For many people living in the UAE, April is the sweet spot of the calendar year. Not too hot, not too cold with long and light evenings – perfect. This meteorological good fortune is the reason why we’ve given you our essential guide to enjoying the best of the outdoors.

Pick a great bar to meet friends, choose a lovely park for a picnic, go eat at a barbecue, find a calm cafe, try a fitness class, or go shopping at a market, all of which are alfresco. Or why not explore Dubai’s hottest new fresh air locale: The Beach. This outdoor mall at The Walk on JBR is packed with cafes, shops, climbing frames for the kids, fitness machines, a spongey running track and the most beautifully-designed toilets in the city (no, really). We’ve got a handy guide to spending the perfect day out at this exciting new hotspot.

For music fans, April is a number one hit. Chart-topping duo Macklemore and Lewis come to town as does Lionel Richie, plus British reggae legends UB40. There’s also a new music festival, Blended, featuring Elvis Costello, jazz pianist Diana Krall, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone and Aussie musician Xavier Rudd.

We have a preview of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, with interviews with the two star heavyweights Antonio ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira, and Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson.

On stage we have previews and interviews with the cast of The Wizard Of Oz, The Imagineer, Stomp and improve comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Let’s not forget a tribute to the Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars at Comic Con, which was so popular last year it’s moved to a larger venue at World Trade Centre.

For foodies, we’ve rated the best roast dinners in Dubai and collected the city’s best cheese and wine evenings. Plus, there’s our verdict on new openings Atelier M, Café Belge, La Porte des Indes, Umai, Table 9 By Darren Velvick and Toko – all gorgeous restaurants with food to match.

That’s your plan for April – get out there and enjoy it.