12 wonderful things to do in Dubai this weekend: March 1 to 3

New month, new things to do… 

The search for the best things to do in Dubai at the weekend isn’t exactly the easiest endeavour. Why? Because there are so many options – like amazing art exhibitions, a family movie night in the park, new brunches, foodie pop-ups, music festivals, and more.

Without further ado, here is our shortlist of 12 wonderful things to do in Dubai this weekend:

Friday, March 1

Check out this iconic takeover

We can hardly believe it’s been a whole year since Beyoncé graced the stage at the iconic opening of Atlantis The Royal. To mark the one-year anniversary, the ultra-luxe resort has partnered with Louis Vuitton, introducing a colourful crew of their Vivienne mascots to the hotel grounds. Each of the six Viviennes – Jetsetter, Roller, Wanderlust, Sailor, Shutterbug, and Lifeguard – boasts its own unique design and personality, allowing guests to find one that resonates with them. Visitors can use a map to locate each statue and then bring them to life through augmented reality by scanning them with their phones.

Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 426 3000, atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal

Try new flavours

Prepare your tastebuds… For one week only, local favourites LIT Pizzeria and Wakame have joined forces to create a unique fusion menu highlighting both restaurants’ signature dishes. From burrata and Japanese eggplant to lobster mini tacos, head down hungry to LIT Pizzeria in Al Khawaneej until March 3.

LIT Pizzeria, Quranic Park, Al Khawaneej, Dubai. Until March 3. 12pm to 3am. Tel:(0)50 305 0385. @lit.pizzeria @wakamedubai

Immerse yourself in amazing art

Get ready art lovers, Art Dubai returns to Madinat Jumeirah this weekend from Friday, March 1 to 3. Now in its 17th edition, the international art fair will showcase over 120 presentations with artists from over 40 countries across the world. Visitors can expect the popular four sections to return: Contemporary, Bawwaba, Modern and Digital as well as live performances and workshops to take part in. For one day, the ticket cost is Dhs100, while a three-day ticket will cost Dhs180. You can make your purchase here.

Art Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai, March 1 to 3, tickets from Dhs100. Tel: (0)4 563 1400. artdubai.ae 

Have a late one

Hidden behind a record store inside the Pullman Dubai Downtown, one of the city’s most loved listening bars, Honeycomb Hifi is the place to be for lovers of great music, cocktails, and vibes. This Friday, the speakeasy is welcoming the renowned Italian DJ Spiller, brining his iconic electro beats from 11pm until late.

Pullman Hotel Downtown, Sun to Thur 8pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 8pm to 3am, Mon closed. Tel: (0)4 412 6666. @honeycombhifi

Saturday, March 2

Glam up for a day at the races

Gallop into the new month with the Dubai World Cup warm-up, Emirates Super Saturday. The action-packed family-friendly race day is taking place  on Saturday March 2. Doors open at 2pm, so guests can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the festivities that extend far beyond the all important horse races. Tickets are priced at Dhs5 for general admission or Dhs65 per person for The Premium by McGettigan’s offers a ‘neigh-borly’ experience with a children’s play area, live music, cash bar, and more.

Meydan Racecourse, Saturday, March 2, from 2pm. dubairacingclub.com

Try a new evening brunch

Cosy and intimate, this under-the-radar homegrown Japanese eatery in DIFC is now home to a Saturday evening brunch. Giving off the vibe of a cool speakeasy, UCHI’s evening brunch is a curation of signature dishes from chef Ciprian. It begins with open omakase from the sushi bar, then appetisers, a choice of main – with tasty options like lobster soba, wagyu sando and black cod, and then concludes with a selection of desserts. It can all be paired with soft, house, or premium drinks from 8pm to 11pm. Post-brunch the lights go down and the music goes up, and the space becomes a lively after-hours spot.

UCHI, Gate Village, DIFC, 8pm to 11pm, Saturdays, Dhs399 soft, Dhs 499 house, Dhs699 sparkling. Tel: (0)4 298 5044. @uchi.uae

Rewind to the 80s

80s music fans, get ready to sing your heart out… The sell-out Rewind Festival is back this weekend, with an epic lineup of throwback 80s and 90s artists including Wet Wet Wet, Chesney Hawkes, ABC, Midge Ure, The Real Thing, ABC, and returning for a second time – Heather Small. Tickets are priced from Dhs399 for general admission and VIP tickets are Dhs650.

Rewind Festival, Bla Bla, JBR, Mar 1 and 2, from Dhs399. Tel: (0)4 584 4111. @rewindfestdxb

Attend a music festival

Transporting music lovers to the lush jungles of Tulum, ZAMNA Festival has landed in the desert for the first time at Soho Garden. The epic one-night-only festival promises to showcase the best of electronic and house music, featuring an electrifying lineup including renowned DJs such as Stephan Bodzin, Mind Against, Adam Sellouk, and more. Tickets are priced at Dhs250.

Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai. Saturday, March 2. Doors open at 10pm. From Dhs250. Tel:(0)52 388 8849. dubai.platinumlist.net

Sunday, March 3

Stretch it out in the sand

Taking place on Sunday at 8.30am, Koko Bay is hosting an exclusive yoga session in collaboration with Lululemon on the beach with yoga expert Gizem Erguder. The 60-minute yoga and meditation session costs Dhs100 per person and includes a post-session wholesome breakfast. Choose from dishes such as the Asian omelette, Koko nut pancakes, and Amazonian açai bowl. There’s a limited number of spots so be sure to book in advance.

Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. Sunday, March 3, 8.30am. Dhs100 per person. Tel:(0)4 5723444. kokobay.co

Enjoy a family movie night at the park

Looking for family fun this weekend? Head to Safa Park for “The Hangout” by Talabat family movie night. Visitors can enjoy a cosy evening under the stars with bean bags, games, exciting activities, food and of course, popcorn. On Saturday, get ready for a double feature with Ratatouille starting at 6.30pm followed by the timeless classic Matilda at 8pm. On Sunday, the entertainment continues with Toy Story 3 at 6.30pm, followed by the adventurous journey of The Super Mario Bros. Movie at 8pm. Entrance to Safa Park costs Dhs3.

The Hangout by Talabat, Safa Park Gate 2, Dubai. March 2 and March 3. 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Location map. 

Go for a spin in the desert

Rev up your engines… Motor enthusiasts can test drive the 2024 Jeep Wrangler at an epic launch event, Dare to Wrangler, in the desert this weekend. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm, aspiring Jeep owners can take the car for a spin under professional guidance learning the basics of off-roading and experiencing the 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s enhanced performance. There will also be a live DJ, padel court, children’s area, and a number of food trucks such as Pickl. For more information at to book your test drive visit: daretowrangler.com

Dare to Wrangler, Al Badaya Camp. Sat March 2 and Sun March 3, 10am to 6pm. daretowrangler.com

End the weekend right

If you’re looking for an excuse to gather the girls, look no further… Party hotspot Iris has unveiled an exciting new Sunday soirée, Sundays à la Minuty. Taking place from 5pm to 2am every Sunday, guests can enjoy a refreshing bottle of Minuty rosé for Dhs140 while taking in the stunning views of the Dubai skyline from the rooftop terrace.

Images: Social/Provided