10 things to look forward to in Dubai this September

Check in to a new hotel, check out a new restaurant, or see some epic live events from Harry Potter in concert to Tony Robbins live in Dubai for the first time…

Why do we love September so much? Well, not only do some of our favourite alfresco venues reopen, but we also welcome a whole host of top speakers and stars for live shows, brand new hotels and restaurants, and some unmissable events launch ready for the brand new season.

Here are 10 brilliant things to look forward to in Dubai this September.

From September 2: Check in at a fabulous new hotel

FIVE Jumeirah Village hotel will open in JVC on September 2, and promises “a chic penthouse lifestyle with 269 pools and Jacuzzis, vast lush green terraces and a culinary and party scene like no other”. To celebrate their opening, FIVE Jumeirah Village will also be offering a special staycation package valid from opening on September 2 until October 31. Priced at Dhs650 per room (that’s Dhs325 per person), guests can enjoy an overnight stay, half board, a Dhs200 credit to spend at the pool bar and two facials. Best of all, the half board meals can be redeemed either at the JVC property, or FIVE Palm Jumeirah, so if you’d prefer to dine at the Palm property, just hop on the shuttle bus (which goes every 20 minutes between the two hotels). The deal is valid on a minimum two night stay.

FIVE Jumeirah Village, JVC, Dubai, opening on September 2. fivehotelsandresorts.com

September 3: Get some positive reinforcement at an inspiring talk

Tony Robbins, the world-renowned Number 1 life and business strategist will be coming to Dubai for a one-day-only live event on Tuesday September 3. The event “Achieve the Unimaginable” with star philanthropist, Tony Robbins, who will be joined by guest speakers Alicia Keys and Nick Vujicic. Tickets for the 10-hour edutainment events start from Dhs1,499 for the silver package and increase right up to the VIP premium experience which costs Dh19,997.

Achieve the Unimaginable, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, 11am onwards, Tuesday September 3, Dhs1,499 to Dhs19,997. coca-cola-arena.com

September 4: Head to the capital for a red hot concert

Red Hot Chili Peppers are coming to Abu Dhabi this September as part of the week-long Abu Dhabi Showdown week, which will lead up to the UFC 242 fight. The gig will take place on September 4 at the UFC arena (called The Arena), which is being built on Yas Island. The four-piece rock band were last in the Middle East in March, when they performed in front of Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza. ‘Showdown Week’ will run from September 1 to 7 with a week-long schedule of city-wide events and activations take place including pool and beach parties, shopping and restaurant deals.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers at The Arena, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday September 4, tickets from Dhs250. adshowdownweek.ae

From September 10: Dine at a cool new restaurant by an acclaimed local chef

Local celebrity chef Reif Othman is set to debut his self-titled restaurant in Dar Wasl mall this September. Promising to bring ‘unconventional Japanese street food’ to the region, the unlicensed restaurant will serve affordable versions of kushiyaki (skewered meats inspired by Japanese robata restaurants), as well as bringing back chef Reif’s famed ‘The Experience’, chef’s table menu.

Reif, Dar Wasl Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai, opening September 10. reifkushiyaki.com

September 11 and 12: See a Supreme concert on the QE2

Legendary girl group The Supremes will be performing at the QE2 this September. You’ll be able to catch current members Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene, who were part of the original recording trio, alongside Joyce Vincent for two performances on September 11 and 12. The Supremes dominated the charts in the 60s and 70s with smash hits such as Stop in the Name of Love, Baby Love and You Keep me Hanging On. When they take to the stage in Dubai, soul fans will be able to dance the night away to their biggest hits live, taking a nostalgia trip back to the days of soul and funk.

The Supremes, Theatre by QE2, QE2 Dubai, Port Rashid, Wednesday September 11 and Thursday September 12, from Dhs180. theatrebyqe2.com

September 13: Smash plates at a special edition party brunch

After the success of its first two brunches, the Insta-worthy Greek restaurant OPA is bringing us their third edition, this time themed around Rhodes, on Friday September 13. You’ll be transported to Greece as you’ll experience fresh mediterranean cuisine and traditional Greek entertainment, complete with Zorba dancing and plate smashing.

OPA, Level one, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12pm to 4pm, Friday September 13, Dhs395. Tel (04) 357 0557. opadubai.com

From mid-September: Party hard at a season opening of an open air nightclub

The What’s On award-winning Drai’s Dubai will reopen for a brand new season in the middle of September. The open-air Meydan nightclub will open with its Tuesday ladies’ night, Taste, and open every Tuesday and Friday thereafter. The nightclub saw superstar performances from the likes of Ne-Yo, Whiz Khalifa and Rick Ross, so we can’t wait to see who graces the stage at the superclub this season.

Drai’s Dubai, Meydan Gate B, Meydan, Dubai, from mid-September. Tel: (052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

September 20 and 21: Enjoy a magical night at Dubai Opera

Muggles, prepare to be spellbound by a seriously magical performance as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert is coming to Dubai Opera later this year. You’ll be able to see your favourite bespectacled hero on a super sized screen on September 20 and 21, with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra performing the iconic John Williams score. There will be both matinee and evening performances.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Gladiator, 3pm and 8pm September 20, 3pm September 21, from Dhs175. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

September 24 to 26: Dine at the hands of a celebrity chef

Jason Atherton will be on the pots and pans at his award-winning Dubai restaurant Marina Social from Tuesday September 24 to Thursday September 26. While here, he’ll not only be meeting and greeting guests, but also making additions to the menu of contemporary British eats.

Marina Social Dubai, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Tuesday September 24 to Thursday September 26. Tel: (04) 446 6664. marinasocialdubai.com

September 30: Check out an artsy neighbourhood festival

The popular neighbourhood festival returns with special dance shows, late night gallery openings, film screenings and more on Tuesday September 30. Check out their website for the full schedule.

Alserkal Avenue. Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai. 6pm to 10pm, Monday September 30. Tel: (04) 3333464. alserkalavenue.ae

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