Things to do in Dubai this weekend
What’s On has a list of things to do in Dubai this weekend, including brunch, drinks deals, festive events, live entertainment and new openings.
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.
THURSDAY
Annie
The Broadway musical continues tonight. The Depression-era story charts the journey of orphanage-runaway Annie, an 11-year-old in New York, who overturns her fortunes with the help of local billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Under his wing, the star wracks up an impressive collection of new friends, including the President of the United States. Meet the stars of Annie here.
Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Souk Madinat. madinattheatre.com
TYGA live
West Coast rapper TYGA is performing at the VIP Room tonight as part of their ‘On Air’ series. Get ready to hear a string of mainstream hits such as Far Away and Rack City.
VIP Room Dubai, JW Marriott Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay. Tel: (052) 8818888. Metro: Business Bay. viproom-dubai.com
Seafood nights
A new, luxury Thursday night BBQ at Arboretum begins this week.
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Thur 6.30pm, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com
Cirque le Soir London
Cirque le Soir Dubai is set to welcome its British counterpart tonight as part of the Cirque le Soir London World Tour. On the bill includes Vicky Butterfly, the quintessential Burlesque artist, Daniel Crutte demonstrating his metal bending abilities and Charleene, a fiery showgirl.
The Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm, free. Tel: (050) 9955400. fairmont.com
Comic Con
Now in its fourth year, the Middle East Film & Comic Con organiers predict it will be bigger, better and crazier than ever, expecting a footfall of some 50,000 eager attendees as it returns to the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Top billing goes to William Shatner, the screen legend whose most famous work portraying tacit king of the nerds, Captain James Tiberius Kirk, is sure to bring all manner of closeted Star Trek fans out of the woodwork at warp speed, particularly in light of the recent passing of his on-screen co-star Leonard Nimoy. Other guests include the likes of actor Karl Urban, whose resume reads like a checklist of pop culture, including appearances in everything from Lord Of The Rings, Judge Dredd and the newly rebooted Star Trek franchise. Sam J Jones, best known for his role as 1980s cult hero Flash Gordon, is also set to appear.
April 9 to 11
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thur 10am to 9pm, Fri noon to 10pm, Sat noon to 10pm, Dhs130. Tel: (04) 4474344. Metro: Dubai World Trade Centre. mefcc.com
The Magician
This month the Magician brings his bag of tricks to Cielo, by which time he’ll be readying two new tracks and a remix for Blonde, before heading off to tour America, North and South, and Europe for the summer festivals.
Cielo, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, 10pm to 3am, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 4161800. Taxi: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. cielodubai.com
FRIDAY
Paolo Nutini
Almost a decade has passed since the world first heard the husky tones of a young, slightly dishevelled Paolo Nutini. Despite only being 19 when he released his debut album These Streets, he was immediately compared to legendary soul and blues crooners such as Rod Stewart and Otis Redding. The album went platinum and his follow-up, the jaunty Sunny Side Up, sold more than 1.8 million copies and made its mark when it jumped to the number one spot in the UK album chart in both 2009 and 2010. April 2014 saw the Scottish soul singer release his third studio album, Caustic Love, which quickly became one of the year’s biggest records. After five years of anticipation, he has retained his soulful voice but traded in some of his boyish nature for a more mature sound.
Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 6pm, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 3253330. Metro: Nakheel. virginmegastore.me
Fashion Forward
Calling all fashion bunnies: season five of Fashion Forward is returning to the Madinat Jumeirah. It will feature catwalk shows showcasing the latest collections from designers, including Amato, Ezra and The Emperor 1688, along with pop-up shops where you can snap up pieces by your favourite designer. There are 25 designers aiming to show at this year’s event. Details are yet to be finalised so keep an eye on their website for more news and scheduling. We’ll see you on the front row.
April 10 to 13
fashionforward.ae
Fashion Forward opening party
Frioul Bistro is organising the FFWD opening party on Friday featuring Ibizan icon and legend DJ Pippi from 10pm. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Souk Madinat, Dubai, Fri 10pm. Tel: (04) 5670011. Taxi: Souk Madinat. frioulbistrodeluxe.com
World Art Dubai
World Art Dubai, a new kind of inclusive, affordable art fair, is set to hit Dubai’s World Trade Centre this month. Entry is free of charge and visitors can view over 1,000 works of modern and contemporary art created by more than 100 artists and 80 galleries from around the world. Everything on display is ready to be acquired at affordable prices for young collectors, nixing the usual intimidation factor of an art fair. Visitors can also sign up for art workshops, screen short films, and take in live music and street art. Start measuring those blank walls and plan to discover your own masterpiece at the fair.
April 8 to 11
World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Wed and Thur 4pm to 9pm, Fri and Sat noon to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 3086319. Metro: World Trade Centre. worldartdubai.com
DJ Marco Carola
This weekend at Blue Marlin, the global ambassador of techno is spinning alongside Mark Jenkyns and Sean Reeves. Instrumental in the development of the electronic scene in the early 90s, Carola took the flourishing techno Neapolitan scene to the rest of the world.
Blue Marlin, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, Ghantoot, 1pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (056) 1133400. Taxi: Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com
Garage Nation
Get ready to feel old: it was 14 years ago this summer So Solid Crew released number one single 21 Seconds. This month, Romeo and Lisa Mafia bring south London 2 step to Dubai for Garage Nation at Level 41.
April 10
Level 41, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Tel: (04) 4271000. Metro: Nakheel. mediaonehotel.com
Beach Polo
If your penchant for coloured chinos wasn’t fully quenched at the Dubai World Cup, you can fill your boots – or boat shoes – at the glitzy Beach Polo Cup Dubai taking place this month. Returning to Dubai after galloping through Miami, Ibiza and Cabo San Lucas, beach polo arrives in the UAE on April 10 for a weekend-long tournament. Taking over the beach at the Skydive Dubai complex, the weekend kicks off with a parade along JBR joined by the four competing teams, followed by two days of competitive polo, with food and drink outlets keeping everyone fed and watered, plus plenty of photographers to capture you looking glam over the weekend.
April 10 and 11
Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Fri and Sat 4.30pm to 9pm, Dhs75 (one day), Dhs125 (weekend). Tel: (04) 3408589. Taxi: Skydive Dubai. beachpolo.net
NeoRun
This is the world’s first UV paint, night fun run. Participants start out in plain clothes, and finish decked out in a spattering of neon UV paint. At the start line, neo-runners walk, skip or sprint through an alley of cannons packed with glowing paint that fire intermittently. For the next 5km, runners pass through different rave stations complete with UV obstacles, and laser shows transforming the entire course into a giant outdoor disco. The finish line spills runners out in front of a main stage where the lights and sounds are kicked up a notch for an electric dance party.
April 10
Dubai Autodrome, Dubai Motor City, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs165. Tel: (02) 5570334. Taxi: Motor City. neorun.com
New Menu at Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge
Fans of this high end Mexican joint have reason to celebrate this weekend; Maya has adapted its menu bringing new offerings to the table. Try Tacos De Barbacoa – shredded braised lamb served with a creamy avocado, chili pasilla sauce served and wrapped in a homemade corn-spinach tortilla or the delicious Churros Con Chocolate – crispy churros coated with cinnamon and hot chocolate.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Wed 5pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 5pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3176000. Metro: Dubai Marina. maya-dubai.com
Chuckle Club
If variety is the spice of life, The Chuckle Club is one spicy comedy gig. Tonight’s comedy trio is Australian Yianni Agisilaou, Yank Chris Garcia and Geordie lad Carl Hutchinson.
Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, Fri 8.30pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 4573212. facebook.com/TheChuckleClub
SATURDAY
Urban Beats by The Beach
Blending music, arts and action sports the Urban Beats youth event features demonstrations from urban talent across the globe. Among them are international skateboarding talents Adil Dyani, the record holder for the highest skateboard drop into a quarter pipe, and Pontus Bjorn, a pro skater from Sweden. Elsewhere British BMX riders Zachart Poland-Shaw and Dean Cueson plan on putting pedal to the metal with a flurry of daredevil stunts.
April 9 to 11
North Lawn Amphitheatre, The Beach opposite JBR, Dubai Marina, Thur to Sat 4pm to 8pm. thebeach.ae
Fit Dubai
Here’s one for the fitness buffs and bunnies: Fit Dubai, the region’s only consumer event dedicated to nutrition, wellness, sports and fitness takes place at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre this weekend. fitdxb.com