12 things to do in Dubai this week
Cooking classes, glow in the dark golf, pool days and yoga retreats…
The weekend is nearly here, and we’re already planning loads of ways to fill it. Whether you’re wanting to keep active, learn a new skill, cool off with a pool day or watch the football, we’ve got you covered.
Ramadan Kareem from everyone at What’s On.
Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this week.
Thursday May 24
1. Show off your skating skills at d3
A new outdoor recreational facility has opened at d3’s Waterfront,The Block. Located opposite the Design Quarter, the open-air destination offers a range of different outdoor and leisure areas including a basketball and volley ball court, a skate park, outdoor gym, climbing wall and an urban beach.
The Block, Opposite the Design Quarter, Dubai Design District, daily 7am until 11pm, free. More info on website
2. Check in for a great value stay-cay
The quintessentially British Dukes Dubai on The Palm is offering a great-value staycation rate this Ramadan. Rooms start from Dhs750, but you’ll get a Dhs650 food and drink voucher back to spend at any of the hotel’s restaurants. It also comes with early check-in and late check-out, 25 per cent off spa treatments, and complimentary access to the lazy river, infinity pool, private beach and fitness centre.
Dukes Dubai, The Palm, throughout Ramadan, rates from Dhs750. Tel: (04) 455 11 00. More info on website
3. Test your skills with glow in the dark golf
Hidden in the depths of Wafi Mall, test your swing in the dark at this glowing mini golf course designed to look like an alien planet. With ultraviolet lights, aliens and astronauts, it’s a fun way to while a way a few hours indoors.
Wafi Mall, Oud Metha, Dubai, weekdays 10am to 10pm, weekends 10am to 12am, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 357 3290. More info on website
Friday May 25
4. Kickstart your day with a breakfast buffet
Looking to kickstart your Friday with a hearty breakfast? The Bench Brunch is available at three Rove hotels across the city, and is priced at a great value Dhs59. Included is an unlimited buffet of hot and cold plates, pastries, a selection of cheeses, assorted cereals, fresh fruit and juices, plus you get a choice of main dish from a select a la carte menu.
Rove City Centre, Rove Healthcare City and Rove Trade Centre, 11am to 3.30pm, Fridays, Dhs59. More info on Facebook
5. Double up your treatment time
For Ramadan, Heavenly Spa at The Westin Al Habtoor City are open until midnight and are doubling the treatment time of any treatment. so, if you purchase a 50 minute massage, it will automatically double to 100 minutes at no extra cost.
Heavenly Spa, The Westin Al Habtoor City, daily 12pm, to 12am. Tel: (04) 437 3300. More info on website
6. Find your zen with a half day yoga retreat
Lifestyle Yoga are hosting a half day aqua yoga retreat this Friday in the heart of the city at the Shangri-La pool. It’s priced at Dhs199, and includes 60-minute vinyasa flow session, 30-minute yoga nidra, 30-minute chakra activation session and a 45-minute aqua yoga session in Horizon Pool. Use of the pool and spa facilities after the classes are complimentary.
Lifestyle Yoga, Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, 11am to 5pm, Friday May 25, Dhs199. Tel: (055) 222 3542. More info on website
7. Experience a lavish iftar
One of the most elaborate venues for iftar is the Al Farous Ballroom at the JW Marriott Marquis. Led by Arabic-specialty Chef Nicola, the iftar buffet features a spread of more than 200 dishes, with international and traditional Arabic flavours. Guests can enjoy the luxe iftar experience for Dhs215 per person.
Al Fanous Lounge, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, daily sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs215. Tel: (04) 414 3000. More info on website
8. Get competitive at basketball tryouts
Prestige Star Sport Academy (PSSA) is giving young athletes a once in a lifetime opportunity to play on the courts of Las Vegas alongside leading basketball talent in the US. Passionate players have one last chance to slam dunk their way in to the PSSA team this weekend at Dubai Sports World, where the academy will be scouting for the final team members. The chosen team will get to embark on a three-week summer tour in Las Vegas in July.
Dubai Sports World, Dubai World Trade Centre, Tuesday May 22 to Friday May 25, free. More info on website.
Saturday May 26
9. Enjoy a dinner cruise in a cool new neighbourhood
Bateaux Dubai is an elegant, glass-enclosed vessel that offers a real fine-dining experience. Boarding starts from 7.45pm, and you’ll be offered a welcome drink as you settle in at your table. This is proper white-tablecloth, amuse-bouche, sorbet-between-courses fine-dining. And it really is lovely. It’s a slow, gentle cruise, which means you have time to take in the twinkling night-time views of Old Dubai. Between courses, you can wander up to the rooftop to get the best vistas.
Bateaux Dubai, Al Seef (opposite the Consulate of Kuwait), daily 8pm to 10.30pm, from Dhs295. Tel: (04) 814 5553. More info on website
10. Gather your mates for the Champions League
Ahead of Saturday’s big match, popular Marina eatery The Scene by Simon Rimmer has unveiled a new-look indoor garden complete with an astro turf floor, wooden benches, leafy decor and five super-sized screens. But this isn’t just for the boys. Whether you’re looking to watch the game or not, ladies will be able to take advantage of a two-course menu with drinks for Dhs149 – so you don’t have to choose between food or football.
The Scene by Simon Rimmer, 4th floor, Pier 7, 8pm onwards, Saturday May 26. Tel: (04) 4222 328. More info on website
11. Test your culinary skills with an iftar cooking class
Keen to impress guests with a home made iftar this Ramadan? Top Chef Cooking Studio are hosting an array of iftar cooking classes this Holy Month to ensure you fully equipped to serve up authentic dishes. The tailor-made two hour classes will teach you to cook an iftar feast from starters to dessert.
Top Chef Cooking Studio, Villa 196 Jumeirah Beach Road, 5pm to 7pm, Saturdays through Ramadan, Dhs415. Tel: (04) 385 5781. More info on website
12. Cool off with a pool day
Address Boulevard is one of the swanky hotel openings that came to Dubai last year, and if you’re looking for an inner-city urban escape, there’s a Saturday deal to cool of at this summer you’ll like. For Dhs295 for two, enjoy pool access at the sprawling split-level pool deck, a selection of hot and cold bites and music that’s just loud enough to add atmosphere.
Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, Saturdays, Dhs295 for two. Tel: (04) 888 3444. More info on website
– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.