15 things to do in Dubai this weekend

Beach parties, St Patrick’s Day, colourful festivals, and plenty of ways to embrace your inner Picasso… here’s your Dubai weekend sorted.

THURSDAY 16

1. Head to a street festival

Now in its seventh year, the Dubai Marina street festival welcomes some of the world’s best street theatre artists to perform along two kilometres of the Dubai Marina promenade. Expect plenty of laughs and good times with 40 international acts and more than 500 shows over the next 10 days.

Emaar Drive, Dubai Marina. Thursday March 16 to Saturday March 25, 3pm to 11pm. Free. For full schedule visit the website.

2. See Beauty and the Beast

The eagerly-anticipated new Disney flick starring Harry Potter star Emma Watson hits cinemas in the UAE today. If the trailer is anything to go by, this tale as old as time is bound to be magical…

In cinemas UAE-wide from Thursday March 16.

3. Check out Art Dubai 2017

The eleventh edition of this international art fair kicks off today, and there really is something for everyone. You’ll find galleries all over town putting on their best exhibitions, as well as several other fringe events taking place for those who want to seek out the cultural veins of the city. Check out our handy guide here.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Thursday March 16 to Saturday March 18. Dhs50 pre-book online, Dhs80 at the entrance, under-18s free. More info on website.

4. Combine art with a meal

Chez Charles, the brand new eatery in the Dubai Design District, is hosting live painting sessions with French painter Elizabeth Germain. When complete, her work will become a permanent fixture in the restaurant. Head there for lunch or dinner to witness the masterpiece being created before your eyes.

Chez Charles Restaurant, Building 11, Dubai Design District. Thursday March 16 to Friday March 17, 12pm onwards. Tel: (04) 5122444. More info on website.

5. See some amazing robots

Head along to Design Days, the region’s biggest fair for collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects, to check out 10 incredible upcycled robot sculptures by Parisian artist +Brauer. The artist takes old mechanical parts found in abandoned workshops and garages, and brings them to life. The results are pretty cool…

Dubai Design District (d3), Thursday March 16 3pm to 9pm, Friday March 17 1pm to 7.30pm, from Dhs50. Tel: (04) 5631408. More info on website.

6. Enjoy a barbecue

Make like an Aussie and throw a shrimp on the barbie this evening. Nine7One, the restaurant at The Oberoi, is launching a new Thursday barbecue night, featuring sizzling grills, a crustacean station, a delectable selection of sides, plus, some grape and hops to wash it all down.

The Oberoi Centre, Al A’amal Street, Business Bay. Thursdays, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs225 per person inclusive of soft beverages and Dhs325 inclusive of house beverages. Tel: (04) 4441407. Email restaurants.dubai@oberoihotels.com.

FRIDAY 17

7. Get active at The Beach

Feeling guilty about last week’s Friday brunch indulgence? Make up for it today by heading down to The Beach, which is holding a two-day wellness event. From sunrise yoga and dance classes to stand-up paddleboarding, kayak races and volleyball, there’s something to suit all fitness levels. Plus, it’s a good excuse to spend a day out in the sun (fingers crossed!).

The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence. March 17 and 18, Fri 7am to 10pm, Sat 7am to 7pm, free, registration needed for volleyball and dodgeball. More info on website. 

8. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day

It’s that time of year when we’ll be donning our green t-shirts and heading out in search of the best craic. We’ve rounded up some places where you can join the festivities — like the Ultimate St Paddy’s Day Party at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The event will feature a cracking lineup of musical acts, including Gavin James, Walking on Cars, The Coronas and the stars of The Commitments. Regular tickets cost Dhs150 including a drink, kids aged five to 16 get in for Dhs75, and kids under five go free.

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Friday March 17, from 1pm. Tel: (04) 3780800. Complimentary buses will be running from McGettigan’s bars to the venue throughout the day. Tickets on sale at Platinumlist.net and 800 Tickets.

9. Catch a boat race

For the first time ever the world-famous Oxford Cambridge Boat Race will take place in Dubai, mirroring the London event. Pack a picnic and take the family down to the beautiful Creek Park to cheer on the rowers.

Creek Park, Umm Hurair 2. Friday March 17, first race at 9.45am, main Oxbridge Race at 11am. Finish Line is at Floating Bridge end of Park.

10. Witness some golf champs

Don’t worry – this event promises not to be your “granddad’s golf”. Dubai is hosting the inaugural Long Drive World Series, which will see eight of the world’s very best Long Drivers driving it out for glory (basically, seeing who can smack their ball the farthest). There’ll be sudden death knockouts and head to head battles, as well as a live DJ, pyrotechnics, and food. If this is golf, we definitely think we could get into it…

Jumeirah Golf Estates Club, Friday March 17, main event at 6pm. Event is free and open to the public. More info on website.

11. Watch a Roald Dahl classic

“No one outfoxes a fox”, especially not Mr Fox, the coolest, most daring chap in the countryside. Ductac’s latest production brings a musical and modern retelling of Fantastic Mr Fox, Roald Dahl’s timeless tale, adding a host of songs and colourful set designs for a family-friendly, moral-driven adventure.

Ductac, Mall of the Emirates. March 17 to 19, Fri and Sat 11am, Sun 6pm. Tickets from Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3414777. More info on website.

12. Enjoy some beats on the beach

Hot on the heels of his latest track Top Of My Lungs, Moldovian DJ Max Vangeli is heading to Dubai to tear up Zero Gravity with his EDM bombs and party bangers. The NoFace Records boss, who insists “the best music is made when you are simply having fun”, is headlining tonight’s beach bash, supported by some of Dubai’s best resident DJs.

Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina. Friday March 17, 12pm to 3am, ladies free before midnight, gents free before 10pm. Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3990009. More info on website.

13. Celebrate the Holi Festival of Colours

Colour your world at this vibrant beach party at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, featuring Bollywood beats from India’s number one spinner, DJ NYK and mashup king DJ LIJO. You’ll enjoy beach access, food, beverages, organic colours – and to make a real splash, water balloons.

14. Party at Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach Dubai is celebrating its one-year anniversary with an epic birthday party. You’ll be treated to food, beverages, live DJs and dancing, all while soaking up the beach club’s stylish vibes. Reservations are essential, and there’s a range of packages to choose from, whether you’re wanting to check out the restaurant, or spend the day lounging by the pool in your very own day bed or VIP cabana. Sounds plush…

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah. Saturday March 18, from 12pm. Dhs 500 minimum spend per person. Tel: (04) 3766162, email info.dubai@nikkibeach.com.

15. Get amongst the food trucks

One of our favourite home-grown food truck events, Truckers DXB, is back at Emirates Golf Club today with a Food Truck Jam. Spend the evening enjoying a live band, house beverages, craft market, kids activities, and, of course, delicious eats from the trucks. Be sure to bring cash!

Emirates Golf Club, front lawn, Emirates Hills 2, near Nakheel Metro. Saturday March 18, 5pm to 11pm. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

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