Gordon Ramsay returns, Ghost makes its debut, and heaps of dinner deals and new hotspots to check out…

It’s almost the weekend, and we’re already planning an action-packed one. From visits from celebrity chefs and Oscar-winning musicals, to picnics in the park and brand new menus, brunches and bars, here’s everything you need to make it another top weekend in the city.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday October 11

1. Dine at the hands of a celebrity chef

As part of Atlantis’ Culinary Month, the five-star resort is set to host the return of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who will be on the pots and pans at his Bread Street Kitchen restaurant for one night only on Thursday, October 11.

Bread Street Kitchen, Atlantis The Palm, 7pm to 12am, Thursday October 11, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com

2. Check out a new sundowner spot

Describing that it’s inspired by ‘a wandering beauty whose Gatsby-esque mystique and decadent lifestyle ensure she’s always the source of intrigue’, Eve is a new rooftop penthouse in the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. Open from 4.30pm daily, Eve serves up an extensive menu of cocktails as well as an internationally influenced menu of bar bites alongside some stunning vistas of Dubai Creek.

Eve, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Creek, Sat to Weds, 4.30pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri, 4.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 553 1214. eveloungedubai.com

3. See an Oscar-winning musical

Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera will be bringing Ghost: The Musical to Dubai for the first time this month. The iconic show is running for five days from October 9 to 13 at Dubai Opera. The Oscar-winning musical, based on the iconic 90s film starring Demi Moore (Molly) and the late Patrick Swayze (Sam), tells the tale of a young couple in love which quickly turns into tragedy as Sam is murdered, leaving his beloved wife Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost.

Ghost at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, October 9 to 13 2018, from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

4. See a smash hit movie

The hotly-anticipated A Star Is Born is out in cinemas across Dubai from this Thursday, October 11. In this new take on the iconic love story, four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper stars alongside multiple award-winning Lady Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture.  Cooper portrays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally.  She has given up on her dream to become a successful singer, until she meets Jack, who immediately sees her natural talent.

A Star Is Born, various times and cinemas, from Thursday October 11. astarisbornmovie.com

5. Perfect your swing with some golf lessons

The Butch Harmon School of Golf have announced the introduction of two specifically designed programmes that will be run by ladies for ladies wanting to get into golf or improve their skills. The beginners programme is priced at Dhs995 is spread across a 9-week term and includes a group lesson once a week, an individual practice session plus unlimited practice from Sunday through Thursday, while the ‘Course Ready’ programme includes 4 group lessons, 4 on course lessons and one individual lesson across 8 weeks and is priced at Dhs1965.

The Butch Harmon School of Golf, The Els Club, Dubai Sports City, 9-week Beginners programme Dhs995, 8-week Course Ready Programme Dhs1965. Tel: (04) 425 1040. dsc.ae

Friday October 12

6. Party at a Spanish National Day Fiesta

In the spirit of Spanish National Day, Casa de Tapas at Dubai Creek Yacht Club is inviting guests for an authentic fiesta with a themed twist on their Friday brunch this week.

Casa De Tapas, Dubai Creek Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday October 12, Dhs260 house, Dhs315 sparkling. Tel: (04) 416 1800. facebook.com/casadetapas

7. Dine with your toes in the sand

After a summer hiatus, Shimmers has reopened its oors. Found in Jumeirah’s Mina A’Salam resort, Shimmers is perched on the beachfront, and is one of the hotels lesser known spots. Highlights on the menu include Yiouvetsi Astakou, a traditional Greek Orzo pasta cooked with fresh lobster and Greek style roasted vegetables; Gamopilafo, a lamb stew accompanied with fluffy rice and Paidakia, tender lamp chops with Greek style sautéed potatoes topped with crumbled Feta cheese.

Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Dubai, daily 12pm to 5pm and 6pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

8. Hit up a rooftop pool party at the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Club at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa has relaunched its ‘Rooftop Soiree’ every Thursday and Friday between 6pm and 11pm. For Dhs175, you get access to The Burj Club’s rooftop pool, where you can groove to sultry tunes while lazing on an assortment of pool floats (hello, giant unicorn). Plus, you get Dhs100 back to spend on food and drink.

The Burj Club, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Thurs and Fri 6pm to 11pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 888 3900. burjkhalifa.ae

9. Party like the Ancient Greeks

Nikki Beach Club is throwing it back to ancient Greece this Friday, paying homage to the Acropolis, Olympia, Sparta and other Greek treasures. Experience traditional cuisine and music at the Greek-themed party, which comes complete with a blue and white dress code.

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, 11am to 9pm, Friday October 12. Tel: (04) 376 6162. nikkibeach.com

10. Have a picnic at a new public park

Now that the weather is finally cooling down, we’re looking forward to spending as much time outside as possible – and the lucky residents of Dubai Silicon Oasis now have a lovely new public park. North Park can be found near Cedre Villas, and spans an impressive 35,000 square metres. The landscaped gardens are home to water fountains, a children’s play area, and barbecue pits, and there’s also a new outdoor gym, jogging and cycling tracks, a football pitch, tennis court, volleyball court and skate park.

North Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Sun to Thurs 8am to 11pm, Fri & Sat 8am to 11.30pm. dsoa.ae

11. See an Arabic star live

Arab singer Moustafa Hagag will be performing at Qasr Al Sultan Boutique Hotel this Friday October 12, from 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced from Dhs290, and include a dinner buffet while enjoying various live cultural entertainment before and after the stars performance. 

Qasr Al Sultan Hotel, Dubai, 7.30pm onwards, Friday October 12, Dhs290 standard, Dhs390 VIP, Dhs450 Majlis seating. Tel (800) 785 826. qasralsultan.ae

Saturday October 13

12. Enjoy a vegan feast

Looking to tuck into some plant-based goodness this weekend? Why not try the Vegan Bench Brunch at Rove Healthcare City. Running from 11am to 3pm and priced at a value Dhs99, it’s a choice of appetiser and dessert from the open buffet as well as a hot dish from the a la carte menu, washed down with a refreshing beverage.

The Daily, Rove, Healthcare City, 11am to 3pm, Saturdays, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 561 9200. rovehotels.com

13. Check out some new attractions after dark

One of Dubai’s most magical attractions, Dubai Garden Glow, has just reopened for its fourth season. The illuminated wonderland in Zabeel Park comes to life after dark, lit up with hundreds of spectacular installations. This year also sees the addition of an ‘Art Park’ for guests to check out.

Dubai Garden Glow, Gate 6, Zabeel Park, daily 4pm to midnight. Dhs65 entrance to the park, additional Dhs45 entrance to the ice park. Free for under-3s, over-60s, and people of determination. dubaigardenglow.com

14. Tuck into an Autumn menu at a top restaurant

Social by Heinz Beck has introduced a new five-course Italian Autumn set menu for the new season. Available until October 16, it features dishes such as lobster with spicy crust, fennel and orange, and veal with pistachio crust completed with radicchio, as well as the delicate Chocolate planet -a reconstructed dessert.

Social by Heinz Beck, dialy 7pm to 11pm until October 16, Dhs298 for three courses, Dhs500 for five courses. Tel: (05) 531 34999. walforfastoria3.hilton.com

 15. Get some fashion business tips from an expert

Stylist, business owner and author Kelly Lundberg is hosting her next business and styling workshop this Saturday. During the workshop you will learn the strategies required to lay the solid foundations for your Business in Style, covering topics such as; style personalities, overcome challenging clients, how to build your personal brand and ultimately make money.

Business In Style Workshop, Double Tree Hilton Business Bay, 9am to 5pm, Saturday October 13, Dhs999. kellylundbergofficial.com

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