A free hotel stay, a luxurious spa experience and a sample sale…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a new brunch, a new live music night or why not go vegan for the day? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday July 4

1. Check out a new live music night

New Downtown hotspot Distillery has a weekly acoustic night called Act Thursdays. With vocals from Josh McCartney, expect to hear a selection of your favourite songs covered by his live band from 8pm to 11pm. Afterwards, there’s a DJ playing to keep the party going until late.

Distillery, Souk Manzil, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Thursdays, 8pm to 2am. Tel: (054) 998 2003. distillerydubai.com

2. Get your oyster fix

Launching July 3, The Loft at Dubai Opera will host an Oysters and Pearls event every Wednesday and Thursday evening. For Dhs195, ladies can enjoy 12 oysters and free-flowing bubbly from 8pm to 11pm. The new night also promises social games and live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

The Loft, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 362 7312. loftatopera.com

3. Party at a warehouse rave

If you’re into underground events with a big difference, you’ll want to hold Thursday July 4 free in your diary – as there’s a massive new event coming to Dubai Studio City. Named The Grid, the new underground party will be held monthly and promises a stellar line up of dance artists at each one. The first line-up will see resident Dubai DJ Josephine De Retour warm up the crowd from 7.30pm, with English ‘Jedi’ DJ, James Zabiela; German techno duo, Teenage Mutants, Swedish ‘Circle of Live’ artist, Sebastian Mullaert and founder of The Grid, MadLou all on the bill.

The Grid, Dubai Studio City, 7.30pm onwards, Thursday July 4, from Dhs150. dubai.platinumlist.net/ Facebook.com/TheGriddxb

4. See a mystery performer at Barasti

It was only two weeks ago that Barasti’s House of Whatever surprised their crowd with a performance by Craig David. Now, they’re doing it again and the mystery is still unsolved. We know that its an American trio who have collaborated with none other than Snoop Dogg, but the identity of the group will not be revealed until Thursday.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Thursday July 4, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 399 3333. barastibeach.com

5. Be the first to try a new evening brunch

all’onda, the Venetian Italian restaurant in Emerald Palace Kempinki, is launching a new evening brunch on Thursday July 4. From 8pm to 11pm, enjoy dishes such as baked stuffed mushrooms, spaghetti carbonara, tomato rigatoni and more, as well as a selection of sushi and unlimited drinks. After, guests can enjoy three more drinks for Dhs100 until 1am.

all’onda, Emerald Palace Kempinksi, Palm Jumeirah, Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house, Dhs495 sparkling. Tel: (04) 248 8870. allondadxb.com

Friday July 5

6. Enjoy a spa day at B/Attitude

Treat yourself to a truly relaxing experience at Grosvenor House’s luxury spa B/Attitude. Opt for the Signature Arabian Jewel Massage to enjoy the moisturising benefits of fig and date oils as you drift into a stress-free state. They have a team of expert therapists on hand to help you feel comfortable during every part of your experience. After your massage, make your way into the hammam room where you’ll find five jacuzzi pools of varying temperatures to find the perfect fit for you.

B/Attitude Spa, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, daily, 8am to 10pm, Dhs525 for 60 mins. Tel: (04) 399 8888. battitudespa-dubai.com

7. Get a free hotel night’s stay

Sofitel Dubai Downtown are celebrating their fifth birthday this summer – but the gifts are all for you with their amazing summer staycation deal. Room rates start from Dhs500, and if you book and stay before September 30, you’ll be able to get the entire amount back to spend on food and beverages in their array of restaurants and bars.

Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 503 6666. sofitel-dubai-downtown.com

8. Try a twist on a classic burger

O’Pao serves burgers with a difference at their new Karama restaurant. Infused with Indian flavours, O’Pao’s sliders are like nothing you’ve tried before. The intriguing menu includes sliders such as o’butter chicken pao, o’pulled lamb pao, o’scrambled cottage cheese pao, o’prawns balchao pao and o’pao french toast.

O’Pao, 2B Street, Behind Park Regis Hotel, Karama, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs & Fri noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 349 6726. opaodxb.com

9. Check out a Polynesian themed brunch

Lapita Hotels and Resorts’ Hakina Daycation Brunch, gives families a destination to enjoy great food and pool access on a budget. Kids and teenagers can enjoy a fun-filled day with activites such as retro games zone, rock climbing, dancing, face painting, arts and crafts and movie screenings. While parents can enjoy a day by the pool and unlimited food access at the barbecue grill station. Use code DAYCATION for discount on Careem. 

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs75 kids, Dhs149 soft, Dhs249 house. Tel: (04) 810 9421. marriott.com

10. Head to a new after-brunch party

If you’re looking for somewhere new to carry on the fun after your brunch, Skorpeus gets lively from 5pm onwards. The Emerald Palace Kempinksi bar offers ladies three house beverages for Dhs100 and men four drinks for Dhs150. Brought to you by Secret Parties, expect a pumping soundtrack and no chance of winding down towards the evening.

Skorpeus, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, Fridays, 5pm to late, Dhs100 ladies, Dhs150 guys or a la carte. Tel: (04) 248 8840. facebook.com/skorpeus

Saturday July 6

11. Go vegan for a day (or forever)

Rove Healthcare City is back with its popular ‘Vrunch’ this weekend, offering a unique meat-free feast for just Dhs99. There’s an Indonesian Tumpeng theme, and guests can enjoy four hours of unlimited dishes including banana blossom curry, Balinese sate and spiced tempeh.

Rove Healthcare City, Oud Metha Road, Saturday July 6, 11.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs49 kids, Dhs99 adults. Tel: (04) 561 9200. rovehotels.com

12. Pick up some new kicks

Urban sneaker store, (and home to some of the best and rarest trainers) The Good Life, is having a warehouse sale on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Head down between 1pm and 8pm on Thursday or 11am and 8pm on Friday and Saturday to get your hands on a new pair with a 50 to 70 per cent discount applied.

The Good Life, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Thur Jul 4 1pm to 8pm, Fri Jul 5 and Sat Jul 6 11am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 346 0004. thegoodlifespace.com

13. Indulge in a roast dinner

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Rose & Crown offers up a tasty roast dinner for Dhs90, or you can get two roasts plus a bottle of wine or two pints of beer for Dhs250. Choose between roast chicken, beef or pork belly all served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, with roasted potatoes, veg and gravy.

Rose & Crown, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 4370022. roseandcrowndubai.com

14. Drink, paint and party

Get your creative juices flowing at Vivaldi’s artistic party happening on Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. ArtistPals will be on hand to guide you through the creation of a masterpiece, from blank canvas to complete artwork. The theme for this weekend is ‘full moon’ and all art supplies including brushes, paints, easels, 40×50 cm canvas and aprons are provided.

Vivaldi, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Dubai Creek, Saturday July 6, 6pm to 8pm, Dhs140. Tel: (04) 207 1717. artistpals.com

15. Enjoy a soulful dinner

STK JBR knows how to throw a legendary dinner, and their Saturday night party is no different. Soul Saturday offers a three-course dinner and free flowing house beverages for Dhs299 from 8pm to 11pm. Enjoy the sultry sounds of a live soul, funk and jazz musician, plus southern-inspired dishes such as cajun fillet steak, smoked jambalaya risotto or jumbo prawns.

STK, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai Marina, Saturdays, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs299. Tel: (04) 323 0061. stkdubaijbr.com

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Images: Supplied/ Facebook