This weekend you can try a new theme park, visit a bio dome, shop at a fresh outlet mall or eat your way around a food truck brunch. That’s right, Dubai’s summer hibernation seems to be over…

Thursday 1

1. Zen out for free

Eco Yoga Sanctuary in Jumeirah is hosting a free yoga day today, with Pilates at 9.30am, Kundalini at 11am, Hatha at 4pm, Power yoga at 5.15pm and Yin at 6.20pm. Plus, there will be yoga clothes and accessories for sale from yApparel (with 25 per cent off to). The only thing is it’s just one free class per person, so choose your practice and email eco.yoga.sanctuary@gmail.com to book a class.

Eco Yoga Sanctuary, Jumeirah 1. All day, free. Tel: (04) 385 6633. More info on Facebook. 

2. Nab a bargain

Expect crowds at The Big Clearance sale today as it means 80 per cent off fashion, home-ware, cosmetics and more. Brands there include Zara Home, Salsa, Old Navy, Calvin Klein, Debenhams, Topshop, H&M, Muji and Steve Madden. It runs from today until Saturday so sharpen your elbows and get ready to shop.

Zabeel Halls 1, 2 & 3. Dubai World Trade Centre. 10am to midnight Thursday and Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturday. Free entry. More info on website.

3. Or visit a new outlet mall

If you’re seeking a bargain but in a slightly less hectic environment then the good news is that brand new outlet shopping centre The Outlet Village is open as of today. Brands on offer include Mammas & Pappas, Banana Republic, Giuseppe Zanotti, Ted Baker, Zegna, The Kooples and more. Read more about the mall here.

 The Outlet Village, next to the new theme park mega-development Dubai Parks & Resorts, right on the Abu Dhabi border in Jebel Ali. Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm (retail fashion), Thur to Sat 10am to midnight (retail fashion); Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm (food outlets), Thur to Sat 10am to 1am (food outlets). Tel: (800) 637227. 

4. Throwback Thursday with Sonique

English house vocalist and DJ Sonique has a big, bold and beautiful voice and she’s bringing it to Tribeca tonight. Apart from her set, the whole night will be about heart-souring retro house. There’s also a new Tapas ‘brunch’ package at Tribeca on Thursday nights from 5.29pm to 8.29pm – with organic tapas, selected drinks and free entry to Sonique coming in at just Dhs275.50.

We’ll see you on the dancefloor when she belts this one out:

Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel. From 5.30pm to late. Tel: (050) 345 6067. More info on Facebook.

Friday 2

5. Spend the day by a swanky pool

Want to sunbathe in style? Well the Burj Club is offering a great deal on pool access and a set lunch until the end of the month. For Dhs250 on weekends (and Dh195 on weekdays) get pool access and set lunch. The rooftop pool is open from 6am to 6pm daily and boasts views of Downtown Dubai – just call ahead to book your spot.

The Burj Club, The Burj Khalifa. 6am to 6pm for the pool. Dhs250 with lunch, Dhs165 without. Tel: 04 888 3900. More info on Facebook. 

6. Gear up for Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

Today marks the beginning of training for the ubiquitous Spinneys Dubai 92 with a 35km build-up ride, taking place at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One Cycle Track at 6am. Five hundred cyclists are expected to take part in the first build-up ride, including What’s On’s plucky cycling novice Laura Coughlin. Supporters can head to the District One Cycle Track at 6am to cheer on riders.

For more details, check out cyclechallenge.ae

7. Visit The Green Planet

Jumeirah is now home to a tropical rainforest. Yes, actually. The Green Planet in City Walk is a standalone bio-dome that is home to over 3,000 plants and animals. It’s just opened this weekend and entry costs Dhs95 for adults and Dhs70 for children aged two to 12.

The Green Planet, City Walk, Jumeirah, Dubai. 10am to 10pm, weekdays, 10am to midnight on weekends. Tickets Dhs95 for adults, Dhs70 for children aged two to 12. More info on website.

8. Go to IMG World Of Adventures

Yes, it’s finally open! The world’s largest indoor theme park has just opened its doors in Dubai – so block a whole day, put on some comfy shoes and get down there. Read all about it here.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, next to Global Village. 12pm to 10pm daily (except Wednesdays when it closes at 8pm). Dhs250 for children, Dhs300 for adults. Buy tickets here.

9. Get nostalgic (over food)

It’s a full on flashback Friday at Le Meridien Dubai this Friday with a Yalumba-style brunch featuring Chesney Hawkes (The One And Only), No Mercy (Where Do You Go) and Rozalla (Everybody’s Free To Feel Good) happening in the Grand ballroom. Yes, you’ll literally be able to party like it’s 1999.

Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud. Dhs495 with brunch from 1pm to 4pm. More info on website.

10. Brunch in a polo field

There’s another fresh brunch happening this weekend – The Notorious Friday Brunch at Dubai Polo Club features pop up food trucks, activities, music and more. It’s USP is that you pay a Dhs25 entry fee and then pay for what you eat and drink. The food pop ups include Rice Creamery, Shwarma Station and Saray Sultan. It’s kid friendly (but also going to be a bit of a party option).

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Al Qudra Road. Dhs25 entry. 11am to 5pm. More info on Facebook.

Saturday 3

11. Check out the ICC Academy

The ICC Academy inside Dubai Sports City’s Village is hosting an open day today from 9.30am to 1pm and those there will have the chance to try out the coaching programmes and facilities at the world class sports spot. There’s a focus on cricket and activities on the day will include the Speed Gun – how fast can you bowl challenge, the Crazy Catch and the Batting Zone. There will also be some golf and football action too.

ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. 9.30am to 1pm, free. Tel: (04) 4481355. More info on website. 

12. See some fresh stand up

Indian comic Neela Palta was voted ‘Best Stand Up Comic’ at Oz Fest and the New Delhi-native is bringing her set to Dubai tonight for one night only. Called Almost Sanskari her material is self-aware and distinctly Indian.

Club Boudoir, Dubai Marine Beach Resort, show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets Dhs100. More info on Facebook.