16 things to do in Dubai this weekend
From live music, festivals and concerts to fitness events and the re-opening of some top attractions…
November is nearly here and if you’re wondering how to spend the first weekend of the new month, we’re here to help. From the return of Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden to some top festivals, live performances and concerts, we’ve rounded up all of the best things to do in the city.
Here are 16 things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Thursday November 1
1. Check out some blooms at Dubai Miracle Garden
The Guinness World Record-holding Dubai Miracle Garden will re-open for its seventh season on Thursday November 1. The unique outdoor destination, which houses around 100 million blooms, has a new theme each year – and for its seventh season is promising a reimagined Disney Avenue, where the record-breaking Mickey Mouse sculpture from last year will be joined by his friends.
Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand, from Thursday November 1. Dhs50 for adults, Dhs45 for children under 12. Tel: (04) 422 8902. dubaimiraclegarden.com
2. See a stunning fireworks display
Dubai’s Global Village is now open again, and there’s even more attractions to check out this season. There’s a brand new ‘Wheel of the World’ Ferris wheel, a multicultural floating market and even a Circus experience at the Carnaval, home to a ringmaster, high wire acts, clowns, wheel of death and plenty more. The regular fireworks shows are thankfully back, taking place each week at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, while the ‘Parade of the World’ will be every Thursday at 7.30pm.
Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, open October 30. globalvillage.ae
3. Get your spook on at The Monster Ball
On Thursday November 1, Zero Gravity will be completely transformed into a haunted beach club full of things that go bump (and splash) in the night. Besides the décor, it’s the costumes that come through the door that really make this party unmissable, with up to Dhs50,000 cash prizes to be won for the best costumes.
Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 6pm to 3am, Thursday November 1, free for ladies, Dhs50 before 9pm guys, Dhs100 after 9pm. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae
4. Head to harvestfest
One of Dubai’s most popular family-friendly festivals, Harvestfest, is returning to Reform Social & Grill this weekend for three fun-filled days of al fresco fun for adults and children alike. There will be a garden roast, live music, a market and even an adults-only treasure hunt.
Harvestfest, Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, Thursday November 1 to Saturday November 3. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae
5. Sip sundowners at a new bar
Perched on the 63rd floor of the upscale Address Downtown hotel, Neos has just reopened and now has a much more contemporary feel, with the dark colours and crushed velvets that previously ran through the venue replaced with a more neutral colour scheme. It’s still pretty decadent though, with champagne coloured leather booths, gold bar stools and black finishes prominent around the bar and window facing lounge.
Neos, Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily 6pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com
Friday November 2
6. Travel to Thailand without leaving Dubai at a Full Moon party brunch
On Friday November 2, Mr Miayagi’s will transform into Dubai’s ultimate Full Moon party, and everyone’s invited. As well as all of their usual five courses of epic Asian sharing dishes, crowd karaoke, glitter stations and games, there will be three hours of ‘spooked-up’ cocktails, Thai buckets with a dark twist and Halloween-themed food and beverages available.
Mr Miyagi’s, Media One Hotel, Wok & Roll Halloween brunch Friday November 2, 3pm to 6pm and 8pm to 11pm, Dhs290 house, Dhs390 sparkling. Tel: (04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com
7. Party at a world famous festival
Dubai is set to welcome another world famous festival later this weekend as Defected festival will head to Soho Beach on Friday November 2. Headlining the huge one-day festival will be German DJ and EDM producer, Claptone. The mysterious DJ is known for his house and techno sounds, although keeps his own identity a mystery by usually performing in a gold beaked mask.
Defected, Soho Beach, Meydan, 12pm to 12am, Friday November 2, from Dhs150. Tel: 052 433 3375. sohobeachdxb.com
8. Head to the Pink Ladies Games
This Friday at the Pink Ladies Games, teams will battle it out over six fun challenges including flipping over a giant cube, racing in kayaks and beach volleyball. You can join with a team of five women but if you want to go alone and meet new people, you can register as an individual. 20 per cent will be donated to The Pink Caravan breast cancer charity. There will also be an awards ceremony with prizes for Best Dressed Team and a ‘Pink Lady of the day’ award.
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Dubai, 7am to 11am, Dhs200 individual entry, Dhs1,000 team of five. uae.pinkladiesgames.com
9. See an Irish star live
Over the last 10 years, the Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May has recorded and performed with stars including Tom Jones, U2, Meat Loaf, Jamie Cullum and Kodaline, as well as releasing five studio albums. Catch her at Dubai Opera this weekend.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, November 2. Tickets from Dhs120. dubaiopera.com
10. Glam up for a Halloween themed party brunch
Downtown party brunch Hidden is twisting into a Dark Fairytale’ theme this year. Taking over Treehouse and Tesoro restaurants in the Taj Hotel, the famed Love Parties brunch is set to turn the venue into an enchanted forest, serving up creepy cocktails, spooky entertainment and a professional make-up artist.
Hidden brunch, Treehouse and Tesoro, Taj Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Friday November 2, Dhs325 soft, Dhs375 house. Tel: (04) 438 3100. hiddenbrunch.com
Saturday November 3
11. Experience a scarefest at a theme park
This Halloween, Motiongate is launching its first-ever ‘Fright Nights’ and introducing a themed maze, based on the terrifying SAW movies. Fright Nights will take place in the park every weekend from October 18 to November 3. The park will have two scare zones in the Lionsgate and Columbia areas where you can meet your favorite zombies or monsters in person, and opening hours will be extended to 11pm on Fridays.
Motiongate, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, Fri and Sat from October 18 to November 3, Dhs175 residents, Dhs245 non-residents. Tel: (800) 2629464. motiongatedubai.com
12. Tuck into a new afternoon tea with a Middle Eastern twist
Looking for a relaxing catch up with friends this weekend? Head to Ninive for their new afternoon tea. Served daily from 4pm to 7pm at the cosy urban garden, expect an array of Arabic sweets as well as some savoury light bites and unlimited soft drinks.
Ninive, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, daily 4pm to 7pm, Dhs165. Tel: (04) 3266 105. ninive.ae
13. Glam up for an all-white pool party
Nikki Beach Dubai’s annual white party celebration is one of the biggest parties of the year, and it’s returning on Saturday November 3. The party comes with a strict, all-white dress code and promises live music, street performers and huge champagne shows. Each year the huge day to night party takes on a brand new theme, with this year’s celebration centering around ‘The Future Is Here’. Promising to ‘transport guests to a place where the imagination is re-engaged through entertainment and interactive experiences’, we can’t wait to see what the swanky beach club has in store.
Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, 12pm to 9pm, Saturday November 3, from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 376 6162. Nikkibeach.com
14. See a superstar live at ladies’ night
Sean Paul fans will be able to catch the star this weekend at d3 super club Base on Saturday November 3 for their new Saturday ladies night, Code. From doors opening until 4am, ladies are treated to an open bar each week.
Base Dubai, Dubai Design District, 10pm to 4am, Saturday November 3. Tel: (055) 313 4999. Basedubai.com
15. Soak up the sun at a Spanish themed pool party
The stunning Drift Beach Club has teamed up with Ocean Club Marbella for another collaboration, and it’s happening this Saturday. The idyllic spot will be taken over by their famous Spanish counterparts, who are bringing a top line-up of music including Spanish DJs, singers and musicians, as well as a limited edition menu straight from the shores of the Mediterranean.
DRIFT, One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, 10.30am to 8pm, Saturday November 3, from Dhs300. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com
16. Soak up the evening sun at a canal-side terrace
Cafe Artois by Bridgewater Tavern is celebrating the new season with an outdoor terrace launch party this Saturday. Kicking off from 4pm, the first 100 people to enter will be treated to complimentary wings and a pint of beer
Cafe Artois, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, 4pm to 12am, Saturday November 3. Tel: (04) 414 0000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
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