12 things to do in Dubai this weekend
Night markets, a great spa and pool deal, a free meditation, a new fish market and more…
Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Thursday 15
1. Attend a unique iftar at Dubai Opera
Last week it casually transformed into a squash court… and now Dubai Opera is turning its auditorium into a magnificent banquet hall, hosting a five-star iftar. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, it really is the Transformers of entertainment venues. As a homage to the musical setting, your meal will be accompanied by live performances of classical and Arabic melodies.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, June 14 to 25, sundown to 9.30pm. Dhs250 per person, or Dhs220 for group booking of 11 guests or more. Children under 6 eat for free, Dhs125 for children aged between 6 and 11. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com
2. Go to a magical suhoor
The One & Only Royal Mirage in Al Sufouh is one of the city’s most majestic hotels, and if you fancy spending the evening in a chilled terrace that’s covered by a light canvas and looks like something straight out of an Arabian-Nights-style movie, then head here for juice, snacks and more.
The Palace, One & Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, a la carte, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 399 9999. More info on website.
3. Go to a market that promises good vibes
Nadi Al Quoz in Al Serkal Ave is hosting a roster of food trucks for iftar, and this weekend (from June 15 to 24) Kaak Al Manara and Encas Sweet Escapes are cooking up Lebanese soul food and healthy sweet treats. (On Saturday nights you’ll find a boardgame session from 7pm to 11pm too.)
Al Serkal Ave, Al Quoz, free entry, 7pm to 11pm throughout Ramadan. More info on website.
4. Test out the Rolls Royces of home appliances
If you’re into tech’ or appliances you’re probably a fan of Dyson, and the good news is that Dubai Mall is now home to a Dyson Demo store (it’s only the third in the world – the other two are in Tokyo and London). This means you can go in and try the products for yourself and, the best bit, there are free hair styling sessions using the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (perfect pre-dinner in the mall life hack).
The Dubai Mall, near the electronics stores, 10am to midnight. Tel: (800) 382246255. More info on website.
Friday 16
5. Stop by the Ripe Farmers’ Market
Every Friday, until June 23, Ripe Farmers’ Market is popping up at Reform Social & Grill. Expect fresh fruit, veg and plenty of other stalls, and even enjoy iftar while you’re there.
Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes Club, Dubai, Fridays noon to 8pm. Free entry. Tel: (04) 4542638. ripeme.com
6. Check out the new Waterfront Market
Deira Fish Market closed its doors this week after almost 60 years of existence, but has been replaced by the brand new Waterfront Market. The new spot on Al Khaleej Road is said to be cleaner and more comfortable than the old facility, with air-conditioning, covered parking, and stricter hygiene regulations. The market isn’t totally finished yet – not all vendors have moved in – but it’s still well worth a nosey.
Waterfront Market, near Hamriya Port, Dubai, weekends 10am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 7071599. More info on website.
7. A hotel massage at mall prices
The Spa at the Address Dubai Mall has a good deal that’s running over Ramadan only: for Dhs299 you’ll get a 60-minute Swedish massage as well as access to the spa’s facilities, and even the hotel’s pool, which means you could totally make a day of it.
The Address, Dubai Mall, Dhs299, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 238 8025. More info on website.
8. Go to a free circle meditation
There’s a free breath-work and chakra cleansing meditation at the House of Om tonight – you don’t need to have had any previous meditation experience, and it’s free entry but spaces might be limited so call to book your space. PS: They say the techniques used tonight won’t be appropriate for those with cardiac problems or pregnant women.
Taijitu House of Om, 61b street, Jumeirah 1. Free, 7pm to 9pm. Tel: (050) 737 5540. More info on Facebook.
Saturday 17
9. Find a discreet breakfast option
For those not fasting, there are plenty of places to go to for lunch or dinner: here are 110 places to try. A top spot for breakfast is Friends Avenue in JLT: the colourful and cosy cafe will be serving its full menu seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm including breakfast, lunch and dinner. During weekends, breakfast will be served until 1pm.
Ground Floor, Fortune Executive Tower, Cluster T, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, daily 8am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 5545813. Metro: Damac Properties. More info on website.
10. Visit a ‘Bazaar’
The Khan Murjan Bazaar in Wafi is on our ‘take visitors to’ roster thanks to the beautiful courtyard restaurant and the authentic feel of the bazaar. They have a Ramadan market running from tonight until June 23. The extra artisan stalls will be set up from 6pm to midnight if you fancy a peruse.
Khan Murjan, Wafi, Oud Metha, 6pm to midnight tonight until June 23. Free entry. Tel: (04) 324 4555. More info on website.
11. Or try this Ramadan souq
This annual Ramadan shopping event, organised by Hena Khan events, takes place at the Grand Excelsior Hotel in Bur Dubai, and offers a range of fashion and accessories from local and international exhibitors, as well as a kids zone with face painting, henna designing and sand art, and a food court in case you want to stay for suhoor.
Grand Excelsior Hotel, Bur Dubai, June 17, 4pm to midnight. Free entry. More info on Facebook.
12. End the weekend with a ladies’ night
Ladies’ nights are usually a weekday affair, but at Q43 the deal runs on both a Tuesday and a Saturday, meaning you can get three dishes for Dhs99 food wise plus a glass of bubbles for free with your dinner. You can also get three free drinks from 8pm to 1am. Find more ladies’ nights here.
Q43, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 8pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 443 5403. More info on Facebook.
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