From the Dubai Marathon to marathon brunches and parties, we’ve got you covered this weekend..

Have you been waiting for the weekend since Sunday? Well Thursday is nearly here and it’s time to start filling your diary with fun stuff. Whether it’s brand new brunches or epic live DJ sets, here are 16 ways you can have fun in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday January 24

1. Party like its 1999

If you miss the classic 90s discos, then you should seriously check out The Hideout this Thursday, who will host a live performance from 90s pop sensation, 5ive. Now a trio, Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville and Sean Conlon will take to the stage and perform some of their greatest hits including, ‘When the Lights Go Out’ and ‘Keep on Movin’.

The Hideout Dubai, Marina Byblos, Dubai Marina, 5pm to 3am, Thursday January 24, free entry. Tel: (058) 534 6000 thehideoutdubai.com

2. See some of the world’s best golfers in action

Golf’s biggest names head to Emirates Golf Club this weekend for the 30th anniversary of the Dubai Desert Classic. As well as welcoming golfing legends to the event, there are many other exciting experiences available for ticket-holders to enjoy, including an enhanced tournament village, world class dining experiences with What’s On Chef Of The Year Izu Ani and a stunning new look for the hospitality lounges. See you there!

Emirates Golf Course, Dubai, February 24 to 27. Dhs75. Tel: (04) 3833580. omegadubaidesertclassic.com

3. Test your knowledge at a quiz night

Cosy gastropub Reform in The Lakes has launched a new weekly Thursday quiz night. Hosted by Dubai 92’s Alissa, it’s Dhs120 per person, which also comes with unlimited bites from the BBQ and three live cooking stations which will offer an array of meaty and vegetarian dishes. All guests taking party in the quiz can enjoy an all-night happy hour too, with drinks from Dhs20.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, 9pm to 11pm, Thursdays, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae

4. Head to an evening of musical bingo

Tribeca

Just like New York itself, Tribeca is a lively place. With the fourth Birthday of Tribeca coming up, this evening bingo event is sure to be a hoot. Promising an evening of musical hits, live entertainment and free flowing food and drink, the brunch bingo package is priced at Dhs249 per person.

Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, Dubai Marina, 7pm to 10pm, Thursday January 24, Dhs249. Tel: (050) 345 6067. tribeca.ae

5. Experience the grand finale of the Electric Car Road Trip

This weekend, the Sustainable City are hosting the Grand Finale for the 2019 Electric road trip. Having covered around 2,000km through the UAE and Oman, the drivers of the Renault Zoe, Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model S will be ending at Sustainable City this Thursday. There will be a live DJ, bouncy castle, face painting  – and of course a chance to see the cars.

The Sustainable City, Al Qudra Road, 3pm to 7pm, Thursday January 24, free entry. thesustainablecity.ae

6. Get pampered at a spa-based ladies’ night

 

Calling all ladies, if you need to wind down this weekend then head along to the Waldorf Astoria Spa on The Palm, where you can experience two of their mini treatments such as a de-stress massage, foot massage or facial alsongside light bites and cocktails for Dhs250.

Waldorf Astoria Spa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 7pm to 9pm, Thursday January 24, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 818 2222. waldorfastoria.com

Friday January 25

7. Tuck into a new Friday Brunch

 If you’re up for an Italian style brunch this Friday then make your way to all’onda. The Venetian style restaurant promises sharing style dishes served to your table, alongside free flowing drinks for four hours. If you arrive a little late, not to worry, a ‘Casanova style’ evening party starts from 5pm onwards, offering 5 drinks for Dhs150.

All’onda, Emerald Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah. 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, Dhs295 soft, Dhs345 house, Dhs450 sparkling. Tel: (04) 248 8870. kempinski.com

8. Wind down with some meditation

 

Has it been a stressful week? Try winding down with Lighthouse Arabia’s interactive wellbeing workshops for all ages. This gives you the chance to reconnect with your mind and set you up for the long week ahead, or work on your relationships with a parenting and couple’s session. You can even join a panel discussion regarding mental health or parenting advice., or take the little ones to a mindful baking session.

Lighthouse Arabia, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa 2, 11am to 4pm, Friday January 25, Dhs105. Tel: (04) 380 2088. lighthousearabia.com

9. Upgrade your staycation

Looking for a little luxury this weekend? Why not head away to the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah? Until the end of the month when you book a King Classic room, you’ll be upgraded to a King Junior suite with a balcony and sea view. Go on, treat yourself.

Waldorf Astoria RAK, Ras Al Khaimah, until 30th January. Tel: 07 203 5555. waldorfastoria.com

10. Party all day with Peggy Gou

 

With January coming to an end, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE are hosting the Berlin-based, Korean artist, Penny Gou to perform some perfectly executed house mixes. So, if you fancy kicking off your weekend with a party – then here’s your chance.

Blue Marlin Ibiza, Ghantoot, Al Jazira Island. Friday 25th. 1pm-11pm. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

11. Spectate at the Dubai Marathon

 

Whether you’re a runner or not, you should come down and cheer on those running the Dubai Marathon this Friday. There will be a selection of healthy snacks and sports accessories on offer too.

Dubai Marathon, in front of Madinat Jumeirah, 6am onwards, Friday January 25, free to spectators. dubaimarathon.org

12. Party at a free music festival

All Day I Dream is returning to Dubai this weekend for a free day-to-night party at Soho Beach. Describing that it’s for ‘the dreamers, music worshippers, fairy gypsies, and magical creatures’, we’ve got some high expectations for a technicolour production – and some pretty epic DJ sets – if previous events are anything to go by.

All Day I Dream, Soho Beach, Meydan, 5pm to midnight, Friday January 25, free entry. Tel: (052) 433 3375. sohobeachdxb.com

13. See a rap star live on ladies’ night

Canadian rapper Tory Lanez will return to the stage at Drai’s Dubai on Friday. The Grammy nominee is no stranger to Drai’s, having performed at the club in its former beach club form last year. It’s free entry with unlimited drinks for ladies until 1am, or Dhs200 after including two drinks. Guys pay Dhs200 with two drinks before 1am, or Dhs300 with three drinks included after.

Drai’s Dubai, Meydan, Gate B, 10pm to 4am, Friday January 25. Tel: (052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

14. Travel to Saint Petersburg without leaving Dubai

Buddha Bar DXB sessions is a monthly event which takes place on the last Friday of every month. Each event will be inspired by a different Buddha-Bar from around the world, and this week it’s the turn of Saint Petersburg, with a live set from DJ Renat. Expect themed electro beats, limited edition cocktails and top Buddha Bar dishes.

Buddha-Bar, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, 7pm to 3am, Friday January 25 Tel: (04) 317 6000. Buddhabar-dubai.com

Saturday January 26

15. Celebrate ‘Straya day with a beach barbie

 

Barasti Beach is one of the best places to celebrate Australia Day in Dubai, and this year is no exception. Head down on Saturday January 26 for its huge annual beach BBQ, plenty of beer buckets and a live DJ to see you through to Sunday.

Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Saturday January 26, 10am to late, free entry (over 21s only on the beach). Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com

16. Dig into a proper English breakfast

Fancy a full English breakfast to kick off your weekend? Head on down to the recently opened London Dairy café on Sheikh Zayed Road. From a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and baked beans with hash browns and bacon, to healthier options such as avo toast or a morning smoothie, there’s something for everyone.

London Dairy café, Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, breakfast served daily 7am to noon. Tel: 04 352 5473. Facebook.com/LondonDairyBistro 

17. Sip sundowners from 63 storeys high

There’s nothing better than enjoying a drink while overlooking a city as beautiful as Dubai, and with the daily happy hour at Neo’s, you can wind down your weekend and sip sundowners for half the regular price with their daily happy hour. From 5pm to 8pm, there’s 50 per cent off everything, while you’ll get great views of the Burj Khalifa with a DJ playing a selection of urban beats.

Neos, Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily from 5pm to 8pm. Tel: (04) 8883444. addresshotels.com

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Words: Ben Welham