Things to do in Dubai this weekend
What’s On has a list of things to do in Dubai this weekend, including brunch, drinks deals, festive events, live entertainment and new openings.
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.
THURSDAY
Sinead O’Connor live
The Irish Grammy award-winner Sinéad O’Connor – famous for re-arranging Prince’s song Nothing Compares 2 U into a sensational global hit in the 90s – performs tonight at The Irish Village as part of a tour to promote her 10th album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss, which has already garnered critical acclaim, surprising fans with her most confident, soul-baring album to date.
The Irish Village, Dubai, Dhs165, 9pm. Tel: 04 2824750. Taxi: Irish Village, Garhoud. theirishvillage.com
Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein
Great news, theatre fans: the Courtyard Playhouse is showing top class plays starring big names. Stage productions from London’s prestigious National Theatre are beamed onto a large screen at this Al Quoz gem in HD with surround sound. Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller is the treat all weekend.
Until January 31
The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, 4b Street, Dubai, 4pm and 8pm, Dhs80. Tel: (055) 9673927. Taxi: Next to Lime Tree Café. courtyardplayhouse.com
Tiger Translate
Zero Gravity will play host to a ‘global celebration of creativity and entertainment’ this weekend, which will feature international DJs Krafty Kuts and A Skillz. The two turntablists take centre stage for seven hours at an event which will feature urban art displays, fashion, dance and photography, known as Tiger Translate.
Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, 6pm. Tel: (04) 3990009. facebook.com/Zero.Gravity.Dubai
Long live The King
One of the world’s leading Elvis shows is coming to the Madinat. Get your tickets to see the hip-shaking impersonator Rob Kingsley.
Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat, Dubai, 2.30pm and 8.30pm, Dhs250. Until January 31. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Souk Madinat. madinattheatre.com
Smokin’ Fair – ALL WEEKEND
If the very idea of a vegetarian menu brings you out in a cold sweat, we suggest you get yourself down to Perry & Blackwelder’s (P&B’s) Original Smokehouse’s Smokin’ Fair at the Madinat Jumeirah Amphitheatre. You’ll be greeted by mouthwatering smells of smoked meat emanating from the Texas-style BBQs, where the new restaurant’s chefs are preparing tangy hot wings tossed in various sticky sauces, sloppy joes, pulled brisket, beef short-rib, smoked turkey and more.
Souk Madinat, Dubai, Tel: (04) 3666197. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com
FRIDAY
Latin Arts Festival
Part of Dubai’s Al Quoz district is set to be enveloped in colour on January 30, for one night only, with the largest Latino Fiesta in the UAE. Talented South American artists exhibit their works; percussive ensembles provide visual drumming shows; and Mexican, Argentine and Spanish outlets serve tasty South American fare from artsy pop-up stalls… and that’s just a taste of the pioneering line-up at Artissima Gallery for the first ever Latin Art Fest (LAF) in Dubai. Organised in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Festival, the one day festival celebrates the blending of Latin American and Arab culture through musical, artistic and gourmet exploration.
8th Street to Artissima Gallery, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Fri 6pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (04) 3806479. allquozproject.com/latin-art-fest
Reboot at Pacha
German DJ and producer Reboot is determined to drive you a little bit loco – in the best possible way – when he helms the decks at Pacha’s Insane party. With releases on Connaisseur, Supplement Facts, Moon Harbour, Cadenza, Cecille and his own Noon Records, Reboot – aka Frank Heinrich – has become one of the most in-demand DJs on the scene in recent years, playing the world over and rocking Ibiza’s dancefloors each summer season.
Insane at Pacha Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 11pm to 3am, free entry. Taxi: Souk Madinat. Tel: (04) 5670000. pacha.ae
New bar
Amarillo Tapastry Bar, as you might not be surprised to hear, comes with heavy Spanish and Latin American influence, from the food and drink to the style. Light colours give the indoor venue an airy feel, while there is plenty of personality in the decor, which includes a pearl mosaic floor and stag emblems. The majority of the venue is open plan, but smaller groups can benefit from a selection of more private booths.
Pullman Dubai Hotel, JLT, Dubai; daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: 04 5671100. Taxi: JLT, Cluster T. Metro: JLT
EP launch party at 360
Dubai’s Audio Tonic celebrate the EP launch of genius producer Thomas Gandey, who is releasing the record next month on their record label. After a trip to Dubai for the event at 360º on Friday, Thomas will soon be getting back to work on Cagedbaby material, with a new album in the pipeline. “I started it when I was living in Berlin and finished it back at my ranch in Bordeaux,” he has said. “I wanted to make an album that I could take live again, this is a one-man club show – think Bowie meets Maceo Plex.” Now there’s an interesting thought. Check the man himself in Dubai this weekend.
Audio Tonic at 360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai; 4pm to 3am; free. audiotonic.net
Dubai Show Jumping Championship
Saddle up for three days of intense competition at the season’s biggest event.
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4589433. Taxi: E66 Road, exit 37. emirates equestriancentre.com
Nicole Richie pop-up
Nicole Richie’s signature brand ‘House of Harlow 1960′ has been hosting a pop-up at The Beach opposite JBR, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The reality TV star-turned-acclaimed fashion designer will herself be in the region this weekend.
Icons of Art
Opera Gallery Dubai unveils an ‘Icons of Art’ exhibition this weekend. The retrospective exhibition marks the gallery’s first display solely dedicated to contemporary masters who dramatically influenced 20th century art including Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Opera Gallery Dubai, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3230909, operagallery.com/ang/middle-east/dubai-difc.html
SATURDAY
Soulja Boy live
Dubai’s ability to attract some of the biggest names in hip hop has continued in 2015 with the announcement that Soulja Boy is jetting in for a show at Armani/Prive in the Burj Khalifa. The rapper will take to the stage on January 31 as part of a promotional tour for his new album, ‘Loyalty’. Fans, though, can expect plenty from his back catalogue, including his hugely-popular breakthrough smash, ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy)’.
Armani/Prive, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai; 10pm to 3am; Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: 052 777 6953. dubai.armanihotels.com/club-en.html
In The Water – LAST CHANCE
Contrast is a stark yet effective way to prove a point, as this joint exhibit by Korean artist UnKyung Hur and Japanese artist Shinji Ogawa reveals. The former works in mixed materials, such as lacquer work, that refer to her country’s cultural past and uses geometry to beguiling effect, with big ideas that take in everything from cell structure to space stations. The latter takes familiar scenes from Venice to Pisa and adds people or buildings to disrupt our view of our place in the world. This invites the viewer to question each image more deeply.
XVA Gallery, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3535383. Metro: Al Fahidi. xvagallery.com
Indian Street Food Festival
Claypot has bought its successful food festival back for another year, featuring 21 different delicacies from all over the country, including a live Chaat counter, Ragda Pattice, Kathi Rolls, Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav and Chicken Pakora. The festival runs for a month from January 21.
Claypot, Citymax Hotel, Kuwait Street, Bur Dubai; from 7pm. Tel: 050 1007065. Taxi: Citymax Bur Dubai. facebook.com/ClaypotDubai
