Here’s what’s going down this week…

With the weekend now a fond memory, we’re looking to the week ahead. There’s plenty of fun things on the cards this week. Here’s our top picks for things to do in Dubai.

Sunday August 1

1. Hang out with a fluffy creature

Dubai’s indoor rainforest, The Green Planet, has welcomed its largest animal to date; a two-year-old male bearcat called Fluffy. The adorable creature, given his name due to his cute, fluffy appearance, has moved into the attraction, giving visitors the chance to meet and interact with him. Visitors can meet and interact with Fluffy at the price of an admission ticket to The Green Planet.

The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai, daily, 10am to 6pm, Dhs120. thegreenplanetdubai.com

2. Check out a cool new pop-up

Focusing on all things ‘wild’, Not A Space will be spending the next few months at Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain. With a mangrove made for water sports, guests can enjoy kayaking, wind surfing and more from the shores of the UAE. Pets are welcome on the beach and can even enjoy a spot of swimming. Not A Space is open daily throughout the summer between 5pm and midnight. You can find the exact location right here.

Not A Space, Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain, UAE, no reservations. @notaspace

Monday August 2

3. Enjoy a free drink if it heats up

It’s no secret that Dubai has been heating up recently. It’s not all bad news though, as Kcal is offering a refreshing treat is the mercury continues to soar. If the temperature hits 50 degrees Celsius, customers can enjoy a free drink at its Motor City, JLT, Business Bay, Mirdif, and Dubai Healthcare City branches. Sip on an infused water flavoured with cucumber lemon & ginger, orange basil, or watermelon mint flavours between now and the end of August.

Kcal, various locations, conditions apply. kcallife.com/restaurants

Tuesday August 3

4. Check out Barasti’s new activation

Barasti has been transformed a colourful new world, as its huge summer tent has been revamped and there are some amazing deals to be had. Say hello to ‘BarastiLand’, a fun and lively playground, which is said to transport you to a ‘summer fête of childhood dreams’. Happy hour runs Saturday to Thursday, with buy-one-get-one-free on selected beverages. A new evening brunch has launched on Tuesdays with free-flowing drinks and fries with toppings for three hours, priced at Dhs99 for ladies and Dhs199 for gents.

BarastiLand, Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, open Sun to Thurs 3pm to 2am, Fri 11am to 2am, Sat 1pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 318 1313. barastibeach.com

5. Try a new cocktail or two

Luxe late-night lounge, Galaxy Bar, is launching a brand new cocktail menu this week. Themed around the concept of constellations, the ‘out of this world’ menu will feature 12 new signature cocktails, designed to suit a variety of palettes. Launching on August 3, the new menu features drinks such as ‘Venus You Got Me’, consisting of white tequila, mezcal, Campari, vermouth, Crème de cassis and red cherry.

Wednesday August 4

6. Check out a new dinner and a show concept

Weslodge Saloon has become the latest venue to introduce dinner and a show. The North American restaurant, which sits 68 floors high in JW Marriott Marquis, has partnered with entertainment company White Rabbit to create the new show. Taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8.30pm to 10.30pm, from August 2; the show promises ‘an eclectic blend of live music, hypnotic dance and electrifying performance throughout the night’.

Weslodge Saloon, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, every Monday to Wednesday from August 2. Tel: (0)4 560 1700. weslodge.ae