10 things to do in Dubai this weekend: July 17 to 19

Need weekend plans? Start with these 10 things to do in Dubai 

In a city like Dubai, you’re never far from your next plan. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy breakfast, a hands-on cooking workshop for the kids, a Reformer Pilates session or a Sunday lunch with rosé by the beach, there’s something for every vibe and every kind of weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Get creative with a sip and paint night

Swap the usual Friday night drinks for something a little more creative at Vida Emirates Hills. Sip & Paint: Le Sōlienne – A Night of Expression pairs guided painting with food, drinks and laid-back tunes, making it an easy choice whether you’re catching up with friends or trying something different. No experience is needed – just swing by, grab a paintbrush and enjoy an evening of creativity.

Where: Vida Emirates Hills

When: Every Friday, 7pm to 9pm

Cost: Dhs275 with food and soft drinks, Dhs320 with food and house beverages

Contact: (04) 872 8888 @vidahotels

Make time for breakfast at a cosy café

Breakfast lovers, this one’s for you. Dubai favourite bkry has opened a new outpost at Nad Al Sheba Mall, serving its signature pastries, creative croissants, breakfast eggs and speciality coffee in a cosy new space. Alongside the classics, you’ll also find a handful of location-exclusive dishes, giving you another reason to make the trip.

Where: bkry, Nad Al Sheba Mall

When: Daily, 8am to 10pm

Contact: @bkry.space

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Pick up a refreshing summer drink

If you’re stopping by Pret A Manger for lunch or a coffee this weekend, there’s something new to try. Pret A Manger UAE has teamed up with HalaPop, the region’s first locally made prebiotic soda, bringing four refreshing flavours to stores across the UAE. Pair your sandwich or salad with Ginger Lemon, Pomegranate Hibiscus, Strawberry Vanilla or Tangerine for an easy summer pick-me-up.

Where: Pret A Manger locations across the UAE

When: From July 15 until the end of August

Contact: @pretuae

Get a workout in

If you’re looking to squeeze in a workout this weekend, book a Reformer Pilates class at ReFIVE in FIVE Palm Jumeirah. The studio’s small, instructor-led classes focus on strength, flexibility and mobility, making them suitable for all levels. Afterwards, head to Detox Me Café for a matcha, protein shake or cold-pressed juice, or book the Sculpt, Melt & Restore package to pair your class with a relaxing massage and access to the spa pool and steam room.

Where: ReFIVE, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah

When: Saturdays, 8am to 11am; Sundays, 9am to 6pm

Cost: From Dhs165 per class
Contact: @refivepilates

Brunch the Latin American way

If your ideal Saturday involves good food, flowing drinks and a lively atmosphere, AMARU Dubai has launched Amigos Brunch. Running every Saturday, the experience brings together bold Latin American flavours, sharing-style dishes, live DJs and plenty of energy in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Expect everything from ceviche, tacos and empanadas to the restaurant’s signature 36-hour Asado Negro, with house and premium drinks packages available to keep the afternoon going.

Where: AMARU Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah

When: Every Saturday, 3pm to 7pm

Cost: Dhs350 (house package), Dhs499 (premium package)

Contact: (04) 227 5881, (050) 263 7060, @amaru.dubai

Let the kids become little chefs

If you’re looking for a fun family activity this weekend, Eataly at The Beach, JBR is hosting hands-on cooking workshops for little foodies. Running on alternate Sundays from July to November, kids can learn how to make pizzas or brownies while picking up a few Italian cooking skills along the way. Every session includes a chef hat, apron and a Polaroid photo with mum and dad to take home as a keepsake. Afterwards, stop by Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt for a customisable frozen yoghurt topped with all their favourite treats.

Where: Eataly, The Beach, JBR

When: Alternate Sundays, July to November, 10am to 11am

Cost: Dhs130 per child

Contact: (04) 561 1185, @eatalyatthebeach

Gigi Rigolatto

Gigi Rigolatto is a good shout for your next beach day. Book a sunbed by the beach or pool, while weekdays come with an extra perk for ladies: complimentary sunbed access with any food or drink order.

Where: Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1

When: Daily, 10am until sunset

Cost: Beach from Dhs300; Pool from Dhs400

Contact: (04) 498 3900 @gigi_beach_dubai

Indulge your sweet tooth

If you needed an excuse to eat unlimited gelato, this is it. Cioccolatitaliani is launching Dubai’s first Bottomless Gelato Brunch, serving unlimited artisan gelato alongside flowing Italian chocolate, homemade pastries and a signature mini affogato. Expect cannoli, maritozzi, bignè and more, plus one hot or cold drink, with the experience running every Sunday until the end of August.

Where: Cioccolatitaliani, Dubai Festival City Mall

When: Every Sunday until the end of August, 12pm to 10pm (launches Sunday, July 19)

Cost: Dhs149 per adult, Dhs79 per child, Dhs399 for two adults and two children

Contact: @cioccolatitaliani.ae

Make it a dinner-and-drinks kind of night

If you’re in the mood for part dinner, part night out, ZEA Dubai delivers exactly that. Its new PAREA experience, inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of gathering over great food, combines sharing-style dishes with live percussionists, dancers and a resident DJ. Starting every Thursday and Saturday from 9pm, the atmosphere gradually builds throughout the evening before turning into a lively late-night celebration.

Where: ZEA Dubai, Emirates Financial Tower, DIFC

When: Every Thursday and Saturday, from 9pm (until 2am)

Cost: From Dhs260 per person

Contact: @zea.dubai

Sip rosé by the beach

If your perfect Sunday involves good food, sea views and a glass of rosé in hand, head to African Queen at J1 Beach. La Vie En Rosé pairs a leisurely Mediterranean-inspired lunch with unlimited Provence rosé and live music, making it an easy way to round off the weekend.

Where: African Queen, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1

When: Sundays, 1pm to 5pm

Cost: From Dhs290

Contact: (04) 515 4600, @africanqueen_dubai

Images: Provided