From big nights out to family evenings in golf courses and conscious fashion awareness events, there truly is something for everyone happening in Dubai this weekend.

Here are 15 things to do…

Thursday 27

1. Eat all of the melted cheese

On the last Thursday of every month The Grape Escape (how punny) at the Hilton on The Walk in JBR hosts a raclette night. This means all you can eat raclette, charcuterie, salads and desserts for Dhs149 per person. If you want to sample the fare of the Savoie Vineyards on offer you’ll have to pay extra.

Hilton, The Walk, JBR. Tonight and then May 25, Dhs149, from 5pm to late. Tel: (04) 399 1111. More info on website.

2. Check out Dubai’s new club

Base Dubai opens at Dubai Design District tonight – you can read all about the club here – and to celebrate they’re holding two big nights this weekend, and both are free, no tickets needed! Tonight you’ll get to see Swedish mega DJ Axwell, and on Friday it’ll be a Candy Shop with 50 Cent storming the stage.

Base, Dubai Design District, free, 1opm to 3am tonight and tomorrow. Tel: (055) 313 4999. More info on website.

3. Go see Eddie Izzard

Unfortunately, Eddie Izzard’s Force Majeure tour is sold out – but we’d say ask around all of your mates and see if you can nab some tickets for this one, because Izzard is one of the funniest men on the planet. Yep, we’re calling it.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. Thursday, April 27, 7pm, from Dhs295. More info on website.

Friday 28

4. Get a start on your pottery career

Yadawei Ceramic Studio in Al Quoz are hosting a two-day intensive workshop this weekend to introduce aspiring potters to all of the main techniques of clay work. You’ll learn coils, pinch, slab and wheel throwing. If you’re keen to get into pottery (which is a surprisingly good arm workout) this is certainly a good start.

Yadawei, First Al Khail Street, Al Quoz, Dhs635, 10.30am to 3.30pm (with a 45 minute lunch break) Friday and Saturday. Registration is required as spaces are limited. Tel: (04) 379 1312. More info on Facebook. 

5. A fresh brunch at an old classic

We’ve never had a disappointing meal at Zheng He’s – and the fine-dining Chinese spot now has a fresh brunch. The menu is designed based on the seven sea journeys explorer Zheng He took – even reaching Antarctica and the Middle East. This will be a brunch for the big-buffet-hating foodies among you.

Mina A Salaam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dhs395 per person with house drinks and wine. Tel: (04) 432 3232. More info on website.

6. Try out a new jazz night

The folks behind Dubai Jazz Fest are bringing a new series of free jazz nights to the city, starting tonight with Bonita & The Blues Shacks, a collaborative outfit made up of highly-lauded jazz and blues musicians from the US, Europe and South Africa. Read more about the night here.

Fountain Garden, Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina, free guestlist, April 28, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 341 1196. More info and guestlist registration on website.

7. Flashback this Friday

Dr Alban, aka the man behind 90s hits like It’s My Life and Sing Hallelujah, will be at Billionaire Mansion Dubai tonight. A proper re-re-wind session. Plus, there will be free drinks for ladies at the bar from 8pm to 11pm.

Taj Hotel, Burj Khalifa Boulevard, free but couples and table reservations given preference. Tel: (04) 510 3100. More info on Facebook. 

8. Go see The Queen Of Techno

Lebanese-Nigerian Nicole Moudaber’s first release came out in 2008, but she’s been so prolific since then that Carl Cox has dubbed her the “Queen of Techno”. “I haven’t stopped touring for two years now; I’ve been working every day,” she explains. Should be a good night.

Provocateur Dubai, Four Seasons Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dhs100, 11pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 343 8411. More info on Facebook. 

9. Dance with Olly Murs in the capital

From talent show runner-up to top of the charts, X Factor UK alum Olly Murs is playing on Yas Island tonight, a gig that will be worth the drive for any fans of his fun, unashamedly poppy style and his cheeky chappie persona.

du forum, Yas West, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, Dhs250 to Dhs400. Tel: (02) 509 1843. More info on website.

10. A family-friendly evening on a golf course

This Friday the par 3 course at the Address Montgomerie will be turned into a family food and fiesta zone with children’s activities, a market, and plenty of food trucks.

Par 3 Course, The Academy, The Address Montgomerie, free, 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 390 5600. More info on website.

Saturday 29

11. Try Punch

There’s a new boxing workout in town that means 45 minutes of intense punching to a soundtrack ranging from Dr Dre Chronic 2001 to Biggy’s earliest hits. We tried it last week and time literally flew. So. Much. Fun. Brian, the trainer, is excellent too. It’s in a new studio, 1Six8, near the flagpole in Jumeirah 1. A perfect option for those in the Trade Centre part of town. You can try it at 10am today.

Jumeirah Terrace Building, Rooftop Level, Jumeirah 1. First class free, Dhs110 for single session (package deals available). Also on GuavaPass. Tel: (04) 325 4499. More info on website. 

12. Go to a friendly, family play

If you want to take your kids to a heartwarming play this weekend, then definitely book in for Guess How Much I Love You – expect puppetry, interactive storytelling and more.

Ductac, Mall of theEmirates, Barsha, tickets from Dhs110, 11am, 2pm and 4pm. Tel: (04) 341 4777. Buy tickets here.

*SPONSORED: Buy a kitchen for Dhs1 this weekend (well, sort of)*

Alserkal programming runs monthly road trips to visit exhibitions, talks, performances and cultural initiatives all around the country – today the roadie will take you to the excellent Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. There are some newly opened exhibitions to check out there, including a global collection from Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and But We Cannot See Them which traces the UAE art community from 1988 to 2008. The trips are free but spaces are limited so book at rsvp@alserkalavenue.ae.

Bus departs from Nadi Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz at 3pm, you will return at 8.45pm, free but spaces limited. More info on website. 

14. Learn about responsible fashion

On Friday and Saturday this weekend you’ll find a Fashion Revolution session at Life N’One cafe – there will be talks and film screenings about the cost of fast fashion, as well as chances to sell, swap, recycle and repair clothes. The overall theme of the weekend will be the question ‘who made my clothes’? Phone for timing details.

Life N’One Cafe, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. 9am to 7pm Friday and Saturday. Tel: (04) 343 6676. More info on Facebook.

15. Spend the night at Buddha Bar

DJ Ravin is going to record his spring/summer set live at Buddha Bar in Grosvenor House tonight – so if the Buddha Bar compilations are your kinds of tunes, you’ll want to witness this. Food wise, expect the flavours of China, Japan and Thailand.

Buddha Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai, from 7pm, free entry but phone for reservations. Tel: (04) 317 6000. More info on website.

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Photos: Supplied