15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
Halloween, Harvestfest and outdoor dining, yes, autumn is here…
On top of all the new brunches, nights out and bars we feed you every week, this weekend we’ve got three major concerts for music lovers. There’s also free fitness events, a fashion film and one of our favourite al fresco outings, Harvestfest, returns to Reform.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday October 26
1. Get a fix of retro pop (and rock)
Live on the Lake returns to Irish Village on Thursday and there’s a triple bill of old-school artists headlining, with The Pretenders, Heather Small and reggae band Aswad taking to the stage.
Irish Village, Garhoud, Thursday October 26, tickets from Dhs195, brunch options available. Tickets available from irishvillage.com and platinumlist.net. Strictly 21+.
2. Take it back to the 80s
Blind Dragon is bringing back the 80s in all its star-spangled glory every Thursday. From 10pm, kick back to Bowie, Spandeau Ballet and a whole host of other 80s classics, alongside themed cocktails and an extensive Asian menu.
The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai, Tue to Sat 5pm to 2am.Tel: (04) 4370033. More info on website
3. Kick start the weekend with a Monster Halloween
On Thursday October 26, Zero Gravity will be completely transformed into a haunted beach club full of things that go bump (and splash) in the night. Besides the décor, it’s the costumes that come through the door that really make this party unmissable, with up to Dhs50,000 cash prizes to be won for the best costumes.
Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina. Thurs Oct 26, free for ladies, Dhs50 for gents before 9pm, Dhs100 for all after 9pm. Tel: (04) 399 0009. More info on website
4. Take part in a trivia night on The Palm
There’s a new weekly trivia night at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar from 8.30pm until 10.30pm. Hosted by radio presenter MC Jacob Cummings, there’s a four-round trivia quiz as well as a special drinks packages including five beers for Dhs180, glasses of wine for Dhs38 and bottles for Dhs185. Teams must be made up of four to 12 people and entry is free with advanced booking recommended.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Thursday’s 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 426 2626. More info on website
5. Soak up some Ibiza beats
Siddharta Lounge has a new event on the last Thursday of every month, with sounds to transport guests to the White Isle of Ibiza. The event will take place poolside and will be broadcast live on Ibiza Global Radio TV. The line-up includes Miguel Garji, Jordi Villalta and Toni Moreno, as well as Space Ibiza resident, Jose Maria Ramon. It’s an open bar event with a ‘dress to impress’ dress code.
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 5pm to 9pm slot Dhs200, 9pm to 12am slot Dhs250, all night Dhs395. Tel: (04) 317 6000. More info on website
Friday October 27
6. Catch a Halloween-themed concert
The Halloween-themed live music festival Fiesta De Los Muertos is set to spook things up at Dubai’s Autism Rocks Arena tonight. There’s a diverse line-up of acts, with award-winning British visual band Gorillaz headlining. They’ll be joined by popstar Carly Rae Jepsen, Grime artist Stormzy, Lebanese-Canadian Pop singer Massari, and Mexican-inspired band The Mariachis.
Fiesta De Los Muertos, Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai Al-Ain Road, Friday October 27, Tickets from Dhs350. More info on website
7. Enjoy a Halloween event by the beach
Key West at Nikki Beach resort is hosting a 6-hour Halloween themed version of Jammin’ this Friday. There will be unlimited selected beverages, Caribbean, Floridian & Latin food stations and musical entertainment by D Tone Band and DJ Teddy Jam.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah, off Jumeirah Beach Road, Friday 5.30pm to 12am, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 376 6000. nikkibeachhotels.com
8. Music in the mountains
Taking music to new heights, award-winning Czech musician and film composer Michal Dvořák brings his critically acclaimed show Vivaldianno – City of Mirrors to a purpose-built stage at the top of Jebel Jais. Concert organisers are providing a free shuttle bus service to the mountaintop venue from the RAK Convention Centre on Marjan Island.
Ras Al Khaimah, Fri 7pm, shuttle bus at 4pm and 4:30pm, Dhs300 to Dhs600. Tel: (04) 435 9434. More info on website
9. Get involved in the Dubai fitness challenge with free gym passes
As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Shine Spa at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates is offering 10 free passes to their gym facilities, which include a sauna and steam room, every day until November 18. They’re snapped up on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates, 10 free passes daily, first come first serve. Tel: (04) 377 2000. More info on website
10. Attend the film screening of a fashion icon
Celebrating the 10th edition of Fashion Forward at the Dubai Design District, Cinema Akil is presenting two iconic fashion films. They’re kicking off with Iris, a documentary on the life of 96-year-old fashion icon Iris Apfel, directed by Albert Maysles.
Cinema Akil, Dubai Design District, 8pm to 9.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 432 7844 More info on website
11. Dine on a discount at Miyako
Miyako, the UAE’s first authentic Japanese restaurant at Hyatt Regency Dubai, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary by offering 30 per cent off all food and beverage at both lunch and dinner until October 30. The recently refurbished restaurant comes complete with a teppanyaki room, sushi bar and open plan kitchen and cozy bar.
Hyatt Regency, Deira, until October 30. Tel: (04) 209 1234. More info on website
Saturday October 28
12. Have some family friendly fun at Harvestfest
Harvestfest returns this weekend to Reform Social and Grill for three days of live music, proper British BBQs, craft beers, wines, gins and apple-bobbing. Tickets cost Dhs50 and include a free welcome drink. The festival kicks off at 5pm on Thursday with a live DJ, and musical duo Sole Note will take to the stage on Friday from 2pm to 10pm. The final day of the festival will be the fun-filled Family Day, with entertainment including a bouncy castle and face painting.
The Lakes, Thurs Oct 26 to Sat Oct 28, 5pm to 10pm Thurs, 2pm to 10pm Fri and Sat, Dhs50 including welcome drink. Tel: (04) 454 2638. More info on website
13. Treat yourself to a Latin American lunch
Argentine steakhouse Asado boasts some of the best Burj views in Downtown, which you can now enjoy during the day, thanks to this brand new lunch offering (they used to just be open for dinner). The Grape and Harvest lunch aims to transport you to a Latin American market, with nibbles like seabass ceviche, chicken tacos, and beef chorizo, as well as a mouth-watering selection of grilled meats. Definitely a good option if you have visitors in town you want to impress.
Asado, Palace Downtown, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 3.30pm, food only Dhs200, unlimited soft drinks Dhs230, unlimited house grape Dhs350. Tel: (04) 888 3444. More info on website
14. Brunch in DIFC for under Dhs200
Recently opened Hitchki has launched a Bollywood brunch. Expect a mix of Bollywood beats, khaana, and unlimited drinks all created with Indian nostalgia in mind. Their brunch menu includes some of Hitckki’s most loved dishes, like Patrani Chilli Poppers, Charlie Chapli Kebab, and Very Berry Biryani.
Hitchki, Within Baxzar, Gate Village Building 4, Saturday 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs199. Tel: (04) 355 1111. More info on Instagram
15. See out the weekend with some Blues
Upscale French bistrot Bagatelle has a new Saturday night live event called ‘Unplugged Nights’ that’s all about the Blues. It’s opening this Saturday with SoulMates Tribute flying in from France to perform tributes to some of the biggest names in soul music, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. It will feature alongside the new winter a la carte menu.
The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, 8pm till late. Tel: 04 354 5035. More info on website
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