F1 takes over the capital, a 10-hour brunch and a two musical superstars will perform…

Another week in Dubai is almost done and dusted. We’re already looking forward to the weekend, and you should be too with everything that’s going on. We’ve managed to find 15 of the very best things to do in Dubai, so you can have the best weekend ever.

Here’s 15 of the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday November 28

1. Head to Abu Dhabi’s biggest annual event

The Formula 1 Grand Prix is back in Abu Dhabi this weekend, and what a weekend of events they have in store. From legendary drivers battling it out and concerts by epic performers, to unforgettable brunches and lively after-parties, you don’t want to miss one of the biggest events of the season. Check out our guide to everything going down here.

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 28 to December 1, prices vary. yasmarinacircuit.com

2. Check out a stunning exhibition

This weekend is your last chance to see Kulture House’s stunning art exhibition, Beaded Portraits of Egyptian Women. Coming to a close on Saturday November 30, visitors to the creative cafe will be able to admire the hand-crafted works of art, created by Dina Hafez. 

106, beach road (opposite Beach Centre), 8am to 9pm Sunday to Wednesday, 8am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday. @kulturehousedubai

3. Celebrate a birthday

Joe’s Backyard is turning one this weekend and will be celebrating with a ‘Joe-chella’ carnival themed party. Expect hula hoop dancers and glitter stations, and prizes will be given for the best dressed boho man and woman. There will also be live music from Abri & Funk Radius.

Joe’s Backyard, Dubai Festival City, Thursday November 28, 8pm to midnight. Tel: (055) 709 4509. joebackyard.com.

4. Enjoy a late ladies’ night

If you’re looking for a fun way to kick start the weekend, check out La Carnita’s hidden bar, Cartel. This Thursday and Friday, the secret bar will be offering ladies complimentary drinks between 10pm and midnight.

Cartel, La Carnita, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Thursday Nov 28 and Friday Nov 29, 10pm to midnight. Tel: (058) 597 7213. lacarnita.ae

5. Dance down on the beach

Barasti is throwing a big beach party this weekend that you need to hit up. It kicks off on Thursday November 28, when Buzz Junkies will be here for a special Sandrox performance to get the weekend started in style. The Where Love Lives hitmakers are sure to give a performance to remember as they bring you other epic tunes including If You Love Me and Don’t Mess With My Man. The free event will have you dancing on the sand throughout the night – so leave the high heels at home for this one.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Thursday Nov 28, 10am to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com

Friday November 29

6. Brunch for 10 hours straight

Ever been to a five-hour brunch and still felt like it wasn’t long enough? Challenge yourself this weekend and double it with Media One’s ten hour brunch. To celebrate Media One’s 10th anniversary, on Friday November 29, On42 will be taking you through from 1pm to 11pm, with unlimited food and drink for Dhs495. Music will be provided by some of Dubai’s best DJs, kicking off with throwback tunes, before moving to R&B, then garage and finally afrobeats – there’s something for everyone. The after-party will run from 11pm to 3am.

On42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Friday November 29, 1pm to 3am, Dhs495 house. Tel: (04) 427 1000. facebook.com/events

7. Head to a poolside party

Hedkandi is returning to Zero Gravity on Friday November 29, with a race-themed beach party. There will be music from Stonebridge, makers of hit song Put Em High, Hedkandi founder Mark Doyle, singer Soraya Vivian, saxophonist Lady V and percussionist Assaf Seewi.

Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Friday November 29, 5pm onwards, free for ladies, Dhs200 for guys with 2 drinks. Tel: (04) 399 0009. facebook.com/events

8. Celebrate 25 years of Trader Vic’s

Crowne Plaza’s Trader Vic’s is tuning 25 this weekend, and throwing a big tiki party to celebrate. Expect a Hawaiian-style fiesta with live music, dance performances and special prize giveaways. Better still, if you’re born in November you’ll get 25 per cent off.

Trader Vic’s, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Friday November 29, 6pm to 1.30am. crowneplazadubai.com

9. Check out a one-off music night

On Friday November 29 fans of the legendary Hacienda club will be able to see original DJ Graeme Park reinterpret and perform house and club classics on an epic scale with a full live orchestra, the Manchester Camerata, as well as alongside some special guests. Expect a show filled with smash-hits such as Pacific State, Voodoo Ray, Ride on Time and You’ve Got The Love all performed with a classical twist from the full symphony orchestra.

Hacienda at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 9pm onwards, Friday November 29, from Dhs200. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

10. See Trey Songz live

Trey Songz will be performing at BASE on Friday night. The American singer-songwriter will be retuning to Dubai with a live performance of some of his biggest hits including Can’t Help But Wait, About You and Mr. Steal Your Girl. Entry for the first 100 ladies is free (Dhs100 after) while guys will pay Dhs300 for entrance.

BASE Dubai, Dubai Design District, 10pm to 4am, Friday November 29. Tel: (055) 313 4999. basedubai.com

Saturday November 30

11. Head to a new beach club

The much-anticipated opening of White Beach has finally arrived. Check out the stunning luxe club located in Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeriah. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, loungers are priced at Dhs200 on weekdays, with Dhs100 back to spend on food and drink, and Dhs300 on weekends with Dhs150 back.

White Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm to 12am restaurant, 10am to 10pm beach club. Tel: (04) 426 2000. @whitebeach

12. Check out a Sunset Festival

This year the popular Sunset Festival is moving to Azure Beach and has plenty of activities in store. From drum circle sessions and jam sessions with professional musicians, to beach volleyball competition, hula hoop sessions, workshops and glitter art stations, there’s something for everyone.

Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, Saturday November 30, 10am to 1am, Dhs400 with Dhs200 credit or free from 6pm. Tel: (052) 777 9472. azure-beach.com

13. Drink a patriotic shake

Black Tap is celebrating UAE National Day with a special Crazyshake, themed around the flag colours: white, green, red and black. You can find it at all Dubai and Abu Dhabi Black Tap outlets between Saturday November 30 and Tuesday December 3.

Black Tap, various locations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Saturday Nov 30 to Tuesday Dec 2, Dhs69. blacktapme.com

14. Build a mini garden

Build miniature gardens at the Westin Wellness Dome’s terrarium-making workshops and teach your children about gardening, physics and biology. The workshops are running on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23 between 9am and 7pm.

Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Friday Nov 29 and Saturday Nov 30, 9am to 7pm, free. wellnessbywestin.com

15. Superstar singer Usher is in town

U Got It Bad hitmaker Usher is performing this weekend at Meydan superclub White Dubai on Saturday, November 30.  We’re sure we can expect a string of his biggest smash hits including Yeah, Love In This Club and U Remind Me. Tickets are priced at Dhs500.

White, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Dubai, Saturday November 30, 10pm to 4am. Tel: (050) 443 0933. whitedubai.com

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Images: Provided