The ultimate after-brunch after party, puppy pilates, a burger eating challenge and hip-hop cardio…

The weekend is nearly here and it’s time to start planning.

Whether you’re looking to catch the football, or looking for somewhere to avoid it, keen for a big night out or prefer to wile away a day by the pool, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday July 5

1. Unleash your competitive streak with a burger challenge

Burger lovers are in for a treat – Atelier M has launched its limited edition 1kg Big Daddy burger. The 1kg burger is yours for Dhs199, including unlimited soft drinks – but it’ll be on the house if you can eat it in under 10 minutes, the current Big Daddy champion score.

Atelier M, Pier 7, Marina Mall, 6pm-3am Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 6pm-3am, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 450 7766. More info on website

2. Work up a sweat at a one-hour workout

OrangeTheory Fitness, the high-energy class from the US, has finally arrived on Dubai shores. Hour-long heart rate based interval training fitness classes in a group setting are on throughout the weekend and are suitable for all fitness levels. If you get to 12 to 20 minutes in the Orange Zone, expect to burn calories 36 hours after the workout is done. Just remember to bring a water bottle.

Times Square Center, SZR on the Ground Floor, weekends, 10am-1pm, monthly Dhs499. Tel: (04) 324 4424. More info on website

3. Tuck into afternoon tea

As well as a traditional afternoon tea spread of scones and tarts, this includes a 50-minute signature treatment at The Spa at Palace Downtown. It’s coupled with some great views of Burj Lake and The Dubai Foundation. The offer is valid every day except Friday.

Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 9770, 2pm-6pm and The Spa 9am-10pm, daily, Dhs425. Tel: (04) 428 7888. More info on website

4. Get social at Zero Gravity

The Social Club all-inclusive offer is back at Zero Gravity this Thursday. Expect live DJs from 8pm, unlimited food and beverage. The all-inclusive offer is Dhs275 for girls and Dhs325 for boys.

Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh Road, 8am-12pm, every Thursday, DHs275-Dhs325. Tel: (04) 399 0009. More info on website

Friday July 6

5. Escape the summer heat at an indoor beach party

Scorching temperatures may have cancelled our beach plans but that won’t stop us enjoying Dubai Marina Mall’s indoor beach party. One for both kids and adults, expect arts and crafts and games until 28th July and there’s even a Dhs25,000 Emaar git card up for grabs in the raffle draw.

Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily until 28th July, free entry. Tel: (04) 436 1020. More info on website

6. Eat to your heart’s content at a brand new brunch

Wear your baggiest trousers – BICE Ristorante will be serving the Pasta E Basta: unlimited pizzas and pastas straight to your table until you’re full. Expect favourites like spinach tortellini with creamy truffle sauce and paccheri with seafood.

BiCE, Hilton JBR, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, DHs190 (soft), DHs270 (house). Tel: (04) 318 2520. More info on website

7. Head to the ultimate after brunch party

The House Party Bar launches the Official After Brunch Party on Friday. For Dhs200 from 4pm-8pm, expect beer pong, giant Jenga and Pac Mac, unlimited house drinks and even a ball pit. If you want to keep the party going, Cirque le Soir (located through a secret door at The House Party Bar), is hosting the ultimate costume party, Banana. The launch night will be Dhs150.

The Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Monday, Thursday and Friday 11pm-3pm, DHs200, 4pm-8pm. Tel: (05) 995 5400. More info on Facebook

Saturday July 7

8. Kickstart the day with a lazy breakfast with pool access

Start your weekend right with recently launched Aloft Me’aisam’s Lazy Weekend Breakfast. Breakfast features a selection of buffet options including a bakery and pastry section, a choice of a la carte mains and also comes with pool access.

Aloft Me’aisam, Dubai, 11am-3pm, Fridays and Saturdays, Dhs89 (soft), DHs165 house. Tel: (04) 248 7070. More info on website

9. Learn to dance like a hip-hop pro

Work up a sweat at Lucky Voice whether you’re an absolute beginner or seasoned pro. Teaming up with the guys at Hip-Hop Cardio, expect music from a live Hip-Hop DJ where you’ll bust some shapes and burn some serious calories. Afterwards, you can fuel up at the health and fitness market featuring brands such as Vita Coco and a there’s even freebies up for grabs. One winner will win five hip-hop cardio classes, Dhs1000 worth of Puma products and a three-month membership with Gymnation.

Hip Hop Cardio at Lucky Voice, Level 6, Grand Millennium Barsha Heights, 3pm to 6pm, Saturday July 7, free. Tel: (800) 58259. More info on Facebook

10. Bring your pooch to Puppy Pilates

Fancy exercising while bonding with your dog? Of course you do. Head to Puppy Pilates, a fun but challenging Pilates class for you and your dog. It’s the third class and Run by The Animal Agency and Phoenix Rising and pre-booking is essential.

Dogwalk Al Quoz Dubai, Saturday 7 July, 4pm, Dhs95. Tel: (52) 908 6569. More info on Facebook 

11. Make the most of new dining offers

Head down to The Balcony Bar where they have a fantastic offer on a mouth-watering grain-fed Black Angus striploin with your choice of two sides and sauce – all paired with a glass of wine for just Dhs120. Delicious.

The Balcony Bar, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily, July 1 to August 31, 6pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4052703. More info on website

12. Hit up a new ladies’ night

Q43 is launching a new ladies’ night, Forever 43. If you’re in a group of six or more girls, you’ll receive a VIP table including a sushi platter. Start with dinner from Dhs99 for three dishes including a glass of sparkling. There’s also unlimited drinks for girls from 8pm-3am for just Dhs59.

Q43 Dubai, 43rd floor, Media One Hotel Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Saturday, 8pm to 3am, from Dhs59. Tel: (04) 56 102 4298. More info on website

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