Valentine’s Day dinners, wellness retreats, top parties and some huge concerts…

The weekend is almost hear and if, like us, you’re already planning ways to fill it, we’re here to inspire you. Whether you’re after music and shows or dinner deals and new brunches, we’ve got everything you need to make this weekend a brilliant one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday February 14

1. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a top new restaurant 

Torno Subito is the first and only restaurant outside of italy by chef Massimo Bottura, the mastermind behind the world’s best restaurant, Osterica Francescana. This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 7-course tasting menu at the playful beachfront spot priced from Dhs430.

Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm onwards, Thursday February 14, Dhs430 food only, Dhs540 with glass of bubbly, Dhs590 with wine pairing. Tel: (04) 245 5555. wdubaithepalm.com

2. Sing along at a stunning Dubai Fountain show

To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, the Dubai Fountain will add one of the Oscar-nominated film, A Star Is Born’s most iconic singles – I’ll Never Love Again to its repertoire. It’s your last chance to catch the song, which will play for one final time at 8.30pm on Thursday February 14.

The Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai, 8.30pm, Thursday February 7 to 14, free. Facebook.com/TheDubaiFountain

3. Head to a wallet-friendly live performance

American rapper Pitbull will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2019 edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) at 8pm on Thursday February 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But he won’t be the only one. The opening ceremony of the annual cricket tournament will see Boney M star Marcia Barrett, as well as Pakistan superstar Fawad Khan and  Sufi-rock band Junoon also take to the stage to officially inaguarate the Pakistan Super League. Tickets for the opening ceremony are now on sale, priced from Dhs40.

HBL Pakistan Super League, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, 8pm onwards, Thursday February 14, from Dhs40. q-tickets.com

4. See some showjumping

The first International Horse Jumping Competition takes place at Dubai Sustainable City from February 13 to February 16, welcoming riders from across the world for a fascinating display of skills. There will be two rounds on Thursday at 3.30pm and 6.30pm, and entry is free for all. In addition to the equestrian competition, The Sustainable City International Horse Jumping Competition will also host a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including the K9 Dog Show, children’s activities, and the Origin market that will showcase handcrafted, ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable products.

The Sustainable City Equestrian Club, The Sustainable City, Dubai, 3pm to 7pm, February 13 to February 16. Tel: (050) 358 6290. Facebook.com/SustainableCityEquestrianClub

5. Sing along as a Brit popstar performs live

Brit popstar Jess Glynne will open RedFestDXB at Media City Amphitheatre on February 14.  The London-born star has had two number one albums and a string of hits over the last few years, and last performed in Dubai in 2016.

RedFestDXB, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Thursday February 14 and Friday February 15, from Dhs395. redfestdxb.com

Friday February 15

6. See a live performance at a top beach club 

Nikki Beach Dubai starts February with a guest performance by Salif Lasource this Friday. Salif is a young Parisian street dancer who went viral in a few days last year after posting a video of him doing Michael Jackson’s signature moonwalk. In 5 days the video gathered more than 5M views on Instagram, reaching more 8.5M views today.

Nikki Beach Club, Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, 11am to 8pm, Friday February 15. Tel: (04) 376 6162. nikkibeach.com/dubai

7. Explore the UAE’s heritage at a brilliant new museum

The Al Shindagha Museum is a newly opened museum on the banks of the Creek in Old Dubai, and is the first phase of the ambitious Dubai Historic District (DHD) project. Visitors are transported back in time to the 19th Century, where they learn about the heritage and growth of the UAE which has seen the country become the stunning metropolis it is now. From pearl diving, the oil era, cultural practices and the major significance of The Creek on trade, visitors are sure to leave with profound knowledge and insight of the country’s rich past.

Al Shindagha Musuem, Al Shindagha, Sat to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Fri 2.30pm to 9pm, Tue closed, Dhs15. Tel: (04) 515 5336. alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae

8. See a superstar live

Cuban-American singer Camilla Cabello will perform at RedFestDXB on February 15. Rising to fame as part of girl group Fifth Harmony, Camilla Cabello released her debut solo album in January 2018, with lead single Havana topping the charts in several countries across the globe. She’ll be joined by Brit rapper Macklemore.

RedFestDXB, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Thursday February 14 and Friday February 15, from Dhs395. redfestdxb.com

9. Check out a luxe new brunch 

For a lavish brunch with a brilliant view, check out the new Caviar Brunch at The Loft at Dubai Opera. Taking place on the terrace of the new Dubai Opera restaurant, guests can expect a feast of interactive cooking stations like the oyster counter, barbecue counter, pasta & risotto counter – and of course a caviar bar. It’s all washed down with free flowing beverages, mixed drinks and bubbly spun to the sounds of a resident DJ and live sax.

The Loft at Dubai Opera, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs395 soft, Dhs495 house, Dhs595 sparkling. Tel: (04) 362 7312. Facebook.com/Theloftatopera

10. Work up a sweat at a Foot Volley tournament

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and FC Kevin’s Académy have teamed up to host a Foot Volley tournament on Friday February 15. A combination of football and volleyball, it takes place on the beachfront and is Dhs100 to enter, and open for both adults and children. Wavebreaker will give all participant a 20 per cent discount on food and beverage for the day too.

Wavebreaker, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Dubai Marina, 10am to late, Friday February 15, Dhs100. hilton.com

Saturday February 16

11. Feast on a lazy lobster lunch

 

If you head to The Beach House on Saturdays, you can take advantage of a premium lazy lunch of unlimited lobster, truffle fries and a salad all served up by the serene ocean. Bag a beachfront table at the edge of the restaurant, and you’re guaranteed a good time – and a gorgeous view.

The Beach House, Anantara The Palm, 12pm to 4pm, Saturdays, from Dhs345. Tel: (04) 4567 8304. anantara.com

12. Check out a huge new fitness facility

The 500,000 square foot Max & Aegle, is described as an ‘innovative wellness destination’ and has been purpose-built to offer fitness solutions for ‘the mind, body and soul’ at Dubai’s Meydan. Inside, the fitness area is spread across two floors and boasts designated cardio, weight training and circuit areas, while group exercise classes will be held in dedicated studios for HIIT, boxing, yoga and cycling. Outside, an Olympic size swimming pool and kids’ splash pool are set within a shaded relaxation deck. There is also a 1,400 metre running track, two dedicated areas for outdoor fitness training and athletics, and a large yoga lawn offering some brilliant views onto the Downtown skyline.

Max and Aegle, Meydan, Dubai, now open. maxandaegle.com

13. Work on your wellness with a day-long retreat

Retreat company H Retreats one-day ‘Wellness Saturday’ is back this Saturday. The event involves a full day of nurturing and learning, and includes a healthy lunch with fresh juices throughout the day, yoga classes, a 25-minute massage, educational workshops and group consultations and sessions.

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery By Sofitel, Palm Jumeirah, 9am to 5pm, Saturday February 16, Dhs860. Tel: (058)561 0108. hretreats.com

14. See a top DJ spin at a crazy new night

 

Two party powerhouses have come together for this epic new Saturday night party, and it’s sure to become your go-to place to party on the weekend. Crazy Land at Base Dubai is powered by Candypants and delivers an epic set of ‘kaleidoscopic backgrounds of the jungle and sea, stunning pyrotechnics and pumping house and pop music’. It’s an open bar for everyone from 10pm to 11pm, with complimentary drinks for ladies afterwards. This week, world-famous DJ Afrojack spins.

Crazy Land at Base Dubai, Dubai Design District, 10pm to 4am, Saturdays. BaseDubai.com

15. Round off the weekend with an evening brunch 

Following the success of their sold-out Wednesdays, Ramusake presents Miss Independent Saturday Late Brunch, launching on Saturday February 16. Priced at Dhs330 for a three-course Izakaya menu and bottomless beverages from 6pm to 9pm, it’s served up to smooth R&B tunes spun by resident Miss Independent DJs Nana B and Thomas Karnovski.

Ramusake, DoubleTree by Hilton JBR, JBR, Dubai Marina, 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays, Dhs330. Tel (04) 559 5300. ramusake.ae

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