Things to do in Dubai this weekend
What’s On has a list of things to do in Dubai this weekend, including markets, art exhibitions, iftars and activities.
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, JULY 9
Sign up at Warehouse Gym
Don’t miss a chance to save money on your membership at Warehouse Gym, where you’ll get 12 months for the price of 10 (Dhs3,990) if you sign up during Ramadan.
Umm Suqeim Road, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, daily, 6m to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3232323. Taxi: Warehouse Gym Al Quoz. whgym.com
Sunset paddleboarding at Surf House
Enjoy the outdoors – yes, even in this heat – with a breezy paddleboarding session as the sun goes down.
Surf House, just past Jumeirah Beach Hotel, northbound, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Dhs75 per hour. Tel: (04) 3211309. surfingdubai.com. facebook.com/surfhousedubai
Midnight Munch at Maison Mathis Dusit Thani
Maison Mathis launches its Midnight Menu, filled with healthy options but it’s the desserts that you’ll really want to stay awake for. Think cheese tarts and Nutella filled waffles satisfying cravings daily from sunset until 1.30am.
Dusit Thani, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center Area, Dubai, daily from sunset to 1.30am, Dhs 150 per person. Tel: (04) 3357769. Taxi: Dusit Thani. maison-mathis.com
The Plant Summer Camp
Going away on holiday? Drop off your indoor plants and and the staff at Dubai Garden Centre will look after them for you. Maximum number of plants per person: Three.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3400006. Metro: First Gulf Bank. facebook.com/dubaigardencentre
Ramadan daytime dining
During the Holy Month, many restaurants close from sunrise to sunset, in respect for Muslims who are fasting. However, for those who aren’t fasting, there are venues in Dubai open for breakfast and lunch during daylight hours. Read on for Ramadan daytime dining.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Pecha Kucha
Pecha Kucha is Japanese for ‘chatter’, and is a speech with very specific constraints: you have to present 20 slides, for 20 seconds each, so the total time you’re allowed to speak is just six minutes and 40 seconds. It sounds strict, but Pecha Kucha Nights are actually fun, informal events, and they’re hosted around the world. Read more here.
Calligraphy exhibition
Fans of cars and art should check out a special calligraphy exhibition at the Rolls Royce showroom open throughout Ramadan. While viewing the intricate paintings, guests can also get up close and personal with some of the latest bespoke editions including the Wraith, Phantom and the Ghost Series II.
Rolls-Royce AGMC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 10am to 2pm and 9pm to midnight.
Learn how to use a carpet loom
Pick up an unbe-weave-able new skill at the Souk Atrium in Dubai Mall, where you can learn how to use a carpet loom for free. It’s all part of a humanitarian initiative to empower women in Afghanistan.
Souk Atrium, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, daily 10am to 1am, free. Metro: The Dubai Mall/ Burj Khalifa. thedubaimall.com
Get active at Dubai Sports World
This temporary temple of sports is back at Dubai World Trade Centre with loads of new sports and activities to lace up for. What’s On takes a look at the latest additions as well as some old favourites. Read on for a list of activities at Dubai Sports World.
June 21 to August 29
Dubai World Trade Centre, 8am to 1am daily during Ramadan, 8am to midnight after Ramadan. Tel: (04) 3064000. Metro: World Trade Centre. dubaisportsworld.ae
Rwaq – Ramadan at The Walk at JBR
The Walk at JBR transforms into a heady mix of lights, tastes and activities dedicated to Ramadan. During the Holy Month the streets are lined with air-conditioned tents where families can enjoy Ramadan themed cuisine, apparel and accessories, art installations, activities and historical exhibitions and more.
facebook.com/thewalkatjbr
Boulder at Rock Republic
This nicely air-conditioned Rock Republic is the only dedicated bouldering centre in the UAE. As much about balance and mental ability as it is about strength and stamina, bouldering involves tackling routes on low walls. Come try out bouldering every Friday from 9am to 11am for just Dhs30.
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, Fri 9am to 11am. Tel: (050) 1001370. Taxi: Dubai Investment Park, off E77. facebook.com/rock.republic.dubai
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Ramadan Night Market
It’s your last chance to pick up some unique wares at this massive (and massively popular) shopping spot. Browse stalls featuring clothing, textiles, jewellery and more, and there’s even a play area for kids.
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily, 8pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 3321000 Metro: Dubai World Trade Centre. ramadannightmarket.com
Wander through Ripe Market – (indoor edition)
The alfresco market experience is coming inside for summer. Shop for arts and crafts, fashion, jewellery, kids items, gifts and homeware. There’s also the usual array organic groceries from Ripe, including fresh organic fruits and veggies, eggs, local honey, superfoods, tea, gluten free items and more.
Times Square Centre, Dubai, Sat 9am to 2pm. Tel: (04) 3790441. ripeme.com
