Things to do in Dubai this weekend
You know that moment on a Thursday afternoon when your work buddy asks what you’re doing this weekend and your mind goes blank? Well worry no more, friends, because What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.
ABU DHABI
Heading to the capital this weekend? Then check out our list of goings on in ABU DHABI there, too. Click here.
ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the latest movie trailers and cinema listings of films being release in Dubai this weekend. Click here.
THURSDAY
MEET CAT STEVENS/YUSUF ISLAM
Singer/songwriter Cat Stevens converted to Islam in the 1970s. Now Yusuf Islam, who lives in Dubai, has written an autobiography about his journey in which he speaks about his conversion for the first time. Following a very special launch party in the UAE, he will meet and greet fans at Kinokuniya, Dubai Mall from 7pm.
Kinokuniya, Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, free from 7pm. Tel: (04) 434 0111. Metro: Dubai Mall.
GO GOLD
Film fans can now be food fans after Vox Gold launched a new gourmet menu with the help of highly-trained food and beverage experts. Sliders and sarnies of course have a place on the new menu, available at all gold screens, and so too is the likes of goat’s cheese bruschetta, ‘Louisiana’ buffalo chicken bites and kamikaze shrimp for starters.
CELEBRITY DJs
Chinawhite are hosting DJ’s Lloyd and Chris Fountain – the former soap and reality TV star from the UK – for a night of uplifting house music, under the name of ‘Swankys DJs’. Local talents Marco SG and Drinky complete the line-up.
Chinawhite Dubai, Grand Hyatt, nr Wafi, Dubai. Tel: (056) 175 1010. Taxi: Grand Hyatt. info@chinawhitedubai.com
EAT UNLIMITED LOBSTER
Shangri-La’s Dunes Cafe are offering seafoodies the chance to indulge in unlimited Boston Lobster, enjoyed grilled, steamed, chilled or curried together with other seafood delicacies such as oysters and crustaceans. Prices start at Dhs235 for soft drink package, and Dhs330 with house beverages.
Dunes Cafe, Shangi-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4052703
DJ KAYPER
The Act, the highest theatre in the world, has the added attraction of DJ Kayper this weekend. Enjoy classic Peruvian fare along with the sort of entertainment that has made the Shangri-La spot so popular. Then, hit the dance floor for the London DJ who currently holds the main residency at cult club The Box. Kayper’s sets mash hip hop, electro, dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass and even rock.
The Act Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4438215. Metro: Financial Centre. facebook.com/TheActDubai
WHITE DUBAI RELAUNCH PARTY
The rooftop nightclub ‘White Dubai’, a sister project to the original in Beirut, is back at Meydan Racecourse after a summer off. It boasts one of the best open-air views in the city and promises to be even bigger and better than last season.
Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Al Meydan Road. Tel: 050 443 0933. Taxi: Meydan Hotel. facebook.com/whitedubai
DANCE OFF SOUNDSYSTEM
Hang on to the seat of your pants party people, riotous rebels The Dance Off Soundsystem blow the whistle on Superheroes’ new season with fat wobbly beats, silly dance ‘battles’ and daft dancefloor games. It’ll be carnage on a stick. Ding, ding, seconds out. Four DJs – KB, Airyad, Cowtipper, Pythagosaurus – and MC Gobblejob will be representing the crew at Superheroes. Expect massive wobbly beats, disco, funk and guilty pop pleasures.
Superheroes, Dek On 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Free. Thursday, September 25, 6pm to 3am. Metro: Nakheel. facebook.com/SuperheroesDubai
QBERT
Turntable supremo Qbert brings his mad skills to Pioneer’s Middle East Digital DJ Championship. The Filipino-American scratch master will join the judging panel and also get to grips with the new PLX-1000 vinyl deck in a special showcase set. Twelve finalists will battle it out for supremacy in the six-minute short mix and 15-minute long mix categories. The quick-handed jaw-dropping action takes place at Zero Gravity. The first two qualifying rounds took place earlier this month in Al Quoz and Deira, where judge Marko Smokingroove said he was looking for all contestants to “go that extra mile”
Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai, Thursday, September 25, 10pm to 3am, free Taxi: Skydive Dubai. Tel: (04) 3990009. facebook.com/pioneerdjmea
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL
Throwing shapes, busting a move, shaking your thing – whatever you call it, there’s nothing better than a good dance, and nowhere better to celebrate it than the Dubai International Dance Festival 2014. Now in its seventh year, this four-day event at JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel will feature dance companies, musicians and DJs from all over the world, with workshops, competitions, performances and, of course, parties. Worth a look even if you have two left feet.
dubaidancefestival.com
YOGA RETREAT
Get five yoga classes, two breakfasts, a juicing class, a detox seminar, a two-hour spa detox treatment, two infrared sauna sessions and two days of beach access at this luxurious and healing three-day retreat.
September 25 to 27
Talise Spa, Souk Madinat, Dubai, Dhs1,790. Tel: (04) 3666818. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com
FREE HEART CHECK-UP
NMC Healthcare are offering members of the public free heart check-ups across the UAE until September 29, which is World Heart Day. The initiative wants to screen a minimum of 15,000 people for blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood glucose and blood cholesterol, as well as raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases. The check-ups are available between 3pm and 9pm from NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi (02 633 2255), NMC Day Surgery Centre LLC, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi (026911500), NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai (04 267 9999), NMC Hospital, Deira, Dubai (04 268 9800), NMC Hospital, Dubai Investment Park 1 (800 313).
FRIDAY
CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE
The new season starts with an exciting event featuring Pouneh Roney, Director of The Brain & Learning, who will be speaking about Neuroeducation. Described as ‘the conflation of psychology, pedagogy and neuroscience’ the talk will explore how more has been learnt about the human brain in the last five years than in all the previous centuries combined. For the price of a cup of coffee, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. The idea is to talk science, but outside an academic setting. The first Cafes Scientifique in the UK were held in Leeds in 1998. From there, cafés gradually spread across the UK and the rest of the world. Organisers say they positively welcome questions which begin with, “this might be a dumb question, but…”.
Read more from the organisers by clicking here.
BiOrganics, iRise Tower, TECOM, Dubai. Free, from 5pm to 6.30pm. cafescidubai.com
FOLDING BIKE SOCIETY UAE
Are you curious about folding bikes, those quirky portable cycles favoured by commuters? Then why not join the Folding Bike Society UAE for their first ride of the year. The route will start at Union Metro Station and end in Bur Dubai near the British Embassy. Bring your own bike, or borrow one. Check out their Facebook group for more details. And don’t forget your helmet.
facebook.com/FoldingSocietyUae
SINGAPOREAN CRAB CELEBRATION
Noodle House are helping satisfy your seafood cravings until October 18 with dishes such as the ‘Singaporean Chilli Crab’ or ‘Singaporean Black Pepper Crab’ – both available as either mud shell crab or soft shell crab. To complement the outlet’s first ever ‘Crab Festival’, the menu also includes ‘Mantou Bun’ that can be enjoyed either steamed or fried.
Various locations across the UAE. For more information visit thenoodlehouse.com
TASTE OF BENGAL CELEBRATION
Mark the nine days of Navratri with La Porte des Indes’ authentic Bengali menu. Showcasing some of the finest dishes from the region, the a la carte menu will be available for dinner only until October 3, and will feature such specialties as Cheena Aam Kasundi Paturi, steamed cottage and mango with kasundi mustard; Bhindi Chorchori, okra stir fried with green chillies and Bengali five spice; Maccher Jhol, a traditional Bengali fish curry and Kochi Pathar Jhol, mutton stewed with spices and potato. Classic Bengali sweets including Chamcham and Sandesh will finish the meal with a flourish.
The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4388610. Taxi: The Dubai Mall. laportedesindes.ae
BLUE MARLIN OPENING PARTY
It’s been four months since the doors were shut for the summer Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE. This weekend they return with the sounds from Los Suruba, the hottest DJ tag-team in Spanish underground house. The pair are fresh from Ushuaia Ibiza, and will be joined by Finnebassen.
Blue Marlin, Ghantoot Al Jazira Island Hotel, Dubai. Friday, 1pm to 11pm. Free guestlist by calling (056) 1133400. Taxi: Ghantoot Al Jazira. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com
ESCANDALO
IZEL celebrates its first year anniversary with a sultry Latin adventure of roaming saxophone and trumpet players, gogo dancers, DJs and energetic Colombian band Tono Barrio. Gents will also be given complimentary cigars, while table bookings get an array of canapes.
IZEL, Floor seven, Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. 7.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4447111 dubai.izel.com
DJ CARLOS CAMPOS
Toro Toro host world-renowned Latino electro DJ Carlos Campos, for one night only from 8pm. He’ll be headlining the wild carnival themed party that will kick off the new party season in true Toro Toro style. The resident DJ of Barrio Latino Paris, part of the Buddha-Bar group, will be joined by the hottest dancers on the social scene.
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, from 8pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. Metro: Dubai Marina. torotoro-dubai.com
GROOVE ON THE GRASS
Musical powerhouse Stephan Bodzin has stepped up to join the Groove On The Grass line-up on Friday after Avatism had to pull out of the gig due to ill health. Head of Hertzblud Records, Bodzin is a German techno DJ and producer whose unique tracks and album Liebe Ist has influenced producers worldwide. At the top of his game and constantly innovating, DJ Hell dubbed Bodzin’s tunes as the ground-breaking “Bremen sound” and Booka Shade, Depeche Mode and The Knife are amongst those to receive his remix treatment. The first Groove On The Grass gig of the season also sees Mobilee Records’ Tassilo Ippenberger and Thomas Benedix – aka Pan-Pot (pictured below) – make their UAE debut. Word of advice, kids. Get there early. This one is going to be rammed.
Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Friday, September 26, 7pm to 3am, Dhs180 to Dhs220. Taxi: Emirates Golf Club. facebook.com/GrooveOnTheGrass
DJ RAVIN
Karma Kafé are bringing legendary DJ Ravin to town this weekend. Famous for being the master behind the world renowned sounds of Buddha-Bar, his last album was described as a double disc musical journey of bold rhythms and hypnotic compositions inspired by South America.
Karma Kafé, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, from 9pm. Tel: (04) 4230909. karma-kafe.com
BIRYANI FESTIVAL
Four Points by Sheraton in Bur Dubai is hosting a Biryani Festival until Septemeber 27, featuring dishes such as Yakhani Mutton and Guljar-e-Murgh.
Four Points by Sheraton, Bank Street, Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 397 7444. Metro: Al Fahidi Metro. fourpointsburdubai.com
SATURDAY
ARAAISH
One of Dubai’s biggest lifestyle exhibitions with a cause returns this weekend for its second instalment in the region. Having already conquered India in the past with a range of celebrity fans like Sri Devi, Sohail Khan, Akshay Kumar and Neha Dhupia to name a few, Araaish now has Bollywood icon Suneil Shetty as a brand ambassador. The star will be present at the event at The Oberoi Hotel on Saturday. Vendors include Ritu Kumar, Vikram Phadnis, Shehla Khan, Private Collections, House of Chic, Janavi Shawls, Bespoke Vintage Jewels and Dubai’s very own C’est Moi accessories. Beyond the glamour, Araaish has a very good non-profit model at it’s heart, supporting the likes of P.R.ID.E. India, a non-Governmental organization working towards empowering marginalized rural communities to lead lives filled with dignity and self- respect.
The Grand Ballroom, The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai. Saturday, 11am to 8pm. araaish.com
JAM NIGHTS
No, this isn’t an opportunity to make your own fruit spreads and preserves. This is jam in the musical sense of the word. See a string of singers and musicians do their stuff at a new series of jam nights at Maxx Music Bar and Grill.
Maxx Music Bar and Grill, Citymax Hotel, Barsha, Dubai. 9pm-1am, free. Tel: (050) 100 7046. Metro: Mall of the Emirates. facebook.com/maxxmbg
RUN THE DESERT
The end of summer means the start of race season, and the Dubai Desert Road Run is a fine way to start. Held at the Sevens Stadium, the run features two distances: a 3K fun run (open to all ages) and the 10K. There are trophies for the 10K champs, awards for the top three male and female runners in the 3K, and the Dhs50 to Dhs85 entry fee makes it one of the most wallet-friendly races in the UAE.
premieronline.com
LEARN THE LINGO
Immerse yourself – and your children – in foreign languages, books, arts and crafts, storytelling, and films in English, French, German and Czech at the European Day Of Languages this month.
September 27
German International School, Al Quoz 4, Dubai, 10am to 4pm, free. Tel: (04) 3259865. Taxi: Near Grand Mall, Al Quoz. goethe.de
WATCH FOOTBALL
The biggest football matches from across Europe and the Middle East will be shown on a brand new outdoor terrace in the heart of JLT. Located at La Terrazza restaurant in Al Mas Tower, the terrace is open until 3am so nobody misses a minute of the action.
Almas Tower, JLT, Dubai. Daily until 3am. Tel: (04) 457 7033
OR HERE…
Frevo, the Brazilian Churrascaria at Fairmont The Palm is screening Premier League football matches live on large LED TV screens by the bar area. Guests can enjoy Brazilian inspired snacks such as bite size Picanha, fried calamari with Caipirinha jelly and Caipirinha cocktail. Matches start from 3.45pm (local time) on Saturday.
Fairmont The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4573457. Taxi: Fairmont The Palm. fairmont.com
PS – ON SUNDAY…
Spend a full ladies-day relaxing at the award-wining Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Running from 10am to 8pm, ladies only will be invited to take part in yoga, zumba, salsa and pilates on the beach, as well as full use of the facilities, a facial consultation session, nutrition guidance, a mini makeover from Jane Iredale and a an exclusive gift bag. All that, for Dhs350.
Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 9am to 9.30pm, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 4530456. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. jumierah.com
