15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
Pool parties, live music, and a whole load of brunches…
It’s Wednesday, which means we’re already looking to the weekend. And whether it’s seeing some world class artists at Dubai Jazz Festival, paying for a drink with a banana, or filling your weekend with brunches, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday February 22
1. Make a masterpiece at an evening brunch
Design & Dine, the painting and dining pop up is launching its first night brunch at McGettigans Souk Madinat this Thursday. Guests will be able to enjoy selected brunch bites and unlimited beverages as they learn how to create their own iconic Dubai ‘Desert Camels’ painting.
McGettigans, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 7pm to 10pm, Thurs Feb 22, Dhs350. Tel: (054) 499 7290 . More info on website.
2. Buy a drink with a banana
It’s been done with cucumbers and pineapples, and now Cirque Le Soir is inviting guests to enjoy a complimentary drink when they bring a banana to the nightclub this Thursday.
Cirque Le Soir, Fairmont Sheikh Zayed Road, Thurs February 22, 11pm to 3am, free entry. Tel: (050) 995 5400. Facebook.com/CirqueLeSoirDubai
3. See a show
Stuck for something to do this week? Visit Dubai Opera for a touch of culture and catch a performance of Eugene Onegin. On for two days only, the beloved opera is the story of a sophisticated yet selfish young man who lives to regret his nonchalant rejection of a young woman’s love and his careless incitement of a devastating duel with his best friend. It’s Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and performed by the Polish National Opera
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thurs Feb 22 and Fri Feb 23, from Dhs350. Tel: (04) 440 8888. More info on website
4. Tuck in to an evening brunch by a top local chef
The Chef known for ‘The Experience’ at restaurant Play, Reif Othman, has just joins Billionaire Mansion as Executive Chef, where he will be working in Japanese restaurant Sumosan. It co-insides with the launch of the hotspots new Thursday night brunch, Between 8pm and midnight for Dhs450, guests can enjoy sharing platters of calamari with chili, gyoza with spinach, an a la carte main and sharing platters of desserts. Once the brunch ends, guests are invited to the club where DJs Mr Shef Codes, Skinny Loop & Timothy Knight will be keeping you on the dance floor all night long.
Billionaire Mansion, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, 8pm to 12am, Thursday, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 567 8304. More info on website
5. Check out a new ladies’ day
One of two recently launched ladies’ days at FIVE, this deal runs every Thursday from 1pm to 5pm. Hosted by Secret Parties, girls can take advantage of four hours of free flowing cocktails and sangria, pool and beach access to the ground floor pool at FIVE, as well as a two course A La Carte lunch served in Praia lounge. Reservations are essential.
Secret Parties at Praia, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs149. Tel: (058) 870 0708. More info on Facebook
6. Celebrate Thai traditions
Tourism Thailand is teaming up with The Backyard at Steigenberger to host a Thai Street Food Festival during Dubai Food Festival, on 24, March 3 and March 10. Expect live cooking stations serving up a bountiful collection of Bangkok’s street food, a one-hour cooking class by the Chef, express Thai massage corners, Thai music and Karaoke.
The Backyard, Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay, Saturday Feb 23, 5pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3690000. More info on website
Friday February 23
7. Sink your teeth into a brand new brunch
Sleek new JBR steakhouse STK has just launched their Friday brunch offering, Dare to Brunch. It serves up signatures including burrata, oysters and beef tartare to start, followed by a choice of steak, salmon or a veggie dish for main served with a collection of popular sides. It’s topped off with free-flowing beverages, and live entertainment from popular saxophonist, CJ Sax.
STK Dubai The Walk, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai, Friday 1pm to 4pm, Dhs349 soft, Dhs499 house. Tel: (052) 3480957. Facebook.com/STKDubaiJBR
8. See a family friendly film
Each weekend, you can catch a family friendly film at the Dubai Marina Mall outdoor cinema. This Friday, it’s ‘Dr Doolittle’. When Dr. Dolittle swerves his car to avoid hitting a dog and hits his head on the windshield, his long-dormant gift for holding conversations with animals comes back. As word of his gift spreads amongst the animals, he is inundated with requests for medical advice – but his family are wondering if he’s going a little crazy!
Dubai Marina Mall promenade, Dubai Marina, 5.30pm onwards, Fri Feb 24, free. Tel: (04) 436 1020. More info on website
9. Party at a one-off evening yacht party brunch
This Friday, Vanquish PR are hosting an evening addition of their new Friday mega yacht party brunch. The dresscode is UV Neon as the yacht party goes ‘Glow’ themed, plus there’ll be a live DJ set from Dane Bowers, buffet brunch and unlimited drinks.
Mega Yacht Brunch, from Pier 7, 7pm to 11pm, Fridays, Dhs395 regular, Dhs495 premium. Tel: (052) 777 6953. Book your tickets here
10. See a local ballet group perform at DUTAC
Turning Pointe dance school are putting on their annual production at DUCTAC this weekend. Telling the iconic story of The Jungle Book there will be two shows at 1.30pm and 4pm on both Friday 23 and Saturday 24.
Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 11am and 3pm, from Dhs125. Tel: (050) 877 5918. More info on website
11. Tuck in to a Mexican brunch in DIFC
Peyote DIFC has kicked off a new Friday brunch with a modern menu of Mexican favourites. With a lively party atmosphere, sharing dishes and a latin soundtrack, hang around after brunch to take advantage of drinks offers in the lounge from 4pm to 6pm.
Peyote, Gate Village 2, DIFC, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 soft, Dhs395 house. Tel:(04) 521 6300. More info on website
Saturday February 24
12. Fiesta on The Palm
Rooftop Mexican spot Luchador has just opened in the Aloft hotel on The Palm, and they’ll be serving up an authentic Mexican fiesta this Saturday for National Flag Day. From 1pm to 4pm, guests can tuck in to traditional Mexican bites and signature cocktails alongside live entertainment. Sombrero’s not essential, but we’ll be taking ours…
Luchador, Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Saturday 1pm to 4pm, Dhs242. Tel: (04) 247 5550. More info on website.
13. Work out and brunch at Blue Marlin
Work up a sweat before you brunch this Saturday at Blue Marlin as the Ghantoot beach club hosts a unique HIIT session in partnership with Rebel DXB, followed by its signature Saturday Brunch. Rotating trainers will be creating the space for a high intensity one hour session, before guests are rewarded with a fusion Mediterranean brunch of sushi, bbq dishes and light bites.
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, Saturday 1pm to 3.30pm and 4pm to 6.30pm restaurant, 1pm to 4pm on the beach and terrace, Dh325, HIIT class 1.30pm to 2.30pm, additional Dhs50. Tel: (056) 113 3400. More info on website
14. Head to a Q&A with a rugby legend
McGettigan’s JLT are hosting a sports Q&A at The Baggot this Saturday with Irish Rugby player Peter Stringer alongside coverage of the Six Nation’s – Ireland V Wales game. Irish Rugby Union Player Peter Stringer will be in attendance to take part in a Q&A before the game and will provide expert commentary and analysis at half time. The match kicks off at 6.15pm with doors open from 3pm and the Q&A starting at 4pm. Entry is free and seating is first come, first served.
The Baggot, McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, Bonnington Hotel, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 3pm onwards, free entry. Tel: (04) 3780800. More info on website
15. See out the weekend with a late night pool party
Azure Beach has kicked off a new Saturday night pool party serving up funky, hip hop beats by the resident DJ to make sure the weekend lasts longer. For the month of February, guys will receive a Dhs200 voucher for food and beverages when paying their Dhs200 entrance fee, and the ladies can enjoy the Vogue Midnight Pool Party without paying any entrance fee for the whole of February.
Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, Saturday 8pm to 1am, Dhs200 for guys, free for ladies. Tel: (055) 545 5461. More info on website
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