Night brunches, new films, live music and al fresco markets…

It’s almost the weekend, and it’s time to start planning. As well as films and fitness, there’s new brunches, local music talents and live art to keep you occupied. And don’t forget – there’s going to be a dry night on Friday night through to Saturday evening.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday April 12

1. See in the weekend with a brand new night brunch

The ever-popular party spot Mr Miyagi’s is launching a brand new night brunch this Thursday. Inviting guests to ‘Wok and Roll’ out of the office, the three-hour package of free-flowing drinks and six courses will run from 8pm to 11pm with prices from Dhs290. Plus, if you’re heading there for Friday brunch, it’s at the earlier time of 1pm to 4pm due to dry night.

Mr Miyagi’s, Level 9, Media One Hotel, 8pm to 11pm, Thursdays, Dhs290 house, Dhs390 sparkling. Tel:(04) 420 7489. More info on website

2. Kick it old school with a George Michael tribute night

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is hosting a George Michael Tribute night this Thursday. The all-inclusive package is priced at Dhs550 per person and includes entry to the gig as well as four hours of food and drink. The event will kick off at 8pm with main act Adrian Tinklin performing a range of legendary George Michael hits from 10pm to 11pm.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, 8.30pm to late, Thursday April 12, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 295 6000. More info on website 

3. Experience a tasting menu by two award-winning chefs

Chef de Cuisine at Ossiano, Grégoire Berger, will join forces with two-time Michelin-starred chef, Ronan Kervarrec, for a bespoke dinner on April 11 and 12. Taking place at underwater restaurant Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm from 7pm until 10.30pm, the nine-course menu will feature dishes inspired by both of the chefs’ hometown of Brittany, France, and will be priced at Dhs995 per person.

Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm, 7pm to 10.30pm, Thurs April 12, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 426 1000. More info on website

4. Check out a local band at a swanky poolside bar

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar is opening its doors once again to local legends Hollaphonic, who will be hosting Paradise Pool Club on Thursday April 12. Expect a two-hour set of cool electropop beats with support from resident DJ Glass Coffee.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 9.30pm to 12.30am, Thursday April 12. Tel: (04) 317 6000. More info on website

5. Get weekend ready with super sized sundowners

As the weather is getting warmer, Wavebreaker has introduced two new extra large drinks to its menu which are perfect for sharing (or keeping to yourself, no judgement here). It’s Dhs85 for the monster mosquito mocktail, or Dhs195 for the XXL mojito.

Wavebreaker Beach Bar and Grill, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, daily 10am to 11pm, Dhs85 to Dhs195. Tel: (04) 318 2582. More info on website

Friday April 13

6. Head along to a pool party

It’s a shorter edition of Drai’s Friday pool party, but there’s still plenty of time to top up your tan. It’s a lively vibe from opening at midday, and there’ll be Moky + Devon Kosoko on deck duty. Plus, the first 100 ladies enter for free.

Drai’s DXB, Soho Garden, Meydan, 12pm to 6pm, Friday April 13, free for the first 100 ladies. Tel: (052) 388 8857. More info on website

7. Get inspired at a Creative Festival

Dubai Design District is hosting the -ing Festival this weekend, with superstar photographers, designers and Hollywood artists leading more than 50 workshops. There will also be a sprawling creators’ market where you can shop for original artwork, clothing, jewellery books and gifts.

Dubai Design District, Wednesday April 11 to Friday April 13, workshop ticket costs US$235. More info on website

8. Catch a new blockbuster

Led by film legend Dwayne Johnson, you can catch an all-star cast in hot new film release, Rampage, which is out in cinemas this weekend. Johnson stars as primatologist Davis Okoye who shares an unshakable bond with George, the intelligent, rare albino silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he rescued the young orphan from poachers. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size…

Showing at Reel, Vox and Roxy cinemas from Thursday April 12. 

9. Get your avo fix

The old-school dessert trolley has had an upgrade, and it’s now serving up avo by the gram at Common Grounds. It’s priced at 25fils per gram and includes three free add-ons of your choice. If you fancy upgrading with extras, it’s Dhs3.

Common Grounds, Mall of the Emirates, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: 050 478 1094. More info on website

Saturday April 14

10. Take the kids to a family-friendly fete

Dubai Sports City has announced its popular family fete is back for a spring edition, taking place this Saturday. Families can enjoy a free fun-filled afternoon at Dubai Sports City’s Canal Residence West’s Retail Promenade which will host play areas, bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, games, storytelling, quizzes and competitions.

Dubai Sports City’s Canal Residence West’s Retail Promenade, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday April 14, free. Tel: (04) 425 1111. More info on website

11. Meet the police at Ripe Market

It’s the penultimate weekend for this season of Ripe Market, and the weekly market is set to host Dubai Police this Saturday at their Barsha Pond location. The force will be available for talks and to meet residents, celebrating their new campaign which aims to educate residents on security and safety within the emirate. There will also be go karting for kids, drone tutorials and a few supercars on show from 5pm to 9pm.

Ripe Market, Barsha Pond, Saturday, 12pm to 9pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 315 7000 . More info on Facebook

12. Check out some live art

London-born mixed-media artist, Robi Walters will be hosting a live art installation from April 14 to 21 at Dubai Mall. Creating one of his ‘Petals’ masterpieces which comprises of thousands of individually hand-cut petals from various recyclable materials visitors can catch the artist at work on the Ground Floor, outside Paris Gallery of the new Fashion Avenue extension.

Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, April 14 to 21, free. Tel: (800) 38224 6255. More info on website

13. Listen to some local talent

A host of local and international music talents will showcase at Diplomatic Immunity Session 1, a one-of-a-kind music event happening at 40 Kong this Saturday April 14. The free entry gig hosts a line up of local singers, rappers and DJs.

Diplomatic Immunity at 40 Kong, H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to late, Saturday April 14, free. Tel: (04) 3558 896. More info on website

14. Work up a sweat with a dance session

Gold’s Gym has teamed up with Dubai Sports Council for a new Dance YOUnite event this Saturday. Lead by the guys behind Gold’s Gym, expect a full line-up of free performances to get involved with, including Zumba, Hip-Hop, DesiDX, and BodyJam.

Zabeel Park Amphitheatre, Dubai, 4pm to 9pm, Saturday April 14, free. More info on website

15. Hit the ice on an IceByke

There’s a new way to glide around Dubai Ice rink thanks to the introduction of their new IceBykes. Resembling a tricycle, the IceBykes are now available to hire for Dhs80 per person for a 30-minute session, which includes the hire of safety gear.

Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall, 6.45pm to 8.15pm, Thurs to Sat, Dhs80 for 30 min session. Tel: (04) 448 5111. More info on website

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