Al fresco dining, poolside parties and SO MUCH music…

There’s so much going on in Dubai this week that we’re spoilt for choice – especially for those who are fans of live music. Toni Braxton, the world’s best Bruce Springsteen tribute act and B*Witched are all performing on Thursday, Jazz Garden returns to Dubai Marina on Friday, plus there’s Scouting for Girls at Dubai Opera and Remix 92 bringing an impressive line-up of ’90s acts to The Irish Village that night too.

There are also brand new brunches, the return of some al fresco favourites and plenty of family-friendly fun to be had…

Here are 16 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday October 19

1. Get a fix of 90s R&B

American R&B star Toni Braxton is performing live at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium this Thursday. Braxton rose to fame in the 1990s, and became one of the best-selling artists of the decade with a string of hits including You’re Makin’ Me High, Un-Break My Heart and He Wasn’t Man Enough.

Dubai Duty Free Stadium, Thurs Oct 19 doors open 7pm concert from 9pm Dhs255. Tel: (04) 457 3212. More info on website.

2. Catch a Bruce Springsteen tribute

Bruce Springsteen fans can catch The Boss UK, the world’s number one tribute to Bruce Springsteen, at McGettigan’s JLT this Thursday. The gig will take place in The Baggot from 10pm. Entry is Dhs75 including a free drink, and doors open from 8pm.

McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 8pm onwards, Dhs75 including a welcome drink. Tel: (04) 378 0800. More info on website.

3. Check out some contemporary art in DIFC

Mohamed Abla: The Silk Road has just opened at the recently relaunched Tabari Artspace in DIFC. The exhibition includes a selection of abstract artworks of calligraphy, collage and traditional Middle Eastern techniques which explore folktales from North Africa, the Levant, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Tabari Artspace, The Gate Village Building, Level 2, DIFC, Sun to Thurs 9am to 9pm until November 24. Tel: (04) 323 0820. More info on website.

4. Get some ’90s nostalgia at Societe

Irish girlband B*Witched were famed in the ’90s for their catchy pop hits including Cest La Vie and Blame it on the Weatherman, and this Thursday they’re performing at Marina hotspot Societe. It’s free entry for all on the night.

Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, 10pm to 3am, Thurs Oct 19, free entry. Tel: (050) 699 3191. More info on website.

5. See some theatre

Dubai Drama Group are back at the Courtyard Playhouse with their latest production, the heartwarming Educating Rita by Willy Russell. They will be doing nine performances across this weekend and next, with opening night this Thursday.

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 October 20

6. Dine al fresco and soak up some Marina views

British eatery The Scene by Simon Rimmer has some of the best views of Dubai Marina, and its picturesque terrace is officially back in business this weekend. They’re open from 8am for the early birds, or it’s a great spot for sundowners as you soak up the views across the Marina. Plus, all day Friday and Saturday, there’s 50% off a selected summer cocktail to toast to the cooler weather.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer 4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, daily 8am to 2am. Tel: (04) 222 2328. More info on website.

7. Tuck in to a brand new upscale brunch

High-end Asian eatery Hakkasaan has launched a brand new brunch offering every Friday. It’s a fancy affair that includes caviar topped Peking duck, a dim sum selection, and a chef’s selection of main courses. There’s a resident DJ that keeps the party going after brunch too. 

Hakkasan, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Friday 12pm to 4pm, Dhs299 soft, Dhs420 house, Dhs638 sparkling. Tel: (04) 384 8484. More info on website.

8. Take the family to a jazzy day out

Chillout Productions is bringing Jazz Garden back, and this Friday it’s at the Habtoor Grand Resort with three live performances. The first of seven shows will see British saxophonist Albie Donnelly, Rhythm and Blues band Supercharge and five-piece soul band Lady J & The Royal Vagabonds perform. The whole series is a free admission event with online registration.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Fri Oct 20 from 6.30pm, free entry, online registration essential. More info on website.

 9. Get involved in the countdown to Expo 2020 at The Beach

To celebrate the three year countdown to Expo 2020, there’s a fun-filled, free family event this weekend that will feature a creative display of inventions from previous Expos. It’s happening at The Beach on JBR. Expect plenty to keep the whole family busy.

The Beach, JBR, Fri Oct 20, 4.30pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 317 3999. More info on website.

10. See a British Indie-Rock band at Dubai Opera

English pop-rock band Scouting for Girls is performing a one-off show at Dubai Opera this Friday. Scouting for Girls’ hit singles include She’s So LovelyHeartbeat and This Ain’t a Love Song, and they were most famous during the mid-’00s for their catchy pop-rock hits. The three-piece band, who are childhood friends from London, have sold over 2 million records worldwide.

Dubai Opera, The Opera District, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 9pm, from Dhs150. Tel: (800) 36227. More info on website.

11. Get your fix of 90s nostalgia

A retro extravaganza at The Irish Village and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is bringing nine classic artists of the ’90s to Dubai this Friday. Boybands 5ive and Boyzlife will be performing all the hits that made teenage girls of the time weak at the knees, joined by acts including Snap!, Dr Alban, Robin S, Rozalla, Sonique, N-Trance and C+C Music Factory, with DJ Tim Cheddar spinning a strictly 90s set all night.

Remix 92, The Irish Village, 3pm to 3am, Friday October 20, tickets from Dhs195. Tel: (04) 239 5000. More info on website.

12. Enjoy a Family Fun Day

Trump International Golf Club is holding a free event for the whole family today. Kids can enjoy junior golf lessons, face painting, a bouncy castle and other games and activities. There will also be food from the club’s Terrace Restaurant, custom golf club fitting, a market, and great prizes up for grabs.

Trump International Golf Club, Damac Hills, Fri Oct 20, 8am to 1pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 245 3939. More info on website.

Saturday October 21

13. Sip sundowners in the sea

Ahead of Barasti’s Sunset Festival at the start of November, they’ve installed a pop-up bar in the water next to their beach where you and a friend can book an hour-long slot every day from 12pm to 6pm. The experience costs Dhs200 for two, which includes a bucket of beers.

Barasti Beach Bar, Mina Seyahi, daily noon to 6pm until November 4. Dhs200. Tel: (04) 318 1313. website.

 14. Try some tapas over a leisurely lunch

Get a taste of Spain with the new Tapas & Paella Lunch at El Sur. There’s a variety of different tapas and paella served to the table, with indoor and outdoor dining options available. You can also upgrade your package to include house drinks.

The Westin, Dubai Mina Seyahi, Mon 7pm to 9.30pm, Dhs265 soft, Dhs395 house. Tel: (04) 399 7700. More info on website.

15. Get dressed up in white for a pool party

Aqua, the pool deck at JW Marriott Marquis, is hosting a ‘White Soirée’ this Saturday. The all-white dining experience invites guests to don their finest white attire for an evening of live music, drinking and dining.

Aqua Pool Deck, JW Marriott Marquise, Business Bay, Saturday 6pm to 10pm, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 414 3000. More info on website.

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