September, already and that laid-back summer feeling seems so distant. Long days spent relaxing on the beach or perhaps out exploring, halfway across the world, new cultures and customs on an exotic trip seem faraway now. All packed away until next are suitcase, insect-repellent and travel guides. Because tomorrow, if not already, it’s the same for everyone, young or old: back to school or work. But there’s no reason to feel down after the excitement of the holidays. September is, of course, synonymous with the beginning of the new cultural season. For the year ahead, l’agenda gives you a brief listing of the events that you don’t want to miss. So to your planners, for a cultural start to the year!

Middle East International Film Festival Three years already! The International Film Festival based in Abu Dhabi is gradually becoming a key pillar of the Middle East’s cultural scene. 10 days of screenings, meetings and discussions about cinema. As a bonus, access to films is almost free! Dates: October 08 - 17 / Website: www.meiff.com

Bahrain International Music Festival While the sounds of Khaled, Amal, Sami and all the other talented artists that came to participate in the Kingdom’s first series of summer concerts resonate in our minds, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Heritage hardly stops to take a breath before emerging once more as 'grand music lover ', announcing the comeback of its traditional International Music Festival (18th edition this year!), a beautiful ode to musical diversity, having witnessed throughout the seasons countless quality international orchestras, jazz and Muwashshah ensembles. Dates: October 10 - 16

Abu Dhabi Classics After a largely successful first season of concerts, the annual programme of classical music in Abu Dhabi is back this year with a new, even more impressive selection of international artists. The second season will start 23rd October with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, a first for the region. Dates: October 2009 - May 2010 / Website: www.abudhabiclassics.com

Doha Tribeca Film Festival The city of Dubai pioneered in the field. Abu Dhabi followed. Today it is Doha’s turn to launch its International Film Festival. Faithful to the founding principles of the famous eponymous event in New York, the Qatari festival truly intends to highlight its communal focus. For this first year, around 30 films will be shown to the public.Also to be provided are several training courses and other activities to encourage local film production. Dates: October 28 - November 01 / Website: www.dohatribecafilm.com

Abu Dhabi Art After two years spent under the 'tutelage' of the Art Paris 'machine', this autumn Abu Dhabi will be flying with its own wings as it launches its annual Contemporary Art Fair. Collector or not, wealthy or not, the event is open to all. Dates: November 19 - 22 / Website: www.abudhabiartfair.ae

Dubai International Film Festival In this end of year’s whirlwind of cinematic events, here is a third great opportunity for any keen cinema lover. Like the two film festivals listed above, it is yet another beautiful set of films that unfolds before us. An event that does not lack class, always attracting a multitude of stars. George, Oliver, Morgan, Ben, Salma, Nicolas, Goldie, Aishwarya, Abhishek, Nandita. Any celebrity enthusiast will be satisfied as long as he manages to penetrate the entrance of well-guarded private parties. Dates: December 09 - 16 / Website: www.dubaifilmfest.com

Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival The jazz festival not to be missed. After an impressive 2009, we are really looking forward to the 2010 lineup. Courtney Pine, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Buddy Miles...to name but a few of the icons to have already performed there... Dates: February 10 - 19 / Website: www.dubaijazzfest.com

Al Ain Classics Established in 2001 by a handful of music lovers, the festival has found its own path and now offers very refined artistic combinations: a meeting of genres; a meeting of East and West. Most of the event takes place at the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, thereby presenting an opportunity for quality entertainment in an open air setting. Dates: First half of March 2010 / Website: www.alainclassics.com

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (March 02 - 07) / Emirates Airlines International Festival of Literature (March 10 - 13, Dubai) The two main literary events, each with its share of activities as well as meetings with and talks by world renowned authors. Websites: www.adbookfair.com  -  www.eaifl.com

Cirque du Soleil If the company’s return is not completely confirmed to date, it is hard to believe that the Canadian troupe, so greatly acclaimed in the UAE, wouldn’t resurface in March / April 2010 to present a new touring show. We are looking forward to its permanent settlement in Dubai. Dates: March - April 2010 / Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com

Art Dubai / Al Bastakiya Art Fair (Dubai) / Contemparabia (Dubai - Abu Dhabi - Sharjah - Doha) Yet another major gathering devoted to the Middle East’s contemporary art scene. In its third year with a programme that continues to expand. Alongside the exhibition, a concept to experience: the Contemparabia tour which gives insight into several cultural institutions, taking place in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah. Also not to be missed is another, more alternative, contemporary art fair taking place at the same time in the historic district of Al Bastakiya. Dates: March 17 - 20 (Art Dubai) and around / Websites: www.artdubai.ae - www.baf.ae - www.contemparabia.com

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival / Bahrain Spring of Culture Two events that extend over several weeks during the spring season with eclectic programmes of a great richness, merging dance, music, theatre and visual arts. A delightful treat! Dates: March - April / Websites: www.admafestival.com - www.springofculture.org

Womad Abu Dhabi The youngest member of the great Womad family initiated by Peter Gabriel, the acclaimed festival calls in all lovers of world music for three days of free open-air concerts. Dates: April 22 - 24 (To be confirmed) / Website: www.womadabudhabi.ae