5 of the coolest pop-ups to kick back at this weekend

1. Salt Burger: Salt Camp

Homegrown burger brand Salt has whipped up a brand new concept, named Salt Camp, this Dubai Shopping Festival that will have foodies lining up around the block at its cool (and may we add, very bright orange) pop-up at Dubai International Financial Centre. It’s themed around camping, with a glamping, camping and even a ‘pool’ section for seating. Tuck into tasty burgers in the ‘Salt’ section, and mouthwatering desserts in the ‘Sweet’ section. Don’t forget to visit the pop-up shop with ultra-cool Salt merchandise. You can even get your AirPods customised for you in around 15 minutes.

Head here to make your bookings.

Salt Camp, behind Gate Avenue at DIFC, Dubai, until January 30, bookings essential. Tel: (0)4 520 5470. @findsalt 

2. Rihanna’s skincare launch: The Island by FENTY Skin

World-famous singer and entrepreneur, Rihanna is bringing her much-awaited skincare line, Fenty Skin – The new Culture of Skincare to the GCC. To celebrate, there will be a stunning island-themed pop-up at The Dubai Mall promenade for ten days. As well as shopping and trying the skincare products at the pop-up, which are clinically-tested, vegan and gluten-free, there’s also a chance to win prizes and play to win awards with a series of interactive experiences.

The Dubai Mall Promenade, The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Street, Dubai, January 6 to 16. visitdubai.com @fentyskin

3. Caya: Caya at the Park

Sweet Mediterranean restaurant Caya at Town Square Dubai Park is taking it alfresco this weekend and you’re invited. Take a seat on the restaurant’s outdoor patio or simply on the grass, with a barbecue sizzling nearby and pizzas firing up in the oven. Whilst the adults socialise, the little ones can run free at the play park or create their own imaginary recipes in the miniature kitchen.

Caya at the Park, Town Square Dubai Park, Dubai, Thurs Jan 7 and Fri Jan 8, 4pm to 10pm. Tel: (0)56 484 2836. Walk in’s accepted. @cayauae

4. Etisalat Market Outside The Box (MOTB)

Now in its 7th year, Etisalat Market Outside The Box (MOTB) will now run until January 9, 2021 at Burj Park. For those that love everything in one place, guests can expect daily live entertainment featuring comedy nights, movie screenings, and a brand new programme celebrating Asian pop culture with K-pop quizzes and dance challenges. Set with a backdrop of glittering skyscrapers, you’re in for a treat.

Etisalat Market Outside The Box, Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, 4pm to 10pm weekdays, 10am to 10pm weekends, free. visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf

5. Encounter Coffee: Kombi Van on JBR Beach

One for the coffee lovers, Encounter Coffee, Bull&Roo’s home grown coffee brand, has launched a pop-up Kombi Van which you’ll find on JBR Beach for the whole month of January, 2021. Get your caffeine fix with fresh roasted coffee to take away, plus fresh flaky pastries. Then stretch your legs out with a long walk on the beach.

One for next weekend (and one for all the taco lovers): Maiz Tacos pop-up brunch

There’s a lot to love about Maiz Tacos – from the freshly pressed tortillas to the homemade salsas and carefully sourced ingredients, this JLT taco joint is one of Dubai’s finest. So how do you improve on near-perfection? You add cocktails, beers, wine and spirits, and turn the whole shebang into a three-hour, one-off brunch. On January 15, Maiz Tacos is hosting a pop-up brunch at Vida Emirates Hills, bringing their signature Mexican styling to the hotel’s poolside terrace.

Maiz Tacos pop-up brunch, Vida Emirates Hills, Fri Jan 15, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs165 for food only, Dhs335 with house drinks, Dhs375 with premium drinks. @maiztacos