10 things to look forward to in Dubai this March

Food festivals, massive musical stars and a mega Paddy’s Day party…

As we head into a new month, we’re looking ahead to all the fun things that are coming our way next month, and boy is March set to be a big one. Whether you’re a Motown, Michael Jackson or Little Mix fan, there’s music for you, foodies can get their fix as Taste of Dubai returns and there are some mega new openings – from hotels to super clubs.

Here are 10 things we can’t wait for in Dubai this March.

March 7 to 9: Taste your way around Dubai

Nothing says springtime in the city quite like a weekend spent lazing and grazing in the sun, and Taste of Dubai always brings ample opportunity for both. The festival is known for gathering a host of top name chefs and high-end restaurants around the table, and 2019 is no different. Between them, the brigade of top chefs will be hosting a series of masterclasses, demonstrations, tastings and competitions across the weekend, while a host of bars, live music stages and entertainment options will ensure even the most kitchen-calamitous attendees can find a home on the site.

March 10 and 11: Ballet under the stars

Brought to Dubai by The Covent Garden Dance Company, Ballet Under the Stars returns to the Four Seasons Jumeirah this month. Guests will be treated to a performance from some of the world’s most supreme ballet dancers from top dance companies from around the world at the open air beachside theatre on March 10 and 11. The three and a half hour show will be split into four shorter performances, served up to a gourmet three-course menu in the garden theatre.

Ballet Under the Stars, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah, 7.30pm onwards, March 10 and March 11, Dhs550 gold, Dhs850 platinum, Dhs1000 VIP. Tickets from platinumlist.net

March date TBC: Check in at Media City’s first five star hotel

The first five-star business hotel in Media City, the Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City is on track to open in the first quarter of 2019. The 235-room hotel will feature five restaurants and lounges, a spa, gymnasium and outdoor swimming pool as well as a state-of-the-art convention centre. Keep an eye out for a new rooftop bar as well, which will offer panoramic views of the Marina skyline.

Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, Dubai Media City, opening March 2019. movenpick.com

March 15 to 16: Party at the ultimate Paddy’s Day weekender

Expect a three-day extravaganza of pure Irish craic at Irish Village for St Patrick’s Day. The celebrations will include two Irish bands flown in specially for the occasion, plus loads of entertainment for little ones – including a petting zoo.

Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, daily March 15 to 17, free. Tel: (04) 2824750. theirishvillage.com

March 16: Glam up for a lavish pool party

Popular beach club Nikki Beach Dubai marks its three-year anniversary with a massive celebration, featuring a lineup of exciting performances and musical acts.

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, noon to 9pm, Saturday March 16. Tel: (04) 3766162. nikkibeach.com

March 22: Try Dubai!

Try Dubai is back for a third year on Friday March 22. The free entry event hosts the city’s most popular clubs and groups, from wrestling groups and sports clubs, to comedy troupes and active apps, plus gives you the opportunity to try them out for free.

Try Dubai, Barasti Beach, Dubai, 11am to 5pm, Friday March 22, free. Tel: (04) 427 3000. More info on event page

March 23: Party at a pop concert

Brit Award-winners Little Mix, and pop sensations Liam Payne and Rita Ora will take to the stage at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday March 23 as part of a special celebration championing the work of teachers around the world.  The inaugural Global Teacher Prize concert, hosted by Virgin Radio’s Kris Fade, and featuring a supporting set by DJ Jacques Lavoisier, will see the stars performing many of their greatest hits.

The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, Saturday March 23, from Dhs350. 800tickets.com 

March date TBC: Party at a Lebanese legend

The famous outdoor Beirut nightclub Skybar is coming to the city, and it’s expected to open this month. Called Sky 2.0 in Dubai, the exciting new space will open its doors in Dubai Design District. Although few details have been revealed, its Lebanese counterpart can house up to 2,500 guests, so we’re expecting a similar super-sized venue when Sky2.0 arrives in Dubai this March.

Sky2.0, Dubai Design District, Dubai, opening soon. Facebook.com/Sky2.0

March 26 to 30: Moonwalk your way to Dubai Opera

Thriller Live is set to grace the Dubai Opera stage for a five-date stint this month. Coming direct from a decade on London’s West End, the show celebrates the career of the legendary entertainer, Michael Jackson. Promising to ‘take the audience on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael’s 45 year musical history’, the show will feature hits from both Jackson’s solo career as well as hits from The Jackson 5 era. So whether you were more a fan of ‘ABC’ or preferred moonwalking to ‘Billie Jean’ this show is sure to have you covered…

Thriller Live at Dubai Opera, Tuesday March 26 to Saturday March 30 2019, from Dhs275. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com 

March 27 to 29: Take a trip down memory lane at a Motown show

Groove on down to the QE2 from March 27 to 29 as a Motown show makes its way to Dubai for four brilliant shows celebrating the golden age of Motown music. Take a trip down musical memory lane with Motown hits that start from 1960s Detroit with a stage show featuring the iconic hits from Temptations, Supremes, Jackson 5  and Marvin Gaye.

Theatre by QE2, QE2 Dubai, Port Rashid, Dubai, Wednesday March 27 to Friday March 29, tickets from Dhs180. Facebook.com/theatrebyqe2

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