Iftars, free fitness and a brand new waterpark to check out…

It’s been confirmed that Ramadan will start in the UAE tomorrow, and ahead of the first weekend of Ramadan, we’re rounding up a stack of fun things to keep you busy.

From lavish iftars to free fitness classes and daycay deals, there’s still lots going on.

Ramadan Kareem from everyone at What’s On.

Thursday May 17

1. Check out a cultural exhibition

This annual exhibition offers the UAE’s artistic community the chance to express what the holy month means to them. The artworks on show are the result of an open call and are chosen to reflect a wide variety of artistic mediums, as well as how Ramadan influences the daily lives of people in the region. Think interpretative calligraphy and performance as well as more traditional takes on scripture, fasting and prayer.

Gallery Of Light, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm, May 15 to June 17. Tel: (04) 3414777. More info on website

2. Catch a brand new blockbuster

Ryan Reynolds returns for a second installment of action-packed blockbuster, Deadpool 2, which is out on Thursday. This time around, Deadpool is joining forces with fellow mutants Bedlam, Shatterstar and Domino — to protect a boy from the all-powerful Cable.

Deadpool 2, various cinemas across Dubai including Roxy, Vox, Novo and Reel. 

3. Take your budding chefs to a pretzel making masterclass

Chef Dayan at Jones The Grocer will be hosting an hour-long pretzel making masterclass for the little ones this Thursday at Jones The Grocer. Priced at Dhs125 per child, the class includes a chef’s hat, apron, lemonade, water and all the ingredients budding chefs will need for their pretzels.

Jones The Grocer, Emirates Golf Club, 3pm to 4pm, Thursday May 17, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 417 9999. More info on Facebook

Friday May 18

4. Find your zen with free beach yoga

Gulf for Good is hosting a free beach yoga and hiking session this Friday morning. Start your morning with 30 minutes of energising yoga stretches on the beautiful Jumeirah Beach and finish it off with a barefoot beach hike along the shoreline. It’s free for all, you just need to call ahead to book your place.

Gulf for Good Yoga, Jumeirah Beach, meeting at 6.20am next to Bait al Bahar, 6.30am to 8.30am, Friday May 17, free. Tel: (04) 368 0222. More info on website

5. Keep cool while working up a sweat

We’re trading our al fresco adventures for indoor sports now the weather is heating up, and Dubai Sports World is back at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 17 to keep us active. The space will play host to activities including basketball, virtual golf, gymnastics, football and badminton, and entry is free – although you’ll have to pay to use certain facilities.

Dubai World Trade Centre, daily 8am to 1am, May 17 to September 8. Tel: (04) 306 4000. More info on website

6. Head away on a daycay

Lapita is a Polynesian-themed family resort set within Dubai Parks and Resorts on the outside of town. Perfect for a family day in the sun, access to the expansive swimming pool area is Dhs150 for adults and Dhs100 for children on weekends, and Dhs100 for adults and Dhs75 for children through the week.

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, daily 7am to sunset, Dhs100 weekdays, Dhs150 weekends. Tel: (04) 810 9421. More info on website

7. Experience a lavish iftar

There are a host of iftars to experience across the city this Ramadan, from budget to blow out. One of our top picks takes place at Dubai Opera, which transforms into an extravagant banquet hall with food created by the team at one of our favourite restaurants, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera. Check out our full list of unique iftars here.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, daily from sunset, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 440 8888. More info on website

8. Make a splash at a brand new waterpark

Laguna Waterpark at La Mer is now open, and it features a water slide complex with five main rides, as well as a pool lounge, children’s zone and lazy river. Visitors can purchase a day pass for Dhs99, which means you can come and go as you please.

Laguna Waterpark, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 10am to dusk, from Sat May 12. Tickets from Dhs99. More info on website.

Saturday May 19

9. Watch the royal wedding

Gary Rhodes has created a luxurious afternoon tea for the royal wedding on Saturday at his signature Rhodes W1 restaurant. Highlights on the menu include coronation chicken sandwiches, lobster cocktail, homemade scones and red berry Eton mess, served up alongside a live screening. For more places where you can watch the royal wedding, check out our list here.

Rhodes W1, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 1.30pm to 6pm, Saturday May 19, from Dhs295. Tel: (04) 317 6000. More info on website

10. Keep your eye on the ball at a cricket fan park

Dubai Sports City is hosting a Cricket Fan Park, showing all the live Indian Premier League matches over the next two weeks. As well as showing the live IPL matches, there will be music, beverages, food trucks and stalls serving a selection of Asian and continental dishes, including a traditional chaat station, plus a kids’ area and gaming zone to keep the whole family entertained. Tickets start from Dh50, which includes a Dh30 food and drink voucher.

ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai Sports City, opening times vary depending on matches, Tuesday May 15 to Sunday May 27, Dhs50. Buy tickets here

11. Cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark

This Ramadan, Wild Wadi Waterpark is reintroducing its Ramadan rates, which means both adults and children can enter the waterpark at a discounted rate. UAE residents will be able to make a splash at the park for Dhs169, while little ones under 1.1 metres can enter at the discounted rate of Dhs89. All soft drinks are included in the fee.

Wild Wadi, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, daily 10am to 7pm, Dhs169 adults, Dhs89 children under 1.1 metre. Tel: (04) 348 4444. More info on website

12. Enjoy a poolside lunch at JBR

Every Friday and Saturday Lebanese restaurant Al-Maeda in Doubletree Hilton JBR offers a sharing lunch package that comes with complimentary pool and beach access in the main resort. It starts from 12.30pm, and prices start from Dhs314.

Al-Maeda, Doubletree Hilton JBR, 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday and Saturday, from Dhs314. Tel: (055) 166 8092. More info on Facebook

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