Dinner deals, house DJs, festivals and fitness…

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

A brand new cider festival has just launched at The Scene to kickstart the weekend, then there’s dinner deals, discounted staycays and house DJs all here to fill your weekend with maximum fun.

Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday August 2

1. Experience a British summer at an indoor Cider festival

2. Workout at a brand new bootcamp

The famous Barry’s Bootcamp has opened a second branch in Dubai Marina’s Trident Grand Mall. Popular with A-listers as well as packing out with workout fanatics, Barry’s red room is fitted out with a long run of state-of-the-art treadmills and lit like the Ministry of Sound, which leaves you feeling like you’re in a part-gym, part nightclub space. Classes sstart from Dhs84 for the first class, and you can burn up to 1000 calories in a single session

Barry’s Bootcamp, Trident Grand Mall Level 1, Dubai Marina, Sun to Thurs 7am to 9.30pm, Fri 7.15am to 2.30pm, Sat 8am to 6.30pm. Tel: (04) 874 8476. barrysbootcamp.com/studio/dubai-marina

3. Tuck in to a Marina dinner deal

Throughout August, Rhodes Twenty10 in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is offering a dinner deal for two for Dhs580. The offer includes a rack of Prime Australian Lamb, mixed vegetables, two house sauces, and a carafe of house wine to share.

Rhodes Twenty10, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, daily 7pm to 11.45pm, Dhs580 for two. Tel: (04) 316 5550. rhodestwenty10.com

4. See a top house DJ spin

Dubai’s premiere underground clubbing night, Analog Room, kicked off its new season with a bang and a venue change last month, and it doesn’t look like it has any plans on slowing down. This Thursday, August 2, legendary House DJ Kenny Dope will be spinning in the main Club Room at Stereo Arcade, serving up what organisers are calling a “House Music” masterclass.

Analog Room, Stereo Arcade, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, 10pm to 3am, Thur Aug 2, Dhs100. Tel: (052) 618 2424. facebook.com/stereoarcade

Friday August 3

5. Party Ibiza-style

If you can’t make it to Ibiza this summer, you’re in luck, as Soho Garden is bringing Ibiza to you. While it might be too hot to head outdoors for their weekly Cafe Mambo event, the Meydan nightspot has brought the party inside with their fully air-conditioned tent. Alongside their weekly resident DJs, expect a weekly-changing international act on deck duty. This week, Soho welcomes guest DJ illyus & Barrientos, followed by the renowned DJ GotSome on August 10.

Cafe Mambo at Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, 7pm to late, Fridays. Tel: (04) 240 8395. Sohogardendxb.com

6. Pamper yourself with a new nail treatment

An oldie but a goodie, We Nails is one of the Marina’s go to spots for manicures. And this month there’s a new treatment to check out as We Nails become one of the first salons to offer Gel-x in the region. The new style of nail extension goes over the nail, so it doesn’t ruin yours. They’re priced at Dhs290

Skyview Tower, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai Marina (opposite Dubai Marina), Dhs290. Tel: (04) 452 8226. Facebook.com/Wenailsdubai. 

7. Escape the city for a staycay

Located among the sprawling 160-acre Desert Palm Polo Club  you’ll find Desert Palm Dubai. Recently taken over by Melia Hotels and rebranded as Melia Desert Palm Dubai, you’ll find the resort near to Dubai Safari Park. Inside the green oasis, room rates start from Dhs830 for a standard deluxe room, all the way up to Dhs3,325 for a three-bedroom villa, which has it’s own pool. Check ahead, as you may be able to catch a game of polo from Rare, the oak-wood fired restaurant which overlooks the polo field.

Melia Desert Palm Dubai, Al Awir Road, Dubai, rates from Dhs830. Tel: (04) 323 8888. melia.com

8. Take advantage of a free brunch upgrade

Does making fishbowls from a washing machine, singing along at mass crowd karaoke and competitive games of prosecco pong sound like your idea of a good night out? Then Mr. Miyagi’s is the brunch you need to be at this weekend. The Asian hotspot has revamped their brunch with brand new entertainment, crowd karaoke, glitter stations and games. Plus throughout August, you’ll get a free upgrade to the sparkling package, normally an extra Dhs100.

Mr Miyagi’s, Level 9, Media One Hotel, 3pm to 6pm and 8pm to 11pm, Fridays, Dhs290. Tel:(04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com

9. Soak up the sun with a family-friendly brunch

Feeling the heat? At Hikina restaurant at Lapita Hotel, their Friday brunch serves up a three hour package of Asian dishes alongside free flowing beverages, and comes with complimentary pool access. It’s a value Dhs99 for adults with soft drinks, or Dhs180 including house beverages.

Hikina, Lapita Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm (pool access 9am to 6pm), Dhs99 soft, Dhs180 house. Tel: (04) 810 9999. dubaiparksandresorts.com

Saturday August 4

10. Tuck in to a healthy pub lunch

McGettigan’s JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, daily, from Dhs48. Tel: (04) 318 2580. hilton.com

11. Dine at a top restaurant for Dhs99

What’s On are big fans of Ruya. The Anatolian spot in Dubai Marina’s Grosvenor House is headed up by one of our favourite (and most celebrated chef’s), Colin Clague. And if we didn’t have enough reason to go, they’ve just launched a Dhs99 deal in the bar that’s a great way to wind down your weekend. Every night guests can enjoy one pide or Lahmacun and two house beverages for Dhs99.

Ruya, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 6pm onwards, daily, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 399 9123. ruyadubai.com

12. Bag a bargain and see a star

It’s the last day of Dubai’s annual Dubai Summer Surprises, and six weeks of sales accumulate with a performance by Bahraini singer Hala Al Turk at Dubai Festival City Mall on Saturday August 4. Head down early and get some bargain-hunting done, before the ‘Arabs Got Talent’ winner performs at 8.30pm.

Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival City, Saturday August 4, 8.30pm, free. Dubaisummersurprises.com

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.