Dubai Shopping Festival is back, Tennis aces head to the Capital and some big stars are performing in the city…

Another Christmas Day may be done, but we’ve lined up plenty of events to get you out of the house. From top deals with Dubai Shopping Festival to budget brunches, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Dubai.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday December 27

1. Bag a bargain with Dubai Shopping Festival

Starting on December 27, DSF Weekend Surprises sees one select brand or product range offer discounts of up to 90 per cent. The deal will only be announced 24 hours in advance, so keep your eyes peeled – and then head to the specified shopping location at 10am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Dubai Shopping Festival, December 26 to February 2. mydsf.ae

2. See the Williams’ sisters battle it out in the Capital

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship kicks off in Abu Dhabi, and it’s a star-studded line-up of players descending on the Capital for the tournament. On Thursday at 8pm, see Serena Williams take on sister Venus in what’s sure to be a brilliant match.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship, International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, December 27 to 29, Dhs100 to Dhs1795. Tel: (800) 86823. mubadalawtc.com

3. See a top DJ spin

To celebrate a year since they opened their doors, Meydan hotspot Soho Garden are set to welcome the return of legendary American DJ Roger Sanchez on Thursday December 27. The Grammy award wining DJ will be joined by well renowned female DJ Kristen Knight as well as soho residents Jixo & Danz, Jean B, Mar+Mer and Adam Graca. It’s free entry all night.

Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Thursday December 27, door policy applies. Tel: (056) 82 22 559. sohogardendxb.com

4. Catch up with the girls over a new ladies’ night dinner deal

Mediterranean restaurant Babiole in Habtoor City has launched a new ladies’ night – and this one comes with a brilliant food deal too. From 7pm onwards every Thursday, ladies can enjoy a three-course set menu and unlimited free-flowing drinks until midnight for Dhs195. Be sure to book early and bag yourself a table on the terrace.

Babiole, Hilton, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 7pm to 12am, Thursdays, Dhs195. babioledubai.com

Friday December 28

5. Head to the final day of a festive market

Transforming into a winter wonderland this year, is Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. The hotel garden will feature a German market, a mini train ride headed for the North Pole, face painting and a two-lane bungee jump. You’ll also be able to tuck into a selection of seasonal food and drink as you make your way around the market. The last day to check it out is Friday December 28.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud, daily 12pm to late, (3pm to late on Sunday 23 and Wednesday 26), December 20 to 28. jumeirah.com

6. Party hard with a legendary house DJ

Meydan super venue Soho Beach is set to welcome award-winning DJ Solomun for a huge one-day festival just before New Year’s on Friday December 28. No stranger to Dubai, Solomun has previously performed at Gotha and Eden Beach Club, as well as headlining Blue Marlin’s New Year’s Eve party last year.

Solomun at Soho Beach, Meydan, 9pm to late, Friday December 28, tickets from Dhs150. Tel: (052) 433 3375. sohobeachdxb.com

7. Enjoy an al fresco evening brunch

If you’ve not stuffed yourself with turkey over Christmas, head to Sho Cho for their Friday night evening brunch this weekend. It’s Dhs250 including food and house drinks from 8pm to 12am, and guests can expect a choice of a la carte Asian dishes.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, 8pm to 12am, Fridays, Dhs165 soft, Dhs250 house. Tel: (04) 346 1111. sho-cho.com

8. Get selfie ready with a Hollywood facial

It’s loved by celebrities and now you can get party ready for less with the Hollywood Facial, which is available this festive season at Nova Clinic for Dhs500, reduced from Dhs800. Aimed at leaving your skin feeling healthy and glowing in just one session, the laser treatment is completely pain free, has no downtime and fits into your lunch break.

Nova Clinic, Utamah Villa 1047, Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, Jumeirah, Dhs500. Tel: (04) 384 5666. thenovaclinic.com

9. Tuck in at a new restaurant

The first independent, licensed restaurant on Bluewaters has just opened its doors, and we can’t wait to check it out. Inspired by an English country garden, it’s home to a restaurant, gin garden and al fresco terrace. On the menu, you’ll find modern interpretations of British and Mediterranean classics, creatively plated and designed to be shared.

The London Project, Bluewaters, off JBR, Dubai Marina, from December 24. thelondonproject.com

10. Tuck into an upscale Friday feast

There’s a new upscale brunch to check out at Bvlgari Resort every Friday afternoon at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. The buffet spread features more than 70 Italian dishes including a bread and cheese corner, extensive salad offering and live cooking stations of meat and fish. In true Italian style, expect roaming chefs serving pasta and risotto straight from the pan.

Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Bvlgari Resort, Jumeirah, Fridays 1pm to 4pm, Dhs345 soft. Tel: (04) 777 5433. bulgarihotels.com

11. Grab breakfast at a new restaurant

Gourmet by Kcal has had a glow-up, and now goes by the name of Bounty Beets. Found in Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, the new spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seating fro 130. It’s designed to be photographed – think angel wings in a mural on the wall and a huge blossom tree in the centre, while the menu has a big focus on healthy eats.

Bounty Beets, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 399 3333. Facebook.com/Bountybeets

Saturday December 29

12. See a fashion film at Cinema Akil

All this week, Cinema Akil is showing the acclaimed ‘McQueen’ a fashion documentary which explores the extraordinary life, career and artistry of the late designer, Alexander McQueen.

Cinema Akil, Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, 7pm and 9.30pm, until December 29, Dhs50. Tel: (058) 524 6362. cinemaakil.com

13. Head for lunch at a new English pub

The Duck Hook is a new British gastropub found in Dubai Hills Golf Club. Themed on traditional English country pursuits. Overlooking the golf course, it promises a menu of ‘pub grub meets modern European fare’, craft beers, and plenty of screens for watching international sports live. It’s dog-friendly too, so you can take your pooch along when you’re craving some proper pub grub.

The Duck Hook, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai Hills, daily 12pm to 12am. Tel: (800) 666353. Facebook.com/theduckhookdxb

14. See an American star perform live

On Saturday December 29, the ‘Simply Amazing’ and ‘Na Na Na’ hitmaker Trey Songz will headline at open air superclub White Dubai’s weekly ladies’ night, URBN. Ladies can enjoy enjoy unlimited free drinks until 1am.

Trey Songz at White Dubai, Meydan, 11pm to 4am, Saturday December 29. Tel: (050) 443 0933. whitedubai.com

15. Breakfast in bed at an upscale brunch

The four hour ‘Reveil’ Saturday brunch package at La Cantine is an all-you-can-eat breakfast feast complete with pyjama wearing waiters, alarm clocks, fluffy slippers and a menu of top brekkie dishes. And best of all? It’s served up in an actual bed. There’s only one four-poster bed though, so if you want to bag the most Instagrammable spot, be sure to book ahead…

La Cantine du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 12pm to 4pm, Saturdays, Dhs265 soft, Dhs400 house, Dhs550 sparkling. Tel: (04) 352 7105. lacantine.ae

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