All-inclusive staycays, new brunches, unlimited drinks and Eid fireworks…

The weekend is nearly here and if you’ve not made plans, you’re in luck as we’re here to do it for you.

Whether you’re looking for a belly-busting brunch, stunning fireworks display, pool parties, live music or a staycay with unlimited drinks for the duration, we’ve rounded up 15 awesome things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday August 23

1. Feast on a seafood brunch

Off on Thursday? Expect a boat-to-table Eid feast, at The Fish House in Dubai Festival City. The brunch is on offer over both Thursday and Friday.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Thurs Aug 23 and Fri Aug 24, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs195 (soft), Dhs295 (house). Tel: (04) 701 1127. Taxi: InterCon Fesival City. thefishhousedubai.com

2. See a stunning fireworks display

JBR is always a bustling hub of activity around the Eid holidays, and with three nights of fireworks planned you can expect The Beach to be packed. Make sure you head down early enough to grab a good spot at one of the many restaurants and cafes littered along the waterfront. For a full list of where to watch fireworks, check our guide.

The Beach, JBR, The Walk, 9.15pm, Weds Aug 22 to Fri Aug 24, free. thebeach.ae

3. Kickstart the weekend with unlimited drinks

At McGettigans Souk Madinat this Eid, enjoy unlimited house drinks from 9.30pm to 12.30am for Dhs199 per person and listen to live music from resident band The Shots who play reggae, raga, jungle and jazz.

McGettigans, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Thursday 9.30pm to 12.30am, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 447 0219. mcgettigans.com

4. Go all-inclusive on a floating hotel

If it’s all-inclusive you’re looking for this long weekend, the Eid staycation deal at the QE2 is for you. Called the ‘All On Board’ package, it includes a daily buffet breakfast, lunch or Eid Brunch and dinner in the Lido restaurant – as well as free-flowing house beverages from The Golden Lion, the Yacht Club or Lido throughout your. Packages start from Dhs1,499 for two.

QE2, Port Rashid, Thursday August 23 to Friday August 24, from Dhs1,499. Tel: (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

5. Cool off with a new evening pool party

Dubai’s long-serving Barasti Beach is launching a brand new pool party to kickstart the weekend. From 8pm to 11pm, their free-entry, weekly pool party will serve up unlimited wine, beer and bubbles for just Dhs100 for ladies, while guys can take advantage of happy hour prices from 9pm to 11pm.

Barasti Beach, The Westin Mina Seyahi, 8pm to 11pm, Thursdays, Dhs100 for ladies. Tel: 04 399 3333. barastibeach.com

Friday August 24

6. Check in for a luxury staycay

While the beach club may be closed until the start of September, Nikki Beach Resort is bringing a slice of St Tropez to you this Eid al Adha. Guests can take advantage of a one night stay with Friday brunch package at Cafe Nikki from Dhs1100 for two.  

Nikki Beach Resort, Pearl Jumeirah, Thursday August 23 and Friday August 24. Tel: (04) 376 6290. nikkibeachhotels.com

7. Tuck in to some authentic Middle Eastern flavours

Expect a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian dishes with a large selection of seafood options on offer at the Eid brunch at Palace Downtown.

Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Friday August 24, Dhs345. Tel: (04) 4287888. addresshotels.com

8. See a Bollywood star

Bollywood singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan is also set to take to the stage at the Dubai World Trade Centre for one night only on 24 August. The popular singer, known for her catchy pop and filmi tunes, will entertain the crowd at Dubai World Trade Centre from 8pm, with tickets priced from Dhs75.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, 8pm onwards, Friday August 24, from Dhs75. visitdubai.com

9. Enjoy an Eid brunch

Over Eid, you can kickstart brunch at Sean Connolly’s Dubai Opera brasserie with a free-flowing oyster bar. On the menu will be a selection of shared starters such as fresh sashimi fish salad, sides including duck-fat chips and there’ll be a selection of desserts including chocolate fondant and lemon tart. There will also be a live DJ.

Sean Connolly At Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Friday August 24, 12pm to 4pm Dhs390 (soft), Dhs500 (house), Dhs610 (champagne). Tel: (04) 3627312. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai  Mall. seanconnollydubai.com 

10. Build a snowman

Taking place every Friday and Saturday at Dubai Ladies Club is DubaiICE, a winter-themed festival inside a pop-up, hosted within an igloo-inspired dome on the private Dubai Ladies Club beach. The festival will run from 3pm to 7pm until the end of the month, and promises a host of snow-themed activities for women and children. Entry will be priced at Dhs260 for ladies and Dhs80 for children (sorry guys – this is a women-only event).

Dubai ICE at Dubai Ladies Club, Jumeirah, 3pm to 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays until September 1, Dhs260 adults, Dhs80 children. Tel: (04) 349 9922. dubailadiesclub.com

11. Cool off at a rooftop pool

Located on the 4th floor of The Address Dubai Marina, Shades expands over a large terrace overlooking the Marina and comes with a huge infinity pool that’s perfect for a leisurely swim. Loungers are not reserved and are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Shades, 4th floor, Address Dubai Marina, 7am to 8pm, Sun to Thurs Dhs210 including Dhs100 food and drink voucher, Fri and Sat Dhs315 including Dhs150 food and drink voucher. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com 

12. Feast on a brand new brunch

Downtown spot Katana is re-launching its Red Sun brunch on Eid, taking guests on a 25-course tour of three styles of Japanese cooking. Start with a selection of a la carte appetisers, charcoal-grilled skewers including fresh sushi and contemporary Japanese-inspired desserts including mango tofu yuzu cheesecake. There will be a variety of beverages including seasonal cocktails. Expect tunes from a live DJ and there’s also a full vegetarian offering.

The Promenade, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Friday August 24, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 (soft), Dhs395 (house and sparkling). Tel: (04) 2778808. katana-dubai.com

Saturday August 25

13. Keep the kids entertained for less at The Dubai Mall

Over Eid, when you buy a ticket to Dubai Aquarium & underwater Zoo, KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink or VR Park, you’ll be able to avail a 50 per cent discount on the ticket for any one of the others.

The Dubai Mall, various attractions and timings, 50 per cent discount on a second ticket with the purchase of one full-price ticket, until Sunday August 25. thedubaimall.com

14. Chill out with a discounted beach day

Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill is serving up Eid by the beach this long weekend. For Dhs150, guests will get beach access, either a burger, sandwich or a salad; and one house beverage every day from August 21 to 25 from 10am onwards.

Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Dubai The Walk, 10am onwards, Weds Aug 21 to Sat Aug 25, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 399 1111. hilton.com

15. Finish the weekend with live music

Bagatelle, The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, 8pm till late, Saturdays. Tel: (04) 354 5035. bagatelledubai.com

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