Cooking classes, obstacle courses, pool days and staycays…

The weekend is nearly here, and we’re already planning loads of ways to fill it. Whether you’re wanting to keep active, learn a new skill, cool off with a pool day or get your locks chopped for less, we’ve got you covered.

Ramadan Kareem from everyone at What’s On.

Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this week. 

Thursday May 31

1. Test your limits with the NAS night challenge

Back for another year, the NAS night challenge returns to the NAD Al Sheba Sports Complex this weekend. The 5km, by-night obstacle course will kick off with the individual events this Thursday, while the team events take place on Saturday.

NAS night challenge, Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, 9.45 to 2am, Thursday May 31 and Saturday June 2, . More info on website

2. Tame your locks for half the price

Making his Dubai debut at the Fashion Avenue expansion at The Dubai Mall, the new Trevor Sorbie Salon is a stylish salon, with a contemporary feel. Full price, a set of highlights is priced from Dhs420 for a T-Section, and Dhs630 for a full head, but during their opening month of May, you can get 50 per cent off your first two treatments. It’s your last chance to take advantage of the offer.

Trevor Sorbie, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 388 8440. More info on Facebook

3. Experience a lavish iftar

Throughout the month of Ramadan, there are a host of stunning Iftars to experience across the city, from budget to blow out. There’s still time to get a few more in, and we’d definitely recommend checking out the extensive spread at the Armani Hotel Ballroom. It’s a huge spread that focuses centrally on Arabic dishes, but there’s plenty of international options. Plus, their dessert offerings are some of the best we’ve ever seen.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, daily from sunset, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 888 3666. More info on website

Friday June 1

4. Check in for a discounted stay-cay

During its summer soft-opening phase, the world’s first floating hotel is offering an exclusive UAE resident offer. Valid until 30 September 2018, a stay on the QE2 comes with 15 per cent off the best flexible rate online, complimentary buffet breakfast for two, an upgrade to a higher room category and 25 per cent off food and beverage throughout the stay.

QE2, Mina Rashid, valid until 30 September, rates start from Dhs276. Tel: (04) 526 8888. More info on website

5. Take the family to the aquarium for less

From 24 May to 15 June, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will be running a special UAE resident offer with the standard ticket available at a discounted price of Dhs90 instead Dhs120. 

Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall, daily 10am, to 2am, Dhs90. Tel: (800) 38224 6255. More info on website

6. Find your zen with a half day yoga retreat

Celebrating the British staple, the hearty Fish and Chips, The Eloquent Elephant have cooked-up a selection of four Fish & Chip specials, only available on Friday June 1. They’re priced at Dhs79 each.

The Eloquent Elephant, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, 11am to 5pm, Friday June 1, Dhs79. Tel: (04) 438 3100 More info on website

7. Cool off at an ice park

This could well be Dubai’s “coolest” attraction. A winter-themed park has opened inside Dubai Garden Glow in Zabeel Park, with a number of sculptures made of ice including a frozen Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and of course, a camel or two. The park is maintained at a chilly -8 degrees, but don’t worry – coats are provided.

Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park 2, daily 4pm to 12am, Dubai Garden Glow, Dhs60, extra Dhs40 for entry into the ice park. More info on Facebook.

8. Check out the new virtual reality theme park at The Dubai Mall

A great activity for the hotter months, VR Park is a new virtual reality attraction at The Dubai Mall. The park contains 18 experiences with different thrill levels – from a “dune bash” in the desert featuring encounters with camel spiders, scorpions and snakes, to a “Burj drop” which sees you propelled down the side of the Burj Khalifa. Entry to the park is free, with each experience ranging in price from Dhs15 to Dhs45.

VR Park, Level 2, The Dubai Mall, 10am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday,  10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday. More info on website.

Saturday June 2

9. Enjoy a set menu with fountain views

Surrounded by Burj Lake, Thiptara, which translates to ‘magic at the water’, has one of the best locations in the city. This iftar, it’s serving up a Far Eastern set menu, alongside stunning fountain views.

Thiptara, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily sunset to 9pm, Dhs255. More info on website

10. Work out with personal training sessions at Gold’s Gym

Take advantage of discounted personal training sessions at Gold’s Gym this Ramadan. The month-long series brings 10 sessions of 30 minutes each, offering personalized guidance from fitness experts for Dhs1,300 only. The trainers at Gold’s Gym will help you discover new training techniques that ensure a dynamic full-body workout accompanied by food and nutrition recommendations to fuel your fitness journey.

Gold’s Gym, various locations including Al Barsha and Ibn Battuta, Dhs1,300. Tel: (800) 46537. More info on website

11. Test your culinary skills with an iftar cooking class

Keen to impress guests with a home made iftar this Ramadan? Top Chef Cooking Studio are hosting an array of iftar cooking classes this Holy Month to ensure you fully equipped to serve up authentic dishes. The tailor-made two hour classes will teach you to cook an iftar feast from starters to dessert.

Top Chef Cooking Studio, Villa 196 Jumeirah Beach Road, 5pm to 7pm, Saturdays through Ramadan, Dhs415. Tel: (04) 385 5781. More info on website

12. Cool off with a pool day

An hour out of Dubai you’ll find the Al Maha desert resort. Through summer, guests can take advantage of a pool pass for Dhs325 per person, which grants you access to the spa facilities and stunning pool, complimentary fruits and juices through the day and also includes a three-course lunch at Al Diwan restaurant.

Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai Desert, 8am to 8pm, daily, Dhs325. Tel: (04) 832 9900. More info on website

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