Things to do in Dubai this weekend
What’s On has a list of things to do in Dubai this weekend, including opening parties, markets and activities.
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, AUGUST 20
Watch BLAZE live
If your idea of a good movie is one that builds up to a big dance number, then a new theatre production blazing into Dubai this summer is sure to be right up your street.
BLAZE The Show is an explosive production featuring some of the best street dance and break dance performers in the world, and it’s set to be the main event at this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Described as a mix of “nightclub vibes and West End production values”, this interactive show will be performed twice a day from August 20 to 22 at Centrepoint Theatre in DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates.
DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, August 20 to 22, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, from Dhs125. Tel: (04) 3414777. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. ductac.org
Dive into a pool party
Rixos The Palm has launched Mojito Nights – a new evening promotion where revelers can enjoy an evening by the pool sipping Mojitos, listening to house music against the iconic backdrop of the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s skyline. Available every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm.
Rixos The Palm, Dubai, Thur to Sat, 6pm to 10pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 4575555. thepalmdubai.rixos.com
Party like a frat bro
Zero Gravity Beach Club has launched an all-inclusive Thursday night party with canapés, drinks in jars, and pop up bars. Dhs295 gets you access to the upper deck and all your food and drink. We suggest you wear your party pants.
Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 3990009. Taxi: Next to Skydive Dubai. 0-gravity.ae
Get experimental at Velocity
If dance music’s not your bag, the new Karak Beats night could be right up your street. This weekly party run by a collective of Dubai-based DJs will be combining their individual eclectic music tastes on rotation. The tunage will range from “underground hip hop to electronica, experimental beats to trap and everything in-between.”
Velocity, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (056) 6572106
Try a My30Minute workout
Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur, 9am to 9pm (ladies only Sun, Tue and Thur), Dhs250 trial session. Tel: (04) 3855353. Taxi: Opposite Jumeirah Baccalaureate School. my30minutes.com
Boogie at Tim Cheddar’s Skool Chi-union
Go back to school with DJ Tim Cheddar with a night of classic retro hits from the ‘70s through to the ‘90s.
Level 41, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 9pm to 3am, free before midnight, Dhs100 thereafter. Tel: (04) 4271000.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Kayak at sunrise or sunset
RIVA Beach Club and Ignite Surface have extended their hours from 6am through to 7pm, which means you can catch the early rays, or cooler evening climate with a paddle boarding (SUP) or kayaking session. For the real fitness fanatics, after a session on the water, guests can also use the gym facilities for the August price of Dhs100, which is fully redeemable on all ordered food and drink.
Riva Beach Club, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: 04-4309466. riva-beach.com
See OT Genasis live
This up and coming rapper is set to grace the Dubai hip-hop scene again with a one-night show down at the Movida. Best known for his hit song CoCo, OT Genasis has since collaborated with some of the best, such as the likes of old legends 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Read our interview with the hip hop star here.
Go for a full English
Start the weekend right with a hearty breakfast from a full English breakfast to organic yoghurt, muesli and berries galore.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, Fri and Sat 9.30am to 12.30pm. Tel: (04) 4380000. Metro: Jumeirah Lakes Towers. moevenpick-hotels.com
Get active at Dubai Sports World
This temporary temple of sports is back at Dubai World Trade Centre with loads of new sports and activities to lace up for. What’s On takes a look at the latest additions as well as some old favourites. Read on for a list of activities at Dubai Sports World.
June 21 to August 29
Dubai World Trade Centre, 8am to 1am daily during Ramadan, 8am to midnight after Ramadan. Tel: (04) 3064000. Metro: World Trade Centre. dubaisportsworld.ae
Dance to DJ Laura Jones
Equipped with her trademark orange sunglasses, one of Dubai’s elite techno artists DJ Laura Jones is taking a break from rocking festivals all over the world to play for one night down at Level 41.
Level 41, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100.
Celebrate Onam at Lamcy Plaza
Head down to Lamcy Plaza this Friday to celebrate Onam with a variety of performances ranging from the Kathakali dance, to the Shingari Melam drumming act, and the Thayyam ritualistic art form. In the spirit of Onam, Lamcy Plaza will be offering up a series of giveaways and prizes throughout the event.
Lamcy Plaza, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 6pm onwards.
Watch some speedy tricks
Dutchman Hans Klok is The World’s Fastest Illusionist, and can rattle off 15 tricks in five minutes. See his act in Abu Dhabi this month.
Du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 3388130. Taxi: Yas Island. Tixbox.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Take a gourmet restaurant tour
The new Gastronomer’s Dinner at Jumeirah Emriates Towers begins with an amuse bouche, starters and a cocktail at Alta Badia followed by a main course at The Rib Room and then desserts, a mixology class and a cocktail at The Ivy.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, daily 7.30pm, Dhs750. Tel: (04) 3665866. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah
Chill out at Sho Cho
With breathtaking views, and a delicious menu stocked full of your favourite Japanese delicacies – Sho Cho Japanese restaurant and lounge is a perfect location to enjoy a delicious range of seafood and house drinks with your friends and family on a Saturday.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, 7pm – 3am. Tel: (04) 3461111. sho-cho.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