Celebrate Chinese New Year
We like any reason to celebrate New Year twice, but give us dumplings and we’re even happier. Starting on Jan 23 and running for 15 days, celebrate 2012, the year of the Dragon. Each table also receives a lucky red envelope with prizes and gifts.
Mon 23, Ruby Wu’s, Ramada Plaza. Call 4428 1555.

Yell at the stage
The Doha Players present their annual pantomime, this year Puss in Boots. With loads of villains to boo and heroes to cheer, it’s fun for the whole family. And we hear the dames this year are quite the lookers. Jan 25-26 at 7pm, Fri 27 at 2pm and 6.30pm, and Jan 28 at 2pm. Tickets are QR60, available from THE One.
Wed 25-28, Doha Montessori English School. Call 4447 4911.

Run a marathon
The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is back, and whether you’re running yourself or just going to support some Doha talent entered in the race, it’s well worth a trip. The 10km Road Race and the 3km Fun Run starts by the Burj Khalifa, so it’s even scenic.
Fri 27, Dubai. www.dubaimarathon.org.

Learn to write
Mathaf holds their first Teen Writing workshops, spanning two days—Jan 28 and Feb 4. High school students learn how to create a zine as well as personal pieces of writing responding to the different exhibits in the museum. Selections of the best work will be included in the Mathaf Daftar zine. Held in both English and Arabic, the workshop is free but students must register.
Sat 28, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

Rule the brains
Let other’s cower in fear of your mighty brain at the first pub quiz of 2012. Bring along your team of six and battle it out for great prizes, starting at 8pm. No entrance fee.
Mon 30, Shehrazad, Ramada Plaza. Call 4428 1428