Start making your plans now…

Eid Al Adha is almost here and for most of us, it’s a five-day weekend ahead. With so much to do in Dubai, we can forgive you for not knowing where to start. Luckily, we’ve compiled all of the best deals, activities and events happening over the next five days and shared them with you here.

Reminder: Dubai will be dry from Friday August 9 at 6.30pm to Saturday August 10 at 7.30pm.

Here’s our top picks for things to do in Dubai this Eid weekend.

Thursday August 8

1. Check out a new spa

ZAAZ, the new holistic spa in Jumeirah 3, has opened its doors complete with two hammam rooms, two spa rooms, one beauty room, seven nail stations, two hair stations, a private relaxation room and a Riad inspired fountain. Using only premium and chemical-free products, ZAAZ aims to create experiential sensory journeys, in a Moroccan-style ambience.

ZAAZ, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (050) 935 4577. zaaz.ae

2. Have an afternoon tea with a twist

Have you ever thought your afternoon tea could do with a luxurious upgrade? No not with champagne, with caviar! Beluga offers an afternoon tea with a difference. Not only will you get the usual sweet and savoury pastries, scones and tea but also caviar delicacies, smoked salmon blinis, eel sandwiches and more.

Beluga, Mandarin Oriental Jumeria, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun to Weds 2pm to 11pm, Thu to Fri 2pm to 2am, Sat 12pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 340 8882. mandarinoriental.com

3. Strike a pose

Studio 77 is offering customers a great rate for photoshoots held between August 1 and 18. The Jumeirah-based studio has two packages available, the first costs Dhs499 and includes a one-hour studio session and five digital images via email. The second offers the same but with 10 digital images via email and a 12 x 16 inch frame for Dhs999. 

Studio 77, Wasl Vista, Jumeirah, August 1 to 18, from Dhs499. Tel: (04) 343 4413. studio77.ae

4. Listen to some live music

Every Thursday at Distillery, Josh McCartney takes the stage to play covers of your favourite tunes. Enjoy tasty bites while you listen to the impressive sounds of his live band. From 8pm to 11pm, enjoy the live music and after a DJ will get the party started.

Distillery, Souk Manzil, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Thursdays, 8pm onwards. Tel: (054) 998 2003. distillerydubai.com

5. Party into the weekend

If you’re looking for a great way to start the weekend, Bagatelle is the place to be. On Thursday August 8, the French bistro is hosting a soiree which aims to ‘celebrate the era of glamour and good times, luxury and hedonism’. With music from Laura Lopez, it’s guaranteed to be a fun evening from start to finish. 

Bagatelle, Fairmont Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Thursday August 8, 8pm onwards. Tel: (04) 354 5035. bagatelledubai.com

6. End your night on a high (rooftop bar)

Spend the rest of the night partying with impressive skyline views on one side and a DJ mastermind on the other. Nathan Barato will be spinning the decks at The Penthouse on Thursday August 8, with a set that promises to deliver nineties garage sampled against the backdrop of funky techno.

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Thursday August 8. Tel: (052) 900 4868. fivehotelsandresorts.com

Friday August 9

7. Fuel your cat video obsession

Most of us can admit to getting sucked into a string of cat videos at one point in our lives. Now Cinema Akil is taking it one step further and offering a weekend of feline-themed movies. From 9th to 10th August, the boutique Al Quoz cinema will have nine cat film screenings including A Cat In Paris and Rent A Cat.

Cinema Akil, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, August 9 to 10, various timings, Dhs52.50. cinemaakil.com

8. Brunch on the QE2

This Eid, QE2 is hosting not one but two brunches, on Friday August 9 and Saturday August 10. Offering classic British roasts, fresh seafood counters and live cooking stations as well as artisan cheese platters, salads and a huge dessert selection.

QE2, Port Mina Rashid, Friday August 9 and Saturday August 10, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs225 soft, Dhs395 house. qe2.com

9. Enjoy three courses for Dhs99

For a special dining offer this Eid, head to BiCE Ristorante where you’ll find a three course menu for Dhs99 between August 9 and 17. The menu has been specially curated by the restaurant’s chefs to offer a selection of signature Italian dishes.

BiCE Ristorante, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Dubai Marina, August 9 to 17, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 318 2520. facebook.com/bicedubai

10. Visit Dubai’s newest restaurant

BOHO, the contemporary eatery brought to you by the people behind Indian hidden gem, The Meating Room, is opening on Thursday August 8 in Dubai Studio City. The colourful restaurant offers a laid-back destination where you’ll find a fun and fiery menu, complete with smoky barbecued bites and dishes with flavourful spice.

BOHO, Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thu & Fri noon to 2am. boho.ae

11. Hang out with the Rat Pack

Hillhouse Brasserie is claiming to offer an ‘out of Dubai experience’ at its Dubai Hills golf course restaurant. Expect to find a Rat Pack soundtrack and vintage vibe, as they take you back to another era. The brunch runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm and prices start from Dhs195.

Hillhouse Brasserie, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs195. Tel: (800) 666 353. facebook.com/HillhouseBrasserie

Saturday August 10

12. Learn to customise your sneakers

This month, Dubai Design District is hosting a range of workshops for the creatives among us. On Saturday August 10, you can learn how to customise sneakers to make your kicks truly unique. For Dhs150, learn tips and tricks from experts Waxfeller, just bring your own shoes and the rest will be provided.

d3 Alt Summer Space, Building 6, Dubai Design District, Saturday August 10, 11am to 12.30pm, Dhs150. dubaidesigndistrict.com

13. Smash things

Whether you need to release some built up anger, or just looking for a good workout, The Smash Room is the place to let it all out. In the spirit of Eid, the attraction is offering families the chance to smash together. Two adults and two children can come for Dhs200 and smash items ranging from DVDs to washing machines.

The Smash Room, Umm Sequeim Street, Al Quoz, valid August 10 to 15. Tel: (058) 198 2323. thesmashroom.ae

14. Party in a waterpark

Laguna Waterpark is hosing a Caribbean Fest this weekend, on Saturday August 10 and Sunday August 11. Tickets are Dhs99 for entry to the park and the event will run from 5pm to 10pm and aims to ‘bring the best of the Caribbean’s vibrant culture, food and dance scene’.

Laguna Waterpark, La Mer, Jumeirah, Saturday August 10 to Sunday August 11, 5pm to 10pm, Dhs99. lagunawaterpark.com

15. Dine and give back

Doors Freestyle Grill in Al Seef is getting in the true spirit of Eid this weekend. Anyone who dines from their lavish a la carte menu over Eid will be given 15 per cent of their final bill back. It’s then down to the customer to decide whether to keep the change, or donate it to the less fortunate.

Doors Freestyle Grill, Al Seef, Saturday August 10 to Tuesday August 13. Tel: (050) 700 0375. doorsdubai.com

16. Check out a cool workshop

Dubai Garden Centre is hosting a range of workshops at its two branches from August 10 to 13. Start with a wooden lantern workshop (Dhs75) on August 10 in Jumeirah to learn the craft of working with wood from the experts, or on August 12 you’ll be able to make your own wooden spice box (Dhs75). Head to the Sheikh Zayed outlet for succulent classes, on August 11 it’s a kids arrangement workshop (Dhs60) but on August 13, adults can learn to build their own terrarium (Dhs90).

Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road or Jumeirah, August 10 to 13, from Dhs60. Tel: (04) 590 4333. dubaigardencentre.ae

17. Celebrate The Hatch’s first birthday

One year ago, a new type of nightclub opened in Dubai, seven levels below sea level. This underground-style music venue had a series of strict rules that all work towards the same aim – just dance. Now, The Hatch is turning one and on Saturday August 10, will be celebrating with a spectacular night of music from DJ Soel, and probably a lot of dancing.

The Hatch, QE2, Port Mina Rashid, Saturday August 10, 10pm onwards, free before 11.30pm, Dhs89 after. Tel: (050) 375 9715. thehatchdubai.com

Sunday August 11

18. Check out Anise’s Eid brunch

If your idea of the perfect Eid brunch includes eight live cooking stations and a dedicated kids’ corner, then Anise is the one for you. Starting from Dhs225 for adults and Dhs50 for kids, brunchers can enjoy three hours of food and drinks between 1pm and 4pm.

Anise, Intercontinental Festival City, Dubai Festival City, Sunday 11 to Tuesday 13 August, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs225. dubaifestivalcityhotels.com

19. Feast with friends at Puerto 99

North Mexican hotspot Puerto 99 is launching a special set menu just for Eid. Featuring an array of appetisers, including warm soup, guacamole, rib-eye tostadas, and garlic marinated chicken from the rotisserie. After your indulgent meat feast, there’s a series of sweet treats to enjoy.

Puerto 99, Bluewaters, Saturday August 10 to Tuesday August 13, 12.30pm to 1.30am, Dhs200 adults, Dhs80 kids. Tel: (04) 557 6627. puerto99.ae

20. Freeze under the sun

Zero Gravity is hosting a ‘Frozen Brunch’ on Sunday August 11. Everything at the event is ice-themed, from fresh sushi to ice cream and frozen beverages. At Dhs249 for girls and Dhs299 for guys, the brunch runs from 12pm to 5pm, but you can enjoy the pool from 10am. If a ‘chill’ vibe is more what you’re looking for, be there on Monday August 12 when ladies can enjoy free entry before noon or there’s a special day rate of Dhs160 with Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages.

Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Sunday August 11 to Monday August 12, brunch from Dhs249. 0-gravity.ae

21. See the sky in lights at IMAGINE

Dubai Festival City will host a dazzling fireworks display on Sunday August 11 and Monday August 12, alongside IMAGINE, the incredible water, lights and laser show that takes place daily at Dubai Festival City. They’ve designed a bespoke show especially for the Eid Al Adha celebrations, with two shows per night at 8pm and 10pm respectively.

Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival City, Sunday August 11 and Monday August 12, free. 

22. Enjoy three courses for Dhs150

Trader Vic’s Crowne Plaza is offering diners a three-course meal, with a choice between two dishes for each course. Dishes on the menu include harisa soup, barbecue chicken and lamb kebab, as well as sweet treats such as pistachio creme brulee.

Trader Vic’s, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Sunday August 11 to Tuesday August 13. Tel: (800) 276 963. tradervicsszr.com

23. Stay up late at the movies

If a movie is more to your fancy, Reel Cinema at The Dubai Mall will remain open for 24 hours for two days during Eid Al Adha holidays on Sunday, August 11 to Monday, August 12. Head back to whatson.ae to catch what blockbusters will be releasing during the Eid Al Adha long weekend.

Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sunday August 11 and Monday August 12. reelcinemas.ae

Monday August 12

24. Get your skates on at The Dubai Mall

Dubai Ice Rink has a host of special surprises over the Eid weekend. Make sure you’re there on August 12 and 13 between 5pm and 5.15pm as the attraction presents a unique showcase featuring songs from Aladdin and The Lion King.

Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, 5pm August 12 and 13. dubaiicerink.com

25. Indulge in a LobsterFest

The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill is all about lobster this week. From August 8 to 18, you’ll be able to find a series of tasty lobster-themed dishes only at the JBR branch. Plates include lobster rolls, lobster pots, and more, all prepared with fresh lobsters.

The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill, Hilton DoubleTree, JBR, August 8 to 18. Tel: (04) 457 6719. themaine.ae

26. See LEGOLAND up in lights

LEGOLAND Dubai is launching a new light show spectacular this weekend and you can be among the first to see it. The special show will run from August 8 to 16, and then every Thursday and Friday night thereafter. At 7.45pm, make sure you’re in the air-conditioned indoor MINILAND area to catch the eight-minute show.

LEGOLAND Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Thursday August 8 to Friday August 16. legoland.ae

27. Be amazed by aerial theatre

At Mall of the Emirates you’ll find a special production called Fantasy. Between 3.30pm until 9.30pm on August 12 to 16, watch artists perform aerial and acrobatic tricks to music. The show promises to be ‘captivating and mesmerising’.

Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, August 12 to 16, 3.30pm to 9.30pm, free. malloftheemirates.com

Tuesday August 13

28. Take the kids out for the day

OliOli is offering a deal on family passes this Eid, where bigger is better. Prices get better the more of your family you bring, right up to groups of 10. There’s also a series of workshops happening where kids and parents can create a masterpiece to take home, and for every piece created OliOli will give Dhs15 to Dubai Cares.

OliOli, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, daily, 9am to 9pm, from Dhs299 for a family of four. Tel: (04) 702 7300. olioli.ae

29. Test your taste limits

Can you handle the heat? Head to Lock Stock and Barrel in Rixos Premium JBR on Tuesday August 13 for the Spicy Hot Wings Challenge. See how many you can eat and whoever finishes first will win a Dhs1000 bar tab and brunch for four.

Lock Stock and Barrel, Rixos Premium, JBR, Tuesday August 13, 10pm onwards. facebook.com/events

30. Check out some live music

For the month of August, Omar Dean & The Band are taking over the stage at Iris every Tuesday night. From 9pm, catch them playing a host of your favourite soulful pop songs that are guaranteed to have you up on your feet by the end.

Iris Dubai, The Oberoi, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Tuesdays, 9pm onwards. Tel: (056) 951 1442. irisdubai.com

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Image: Provided