Summer slump? Not to worry, as this weekend we’ve got a brand new brunch, a Jumeirah hidden gem and a night swim deal.

Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday July 20

1. Try a brand new brunch at a DIFC hangout

Ready to eat and drink your way into the weekend? Well Indian restaurant Mint Leaf is launching a brand new Thursday evening brunch. Choose from street-food-inspired platters of sharing starters, along with a selection of house beverages. Order an a la carte main, choices include fish curry, korma or a buttery makhni. If you’ve still got room, there’s a selection of desserts to be shared too.

Mint Leaf of London, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, 7pm to 11pm (three hour package), Dhs295. Tel: (04) 706 0900. More info on website.

2. See some world-class art

New York-based Moroccan artist Lalla Essaydi presents Still In Progress in Al Quoz this month: her first solo exhibition in the Middle East. The collection spans 10 years of her work, and includes painting, calligraphy, interior design, costumes and photography. The artist has had work exhibited at The Louvre in Paris and The British Museum in London.

Leila Heller Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 10am-7pm (closed Fridays), Tel: 056 831 3520. More info on website

3. Get creative with the kids

Cloud 7 is a brilliant space in City Walk where children can have a shot at candle making, cake decorating, ceramic painting and soap making. Best of all, you don’t have to clean up after them. It’s open from 10am to 10pm and is Dhs100 for two hours of access and one creative activity.

Inside Level Kids, City Walk, 10am-10pm. Tel: (04) 510 8317. More info on website.  

4. Get techno with Jane Fitz

Dubai nightlife - party pictures from Analog Room

Analog Room presents Jane Fitz tonight, a DJ for over 20 years, she’s a resident at the Welsh Festival Freerotation and at her own warehouse party in London Night Moves. She has remarkable versatility as a DJ and is known for pushing the boundaries of house and techno. Expect early UK acid, deep psychedelic jams and even some melancholic tones.

Industrial Avenue, Westin Hotel, 10pm-3am, Tickets are Dhs100. Tel:050 883 3172. More info on Facebook

Friday July 21

5. Catch breakfast at a hidden gem

Tucked away in Jumeirah, Kaftan’s summer tent is a picturesque secret garden serving authentic Turkish flavours. Try Bal & Kaymak, an organic bee honeycomb from the high mountains of Kars served with thick and fresh dairy cream. Their breakfast is served until 6pm so it’s a good one for late risers too.

Villa 861, Jumeirah Road, Um Suqueim 3, 9am-1am. Tel:04 338 9688. More info on Instagram

6. Hit a party brunch with Marina views

The Accents party brunch is now in its second season and tables fill up fast. There’s a lively atmosphere with DJs spinning commercial hits that are bound to have you dancing by the end. The food is an international buffet, and dishes include everything from Italian pastas to oysters and a British roast. Expect free-flowing beverages, confetti cannons and general merriment. There’s a great after-party downstairs too, with a happy hour until 6.30pm.

Accents, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs299 soft, Dhs350 house. Tel: (04) 446 6669. More info on website

7. See some alternative cinema

Now Playing by Cinema Akil and Alserkal Avenue means a season of arthouse, independent and alternative cinema at Warehouse 68 every night through the summer. Yes, every single night until September 30. The warehouse will be open daily as a community space for public use from 12 to 5pm, with screenings then running from 7pm to 11pm. This Friday, catch Barakah Meets Barakah, a Saudi rom-com at 7pm and All Eyez on Me, a biopic on the life of Tupac, from 9:30pm.

Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 7pm-11pm. Tel:050 556 9797. More info on website.

8. Cool off with a free pool pass

Spend Dhs75 on a pool pass at the Media One hotel and you can then use that Dhs75 towards food and drink. So yes, the pool pass can be effectively a free add on to your lunch. Oh, and if you can’t make it this Friday, this is on offer seven days a week. Read about nine more daycation pool-and-beach access deals here.

Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 7am-7pm, Dhs75. Tel:04 427 1000. More info on website

9. Learn to Lindy Hop

The Lindy Hop is a swinging jazz dance that was born in Harlem in the late 1920s and has had a resurgence of late – D2sdio in JLT is hosting a night in honour of the dance tonight. They’ll flip the night away from 9pm to 1am, with a free 45-minute Lindy Hop class kicking things off. Entry is Dhs50 and soft drinks and the class are included.

Cluster T, JLT, 9pm to 1am, Dhs50. Tel: (055) 849 6193. More info on Facebook.

Saturday July 15

10. Go out for a luxury lunch

Ossiano in The Atlantis has views of an 11 million litre tank of seawater that’s home to 65,000 marine animals. Try and book a table right next to the aquarium and go for the Saturday lunch set menu, which at Dhs350 is a good deal for three courses of fine dining (the service at this seafood restaurant is impeccable). The octopus carpaccio, perfectly cooked salmon and chocolate fondant are our picks of what to order (you get three choices per course, and there are options for those who don’t like seafood). A perfect place to take your mum and dad if they’re visiting, or a great place to woo the one you love.

Atlantis The Palm, 1pm to 3pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 426 1000. More info on website

11. Cool off with a summer night swim

Mina Seyahi has a night swim offer that means you can chill by their pools in the evening. Enjoy the stunning Horizon infinity pool between Sunday and Wednesday, and the Westin pools luxurious surrounds from Thursday to Saturday for Dhs175 per person, inclusive of Dhs50 credit towards food and beverage. Plus, kids under 12 swim free.

The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, 5pm to 11pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 399 4141. More info on website.

12. Fill up on five hours of unlimited sushi

Enjoy a lazy lunch of unlimited Sushi & Dim Sum at Asia Asia in Dubai Marina every Saturday from 2pm. There’s a spectacular view of the Marina, and those keen to enjoy sundowners can head out onto the terrace later on in the evening. The deal also comes with a glass of wine, or a pot of organic tea.

Asia Asia, 5th Floor, Pier 7, 2pm to 7pm, Dhs249. Tel: (04) 276 5900. More info on website.  

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