10 things to look forward to in Dubai this March

We’ll keep you updated with March’s events right here…

With the start of March approaching, we bid farewell to cooler weather and say hello to copious outdoor food and drink festivals, cool performances and some of the biggest annual sporting events and exhibitions of the year. We’re not going to lie, we’re excited.

Here’s our top pick of things to look forward to in Dubai this March… 

March 4: Katherine Jenkins

Cherished as one of Britain’s all-time favourite singers, Katherine Jenkins – officially The No.1 selling ‘Classical Music Artist of the Last 25 Years’ by Classic FM – is the world’s most prolific artist in UK Classical chart history. Now Katherine returns to Dubai for her rescheduled show at Dubai Opera, performing songs from her latest albumGuiding Light. Check out our interview with the songstress in the March issue of What’s On.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wed 7.30pm, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

March 5 to 7: Get your comic-on

For anyone who loves pop culture, whether that be a Marvel movie, a comic book hero or an anime character, the annual Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) is the place to get your geek on. This three-day event, which attracts upwards of 45,000 fans from around the region, has been revamped for this year so that it now includes a cinema with advanced previews and exclusive screenings, a festival arena, a marketplace for leading brands, interactive workshops and celebrity appearances. This year, the line-up includes Aladdin actor Mena Massoud, Superman Returns actor Brandon Routh and John Rhys Davis from Lord of the Rings.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Thur 2pm, Fri noon and Sat 11am, Dhs115. platinumlist.net/comic-con

March 5: Saya Cafe to open in Nakheel Mall

Pink-paradise Saya Brasserie Cafe in City Walk is arguably one of the most Instagrammable brunch spots in Dubai. Those who live on Palm Jumeirah will soon be able to get a slice of the Insta-worthy cafe right on their doorstep, as on March 5, it’s set to open a concession restaurant at Palm Jumeirah’s Nakheel Mall. Dining there takes on an Alice in Wonderland-tea party sort of vibe, with dainty teacups and saucers serving tea and cake. There’s also cool iced drinks served in metallic-tinted glasses and speciality coffees served in cute milk jars with a helping of baked brownies.

Saya Brasserie Cafe, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, opening soon. @sayacaffe

March 7: Matryoshka Festival

Celebrate Russian culture, heritage, arts, fashion, cuisine, and entertainment at the fourth edition of the Matryoshka Festival taking place at the Armani Hotel Dubai. Victoria Lopyreva, the first female ambassador for FIFA World Cup, Former Miss Russia, and official patron of the Matreshka Festival, hosts the red carpet event at the exclusive Armani Pavilion, while famous Russian singers Alexy Chumakov, Nuysha and the stars of the Russian Ballet perform.

Matryoshka Festival, Armani Hotel Dubai, Sat March 7, Dhs300, from 7.20pm. matryoshkafestival.com 

March 12 to 26: Dubai Cocktail Festival

After a successful first year in 2019, Dubai Cocktail Festival is back this year from Thursday March 12 to March 26. Over 80 venues across the city will participate in the festival, making their own spins on six world-class drinks brands over the two-week period, with cocktails priced at Dhs40. Stay tuned to What’s On Dubai for more information on the participating venues.

Dubai Cocktail Festival 2020, participating venues across Dubai. @dcfestival2019

March 12: St. Patrick’s Day 2020

St. Patricks Day falls on Tuesday March 17, but you can celebrate the weekend before at stalwart Irish bar, McGettigan’s. On Thursday March 12 and Friday March 13, McGettigan’s across the city will be hosting plenty of fun celebrations to get involved with. At Souk Madinat Amphitheatre, you’ll find two incredible live music concerts, with performances on Thursday March 12 from folk rockers Hermitage Green, and The Coronas who are sure to play hits such as San Diego Song and Someone Else’s Hands. Make sure you’re about on March 13, when you’ll find a four-hour brunch at McGettigan’s DWTC (Dhs400), JLT (Dhs450) and Souk Madinat (Dhs475). Find out more information here.

McGettigan’s, JLT, JBR, DWTC, Souk Madinat, Thurs March 12, Fri March 13, Tues March 17, various prices. mcgettigans.com

March 19: Cirque de Cuisine

Following the success of their previous sell-out editions, Atlantis, The Palm’s ‘Cirque de Cuisine’ four-hour, dine-around mega-brunch is returning to Dubai in March 2020. It will take place on Thursday March 19, from 7pm to 11pm, with early-bird all-all-you-can-eat-and-drink tickets available now from PlatinumList, priced at Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs425 for house drinks (inclusive of bubbles). This time, the theme is ‘The Rouge Edition’ so be prepared to step into the world of Moulin Rouge, with incredible live entertainment including cabaret, theatre and dancers as you roam and dine freely at nine of Atlantis’ participating restaurants.

Cirque de Cuisine: The Moulin Rouge Edition, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Thursday March 19, 7pm to 11pm, early bird tickets available soon, from Dhs425 house and Dhs295 soft. Tel: 04 426 1000. platinumlist.net

March 20: Super Junior and more

Some of the biggest names in K-pop will descend on Dubai on Friday March 20 for the eagerly anticipated ‘Super Concert’ headlined by Super Junior.  The boy band, which debuted in 2005 with 13 members, remains one of K-pop’s best-selling acts after gaining international stardom with hit songs such as Sorry, Sorry and Mr Simple.

Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Fri 7pm, from Dhs250. coca-cola-arena.com

March 23: Galleries Night

With March being the biggest month for art in the UAE, all of the commercial galleries in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue save their show-stoppers for this month. They all open on Galleries Night and the hosts also put on an array of extra exhibitions. This month don’t miss the story of the Casablanca Art School with a focus on the work of Mohamed Melehi from the 1950s to 1980s.

Alserkal Avenue. Al Quoz. 6pm to 10pm. (exhibitions are ongoing) Tel: (04) 3333464. alserkalavenue.ae

March 28: Dubai World Cup

A highlight on the city’s sporting calendar, the annual Dubai World Cup is attended by horse racing fanatics, fashion-lovers, party-goers, and families looking for a fun day out. As the highest stakes event on the racing calendar, it attracts the best teams from around the world. It’s also a chance for Dubai residents to show off their slickest outfits, so if you think you’re overdressed, you probably aren’t. Racing aside you can expect lots of different options for dining and hospitality, entertainment, and a special kid’s zone.

Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Seeba, Dubai, tickets start at Dhs20 for general admission. Tel: 043272110. store.meydan.ae

Images: Provided/Social