The Dubai Calendar is promising a line-up of events for the month of April that will see cricket matches, community, cultural and fashion events.

“There’s no question that January, February and March’s events are a tough act to follow, after the city welcomed the very first Dubai Food Festival and the ever-popular Dubai Shopping Festival, which attracted guests from across the world,” said Hamad bin Mejren, executive director of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the department that oversees Dubai Calendar. “But Dubai has stepped it up a notch for April, hosting an array of events that are set to wow sporting, fashion and theater fans alike. These events, as highlighted by Dubai Calendar, help position Dubai as a global events capital and are a key pillar in achieving the vision for Tourism 2020.”

Among the highlights, cricket enthusiasts will have the first phase of seven matches played at the city’s state of the art Dubai International Cricket Stadium. – with the Royal Challengers Bangalore battling the Mumbai Indians (from the Indian Premier League) on Saturday, April 19. Rounding out the UAE tour, Dubai will also host the closing game when Mumbai Indians face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, April 30.

“Playing host to the IPL is an excellent opportunity for Dubai to once again showcase to the world that it is a dynamic, diverse and premier sporting destination,” added Hamad bin Mejren. “The widespread appeal of the IPL will attract global attention and will put Dubai and the UAE firmly in the spotlight – further cementing the city’s credentials as a global events hub.”

April will also feature the third annual Middle East Film and Comic Con (Comic Con) on April 3 – welcoming celebrity guests from the world of comic books and anime for a weekend filled with the quirky and creative. Highlights include an appearance by Hollywood A-Lister Seth Green as well as an auction of 20 Star Wars Storm Trooper Helmets, interpreted by the Enfant Terrible of the art world, Damien Hirst.

Closing the city’s equestrian season will be Cavalia, a revamped version of the internationally acclaimed production, featuring 50 horses as well as aerialists and acrobats.

Fashionistas in the region are prepping for their close up with the third season of Fashion Forward (April 10 -13) featuring special guest and global style icon Alexa Chung. Dubai residents and guests can also Follow The Yellow Brick Road at the Madinat Jumeirah production of The Wizard of Oz (April 3 – 18), while Lionel Richie will make a one-night appearance on April 17.

The Al Marmoom Heritage Festival (April 4 – 16) will offer local event such as camel races and celebrating local culture.