Huge club openings, rock stars at Dubai Opera and a perfume and prosecco workshop…

It’s nearly the weekend and if you’re looking to make some big plans, you’re in the right place. From art and rock stars to yoga and a huge line-up of club openings, we’ve rounded up all the best things happening in the city.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday September 20

1. Party hard at the season opening of a super club

After a summer touring some of the world’s top clubs, White Dubai is back in business from Thursday September 20. It’s kicking off with Tinie Tempah’s brand, Disturbing Dubai. It will be the first of two weekly ladies’ nights at the club, where women can enjoy an open bar until midnight. On Friday, White will see the return of Bizaaar, while Saturday will continue to be dedicated to URBN, the clubs award-winning ladies’ night. It comes with an urban music policy, and unlimited complimentary drinks until 1am.

White Dubai, Meydan, Dubai, opening from Thursday September 20, 11pm to 4am, Thursday to Saturday. Tel: (050) 443 0933. whitedubai.com

2. See a rock show at Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is set to host four rock legends on Thursday September 20. Taking to the stage for one night only will be Hugh Cornwell of ‘The Stranglers’ fame alongside Sex Pistols’ founding member Glen Matlock, drummer Chris Musto, and guitarist ace Chris Spedding who will mix performance with tales of their life in the industry.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thursday September 20, 8pm onwards. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

3. Check out a new art exhibition

This oddly titled show called ‘I can bite the hand that feeds me, and gently caress it too’ features a collection of artists who are interested in reworking the classical portrait as well as elements of the absurd. Artists hailing from Canada and Iran, to Kuwait and Mexico exhibit new paintings, which explore figuration in art and although honouring their influences also inject cynicism – thus biting the hand, but caressing it, too.

Carbon 12, Warehouse 37, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, from September 17, Sat to Thurs 11.30am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3406016. carbon12dubai.com

4. Cool off at a rooftop soiree

The Burj Club at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa has relaunched its ‘Rooftop Soiree’ every Thursday and Friday. Taking place from 6pm to 11pm, it’s priced at Dhs175 per person. Included is rooftop pool access at the Burj Club, where you can groove to sultry tunes, whilst lazing on an assortment of pool floats. Hello, insta-worthy giant flamingo. Plus, you get Dhs100 back to spend on food and drink.

The Rooftop Pool, The Burj Club, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Thurs and Fri, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 888 3900. burjkhalifa.ae

5. Don your Lederhosen for Oktoberfest festivities

Barasti’s Oktoberfest celebrations kick off on Thursday September 20, with eight days of live music, food and beer. Staff will be sporting lederhosen and dirndl, and a whole host of traditional foods will be on offer, too.

Barasti Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, September 20 to September 28, free entry. Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com

6. Check out a pop-up perfume exhibition

To celebrate 50 years in fragrance creation, diptyque has brought its first-ever pop-up boutique dedicated exclusively to personal fragrance to The Dubai Mall. Running from Thursday 20 until Saturday 29, guests can head to perfume making events and workshops, as well as limited edition merchandising.

diptyque, The Dubai Mall, until Saturday September 29. Tel: (04) 399 0009. Facebook.com/diptyque

Friday September 21

7. Head to a party brunch at an unknown location

The latest installment of The Secret Brunch is happening this weekend. The unique brunch concept offers up 150 keys to the brunch, which takes place from 1pm to 5pm this Friday at a top secret location, that’s only revealed on the day. It serves up unlimited food and drink, alongside a lively vibe at a top Dubai location. But be quick, there’s only a few keys left…

Secret Party Brunch, secret location, 1pm to 5pm, Friday September 21, Dhs399 girls, Dhs449 guys. Tel: (055) 952 2597 . Facebook.com/SecretPartiesDubai

8. Soak up the sun at the season opening of a beach club

The Ibiza-born institution Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is back with a bang, with three unique house and electronic acts headed to the shores of the Ghantoot beach club for the opening on Friday September 21. German DJ and producer Oliver Huntemann will headline, supported by bass-heavy Dubai favourite, Raxon. DJ duo and brothers PÔNGO complete the line up, bringing their dance floor filling vocal sound to Blue Marlin for the first time.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Resort, Ghantoot Marina, Abu Dhabi, from Friday September 21, Fri and Sat 1am to midnight. Tel: (056) 113 3400. Facebook.com/BMIUAE

9. Find your zen with an Ashtanga yoga class

Looking for some pre-brunch zen? On Friday mornings, Mysore Dubai take over ON42 at Media One Hotel for an Ashtanga yoga class from 9am to 10.30am. The class is led by Charmelle and Ethan Ward and is designed for beginners. It’s usually followed by community get-togethers at the pool or a leisurely breakfast at one of the hotel restaurants.

Mysore Dubai, ON42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City 9am to 10.30am, Fridays, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 769 8169. mysoredubai.com

10. Partying poolside at a Hawaiian themed beach party

Nikki Beach Club is back in business, and what says welcome back better than a Hawaiian themed pool party? Taking place on Friday September 21, the Deluxe Pool Party will see Nikki Beach kitted out in themed decor, beats from Nikki Beach Resident DJs and artists, and a pool full of inflatable pool toys.

Nikki Beach Club, Pearl Jumeira, 11am to 9pm, Friday September 21. Tel: (04) 376 6162. Facebook.com/NikkiBeachDubai

11. Sip your way through a Vinefest

The Scene by Simon Rimmer is in the middle of their second month-long festival for September, and this month it’s all about wine. The summer garden has become an indoor vineyard and inside, you’ll be able to find more than 25 varieties of wine, buy one get one free on a selection of premium bottles, wine-based ice pops and a selection of themed wine-based bites.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer, 4th Floor, Pier 7, 8am to 2am, until September 30. Tel: (04) 422 2328. Thescenedubai.com

Saturday September 22

12. Check out some master mixology

The first of Soho Garden’s weekly Saturday bar takeovers kicks off this weekend, and they’re starting with a big name: Sexy Fish. Hailing from London, the award-winning Japanese restaurant and bar has welcomed celebrities including Liam Payne and Hugh Jackman through it’s doors in the British capital. They’ll be bringing their bartenders to Soho Garden’s Glasshouse Bar for one-night only, with a limited-edition cocktail menu served up to live music from 8pm onwards.

Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, 8pm to late, Saturday September 22. Tel: (052) 388 8849. sohogardendxb.com

13. Make your own scent at a perfume and prosecco class

Local aromatherapist and perfume expert Melanie Jane is holding a workshop at the Ritz Carlton JBR where she’ll help you create your own 30ml eau de parfum, plus you’ll get an afternoon tea with bubbly during the session.

RitzCarlton, Al Mamsha Street, JBR, Dubai, 12pm to 4.30pm, Saturday September 22. Dhs500 per person, booking required. Tel: (050) 350 1557. Facebook.com/event

14. Dine al fresco at one of the city’s most instagrammable spots

This Aegan favourite is the ultimate in beach-chic – think cobbled pathways, a whitewashed fit-out with turquoise accents, and plenty of fairy lights. There are tables in the garden, or you can dine right on the beach with your toes in the sand.

Fish Dubai, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, daily 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 511 7139. fish-dubai.com

 15. Head to the season opening of a poolside party brunch 

A collaboration between Drai’s and party event brand LoveJuice, there’s a new pool party-style brunch to check out this Saturday. Running from 11am to 4pm every Saturday, with doors staying open until 9pm, expect a lively poolside vibe with beachwear advised, and a collection of top DJs on rotation to keep your toes tapping through the day.

Drai’s Dubai, Soho Garden, Meydan 11am to 4pm, Saturdays, Dhs240 ladies, Dhs330 guys, club open until 9pm. Tel:(052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

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