Staycays, brunches, fireworks and the return of the FIFA World Cup…

Whether you’re getting a four-day weekend, three-day weekend or just the standard two days off, the weekend is nearly here and it’s time to start planning.

From bottomless feasts and discounted staycations at top Dubai resorts, to wellness retreats and the World Cup kick off, there’s plenty of ways to see in the weekend – long or not.

Here are 20 things to do in Dubai this Eid weekend.

Thursday June 14

1. Kick off a month-long football frenzy

The FIFA World Cup kicks off again this Thursday, bringing a month-long football frenzy to Dubai. The first game sees Russia take on Saudi Arabia from 7pm, and there’s no better place to watch than at sports bar, The 44. Aptly placed on the 44th floor of The Westin in Habtoor City, there will be drinks deals, raffle prizes, and three huge screens on top of the eight existing LED screens, so you won’t miss a minute of the action.

The 44, The Westin, Habtoor City, 7pm onwards, Thursday June 14. Tel: (054) 5811758. More info on Facebook

2. 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. With Ramadan likely to end on Friday, there’s still time to get one more in, and we’d definitely recommend checking out the extensive spread at the Armani Hotel Ballroom. You can find 100 more iftars to try by clicking here.

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

3. Cool off with a discounted pool day

Riva Beach is nestled within the Shoreline Apartments on Palm Jumeirah, and they’ve reduced their access prices this summer. There’s a large pool that opens out with views onto The Palm, and a large patch of white sandy beach for those who prefer the ocean to the pool. It’s family friendly, with a poolside beach bar and lounge, and children’s pool for the little ones.

Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah, daily 7am to 12am, Dhs105. Tel: (04) 430 9466. More info on website

4. Check in for less across Jumeirah hotels

If you can’t get away this Eid, there’s plenty of staycation deals all over the city to take advantage of. Across Jumeirah hotels, UAE residents can redeem up to 30 per cent off the best available rate inclusive of breakfast, dinner, and complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Jumeirah Creekside hotel rates start from Dhs430, while a night at Jumeirah Al Qasr is priced from Dhs1,955.

Jumeirah Hotels, Eid weekend, rates from Dhs433 including breakfast, dinner and access to Wild Wadi. More info on website

5. Glam up with Swarovski Henna at Sisters

Sisters Beauty Lounge is organising Swarovski Henna this Thursday at Dubai Mall as part of their Eid specials. The beauty brand is flying in an international Swarovski artist for the occasion, with each hand priced at Dhs250. It’s waterproof, and lasts up to four days.

Sisters Beauty Lounge, The Dubai Mall, Thursday June 14, Dhs250. Tel: (800) 747 8377. More info on website 

Friday June 15

6. See a firework display in Festival City

Dubai Festival City Mall will be putting on two musical Eid firework displays on Friday. You’ll be able to catch the first display at 9pm in Festival Bay, with the second show taking place at 10.30pm. It’s free to watch the show, but for the best seat be sure to reserve a table at one of the bay-facing restaurants.

Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival City, 9pm and 10.30pm, Friday June 15, free. More info on website

7. Dine sky high

Hotel Cartagena, the Latin American restaurant and bar which replaced Morah in the JW Marriott Marquis, is launching its new brunch in time for Eid this Friday. Complete with boho vibes, signature South American dishes and 360-degree views of the city, it’s the tallest brunch there is, perched on level 72 of the JW Marriott Marquis.

Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Fridays, Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house. Tel: (04) 560 1799. More info on website

8. Enjoy a swanky dinner onboard the QE2

For a sophisticated evening out, the Grand Lounge will transform into a glitzy speakeasy and host a glamorous dinner show with live singers and dancers onboard the QE2 on Friday and Saturday night. Britain’s Got Talent’s Jack Pack will perform a tribute line-up of all the classics of Frank Sinatra, Sammy David Jr. and company, served alongside a dinner and free flowing beverage package for Dhs495 per person. It’s a formal dress code, and kicks off from 9pm.

QE2, Mina Rashid, 9pm to midnight, Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, Dhs395 soft, Dhs495 house. Tel: (04) 526 8888. More info on website

9. Head to a new nightclub opening

The next piece in the Soho Garden puzzle, Toy Room, is opening this Friday within the indoor section of the Meydan super complex. The London concept initially arrived in Dubai in 2015, taking up residency in the Al Murooj Rotana, but it closed its doors at the end of 2017.

Toy Room, Soho Garden, Meydan, 11pm to 3am, Friday June 15, free entry. Tel: (052) 463 3338. More info on Facebook

10. Cool off with a poolside brunch

Zero Gravity is bringing brunch back to their Dubai Marina shores for three days this weekend. The beach area will re-open alongside the pool and garden space, with brunch taking place from 12pm to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Packages are Dhs249 for ladies and Dhs299 for guys, with VIP packages available from Dhs3,200.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, 12pm to 5pm, Friday June 15 to Sunday June 17, Dhs249 ladies, Dhs299 guys. Tel: (04) 399 0009. More info on website

11. Kickstart the day with a buy-one-get-one-free breakfast

This Eid weekend, Bertin Bistro on Sheikh Zayed Road will be offering buy-one-get-one-free on all their all-day breakfast items available from 7.30am to 4pm. Dishes on the all-day menu include omelettes, shakshuka, chia bowls, pancakes and eggs benedict.

Bertin Bistro, Al Manara, Opposite Times Square, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa, 7.30am to 4pm, Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16. Tel: 04 321 9239. More info on Facebook

12. Tuck into a Turkish feast

13. Enjoy some free entertainment at City Centre Mirdif

80s Urban Theme entertainment will take centre stage during the first three days of Eid at City Centre Mirdif. Expect beatboxers, acro flag performers, a stomp troupe and B-Boys all taking to the stage, while ballerina stilt walkers will make an appearance throughout the day to pose for selfies with visitors at the mall.

City Centre Mirdif, Mirdif, daily 4.30pm to 8.30pm Friday June 15 to Sunday June 17, free. More info on website

14. Dine with firework views at The Fish House

For dinner with firework views, book a table at The Fish House in Intercontinental Festival City this Friday. There will be an evening brunch available from 7pm to 11pm, complete with live entertainment and a menu of seafood dishes. Packages start from Dhs195.

The Fish House, Intercontinental Festival City, 7pm to 11pm, Eid weekend, Dhs195 soft, Dhs295 house, Dhs345 sparkling. Tel: (04) 701 1127. More info on website

Saturday June 16

15. See a free family-friendly show

Visit the China Court stage at Ibn Battuta Mall this weekend and you’ll be able to catch Peter Pan Live. The free show will run from the first day of Eid Al Fitr until June 23.

China Court Stage, Ibn Battuta Mall, Ibn Battuta, daily 5pm, 6pm and 7.45pm until June 23, free. More info on website

16. Work up a sweat with the Dubai Desert Run

It’s one of the UAE’s oldest running events, and the Dubai Desert Run is back on Saturday for the summer scorcher. There are both 10km and 3km routes to test your legs on, on private, traffic-free roads.

The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road, Dubai, 6am, Saturday June 16, Dhs90 for 3km, Dhs130 for 10km. Register here

17. Find your zen with a one-day wellness retreat

Retreat company H Retreats have partnered with expat lifestyle platform Shimmering Sands to launch an all-female, one-day retreat ‘Wellness Saturday’, and it’s kicking off this Saturday. The monthly event involves a full day of nurturing and learning, and includes a healthy lunch with fresh juices throughout the day, a morning or evening meditation session, yoga in various styles, educational workshops and one-on-one consultations and sessions.

Wellness Saturday, Ritz Carlton JBR The Walk, 9am to 6.30pm, Saturday June 16, Dhs800. Tel: (058)561 0108. More info on website

18. Cool off with a poolside ladies’ day

Ever-popular party brand Candypants are hosting their weekly ladies’ day from the aptly named Penthouse on the 16th floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah. With the addition of a brand new fully air-conditioned conservatory area, guests can keep cool while enjoying the breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. Packages start from Dhs149.

Candypants at Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, 12pm to 8pm, Saturdays, from Dhs149. More info on website

19. Take advantage of a discounted family pass at Flip Out

Kids and adults can beat the heat this Eid with the Flip Out Family Pass. Valid on Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, up to four people can enjoy one hour in the trampoline park for Dhs120 – it’s a big saving on the usual Dhs80 per person per hour.

Flip Out, Al Quoz 3, Warehouse #5 Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, Dhs120 for up to four. Tel: (600) 567 568. More info on website

20. Finish the weekend with an after-dark pool party

Atlantis is bringing its after-dark party to the shores of Aquaventure Waterpark this Saturday. Turning down the lights and cranking up the volume, party-goers and families alike will be able to experience a fun-drenched evening from 8pm until midnight, with early bird tickets priced at Dhs123.

Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 8pm to 12am, Saturday June 16, early bird tickets Dhs123, regular tickets Dhs165. Tel: (04) 426 2000. aquaventurewaterpark.com

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