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
Party at Blended – Kasabian, Craig David and Jessie Ware
Described as ‘RedFest for grown-ups’, Blended Festival returns to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on April 30 and May 1, with a terrific line-up that holds a little something for everyone. Up on stage this evening is British rockers Kasabian, R&B singer Craig David and soulful songstress Jessie Ware.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dhs350, 5pm. blended.ae
Try a new sundowners spot
The stunning skyline views from the terrace at Tomo in Raffles Hotel make it the perfect spot for a post-work tipple. Resident DJ Holic creates the laidback vibe at Tomo’s new sunset sessions from 5pm to 7pm with Japanese cocktails at half price every evening.
Raffles Hotel, Wafi, Dubai, daily 5pm to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3577888. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City. tomo.ae
Embrace tea time
Get ready for tea party with a twist – Royal China in the DIFC has introduced a selection of cleansing, tea-based beverages for Spring that promise to be full to the cup with health-giving benefits. Each tea infusion is made with homemade Jasmine flower tea.
Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai, dailynoon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3545543. Metro: Finanical Centre. royalchinadubai.com
Pose next to the Webb Ellis Cup
The Webb Ellis Cup, the most coveted prize in world rugby, is in Dubai as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. You can check it out today at the Emirates Official Store at the Dubai Mall where it will be on display from 4pm to 7pm.
Watch The Tiger Who Came To Tea
This much-loved children’s book is brought to life on stage. Meet a larger than life tiger with an insatiable appetite, and a cast of noisy characters. It’s family fun at Ductac.
Centrepoint Theatre, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Thu 4pm, Dhs130. ductac.etixdubai.com
Watch A Prelude to a Kiss by Backstage Productions
Just as soon as Peter and Rita have finished exchanging vows, a mysterious elderly man asks to kiss the bride. As he does, Rita and the strange old man magically exchange bodies.
Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Thur, Dh100. Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.etixdubai.com
FRIDAY
Party at Blended – Kool and the Gang, Robin Thicke
You probably can’t name every member of Kool and the Gang, but you’ve definitely heard their music. Read on for a preview of their funktastic gig. Robin Thicke – best known for his collaboration with Pharrell Williams on Blurred Lines – also adds to the Blended line up.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dhs350, 5pm. blended.ae
Visit STREETCON
Both local and international artists will descend on Al Ghurair Centre this weekend to showcase their talent, delivering live performances of all creative disciplines. Ahead of the launch on April 23, our pals at Hype spoke with curator Rollan Rodriguez. Get a preview of STREETCON here.
Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, Dubai, 1pm to 10pm, free. Metro: Union Square. alghuraircentre.com/streetcon
Example live
Example rounds off the Nasimi Sessions season, bringing with him an energetic live show and compendium of hits, including Stay Awake, Won’t Go Quietly and Changed The Way You Kiss Me.
Atlantis The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to 3am, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 04262626. Taxi: The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com
Celebrate Blue Marlin’s birthday
Blue Marlin UAE chalks up its third birthday on May 1, And who better to lead the celebrations than Innervisions boss – and Blue Marlin favourite – Dixon? Full preview right here.
Golden Tulip Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Dubai, Friday, May 1, 1pm to 11pm, free guestlist. Tel: (056) 1133400. Taxi: Ghantoot Al Jazira. facebook.com/BMIUAE
Move with The Shapeshifters
PACHA Ibiza Dubai will be welcoming The Shapeshifters to their main stage tonight. The Shapeshifters are arguably one of the UK’s most successful dance acts with an array of renowned productions and collaborations.
Pacha Ibiza Dubai, Madinat, Fri 11pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 5670000. pacha.ae
SATURDAY
Brunch at Cafe Rouge
Now this is one for the Brits: Café Rouge, the famous French casual restaurant chain from the UK – known for its heart-warming dishes and relaxed bistro vibe – has taken up residence in the Souk. The menu retains a Parisian feel, flitting from moules and steak frites, to a croque monsieur, and you can experience the best of the menu at their Brunch comprising three courses available every Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
Café Rouge, Sat 11am to 3pm, Dhs150 (soft drinks), Dhs250 (house drinks). Tel: (04) 5546438. Taxi: Souk Madinat. caferouge.ae
Laugh with Wonho Chung…
Award-winning Saudi-born Korean comedian performs his first ever gig in English.
Ductac, Centrepoint Theatre, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3414777. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. ductac.org
…Or have a laugh at Frankie’s
Frankie’s Comedy Cellar returns this Saturday with another line up of UAE-based comedians ready to take the stage.
Frankie’s Italian Bar and Grill, JBR the Walk, Sat 7pm. Tel: (04) 3994311. facebook.com/FrankiesDubai
Learn to make sushi
Chez Sushi is hosting a sushi making class for little itamae on Saturday at their Wasl Square branch. Junior chefs aged between 10 to 16 years can learn to roll sushi with step-by-step guidance from Chez Sushi’s experts. They will learn to make maki rolls by selecting their protein, vegetables and dressing.
Wasl Square, Safa 1, Sat 11am, Dsh100. Tel: (800) 78744. chezsushi.com