Fireworks, meditations, world-famous singers, food trucks by the Burj.

Here’s your Dubai weekend sorted…

Thursday 5

1. Start the weekend with a bang

Miss the popping sky rockets of NYE already? Well don’t forget that there are fireworks at The Beach at JBR this weekend. The show lasts four minutes, and it’s at 8.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Read more about what’s on for Dubai Shopping Fest’ here.

The Beach, JBR, free, 8.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More info on Facebook. 

2. Explore Swedish rock

Swedish band Katatonia are coming to Dubai for the first time, and are playing in classic venue The Music Room. A good option for those craving an angry (yet controlled) mosh. Side note: the gig was originally planned for Friday but has been moved to tonight.

The Music Room, Bur Dubai, Dhs150, 6pm to 3am. More info on Facebook.

3. Meditate your way into 2017

Ready to start 2017 on a good foot? Well there’s a special goal setting meditation being held tonight in JLT – the perfect start to the weekend for those wanting to make a change this year.

Illuminations, Cluster T, JLT, Dhs30, call to register. Tel: (04) 448 7043. More info on Facebook.

Friday 6

4. Sample some Vinyasa flow

A new yoga session is coming to the city, and will be at the beautiful seaside location of SkyDive Dubai every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning – it’s launching today with a free session. Places are limited so you have to register via Whatsapp. The instructor is Pavlina Hara and she says the class will: “focus on strengthening your core and sculpting your upper and lower body while combining challenging body weight endurance movements and high intensity interval training, with slow mindful movement and longer holds”.

8am to 9am, Friday, free but you have to register by Whatsapping 052 578 7007. More info on Facebook. 

5. Celebrate Russian Christmas with a feast

We love the soups and inventive Slavic dishes at Vesna, and they’re putting on a 12-course Russian Christmas menu to celebrate the occassion. From Borsch to Vareniky and Golubzi, there’s plenty of comfort food on the menu. The meal will set you back Dhs439 per person for 12 courses.

2nd floor, Conrad Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dhs439, from 7pm. Tel: (056) 616 2700. More info on website.

6. Plump for a pampering package

The Nail Spa (which has branches almost everywhere in Dubai, from Garhoud to MOE, and Dubai Mall to Umm Suqeim) has ‘multi tasker’ packages on offer at a discount this month. You can get a mani, pedi and colour therapy massage for Dhs290, a mani, pedi, back and neck massage and eyebrow and upper lip threading for Dhs350. Or even a facial, mani and pedi for Dhs290. Sometimes you’ve just got to chillax.

Various locations across Dubai. Tel: (600) 544 001. More info on website.

7. Detox your digestive system

This afternoon at Inspire Yoga Studio on Sheikh Zayed Road you’ll find a workshop with Emma Sheridan that’s all about detoxing your digestive system. There will be breathing work, as well as twists and stretches that compress your organs for ‘toxin elimination’. Props will also be used to hit the right spots in your stomach in order to facilitate good digestion.

Inspire, Sheikh Zayed Road, 2pm to 4.30pm, Dhs250. More info on website.

8. Admire the ballet

At the Madinat this weekend you’ll find the Ballet Grand Gala – a selection of both classical and contemporary pieces performed by Etoile dancer Dorothee Gilbert, as well as the soloists of the Paris Opera National Ballet. It’s on this afternoon and tonight, as well as tomorrow evening.

Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dhs280, 2pm and 8pm January 6 and 6pm January 7. Buy tickets here. 

9. See a free film

Tonight at The Yard at Alserkal Avenue you’ll be able to catch a free screening of Simshar, a 2014 Maltese drama film directed by Rebecca Cremoa. The story begins with young lad Theo going on his first trip with his Maltese seafaring family – but their boat, the Simshar, sinks, and that’s when the plot really begins. The story is based on true events.

The Yard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 7pm, free but first come first seated. More info on website.

10. Get amongst a lip sync war

Watch Lip Sync Battle and think ‘I could do that’? Well, your time has come as the Steigenberger Hotel at Business Bay is holding a lip sync war tonight. It’s free entrance for everyone, and the battle runs from 8pm to 11pm (there will be some free drinks for ladies too).

The Backyard, Steigenberger, Business Bay, 8pm to 11pm. More info on Facebook. 

Saturday 7

11. 50 per cent off big breakfasts for dads

Have you checked out New York import Big Daddy’s yet? You’ll find it in Burjuman (right next to Carrefour) and it’s known for its shakes, pancakes, eggs, waffles and breakfast sandwiches. This month, every Saturday, dads dining with two or more children will get 50 per cent off their breakfast. We’ll be trying the Breakfast Club: turkey ham, fried egg, hashbrowns, melted American and ketchup on a roll.

Burjuman, Bur Dubai, 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 225 2470. More info on website.

12. Visit Etihad museum

The new museum that charts the story behind the founding of the UAE officially opens its doors today. You’ll find it right by the ‘giant flagpole’ in the Jumeirah 1/Satwa/Al Mina area. Read more about it here. The exact timings of the opening day are not yet clear, but follow this Facebook event page for updates if you’re super keen to catch it today.

Union House, December 2nd Street, Satwa. Open from 10am (but check Facebook first to double check about the opening day). More info on Facebook.

13. Show off your boardgame skills

This evening, chic Al Serkal space Nadi Al Quoz (pictured) is being transformed into a boardgame space – and everyone’s welcome (but you have to register beforehand as there are limited spaces available). There will be games as well as lessons from boardgame gurus. Serious stuff.

Nadi Al Quoz, Al Serkal, Al Quoz, 4pm to 9pm, free but limited spaces so register at nadi.al.quoz@gmail.com. More info on website. 

14. Sample food truck grub by the Burj

TruckersDXB is rolling into Burj Park tonight, there will be a clear view of the Dubai Fountains from the spot, as well as a craft market (it’s running on Friday evening too). Pets are not allowed, FYI.

Burj Park, Downtown, free entry, 4pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday. More info on Facebook. 

15. Watch a master at work

Tonight is a rare opportunity to see Andrea Bocelli perform live for 40 minutes in an incredibly intimate venue (Billionaire Mansion) – the Tuscan is one of the world’s most popular tenors, and a household name around the world. Seeing him doesn’t come cheap, however: there are a bunch of packages for the night, starting from Dhs2,500 which includes soft drinks, canapes and entrance to the lounge area. The most expensive package is Dhs8,000 – that includes a seated dinner right in front of Andrea’s performance, a bottle of premium bubbly and fancy wine throughout the night.

Billionaire Mansion, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, from Dhs2,500, doors open at 8pm. Tel: (04) 510 3100. More info on Facebook.

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