A favourite takeaway returns, a terrace bar gets a new tent and Ramadan events continue. Here’s what to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday 23

1. Shop at a Ramadan Night Market

shoes-ramadan-night-market

From tonight until July 2 you’ll find a Ramadan night market at Dubai World Trade Centre. Easily accessible by metro, there will be an eclectic range of items to choose from, with a lot of local and boutique brands on offer too. A night owl? Make sure to take advantage of the 8pm to 2am opening times then.

Za’abeel Hall 4 & 5, Dubai World Trade Centre, June 23 to July 2, 8pm-2am, entry free for kids, Dhs5 for adults. More information on website. 

2. Visit a greenhouse

greenhouse

Treehouse is a super lovely outdoor terrace bar at the Taj in Business Bay, and what with summer upon us they’ve transformed into a ‘Greenhouse’ for the next few months. That’s right, an air conditioned glass tent has been plopped atop the bar (meaning you still have a view of the Burj Khalifa as you sip). There are some special suhour offerings from 9.30pm to 2am over Ramadan too.

Taj Hotel, Business Bay, 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 38 3111. More info on website. 

3. Order nkdpizza

nkd-pizza

nkdpizza is back (to be honest we thought Freedom Pizza was actually nkdpizza, but turns out it’s an entirely different company). So if you miss the brand that serves pizza with no additives, no preservatives or artificial colouring or flavours, there are now three new nkdpizza outlets in Dubai – at Business Bay, Motor City and Dubai Marina.

Delivers across Dubai, 10.30am to 1am, daily. Tel: (04) 421 3734. More info on website. 

4. Get some fashion inspiration

fashion-saray

In a ‘treat yourself’ mood? Head down to Fashion Saray at the The Mall on Jumeirah Road where you’ll find an exhibition showcasing a range of luxury and contemporary Arabic couture. Browsing won’t cost you anything, but if you fancy a splurge you can easily place an order on the day. Plenty of designers will be there with limited-edition and exclusive collections, so there’s a chance for some real personalised service.

The Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, June 22 to 25, 8pm–1am. Tel: (04) 380 4777. More information on website.

Friday 24

5. Have a seven-star spa day

burj al arab spa

The iconic Burj Al Arab has a summer deal that’s pricier than most spa offers, but hey, it’s the Burj Al Arab. For Dhs495 you’ll get to use the spa facilities inside the famously ‘seven-star’ hotel and you’ll also get served a Talise Wellness Tea in Assawan Lounge, with healthy bites, fresh juices and herbal teas. The spa facilities you’ll be able to use include indoor infinity pools 150 metres above sea level, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools. Plus, if you want to book a treatment to add on to this offer it will be half price.

Talise Wellness, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah. Dhs495, until September 30. Tel: (04) 301 7365. More info on website

6. Spend the night in London’s West End

One Man Two Guvnors James Corden

Catch British funnyman James Corden in a free screening of the award-winning comedy play, One Man Two Guvnors (without the seven-hour flight to the UK). The now-Late Late Show host won a Tony for his turn in this National Theatre production, which is all about a naive man who accidentally gets sucked into working for two rival criminals – and Corden nails it. Unfortunately this is a video screening, so no, you won’t see James in the flesh.

The Courtyard Building, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, June 24 and 25, 8pm-10.15 pm. Tel: 055 967 3927. More information on website. 

7. Find your inner zen

Tibetan Singing Bowls

If just sitting in silence isn’t your idea of a good time, a Tibetan Singing Bowl Workshop might be a great introduction into the art of mediation. The two-hour Dhs110 session aims to help you find spiritual calm and healing, but all to the soothing hum of vibrating metal (that you get to play yourself). At the very least, it’s a great chance to learn about another culture.

Ground floor, Building 10, Internet City, Dubai, June 24, 1pm-3pm. More information on website.

8. Donate to a Ramadan fridge

Going to the supermarket? Then buy some extra food to help those who are hungry. There are fridges all across the city as part of the Ramadan Sharing Fridges Initiative. Head here for a map and more details.

Various locations across Dubai. 

Saturday 25

9. Treat your fur baby to a fun day out

Dog play date

Too hot to walk your dog but want them to get a good run-around? Take them to this free indoor play day in ABVC Kennels and Catteries, where they’ll expend plenty of energy and also get a chance to socialise with other pups. This in-demand session is for dogs weighing a maximum of 15kg, and tickets can be booked via Facebook.

ABVC Kennels & Cattery, 26th Street, Al Quoz, Dubai, June 25, 1pm-5pm. More information on website. 

10. Send your kids off to swap their books

This free event is designed for kids and teenagers and involves turning up with one book that you’ve already read, then pitching that book to a stranger until you find someone who wants to swap with you. Plus, there will be quizzes, contests, a face painter and more. And you’ll walk out with a new book to read.

The Hive, Al Safa M Tower, next to Al Fahidi Metro Station, Bur Dubai. Registration at 3pm, games at 3.30pm, book swap at 4.15pm. More info on Facebook.

11. Get stuck into EURO 2016’s round of 16.

Velocity

Footy fans that aren’t too bothered about being tired for work on Sunday can catch three matches before the weekend is out. Switzerland v Poland kicks off at 5pm, Wales and Northern Ireland face off from 8pm, and Croatia and Portugal clash at 11pm. Watch the action at Velocity, which has its own dedicated Fanzone for the tournament, or check out our list of 23 other places to catch all the games.

W Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com.