15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
An annual comedyfest, new brunches, films al fresco and fireworks…
Already planning your weekend? Us too.
From fireworks shows at La Mer to a Burj park market pop up, we’re making the most of DSF, watching our pennies with a new ladies’ night and a JLT dinner deal for Dhs10, and finishing the weekend attending some free fitness classes.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday January 11
1. Head to La Mer for a firework show
Throughout Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), you’ll be able to catch a stunning firework display at La Mer every weekend. On Thursday and Friday at 9pm, the skies above the new beachfront destination in Jumeirah 1 light up with a three minute show. Head down early for some food and be sure to check out the new licensed spot, Masti.
La Mer, Jumeirah 1, 9pm, Thursday and Friday, free. More info on Facebook
2. Laugh out loud with a comedyfest
McGettigan’s JLT brings comedians from across Ireland to their annual two-day Comedyfest on January 11 and 12.Tickets cost Dhs50 and include a free drink or BBQ Burger. Comedians Fred Cooke, Barry Murphy, Karl Spain and Eric Lalor are headlining.
McGettigans, Cluster P, JLT, 8pm onwards, January 11 and 12, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 378 0800. More info on website
3. Bag a bargain at Market Outside The Box
It’s free entry for the fifth edition of Market Outside The Box at Burj Park. There will be live music, dance and poetry, a huge selection of food trucks, pop-up cinema and loads of shopping. Get on it!
Burj Park, near Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Sun to Thur 4pm to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 10pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 201 0598. More info on website
4. Enjoy complimentary bubbles at a new ladies’ night
The Bellini Bellas ladies’ night runs every Thursday from 6pm to 11pm at Carluccio’s first licensed Dubai spot in the Jumeirah Creekside hotel. It offers ladies three free glasses of sparkling, with a fourth glass included if you post a picture tagging the Carluccio’s Instagram account. Ladies can also expect 50 per cent off the bar snacks while gents can opt for a pizza and a pint deal for Dhs79.
Carluccio’s, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, 6pm to 11pm, Thursday. Tel: (04) 256 7440. More info on website
5. Get weekend ready with a 2manydjs
Base, Dubai Design District’s open-air superclub is set to host another stellar line up of international acts this weekend. It kicks off on Thursday night with Belgian brothers David & Stephen Dewaele, the electronic music duo better known as 2manydjs.
Dubai Design District, Thursday, 10pm to 3am. Tel: (055) 313 4999. More info on website
Friday January 12
6. Get pampered with a spa package
Treat your skin to a 60 minute Candle Massage and a 60 minute Made-to-measure facial this January at The Address Montgomerie for Dhs630. The 120-minute customised treatment combines a session of guided meditations and treatments for dehydration and fatigue.
The Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills, daily until January 31, Dhs630. Tel: (04) 390 5600. More info on website.
7. Party Ibiza-style at a brand new brunch
The famous Mambo Brothers have brought their brand to Dubai full-time, with Cafe Mambo taking over Soho Garden every Friday, and to celebrate the launch of the Balearic Brunch, the venue is bringing in Christian and Alan Anadon, aka the Mambo Brothers for a live set. Expect an A La Carte brunch offering in a four hour package from 1pm to 5pm, with a sundowner set ahead of the famed Mambo Brothers taking to deck duty.
Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, brunch 1pm to 5pm, Dhs450 house, Dhs550 prosecco, Dhs650 premium, party until late. Tel: (056) 82 22 559. More info on Facebook
8. See a world record attempt at the Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition
The Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition makes it’s debut at the Dubai World Trade Centre on January 12 and 138 and is gearing up to be one of the most important cycling events in the Middle East. It will gather the top local and international bicycle brands, retailers, touring companies, cycling clubs and allow both professionals and enthusiasts to experience the latest in cycling technology and innovation. Plus, there will be a Guinness World Record attempt by Dubai Police and Dubai Motorbike Festival (the details of which are being kept under wraps).
Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Centre, 10am to 9pm, Friday 12 and Saturday 13, Dhs30 single day, Dhs40 weekend. More info on website
9. Head to the movies
Cinema fans, the gritty and moving, Detroit hits screens across the city this weekend. It’s a gripping story surrounding a police raid in in the city’s namesake in 1967 which results in one of the largest race riots in United States history.
Novo Cinemas, from Thurs Nov 30, various timings and locations including Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragonmart. More info on website.
10. Take the kids to a free football festival
To celebrate the launch of City Football Club, players aged between six to 18 are invited to enjoy a free football festival at Kings Al Barsha School on Friday January 12.They’ll have the chance to play alongside some of the clubs most Elite players as well as the opportunity to improve their football skills at the hands of the UAE’s best coaching talent.
Kings Al Barsha School, 9am to 12.30pm, Al Barsha, Friday January 12, free. Tel: (052) 1355 383. More info on website
Saturday January 13
11. See an Al Fresco film
After a Christmas break, the Urban Outdoor Cinema is back in the garden of the Habtoor Grand Dubai Marina from January 13. They show a variety of family-friendly classic films three times a week on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They’re kicking things off this Saturday with rom-com, Bridesmaids. Plus there’s food service from the hotel’s pizza restaurant and poolside lounge as well as a pop-up bar. Wrap up warm as it gets cool at night!
Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 7.30pm onwards, Sat, Sun and Mon, Dhs75. Tel (056) 895 6280. More info on Website
12. Take the kids to a free sand painting session
There’s a free sand painting session at the Garden Souq this Saturday at Dubai Garden Centre. From 10am to 2.30pm, take the kids down to this creative class where they’ll be able to create their own ‘masterpiece’ with sand and paint.
Dubai Garden Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, 10am to 2.30pm, Sat Jan 13, free. Tel: (04) 590 4000. More info on website.
13. Tuck in to a tasty dinner deal for Dhs10
Online food directory JLT Dining has joined forces with four restaurants in the neighbourhood, which will be offering tasty dishes for just Dhs10 until January 16. Wolf & Friends Lounge will be serving up their Pizza Margherita, Mambo Gourmet Pizza’s Mambo Special Salad is on offer, 800 Thali, serves the Chicken Tikka Masala, and at 1762 Stripped, you can sample the Soup of the Day. They’re all for Dhs10, must be dine in, and you just have to quote ‘Ten4JLT’.
Wolf & Friends, Mambo Gourmet Pizza, 800 Thali, 1762 Stripped, all JLT, daily until January 16, Dhs10. More info on website
14. Chill out at Dubai Garden Glow
It’s one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots thanks to its colourful, glow-in-the-dark structures. And as it’s opened for its third season, it’s also added Dubai’s first ice park to its list of attractions. As well as the new ice park, there’s also a new ‘magical nights’ area littered with illuminated animal sculptures and a laser effects and lights show.
Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park two, daily 4pm to 12am, Dubai Garden Glow, Dhs60, extra Dhs40 for entry into the ice park. More info on Facebook
15. Challenge yourself with a free obstacle course
Fitness group At The Park are hosting an hour-long obstacle course running for all levels this Saturday at Sky Dive. The free to register course will come with a number of different obstacles to overcome, all aimed at improving Cardiovascular endurance and agility.
At The Park, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 7.20pm to 8.30pm, Sat Jan 13, free. Tel: (056) 4048852. More info on Facebook
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