10 things to look forward to in Dubai this June

Comedy shows, long weekends, new openings and Maroon 5 make their return to Dubai…

With June fast approaching, we’re readying for a brand new month to fill with fun stuff, and there’s certainly plenty happening. From sporting events and new openings to comedy shows, an ABBA tribute and Maroon 5, we’ve rounded up the city’s best events that you need to be at this month.

Here are 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this June. 

From June 3: Escape the city for an Eid vacation

Private sector employees are getting four extra days off for Eid, and what better way to celebrate than with a last minute getaway? The stunning resort of Soneva Kiri is found on Thailand’s least populated island, Koh Kood and promises a haven of luxury and authenticitiy. Spread across 34 lavish pool villas found among the beaches, hillsides and clifftops, this summer, stay at Soneva Kiri between June 1 and July 21 and get 25 per cent off when you stay 4 nights, or 28 per cent off when you stay 7 nights. With a four night stay, you’ll also receive one complimentary Koh Kood Discovery per guest, or stay 7 nights and enjoy a 50 per cent discount off domestic round-trip transfers.

Soneva Kiri, Koh Khood, Thailand, 25 per cent discount available on stays from June 1 to July 21, minimum four night stay. soneva.com

June 6: Laugh out loud at a comedy show

Famous funnyman Russell Peters will be the first star to grace the stage at Dubai Arena this summer. The stand-up comedy superstar will make his return to Dubai on Thursday June 6, making him the first act to grace the stage at the epic new arena at City Walk. The Emmy award-winning comedian is back in Dubai for the third time, promising all-new material as he brings his Deported World Tour to the city. As well as witty observational comedy and the classic audience involvement the comedian has become famous for, guests can expect a laugh-out-loud show later this year.

Live Nation Presents Russell Peters, Dubai Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Thursday June 6, from Dhs200. ticketmaster.ae

June 4: Take to the streets with the Desert Road Run

Take part in one of the UAE’s oldest running events, as the Desert Road Run returns for one final time this summer. There are 10km, 5km and 3km routes to test your legs on, on private, traffic-free roads. Prices start at Dhs105.

premieronline.com

June 14: See Maroon 5 live

Grammy award-winning pop-rock group Maroon 5 will return to Dubai for the first time since 2011 this summer. The This Love hit makers will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena – in City Walk for the first time on June 14. The band, lead by lead singer Adam Levine, will head to Dubai off the back of a 60-date world tour which began in South America in March 2018 and concludes in Europe on June 11, 2019. When they return to Dubai this June, fans can expect to hear a string of their best-loved hits including She Will Be Loved, Moves Like Jagger and Sugar. It’s not the first time the group have performed in Dubai. They were previously here in April 2011, when they headlined a gig at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Done Events present Maroon 5, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Friday June 14. doneevents.com

From June 19: Work up a sweat at Dubai Sports World

The UAE’s largest indoor summer sports venue is back at Dubai World Trade Centre from June 19. Dubai Sports World offers an array of sports coaching for all ages from football and basketball to badminton, and a range of activities and fitness programmes. Entrance is free.

Dubai Sports World, World Trade Centre, Dubai, daily 8am until midnight, June 19 until September 10. dubaisportsworld.ae

June 20: Dine around Spain without leaving Dubai

Calling all tapas fans. If you love nothing more than sampling tasty little Spanish dishes like Patatas Bravas, gambas or calamari then this one’s for you. On June 20, the Spanish embassy in the UAE is celebrating World Tapa Day, so save the date in your diary. They will be running an official World Tapa Day shuttle bus on the day, which will visit six popular Spanish eateries from Jumeirah to Downtown to Deira. Restaurants visited will include El Sur at Westin Mina Seyahi, Sevilles at Wafi Mall, Salero at Kempinski Mall of the Emirate, BOCA in DIFC, Al Hambra at Jumeirah Al Qasr and Bebemos at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, and they’ll all be offering a select tapas menu with dishes for Dhs30.

World Tapa Day, various locations across Dubai, 5pm to 11pm, tapa from Dhs30. Facebook.com/worldtapadaydxb

June 21: Party hard at a new club opening

Code is the latest piece in the Soho Garden puzzle, and it’s opening its doors at Meydan on June 21. Described as ‘an immersive club experience combining artistic space and eclectic sounds’, the new indoor nightclub promises regular house music nights as well as guest artists for opening.

Code DXB, Soho Garden, Meydan, from Friday June 21. facebook.com/Codedxb

From June 21: Shop up a storm with Dubai Summer Surprises

Credit cards at the ready, Dubai’s annual shopping festival returns on June 22, and it’s bringing six weeks of epic sales to the city’s malls. Running until August 3, expect great deals on a whole range of products, as well as giveaways and weekly flash sales.

Dubai Summer Surprises, June 21 to August 3. visitdubai.com/dss

June 21: Xmas comes early to McGettigans

Popular Irish pub McGettigans has decided that six months is just too long to wait to celebrate Christmas – so they’re going all out and throwing massive Christmas brunches on Friday June 21 at their JLT and Souk Madinat Jumeirah locations. McGettigan’s will be serving up their famous roast turkey with all the trimmings including duck fat roast potatoes, carrot and parsnip mash. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in their best Christmas jumpers as there will be a number of prizes up for grabs throughout the afternoon. Expect live entertainment Christmas classic tunes, games and more.

McGettgans, JLT and Souk Madinat, 1pm onwards, Friday June 21, from Dhs199 to Dhs299. Tel: (04) 3780800. mcgettigans.com

June 26 to June 28: Dig out your dancing shoes for an ABBA tribute show

Take a Chance on the QE2 this June, as the West End show ABBA Reunion makes its way to Dubai for the first time. Running from Wednesday June 26 to Friday June 28, fans of the four-piece Euro-pop group are invited to glam up in their best disco wear and throw it back to the 1970s and 1980s for an evening of ABBA’s greatest hits. With amazing costumes, incredible instrumentals and a show full of the famous dance moves, you’ll sing (and dance) along to smash hits including Mamma Mia, Waterloo and Dancing Queen as you get taken on a trip down memory lane.

QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm, Wednesday June 26, to Friday June 28, tickets from Dhs180. theatrebyqe2.com

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