Things to do in Dubai this weekend
You know that moment on a Thursday afternoon when your work buddy asks what you’re doing this weekend and your mind goes blank? Well worry no more, friends, because What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the latest movie trailers and cinema listings of films being release in Dubai this weekend. Click here.
WORLD CUP SPECIAL
We created to the definitive list of places to catch all the World Cup action over the next month. Kicking off on Thursday June 12, there are 64 games for you to sink your teeth into, so you better checking some of the best spots off. Below are four more of our favourites.
Reform Social & Grill
What’s the deal? Boasting a giant screen in an air-conditioned tent, and BBQ menu until 2am on match days, Reform Social & Grill is offering one free drink to women wearing football shirts, and face painting for children during earlier games. It is also planning a huge garden party for the Cup final. The place is abuzz with atmosphere, without ever getting too rowdy, as families with young children as well as hardened football fans mix in good spirits. What’s more, the tent is non-smoking, a major plus for many. Even though the majority of the snacks served are ‘finger food’, they don’t fall below the usual high standards of Reform – honey-glazed sausages, mini-sliders, tiger prawns, fish cakes and chicken skewers are all top notch, while those bedding in for the long-haul can enjoy proper meals like fish and chips, pie, and masala.
TV COUNT: One jumbo
The Lakes Club, Emirates Hills, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 4542638. Taxi: The Lakes Club. reformsocialgrill.ae
Goodfellas
What’s the deal? The Ramee Rose Hotel bar is open throughout the World Cup and will be giving away buckets of beer as part of the predictor game every match; the two guests who are most right through the tournament will win a V.I.P table for them and their friends for the final on July 13. There are also pool tables and plenty of food and drink deals to keep you topped up, including steaks for Dhs109 with a free half bottle of wine, and themed buckets of beer for Dhs99.
TV COUNT: Two giant and 19 other.
Goodfellas, Ramee Rose Hotel, TECOM, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4500111. Metro: Dubai Internet City. Taxi: Ramee Rose, TECOM.
CAFE HABANA
Café Habana, the vibrant Cuban hangout in Souk Al Bahar, will be showing the World Cup throughout the tournament on two prime positioned screens. Their ‘Viva La FIFA World Cup’ experience includes food and drink deals such as two pints plus Diablo Wings OR Taquitos Caseros (Tacos) for Dhs110. Pitcher of Beer plus Diablo sandwich or burger for Dhs180, and a bucket of Budweiser for Dhs110. Unlike most other places in the Downtown area, there is a real feel here that you’re in a South American bar, and the atmosphere follows suit. Table service for food is an added bonus. If you’re a more vocal supporter, though, steer clear of the wings… they’re HOT!
Café Habana, Souk Al Bahar Level 3, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4222620. Metro: Dubai Mall. Taxi: Souk Al Bahar. habana-dubai.com
Casa de Tapas
What’s the deal? The entire indoor venue has been dressed for the occasion and while supporters of all teams are welcome at this Dubai Creek venue, we suspect it will be a bit of a magnet for those who follow the Spanish and South and Central Latin American teams. So what if Spain are out already, there are seven dedicated tables with individual TV screens where up to eight guests can choose their preferred game at any time. The venue has 14 screens in total including a large projection screen.
TV COUNT: One projector and 13 other
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Dubai Creek. Tel: (04) 4161800. Metro: GGICO or Deira City Centre. facebook.com/CasaDeTapasDubai
WORLD MUSIC DAY AY MADINAT
More than 15 music groups will pack the souk to give live performances as part of La Fête de la Musique, a French street music festival. From young guitar players to keen amateur musicians and expert bands, the Fête will feature a diversity of instruments, traditions and sounds. Held to mark World Music Day, Dubai’s Fête de la Musique is part of a global musical celebration that began in Paris in 1982 on summer solstice. From 7pm to 10pm on Saturday, each band will play for 30 minutes at assigned spots in the souk’s alleyways. In the spirit of the festival, the artists will be a mixture of amateurs and professionals. For all the information you need, click here.
June 21
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 3358712. Taxi: Souk Madinat. afdubai.org/event/fete-de-la-musique
JASON MANFORD LIVE
His ability to make people laugh has made him a star, but Jason Manford’s skills aren’t limited to great comic timing. The Manchester stand-up’s eclectic CV includes everything from collecting glasses in his local pub to singing and dancing in a West End show, via stints as a factory worker, a builder, and behind the counter at his local branch of Burger King. Manford went on to become a household name, but he has never stopped adding strings to his bow. He now juggles stand-up with writing, acting, TV presenting, voiceover work and radio – in addition to his penchant for musical theatre, which was revealed when he played the role of Pirelli in Sweeney Todd on stage in London in 2012. Now he’s coming to Dubai to help the Laughter Factory celebrate 18 years of bringing top comics to the UAE. For more from Jason, click here.
June 22 and 23
Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3551862. Metro: Emirates Towers. thelaughterfactory.com
BREAK A WORLD RECORD WITH DAVID HAYE
Former heavyweight champion David Haye leads a Guinness World Record attempt for the biggest ever boxing fitness class. Open to all, the session is choreographed and led by Haye himself. Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to the Rashid Centre for children with special needs. The current record stands at 498. We can beat that, right Dubai?
June 21
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3064000. Metro: World Trade Centre. dubaisportsworld.ae
ZUMBA FOR CHARITY
Join a two-hour Zumba Marathon at 11am and get fit for a good cause. Dhs100 per person.
June 21
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3064000. Metro: World Trade Centre. dubaisportsworld.ae
**FULL DETAILS ON DUBAI SPORTS WORLD CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE**
CLASSIC ROCK
If your music collection is largely made up of AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath – on vinyl, naturally – then you should mark June 21 on your diary. It’s Saturday Night Rocks at the Music Room, and cover band Flames Reignited will be blasting out classics from all of your rock heroes. The band will have support on the night from vocalist and producer Elvis Garagic.
June 21
Majestic Hotel, Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, 8pm, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 3598888. Taxi: Majestic Hotel. facebook.com/MusicRoomDubai
KANEY INTERNATIONAL BAND
With the world collectively turning their eyes towards Brazil for the FIFA World Cup, the nation’s vibrant and exotic festival flair has never been more in focus. Now all of the colour, music and excitement of the fiesta is being brought to Dubai by Latin American performance group Kaney International Band. What’s On sat down for a chat with group leader, Javier Peña Oliveros. about how Latin American music is taking over the globe, and why they are a show worth seeing. Read the interview here.
IZEL, Floor seven, Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. 9.00pm to 3.00am June 20. Tel: (04) 4447111 dubai.izel.com
SKY OVER THE EAST – last chance
Leading 20th century Arab artists present a selection of works to honour the role of artists in Arab history. Spanning a range of mediums, styles and subject matter, the exhibition showcases 54 works by 48 artists from 12 countries. Featured artists can count Tate Modern (London), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Museum Of Modern Art (New York) and the National Gallery Of Fine Arts (Jordan) among their credits. Dia Al Azzawi, Chafic Abboud, Laila Shawa and Mona Saudi are all showing their work this time. Come and see how the finest Arab artists of the last century make sense and sensations of the region’s modern history.
Until June 27
Emirates Palace Gallery, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
THE RESURRECTION – last chance
The civil war in Syria continues to concern the region’s artists. In 2011, Damascus-born Jaber Al Azmeh began to document his own record of the revolution, a process that has evolved into this latest show. The photographic series reveals the hopes, dreams and concerns of a wide-ranging group of Syrians, including journalists, poets, artists and actors, each of who give their view in a newsletter created for the series. With over 50 Syrians from various backgrounds and religions featured, the effect is both mesmerising and emotionally demanding.
Until June 26
Green Art Gallery, Unit 28, Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3469306. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. gagallery,com
CHECK OUT KING CROC
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has unveiled its latest addition to take up residence in a newly built enclosure – King Croc and his female companion of over 20 years. As one of the world’s largest reptiles, King Croc is over five-metres long and weighs an imposing 750kg plus – that’s the equivalent weight of over 15 fully-grown men. And at 40 years old he has the potential to grow even bigger over the next 50 years. Hailing from Australia where he has been living for almost two decades, King Croc has made the move over to Dubai under the strict guidance of the Australian government authorities, who carefully reviewed the quality of the display, qualifications of staff caring for the duo and the educational purpose of the exhibit. For more information, click here.
SUPERHEROES CLOSING PARTY
Superheroes close their first season this weekend with a friends and family affair. While the newcomer to the Dubai scene has welcomed some stellar guests – Plump DJs, Mike Skinner, Krywolf – local DJs come together to give the wonky bass party a good old send-off. The antithesis to po-faced clubbing, Under The Moon, Kasparov, Mach 4, Woodle and Somalie are amongst the local band of brothers bringing the beats and bass to the Dek On Eight on Thursday. “It’s been a phenomenal first season,” said promoter and party instigator Sean Rutherford. “The highlight without a doubt has been the response from the people of the UAE to our music and vision in general. People have been going bananas for it: each show has been full to capacity, with a really clued-up, buzzing crowd, with plenty of weird and wonderful antics.” Find out more about the season by clicking here.
Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Thursday, 6pm to 3am, free. Metro: Nakheel. facebook.com/SuperheroesDubai
BOOK DISNEY ON ICE TICKETS
Disney On Ice is coming to Dubai for a four-night run later this year, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as the characters from Tangled, Brave, Cinderella, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid and Beauty & The Beast. After a hugely successful spell in Doha last year, the team behind the production have decided to bring their performers back to the region from September 10 to 13, at the Arena Hall in the World Trade Centre, Dubai. For more information, click here.
Tickets from Dhs175 to Dhs2,000. Tickets are on sale now at virginmegastore.ae
PLAY GIANT MONOPOLY
As the world’s best-selling board game ever, chances are, you’ve played Monopoly… and no doubt had many a family argument along the way. Hunched over the board, red hotels strewn across the floor, and the fake money so disorganised you’re convinced your younger brother has made a play for the 500 notes. Well now you can play it for real. Sort of. Unfortunately you won’t be able to buy a hotel on Mayfair, or own four of the most iconic train stations in London, yet you will be able to stand proud on your ‘property’ thanks to the installation of a giant version of the game at Mall Of The Emirates, Mirdif City Centre and Deira City Centre. For more information, click here.
LOOK AFTER YOU
DANCE CLASSES
A visiting hip-hop dance instructor is coming to Dubai to put you through your paces. Tony Stone is a guest of Sharmila Dance’s Summer Workshop, an intense series of classes, also taught by Sharmila Kamte. “Most dancers, especially at the higher levels, are absolutely exhausted after classes,” explains Kamte. For those new to dance, Kamte recommends trying a single class before diving into the workshop. “It’s quite a bit of money to spend if you’re not sure you like it,” she says. The price for the complete workshop is Dhs1,500.
June 20 to 24
Centrepoint Theatre, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Fri and Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun to Thur 4pm to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3414777. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. sharmiladance.com
EATS
STRAWBERRY DELIGHT
Magnolia Bakery have launched their new Strawberry Icebox Cake, which looks almost too pretty to eat. We’re sure we can bring ourselves to give it a try though. Comprising layers of chocolate wafer cookies and fresh strawberry purée folded into whip cream, the tasty-looking confection has been specially created for the month of June and costs Dhs25 per slice.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3505440. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. magnoliabakery.com
NEW MENU
The Royal Orchid in the Hilton is serving a special menu for lunch and dinner from China’s Nanjing region, featuring salted duck, Szechuan new style wok fried shrimp and papaya with coconut milk.
Until June 30
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6811900. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. abudhabi.hilton.com
MOANA
Lush green foliage, trickling water, a carved wooden terrace and a restaurant named after the Polynesian word for ocean – stepping into Moana feels like you’re a million miles away from Dubai. This smart fish restaurant is at the Sofitel out on the right crescent of The Palm, the surrounding waters of which add to the feeling you could be on an island. The food skips around some pretty nice neighbourhoods: Thailand, India, France and Malaysia. There’s even a hint of Mexico with the lobster nachos appetiser.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Taxi: Sofitel The Palm. Tel: (04) 4409300. sofitel.com
HOUSE OF CURRY
It says much for the quality of food at House Of Curry that it, and not the restaurant intriguing interior of tress, trellising, bicycles, water features, grand tables and Indian-inspired versions of the Mona Lisa, leaves the biggest lasting impression. And yes, you did read that right; trees. Two of them. Huge great things, standing proud at both ends of the main dining area, with leaves loping inwards to create a canope overhead, flanked by a design that gives the feeling of eating in a courtyard. On the menu, House Of Curry specializes in seafood and encourages diners to choose their own fish from the icy display in front of the open kitchen.
House Of Curry, The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Metro: JLT. Taxi: The Beach, JBR. Tel: (04)3469740 houseofcurry.me
