12 things to do in Dubai this weekend
An Avatar-themed Cirque Du Soleil show, tacos under the Burj Khalifa laser show, brunches, fitness and fireworks…
It’s the first weekend of 2018 and we’re making sure we do it right. From trying a new brunch, fun fitness classes and some skinny cocktails, we’re bringing you a bunch of things to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions (as well as a few things to break them… sorry, not sorry).
Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend…
Thursday January 4
1. Watch the Burj Khalifa laser show and enjoy unlimited tacos
While Loca might be famed for having some of the best guac in town, there’s now another reason to head to the Souk Al Bahar branch – they’ve just added a taco room. Diners are invited to a three-hour package of build-your-own-tacos, with a choice of beef, chicken or fish and a host of fillings for Dhs149 per person including margaritas. Add on beer and it’s Dhs199. The spot also comes with some great Burj Khalifa views, so that’s where you’ll find us catching the laser show this weekend…
Loca, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, 3 hour package, daily 12pm to 2am, Dhs149 margaritas, Dhs199 margaritas and beer. Tel: (04) 449 4455. More info on Facebook
2. See an Avatar-themed Cirque Du Soleil
Avatar-themed touring Cirque Du Soleil show Toruk – The First Flight was first announced in October 2017, and it will run at Dubai World Trade Centre from January 4 to 16. It’s all about the philosophies in the Avatar film that focus on a harmonious co-existence with nature, and it comes complete with some epic stunts.
Cirque Du Soleil, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, January 4 to 16, from Dhs315. More info on website
3. Catch a breakout artist at White Dubai
Catch up-and-coming artist Parson James perform live at White this Thursday for their weekly #Bizaaar night. The singer-songwriter is the vocalist on the track Stole the Show featuring Kygo, as well as his own recent release, Only You.
White Dubai, Meydan, 11pm to 3am, Thursday January 4, door policy applies. Tel: (050) 443 0933. More info on Facebook
4. See some fireworks at The Beach
Missed out on fireworks at New Year’s? Well, there’s another chance to catch them – several in fact. All through DSF (it’s on until January 27) there will be fireworks at The Beach on JBR at 9.30pm on Thursday and Friday. You can also catch them at 8.30pm at Al Seef and 9pm at La Mer.
The Beach, JBR, Dubai, 9.30pm every Thurs and Fri until January 27, free. More info on website
Friday January 5
5. Kickstart the day with a fitness class on The Beach
The health conscience team at Common Grounds is teaming up with The WareHouse Gym JBR for another round of community circuits on Friday to start that 2018 health kick. After you sweat it out, tuck into one of Common Grounds breakfasts from a choice of Chia Pudding, Smashed Avo or Acai Bowl + juices for Dhs65 (or add a coffee for an extra Dhs15). Pre-booking is essential.
WareHouse Gym JBR, 7.45am to 10am, Fri Dec 5, Dhs65. Tel: (04) 368 4080. More info on website
6. Party Ibiza-style at a new weekly night
The famous Mambo Brothers are bringing their brand to Dubai full-time, with Cafe Mambo set to take over Soho Garden every Friday from this week. As well as monthly appearances from Christian and Alan Anadon, aka the Mambo Brothers, it’s also expected that international DJs will descend on the decks at the Ibizan brand. They’re kicking off with Franky Rizardo and Mat.Joe.
Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, 5pm to 3am, every Friday, free entry. Tel: (056) 82 22 559. More info on Facebook
7. Enjoy shellfish and sundowners on The Creek
At the picturesque Boardwalk at Dubai Creek, there’s a new Shellfish and Bubbles offer, where diners can sample a shared platter of the finest array of fresh shellfish every Friday & Saturday. The deal comes with a complimentary bottle of bubbles for the table, and it’s available all day from 12pm to midnight for Dhs195 per person.
Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 295 6000. More info on website
8. Bounce around Dubai airport
Headed to the airport this weekend? Well there’s a new way to kill time at Terminal 3 thanks to the arrival of Bounce, the biggest trampoline and entertainment park in the Middle East. Located in the Winter Wonderland of the terminal (which is also home to a giant gingerbread Burj for the festive season), it might well be worth leaving an extra hour early to fit in some pre-flight trampolining.
Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, Dubai, open 24 hours, daily until the end of March, Dhs50 for half an hour, Dhs80 for an hour. Tel: (04) 436 1020. More info on website
Saturday January 6
9. Enjoy an authentic Russian Christmas
If you’ve not filled up on festive merriment yet, treat yourself to an extended Christmas dinner in a Russian-themed culinary experience this Saturday at Crescendo on The Palm. There is an array of dishes to pick and choose from the buffet in addition to seafood bar and live stations serving an authentic feast.
Anantara Dubai The Palm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Saturday January 6, Dhs230 Tel: (04) 567 8304. More info on website
10. Check out a brand new beachside brunch
There’s a new Saturday brunch beachside at the Rixos Premium beach club Azure. From 1pm to 4pm, lounge beachside in a private cabana while enjoying three hours of Mediterrasian food served bedside along with unlimited drinks.
Rixos Premium, JBR, 1pm to 4pm, Saturday, Dhs225 soft, Dhs345 house, Dhs445 sparkling. Tel: (052) 777 9472 . More info on website
11. Bag a bargain at the Ripe Market
Popular farmer’s market Ripe returns this Saturday January 6 at Barsha Pond Park. Whether it’s organic fruit and veges you’re after, unique arts and crafts, gifts or you’re just heading for a bite to eat, there’s plenty of stalls to peruse.
Al Barsha Pond Park, Barsha 1, Dubai, 12pm to 9pm, Saturday January 6. Tel: (04) 315 7000. More info on website
12. Chill out at Dubai Garden Glow
It’s one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots thanks to its colourful, glow-in-the-dark structures. And as it’s opened for its third season, it’s also added Dubai’s first ice park to its list of attractions. As well as the new ice park, there’s also a new ‘magical nights’ area littered with illuminated animal sculptures and a laser effects and lights show.
Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park two, daily 4pm to 12am, Dubai Garden Glow, Dhs60, extra Dhs40 for entry into the ice park. More info on Facebook
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