Wednesday 12

Beauty industry networking night
This event for beauty industry employees aims to help you find real, positive referrals, as well as pick up tips and advice.
Free. From 7pm. Kambaa Lounge, The Address Dubai Marina, www.meetup.com/the-dubai-beauty-business-group (no number).

Give blood
Dubai’s hospitals are always in need of blood supplies: by volunteering to donate, you could help save lives. If you’re aged between 17 and 65, weigh at least 50kg and are in good health, you could be eligible. Call to find out how and when to donate.
Dubai Blood Donation Centre, Latifa Hospital, Oud Metha Road (04 219 3221).

Thursday 13

Join The Box Appeal
To take part in this charity appeal, head to a branch of the Radisson Blu or Park Inn hotel in the UAE to pick up a cardboard box. Fill the box with goodies, including T-shirt, cap, disposable razor, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel, comb, soap, shampoo and talcum powder. The boxes will then be distributed to the region’s needy by The Red Crescent. Visit the Facebook page for details of pick-up points.
Various locations, including Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City, www.facebook.com/theboxappeal (04 366 9111).

Support a family
The Red Crescent organisation is constantly seeking donations and financial aid for those it supports, including families in the UAE, Palestine, Yemen and beyond. Call or email using the contact details below if you think you can do something to help.
Dhs300-Dhs1,000 per month. info@uaerc.org.ae (800 733).

Friday 14

Advanced Cashflow 101
Develop ‘the cashflow mindset’ by playing this economics board game for grown-ups, which aims to help you manage your finances. This particular gathering is only for players familiar enough to tackle the faster way to play.
Dhs90. From 7pm. Location only given to those who join the group. www.meetup.com/dubai-cashflow-club (no number).

Develop your photography skills with The Extraordinaire concept shoot
This concept shoot will involve three classes and six models, with an introduction to lighting modifiers by Sam Coran, head and beauty shots by Arian Marcos and 3D/edgy lighting setup by Michael Cruz.
Dhs385. 8am-5.30pm. Building C, Emirates Aviation College, Garhoud, www.meetup.com/emiratesphotoclub (no number).

Meet fellow foodies for dim sum
The Dubai Foodies at Large group will be meeting this weekend to try their hand at making (and eating) dim sum. Keep an eye on the group’s Meetup page, as the event may be moved to Saturday.
Dhs75. From 7pm. Ping Pong, The Dubai Mall, www.meetup.com/the-dubai-foodies-at-large (no number).

Saturday 15

Arabic language courses for beginners
This free community meet is a great way to learn a language, although tutor Mostafa Elabbady asks that everyone who attends is serious and committed. If you wish, you can buy books and study cards to help you make the most of the event.
Free. From 7.30pm. Caffe Nero, DIFC, www.meetup.com/dubai-arabic-language-club (no number).

Dubai Writers’ Group’s critique meet-up
This group will meet to discuss writing projects that members have been working on. To find out where to upload your work, and where the event will be held, join the group’s Meetup page.
Free. From 7.30pm. Location TBC, www.meetup.com/dubaiwriters (no number).

Karama Toastmasters’ 46th meeting
Develop your leadership and communication skills with this toastmasters public-speaking group. The theme for today’s speakers will be ‘nostalgia’. Friends and family are welcome.
Free. From 7.15pm. Office 106, Al Moosa Tower (Falcon City building), Oud Metha, www.meetup.com/karama-toastmasters-club (no number).

Take your recyclables to Emirates Environmental Group’s family day
Every Saturday, the EEG encourages families to visit its headquarters on Beach Road to drop off recyclable household waste, including plastic, cans, paper, glass and Tetra paks (aka juice boxes).
Free. Open 8.30am-5.30pm. Villa JMR 68 117A, Jumeirah Beach Road (between Dubai Zoo and Beach Centre), www.eeg-uae.org (04 344 8622).

Sunday 16

Learn Italian for free
Local language centre Eton Institute is offering Dubai residents the chance to take a beginners’ Italian course for free throughout September.
Free. 5.30pm-7pm. Sun, Tue and Thu. The Eton Institute, Knowledge Village, www.eton.ac (800 3866).

Monday 17

Support abused and trafficked women and children
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children welcomes donations of new items for women and youngsters, including books and clothes. If you have items to get rid of, call the number below.
Al Awir, www.dfwac.ae (04 606 0300).

Tuesday 18

Keep an eye out for dolphins
Do your bit for the community by making a note of any dolphin sightings off the coast of Dubai, recording the date, time, location and number of mammals spotted. If you can manage a photo or video, even better. It will all help Dr Ada Natoli, a professor at United Arab Emirates University, to establish a scientific baseline for the local population, and raise awareness of the species.
Email findings to uaedolphinproject@gmail.com.