road, www.takemyjunkuae.com (050 179 4045).

Wednesday 28

Riding for the Disabled
Want to help out by doing something different? Lend a hand at riding classes for children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities by leading horses and offering support to riders. No previous experience is necessary – just patience, good humour and commitment. Get in touch via the contact details below.
Free. Sun-Wed 9am-11.15am. Ongoing. Desert Palm Resort, Al Awir Road, rdadinstructors@live.com (050 716 3779).

Coming up

Coaching in open space
Want to learn how to become a better coach or more effective motivator? Look no further than this group. Bring your skills to a small group coaching session on Sunday January 8, which uses the principles of open space technology. Participants will have the option to host small groups to demonstrate, discuss and teach their favourite coaching practices and methods. All disciplines welcome.
Free. From 7pm, January 8. Venue TBC. Coaching in Dubai, www.meetup.com (no number). (no number).