From a great burger deal to awesome pool days and a Harry Potter movie marathon…

The weekend is nearly upon us and its time to start planning. Dubai is as busy as ever with tons of things to do, from a popular beach club reopening to a grape and paint class or an all day breakfast.

Here are 15 awesome things to do this weekend in Dubai.

Thursday August 22

1. Graze your way through a cheat day meal

There’s nothing quite like the thought of a deliciously indulgent burger to celebrate the last work day of the week. Cheat day, treat day, whatever you want to call it, Graze are offering two for one on their signature GRAZE burger on Thursday August 22, so get it on the group chat and meet your besties there after work. The burgers are Dhs105 so you’ll actually be paying just over Dhs50 each. Result.

GRAZE Gastro Grill & Bar, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, two for one valid Thursday August 22 only. Tel: (054) 309 5948. livelaville.com

ALSO READ: Summer bucket list: 24 of Dubai’s must-try indoor activities

2. Start the weekend with a relaxing facial

Start the weekend fresh with Locks by Lou Lou’s new facial deal, where throughout August, when you buy any facial (starting from Dhs250) at their lluxe new Al Wasl villa salon, you’ll get a super-luxurious 30-minute aromatherapy massage for free. It’s definitely a good way to relax after a long work week.

Locks by Lou Lou, salons in JLT and Al Wasl, facials start from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 399 4742. locksbyloulou.com

3. Indulge in an Oreo ice cream dream

Oreo fans, listen up. We’ve found the ultimate treat for you. Jumeirah ice cream parlour, Scoopi Cafe, have an ice cream creation to satisfy all your Oreo cravings. The vanilla ice cream is topped with crunchy Oreos, Nutella and marshmallows. Calories don’t count on Thursdays, right?

Scoopi Cafe, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, 1pm to 1am daily. Tel: (050) 113 8497. scoopicafe.com

4. Cool off with a pool day deal

Located on the beachfront of the Habtoor Grand hotel in Dubai Marina, the beautiful Andreea’s beach club has had a revamp, and now features a super sized swimming pool three times the size of the original. The brilliant bi-weekly Andreea’s ladies’ day returns every Thursday and Saturday, where for Dhs125, ladies can enjoy six ours of free flowing frozen beverages and a chefs selection lunch platter from 12pm to 6pm.

Andreea’s Beach Club, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 6pm, Thursday and Saturday, Dhs125. Tel: (058) 693 5778. Facebook.com/Andreeas.dubai

5. Take a trip to Miami without leaving Dubai

Throughout August, there’s a Miami-inspired menu on offer at Business Bay’s cool grill, Firelake. Expect to dine American-style on cheeseburger tacos (yes, you read that right) and chicken empanadas. Make sure to leave room for the amazing salted caramel cheesecake, too.

Firelake Grill House, Raddisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Downtown Dubai. Tel: (04) 249 7800. firelake.ae

Friday August 23

6. Get spellbound at a Harry Potter movie marathon

Calling all wizards and muggles alike: Following the successful reaction to a full-blown Harry Potter marathon at Rove, Downtown, REEL cinemas are also launching the same in Dubai Marina Mall and The Pointe this weekend. Potter super-fans can watch all of the films back to back, starting at 11am on Friday August 23. On Friday, there’ll be screenings of the earlier films, from The Philosopher’s Stone to The Goblet of Fire and Saturday will kick things back off at 11am showing the further four films. Tickets are priced at Dhs110 per day.

REEL Cinemas, Rove Downtown, Dubai Marina Mall, The Pointe. Friday August 23 and Saturday August 24 from 11am, Dhs110. reelcinemas.ae

7. Soak up the sun at a beautiful beach club

Super-luxe Dubai beach club DRIFT Beach Dubai closed for a short summer hiatus but they’re throwing their doors wide open again on Friday August 23. Entry prices will be Dhs200 until the end of September so grab your girls and don your best swimsuits for those seriously envy-inducing Instagram shots.

DRIFT Beach Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, 10.30am to 7.30pm weekdays, 10.30am to 9.30pm weekends. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com

8. Unleash your artistic side with a paint and grape

Hunting an alternative to the usual Friday brunch? Check out this awesome paint and grape class at TRYP by Wyndham. In the three hour class, you’ll be able to relax, unwind and get in touch with your inner Picasso as you paint your own masterpiece. There’ll be nibbles and wine to keep you satisfied as you get creative. 

TRYP by Wyndham, Barsha Heights, Dubai, 5pm to 8pm, Friday August 23, Dhs249. Tel: (04) 247 6666. wyndhamhotels.com

9. Enjoy drinks for Dhs35 at The Scene by Simon Rimmer

If you’re looking for a family day out, British offering The Scene by Simon Rimmer in Pier 7 could be the perfect option. This summer, they’re serving up some classic British drinks from Dhs35 to help you cool off, plus kids will be kept entertained with face painting and air balloons – so you’ll get a little peace and quiet to catch up over dinner.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8am to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com

10. Have a date day

Trying to plan a date day? If you just want to keep things chilled (literally), there’s nothing better than a pool day to beat the summer heat and Le Meriden Dubai Seyahi have the perfect deal. For Dhs500 per couple, you’ll get pool, beach and gym access, complimentary non-motorized water sports, 50 percent off motorized water sports and a further 50 percent off at poolside bar, Horizon. Part of the bar is actually in the pool, so you don’t even need to leave the cool waters. Call ahead and book to get your complimentary cabana, too.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, daily until September 14. Tel: (04) 399 3333. marriott.com

Saturday August 24

11. Bag yourself a free Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee are launching their brand new Espresso Freddo in the UAE and to celebrate, they’re giving away free cups of the new coffee blend to shoppers at Dubai Festival City Mall this weekend. Running from 2pm on Friday August 23 and Saturday August 24, caffeine-seekers will be able to get their free coffee served from a giant Espresso Freddo ice sculpture at the mall’s Costa Coffee store – but you’ll have to be quick before it melts. If you miss the freebies, there’s still discounts to be found on the brand new cold-brew.

Costa Coffee, Dubai Festival City Mall, The Walk Area, Dubai. Tel: (04) 256 5467. costacoffee.ae

12. Rise when you choose with an all day breakfast

Keep Saturdays as they’re meant to be – lazy and leisurely with an all day breakfast at Jones the Grocer. Served until 4pm at all their Dubai locations on weekends, we recommend their flagship, traditional breakfast to kick your Saturday off right.

Jones the Grocer, various locations including Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Sheikh Zayed Road, breakfast until 4pm on weekends. Tel: (800) 56637. jonesthegrocer.com

13. Catch up over an elegant afternoon tea

Got mum visiting or just fancy a deliciously classy afternoon tea to round off your weekend? The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira have just launched their brand new oriental afternoon tea, available daily. For those that want the full oriental experience, you’ll get a signing bowl, essential oil and citrus fruits alongside bitesize bites. If you want to keep things traditional, opt for the classic afternoon tea with sweet and savoury offerings.

Noor Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, daily, classic afternoon tea Dhs255, oriental afternoon tea Dhs285. Tel: (058) 821 0149. mandarinoriental.com

14. Enjoy fine-dining French cuisine

Step through the blue wooden door at Bleu Blanc and journey through a three-course menu of summer dishes inspired by the flavours of the South of France at Bleu Blanc. A special three-course summer menu is priced at Dhs199 until the end of August.

Bleu Blanc. Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 12am Sat to Thurs, 1pm to 4pm, 7pm to 12am Friday, valid until August 31, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 512 5533. bleublanc-dubai.com

15. Party into Sunday with a pool party brunch

Not ready to say bye to the weekend yet? Dubai beach club stalwart, Zero Gravity have a top summer pool brunch every Saturday so you can squeeze the very last bits of fun out of your weekend. From 12pm to 5pm, you can get pool and beach access alongside unlimited house drinks and food for Dhs249 for girls and Dhs299 for guys.

Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, summer brunch 12pm to 5pm, Saturdays, girls Dhs249, guys Dhs299. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

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