12 things to do in Dubai over the long Eid Al Fitr weekend 2021

For those of you staying in Dubai for Eid…

Eid Al Fitr 2021 is coming up and its officially a long weekend. From Tuesday May 11 to Saturday May 15, there’s plenty of things to do to keep you busy in the city. So, here’s a few of our suggestions…

Visit Museum of the Moon

In 2020, a one of a kind exhibition landed in Dubai offering budding astronomers of all ages the chance to see the moon up close. Experiential play museum, OliOli, brought the Museum of the Moon exhibition to Dubai, and now it’s back. For just five days over Eid Al Fitr, lunar fans will have the chance to explore the details of the moon, as it is in real life, up close. Using imagery from detailed NASA pictures, world-renowned artist Luke Jerram has created a five-meter accurate replica of the moon, on display at the exhibition.

Book a staycation at Waldorf Astoria

Prices start from Dhs1,170 for this luxurious getaway at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Treat yourself to a refreshing day by one of the trendiest pools in DIFC or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or two at the Waldorf Astoria Spa.

Enjoy breakfast on a terrace

This Thursday, Carine is whipping up a special ‘petit déjeuner’ in time for Eid. With golf club views and a temperature-controlled terrace, guests can pick from a selection of French-Mediterranean breakfast dishes alongside coffee, tea and fresh juices.

Carine, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, Thursday May 13, 9am to 1pm. Tel: (0)4 417 9885. carine.ae

Spend an evening in the Arabian desert

Between the Thursday May 13 and Saturday May 15, What’s On award-winning restaurant, Sonara Camp, will be hosting special festivities in celebration of Eid. Guests can expect a belly dancing show, a violinist and an acrobat alongside Sonara Camp’s renowned falcon show and fire show.

Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation, May 13 to 15, Dhs860 per adult, Dhs380 per child. Tel: (0)50 336 7909. sonara.ae 

Enjoy dinner at Hotel Cartagena

Hotel Cartagena will be ending Ramadan with an exclusive three-course Eid menu. Guests can enjoy traditional South American dishes such as calabaza, black bean and avocado hummas, roasted beet salad and piquant lentil soup and signature lamb chueltón or T-bone.

Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Dhs199. Tel: (0)4 560 1799. @hotelcartagenadxb

Tuck into an Eid lunch at Couqley

Couqley is launching a set menu between May 11 and 13, including Couqley’s famous steak frites, Wagyu meatballs stuffed with pan-seared foie gras, gourmet truffle brie burger, white asparagus risotto and more. Two courses are priced at Dhs179, and you can add a dessert for Dhs30.

Couqley, French Bistro & Bar, Cluster A, JLT, May 11 to 13, 12pm to 6pm. Tel: (0)4 514 9339. @couqleyuae

Book a staycation in the city

FIVE Hotels & Resorts have some great packages on offer during Eid. At the popular beach resort on The Palm, pay for three days and get the fourth day free. Apart from working on your tan poolside, you can also dine in one of their eight award-winning restaurants. You can enjoy the same deal at the Jumeirah Village property and enjoy exclusive access to Dubai’s most bespoke dining venues.

FIVE Hotels & Resorts, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 455 9999. palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com FIVE Jumeirah Village, Tel: (0)4 248 9999.  jumeirahvillage.fivehotelsandresorts.com

Dine at Atelier M

A set menu will be available between May 13 and 15 at Atelier M, which includes sharing style starters, mains and desserts for Dhs199 per person. Dishes includes dynamite shrimp tempura, porcini risotto,  miso marinated black cod and hot chocolate fondant.

Atelier M, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, May 13 to 15, 6pm onwards, Dhs199. Tel: (052) 124 3113. @ateliermdubai

Share a feast at Coya Dubai

This Eid, Coya Dubai will present diners with a four-course menu for early dining including guacamole and tortillas and a choice of soup to start with, followed by two small dishes, a main course, and dessert. Dishes include wagyu and lobster baos, grilled skewers, crispy baby squid as well as char-grilled whole sea bream, Peruvian dried potato and cauliflower, spicy beef fillet and more.

Coya Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah, May 11 to 14, 6pm to 6.30pm. Tel: (0)4 316 9600. coyarestaurant.ae

Celebrate Eid at Palm Bay

Palm Jumeirah hotspot Palm Bay is hosting an Eid supper on Wednesday May 12, between 7pm and 10pm. Guests can enjoy sharing starters, a choice of mains including catch of the day, slow roast leg of lamb, house special half jerk chicken, oven-baked lentil & mushroom meatloaf and sharing desserts.

Palm Bay, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Wednesday May 12, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs250 with house drinks. Tel: (0)4 554 2665. palmbaydubai.com

Check into the Ritz Carlton

For a luxurious Eid getaway, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. Rates start from Dhs830 for a stay in a luxurious room plus breakfast at Le Cirque and a lunch or dinner at Cafe Belge. You can even get access to the gym and the indoor and outdoor pool.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 372 2222. ritzcarlton.com

Tipsy Lion

Tipsy Lion will be reopening from Wednesday, May 12 and to celebrate, there are plenty of awesome deals on food and beverages on offer. Hungry? Enjoy selected dishes from the happy hour menu all week. These include bites such as smoked guacamole with tortilla chips, veal bites or black calamari, all Dhs35.