What's On picks: 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
Meet your ‘forever friend’, go to the tennis, buy cool art, pick up a healthy smoothie, see one of the world’s best DJs or do yoga en masse. Phew. There’s something for everyone in the desert city this weekend.
THURSDAY 18
1. Go to the tennis
Women’s week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships culminates this weekend, with the quarter finals today, the semi finals on Friday and the big finals on Saturday. Our money’s on Ana Ivanovic who defeated top seed and defending champion Simona Halep yesterday. Then, on Sunday, men’s week starts – and Novak Djokovic will hit the court (we chatted to him about travel, pre-match meals and Dubai – read all about that here).
Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, from Dhs75 (many of the men’s days are sold out, but the women’s days still have tickets available). Tel: (04) 4172415. Metro: GGICO. dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
*MORE: 10 tweets about Dubai that made us laugh this week*
2. Eat dinner & know that a Michelin-star chef is in the kitchen
The inimitable Vineet Bhatia was the first Indian chef-patron to score a Michelin star for one of his restaurants back in 2001, and his restaurant Indego By Vineet has been in Dubai for over 11 years (when he opened in the city it was basically just him and Gordon Ramsay). Anyway, the good news is Vineet is in town and will be in his kitchen until February 25. He flies in and out of Dubai all the time, stopping by the kitchen, but he’s staying for a while this time because Indego has just launched a new menu – the tandoori lobster is next level.
Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Wed 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight, Thur 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 1am, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 4pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3998888. Metro: Dubai Marina. More info on new menu on website.
3. See a four man play
A play called Bouncers has flown in from London for three shows in Dubai – it’s the tale of one night in a London disco in the ’80s, and is essentially a parody of Saturday Night Fever. There’s even an early morning kebab sewn into the tale (classic).
The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz 8.30pm tonight, and 6pm and 8.30pm tomorrow. Over 21s only. More info on website.
FRIDAY 19
4. Check out a new gallery
Just opened in Dubai Mall this week, Lumas is an international gallery that brings together some of the world’s best art photography – from newcomers to established artists. So if you fancy picking up a signed limited edition print (or even just browsing), swing past here during your Dubai Mall trawl today. Prints range from Dhs259 (for open edition) to around Dhs2,000 (for limited edition). Pictured is a work by Miles Aldridge.
Ground Level, next door to Shake Shack, Dubai Mall. 10am to 11pm, daily. Tel: (04) 388 2540. More info on website.
5. Do Downward Dog in Downtown
This weekend is the inaugural XDubai Yoga Fest, which sees over 30 yoga classes at Burj Park. Most of the main sessions are booked up, but some still have spaces. Also, there will be markets, shopping and smaller classes put on by brands – for instance, Reebok are hosting an MMA Yoga session at 10.30am on Saturday (yes, as in yoga meets fighting). You can book a spot in Reebok’s classes via the Classport app. Head here for more information on when the main classes are being held. And head here for more on Shilpa Shetty’s session.
8am to 8.30pm Friday, 7am to 7pm Saturday. February 19 to 20, Burj Park, free. More info on website.
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6. Visit a new juice spot
A healthy new juice, smoothie, salad and breakfast spot has just opened on the Palm Jumeirah. Pop in for a ‘fitness smoothie’ and add boosters and probiotics to up the health factor. Or go for a ‘dessert smoothie’ – we like the sound of ‘Cheat Day’: Nutella, banana, milk and coffee. Also, because they’ve just launched, they’ll be offering a 20 per cent discount off of the total bill this weekend.
Shop 5, Ground Floor, Shoreline Beach Club 4, Shoreline Apartment, Palm Jumeirah. 11am to 10pm, daily. More info on Facebook.
7. See alt-Indian rock in Bur Dubai
Avial are a Keralan rock band known for combining Malayalam poetry with contemporary rock tunes. This is their return to Dubai, and they were very well received the first time around so we’re expecting good things.
Majestic Hotel, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 113 9873. More info on Facebook.
8. Have a Levant family fun day
This family day out will celebrate the cuisines and cultures of Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Expect great street food – shawarma, falafel, kunafah and more, plenty of dancing and activities for kids too. There will also be a little market featuring Dubai-based brands. One of the stalls will be from Qindeel Bookstore (pictured above).
Horizon English School (near Safa Park), 2pm to 8pm, free entry. Tel: (050) 650 6541. More info on Facebook.
9. Go to a women’s health workshop
Today and tomorrow, there are women’s health days being held at 136.1 yoga studio – Friday’s workshop is all about PCOS, and will give more information to those trying to conceive. Meanwhile, Saturday focuses entirely on Fertility. Questions like – does what I eat affect my fertility? – will be answered, there will be healthy treats to snack on and a yoga session to round things off.
136.1 studio, Dubai Marina. 4pm to 7pm, Friday or Saturday, Dhs100 per day. Call to register (04) 441 6287. More info on Facebook.
10. Go to Chris Hardwell
Dutch EDM DJ and producer Chris Hardwell is in Dubai this weekend – he was the youngest DJ to ever be voted number one in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 in 2013. So basically, if you’re into EDM, this is a no brainer.
Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, 6pm to 2am. Dhs400. iamhardwelldubai.com.
SATURDAY 20
11. Adopt a kitten
Feline Friends is holding an adoption day at Creatures Oasis today, so if you have a cat shaped hole in your heart/home, head down there to find the right feline for your family. It’s running from 2pm to 5pm today.
This is Chocolate, he’s very likely to be there:
Creatures Oasis, Jumeirah One. 2pm to 5pm. More info on Facebook.
12. Eat tacos, for free
Fuego in Souk Al Bahar is celebrating the Mexican tradition of Mercado by giving out free tacos to all visitors this afternoon. There will also be free oysters (swanky!), competitions, face painting for kids and Mexican crafts up for sale. You just need to follow Fuego on Instagram to register for the free taco fest.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Free tacos from 12pm to 6pm, more info on Facebook.
13. Meet the world’s best kayakers
Sure this is out of town, but if you’re a mega fan of kayaking or canoe slalom racing, it’ll be worth the drive. International kayakers and Olympic teams are training in Al Ain at the moment, and water park Wadi Adventure is hosting a race so that visitors can see the best in action, and also meet their favourite athletes post event. The first race is from 9am to 12pm, the second from 3pm to 6pm, and the prize giving is at 6.30pm. There will also be a DJ from 5pm, and a buffet dinner from 6pm to 8pm.
Wadi Adventure, Al Ain, Dhs95 for adults and Dhs55 for kids (includes access to the water park and a buffet). Tel: (03) 781 8422. wadiadventure.ae
14. Check out one of the new much-talked-about restaurants in DIFC
DIFC is now home to two big new names in the restaurant biz – Burger Lobster and Cipriani. Cipriani is all about high end Italian in a classy setting, while Burger Lobster is a lively spot that serves just three dishes, a beef burger, a lobster and a lobster roll (they all cost Dhs127 a piece). One thing to note about Burger Lobster, however, is that the restaurant isn’t licensed yet. So it might be more of a lunch option for many of you. For more about both restaurants, head here.
Burger Losber: Burj Daman, DIFC. Tel: (04) 514 8838. More info on Facebook. Cipriani: Building GV10, Gate Village, Dubai. Tel: (04) 347 0003. More info on Facebook.
15. Go to a Blues Brothers tribute night
The Huddle in Bur Dubai are holding a Blues Brothers tribute night tonight, with two gents flying in from the UK just for the occasion. A cheesy yet fun way to round off the weekend (unless you’re the type that likes to be in bed by 10.30).
The Huddle, Citymax, Bur Dubai, 10pm to 11.30pm, free entry. More info on Facebook.
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