Dance festivals, a diverse range of gigs, traditional boat races, afternoon teas, full moon yoga and more. Here’s what you should be doing this weekend…

Thursday 19

1. Dance the tango

Is a milonga your kind of fiesta? We have good news: this weekend the Meydan Hotel will bring the Argentinian sizzle as it hosts the 8th annual Dubai Tango Festival. This will mean milongas, which are basically tango dance parties, running from 10pm to 4am (if it’s a typical milonga it will get really good at about 1am). There will also be serious tango workshops, free afternoon milongas and free initiation classes. Head here for the milonga schedule, and here for the list of workshops.

Meydan Hotel, various times until Saturday 21. Full three day packages for all events start from Dhs1,200. More info on website. 

2. Watch extreme bubble art in action

Yes, you read that correctly. Extreme bubble art. This 70-minute show will feature laser shows, interactive games and some pretty serious bubble work. A good one for families.

Dubai World Trade Centre, from Dhs75, shows at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm today (and various times on Friday). More information here. Buy tickets here.  

3. Go to a dance gala

The Short & Sweet Dance festival in Dubai is coming to a close tonight, which means many dance acts will take to the stage and show off their best pieces of work. Should be a nice, choppy, quick-moving show for those who love the art of dance.

Kilachand Studio, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, Dhs150, 8pm. Buy tickets here. 

4. Get to a Greek gig

Greek crooner Antonis Remos is performing at the Meydan Hotel tonight. Famous for his collabs’ with Julio Iglesias, tonight Remos will serenade fans with tunes like Alithies & Psemata and Kleista Ta Stomata.

Sky Bubble, Meydan Hotel, 9.30pm to 2.30am, from Dhs125 to Dhs2,000. Buy tickets here. 

*ALSO: Ibn Battuta Mall just got a lot bigger*

Friday 20

5. Go to the shoreline to see traditional dhows on the ocean

The Al Gaffal Dhow Race is today (it was originally meant to be on Saturday). This means 100 or so traditional wooden boats racing on the water, they start at Sir bu Nair, a small uninhabited island about 90km off the Dubai coast, and will sail past various points in Dubai. Experts at Dubai International Marine Club say the boats will arrive in Dubai between between 12pm and 4pm, depending on the wind, and we hear they’ll end up near the Burj Al Arab. The race is in honour of the pearl divers who helped turn Dubai into the city it is today (they were the first people to use dhows in the area). The RTA will be offering ferry rides that follow the boats, details were scant as we published this article, but check back on the RTA’s Facebook page for updates. Timings are still subject to change, so we recommend calling the DIMC for an update before you head out (04 399 5777).

From 6am to 4pm (arriving in Dubai between 12pm and 4pm). 

6. Indulge in some baked goods

We love Hummingbird Bakery’s moreish cupcakes, and the bakery has just launched an afternoon tea that includes the Red velvet whoopie pie, mini cupcakes, brownies, cookies and your choice of coffee or tea (and it only costs Dhs49 for two people). We’ll suffer through the sugar crash for the momentary delight.

Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, 3pm to 6pm, Dhs49 for two. More info at website.

7. Get a bargain on yoga gear

Excellent Dubai Marina yoga studio 136.1 is hosting a yoga gear sale today, which means some items will be at 50 per cent off (if you’ve been after new leggings, this is for you). Plus, if you spend Dhs700 you’ll get three free yoga classes at the studio (worth Dhs250), if you buy Dhs1,200 of yoga apparel you’ll get five free classes, and for Dhs2,000 8 free classes.

136.1 Studio, Trident Bayside, Dubai Marina (parking available on street or on level B2). 1pm to 8pm. More info on Facebook.

8. Go to world class drum ‘n’ bass gig

Drum ‘n’ bass don Bryan Gee is making his Dubai debut tonight at an intimate party. In the words of our sister mag Hype, “Bryan’s lived, breathed and slept drum ‘n’ bass since its beginnings… and is known for his rapid-fire mixing and astute sequencing”. He founded the legendary Movement parties at club Bar Rumba. This will be a massive session of jungle and drum ‘n’ bass. We’re in.

Bassworx Liquid Drum ‘n’ Bass Brunch and after party, Story Rooftop Lounge, Holiday Inn Express, Knowledge Village, Dubai. Brunch from 1pm to 4pm (Dhs250), after party 4pm to 10pm (Dhs50 entry after 4pm). More info on Facebook. 

9. See trance lord Armin Van Buuren in action

This DJ knows how to put on a show, and he’s also willing to evolve with the times. In fact, on his latest longplayer Embrace he’s become the first trance artist to work with a jazz musician, trumpeter Eric Vloeimans (song above). Tonight’s show will be four hours – expect mind-blowing visuals and plenty of guest artists.

Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba. 8pm to 2am, Dhs499. More info and tickets on website. 

10. Or, for something entirely different, go to a Filipino punk rock gig

Flying Ipis are an all-girl Filipino punk rock band that have been invited to play at this year’s South by Southwest. Their name translates to mean Flying Cockroach, and the girls told Hype that Dubai crowds can expect “the usual energy, crazy grit and attitude” that they always bring. Should be an interesting night out. Also on stage on the night will be Behold the Locus, Juana’s Pot, Umaioska, Dead Shakes and Pull Box.

Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai. 8pm to 3am, Dhs100. More info on Facebook. 

Saturday 21

11. Eat lobster to win a trip to London

DIFC spot Burger & Lobster has a pretty epic competition going on that means selfie fans could win a trip to London to see Stevie Wonder and Pharrell live at Hyde Park. Basically, go to the restaurant, take a photo of you and your mates ‘playing with your food’ (that’s the actual directive), put it up on Insta’ or Facey’, tag @burgerandlobsterdubai, and the best selfie will win the trip. The prize includes flights for two, two nights in a hotel, free meals at Burger & Lobster in London and tickets to British Sumer Time on July 10. See you there…

Burj Daman, DIFC, Dubai, daily noon until 2am until June 18. Tel: (04) 5148838. Taxi: Behind Gate Village, next to Sky Gardens. burgerandlobster.com

12. Charter a yacht, go fishing

Straight up, it’s starting to get hot, but early in the morning or late in the afternoon it’s still quite pleasant, so if you’re a fan of fishing, book a yacht and get out on the water in the next few weeks. One option is Al Wasl Yachts, whose charter packages start from Dhs500 and include free pickup and dropoff from your home to Dubai Marina (where you’ll take off), a fully equipped kitchen with light refreshments, a sound system, complimentary fishing equipment and insurance for everyone on board. (You’ll see The World islands during your trip too.)

Starts from Dubai Marina, from Dhs500. Tel: (04) 239 4760  alwaslyachts.ae. 

13. Take fans to a Wimpy Kid event

The Jumeirah branch of local bookstore Magrudy’s is hosting a Wimpy Kid event this afternoon for mega fans of the massively popular book series. There will be games, activities and competitions all based around the books, and readers are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite Wimpy Kid character. Email mhairi.g@magrudy.com to register for the event (this is essential).

Magrudy’s, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, 2pm to 3.30pm. More info on Facebook. 

14. Go to a special anniversary yoga class

Talise Spa is celebrating 10 years of Full Moon Yoga at Talise Spa with an anniversary class tonight on their private beach. Vijay Sharma will hold a class that maximises oxygen intake and promotes blood flow. There will also be a spiritual singing class after with world-renowned mantra singers Satyaa and Pari.

Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, Dhs149, yoga at 7pm singing at 8.15pm. Call to book. Tel: (04) 366 6818. More info on website. 

15. See a one-man Arabic-language comedy show

Tonight at Ductac, Orwa Alahmad will be staging his one-man comedy Nylon. The story follows Abu Adnan, as he leaves his city of Homs in Syria to try and find the world of skyscrapers and Guinness Records in Dubai. It’s sure to be funny as well as touching (but yes, it is in Arabic so if you don’t speak the UAE’s mother tongue it’s probably not for you).

Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, Dhs50 to Dhs100, 9pm tonight only. Buy tickets here. 

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