Escape games, Tough Mudder and Harry Potter live in concert…

Is it the weekend yet? It’s going to be an incredible one, and with plenty of international DJs, markets and brunches, we’re ready to tick off as many of these events as we can.

Here are 16 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday February 28

1. Escape into a party

#DXBExperiments has created Escape In, a 4-week pop-up that requires intrigue, problem-solving and mastery. It would be too easy to let you just walk into the party, your group will be given an escape room and you must solve the puzzles in order to gain access to the party, and the fun continues until the early hours.

Escape In, On42, Media One, Media City, Dubai, 7pm, Thursdays and Fridays until end of March, free. dxbexperiments.com

2. Catch up at a cheese and wine night

By night – especially on Thursdays – Jones the Grocer is a cozy hideaway designed for wine and cheese aficionados, who come here as much for the dulcet tones of live jazz by Chinua Hawk Trio as they do for mouthwatering artisanal cheeses. The wine and cheese evening takes place every Thursday between 7.30pm and 11pm and diners can enjoy two hours unlimited reds and whites along with cheese board for just Dhs199 per person. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, Thur 7.30pm to 11pm, Dhs199 (cheeseboard and unlimited red and white wine for two hours). Tel: (04) 4179999. facebook.com/JonesEmiratesGolfClub

3. Party Ibiza-style

Siddharta Lounge have partnered with Ibiza Global Radio to bring five parties to the Dubai Marina venue. The radio station’s top resident DJs will be broadcasting the show live on the last Thursday of each month, starting with Tom Pool. Dress to impress and expect electric beats and Ibiza vibes.

Siddharta Lounge, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, doors open at 5pm, Thursday February 28. Tel: (04) 317 6000. siddhartalounge.com

4. See Lost Frequencies from a rooftop bar

The Penthouse’s Thursday night line-up this week includes “Are You With Me” hit-maker, Lost Frequencies. The house artist will be headlining their Skyline Thursdays night and it promises to be an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed event.

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Thursdays. Tel: (052) 900 4868. fivehotelsandresorts.com

5. Celebrate Q43’s fifth birthday

International DJ and music producer, Erick Morillo, will be headlining Q43’s birthday bash. You can expect his dance floor-filling tracks as well as plenty more of your favourite house tunes from 9pm. To get the anniversary party going, Q43’s Thursday night brunch will be in full swing, offering free-flowing drinks and unlimited tacos for Dh199 from 8pm-11pm.

Q43, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 9pm to 3am, Thursday February 28, free entry. Tel: (04) 443 5403. q43dubai.com

Friday March 1

6. Indulge in an extravagant brunch on the Palm

 

miX Dubai by Alain Ducasse, the luxurious three-storey restaurant in Emerald Palace Kempinski, has launched an extravagant brunch named ‘Aristokrasi’. The offering includes multiple live drink stations with an expert skilled mixologist at each and a lavish buffet for unlimited servings of lamb shoulder, roasted corn-fed chicken confit, lobster, and line-caught sea bass. Music will be supplied by resident DJ and electronic dance producer, Memed Awad.

miX Dubai by Alain Ducasse, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, Dhs349 soft, Dhs449 house, Dhs549 sparkling. Tel: (04) 248 8860. Facebook.com/mixdubai

7. Take part in a tough challenge

Tough Mudder is back again and there’s still time to register your place to enter. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and take on the world-renowned obstacle course in Ras Al Khaimah. This year will also see the introduction of the timed option for the more competitive racers, with cash prizes available for whoever who completes the course the fastest.

Tough Mudder, Mina al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, 7:30am, Friday March 1, Mini Mudder 1.6km (age 7-13) Dhs150, 5km Dhs350, Classic 10km Dhs400, Timed 10km Dhs500.  toughmudder.ae

8. Get your foodie fix at a new brunch

Promising ‘theatrics of the hit TV show’, the new brunch at Hell’s Kitchen will feature Red and Blue teams competing in a fun culinary challenge. Guests can expect to tuck into signature dishes such as the famous beef Wellington, crispy salmon, tuna tartare and an oyster tower. Diners can take part in a competition known as “The Eton Mess Challenge”, where they must create an Eton Mess within five minutes and one winner will be awarded a dinner for two at Hell’s Kitchen.

Hellicious Brunch, Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, off JBR, Dubai Marina, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs350 soft, Dhs450 house, Dhs600 champagne. Tel: (04) 556 6466. caesars.com/dubai

9. Take the kids to a fun fair

Al Noor Fun Fair is happening this weekend and has plenty to keep the little ones occupied, with fairground rides, raffle prizes, painting competition and bouncy castle. There will also be a garage sale, donations for which can be made by dropping off brand-new or used items to Al Noor beforehand. There will also be a fun five-a-side football tournament featuring 16 teams of five-to-ten players with all proceeds going to Al Noor.

Al Noor Training Centre, Al Barsha 1, behind Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Friday March 1 to 2, Dhs5. Tel: (04) 3404844. alnoorspneeds.ae

10. Let your hair down at a party brunch

Lollipop, Andreeas’ bright and colourful brunch, is a must-do for any party lover in Dubai. This is one that will surely have you out of your seat by the end, and if you’re ready to carry on the fun, there’s their after-brunch party at next-door venue, One Club Dubai. The club is free entry for all from 4:30pm and girls can enjoy unlimited complimentary drinks until 9pm.

Andreea’s, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, brunch 1:30pm to 4:30pm, after-party from 4:30pm, Fridays, house Dhs295, sparkling Dhs350. Tel: (04) 408 4400. andreeas.ae

Saturday March 2

11. Watch the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship final

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships men’s tournament comes to an end this weekend. Will Roger Federer take the victory again this year, or will another contender come for his title? Whoever gets through to the final, it’s bound to be an intense match after a week of great games.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Sunday Feb 17 to Sat Mar 2. From Dhs55 to Dhs475. dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com

12. Cheer on your little champ

Race the Dash are encouraging kids aged five to 13 to lead an active lifestyle with their ‘Mini Dash’ fun run. The 500m route is followed by an activity village in which children can obtain and collect stamps to win rewards. Sports classes will include trampolining, cycling and more and children will receive a medal after obtaining 10 stamps to go with their exclusive Mini Dash t-shirt.

Mini Dash, Creek Park, Dubai, 8am to noon, Saturday March 2, Dhs60. Tel: (050) 152 2497. racethedash.com

13. Enjoy a budget-friendly ‘Vrunch’

Never heard of a vrunch? It’s the latest addition to Dubai’s list of vegan-friendly eateries. Rove Healthcare City are offering four hours of unlimited vegan bites and soft drinks for only Dhs99. With a choice of buffet appetisers, healthy main course and dessert to finish, it’s a steal.

Rove Healthcare City, Oud Metha, 11:30am to 3:30pm, Saturday March 2, kids Dhs49, adults Dhs99. Tel: (04) 561 9200. rovehotels.com

14. Spend the day at Ripe Market

The Ripe Market features a farmers market and food trucks, plus arts, crafts and workshops, as well as yoga, live music and heaps of other activities. This week, you can pamper yourself with Daisy Spa Saloon or experience the flavours of Africa with Afro Taste Dubai.

Ripe Market, Umm Al Emarat park, Umm Sequim Street, 9am to 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays, free. ripeme.com

15. Watch a movie in live concert

The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to Dubai Opera with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert, the second film in the Harry Potter series. The Grammy winning score by John Williams will be performed by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

Harry Potter Film Concert Series, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 3pm & 8pm on Friday March 1, 2pm & 7pm on Saturday March 2, Dhs175. dubaiopera.com

16. Explore the International Boat Show 

The 27th edition of the annual Dubai International Boat Show returns to the Dubai Canal from Tuesday February 26 to Saturday March 2. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with boats of all shapes and sizes, water sports, entertainment and more. Also back this year is the Nikki Beach daily pop-up bar between 3pm and 10pm for over 21s, complete with a sunset set from their live DJ.

Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai Canal, near Dubai Ladies Club, 3pm to 9.30pm, February 26 to March 2, Dhs65. boatshowdubai.com