From festive markets to long business lunches and a brand new attraction…

It’s the last week before Christmas and there’s so much to do if you’re staying in the city. Whether you’re on the hunt for all things festive or fancy making the most of a long business lunch as you wind down, we’ve got you covered with 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week…

Sunday December 15

1. See Kid Ink perform at Drai’s Dubai

If you’re a big fan of American rapper Kid Ink, there’s only one place to be on Sunday, December 15. The hitmaker will be putting on a performance at Drai’s Dubai, where partygoers will be able to sing along to some of his biggest hits like Main Chick, Show Me and Iz You Down and ladies will enjoy free drinks. If you can’t make it on Sunday, you can also catch him at WHITE Dubai on Tuesday, December 17.

Drai’s Dubai, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Dubai, 10pm to 4am, Sunday December 15. Tel: (052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

2. Kickstart the week at a brand new gym

Trying to get some last minute exercise in before the Christmas feasting commences? Why not check out the new Fitness First branch at the newly-opened Nakheel Mall? The high-tech studio offers loads of calorie burning classes like Box, taking place at 7.15am on Monday, December 17, which is an awesome way to start your day. Other classes include Kube, Body Pump, RPM, cycling and pilates.

Fitness First, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sunday to Thursday, 6am to 11pm, Friday & Saturday, 7am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 572 6168. fitnessfirstme.com

Monday December 16

3. Check out a cute festive wonderland

Bluewaters Island has transformed into ‘Santa’s Island’ for the rest of December, with loads to impress adults and little ones alike. You’ll find festive food, activities and entertainment at the festive wonderland, with arts and crafts and Christmas workshops. An Arctic Parade will happen every day, featuring polar bears, eskimos and an Ice Queen, and you’ll often see carol singers and live musicians performing all of your favourite Christmas songs.

Bluewaters Island, Dubai, weekdays 4pm to 11pm, weekends 4pm to 12am, runs until January 1 2020. bluewatersdubai.ae

4. Enjoy a long business lunch

‘Tis the week before Christmas and a few of us are already winding down. If you work in Downtown Dubai, why not treat yourself to an extra-long lunch at Carnival by Tresind? For Dhs89, you’ll get four delicious courses of Indian cuisine at this eclectic restaurant.

Carnival by Tresind, Burj Daman, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 3.30pm, Sunday to Thursday, Dhs89. Tel: (052) 242 4262. carnivalbytresind.com

Tuesday December 17

5. See a fashion showcase in DIFC

Calling all of Dubai’s dedicated fashionistas. A fashion showcase named ‘The DIFC Runway’ will be taking place at DIFC’s Gate Avenue on Tuesday December 17 and Wednesday December 18. The showcase will exhibit a range of women’s abaya designers’ creations as well as a menswear show.

The DIFC Runway, Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai, Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18, 6pm to 9pm. difc.ae/events/difc-runway

6. Indulge your carnivorous side with this meat-marathon

Dubai’s carnivores, this one’s for you. If your idea of a perfect dinner out is munching your way through a selection of tender meat, check out The Loft’s new meat night, taking place every Tuesday. For three hours, you can feast on things like braised beef short rib, jerk rubbed baby back ribs, citrus BBQ chicken wings, Wagyu sliders and loads more, with a selection of delicious sauces including BBQ and peppercorn. It’s Dhs229, but you can add a bucket of five beers or a bottle of wine for Dhs129 extra.

‘Meat Night’, The Loft, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Tuesdays, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs299. Tel: (04) 528 3781. loftatopera.com

Wednesday December 18

7. Take a trip to a winter wonderland at Ski Dubai

We’re never going to get a proper white Christmas in Dubai, but we can get as close as possible to it at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates. They’ve gone all out for Christmas this year, with glittering Christmas trees, lots of craft-making workshops for the little ones and a chance to meet Santa in his special grotto to go through your Christmas list.

Ski Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, Dubai, 6pm onwards, runs until December 24. Tel: (800) 386. skidxb.com

8. Check out this brand new 3D world attraction

Fancy spending the evening trying something new? A super-cool new trick art museum, 3D World Dubai has just opened its doors in the city. Get snap happy as you explore nine fantasy lands; from flying on a magic carpet in Arabia to walking over nails in Egypt or running from an elephant in the animal kingdom. It’s definitely one for the ‘Gram.

3D World Dubai, located just off Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Noor Islamic Metro Station (close to Oasis Mall), 10am to 8pm, daily, adults Dhs125, children Dhs95. Tel: (050) 987 6511. @3dworlddxb