Old favourites are opening after a summer hibernation, there’s a new brunch launching, two world-class ballets on offer and a fresh restaurant to try.

It’s official, Dubai is back…

Thursday 15

1. Eat food made with love

Vegan, oil-free and healthy Indian restaurant Govinda’s is hosting a Karma Kitchen tonight as an experiment in human generosity. That means volunteers are taking over the kitchen and meals are served without a price tag. What do you pay? Exactly what you think the food deserves. There’s no need for a reservation either, just walk in, eat, and then pay what you want to.

Govinda’s, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim. 7pm to 11pm, Thursday night only. Tel: (04) 321 1884. More info on Facebook. 

2. Go to the ballet

There’s a double bill of ballet at Dubai Opera this weekend, with Coppélia on the stage tonight and Saturday and Giselle on Friday. Both performances are put on by the world-class Russian State Ballet of Siberia, both are 19th century and both tell the tales of strong leading ladies with one thing in common – rubbish boyfriends.

Dubai Opera, The Opera District, Downtown Dubai. Dhs350, 4pm and 8pm (Coppélia) and 3.30pm and 8pm (Giselle). Tel: (800) 36227. More info and tickets on website. 

3. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Tomorrow is Dia de la Independencia de Mexico, but excellent Mexican restaurant Maya is celebrating tonight. What’s the craic? Well, margaritas are Dhs30 until midnight, there are small Antojito plates on offer for Dhs28 and a special set menu being served – featuring ceviche and espumoso – for Dhs200. Vámonos.

Maya, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. Tel: (04) 316 5550. More info on website. 

4. Try some dirty dogs

Gastropub The Black Lion is a reliably good watering-hole and they have a special menu of gourmet hot dogs running throughout September. The ‘Dirty Dogs’, as they’re calling them, are Dhs45 each, and the flavours range from Indian to Caribbean and Korean to Malaysian. We’ll be ordering the onion bhaji dog with vindaloo gravy.

The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre. 12pm to 3am, daily (hot dogs available until the end of the month). Tel: (04) 359 2366. More info on website.

Friday 16

5. Listen to music that quiets the mind

Did you know there’s a brand new yoga studio in The Greens? Well, there is, and tonight Yoga House (pictured) is hosting a Kirtan session – this ancient form of music involves chants sung in Sankrit and is more meditation than mosh session. The kirtan session is free and it lasts a solid two hours.

Yoga House, Emaar Business Park, The Greens. 7pm to 9pm, tonight, free. Tel: (056) 179 8668. More info on website.

6. Check out a fresh restaurant

Zoco just opened yesterday, and it’s being described as a “soulful Mexican-cum-Latin American eatery, cocktail bar and lounge”. Chef Jimmy Rojas Lopez has crafted a menu made for big groups and sharing with all of the classics – think guac’, tacos and Mexican street food with a refined twist. There’s a cocktail lounge too that’s open ’til 2am nightly.

Level 1, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road. 5pm to 2am, daily. More info on website.

7. Party, carnival style

British restaurant The Scene is putting a party on to emulate (and in honour of) the famous Notting Hill Carnival. What will it be like? Well they’re saying it will be a fiesta where “nothing is too tacky, and the concept of too much glitter is nonexistent”. Sounds like us. Expect a feast of Caribbean treats, reggae and dub beats from DJ Lobito and carnival dancers and steel drummers to bring the noise. (We’ll be the ones in the corner eating all of the jerk corn on the cob).

The Scene, 4th floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Mall. 12pm to 2am, Friday only. Tel: (04) 422 2328. More info on Facebook. 

8. Try a brand new, and very decadent brunch

St Regis Dubai is launching a new brunch today that’s inspired by the decadence of Versailles in the day of Marie Antoinette. There will be “exuberant floral arrangements”, hostesses dressed in royal court garb (pictured) and each dish will be served with a flourish to the table (Ms Antoinette didn’t queue for the buffet). If foie gras, shellfish and French cheese is your bag, you’ll want to get down here immediately.

Brasserie Quartier, St Regis Dubai, Habtoor City. 12.30pm to 3.30pm every Friday from today. Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs550 house package and Dhs650 for premium bubbles. Tel: (04) 435 5577. More info on website. 

It may still be truly balmy outside but summer’s officially over and Blue Marlin UAE is re-opening this weekend, with dexterous DJ and producer Cassy flying in to get the party started. In the words of Hype, the DJ is in the “rare position of being able to hold down a clued-up crowd at Berlin hotspot Panorama Bar as well as smash out a more peak time and anthemic headline set somewhere as vast as Creamfields”. Should be a good’un.

Blue Marlin UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira, Ghantout. 1pm to 11pm, free guestlist. Tel: (056) 113 3400. More info on website. 

10. Check out some thrillas from Manila

There’s a new night in town, and according to our sister mag Hype “it’s gonna be dope”. Beats of Fury is kicking off tonight with Manila’s finest DJs and artists – head down and you’ll hear DJ Nix Damn P of Motherbasss (pictured), FUZZZ, DJ Lobito, Dubijab from the Deep Crates Crew and Maxime of Satwa 3000.

Las Vegas Club, Chelsea Hotel, Satwa, Dubai. 9pm to 3am, free before 10.30pm, Dhs75. Taxi: Chelsea Hotel. Tel: (04) 398 3687. More info on Facebook.

Saturday 17

11. Check out an exclusive gym, for free

Remember how we told you about Talise Fitness in the Madinat being completely free for a week? Well that starts today: from Saturday September 17 to Saturday September 24 the gym will open up its access to the entire gym to absolutely everyone. Plus, you can just turn up and workout throughout the gym. No need to call ahead. Most classes are on a first-come, first-served basis, however RPM classes need to be booked in advance (but again, they’ll be free of charge). Read more about the offer, and what you’ll be able to try, here.

Talise Fitness, Madinat Jumeirah. Free, September 17 to September 24. Tel: (04) 366 6821. More info on website. 

12. Learn all about screen printing

Fancy designing your own tote bags, T-shirts or posters? Well, this screen printing workshop will teach you all of the techniques you need to know, and it’s run by Toil & Tinker head honcho Paul Green (it’s limited to 12 spots so phone ahead to try and get a space, or at least on the waiting list, if you’re interested).

Toil & Tinker, Al Quoz. 2pm to 5pm, Dhs200. More info on website. Tel: (04) 341 0977. More info on website.

13. Eat pizza on a terrace

Pizza terrace Bussola is always a favourite thanks to its ocean views and excellent crust, and the good news is that it’s reopened this weekend after its summer break. That’s right, Dubai’s well and truly coming out of its heat hibernation.

Le Meridian Mina Seyahi. 12pm to midnight, daily (reopens Thursday 15). Tel: (04) 511 7136. More info on Facebook.

14. Check out a variety show

Are you a fan of a bit of song and dance? Well tonight at Jumeirah Beach Hotel you’ll find a variety show that covers everything from Burlesque to Moulin Rouge. There will be acrobatics, dance and more on stage…

Meyana Auditorium, Jumeirah Beach Hotel. 7.30pm, from Dhs130 to Dhs170. Buy tickets here. More info on website.

15. Bask under the full moon on The Palm

The September full moon is in full bloom and there’s a 90-minute yoga class outside at Fairmont The Palm to celebrate. It’s Dhs75 per person with towels, mats, water and snacks included. Just make sure to register in advance by emailing elmira.gazizova@fairmont.com. A grounding way to round up the weekend.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. 8pm to 10pm, Dhs75 per person. More info on Facebook. 

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Images: Supplied