It looks like this weekend will mark the start of the Ramadan, which means the city will slow down during the day and become magical at night…

Here are 12 things to fill your next three days in Dubai.

ALSO… 
*Public transport and paid parking timings changing over Ramadan*
*96 places open for breakfast & lunch over Ramadan*

Thursday 25

1. Catch the last night of Mary Poppins

Everyone’s favourite nanny has been brought to life on the Dubai Opera stage over this past month, delighting audiences with her trademark spoonful of sugar – but all things good and sweet must come to an end, and tonight is your last chance to catch Mary before she flies out of town again.

May 1 to 25. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 440888. Taxi: Dubai Opera. More info on website.

2. See some suspenseful throws

The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters returns for its fifth staging this weekend, bringing some of the sport’s brashest big names as they compete for the ultimate title of champion. You can check out our handy who’s who guide here.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs150 to Dhs250. May 24 to 25. Tel: (056) 1134626. More info on website.

3. Watch a comedy show starring Daniel Radcliffe

The Harry Potter star is performing in Tom Stoppard’s brilliant comedy, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, which is being broadcast live to Dubai’s Courtyard Playhouse from The Old Vic theatre in London. It’s the next best thing to actually being there.

Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai, May 24 to May 27, 8pm, free. Tel: (050) 7812257. More info on website. 

4. Finish the weekend at a ladies’ night

JBR classic BiCE is having its last ladies’ night of the season tonight, and it means unlimited complimentary cocktails for women and 50% off of food (what a steal).

BiCE, Hilton JBR, 9pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 318 2520. More info on website.

Friday 26

5. Book a brunch

Tired of the stale old buffet options in the city? Rediscover the classic Friday activity by checking out our round-up of the best weekend brunches in Dubai. We especially love the Friday brunch at Morah on the 71st floor of the JW Marriott Marquis, where you can even enjoy a performance from a resident belly dancer.

JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Friday, Dhs250 non-alcoholic, Dhs350 with house beverages, Dhs450 with bubbly. Tel: (04) 560 1799. More info on website.

6. Buy some organic veg

Ripe Market is at Reform Social & Grill this Ramadan so that you can still get your hands on local, organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked breads, gourmet cheeses, and deli products. There will be arts and crafts for sale too, as well as a entertainment for kids.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, free entry, Friday 12pm to 8pm until June 23. More info on Facebook. 

7. Or pick up some crafts

The monthly ARTE craft market at Times Square is back this weekend – so if you’re after some wares made by UAE-based creatives, this is a great option for you.

Times Square Centre Dubai, free entry and underground parking, Friday 10am to 6pm. More info on Facebook.

Saturday 27

*Remember, this is very likely to be the first day of Ramadan, which will mean the fast during the day will begin, as will the city’s rhythm. Read more about Ramadan Dos and Don’ts here*

8. Celebrate burgers

International Burger Day is tomorrow – why not celebrate a day early and get through some of our list of the 9 most unique burgers in Dubai? You’ll find us today at Yakitate in Al Rigga eating a ramen burger. Yum. Remember, if Ramadan starts today you’ll only be able to go to Yakitate after sundown for a meal (they’ll be open during the day but only to sell takeaway bread). Bikers Cafe in Jumeirah also has a burger celebration on this weekend – read about that here.

Ground Floor, Al Ghurair Centre Extension, Al Rigga, Dubai, daily 8.30am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4551683. Metro: Union. More info on website.

9. Check out a Ramadan-inspired art exhibition

UAE-based artists who observe Ramadan were invited to share their unique perspectives on the Holy Month. The result is an exhibition titled “Ramadanization”, a collection of pieces which aim to spark a conversation about how the observance of Ramadan upholds Islamic beliefs and traditions around the globe, and how it affects the daily lives of people living in our region.

Gallery of Light, Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, Dubai, free entry. May 24 to June 27, 9am to 10pm.  Tel: (04) 341 4777. More info on website.

10. Visit a classy non-hotel spa

Hotel massages can be very expensive, but those outside of hotels can be questionable in terms of quality – well, there’s now a new spot in Dubai Mall that is not crazy pricey but feels very classy. Tao Spa specialises in a range of massages – from Thai to Shiatsu and Hot Stone, and you’ll pay from about Dhs240 for an hour-long massage (but can also pop in for a short, 15 minute, Dhs90 neck rub mid-shop too).

The Dubai Mall (two locations, one a quick drop-in on the metro link, the other on the lower ground floor), 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 288 9957. More info on website.

11. Make your first iftar a food-focused one

If today is the first day of Ramadan as planned, it will also be your first chance to go to an iftar – and with so many great options in the city you really do want to fit in as many as possible. Ramadan Nights by Dish in Al Quoz sounds interesting – it’s being touted as a Moroccan lounge inside a converted Al Quoz warehouse. The whole spread – plus soft drinks – costs Dhs195, and you can buy tickets here.

Warehouse Four, Sheikh Zayed Road (exit 43), Al Quoz, sunset to 9.30pm throughout Ramadan. Tel: (056) 128 3247. More info on website.

12. Go to a night market

Just around the corner from the Dish iftar you’ll find the Good Vibes Market at Nadi Al Quoz in Al Serkal Ave, which runs from iftar time every night of Ramadan – starting tonight. There will be food trucks (we’ve been promised baos) and tonight from 7pm to 11pm the folks at Boardgame Space are hosting a boardgames contest.

Nadi Al Quoz, Al Serkal Avenue, 6pm to 11pm until June 24. More info on Facebook. 

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.