An Aladdin brunch, a cooking masterclass and a brand new gym…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a new brunch, save on your next dinner bill or why not try a new cocktail? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday June 27

1. Check out a new gym

XFit is the latest gym to join Dubai’s ever-growing list. The 3-in-1 studio just opened in Town Centre and gives members a choice of ten specialist classes over three zones: LIFT, BOX and HIIT. Classes include X60, BOXX, Smash and Lift, which aim to improve cardio and agility to ensure you get fit, fast and lean. One-off classes are Dhs80, while a monthly membership is priced at Dhs699.

XFit, Town Centre, The Springs, Sun to Thurs 6am to 9pm, Fri & Sat 9am to noon. Tel: (04) 439 2323. uae.fitnessfirstme.com

2. Get your burger fix

London Slide (the London Project’s little brother) brings some of the best burgers Bluewaters has seen. All with fond London-esque names, you’ll find yourself feasting on a Big Ben or a Covent Garden slider. It’s The Duke though that’s our favourite, with Wagyu beef, brie, mushrooms & thyme, truffle, avocado, tomato and japanese mayo, it’s lucky it comes with two sliders because the first one leaves you craving another.

London Slide, Bluewaters, Sat to Weds 1pm to 11pm, Thurs & Fri noon to midnight. Tel: (054) 306 1333. bluewatersdubai.ae

3. Enjoy dinner for less

Residents of Palm Jumeirah can enjoy a 50 per cent discount at their favourite beach bar, Riva, this Thursday. Simply show your residence card and you’ll receive all of your favourite Mediterranean dishes for half price, from 6pm to 11pm.

RIVA Ristorante, Palm Jumeirah, Thursday June 27, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 430 9466. riva-beach.com

4. Taste-test a new cocktail menu

Laurel bar in Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai has launched a new cocktail menu inspired by ‘ecosystems of Gaia’. The Grecian inspired tipples include fantastical flavours such as salted coconut, oyster leaves and balsamic bitter.

Laurel Bar, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, Sun, Mon & Thurs 4pm to 1am, Fri & Sat 4pm to 2am, Tues & Weds closed. Tel: (04) 556 6666. caesars.com

5. See Tini Gessler at The Penthouse

Skyline Thursdays presents a night of deep house and techno at The Penthouse on Thursday June 27. The German DJ has a long line-up of parties this summer including Elrow, Ibiza and even Tomorrowland, but first she’ll be in Dubai playing at FIVE Palm Jumeirah.

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Thursday June 27, 9pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 900 4868. fivehotelsandresorts.com

Friday June 28

6. Check out a new brunch

Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City’s chic bar and brasserie Verve has launched a new brunch which sounds delicious. From 1pm to 4pm every Friday, dine on a selection of locally sourced Dibba Bay oysters, chicken liver and foie gras, traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and truffle risotto prepared in a parmesan wheel.

Verve, Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, Dubai Media City, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs599 champagne. Tel: (04) 525 7633. vervebrasserie.com

7. Glastonbury meets Dubai

England’s biggest festival takes place this weekend and if you can’t make it then don’t worry as Garden on 8 is bringing Glastonbury to you. The outdoor terrace has been covered for summer so there’s no fear of being scorched as you don your flower crown and Havaianas. There’s a barbecue brunch from 12.30pm to 4pm and the festival will be streamed live on the big screen.

Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Friday June 28, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 427 100. mediaonehotel.com

8. Experience a whole new brunch

Yalumba at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel is hosting an Aladdin themed brunch for one day only. On Friday June 28, experience the mystical feast of Aladdin and Jasmine’s magical buffet brunch. Brunchology is followed by a happy hour where guests drinks wishes are granted by the Genie.

Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, Friday June 28, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs389 house, Dhs529 premium. Tel: (04) 702 2455. yalumbadubai.com

9. Have a Friday fiesta

Latin American restaurant, La Parrilla at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, is sure to get you in the weekend mood with their Friday Fiesta brunch. Enjoy authentic cuisine inspired by the tastes of Argentina, Peru and Mexico while enjoying free-flowing drinks, a stunning setting and sky-high views.

La Parrilla, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs415 soft, Dhs520 house, Dhs650 sparkling. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

10. See Mark Radford spin the decks

Ministry of Sound regular, Mark Radford will be coming to Dubai this weekend to DJ at Industrial Avenue. On Friday June 28, The Audio Rehab artist will be joined by Industrial Avenue’s resident Adam Cotier to bring you hours of deep and tech sounds.

Industrial Avenue, Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Friday June 28, 10pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 293 5907. industrialavenuedubai.com

Saturday June 29

11. Spend a day by the pool for free

Summer Pool Sessions @ Atlantis is offering anyone over the age of 21 complimentary access to its pool this summer. Head down to the Atlantis pool (via the Nasimi entrance) any day of the week and relax on a complimentary sun lounger for the whole day. The offer is valid for guys and girls and the beds are available on a first come, first served basis so we recommend you arrive at 11am, when it opens.

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, daily 11am to 7pm, 21+, free entry. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com

12. Learn to cook like a pro

Italian Venetian restaurant, all’onda, is inviting Italian fans to come and learn how to cook Venetian style. Head Chef of all’onda, Ibraheem ‎Musleh, will share his secrets to teach you all about Italian cooking techniques so you can create your own masterpiece in the kitchen. 

All’onda, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, Saturday June 28, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 248 8870. kempinski.com

13. See a musical at Dubai Opera

Dubai Performing Arts’ Youth Theatre Company will be performing Footloose on Friday June 28 at 7.30pm and Saturday June 29 at 6.30pm. The talented cast will include the hit songs from the musical including Let’s Hear It For The Boys, Holding Out For A Hero and the title track, Footloose. In addition, DPA Academy will perform Where Stars Are Born on Saturday June 28 at 2.30pm.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Friday June 28 to Saturday June 29, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

14. Celebrate National Ceviche Day

COYA Dubai are celebrating Ceviche Day in true Peruvian style with a masterclass in the secrets behind the famous dish. For Dhs290, participants are invited to prepare and taste their own creations, followed by a sent lunch menu and Peruvian cocktail. 

COYA Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah, Saturday June 29 12.30pm to 2pm, Dhs290. Tel: (04) 316 9600. coyarestaurant.ae

15. Finish your weekend with live music

On Saturday nights Bistrot Bagatelle is the place to be. Their stripped back, emotional live sets are the perfect way to end your weekend with soul classics, blues and incredible vocals. Bagatelle’s Unplugged brings you the most talented artists that Dubai has to offer.

Bistrot Bagatelle Dubai, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Saturdays, 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 354 5035. bagatelledubai.com

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