15 awesome things to do in Dubai this (potentially long) weekend
A new brunch, a huge concert and the reopening of a much-loved beach club…
News of a long weekend is on the cards and while some companies have already announced the extra day off, others are waiting for the moon sighting to confirm Islamic New Year. A dry night has already been confirmed on Saturday, August 31 at 6.30pm, for 25 hours though.
So whether you’re making plans for a two or three day weekend, here are the top things to do in Dubai over the weekend.
Thursday August 29
1. Super-size your ladies’ day
In case you haven’t heard, gorgeous Dubai Marina beach club, Andreea’s, is now three times bigger. Their fabulous ladies’ day deal still takes place every Thursday and Saturday, so girls can soak up the sun, sipping on frozen beverages for less. It’s Dhs125 for the day, and includes lunch as well. If you fancy taking a break from the sunshine, their all new sports bar has daily happy hour deals on drinks from 4pm to 8pm too.
Andreea’s, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Thursdays and Saturdays, Dhs125 for ladies. Tel: (04) 408 4400. andreeas.ae
2. Make an impression with a new business lunch
Bull and Bear, the newest fine-dining restaurant to hit DIFC, has just launched a new business lunch which is set to make a lasting impression. Bring colleagues, clients or friends and treat them to a two or three-course menu including beef tartare or salmon crudo and sea bream fillet or marinated hanger steak to follow. If you have room for a final treat, try the triple valrhona chocolate jar to end on a sweet note.
Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 4pm, two-course Dhs105, three-course Dhs135. Tel: (04) 515 9888. waldorfastoriadifc.com
3. Have one last blow-out before school restarts
We know there’s a few teachers out there looking to make the most of their final weekend before the new term. Luckily, Mr Miyagi’s is on-hand to help. Both Media One and Studio One venues are offering teachers a buy-one-get-one free deal on everything from 4pm to 8pm this Thursday, August 29. Teachers in the Media City area can also enjoy two Wok n Roll brunches at Mr Miyagi’s Media One for the price of one between 8pm and 11pm.
Mr Miyagi’s, Media One, Media City & Studio One, Studio City, Thursday August 29. Tel: (04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com
4. See Westlife live in Dubai
Irish boyband Westlife will take to the Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk on Thursday August 29 as part of their 20th Anniversary tour. Westlife first broke into the charts with their debut single, Swear It Again, and went on to have a string of hits including What Makes A Man, World of Our Own and Flying Without Wings. Tickets are on sale now, with general admission tickets priced from Dhs350.
Westlife at Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Thursday August 29, from Dhs350. livenation.me
5. Party at a warehouse rave
If you’re into underground events with a difference, you’ll want to get The Grid on your radar. Their first warehouse rave kicked off in Dubai’s Studio City on Thursday, July 4 and they’re back on Thursday, August 29. This time around, the artist line up includes Nick Warren of The Soundgarden, Noir of Noir Music, Hoolz from Deep Like and The Grid’s very own Madlou. Ravers at the ready.
The Grid, Dubai Studio City, 7.30pm onwards, Thursday August 29, from Dhs150. dubai.platinumlist.net/ Facebook.com/TheGriddxb
Friday August 30
6. It’s time to return to Nikki Beach
The world-renowned Nikki Beach on Pearl Jumeira will kick things off for the new season with a glamourous opening party, ‘La Piscine’, a tribute to classic Cote D’Azur style food and drinks on Friday August 30. Open daily from 11am thereafter, the beach club will also welcome the return of its popular ‘Pour Elle’ ladies’ day every Tuesday, and Rose Saturdays brunch on Saturdays, with packages priced from Dhs265.
Nikki Beach, Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, daily 11am to 9pm, from Friday August 30. Tel: (04) 376 6290. Nikkibeach.com
7. Celebrate Dim Sum Disco’s first birthday
Legendary Candypants brunch Dim Sum Disco has been turning your Friday lunchtimes up a few notches for the past twelve months. This weekend, they’re celebrating their first birthday in true Candypants style, with even more wild antics than ever before. For Dhs450, you’ll enjoy three hours of Chinese cuisine and unlimited prosecco, spirits, wine, beer and selected signature cocktails.
Dim Sum Disco, Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, The Palm, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 247 5222. fivehotelsandresorts.com
8. Check out a brand-new brunch
The Spritz Society is the all-new Italian themed brunch at Larte, Studio One Hotel. Every Friday you can tuck into FIVE hours of everyone’s favourite orange spritzer, as well as a host of unlimited house beverages. The menu will stay true to its heritage, with a ever-changing selection of Italian dishes, including risotto, pasta, gnocci, steak and more. You’ll be able to share your appetisers and desserts with friends, while the main course is your choice.
Larte, Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, Fridays, 12pm to 5pm, Dhs95 kids, Dhs185 soft and Dhs395 house. Tel: (04) 581 6870. larte.ae
9. Splash after dark
Due to the upcoming dry night on Saturday August 31, Vogue Pool Party, which takes places at Azure Beach every weekend has been moved to Friday August 30. Girls can enter for free, couples cost Dhs200 and for single gents is Dhs400. The price includes a voucher to spend on food and beverages. The R&B and hip hop party invites guests to chill in the pool as the resident DJ plays the latest tunes from 8pm to 1am.
Vogue, Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, JBR, Friday August 30, 8pm to 1am. Tel: (052) 777 9472.
10. See an electronic house DJ spin
Code DXB at Soho Garden has sent the nightlife industry into a spin, and this week sees electronic house DJ, George Fitzgerald take up deck duty. Party-goers can expect a night filled with top tunes that’ll get you in the mood for some serious dancing. It’s free to enter.
Code DXB, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, 11pm to 4pm, Friday August 30, free entry. Tel: (052) 388 8849. facebook.com/codeclubdxb
Saturday August 31
11. Check out a new breakfast hotspot
Remember The Surf Cafe? Well it’s recently been rebranded to Leen’s Casual to Gourmet. You can expect to find the same high-end experience, with an informal twist and ‘come as you are’ attitude. Guests can enjoy a wide range of breakfast dishes including eggs Benedict and almond butter pancakes, as well as lunch and dinner.
Leen’s Casual to Gourmet, Al Soon St, Umm Suqeim 2, daily, 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 346 6292. leens.com
12. Enjoy a one-off Saturday ladies’ day
Normally a Sunday affair, Not Another Ladies’ Day at the WET Deck has been brought forward to Saturday on occasion of the planned dry night. It’ll be exactly the same deal, running from 12pm to 4pm. The four-hour package offers unlimited free flowing drinks and a selection of bites for Dhs150 for ladies. But the best thing about this deal is that it isn’t just about the girls. Guys can enjoy the exact same deal for Dhs250.
WET Deck, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Saturday August 31, 12pm to 4pm, doors open at 8am, Dhs150 ladies, Dhs250 gents. Tel:
13. Feed your cheese addiction
Alpine-themed restaurant Publique understands our cheese needs, and have launched a daily cheesy offer to help satisfy those undeniable cravings any day of the week. For two people, Dhs220 will get you a tartfiflette to share, dig into a gooey fondue for Dhs230 or indulge in a plate of raclette for Dhs290. And of course no cheese night is complete without wine, so you’ll also get a carafe complimentary with each order.
Publique, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, daily from 12pm onwards, from Dhs220. Tel: (04) 430 8550. publique.ae
Sunday September 1
14. Get your steak fix
Sunday is for roasts? No, Sunday is for steak! At Qube Sports Bar, you can enjoy a rib-eye steak for just Dhs99 or a t-bone for Dhs149. The offer runs from 3pm to 11pm, and if you visit after 7.30pm when the dry day ends, you’ll get a pint or glass of red wine included.
Qube Sports Bar, The Meydan Hotel, Meydan, Sundays, 3pm to 11pm, from Dhs99. Tel: (04) 381 3111. meydanhotels.com
15. Check out a limited-edition menu
FireLake Grill House is launching a new menu specifically for the month of September with one major theme: LA. From September 1 to 30, Los Angeles will be the inspiration behind the restaurant’s dinner menu where guests can expect to find a unique blend of Asian and Mexican cuisines. The offering is available daily from 6pm and includes crispy tuna tacos, grilled flatbread and tres leches.
FireLake Grill House, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, daily throughout September, 6pm onwards. Tel: (04) 249 7800. radissonblu.com
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