Things to do in Dubai this weekend
What’s On has a list of things to do in Dubai this weekend, including markets, art, live entertainment and closing parties before summer.
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, JUNE 11
Disney On Ice 2015: Princesses and Heroes
If you already know every word of Let It Go, chances are this week’s ice-based extravaganza hasn’t gone unnoticed in your household. But while Disney On Ice: Princesses And Heroes might be firmly aimed at the younger of Dubai residents, we’re reliably assured its spectacular staging and jaw-dropping stunts will keep parents enthralled too. Meet the cast.
June 11 to 14*
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thur 3.30pm, 7.30pm, Fri 10am, 3pm, 7pm, Sat 11am, 3pm, 7pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3321000. Metro: World Trade Centre. disneyoniceme.com
* Organisers of Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes have announced an additional after-school special matinee performance on Sunday, June 14, at 3.30pm.
Chocolate Festival
Italian restaurant Eataly hosts a festival of chocolate this month, with Venchi, chocolatiers since 1878, helping out. The menu has chocolate spaghetti, chocolate pizza and cannoli filled with smoked salmon and drizzled with white and dark chocolate.
Until June 17
The Dubai Mall, lower ground floor, Dubai, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3308899. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. eataly.com
Vibe Series closing party
Dubai’s cool cats should head to the season finale of this popular music night. These electronic live sets pull in international and regional talent, and tonight the party’s at the new, fully air-conditioned tent at Tamanya Terrace.
Raddison Blu, Dubai Media City, free entry between 6pm and 8pm, Dhs130 (thereafter). facebook.com/vibesseries
The Hard Problem
Described by one reviewer as ‘100 minutes of brilliant brainache’ following its debut at London’s National Theatre, the play is an intellectual probe into the mysteries of consciousness and an examination, in turn, of modern attitudes to the world around us, from the scourge of materialism to the ethical dilemmas of hedge funders. Read more here.
June 11 and 12
The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Street 4b, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs100. Tel: (055) 9673927. Taxi: Next to Lime Tree Café. courtyardplayhouse.com
Zengo sundowners
Here’s a new place for a cheeky post-work sundowner: Zengo is offering delicious bites and handcrafted cocktails from 6pm to 8pm everyday except Sundays. Tuck into a few light bites such as Volcano Maki Roll – salmon and spicy crab, sesame, chipotle aioli and tobiko, or the refreshing watermelon salad alongside two signature cocktails or mocktails priced at Dhs120 per person.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort And Spa, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Mon to Sun 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort. zengo-dubai.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Michael McIntyre
Fresh from taking the UK by storm, the world’s top-earning comic Michael McIntyre is bringing his infectious cheer back to Dubai with his new show Happy And Glorious.
June 12 and 13
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs350 to Dhs1,000. Tel: (04) 3321000. Metro: World Trade Centre. doneevents.com
Long Lunch
Use your cheat-day to indulge in a seven course meal filled with a variety of seafood, meat and desserts this Friday at West 14th.
West 14th, Oceana Residences, The Palm, Dubai, Fri noon, Dhs 399. Tel: (04) 4477601. Taxi: Oceana Residences, The Palm. west14th.ae
Song, dance and drama
Youngsters from Dubai performing arts school put on song and dance shows this weekend.
Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat, Dubai, Fri and Sat 3pm and 7.30pm, Sun 7.30pm, Dhs130. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Souk Madinat. madinattheatre.com
Dubai Pro Wrestling Live
Come to watch local wrestlers such as Lord Socrates, Savage Sam and the first female Arab wrestler, Joelle, kick it up a notch at the HM Fitness Centre. It promises to be a fierce battle.
HM Fitness Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Meydan Street, Al Quoz, Dubai, 6.30pm, Dhs50. Tel: (056) 6804846. facebook.com/dubaiprowrestling. Taxi: HM Fitness Dubai Bowling Centre.
Season closing party at Societe
Throwback to your childhood this Friday at the last party of this season in Marina Byblos Hotel. Enjoy complimentary massages, then dance to tunes from the ’80s through to the ‘noughties’ courtesy DJ Mitchell. Post-party, hop back home like a child with space hoppers provided by Societe Dubai Marina.
Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai, 10pm onwards. Tel: (050) 3571126. Taxi: Marina Byblos Hotel. bybloshospitality.com
Party at VIP Room
Old school music takes centre stage this Friday when VIP Room collaborates with Street Art Gallery to showcase the latest art designs.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. 11pm to 3am . Tel: (052) 8818888. viproom-dubai.com
Groove to electro beats
French DJ Marion celebrates Fete De La Musique at Pure Sky Lounge. Enjoy buy one get one free deals during Happy Hour from 7 to 9pm.
Hilton Dubai, The Walk, JBR, Dubai. 7.30pm onwards, free . Tel: (04) 3747888 Taxi: Hilton Dubai. hilton.com
Season closing party at Blue Marlin
For a season’s last, go on a journey through history as DJs Jackmaster, Noir, & Pleiades spin.
Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotel, Dubai, 1pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (056) 1133400 Taxi: Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotel bluemarlinibiza-uae.com
John Martin at WHITE
As part of the summer closing weekend, the Don’t You Worry Child singer John Martin is set to raise the roof at WHITE Dubai alongside DJ Michel Zitron.
Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop, Dubai. Tel: (050) 4430933 Taxi: Meydan Racecourse whitedubai.com
Xmas brunch
No, this is not a mistake. Turkey and all the trimmings are on offer at Yalumba’s quirky brunch.
Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud, 12.30pm, Dhs499. Tel: (04) 7022455. Taxi: Le Meridien Airport Road. yalumba-dubai.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Water for workers
Join The Sameness Project by handing out 10,000 water bottles to the men working in the heat. Collect crates of water bottles in your vehicle from Collegiate American School, pick a location to give out the bottles, and drive away to spread some good. It’s as simple as that.
Collegiate American School, Umm Seqiem 2, Dubai, 10am. Tel: (055) 2206727. thesamenessproject.com
Wander through Ripe Market – (indoor edition)
The alfresco market experience is coming inside for summer. Shop for arts and crafts, fashion, jewellery, kids items, gifts and homeware. There’s also the usual array organic groceries from Ripe, including fresh organic fruits and veggies, eggs, local honey, superfoods, tea, gluten free items and more.
Times Square Centre, Dubai, Sat 9am to 2pm. Tel: (04) 3790441. ripeme.com
A Midsummer Night’s Opera
Enjoy an evening complete with impressive opera performances and Peruvian delights at The Act Dubai as singers from Emirates Opera Project take to the stage.
The Act Dubai, Shangri La Hotel, Dubai. 7pm to midnight, Dhs395 incl food and drinks. Tel: (04) 3551116. Taxi: Shangri La Hotel, Dubai. theactdubai.com
Mortal Kombat X Cup Middle East finals
Watch hardcore gamers battle it out at the final qualification round of the Mortal Kombar X Cup Middle East Finals at the Hotcold Studio, Dubai. The winner of the Middle East finals wins a full-paid trip to Paris to compete in the European Finals of the league. Grab your Playstation 4 and get ready for an intense evening of gaming. Note: The event is for ages 18+ only.
Warehouse 1, Street 20C, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai. 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3479820. Taxi: Warehouse 1, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3. powerleaguegaming.com
INBA PNBA PRO AM World Championship
The world’s most prestigious bodybuilding meet comes to Dubai this weekend. Watch bodybuilders from over 50 countries compete at The Dome, Dubai Sports City. Read our interview with the contenders.
The Dome, Dubai Sports City, Dubai. Dhs 100. Tel: (050) 2205778. Taxi: The Dome, Dubai Sports City. inba-middleeast.com
Mixtape – An improv and standup special
Students of Dubomedy Arts School perform both stand-up and improv comedy at the Centre for Musical Arts.
Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th Interchange Dubai. 7.30pm onwards, free. Tel: (800) 266339. facebook.com/Dubomedypage
Tea for gents
Fellas, tuck into mini steak pies, Scotch eggs, scones and Yorkie bar brownies at the new 1950s-inspired gentleman’s afternoon tea at Reform Social & Grill, winner of one hat in The Black Hat Guide. It launches in time for Father’s Day on June 21 – hint hint.
Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, Sat 3pm to 5pm, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 4542638. Taxi: The Lakes Club. reformsocialgrill.ae
