Tennis championships, a galactic festival and a fashion-focused brunch…

We can’t wait for the weekend to begin… and with a line-up like this who can blame us? Whether you’re looking to get active, watch sporting action, or try a new happy hour, we’ve more than got you covered.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday February 21

1. See the women’s tennis champions go head-to-head 

Roger Federer wins the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships women’s tournament will see the return of  two-time defending champion Elina Svitolina, who will no doubt be ready to make it a hat-trick in Dubai this year. She’ll face some stiff competition from current world number one Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber. Next week, see legendary player Roger Federer return to the competition, alongside former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.

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

2. Test your knowledge at a new quiz

The QE2 is launching a Thursday night Queen’s Quiz in the Golden Lion. Led by comedic host, Stuee Kennedy, quizzers have the chance to get their brain ticking and win prizes, whilst enjoying a pie and a pint or a cheese and wine board for Dhs85.

The Golden Lion, QE2 Dubai, Mina Rashid, 8pm-10pm, every Thursday, free to participate. Tel: (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

3. See a French hip hop singer perform at a super club

Vegedream, is a hip hop, R&B and urban pop singer songwriter, best known with his hit “Ramenez la coupe à la maison”. The star will be taking the stage at White Dubai on Thursday night and ladies can enjoy free drinks until 1am. If you can’t make it, head to Drai’s Dubai on Friday night to catch him again.

White Dubai, Meydan, 11pm to 4am, Thursday February 21, free. Tel: (050) 443 0933. whitedubai.com

4. Witness a BIG competition

The Biggest Catch is back at the Waterfront Market and promises to be bigger than ever. Celebrate the UAE’s hardworking fisherman as they battle it out and compete to catch the biggest fish. With the winner being crowned at 9pm, the rest of the evening can be spent enjoying the assortment of family friendly carnival games, entertainment and food on offer including a complimentary barbecue.

Waterfront Market, the intersection of Al Khaleej Rd and Abu Hail Street, Deira, 6pm to 10pm, Thursday February 21, free. waterfrontmarket.ae

5. Try a new happy hour

The Elephants Trunk, launching at La Mer’s licensed Indian restaurant, Masti, is the happy hour for the party animals, the night owls or those just looking for a night cap. It includes two for one offers on spirits, cocktails, beers and wines plus 15 per cent off the special bar bites menu, with a DJ pumping out the tunes until 1am.

Masti, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, 10pm to 1am, Wednesday to Sunday. Tel: (04) 3444384. mastidubai.com

Friday February 22

6. Test your strength in the ultimate obstacle course 

There’s still time to register for the Desert Warrior Challenge. This year’s course will have you facing 12 tough obstacles, including the highest 1/4 pipe in the region, monkey bars, The Monster and The Beast. The challenge is designed to test the physical strength, mental toughness, team-work and overall fitness of each and every Warrior. Think you can beat it? Prove it!

Al Marmoon at Al Qudra, 7.00am – 4pm, Friday 22nd February, prices vary. desertwarriorchallenge.com

7. Check out a new brunch

Three is the magic number at this three-hour brunch. Enjoy free-flowing beverages from three cocktail stations, offering sangria, caipirinha or infused spirit & mixers. Tuck into a mix of unlimited cold and hot starters, meaty mains and traditional South American desserts. Bring your friends, but choose wisely as diners in groups of three will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling.

Toro Toro, Tower Two, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 3pm to 6pm, every Friday, Dhs333 for ladies, Dhs433 for gents. Tel: (04) 317 6000. www.torotoro-dubai.com

8. Experience a unique festival in Fujairah

Spend the weekend partying on Snoopy Island for a Space Odyssey themed deep-house festival headlined by the Beirut Fantome De Nuit collective and Kater Blau’s Chris Schwarzwälder and The Sorry Entertainer. Snoopy Beats promises to transform the beach into another galaxy and has food and drink stalls situated around the festival for those who would rather relax on the sand than raise the roof. Tickets include free shuttle bus to-and-from Dubai and Fujairah.

Snoopy Island, Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, Fujairah, February 22nd to 23rd, tickets start from Dhs 189. Over 21only. Tickets available on platinumlist.net

9. Catch a movie under the stars

Dubai Festival City is hosting a free outdoor screening of Finding Dory at the Organic Souk. Gather with family and enjoy the adventures of Dory and Nemo while lounging on bean bags on the beach. Food trucks will also be available, serving Italian cuisine, Karak chai and ice-cream.

Organic Souk, Marsa Plaza Creek, Dubai Festival City, 6pm onwards, Friday February 22nd, free viewing. dubaifestivalcity.com

10. Get a dose of the best medicine

If you’re feeling the blues recently, a night full of laughter could be just the thing to get you back on track. With a line-up including John Fothergill who will have you laughing non-stop; international comedian Lateef Lovejoy and Ria Lina, who’s mixed British and Philippino heritage gives a unique relatability to her set, The Laughter Factory is a must-see this weekend.

Laughter Factory, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, 9pm onwards, Friday February 22nd, Dhs160. Tel: (050) 8786 728. thelaughterfactory.com 

Saturday February 23

11. Stroll around a market

Every weekend until April, guests of Reform can enjoy the great weather and a range of pop-up shops within the gastropub’s garden. There’s great offers on food and drink, live music and activities for kids. You can even bring your pup along to make it a full family affair.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, noon to 6pm on Fridays & Saturdays and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Sundays. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae

12. Indulge in a traditional roast dinner

If you’re looking to try a new roast in Dubai, head to Aloft Me’aisam this Saturday. For only Dhs99, you can choose between tender beef or succulent chicken, which will be served alongside roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a traditional Yorkshire pudding.

WXYZ, Aloft Me’aisam, Dubai Production City, 1pm to 3pm, every Saturday, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 2487070. facebook.com/aloftmeaisam

13. Listen to a line-up of live music

Bluewaters is hosting a Street Music Festival with complimentary workshops every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until March 2nd. Catch live performances by popular local and international artists across the jazz, rock, urban, and retro genres. Also take part in open mic nights, guitar lessons, hip hop beat classes and much more.

Bluewaters, off JBR, 5pm to 10:30pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until March 2nd, free. bluewatersdubai.ae

14. Shop while you brunch

Blue Marlin Ibiza’s famous Saturday brunch will be upgraded this week with brunchers able to dine, drink and shop from a selection of pop-ups, as well as an on-site fashion market. Local brands The Edit Dubai, I’ll Write You Letters and Dream Catchers UAE will be a few of the labels showcasing their new collections.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, 1pm to 11pm, Saturday February 23rd, prices from Dhs310. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

15. Taste test a limited edition burger

Black Tap at Jumeirah Al Naseem is celebrating its second birthday with a limited edition menu. The Kickin’ Korean Burger is a beef patty loaded with kimchi slaw and grilled pulled chicken tossed in a Korean BBQ sauce and fries on the side. If you have any room for more, they also have a special Mac & Cheetos side which consists of elbow macaroni pasta, homemade cheese sauce and Cheetos.

Black Tap, Jumeirah Al Naseem, available daily until Saturday February 23rd, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 4229904. blacktapme.com

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