15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
Two new weekend ladies’ nights, free fitness, free film, ballet under the stars and yoga under water…
It’s Wednesday, which means we’re already looking to the weekend. And whether it’s lively ladies’ nights, some free fitness, family friendly film, ballet, car boot sales or brunch you’re looking for, we’ve found it all across the city.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday February 15
1. Kickstart the weekend with a brand new ladies’ night
Japanese hotspot Okku has launched a brand new ladies’ night, and it’s even on a Thursday. The Thursday night dinner party offers three complimentary drinks for all the girls in the lounge, served up to a soundtrack of R&B hits.
Okku, The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 8pm to 3am, Thursday. Tel: (052) 777 6953 . More info on website.
2. Watch ballet under the stars
Twelve world-class dancers from the Covent Garden Dance Company are set to perform an intimate al fresco show on February 15 and 16 at Desert Palm Dubai. One of the world’s most iconic prima ballerinas, Mara Galeazzi will headline the performance, to be hosted on the resorts expansive lawns.
Desert Palm Dubai, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Thurs Feb 15 and Fri Feb 16, Dhs750. Tel: (04) 3238888. More info on website
3. Dine with a loved one at the Burj
If you can’t make Valentine’s dinner, then this romantic restaurant deal is for you – as it’s available until Saturday February 17. The special four-course menu at the famous Burj Al Arab restaurant, Scape will feature some of the restaurant’s unique Californian fusion dishes.
Scape, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, February 11 to 17, Dhs1,100 per couple. Tel: (04) 3017600. More info on website
4. Celebrate Chinese New Year
The Year of the Dog begins this Friday February 16, and to celebrate, Mekong at Anantara The Palm will be putting on a special Chinese New Year menu, featuring dishes such as shrimp dumpling, crispy chicken curry jiaozi and the famous steamed Asian green dumpling with sesame. For the full list of Chinese New Year Celebrations, check out our guide.
Mekong, Anantara The Palm, February 15 and 16, Dhs168 per person. Tel: (04) 567 8304. More info on website
5. Bring in the weekend with a Coco Carnaval
Media City poolside lounge Coco on 8 is getting a Carnaval themed makeover this weekend. Expect brazilian dancers, caipirinha bonanza, feathers, masks and a whole lot of samba.
Coco on 8, Media One Hotel, 6pm to 2am, Thurs Feb 15 to Sun Feb 18, free entry. More info on website
Friday February 16
6. Recycle your old stuff at a Car Boot Sale
Global Village has just launched the regions largest weekly car boot sale. Every Friday, visitors are invited to head down to the parking lot at the tourist attraction from 1pm to 5pm to get involved in the weekly new event. Those wanting to sell their unwanted items can purchase a rental spot for Dhs150, while it’s free entry for those looking to bag a bargain.
Global Village, Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, free entry or Dhs150 for a rental pitch. More info on website
7. Sink your teeth into a brand new brunch
Sleek new JBR steakhouse STK has just launched their Friday brunch offering, Dare to Brunch. It serves up signatures including burrata, oysters and beef tartare to start, followed by a choice of steak, salmon or a veggie dish for main served with a collection of popular sides. It’s topped off with free-flowing soft beverages for Dhs349, or house beverages at Dhs499. Book in early and bag a spot on the terrace.
STK Dubai The Walk, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai, daily 5pm to 1am, Tel: (052) 3480957. Facebook.com/STKDubaiJBR
8. Laugh out loud with the ‘U expats are funny tour’
The Laughter Factory will return in February with a new tour starring three international comedians. Canada’s most wanted female stand up Allyson June Smyth will be joined by Ian Coppinger, one of Irelands most respected comics. Completing the line up is British comedian Prince Abdi. They’ll be at Jumeirah Golf Estates and then Jumeirah Creek hotel on February 16.
Jumeirah Golf Estate 7pm, Jumeirah Creek Hotel, 9pm Friday February 16, Dhs150. Tel (04) 355 1862. More info on Website
9. Kickstart the day with a free fitness class
‘Fitness In DXB’, the region’s first community fitness group, is hosting a free Beach Bootcamp this Friday. Starting at 8.30am, the 60-minute high-intensity workout on City Beach in Dubai is a full body workout with a combination of cardio and resistance training, including running, jumping and lifting weights. Plus, Kite’N’Surf will be offering free paddleboarding and kayaking to everyone who signs up in advance.
Fitness in DXB, City Beach, Dubai, 8.30am to 9.30am, Friday February 16, free. More info on website.
10. See a free family friendly film
Each weekend, you can catch a family friendly film at the Dubai Marina Mall outdoor cinema. This Friday, it’s ‘The Wild Thornberrys’. The animated adventure follows the lives of the unconventional Thronberry family, as they journey to Africa’s Serengeti Desert.
Dubai Marina Mall promenade, Dubai Marina, 5.30pm onwards, Fri Feb 16, free. Tel: (04) 436 1020. More info on website
11. Enjoy some free post-brunch drinks at a Friday ladies’ night
There’s a new ladies night in town called ‘At Night We Play’ running each and every Friday at McGettigan’s DWTC. The World Trade Center brunch of the much-loved Irish pub are giving away three complimentary drinks to ladies from 6pm to 9pm from a selection of house drinks and cocktails. Men can enjoy unlimited house drinks for Dhs179 from 6pm to 9pm
McGettigan’s DWTC, Dubai World Trade Centre, Fridays, 6pm to 9pm, Tel:(800) 6247. More info on website
Saturday February 17
12. Celebrate the Year of Zayed
Al Ghurair Centre has organized a series of activities set to educate and entertain visitors this weekend with a ‘Year of Zayed’ theme. The setup will contain a creative corner where children and adults can take part in crafts and activities. Plus, visitors can also write a message on cards expressing their love for Sheikh Zayed which will be hung on the “100 years Tree”.
Central Atrium, Al Ghurair Centre, 4pm to 9pm, Feb 15 to 17. Tel: (800) 24227. More info on website.
13. Find your zen with underwater yoga
Piloga Studio takes over the Dubai Aquarium every Saturday morning for another four week run from this Saturday. The weekly ‘Underwater Yoga’ series will be led by experts from Piloga Studio Pilates & Yoga, who invite participants of all abilities to join the session. It’s limited to 35 spaces, so book in quick.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Saturday 8am to 9am, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 456 4499. More info on Facebook
14. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea
French eatery, Parlour Boutique, has launched a Parisian-themed afternoon tea experience. Served up on a tiered Eiffel Tower shaped stand, the afternoon tea features the likes of lemon meringue tart, Parlour éclairs and avocado toast with watermelon salsa. Pair it with a tea or coffee of your choosing.
Parlour Boutique, One Central Building, 12pm to 6pm daily, Dhs250 per person. Tel: (04) 386 5333. More info on website.
15. Finish the weekend with a family friendly brunch
Every Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, Girders Garden hosts a casual, family-friendly brunch with entertainment, kids activities and platters of pub grub. Sharing starter platters are followed with main course platters from the traditional beef, chicken and lamb roast, which is priced at Dhs299 for two people. Upgrade to include a bottle of wine and it’s Dhs399.
Girders Garden, JA Ocean View Hotel, The Walk JBR, 12pm to 5pm, Saturdays, Dhs299 for two food only, Dhs399 food and a bottle of wine. Tel: (04) 814 5590. More info on website
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