Hang tight! The weekend is almost here, and best of all there are loads of events and activities to keep you entertained. Here are our top picks…

*50 Reasons to love Dubai right now*

Thursday November 5

1. Croon to catchy love songs with Texas

The ‘90s gave us some questionable musical outfits (remember Right Said Fred?), but one band that has stood the test of time is Texas. Frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri’s songs still sound as laidback, soul-filled and catchy as they did 20 years ago. It was 1989 when the Scottish rockers burst on to the scene on the UK’s Top Of The Pops, with a denim-clad Sharleen blasting out the lyrics to I Don’t Want A Lover. Through the late ’90s and early 2000s, they were a constant presence on the airwaves thanks to songs like Summer Son and Inner Smile, and a quarter of a century later, the band has sold more than 38 million records and is celebrating their silver anniversary with a new album: Texas 25. So what’s the key to the band’s success? “Always looking forward,” explains Sharleen. “Over the last 25 years, since the release of Southside, we’ve been successful because we’re always looking ahead rather than looking at what we’ve achieved.”

DDF Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 4573212. Metro: GGICO. Get your tickets here. 

2. Put ’em up and meet Pacquaio

Ten time world champion boxer and Filipino legend Manny Pacquaio will drop into the new extension at Mall Of The Emirates just after 6pm today to cut the ribbon on the Go Sport store – so if you’re a mega fan, head down there to catch a glimpse of Pac-Man, or keep an eye on GO Sports’ social media channels for the chance to win a meet and greet.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4099000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. 

3. Say Bonsoir to Noir

With eye-popping artworks, a plush VIP Blue Room, a cool lounge bar with luxurious furniture, and a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking new Dubai, the new Noir nightspot opening tonight at Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates sounds like a girl about town’s dream destination. The drinks menu includes an elaborate rum selection and food options run the gamut from Latin American to Asian flavours.

Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates,  Dubai. Tel: (04) 3410000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kempinski.com/dubai

Friday November 6

4. Be amazed by The Illusionists 1903

Those of you who grew up watching the likes of Paul Daniels and his “lovely assistant” Debbie McGee or David Copperfield perform tricks are about to have your every preconception challenged by The Illusionists 1903.

The troupe of tricksters is returning to Dubai after a sell-out tour in the UAE last year – this time with a new cast, new tricks, and new wow factor thanks to intense pyrotechnics, a heart-stomping soundtrack, and a truckload of impossible-looking acts.

Eight highly skilled performers, each with their own specific area of expertise, will have audiences scratching their heads at this new vaudeville-themed show. Get ready to get up close and frighteningly personal with The Alchemist, The Eccentric, The Showman, The Escapist, The Clairvoyants, The Conjuress and The Charlatan. The Illusionists 1903 promises to transport audiences back to a time when conjurers were the real rock stars. Abracadabra indeed.

November 6 to 9
Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Fri 4pm, 7pm and 10pm, Sat 2.30pm, 6pm and 9.30pm, Sun and Mon 6pm and 9.30pm, Dhs195 to Dhs1,995. Metro: World Trade Centre. tixbox.com

5. Get electric

Not only is this year’s Electric Run – a 5km night race featuring neon paint, light installations and street art – the first of its kind in the UAE, Dubai’s running community will be joined by former Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes. Don’t miss this chance to pound the pavement with a legend.

Meydan Racecourse, tickets cost Dhs195 and you can purchase them here. 

6. Flex at the festival of fitness

Encouraging people of all ages to get fit and healthy is the name of the game at the inaugural Etisalat Fitness Fest this month. The three-day event at Dubai Autodrome will see fitness experts and celebrities – including Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, the Canadian professional CrossFitter labeled 2014’s Fittest Woman On Earth – dishing out tips, leading classes and demonstrating gymnastic, martial arts and boxing skills. You will also be able to participate in a range of challenging fitness contests such as the UAE’s fastest man and fastest woman competition, the Ultimate Fit Youth Games, a cycle challenge, and the Fit Republik Fitness Challenge.

Etisalat Fitness Fest, Dubai Autodrome, Motor City, Dubai, Dhs50 per day, Dhs75 for two days, or Dhs100 for three days. Tel: (02) 2348495. Taxi: Dubai Autodrome. dubaifitnessfest.com

7. Check out colourful Arabia-inspired art

The Gallery at Movenpick Hotel and Apartments Bur Dubai has shown Austrian artist Gerald Huber’s work twice since The Gallery opened its doors, and he returns to Dubai for yet another solo show. Known for blending two different impressions together to create a striking and unique effect, The Spirit of Arabia, look-twice by Gerald Huber contains artistic works of Arabian culture with some local architects based in the UAE.

Until November 17
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai. Tel: +971 43366000. movenpick.com/en/middle-east/uae/dubai/hotel-dubai-bur/overview

8. Pretend you’re in Vegas

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is transformed into a flamboyant Vegas boxing night, complete with ring girls, commentary, entertainment and DJs as two teams go head to head in a battle of the strongest and fittest over eight bouts of boxing in a white collar-style boxing event. Guests will be greeted by a drinks reception and enjoy a three course black tie dinner, before the main entertainment begins.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, table bookings vary between Dh10,000 to Dhs15,000 for a table of ten. You can buy your tickets here. 

9. Sway to contemporary reggae

We’re loving The Other Side’s intimate live music nights, and this Friday is set to be a boomer with Hollie Cook performing. The British singer and keyboardist’s ‘tropical pop’ is riddled with steel drums and a fresh take on reggae riffs (and there’s even the occasional Bollywood homage). We’ll be the ones on the dance floor attempting the dolphin.

And Lounge, The Address Hotel Dubai Marina, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100. Taxi: The Address Dubai Marina. More info on Facebook.

Saturday November 7

10. Play Beach volleyball at Blue Marlin

Sport mightn’t be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Blue Marlin, but the party hotspot wants you to limber up for a Volleyball Beach Brunch. Teams of four to five can enter to battle it out, Top Gun-style, for prizes. If you’d prefer to sit on the sidelines eating sushi, that’s allowed too.

Ghantoot Al Jazira Island, Dubai, 2pm to 5pm. Tel: (056) 1133400. Taxi: Exit 399 from Sheikh Zayed. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

11. Embrace the lazy lunch at Coya

It’s one of our favourite newcomers on Dubai’s restaurant scene, so we were chuffed to hear about Coya’s new Chilli Lunch menu. For Dhs282, diners get a selection of savoury fritos, followed by a live guacamole demonstration. Main courses on offer include the Arroz Nikkei, a sea bass and rice dish that earned itself a coveted spot on What’s On’s 50 Best Eats of 2015, and for dessert there’s a tasting platter of five Coya favourites. Water, tea and coffee are included, all other beverages cost extra.

Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs282. Tel: (04) 3169600. Taxi: Four Seasons Resort Dubai. coyarestaurant.com

12. Hear Verdi, Bizet and Puccini classics at the One & Only

The most cultured among us can be flummoxed by the elite world of the opera. But everybody knows that Italy and opera go hand in hand, so this month’s Italian Opera Gala should be a good place to learn more.

Part of the World Classical Music Series, the night will be crammed with stellar performances from world-class opera singers, including soprano (that’s the high one) Susanna Branchini, mezzo-soprano Renata Lamanda and tenor Massimiliano Pisapia.

The One & Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (050) 8702674. Metro: Nakheel. platinumlist.net

13. Get your skank on at the Reggae BeachFest

It’s being billed as The Greatest Reggae Show In Dubai. Over 13 hours and three stages, Reggae BeachFest includes three incredible live performances and a host of DJs. On the stage you’ll find Grammy nominated Jamaican reggae fusion artist Wayne Wonder, reggae/dancehall artists Jr Reid (One Blood) and soca/dancehall singer Rupee. Rasta Rocket, Kriss Darlin, DJ Justin and the Reggae Beachfest All Stars are all on duty behind the decks.

XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai, 2pm to 3am, Dhs130. Tel: (055) 2323956. Taxi: Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa. platinumlist.ae

14. Swim and run at the sharbatly fruit aquathlon

Combine two disciplines with this swim/run event and choose from three distances: the Super Sprint (375m swim and 2.5km run), the Sprint (750m swim and 5km run) or the Olympic (1.5km swim and 10km run).

Fairmont The Palm, Dubai, Dhs175 (Dhs125 for under-18s). supersportsdubai.com

15. Celebrate the cooler weather at Ripe Farmers Market

And finally Ripe farmers market is back. We can’t wait to go back to browsing fresh produce in Zabeel Park every Friday. You can also check out some of the city’s most popular artisan stalls while tucking into some tasty food. Head straight to Kaak Al Manara, one of our 50 reasons to love Dubai, for a hot cheese and ham toastie with a twist.

Gate 2, Zabeel Park, 9am to 3pm. For more information, check out their facebook page.

16. Discover emerging designs

Go to The Mine Gallery today and you’ll find a local line up of musicians, food trucks, designers, artists and more. Fathima Mohiuddin will bring some street art to the walls, while on the shopping front there will be Yama Clothing, Made by Native, Rosa Maria Jewellery, Peshmare (pictured) and more. We’re aiming to get some early (and quirky) Christmas shopping nobbled.

The Mine, Street 8a (opposite Alserkal Ave, take Exit 43), Al Quoz, 12pm to 9pm, free entry. Tel: 04 379 1704. Taxi: Alserkal Ave. More info on Facebook.