10 things to look forward to this September in Dubai

Winter. Is. Coming.

We’ve made it through the summer Dubai. It’s finally getting cooler…

So that means one thing; winter is coming. And that means shirts that aren’t dripping in sweat, rooftop restaurants are re-opening and no one is trying to fry an egg on the pavement. (FYI, it doesn’t work).

And if those three aren’t enough to look forward to here are a further 10 things to do in Dubai this September…

September 1: A world-first water show

The highly anticipated Franco Dragone water-based show La Perle is now open. The 1,300-seat theatre, located in Al Habtoor City, is the only one of its kind in the world, and consists of an aqua-stage filled with 2.7 million litres of water. The theatre has been custom-built for an international cast of 65 skilled artists, who will demonstrate stunning aquatic and aerial stunts during the 90-minute live show. Shows take place twice a night, five days a week and tickets start from Dhs400.

La Perle, Al Habtoor City, Tues to Fri, 7pm to 8.30pm and 9.30pm to 11pm and Sat 4pm to 5.30pm and 7pm to 8.30pm from Aug 31, tickets from Dh400. La Perle Tel: (04) 437 0001. More info on website.

September 1: The return of Reif

The Experience by Reif Othman, an intimate chef’s table experience by PLAY returns this September. In the setting of quaint views and exquisite interiors, The Experience is designed to seat just 12 people. Chef Reif creates a bespoke menu tailor-made to suit the appetite and preferences of the guests using internationally-sourced, handpicked ingredients. The menu is cooked and served by award-winning Chef Reif in this unconventional, creative chef’s table from his adjacent open plan kitchen.

37th floor, The H Hotel, daily 1pm, 8pm & 11pm, 5-course lunch Dhs550, 8-course dinner Dhs750. Tel: (04) 336 2222. reservations@theexperience.ae

September 15: Two ’90s pop bands make their brunch debut

Le Meridien Dubai is set to launch their second ‘wow, that’s what I call brunch’ on Friday September 15 with two classic ’90s bands. The retro-themed brunch party will host Eurodance favourites, Culture Beat, who are best known for their 1993 hit, Mr Vain, which topped the charts in over 11 European countries. Also there will be girl band Atomic Kitten, featuring Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Michelle Heaton, covering all their classic hits, from Right Now to Tide Is High. It’s a three-hour brunch and concert package priced at Dhs569.

The Great Ballroom, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Fri Sept 15, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs569. Tel: (04) 457 3212. Tickets available on platinumlist.net

September 17: Dine by the beach

The popular whitewashed Fish Beach Taverna brought a Mediterranean vibe to Dubai’s dining scene when it opened last September. After a short summer break, the team are back from Sunday September 17 serving up seafood, Insta-worthy sunsets and a relaxing beachside soundtrack from their outdoor beachfront spot. It’s fuss-free food that’s all about fresh ingredients from Turkey and Greece with a Mediterranean influence.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, from Sun Sept 17. Tel: (04) 511 7139. More info on website

September 22: Season opening of a superclub

BASE, the open-air superclub that landed in Dubai Design District in April, returns for its season opening on Friday September 22. Although a line up is yet to be announced, last season’s line up included Axwell, Tyga and 50 cent, so you can expect some pretty big names.

Dubai Design District. From Fri Sept 22. Tel: (055) 313 4999. More info on website

September 22 & 23: Lea on stage

Behind the Oscar-winning song A Whole New World from Disney’s 1992 animation, Aladdin, is a voice with an amazing story. Lea Salonga was just seven years old when she started performing in the Philippines. By the age of 17 she had been whisked to London’s West End where she beat out hundreds of other singers from around the world to star in what would become one of the biggest musicals of all time, Miss Saigon. She is the first Asian woman to win a Tony for a Broadway performance. Not only a musical legend, she’s a Disney princess too.

Dubai Opera, The Opera District, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Fri and Sat 8pm, Dhs255. Tel: (800) 36227.  More info on website

September date to be announced: The re-opening of a sleek DIFC bar

Although this chic lounge opened back in April, it’s been closed for the summer and is reopening this September. Serving seven types of international cuisine, seven signature cocktails (anyone else seeing a pattern?) it’s an open-air space with great Burj Khalifa views. The food is designed to be shared, with snacking dishes from seven corners of the globe, and there’s an option to order a platter from each country for social snacking. There will also be new season offers including a ladies’ night, brunch and business lunch menu.

Level C, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC. Re-opening date to be announced. More info on website

September 28: A legendary DJ spins in Media City

Jonathan Ulysses will be on deck duty at Q43 for one night only this Thursday September 28 for the lounge’s ‘Than-Q part’ six event. The legendary DJ will showcase dance tracks and fresh house music cuts. Jonathan Ulysses has had a 15 year DJ career that included over a decade as resident DJ at the “World’s Best Club”, Space Ibiza. Plus, it’s free entry all night.

Q43, Media One Hotel, Media City, 8pm to 3am, free entry. Tel: (04) 443 5403. More info on website

September 28 & 29: A two-day boho beach festival

It’s time to get back outside and enjoy the beach, so head down to Nasimi Beach at Atlantis the Palm for a two-day beach festival. The Casa Playa boho beach festival is a two-day extravaganza as part of Nasimi’s opening party for the season. You can look forward to live music from international acts and DJs, stand-up paddle boarding, water volleyball and even a raft-building contest.

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