Brunch, boxing, super clubs and make-your-own-scent classes, it’s all going on in the city this weekend…

The weekend is nearly here, and it’s time to get planning. As well as family-friendly events and free classes for the kids, there’s big nights out, brunches and birthday celebrations.

Here are 16 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday March 22

1. Head to an evening with a contemporary artist

To celebrate Dubai Art Week, Mr Brainwash (aka Thierry Guetta) will showcase 15 custom made pieces at the recently opened Italian restaurant, Scalini Dubai. Guests can enjoy cocktails and canapés from 7.30pm on the Scalini terrace, and will have the opportunity to speak to Mr Brainwash about his work and inspiration. It will be followed by an after-party at open-air night club, BASE, from 11pm.

Scalini Dubai, Restaurant Village, Jumeirah Four Seasons, 7.30pm onwards, Thursday March 22, free. Tel: (04) 349 0068. More info on website

2. Take the kids to Dubai Garden Glow

Looking for some spring break inspiration? Take the kids to Dubai Garden Glow. Located in Zabeel Park, the attraction is home to hundreds of spectacular installations, an ice park, and a dinosaur park. Trust us, it will keep them (and you) entertained for hours…

Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park Area B, daily 4pm to midnight, Dhs60 for entry to glow park, extra Dhs40 for entry to ice park. More info on website

3. Party into the weekend with an alternative night out

Analog Room is teaming up with SATWA 3000 to host one of the region’s most successful experimental worldbeat bands, Flamingods. The band is set to give an explosive live show at the terrace which will open its doors for the first time. Performing alongside the band, Tarik Omar will take the stage as well between 10pm to 1am. XDB, Metrolux label boss, closes the night.

Analog Room, industrial avenue Westin Mina Seyahi, 10pm to 3am, Thursday 22nd March, Dhs100, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: . More info on Facebook

4. Bounce after dark

The first Bounce After Dark party of 2018 is set to take place this Thursday March 22 from 8.15pm onwards. Bounce will be providing glow in the dark paint for party goers, flashing lights and an all-pumping sound system.

Building 32, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, 8.15pm to 12.15am,Thursday March 22, Dhs85 per hour. Tel: (04) 321 1400. More info on website

5. Take the kids to a free kickboxing class

Fairmont The Palm has launched  ‘KidzBoxing’ classes with celebrity football trainer Coach Meddy. The resort will be hosting a free ‘kidzBoxing’ open day this Thursday, offering kids the chance to learn training method behind many well-known footballers and learn more about the new weekly class offering.

Fairmont The Palm Hotel, South Residence Studio, 3.30pm to 6.30pm, Thursday March 22, free. RSVP to Katrin.Zimmermann@fairmont.com.

Friday March 23

6. Party at the grand opening of a super club

The hotly anticipated Gotha Dubai is set to open its doors on Friday March 23. After the initial Friday opening, the club will open this week on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for a full four days of opening celebrations. Expect an open format music policy at the super club, with DJs Yeezy and Matt Davis on deck duty.

Gotha Dubai, Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, opening Friday March 23, Weds to Fri, 11pm to 3am. Tel: (055) 1 934 934. More info on website

7. Work up a sweat with Nike

To celebrate International Women’s Month, the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai has partnered up with the Nike Run Club to host a 4-5K fun run. Nike coaches will be on hand to answer all of your running questions, or if running isn’t your thing, you can just take part in the boot camp-style warm-up with BARE fitness before the run. Afterwards, there will be a selection of light-bites, coffee and smoothies at Grounded.

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, Friday March 23, warm-up at 7.45am, run starts at 9am. More info on website

8. Treat your mum to a free brunch

Mexican hotspot Peyote DIFC is hosting a special Mother’s Day Brunch. Expect sharing plates such as fresh ceviche and chicken pibil taco with pickled red onion, as well as mains like grilled rib eye with truffled mole, followed by a ‘Surprise Pinata’ for dessert. Best of all, mums eat free when booking with three adults paying full price.

Peyote, DIFC, Friday March 23, 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs275 including four courses and soft beverages, Dhs395 including house beverages. Tel: (04) 521 6300. More info on website

9. Celebrate Lock, Stock & Barrel’s second birthday

Barsha Heights party spot Lock, Stock & Barrel is celebrating its second birthday with POP GUNN, which is set to bring down the house with their mash-ups and medleys of hits from the 90s to now. Expect headbanging remixes from Jay Z, Avicii, Peter Andre and more. Doors open at 4pm, with two-for-one drinks until 8pm.

Lock, Stock & Barrel, Barsha Heights, Friday March 23, from 4pm. Tel: (04) 514 9195. More info on website 

10. Check out a free student showcase

Taking place at The Jam Jar in Al Serkal Avenue, the students of Heriot Watt University will be ‘Showcasing Creative Talent’, an exhibition-style set-up where street style brands including Talar Nina, Precious Trust and World Blvck Fvntvsy, Photographers Young Habibti and Arta Afshar as well as a Make up Artist Ammarah will be exhibiting their work to the public. Talks and masterclasses will also be on offer from all of these creatives throughout the day.

The Jam Jar, Al Serkal Avenue, Friday March 23, 2pm to 5pm, free. More info on website 

Saturday March 24

11. Find your zen at a desert yoga retreat

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is holding a one-day yoga retreat in partnership with instructor Amanda Cunliffe-Smith. The retreat includes three yoga sessions and a guided meditation, as well as swimming pool access, and a breakfast and lunch buffet at Al Forsan restaurant. All levels are welcome.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Saturday March 24, 7am to 6pm, Dhs940. Tel: (04) 809 6167. More info on website

12. Head to an oh-so-British Garden party

Pull up a picnic rug for a very British affair at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi’s amphitheatre as their Great British Garden party returns. The party starts at 11am and the afternoon will be packed with traditional British food, live entertainment and plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi’s amphitheatre, Al Sufouh, Saturday March 24, 11am to 7pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 399 3333. More info on website

13. Make your own scent

Local aromatherapist and perfume expert Melanie Jane is holding a workshop at the Ritz Carlton JBR where she’ll help you create your own 30ml eau de parfum, plus you’ll get an afternoon tea with bubbly during the session.

RitzCarlton, Al Mamsha Street, JBR, Dubai, 10am to 2pm, Saturday March 24. Dhs500 per person, booking required. Tel: (050) 350 1557. More info on website

14. Enjoy a wine and cheese night

Authentic Italian trattoria Ravioli & Co is hosting a wine and cheese night, curated by a real Italian sommelier and cheese expert. For Dhs250 per person, guests can enjoy 20 types of Italian grapes, paired with a fancy cheese platter.

Ravioli & Co, DIFC, Saturday March 24, 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 241 1616. More info on website

15. Take part in a free yoga class by candlelight

In observance of Earth Hour, Soul Wellness & Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai will host a free candlelit yoga session on Saturday, March 24, from 8.30pm until 9.30pm. It will be held on the 54th floor spa, with stunning views out across Dubai.

Soul Wellness & Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel, 8.30pm to 9.30pm, Saturday March 24, free. Tel: (04) 503 4100. More info on website

16. Adopt a puppy

Animal rescue group, SNIFF (Strays needing interim or furever friends) is hosting a puppy adoption day this Saturday at Creature Oasis Pet shop in Jumeirah 1 to help find homes for their rescue dogs.

Creature Oasis Pet Shop, Jumeirah 1, 3pm to 6pm, Saturday March 24. More info on Facebook

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