From shopping and staycays to fireworks and concerts, there’s so many ways to enjoy your extra-long weekend…

It’s an extra-long weekend for most of us, so it’s time to get planning ways to fill it. Whether you’ve got an extra three or five days off, there’s heaps happening across the city to ensure you have an action-packed week.

Here are 30 things to do in Dubai over Eid Al Adha

Sunday August 19

1. Bag a bargain

Offering up to 75 per cent off on top international brands, the Concepts Big Brand Festival returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre, and it’s your last chance to shop today. There’s more than 300 brands taking part, so expect to bag a bargain on luxury labels including Dior, Versace, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Nike and Michael Kors.

Concepts Big Brand Festival, Sheikh Maktoum Hall, World Trade Centre, Downtown, 10am to 10pm, until Sunday August 19, free entry. Facebook.com/Concepts.Big.Brands.Carnival

2. Bounce off some brunch calories

The Flip Out Family & Friends Pass is back for Eid Al Adha, which is a great way to beat the heat and burn some calories for both kids and adults too! Valid from Sunday August 19 to Thursday August 23, up to four people can enjoy one hour in the trampoline park for Dhs120.

Flip Out, Al Quoz 3, Warehouse #5 Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Sun Aug 19 to Thurs Aug 23, Dhs120 for four per hour. Tel: (600) 567 568. flipout.ae

3. Workout at a brand new bootcamp

The famous Barry’s Bootcamp has opened a second branch in Dubai Marina’s Trident Grand Mall. Popular with A-listers as well as packing out with workout fanatics, Barry’s red room is fitted out with a long run of state-of-the-art treadmills and lit like the Ministry of Sound, which leaves you feeling like you’re in a part-gym, part nightclub space. Classes sstart from Dhs84 for the first class, and you can burn up to 1000 calories in a single session

Barry’s Bootcamp, Trident Grand Mall Level 1, Dubai Marina, Sun to Thurs 7am to 9.30pm, Fri 7.15am to 2.30pm, Sat 8am to 6.30pm. Tel: (04) 874 8476. barrysbootcamp.com/studio/dubai-marina

Monday August 20

4. Tuck into a tasty wine and cheese deal

Folly has launched a tasty new mid-week deal to tuck into. Every Monday, couples can enjoy two hours of unlimited wine alongside a cheeseboard for Dhs295 for two. The cheese and wine offer starts from 5pm every Monday, so it’s perfect for a post-work colleague, as well as a date night later in the evening. Remember this week, it’s dry until 7.30pm, so be sure to head down after that for the wine deal.

Folly by Nick & Scott, Madinat Jumeirah, 5pm onwards, Monday, Dhs295 for two. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae

5. Check out a super sized store

One for the sneakerheads, the largest adidas store in the Middle East opens its doors on Monday August 20 at The Dubai Mall. Also inside, you’ll find a series of curated photographers and artists who will showcase their work within the space. First up is Dubai-based photographer, Connor Rycroft who will present a gallery of images, depicting local culture through the perspective of his lens.

adidas Originals, The Dubai Mall, from 10am Monday August 20. shop.adidas.ae

6. Experience a British summer indoors at a Cider festival

The Scene by Simon Rimmer is hosting a month long ‘Cider Social’ this August in their cool new indoor garden. Expect a limited-edition range of craft ciders starting from Dhs35, apple based-cocktails, a nostalgic selection of The Scene’s snakebites and themed bar bites priced at Dhs99 for three.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer, 4th Floor, Pier 7, 8am to 2am, until August 31. Tel: (04) 422 2328. Thescenedubai.com

Tuesday August 21

7. See a stunning water show for less

Staying in Dubai over the long weekend? There’s still plenty happening at home. If you’ve not seen the stunning Al Habtoor city water show, La Perle yet, now is your chance; they’re offering half price tickets over the Eid weekend for bookings of four to 10 tickets. A group of four tickets starts at Dhs1260 for silver and Dhs1680 for gold seats.

La Perle by Dragone, Al Habtoor City, Tuesday August 21 to Sunday August 25, Tuesday to Friday 7pm and 9.30pm and Saturday 4pm and 7pm. Tel: (04) 437 0123. laperle.com

8. Take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free brunch

On Tuesday August 21 popular party spot Mr Miyagi’s is turning one, and we’re all invited for a mega, all-day party. There will be double installment of the ‘Wok & Roll’ brunch, priced at a bargain Dhs390 for two brunch-goers. There’s also buy one get one free on drinks all day. So it would be rude not to stay on for a drink or two afterwards…

Mr Miyagi’s, Media One Hotel, Tuesday August 21, 12pm to 2am, brunches 3pm to 6pm and 8pm to 11pm, Dhs390 for two. Tel: (04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com

9. Tackle an adventure challenge

JBR’s recently opened adventure challenge TEPfactor is offering game-goers entry for four guests for the price of three over Eid. It’s valid until 6pm on August 21, 22 and 23. It’s normally Dhs80 per hour per person, making it Dhs240 for four guests per hour during the offer.

TEPfactor, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, valid 10am to 6pm, Tues Aug 21 to Thurs Aug 23, Dhs240 per hour for four. Tel: (04) 398 8438. tepfactor.ae

10. Feast on an all you can eat brunch by the Creek

Al Bandar Rotana’s all-day dining restaurant, Salt & Pepper will offer an international buffet brunch including a salad bar, authentic local dishes, live cooking stations, hand-tossed pastas, Asian specialities, Indian dishes, and a selection of delicious desserts and sweet treats on Tuesday August 21 for Dhs335 per person including soft drinks. 

Salt & Pepper, Al Bandar Rotana, Dubai Creek, Tuesday August 21, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs225 soft, Dhs335 house. Tel: (04) 704 2222. rotanatimes.com

11. Enjoy a romantic set menu over water

Arguably one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, Pierchic is offering a three course set menu over Eid for Dhs525 per person. The menu is available at both lunch and dinner, and features dishes such as hand dived scallops with artichokes and black summer truffle; a mixed seafood platter featuring Canadian lobster and seabass and tiger prawns.

Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah, Tues Aug 21 to Thurs Aug 23, Dhs525 per person. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

Wednesday August 22

12. Head to a Baryam night

Ruya, the Anatolian spot in Dubai Marina’s Grosvenor House is hosting a Bayram night on Wednesday August 22. Guests will get to sample items from classic Anatolian cuisine including Çaġ Kebap and the signature Two Cheese Pide from the central oven. Guests can also make their own version of the traditional Turkish favourite at the interactive Pide station.

Ruya, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 8pm to 11pm, Wednesday August 22, Dhs299 (soft), Dhs399 (house), Dhs499 (bubbly). Tel: (04) 399 9123. ruyadubai.com

13. Catch a film by night

Novo Cinemas has announced that during the Eid Al Adha holiday, the chain will be screening films 24-hours a day at three of its locations in Dubai. The new timings will apply for the entirety of the Eid long weekend at Novo Cinemas’ Dubai Festival City, Ibn Battuta and Dragon Mart outlets. Who’s up for a 3am screening of Crazy Rich Asians?

Novo Cinemas, Dubai Festival City, Ibn Battuta and Dragon Mart, open 24 hours. novocinemas.com

14. Cool off with a poolside brunch

It’s the last few weeks of the summer season, but before they kickstart their stellar winter line-up, Dubai’s ever-popular beach club Zero Gravity is throwing an Eid edition of their weekend brunch. Available on both Wednesday and Thursday, the Eid Brunch will take place from 12pm to 5pm on each day, serving unlimited food and drinks for Dhs249 for girls and Dhs299 for guys. Be sure to stick around, their ‘Sip the Sunset’ happy hour kicks in straight after brunch, where selected drinks are two for one from 5pm to 8pm.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 5pm, Weds Aug 22 and Thurs Aug 23, Dhs249 girls, Dhs299 guys. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

15. Tuck into a meaty Eid dinner deal

If you’re looking for an Eid dinner instead of a brunch, head to Beefbar, where there will be a three-course set menu for three days during Eid for Dhs295 per person.. Expect Kobe sliders and tacos, hand-selected cuts with sides dishes such as flavoured mashed potato and soufflés.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, 7pm onwards, Weds Aug 22 to Fri Aug 24, Dhs295 (Dhs145 for children under 12). Tel: (04) 3522223. dubai.beefbar.co

Thursday August 23

16. Feast on a seafood brunch

Off on Thursday? Expect a boat-to-table Eid feast, at The Fish House in Dubai Festival City. The brunch is on offer over both Thursday and Friday.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Thurs Aug 23 and Fri Aug 24, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs195 (soft), Dhs295 (house). Tel: (04) 701 1127. Taxi: InterCon Fesival City. thefishhousedubai.com

17. See a stunning fireworks display

JBR is always a bustling hub of activity around the Eid holidays, and with three nights of fireworks planned you can expect The Beach to be packed. Make sure you head down early enough to grab a good spot at one of the many restaurants and cafes littered along the waterfront. For a full list of where to watch fireworks, check our guide.

The Beach, JBR, The Walk, 9.15pm, Weds Aug 22 to Fri Aug 24, free. thebeach.ae

18. Kickstart the weekend with unlimited drinks

At McGettigans Souk Madinat this Eid, enjoy unlimited house drinks from 9.30pm to 12.30am for Dhs199 per person and listen to live music from resident band The Shots who play reggae, raga, jungle and jazz.

McGettigans, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Thursday 9.30pm to 12.30am, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 447 0219. mcgettigans.com

19. Go all-inclusive on a floating hotel

If it’s all-inclusive you’re looking for this long weekend, the Eid staycation deal at the QE2 is for you. Called the ‘All On Board’ package, it includes a daily buffet breakfast, lunch or Eid Brunch and dinner in the Lido restaurant – as well as free-flowing house beverages from The Golden Lion, the Yacht Club or Lido throughout your. Packages start from Dhs1,499 for two.

QE2, Port Rashid, Thursday August 23 to Friday August 24, from Dhs1,499. Tel: (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

20. Cool off with a new evening pool party

Dubai’s long-serving Barasti Beach is launching a brand new pool party to kickstart the weekend. From 8pm to 11pm, their free-entry, weekly pool party will serve up unlimited wine, beer and bubbles for just Dhs100 for ladies, while guys can take advantage of happy hour prices from 9pm to 11pm.

Barasti Beach, The Westin Mina Seyahi, 8pm to 11pm, Thursdays, Dhs100 for ladies. Tel: 04 399 3333. barastibeach.com

Friday August 24

21. Check in for a luxury staycay

While the beach club may be closed until the start of September, Nikki Beach Resort is bringing a slice of St Tropez to you this Eid al Adha. Guests can take advantage of a one night stay with Friday brunch package at Cafe Nikki from Dhs1100 for two.  

Nikki Beach Resort, Pearl Jumeirah, Thursday August 23 and Friday August 24. Tel: (04) 376 6290. nikkibeachhotels.com

22. Tuck in to some authentic Middle Eastern flavours

Expect a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian dishes with a large selection of seafood options on offer at the Eid brunch at Palace Downtown.

Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Friday August 24, Dhs345. Tel: (04) 4287888. addresshotels.com

23. See a Bollywood star

Bollywood singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan is also set to take to the stage at the Dubai World Trade Centre for one night only on 24 August. The popular singer, known for her catchy pop and filmi tunes, will entertain the crowd at Dubai World Trade Centre from 8pm, with tickets priced from Dhs75.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, 8pm onwards, Friday August 24, from Dhs75. visitdubai.com

24. Enjoy an Eid brunch


Over Eid, you can kickstart brunch at Sean Connolly’s Dubai Opera brasserie with a free-flowing oyster bar. On the menu will be a selection of shared starters such as fresh sashimi fish salad, sides including duck-fat chips and there’ll be a selection of desserts including chocolate fondant and lemon tart. There will also be a live DJ.

Sean Connolly At Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Friday August 24, 12pm to 4pm Dhs390 (soft), Dhs500 (house), Dhs610 (champagne). Tel: (04) 3627312. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai  Mall. seanconnollydubai.com 

25. Build a snowman

Taking place every Friday and Saturday at Dubai Ladies Club is DubaiICE, a winter-themed festival inside a pop-up, hosted within an igloo-inspired dome on the private Dubai Ladies Club beach. The festival will run from 3pm to 7pm until the end of the month, and promises a host of snow-themed activities for women and children. Entry will be priced at Dhs260 for ladies and Dhs80 for children (sorry guys – this is a women-only event).

Dubai ICE at Dubai Ladies Club, Jumeirah, 3pm to 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays until September 1, Dhs260 adults, Dhs80 children. Tel: (04) 349 9922. dubailadiesclub.com

26. Cool off at a rooftop pool

Located on the 4th floor of The Address Dubai Marina, Shades expands over a large terrace overlooking the Marina and comes with a huge infinity pool that’s perfect for a leisurely swim. Loungers are not reserved and are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Shades, 4th floor, Address Dubai Marina, 7am to 8pm, Sun to Thurs Dhs210 including Dhs100 food and drink voucher, Fri and Sat Dhs315 including Dhs150 food and drink voucher. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com 

27. Feast on a brand new brunch

Downtown spot Katana is re-launching its Red Sun brunch on Eid, taking guests on a 25-course tour of three styles of Japanese cooking. Start with a selection of a la carte appetisers, charcoal-grilled skewers including fresh sushi and contemporary Japanese-inspired desserts including mango tofu yuzu cheesecake. There will be a variety of beverages including seasonal cocktails. Expect tunes from a live DJ and there’s also a full vegetarian offering.

The Promenade, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Friday August 24, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 (soft), Dhs395 (house and sparkling). Tel: (04) 2778808. katana-dubai.com

Saturday August 25

28. Keep the kids entertained for less at The Dubai Mall

Over Eid, when you buy a ticket to Dubai Aquarium & underwater Zoo, KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink or VR Park, you’ll be able to avail a 50 per cent discount on the ticket for any one of the others.

The Dubai Mall, various attractions and timings, 50 per cent discount on a second ticket with the purchase of one full-price ticket, until Sunday August 25. thedubaimall.com

29. Chill out with a discounted beach day

Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill is serving up Eid by the beach this long weekend. For Dhs150, guests will get beach access, either a burger, sandwich or a salad; and one house beverage every day from August 21 to 25 from 10am onwards.

Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Dubai The Walk, 10am onwards, Weds Aug 21 to Sat Aug 25, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 399 1111. hilton.com

30. Finish the weekend with a ladies’ night

On Saturdays DIFC steakhouse Gaucho is cooling off the weekend with a ladies’ night. There’s three free drinks for the girls from 8pm to 11pm, plus 50 per cent off the bar food menu.

Gaucho, Gate Village 5, DIFC, 8pm to 11pm, Saturdays. Tel: (04) 422 7898. gauchorestaurants.com

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