A new festival, a Santa run, and we say goodbye to a brilliant beach club…

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 December 12

1. Enjoy afternoon tea at the cinema

Planning your next girls’ get together? Vox@Kempinksi hosts private afternoon teas in its exclusive cinema screen. Starting from Dhs175, you can enjoy a spread of scones, pastries, champagne and various teas while watching the latest movies of your choice.

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, daily 2pm to 6pm, from Dhs175. Tel: (055) 167 3908. 

2. Attend a brand new festival

LUVYA will be taking place from Thursday December 12 to to Saturday December 14, at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. The three-day festival promises an array of music, food, art and fashion experiences unlike anything seen before in Dubai. Lost Frequencies will headline on Thursday, while Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike will take to the main stage on FIVE Beach on Friday alongside a line-up of epic artists including Craig David, Disciples and Madds.

LUVYA at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14, tickets from Dhs300. luvya.live

3. See a Christmassy show

Jingle Bell Favourites is returning to Dubai Opera from December 12. Christmas fans can rejoice as the holly, jolly concert will be Rocking Around the Christmas Tree at Dubai Opera for the fourth year running, with ticket prices starting from Dhs175. Expect to singalong to your favourite festive tunes such as Silent Night, Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14, tickets from Dh175. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

4. Get a drink on the house

Every Thursday throughout December, Cargo are offering guests a complimentary beverage. Between 4pm and 8pm guests can enjoy their first drink for free, and in the spirit of giving, you’ll also get 50 per cent on the drinks menu.

Cargo, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Thursdays throughout December, 4pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (04) 361 8129. cargo-dubai.com

5. See Fetty Wap live in Dubai

American rapper Fetty Wap will be performing in Dubai this weekend. On Thursday December 12, catch him at White Dubai where you can expect to hear hits such as Trap Queen, 6,7,8 and My Way. Entrance is free for ladies, as are the drinks, while for guys it’s Dhs300.

White Dubai, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba, Thursday December 12, 10pm to 4am, ladies night until 1am. whitedubai.com

Friday December 13

6. Run with the Santas

Dubai Festival City is hosting a Christmas fun run with hundreds of Santas expected to join in. Registered participants will receive a free Santa T-shirt along with a Santa hat and beard to get involved in the race. There’s an option of one kilometre, 2.5 kilometres or five kilometres.

Santa Run, Dubai Festival City, Friday December 13, 6.30am onwards. raceme.ae/santa

7. Say goodbye to a brilliant beach club

This weekend Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is set to close its doors in Ghantoot. The beach club will be throwing one huge final party, aptly called The Last Dance, on Friday December 13 and its last brunch on Saturday December 14. The Last Dance will see a headline set from Jamie Jones and Brooklyn-based DJ duo, Bedouin.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ghantoot, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi, December 13 & 14. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

8. Check out a market for gentlemen

The Gentlemen’s Show is an event that showcases local brands in the fields of lifestyle, fashion, grooming, entrepreneurship, tech, wellness, health and more. There will also be a selection of short talks and Q&A sessions, with partners including Mr. Draper, Chefs Play, Kings, Babel, The Man Company and more. The event is free to attend, with pre-registration required.

Warehouse Four, off Al Manara Street, Al Quoz, Friday December 13, 12pm to 6pm, free. warehousefour.com/tgs

9. Rock your best Christmas jumper

Dig out your best ugly sweater for brunch this weekend as We Brunch is hosting a Christmas jumper party at Intercontinental Dubai Marina. On Friday December 13, dig out your most impressive knitwear for the chance to win big, as prizes will be awarded to the best male and female outfits.

We Brunch, Accents, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Friday December 13, 1pm to 4pm, soft Dhs325, house Dhs375, bubbles Dhs425. Tel: (052) 798 7292. webrunchdxb.com

10. See Dido live at Coca-Cola Arena

British singer Dido, known for hits such as Thank You and Here With Me, is set to perform in Dubai on Friday December 13. The concert was originally scheduled for Dubai Media City Amphitheatre but due to unsettled weather conditions it will now move indoors to the City Walk Arena. Tickets are still available, priced from Dhs295.

Dido, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Friday December 13, from Dhs295. www.ae.bookmyshow.com

Saturday December 14

11. See a Peter Pan pantomime

See Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and more at the Theatre by QE2 this festive season. Shows are running daily until December 24, at either 11am or 3pm. The pirate-themed pantomime would make a fantastic festive family day out.

Peter Pan, Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Mina Rashid, daily until December 24, 11am and 3pm, Dhs150 adults & Dhs120 kids. platinumlist.net/peter-pan

12. Bring your pup to a pet carnival

LuLu Hypermarket Al Barsha is hosting a pet-friendly outdoor event on Saturday December 14. The pet carnival will have complimentary activities such as dog agility competitions and fancy dress shows. There will also be market stalls with veterinarians, behaviourists, groomers, sitters, walkers and trainers, as well as live music and a barbecue.

LuLu Hypermarket, Al Barsha, Saturday December 14, free. facebook.com/LuLuHypermarketAE

13. Enjoy an alfresco lunch

If you’re looking for a new spot to enjoy lunch outdoors, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel might have the answer. Nomad has a weekly lunch, which offers dishes such as smoked BBQ beef ribs, Vietnamese wagyu buns, Australian lamb and more. Drinks start from Dhs35, while the live food stations start from Dhs45.

Nomad, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud, Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 230 8458. jumeirah.com

14. Get festive at The Sustainable City

On Saturday December 14, The Sustainable City will host a festive day filled with fun activities. From gingerbread house decorating, to pony rides, meet and greets with Santa, and more, people of all ages will be able to find something they will enjoy.

The Sustainable City, Dubai, Saturday December 14. facebook.com/TheSustainableCity

15. Enjoy yoga under the full moon

Fairmont The Palm’s full moon yoga is going festive this weekend. On Saturday December 14, join them for a relaxing flow class under the full moon and stars. From 8pm to 10pm, resident yoga instructor Melanie Swan will be guiding you through the hour long class, followed by a meditation session. Towels, mats, snacks and festive gifts will be provided.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Saturday December 14, 8pm to 10pm, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 457 3545. fairmont.com

Images: Provided