9 excellent things to do in Dubai this week: August 5 to 8

Have a great week…

Looking for some cool things to do in Dubai this week? There’s plenty to do from enjoying a night swim to trying out new restaurants, jumping down the rabbit hole with Alice at TODA and more…

Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week

Monday, August 5

Make dinner reservations at TOTÓ Dubai

It’s already found on the scenic shores of Saadiyat Island, and now, famed Italian restaurant TOTÓ has opened in Dubai at Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai, formerly the Vida Downtown. TOTÓ is backed by sports stars Rafael Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pau Gasol, and is self-described as an ode to the golden era of Italian cinema of the 1950s and 60s. A culinary homage to the legendary Cinema Paradiso film, diners will enjoy their experience in a rustic luxury setting featuring elegant wooden floors, an exceptional selection of artwork and décor that effortlessly balance the spirit of classic Italian cinematography within a chic Dubai setting. Make sure you get those reservations in.

TOTÓ, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, open daily from 12pm from Aug 2, @totorestaurantdubai

Sip on cocktails for just Dhs45 at Clay Dubai

On August 5, Clay Dubai is hosting ‘The Bar Reunion’ where guests can sip on specially curated cocktails prepped by acclaimed bartenders Slaven Macura and Sunny Nigrel. The cocktails will be available for just Dhs45 each from 9pm on the night and each innovative drink promises sophisticated flavours. Macura and Nigrel are renowned in the bartending community for their imaginative cocktail creations and dynamic presence behind the bar, so it’s a night you don’t want to miss.

Clay Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai, Aug 5, from 9pm, Tel: (0)4 422 5600, claydubai.com

Tuesday, August 6

Enjoy aperitivo at The Artisan

The Artisan at Waldorf Astoria in DIFC has launched a new weekly Aperitivo offering from 4pm to 7pm offering a savoury selection of platters and beverages. The Tagliere Aperitivo Del Meridione for Dhs90 includes mushroom arancini, Sicilian green olives, mozzarella sticks, Apulian taralli, and pecorino Romano. For Dhs105, you can get the Tagliere Aperitivo Della Penisola, where additionally you will get green olives, Italian bresaola IGP Punta d`anca, Parmigiano Reggiano, Apulian burrata and more. There’s plenty to pick from on the drinks menu for a starting price of Dhs32.

The Artisan, Waldorf Astoria, Za’abeel, DIFC, Dubai, daily 4pm to 7pm, Tel: (0)4 338 8133, @theartisandubai

Hop down the rabbit hole with Alice at the Theatre of Digital Art

Based on the much-adored novel by Lewis Carroll, TODA is showcasing Alice in Wonderland bringing the whimsical and wonderful world to life like never before. You will join Alice as she solves mind-bending puzzles hidden throughout the magical world, and you’ll also meet the eccentric Mad Hatter, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the formidable Queen of Hearts in her garden and many more characters. Are you ready to jump down the rabbit hole?

Alice in Wonderland 360°, Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, August 3 to 31, shows throughout the day, Dhs60 per child and Dhs137.43, combo tickets available, Tel: (0)4 277 4044. toda.ae

Chill out with great food and live music at Flayva

This popular street food hall at Al Ghurair Centre will be the stage for two of Dubai’s coolest local bands, About Last Night and The Boxtones every fortnight until October 1. The performance starts on August 6 kicking off with The Boxtones who will perform from 7pm to 8pm. They will also perform on September 3 and October 1 (final performance). About Last Night will perform on August 20 and September 17. You can read more about the food hall here.

Wednesday, August 7

Check out the all-new Zaatar w Zeit

Renowned Lebanese urban eatery has opened in Dubai’s oldest mall – Al Ghurair Centre. The store features contemporary interiors, a spacious dining area, and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a new Grab n’ Go concept so you can enjoy your Zaatar w Zeit fix even if you’re on a busy schedule. You can find it next to Gate 4 of the mall.

Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Road, Deira, Dubai, open daily, zaatarwzeit.net

Indulge in all-you-can-eat sushi at Le Bistro by Salmontini DIFC

Love sushi? Head to Le Bistro by Salmontini with loved ones and indulge in a diverse array of all-you-can-eat sushi for just Dhs139 per person. The cool deal is available every day throughout summer until August 31 from 12pm to 9pm. Expect only the freshest, top-quality fish sure to ‘maki’ you drool.

Le Bistro by Salmontini DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, daily until Aug 31, 12pm to 9pm, Dhs139 per person. Tel: (0)4 388 2468, lebistro.salmontini.com

Thursday, August 8

Make dinner plans at Indikaya

A new Indian restaurant has opened its doors at Shangri-La Dubai showcasing India’s rich culinary heritage. Expect Indian tapas packed with fresh flavours created by renowned Chef Ajay Chopra. Each dish is a tribute to a different region, culture and flavour profile from India. Chef Chopra has worked with culinary legends like Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett, and he was even a judge on Masterchef India for two seasons. You can pair your meal with sips from the contemporary bar where you’ll have to pick from a number of signature cocktails.

Indikaya, Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Mon to Thurs 12pm to 11pm, Fri to Sun 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0)54 279 3647, @indikayadubai

Go for a moonlight swim at One&Only Royal Mirage

Love swimming but can’t take the heat? Go for a night swim at One&Only Royal Mirage at The Palace’s Al Janoub Pool. Available from Thursday to Saturday, the adults-only pool transforms into an illuminated oasis where shimmering water reflects the moonlight. Your night swim will be paired with live beats of curated music and a special menu featuring poolside delicacies from Beach, Bar & Grill. It’s a Dhs250 minimum spend per person for poolside access, and Dhs500 per person for a private cabana. Adults only, sorry kids…

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Janoub Pool The Palace, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Thurs to Sat 7pm to 11pm, Tel: (0)4 399 9999, oneandonlyresorts.com