35 wonderful things to do to keep you busy in Dubai this Eid Al Adha

The list of all lists…

Eid Al Adha has officially been announced in the UAE and that means that the long weekend is just around the corner. Dubai residents get ready for a week off as Eid Al Adha will run from Tuesday, June 27 to Friday, June 30. This means we will effectively only be back at work from Monday, July 3.

Keeping busy through the six-day holiday seems daunting, for some it means soaking up all that the city has to offer – for others a quiet staycation. No matter your current plans, we have 35 of the most fun things for you to check out in Dubai throughout the week.

Monday, June 26

Tackle a kid-friendly pool day

Rixos The Palm’s all-inclusive daycation deal includes breakfast and lunch at the all-day buffet, unlimited access to the kids’ club and pool, gym access (if you can pull yourself up from the sunlounger), and unlimited soft and house beverages for Dhs399 on weekdays and Dhs499 on weekends.

Rixos The Palm, East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Weekdays Dhs399, weekends Dhs499. Tel: (0)4 457 5555. rixos.com

Brush up on your literature

Love reading? The eye-catching Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the biggest library in the Arab world is the place to be. Spanning seven floors, you will find a general library space, a young adults library, a colourful children’s library, a library dedicated to maps and atlases, a media and art library, a business library, an Emirates library, a periodicals library, and the ‘Treasure of the Library’ which features rare items and special collections.  Entry to the library is free but you must book a time slot in advance: tiqets.com

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Jaddaf, Dubai. Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm. Friday 2pm to 9pm. Sundays closed. 5 years and above. Tel: (0)4 222 2025. @mbrlae

Take your furry friends out for a treat

Zero waste upcycle cafe, Kave doesn’t just allow dogs… they live for them. Make their day and bring your furry friend along to one of their workshops or for some (delicious) pho. You can also get a free coffee for yourself while getting a treat from their special menu for dogs.

Kave The Story of Things, Warehouse 20, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (0)55 102 4469. thestoryofthings.com

Unwind and be blissful

This summer, ME Dubai is treating us to a selection of wellness activities to beat the heat and get back in touch with our zen. The 90-minute package includes a 45-minute bamboo scrub along with a 45-minute purifying facial, or a 60-minute massage coupled with a 30-minute salt scrub. If you’d prefer, there is a 45-minute body wrap with 45 minutes of foot reflexology. All the packages are priced at just Dhs399.

ME Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, offer valid until August 31, Dhs399 for all summer packages. Tel: (0)4 525 2500 melia.com

Start off your holiday with a smashing time

Feeling a bit stressed out? One of our favourite indoor activities in Dubai includes a visit to The Smash Room where you can smash out all of your frustrations in a safe space. The room is filled with old furniture, TVs, laptops, and mannequins, and you get to choose your weapon and show those objects who’s boss. Packages start from Dhs69. Book here.

The Smash Room, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz Industrial 4, prices start from Dhs69. Tel: (0)58 198 2323. thesmashroom.com

Tuesday, June 27

Beach clubbing, before they close for the summer

Located on the shores of JA The Resort, Soul Beach is the stomping ground for many who enjoy a good Ibethan vibe. Unfortunately for us, however, we will once again be saying goodbye to Soul Beach for the summer season. Your last chance to head to this famed Dubai beach club is Monday, July 3. From now until July 3, if you’re there before 2pm, beach sunbeds are free. After 2pm, they will cost Dhs200 which is fully redeemable on food and beverage. Pool entry will cost Dhs200 throughout the day and is also fully redeemable.

Soul Beach, JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, open daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs200 fully redeemable for pool access, Dhs200 for beach access after 2pm. Tel: (0)50 523 9731 @soulbeachdxb

Celebrate with a fun and festive dinner

While the original in Paris has a storied 50-year history operating exclusively a nightclub, at the Dubai version of Raspoutine the party starts with a decadent dinner. The festive restaurant follows the format of sister restaurant in Miami, with an indulgent menu paired with tantalising drinks and deep house sets. On the menu, expect classic Parisian dishes with Russian flair served until 11.30pm. Once the clock strikes midnight, the lights are dimmed and Raspoutine transforms from a restaurant to a club, so alongside a party atmosphere when dining, it then becomes a go-to sport for late night revelry too.

Raspoutine, Level 2, Precinct Building 3, DIFC, Tues to Sat, 8pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 272 5373, raspoutine.com/dubai

Check out the latest indoor game park

Dubai’s newest indoor active game park has opened its doors at Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. With more than 30 action-packed attractions, including an indoor roller glider, the venue makes for a perfect destination for kids and adults alike. There are VR adventures that take you on a 360-degree shooting spree, a ninja warrior course, a dynamic free gaming area offering pool football, a bowling alley, and an indoor roller glider. Read more here.

GLITCH Arabia, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, open 10am to 10pm Sun to Thurs and 10am to 12am Fri and Sat, Dhs 35 for 2 experiences, Dhs65 for 3 experiences, Dhs100 for 6 experiences. @glitcharabia

Ladies drink for free on a Tuesday

Recently opened in JLT, it is one of the only true Japanese Izakaya’s in the area. Lucky for the ladies you can enjoy unlimited house drinks for free from 6pm to 8pm. After 8pm and until closing, prosecco and rose are priced at Dhs20 per glass. Grab some delicious dishes such as the mud crab udon noodles while you’re there and you won’t be sorry.

Soon, Cluster P, JLT, Tues from 6pm to 8pm ladies drink free. Tel: (0)55 434 0575 @soondxb

Satisfy your sarnie craving

Calling all sando lovers…Homegrown cult deli Rascals has found a permanent home in Dubai, now open in Wasl Square, Jumeirah. From pop-ups in Alserkal Avenue and Sole DXB, Rascals quickly gained a following for its mouthwatering menu of perfectly stacked sandos and nostalgic sides. At their new permanent joint, guests can satisfy their sandwich cravings with their selection of flavourful fillings, from Ronnie’s katsu to pastrami, fluffy egg to chicken club, with a side of fries and spicy slaw. You can also shop their uber-cool merchandise, such as caps and tees.

Rascals Deli, Wasl Square, Block 7, Jumeirah, Dubai. Daily, 11.30am to 8.30pm. @rascalsdeli 

Wednesday, June 28

Up your Omakase game

Latin American pop-up Panamericana is partnering with Tabchilli to bring guests a 10-course taco omakase dinner that showcases the traditional taco and the taco re-imagined. The Dhs395 per person dining experience is taking place for the first time on June 7 and every Wednesday in June at 7.30pm. Taco ’bout not to be missed…

Tabchilli, Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl, Dubai. Taking place every Wednesday in June, 7.30pm. Dhs395. Tel: (0)58 584 3463, tabchilli.com

Unleash your inner child with some bowling

Brass Monkey is set over a gigantic two-story space complete with a 12-lane bowling alley, arcade, pool tables, plus a restaurant serving up tasty tacos, sliders, pizzas, quesadillas and old school desserts. Downstairs you’ll find the bowling alley and old arcade games. Upstairs there’s three pool and snooker tables, basketball machines, a dedicated game room with more arcade games including Pac-Man to take you on a nostalgia trip. Bowling is priced from Dhs75 per person, per game. A play card for the arcade games is priced from Dhs100.

Brass Monkey, Bluewaters Island, Dubai0, open 4pm to 1am Mon and Tues, 4pm to 2am Wed, Thurs and Fri, 4pm to 3am, Sat 12pm to 3am, Sun 12pm to 1am, bowling priced from Dhs75 per person, per game, play cards start from Dhs100 and don’t expire. @brassmonkeysocial

Whisk your loved ones away for a cheeky staycation

Bab al Shams is as scenic as a desert resort gets and you can enjoy a staycation here over Eid Al Adha with breakfast, lunch and dinner at Zala, the in-house restaurant serving Ottoman, Greek and Mediterranean flavours. Soak up the sun and the sands with some traditional Middle Eastern culture, sip on complimentary cocktails by the pool and enjoy special rates for private desert tours. Prices start from Dhs2,376 for GCC residents on a minimum two-night stay. For more information, visit here. For a full list of staycation deals this eid, click here.

Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 809 6100, babalshams.com

Share if you like, the new 20-piece McNuggets

Tou have to agree that the chicken McNuggets are amazing, right? Do you know how they can be even better? When there are more of them. That’s the only correct answer. So, we are happy to share that all our fervent prayers have been answered and McDonald’s UAE has added the 20-piece chicken McNugget set to their menu. Make them spicy if you like because for a limited time they will be available spicy, there are also a few new dipping sauces to try out.

Splash out with some paint

Located in Al Quoz, Wild Paint House has transformed an industrial warehouse into a home for creativity, where budding artists can graffiti the walls, unleash their creativity on a spinning blank canvas or make a UV masterpiece. There are six activities to get involved in: splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti. Prices start from Dhs160, with the experiences available to book individually, or group together for an afternoon of artistic exploration. All are designed as fun-filled, expressive ways to play with paint.

Wild Paint Studio, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, 2pm to 8pm Weds to Fri, 10am to 10pm Sat and Sun, prices from Dhs160. Tel: (0)56 145 9689, wildpainthouse.com

Thursday, June 29

Crank up your workout routine

If you’re looking for a way to get your body moving, head down to Crank. This homegrown workout zone has an inspiring and diverse team that is ready to push your body to new limits. Guests can choose between their Ride or Shape HIIT classes but no matter what you choose, your workout is guaranteed to be spicy and will get your heart pumping.

Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sun to Fri 6.30am to 10pm, Sat 8am to 10pm, Tel: (0)4 321 2095, crank-fit.com

Fulfil your boba tea needs

With various locations around Dubai, Booba is a fantastic place to head to if you need your craving for a ‘poppin’g drink satisfied. Booba has so many different options to choose from milk-based boba to juices and even coffee-based. A must-try is the jasmine green tea juice with mango popping boba.

Booba, various locations in Dubai, booba.ae, @boobame

F1 fans and art fans unite

A brand new art residency program has been launched by Studio Thirteen in collaboration with Vuse and the McLaren F1 Team. Jeddah-based artist Nujood Al-Otaibi, who creates artwork inspired by her hearing impairment, was awarded the inaugural residency. The initiative is a funded studio space housed in Studio Thirteen, founded by Rabab Tantawy. Rabab was the one who designed the McLaren car livery for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this launched the initiative.

Studio Thirteen, Street 19, Al Quoz, Tel: (0) 505595188 @studiothirteen_dxb

Find an affordable date night

If you’re feeling brave and the concept of the bottomless ocean doesn’t scare you, this would be the perfect adventure for you and your partner. Head out into the ocean from the Dubai Fishing Harbour and set sail in a romantically lit-up clear bottom kayak for only Dhs225 for two. For more affordable and fun date nights, click here.

Crystal Clear Watersports, Dubai Fishing Harbour 1, Dhs225 for two. Tel: (056) 473 8459 @cc.watersports

Take a walk through the rainforest

It’s hard not to be impressed by nature in this indoor tropical rainforest that’s home to over 3,000 plants and animals. Experiences include encounters with a sloth, an anteater, an armadillo and birds and more. The whole family will love it…

The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai, daily 10am to 6pm, online prices start from Dhs140 and at the gate Dhs160. Tel: (0)4 317 3999. thegreenplanetdubai.com

Friday, June 30

Find a new stomping ground

From Soho London all the way to Dubai International Financial Centre, Alma Bar is an opulent cocktail bar that is set to deliver an experience unlike any other for its patrons. Located within Sucre, Alma Bar is an enchanting venue that claims to celebrate the union of art, creativity and culture. Inspired by vintage glamour and the spirit of the modern-day Middle East, the venue is promising a fusion of eras from across the globe while also paying tribute to the past and the present.

Alma Bar, inside Sucre, Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, open Mon to Thu 6pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 6pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 227 5569. @sucredubai

Kids go free at Motiongate

Home to two theme parks, Motiongate and Legoland Dubai there’s plenty of fun in-store, and little ones under the age of 12 can enter for free. The only catch? There needs to be one paying adult. That’s it… Tickets can be purchased here for Dhs295 (per adult). Once you have your ticket, you will need to take it to guest services to claim the free child pass. You’re in even more luck because this summer, Dubai Parks and Resorts is footing the bill with a free Careem ride from anywhere in Dubai straight to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Dubai Park and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai. 11am to 9pm. Dhs295 day tickets. Tel:(0)4 820 0000. dubaiparksandresorts.com

Dine with the What’s On Chef of The Year

This no frills-restaurant is located on a rooftop of a residential building in Satwa, moving away from the usual chic Dubai restaurant setting and focusing solely on food. An 11-course omakase menu is served over two seatings where just 12 guests can dine at the chef’s table. Chef Solemann Haddad received the Michelin Young Chef Award in 2022 and for the Michelin Guide 2023, the homegrown restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star. Each evening, there’s two seatings for chef Solemann Haddad’s menu: the early seating is 6.45pm while the later one kicks off at 9.30pm.

Moonrise, Rooftop Level, Eden House, Satwa, seatings at 6.45pm and 9.30pm, Mon to Sat, Dhs650 per person. Tel: (0)50 697 2946, moon-rise.xyz

Visit Al Quoz for a super cool cafe

Looking for somewhere to get your caffeine fix with seriously wow-worthy decor? You may have already seen this stunning new café on your Instagram feed – and for good reason. A newer addition to Al Quoz, La Nena is a Spanish café and concept store, with coffee, delectable snacks, and gorgeous homeware pieces to buy such as cups, plates, and candles. What’s more? It’s dog-friendly so bring along your four-legged friends.

La Nena, Al Marabea St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai. Tuesday to Sunday, 7am to 6pm. @lenenacoffee

Roll into the weekend

Remember the rollgood ol’ skates? You can relive your fun childhood memories this summer at RollDXB. The huge space is created by roller skating fanatics but open to skaters of all abilities. The goal, besides falling, is to just have a good time.

Roll DXB, Shed 3 Marina Cubes Street – Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 238 6206. @rolldxb

Saturday, July 1

Head out for an all-you-can-eat breakie

As of Saturday, June 10, LDC Kitchen is offering guests an all-you-can-eat breakfast package in Dubai. From 8m to 2pm, guests are invited to enjoy a delectable range of breakfast dishes. Whether you’re there for an early lunch or a late breakfast, the all-you-can-eat brunch is pried at Dhs69 per person.

LDC Kitchen, various locations across Dubai, weekends from 8am to 2pm, Dhs69 per person. @ldckitchen

Find your inner zen

In need of some R&R? Welcome to Samadhi Wellness, Dubai’s zen new wellness space, yoga retreat, and wholesome eatery now open in Jumeirah. From a quaint villa in Jumeirah 3, Samadhi has transformed into a wellness hub promising an inclusive, welcoming, and authentic experience. The space features two types of yoga studios, Reflect, with infrared heaters, and Connect, which extends into the garden in the cooler months; as well as a sauna, stunning pool, ice bath, hair therapy rooms, sanctuary garden, wholesome café, and a shop. Inviting guests to come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the clean eatery serves wholesome mains, smoothie bowls, vegan-friendly dishes, salads, detox juices, coffee, matcha, homemade truffles, and more.

Samadhi Wellness, 491b Jumeirah St, Jumeirah 3, Dubai. Daily, 7am to 9.45pm. Tel:(0)4 323 5354. samadhi-wellness.com / @samadhimywellness

Fancy a film?

There are plenty of brand-new films out on release during the Eid break. From a new Indiana Jones flick to a new rom-com No Hard Feelings, you can check out a brand new Resident Evil film if you feel like it. Grab some popcorn, and order your favourite drink and snacks to boot as you settle in for some fantastic adventures or emotional journeys with some of the new films being released.

Would anyody like a cuppa?

A number of French delicacies can be found inside this gorgeous red case at Fouquet’s afternoon tea. The bites have been created by two gifted pastry chefs who know what they are doing when it comes to French cuisine. The afternoon tea costs Dhs250 per person and includes scones, clotted cream, Fouquet’s jam, tarts, mini-cakes and much more. If you want a glass of champagne with your treat, it’s Dhs300.

Fouquet’s Dubai, Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm. Tel: (0)4 524 5301. @fouquets.dubai

Beat the heat

Think icy indoor activities in Dubai don’t exist. Think again. Ski Dubai is arguably the coolest attraction in the city spanning 22,500 square meters in the Mall of the Emirates. Home to loads of activities, including a ski slope for skiers and snowboarders, a Snow Park’, Zorb balls, penguin encounters and more. Ski school is available to help you learn the basics. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate at the Avalanche Café. Costs vary on your choice of activity. Check out the prices here.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tel: (600) 599 905, skidxb.com

Sunday, July 2

A Sunday brunch like no other

Bringing a taste of the Amalfi Coast to Bluewaters is an acclaimed Italian restaurant, Alici. You can enjoy this pretty restaurant’s Southern Italian feast every Saturday and Sunday, with packages from 1pm to 4pm available. On the menu, expect a selection of tasty crudo, antipasti, mains and desserts, all washed down with free-flowing drinks and beautiful sea views.

Alici, Bluewaters, off Dubai Marina, Sat and Sun, 3 hours between 1pm and 4pm, Dhs395 soft drinks, Dhs495 house drinks, Dhs595  premium Italian sparkling. Tel: (0)4 275 2577. @alicidubai

Why only eat like an Italian when you can learn to cook like one?

Learn to whip up a myriad of authentic Italian delicacies and regional dishes at Eataly’s cooking classes. The sessions will educate students on the complete Italian cuisine game while introducing them to live demonstrations, events and complimentary tastings at their many locations

Eataly, across several branches, prices at eatalyarabia.com 

Test your friendships over a boardgame or two

Located in the heart of Circle Mall JVC, all game fanatics can get involved in over 1,000 board games, puzzles and mandalas, costing only Dhs40 for unlimited usage. Guests won’t get hungry or parched, with an extensive menu of salads, burgers, pizzas, snacks, sharing platters, smoothies, milkshakes and of course – coffee.

Dice Board Game Cafe, Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village, Dubai, Mon to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am, Tel: (0)4 582 0108, dice-cafe.com

Marvel at the majestic mosque

The Grand Jumeirah Mosque first opened back in 1979 and was a gift from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and father of the current Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.  This architectural treasure has grown to be one of the emirates’ most loved landmarks for its interactive Open Doors. Open Minds program. Located in Jumeirah 1, the mosque is open to the public at 10am and 2pm every day except Fridays (timings may differ during Ramadan). The 75-minute tour costs Dhs35 per person and comes with light Emirati refreshments at the majlis before the program starts so be sure to get there early for registration.

Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah 1. Daily except Fridays 10am and 2pm, Dhs35 per person. jumeirahmosque.ae

Wack out some padel

The Alley DXB is a brilliant glow-in-the-dark padel centre and is pitch black, save for the glow-in-the-dark racquets, tennis balls and fluorescent orange, pink, green and red lines marking out the courts and walls of the three padel courts. If you’re new to the sport, you can sign up for lessons with the head coach.

The Alley DXB (beside Warehouse Gym), off Umm Sequim Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, @thealleydxb