Sundowners at a new spot, indoor and outdoor fitness, and plenty of drama…

It’s finally starting to cool down (a bit) and so this weekend we’re doing everything we can to get outdoors: there’s a new beachfront seafood spot, a poolside ladies’ day and late night yoga on The Palm.

But don’t worry, if you’re still feeling the heat we’ve got opera, theatre and indoor fitness classes to get stuck into as well.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday September 7

1. Catch Some Comedy

Another three comic talents hit the UAE this weekend as part of the Laughter Factory’s Evil Genius tour. Jojo Smith brings her straight-talking, risk-taking stand-up, and then there’s the relaxed delivery of John Moloney, a bemused observational Englishman who highlights madness in the mundane. A third voice comes from the slyly witty Jeff Innocent

Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 9pm to 11pm, from Dhs140. Tel: (04) 355 1862. More info on website.

2. Enjoy sundowners and seafood on JBR

Another restaurant has just opened at the Rixos Premium, JBR and it looks to be a great new addition. Riviera Beach Grill is a beachfront Mediterranean restaurant with washed white and light blue interiors that will take you back to summers in Europe. The menu has a strong focus on seafood, although there’s pizza, pasta and a rotisserie on offer too. Coupled with the picture-perfect sunsets looking out to the Ain Dubai, this might just be our new sundowners spot.

Riviera Beach Grill, Rixos Premium JBR, daily 7pm to 11.30pm until Sept 13, daily 12pm to 11.30pm from Sept 14. Tel: (052) 777 9473. More info on website

3. Soak up the sun at a ladies’ day

Andreeas’ ladies’ day by the pool kicks off at midday every Thursday. For Dhs125, ladies can enjoy complimentary sunbeds at the pool, a mixed platter of selected light bites, and unlimited frozen beverages. There are beats by DJ Josho, and a swim-up bar that means you don’t have to leave the water.

Andreeas, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 6pm, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 408 4400. More info on website

4. See one of Pakistan’s finest live

Pakistan’s award-winning singer-songwriter Atif Aslam returns to Dubai to headline a gig at Dubai’s Sports City tonight. Adding a dose of Bollywood glam is the second headliner Badshah. There will also be sets from DJ Shadow, DJ Scorpio and DJ Pierre to keep everyone up well into the early hours.

The Dome, Dubai Sports City, 8pm onwards, from Dhs85. Tel:(055) 9435 599 . More info on Facebook.

5. Head to the theatre

Dubai Drama Group kicks off its season with Love Loss and What I Wore, an intimate collection of monologues that use clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and poignant stories. The play examines our romantic lives through a lens that goes much deeper than the clothes on our backs.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz Industrial 1, Street 4B, Thurs 8pm, Fri and Sat 4pm and 8pm, free entry with guestlist. Tel: (050) 781 2257. More info on Facebook. 

Friday September 8

6. Enjoy a one-off brunch at a new Business Bay Hotel

The new DoubleTree in Business Bay is holding a one-off Venezuelan-inspired Arepazo brunch this Friday. Hosted in their all-day dining restaurant My Square, expect everything from Aparepas Rellanas (a traditional South American corn cake) to Sancocho (a beef stew).

7. Take on a Ninjago-themed challenge

To mark the release of the Lego Ninjago movie later this month, Bounce is inviting aspiring ninjas to complete a new themed adventure challenge course. Measuring over 330 square metres and split over two levels, there will be 18 elements, including a zip line, a bouldering wall and a sea of pipes.

Building 32, 4B Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1, 5pm to 8pm, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 321 1400. More info on website.

8. Sample a sushi burrito

Chez Sushi has introduced a new offering to its existing sushi menu, and will be serving up a range of sushi burritos from September (heads up: you can also find sushi burritos at Sushi Counter). Fillings include salmon and tuna with creamy chili, prawn tempura with wasabi mayonnaise, chicken katsu and veggie, and all are priced between Dhs28 and Dhs38.

Chez Sushi, Al Wasl road, Dubai Marina and Arabian Ranches, various timings, Dhs28 to Dhs38. Tel:(800) 78744. More info on website.

9. Treat the kids to a back to school brunch

School’s back so treat the kids to a brunch at the Ranches Restaurant to kick off the weekend. There will be a collection of breakfast dishes and an afternoon programme with entertainment for the kids too.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Arabian Ranches, 10am to 2pm, Dhs135 adults, Dhs75 children. Tel: (04) 360 7935. More info on website.

10. Tuck into pancakes

The Clinton St. Bakery has decided to dedicate this September to pancakes, and will be offering 13 flavours such as Strawberry shortcake and Blueberry Crumb Streusel all month long. Each stack of 3 pancakes is on sale for Dhs59. The pancakes are best paired with Clinton’s organic and in-house churned vanilla ice cream.

Burj Views, Downtown Dubai and City Walk, daily until September 30, Dhs59. Tel: (04) 428 1331. More info on website

Saturday September 9

11. Compete in a fitness challenge

Fitness brand Under Armour and decorated Olympian Michael Phelps are inviting budding athletes to take on a new fitness challenge to celebrate the launch of the brand’s flagship store. The challenge will be hosted on a pop up fitness space in the mall’s ice rink, and will put participants through their paces with a series of sprinting, rowing, cycling and kettlebell lifts. The three winners will walk away with a year’s sponsorship from Under Armour and VIP tickets to attend an exclusive Q+A with Michael Phelps.

Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Saturday Sept 9, 10.30am to 6pm, Dhs100 registration. Tel: (04) 448 5111. More info on Facebook

12. Dine at a celebrity chef’s restaurant and get free Opera tickets

There’s a fantastic deal to be had at Dubai Opera this Saturday. Enjoy free tickets for Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Dubai Opera when a minimum of two adults book a pre- or post-opera menu experience (Dhs155 for two courses and Dhs195 for three) at Sean Connolly Dubai Opera on Saturday night. Reservations must be made in advance, quoting ‘Don Giovanni’ in the booking, and limited spaces are available. (Ooh, and the deal is also on offer for Cosi Van Tutte on Friday night.)

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, show starts 8pm, Sean Connolly opera menu experience from Dhs155 per head. Reserve: reservations@seanconnollydubai.com. More info on website.

13. Find your balance

Full Moon Yoga is back at the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah tonight with a 60 minute session followed by 30 minutes of meditation with stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline. All levels are welcome: it’s a gentle way to wind down the weekend.

Fairmont The Palm, Dhs75, 8pm to 9.30pm. Tel: (04) 457 3545. More info on Facebook

14. Get active

There’s a free family-friendly sports open day happening in Sports City this Saturday. Guests will have the chance to try their hand at lots of different coaching programmes and sports and entertainment activities, including cricket, football trials from the Spanish Soccer School, golf taster sessions from The Els Club as well as demonstrations and activities from the newly formed Dubai Sports City Eagles rugby team. Participants will also get to experience the indoor and outdoor facilities that make up the expansive Sports Village campus.

The Dome and ICC Academy, inside Dubai Sports City’s Sports Village, 9am to 12.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 448 1355. More info on website.

15. See a short film festival

The Junction presents the first edition of Desert Flower short film festival this Saturday. This festival will feature five chosen short films, showcasing talent from the UAE. Actors from the selected films will be participating in a panel discussion with Sucheta Phule after the screenings. The topic spectrum ranges from autism awareness themes to a thriller, existential angst and the quest for inner peace.

The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, from 6.30pm, tickets Dhs50 on the door. Tel: (04) 338 8525. More info on Facebook.

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