15 awesome things to do in Dubai this weekend
A pop-up musical brunch, a new bar and John Newman is performing…
This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a 3-day Super Sale, a big birthday celebration on the QE2 or why not take a tour around the Coca-Cola Arena? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Thursday May 2
1. Pick up some bargains
Taking place from Thursday May 2 until Saturday May 4 in malls all across Dubai, the bi-annual ‘Super Sale’ will see discounts of up to 90 per cent on a range of items including fashion, beauty and jewellery. Shoppers will be able to avail the discounts at more than 400 brands across 1500 stores over the three day sale, so you’ll want to clear a whole day for this shopping bonanza.
3 Day Super Sale, Dubai malls, normal mall hours. @dsfsocial
2. Celebrate the QE2’s 50th birthday
The QE2 will celebrate its 50th birthday in style with a gala dinner at the Queen’s Grill and a Queen tribute act in the Grand Lounge. On the 2nd May 1969, thousands of well-wishers gathered in the port of Southampton to watch the QE2 set sail on her maiden voyage to New York. Celebrate the 50th anniversary with a gala dinner featuring a five-course 1969 voyage menu accompanied with a selection of wine on May 2 from 7pm to 11pm. Queen – by Majesty will perform on Wednesday May 1 8pm – onwards, Thursday May 2 and Friday May 3 from 9pm to midnight.
QE2, Port Mina Rashid, May 1 to May 3, various times, Gala Dinner Dhs850 per person, Queen by Majesty Dhs495 including supper club. Tel: (04) 526 8811. qe2.com
3. Brunch through the musical decades
This weekend, #DXBExperiments takes you on a musical journey through the decades. From Wednesday May 1 to Friday May 3, pick a seat at the dinner table where each course is paired with not only a creative cocktail, but also an era of music. Start with the 1960s and the icon that is Aretha Franklin, and dine your way through the decades to finish with legendary band Nirvana in the 1990s.
4. Go on a dine-around tour
Taste of Hilton: Food Tour will offer guests the chance to dine at BiCE Ristorante, Trader Vic’s and McGettigan’s in the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. From 7pm to 11.30pm, enjoy courses from each venue starting with miniature ale pie and fish ‘n’ chips from authentic Irish pub McGettigans, to Caprese salad and tiramisu at BiCE followed by an Asian feast at Trader Vic’s.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Dubai Marina, 7pm to 11.30pm, Thursday May 2, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 318 2520. hilton.com
5. Check out a new bar in JBR
District, Rixos Premium JBR, Dubai Marina, opening May 2. @districtdxb
Friday May 3
6. Take a backstage tour of Dubai’s newest arena
The Coca-Cola Arena is offering an open day on FridayMay 3 giving visitors the chance to have a sneak peek ahead of the official opening in June. The arena already has a stellar line-up on the bill for 2019 including funnyman, Russell Peters, American music stars, Maroon 5 and throwback pop sensation, Westlife. Guided tours will take place every 30 minutes between 3.30pm and 6pm and will last approximately 20 minutes.
Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, 3.30pm to 6pm, Friday May 3, free. coca-cola-arena.com
7. Paint the town red
Nikki Beach Dubai is hosting its first ever red party and it promises to be a spectacular fiesta. The dress code is strictly red attire with beach chic theme and there will be a host of entertainment including resident DJs Mademoiselle Sabah, Alexis Nohra and Mert Yeniduny, live musicians and dancers. Known for being a legendary event, the Nikki Beach clubs in Europe host annual red parties and now its the turn of Dubai to have some flamenco fun.
Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah, 12pm to 9pm, Friday May 3, Dhs250 pool access, Dhs300 with sun lounger. Tel: (04) 376 6162. dubai-bc.nikkibeach.com
8. Celebrate Batman Day
International Batman Day occurs annually on May 1 so Lock Stock and Barrel JBR are throwing a special Batman themed brunch to celebrate. The Big Bat Brunch will include unlimited international bites and free-flowing drinks as well as a host of games and entertainment. Big prizes will be given for the best fancy dressed Batman in the building. Stay on for the ‘Dark Knight Rises’ after-party from 8pm onwards with live music performed by 13 Daze.
Lock Stock & Barrel, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Friday May 3, Dhs269 soft, Dhs369 house. Tel: (04) 392 7120. lsbdubai.com/jbr
9. Take advantage of a ladies-only deal
One of the newest restaurants at the ever-popular Bluewaters, is Puerto 99. With stunning sea and Dubai Marina views you can enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Now they’re launching a ladies deal for Thursday and Friday nights. From 10pm to midnight, ladies can enjoy unlimited margaritas for Dhs100.
Puerto 99, Bluewaters, off JBR, Thursdays and Fridays, 10pm to midnight, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 557 6627. puerto99.ae
10. See John Newman perform live
British singer-songwriter John Newman will perform at Zero Gravity on Friday May 3. The Feel The Love hit-maker will be performing a selection of his most popular songs with his band. This performance will be Zero Gravity’s final show of the season, after months of superstar performers such as James Arthur, Chase & Status and Clean Bandit.
John Newman, Zero Gravity, 10am to 3am following day, Friday May 3, Dhs195 online, Dhs 225 on the door. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae
Saturday May 4
11. Get a FREE ice-cream
To celebrate their first birthday, Jelly Belly is giving away a scoop of birthday cake flavoured ice cream when you purchase a regular scoop between Wednesday 1 and Sunday 5 May. Enjoy a selection of over 50 flavours, using only natural ingredients, with plenty of interesting and delicious toppings.
Jelly Belly Ice Cream, all locations, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3427387. jellybellyicecream.com
12. Head to an indoor market
Ripe Market is moving indoors this weekend to a new home in the Springs Souk. The popular market will continue to run every Friday and Saturday, with plenty of local organic produce, as well as products from artisans, crafters, jewellers and designers.
Ripe Market, Springs Souk, The Springs, Dubai, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to late. (04) 315 7000. ripeme.com
13. Check out a healthy cafe
Kulture House is the recently opened cafe/shop/florist situated in a villa in Jumeirah. The space has a mix match of rattan chairs, colourful poofs and stools, with a few comfy booths and a long communal table with majlis style cushions. On the menu you’ll find a selection of healthy dishes for breakfast and lunch, including avocado on toast, açaí bowls and tricolour quinoa date salad.
Kulture House, 106, Jumeriah Beach Road (opposite Beach Centre), Sun to Weds 9am to 7pm, Thurs to Sat 9am to 9pm. @kulturehousedubai
14. Get a great deal at Miss Tess
Miss Tess is having a summer clearance sale from May 3 to 5 and from 7pm until midnight guests can enjoy unlimited food and drink. For Dhs228 enjoy unlimited food, soft drinks and tea or for Dh288 you can add on house drinks, while the sparkling package is Dh328. That’s six hours of dining ’til your hearts content!
Miss Tess, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, 7pm until midnight, Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5, Dhs228 soft, Dhs288 house, Dhs328 sparkling. Tel: (050) 498 8505. misstessdubai.com
15. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
On Saturday May 4, COYA is throwing the ultimate Mexican fiesta. From 7pm, enjoy authentic Mexican treats and live Mexican music, with taco stations and three signature cocktails for Dhs150. The venue will be decked out in festive decorations and colourful clothes are encouraged.
COYA Dubai, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach, 7pm onwards, Saturday May 4. Tel: (04) 316 9600. coyarestaurant.com
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