15 things to do in Dubai this weekend
From golfing action with a superstar to theatre, brunch, wellness and dinner deals…
Already planning your weekend? Us too.
And this one’s set to be action packed. If you’re looking for live music, sports and theatre, we’ve got the city’s best cultural events – or if it’s big parties, brunches and dinner deals, we’ve rounded up the best of those too.
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday January 25
1. See a world-class golf tournament
The 29th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic is headed to Emirates Golf Club for a four-day event from January 25. Golfing and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to join their favourite golfers on the greens to cheer on the likes of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. There will be family entertainment throughout the competition in the newly refreshed tournament village, with pop-ups from the likes of Pastels Salon.
Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, Dubai, Thursday January 25 to Sunday January 28, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 383 3580. More info on website
2. Party at a retro disco night
Moe’s on the 5th is hosting its monthly flashback disco night, Flashback 54. There will be a live performance by DJ and singer, Simonne Cooper alongside a special guest, and a retro soundtrack until the early hours.
Moe’s on the 5th, Level 5, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, 6pm to 1am, free entry. Tel: (04) 333 3055. More info on Facebook
3. Tuck in to a ‘Lobsterlicious’ evening brunch
One for the seafood lovers, the lobster-themed Thursday evening brunch is back at Dunes Cafe in the Shangri La. Fill up on Canadian lobster, Fine de Claire oysters, and wagyu beef, washed down with unlimited soft or house beverages.
Dunes Cafe, Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, 6pm to 11pm, Thursdays, Dhs475 soft, Dhs595 house. Tel: (04) 405 2703. More info on website
4. Head to a house night
Graeme Park, or ‘Parky’, as known to thousands of misty eyed devotees, from 1988 to 1995 was one of the original British House DJs, and he’s in Dubai for a one-off gig at McGettigan’s JLT this Thursday. He was known for his seamless mixing and a maestro for the up-and-coming DJs of the time such as Sasha, Garnier and Seaman. Tickets are Dhs50.
Next to Bonnington Tower, JLT, Dubai, 9pm onwards, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 378 0800. More info on website
5. Rest and recover at a wellness weekend
This weekend, there’s a four-day wellness weekend retreat at Waldorf Astoria The Palm. They’re bringing together Dubai’s top wellness experts to host seminars on yoga, fitness, mindfulness, meditation and emotional health with ‘wellness warriors’ able to select sessions based on their individual goals, whether it be Stress Less, Weigh Less, Age Less or Be More. Sessions are available from 9.30am to 9pm, and guests are able to book the whole four days, on a daily basis, or an individual class.
Waldorf Astoria, The Palm, Dubai, Thurs Jan 25 to Sun Jan 28, classes from Dhs150, day pass from Dhs800, four day package Dhs2,560. Tel: (04) 818 2222. More info on website
Friday January 26
6. See an iconic musical at Dubai Opera
Kicking things off, Dubai Opera is bringing the tear-jerking Evita to the stage for a two-week run from January 22. When it comes to strong First Ladies, Eva Peron is right up there among the best. The Argentinian heroine, a former actress, helped her husband Colonel Juan Peron guide the country through a turbulent time from 1946 to her death in 1952, and in doing so became an icon of the South American country.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Mon to Thur 8pm, Fri and Sat 2.30pm and 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 440 8888. More info on website
7. Soak up the sun at a beachside brunch
Ghantoot beach bar La Cala is hosting a brand new brunch, The House That Love Built. They rolling brunch runs every Friday from 12pm to 9pm and includes a three-hour package of cocktails, pints, pitchers and vino served alongside Mediterranean sharing sides, stone-baked pizzas and BBQ bites. This week, they’ll also play host to platinum-selling recording artist, Kevin Sanderson.
La Cala, Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, Friday 12pm to 9pm, Dhs249 house, Dhs499 sparkling. Tel: (056) 113 3400. More info on website
8. Tuck into a tasting menu at Table 9
Celebrate Italian gastronomy with a one-off tasting menu at the modern European restaurant, Table 9. The five-course meal will include dishes such as spinach and ricotta ravioli and lamb rack in a herb crust.
Table 9, Hilton Dubai Creek, 7pm to 11pm Friday January 26, Dhs200 soft, Dhs350 house. Tel:(04) 212 7560. More info on website
9. Find your zen with Boys of Yoga
Michael James Wong is on a mission to break down barriers and smash stereotypes with his ‘Boys of Yoga’ weekends. It’s not just for the boys, but a great excuse to get them involved. Over three days, the motivational speaker, life coach and yogi will be hosting a collective of workshops and masterclasses at Urban Yoga.
Aspect Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, from Dhs200. Tel: (04) 369 7882. More info on website
10. See a Bollywood legend
The legendary A. R. Rahman is set for one of his most eagerly anticipated performances at Bollywood Parks on January 26, on Indian Republic Day. The Indian music icon has already landed in Dubai, and has managed to check out Dubai’s resident show, La Perle by Dragone, as well as surprising a 1000-person strong choir at their own performance.
Bollywood Parks, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, Friday January 26, 6pm onwards, from Dhs157.50. Tel: (04) 457 3212 . More info on website
Saturday January 27
11. See a free al fresco film
Golden Mile Galleria is bringing a month-long series of free outdoor family movie nights to Palm Jumeirah. Families can enjoy a fun line-up of children’s films every Friday and Saturday, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. This Saturday, it’s Scooby Doo
Golden Mile Galleria, The Palm Jumeirah, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Friday and Saturday, free. Tel (04) 390 3333. More info on website
12. Head to a farmers’ market
Organic Souk at Dubai Festival City – the destination’s brand new farmers’ market – is set to open this Friday. The weekly event will take place at Marsa Plaza Creek in Dubai Festival City, and will run every Saturday morning between 8am to 2pm. As well as fresh goods straight from the farmers, visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly activities creek-side.
Marsa Plaza Creek, Dubai Festival City, 8am to 2pm, Saturdays. More info on website
13. Enjoy a family-friendly brunch
Sofitel The Palm’s newly opened restaurant, The World Eatery, has launched a brand new family-friendly brunch with dishes from around the world on the menu. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu, live acoustic tunes from The World Eatery’s resident guitarist, and a weekly family bingo competition, with a bunch of prizes to be won.
The World Eatery, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs399 house, Dhs299 soft, Dhs99 kids. Tel: (04) 455 5656. More info on website
14. Check out an arts fest
There’s always plenty to discover at Al Serkal, and this weekend they’re running their Quoz Arts Fest. A celebration of art and culture, the free, two-day event is open to the whole family (even pets). Expect live performances, film screenings and workshops, as well as a selection of home-grown food trucks.
Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Friday & Saturday 10am to 10pm. Tel: (050) 556 9797. More info on website
15. Celebrate pie week at Reform
To celebrate pie week (we didn’t know that was a thing either), British gastropub Reform are running a special four-pie menu until Saturday. It features four classic British pies, including the chicken and ham pie with chunky chips, cheese and onion with sweet potato fries or for a sweet treat, go for the apple and blackberry pie.
Reform, The Lakes, Saturday & Sunday 12pm to 11.30pm, Dhs100 to Dhs125. Tel: (04) 454 2638. More info on website
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