A healthy brunch, a fascinating exhibition and something to keep the kids busy…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a dinner experience with the chef rated number six in the world, a performance by a huge rapper or why not check out a new coffee hangout. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday April 4

1. Join an exclusive dining experience

World number six chef, Virgilio Martinez, will be visiting Dubai to celebrate his restaurant LIMA’s second birthday this weekend. On Thursday April 4 and Friday April 5, diners can enjoy a nine-course Peruvian menu promised to be ‘out of this world’ and have the opportunity to meet Martinez himself. The menu is priced at Dhs380 with one welcome drink or Dhs530 for a welcome drink and wine pairing.

LIMA Dubai, The Square, City Walk, Dubai, 7pm onwards, Thursday April 4 & Friday April 5, Dhs380 welcome drink, Dhs530 wine pairing. Tel: (056) 500 4571. limadubai.com

2. Check out a new coffee hotspot

Much loved cafe, Common Grounds, has just opened its second branch in DIFC. The new location offers a takeaway option, allowing guests to browse the deli-style spread and enjoy the delicious food on-the-go. For those with more time to relax, vibrant indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Common Grounds, Level 2, Balcony Building 5, DIFC, Dubai, 8am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (056) 511 8732. commongroundsdubai.com

3. See Felix Jaehn spin

Felix Jaehn rose to fame when he remixed OMI’s Cheerleader into the version we know and love today. He then went on to produce incredible tracks such as Ain’t Nobody, Feel Good and All The Lies. He will be taking the stage at Penthouse’s Skyline Thursdays, which now offers an evening brunch for Dhs149 for women and Dhs249 for gents. 

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, 9pm to 3am, Thursday April 5. Tel: (052) 900 4868. fivehotelsandresorts.com

4. Discover a new kid’s carnival

OliOli, creators of the experiential play museum, are launching an indoor carnival for kids from April 5th to 13th. The unique space will feature arcade games with a twist, an illusion gallery area with intermittent shows and classic carnival games. Each interactive area is packed with creative and immersive activities, often with a humorous twist, for kids and curious parents.

OliOli, next to Oasis Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, 9am to 7pm, Sat to Weds, 9am to 9pm, Thurs & Fri, until April 13, Dhs42 adults, Dhs155 children 2+, Dhs93 children age 12-23 months. Tel: (04) 702 7300. olioli.ae/carnival

5. See Wiz Khalifa at White

American rapper Wiz Khalifa is set to headline at Medyan super clubs White and Drai’s this weekend. The Roll Up hitmaker will first headline at White Dubai on Thursday April 4, followed by a huge gig at neighbouring super club Drai’s on Friday April 5. Although he’s been releasing music since 2006, Wiz Khalifa garnered more mainstream attention with the release of Black and Yellow in 2010.

Wiz Khalifa at White Dubai, Meydan, 11pm to 4am, Thursday April 4. Tel: (050) 443 0933. whitedubai.com

Friday April 5

6. Experience an Arabic music festival

WASLA, the Arabic alternative music festival, is taking place on Friday April 5. From 11am to 11pm, enjoy music from regional bands, Cairokee, Massar Egbari, Mashrou’ Leila and more at Burj Park. Street food stalls will include a mix of Middle Eastern and international cuisines. Family-friendly activities will also be on offer, from artistic workshops to music and dance performances.

WASLA, Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, 11am to 11pm, Friday April 5, tickets from Dhs195, available from Ticketmaster. facebook.com/waslamusic

7. Check out a new lively brunch

Popular sports bar, The 44, has launched a new party brunch every Friday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. The ‘Kool Brunch’ includes unlimited house beverages and buffet selection along with a DJ pumping out a mix of current and classic tunes. The four-hour brunch is priced at Dhs245 including house beverages.

Kool Brunch, The 44, Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Fridays, Dhs245 house. Tel: (054) 581 1758. the44dubai.com

8. Test out an artistic experience

The Beach at JBR is launching a 17-day entertainment experience this weekend called Art Meets Water. It aims to transform the beach into an arts hub in order to explore fascinating underwater creatures, showcase daring bubble acrobats and entertain with energetic drumming sessions. Spend Dhs200 at The Beach’s retail and dining outlets to experience the VR gaming zone.

Art Meets Water, The Beach, JBR, Dubai Marina, various times, April 4 to 20, free. thebeach.ae

9. Treat yourself to a daycation

Enjoy the Seagrill Bistro brunch at Fairmont the Palm and receive complimentary pool and beach access to enjoy for the rest of the day. The adults-only Balearic style brunch offers a selection of Mediterranean sharing dishes and unlimited beverages while a DJ builds the atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Brunch packages start from Dhs345 for soft beverages and Dhs495 for house drinks, both including pool and beach access from 10am.

Seagrill Bistro, Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, brunch 12.30 to 4pm, pool access 10am to 7pm, Fridays, Dhs345 soft, Dhs495 house.

10. Spend a night in Paradise

Ibiza icon, Jamie Jones, is bringing his Paradise party to Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE this weekend. Inspired by New York’s Paradise Garage parties, the event which originated in Ibiza’s DC10 club has made its way around the world, giving party-goers a 360 experience. Expect two stages of music with vibrant lights, décor and visuals, as well as dancers, performers and installations until late. Free entry until 1pm, or purchase tickets from platinumlist.net.

Paradise with Jamie Jones, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Resort, Ghantoot Marina, Abu Dhabi, 11am to late, Friday April 5. Tel: (056) 113 3400. Facebook.com/BMIUAE

Saturday April 6

11. Check out a historic photography exhibition

It’s your last chance to explore the Founding Fathers exhibition. Until April 7th, you can discover the history of the UAE at Etihad Museum. The collection is a treasure trove of iconic moments through the lives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum photographed by Ramesh Shukla.

Etihad Museum, Union House, 2nd December Street, Jumeira 1, 10am to 8pm daily until April 7, Dhs25 adults, Dhs10 students under 25, under 5s free. Tel: (04) 515 5771 etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae

12. Visit the Ripe Market

Ripe Market is the weekly fair with over 100 vendors offering unique collections from artists, jewellers and designers. This Saturday will welcome a free yoga class at 9.30am, as well as a performance in the evening from an unplugged, acoustic musician. 

Ripe Market, Dubai Police Academy Park, 9am to 7pm on Friday and 9am to 9pm on Saturday. ripeme.com

13. Discover your DNA at a Detox Brunch

The Detox Brunch at Vibe, The Retreat Palm Dubai is offering a unique opportunity to have your genetics tested for analysis. The painless test can be done during the brunch, and you’ll receive personalised information on weight-loss management, food intolerances and more within 48 hours. The brunch is geared towards the health conscious, with a buffet offering meat, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan and paleo dishes. Detox drinks include cold pressed juices, smoothies and naturally infused water.

Detox Brunch, Vibe, The Retreat Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs299 brunch, Dhs349 including pool and beach access. 

14. Test out a new menu

Authentic Indian restaurant, Claypot, located in Citymax Bur Dubai has relaunched its complete menu from starters to desserts. Be one of the first to experience the dynamic flavours of the new dishes including Bombay Bhel, Pani Puri, Dahi Puri and more.

Claypot, Citymax Bur Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Saturday to Wednesday, 7pm to 1am, Thursday & Friday. Tel: (050) 100 7065. facebook.com/ClaypotDubai

15. Attend a hops festival

Perry & Blackwelder’s in Madinat Jumeirah are hosting an event on April 6 to celebrate the American tradition of New Hops Eve. Expect a day filled with live music, entertainment, craft brews, games for kids and for adults, barbecue stations and more. Entrance is free with bites starting from Dhs30.

P&B’s, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 2pm to late, Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6. Tel: (04) 432 3232. facebook.com/perryandblackwelder

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Images: Supplied/Facebook