From sushi making classes to gents’ nights, outdoor cinema and free camps for the kids…

Whether you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this winter, or planning a catch up with friends before you travel for the festive season, we’ve got you covered with some awesome ways to spend the week.

Here are eight great things to do in Dubai this week. 

Sunday December 16

1. Tuck into a British roast

Back in action after a six month refurb is Dhow and Anchor, the contemporary gastro pub in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. At D&A, as it’s fondly known, guests can enjoy a daily ‘Roast of the Day’ which changes between lamb, beef and chicken. It’s a generous plate that comes with roasted root vegetables, yorkshire pudding and a portion of mash and gravy to share.

Dhow and Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, daily 12pm to late, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

2. Take the little ones to a free winter holiday camp

Keep the kids entertained this Christmas with a free morning of football. This week, City Football Schools will be offering free winter holiday camps open to both boys and girls, taking place on 16 and 18 December at Brighton College and on 17 and 19 December at Hartland International School. Sessions will take place from 8.30am to 2.30pm for players aged between 6 and 14 years of age.

City Football Schools, Brighton College, 8.30am to 2.30pm, December 16 and 18. Tel: (056) 538 9501. uae.cityfootballschools.com

Monday December 17

3. Dine at a four hands dinner

Ossiano’s Chef de Cuisine, Grégoire Berger and pastry chef Gregory Doyen are collaborating to create an exclusive bespoke menu on Monday December 17 and Tuesday December 18. The ‘Four Hands’ dinner will take on a festive theme, and include dishes such as Kelly oyster with hibiscus and cucumber ‘pearls’ as well as duck pie with confit pumpkin.

Ossiano, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 6.30pm onwards, December 17 and 18, Dhs840. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com

4. See a festive film al fresco

Outdoor cinema is one of our favourite alfresco pastimes during the cooler months, and what better way to watch an iconic Christmas films than snuggled in a blanket, under the twinkly Dubai Marina skyline? From December 15 to 17, the Urban Outdoor Cinema screens Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life and Love Actually in the garden of the Habtoor Grand.

Urban Outdoor Cinema, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 7.30pm, Saturday to Monday, Dhs75. urbanoutdoorcinema.com

5. Catch up at a gents’ night

Mamazonia has just opened its doors in Pier 7, and it’s already running a host of daily deals that are well worth checking out. On Mondays, it’s all about the boys at the jungle-esque spot, where guys can avail a buy one get one free offer on all main courses.

Mama Zonia, Level 2, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 6pm onwards, Mondays. Tel: (04) 240 4747. Facebook.com/Mamazoniadxb

Tuesday December 18

6. Gather the girls at a new ladies’ night

Kira, Kira! at Morimoto Dubai is set to become your new Tuesday ladies’ night go-to. As well as three free drinks, ladies can enjoy a 40 per cent discount off a select menu, which features signature dishes such as Tuna Pizza, Salmon Poke and Spicy Tuna Tacos.

Morimoto Dubai, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, 8pm to 12am, Tuesdays. Tel: (04) 512 5577. morimotodubai.com

Wednesday December 19

7. Learn to make sushi

Is learning a new skill one of your New Year’s resolutions? Kick it off early with this sushi making class at Sakura, in the Crowne Plaza hotel. Priced at Dhs185 per person, the 90 minute class will provide a background on different types of sushi, sushi rolling, lunch and free flowing soft drinks.

Sakura, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12.30pm to 2pm, Wednesday December 19. Tel: (04) 331 1111. crowneplazadubai.com

8. Listen to some live jazz

Found above Galvin Bistrot & Bar in City Walk is a new pop-up jazz lounge, where you can find a variety of local talents performing every day. Expect a rotation of stars this Wednesday.

The Green Room at Galvin Bistrot & Bar, The Square, City Walk, 9pm to 2am, Tuesday to Friday. Tel: (04) 590 5444. Facebook.com/TheGreenRoom

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