10 things to do in Dubai this August

A quieter city doesn’t mean a quieter calendar. Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai this August

Summer isn’t over just yet, and August is the sweet spot to make the most of a quieter Dubai before our calendars start filling up again. From new openings and indoor activities to wellness classes, dining deals and more, here are 10 of the best things to do in Dubai this August.

Step into the world of tango

Passionate dancing, live music and stunning visuals come together for one-night-only at TODA. The immersive show features a live pianist, violinist and tango dancers performing Argentine classics including Por una Cabeza and Libertango.

Where: Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), Souk Madinat Jumeirah

When: Sunday, August 2, 8pm

Contact: @todadubai

Run an indoor race

If running outside isn’t on the agenda in August, this indoor race is a great alternative. Open to all ages and fitness levels, the Dubai Outlet Mall Run brings together a fun community atmosphere with the comfort of a climate-controlled course.

Where: Dubai Outlet Mall, Al Ain Road, Madinat Hind 1, Dubai

When: Sunday, August 9, 7am

Cost: From Dhs95

Contact: premieronline.com

Build your own street eats feast 

Sharing is the whole idea behind Girl & the Goose’s new Build Your Own Street Eats Board. Available every Tuesday, the experience for two starts with a selection of guacamole, corn ribs and tostadas before letting you customise the rest of the meal. Choose your favourite tostadas, mix and match tacos, flautas, güirila and pupusas for the main course, then finish with a shared dessert. Margaritas are also available at a special price.

Where: Girl & the Goose, Anantara Downtown Dubai

When: Every Tuesday

Cost: Dhs189 per person (minimum two guests)

Contact: @girl.and.the.goose

Try a hands-on cooking class

Fin & Bone

Swap dinner reservations for something more interactive with one of Dubai’s hands-on cooking classes. Learn to make sausages from scratch at Fin & Bone, master fresh pasta at Sagra, or sign the little ones up for fun workshops at Neighbourhood Food Hall, where they’ll make everything from Thai papaya salad to naan and dumplings. See the full roundup here.

Try one of Dubai’s newest restaurants

Dubai’s dining scene never slows down, and there’s no shortage of new spots to add to your list. Slurp Japanese ramen at Ramen Hisa, tuck into deli classics at Hudson & Rye, grab fresh Argentinian medialunas from Pancita, discover Asian flavours at S.E.A Bistrot, stop by Dear Dumpling for handmade dumplings or settle in for drinks and live music at Le Piaf. See the full roundup of Dubai’s newest restaurant and café openings.

Recharge with an infrared detox

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s Summer Detox programme puts the spotlight on the Iyashi Dome, a Japanese infrared wellness treatment that uses gentle far-infrared heat to support circulation, recovery and overall wellbeing. The treatment encourages deep perspiration while helping the body recharge, and the current summer offer includes 10 sessions for the price of five, making it easy to incorporate into your wellness routine over the season.

Where: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1

When: Daily, 9am to 9pm

Cost: Dhs3,250 for 10 Iyashi Dome sessions (valid for 90 days), or Dhs650 per session

Contact: @mo_jumeira

Try one of Dubai’s most unique yoga classes

If yoga is your way to switch off, this might be one of Dubai’s most unique places to do it. Practise beside the aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, where thousands of marine creatures glide past as you move through gentle postures and mindful breathing. Your session also includes complimentary access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium afterwards, so you can take your time exploring once class is over.

Where: Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah

When: Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 9am

Cost: Dhs275 per person

Contact: @atlantisthepalm

See the biggest regional artists live 

Beat the Heat DXB is back with another season of indoor concerts, bringing some of the region’s biggest names to Dubai World Trade Centre. The lineup includes Cairokee, Dystinct, Rasha Rizk and Al Shami, with everything from Arabic pop and rap to rock and Khaleeji music on the bill.

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

When: Until Saturday, August 8

Cost: From Dhs105

Contact: @beattheheatdxb

Get moving indoors

Back for its 16th edition, Dubai Sports World has once again transformed Dubai World Trade Centre into one of the city’s biggest indoor sports hubs. Reserve a court for everything from football and basketball to padel and badminton or make the most of the free gym and 1km indoor walking and jogging track. If you’re looking for an easy way to stay active through August, this is one of the city’s best indoor options.

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Halls 2–6

When: Until August 25

Contact: dubaisportsworld.ae

Plan a Dubai Summer Surprises day out

Dubai Summer Surprises is back with nearly two months of shopping deals, family attractions and live entertainment across the city. From July 2 to August 30, expect everything from limited-time retail offers and exciting prizes to concerts, indoor attractions and plenty to keep the kids busy. One of the highlights is the return of Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, where families can spend the day exploring games, rides, activities and interactive zones, while bargain hunters won’t want to miss the Electronics Flash Sale from July 10 to 12.

Where: Various locations across Dubai

When: July 2 to August 30

Contact: @dubaifestivals

Images: Provided/Instagram