A throw-back band, a free brunch and a crafty workshop…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a new bar, the latest pool party or why not go and see Tim Westwood? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday June 13

1. Indulge in a cheese and wine night

We all know there’s no better way to kick off a weekend than with a selection of creamy and delicious cheeses all washed down with a glass (or two) of vino. Meliã Desert Palm has launched their Tipples & Cheese night to help you do exactly that. For Dhs175, indulge in a wide selection of internationally sourced cheeses and artisan bread, paired with your choice of wine.

Epicure, Meliã Desert Palm Hotel, Al Awir Road, International City, Thursdays, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 602 9323. melia.com

2. See Akmø perform at OSH

 

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Enjoy a live performance by 22-year-old Kyrgyz singer and multi-instrumentalist Akmø. Performing her unique take on covers of classic and current hits, Akmø will take the stage at OSH, La Mer from 8pm on Thursday June 13. 

OSH, La Mer North, Jumeirah 1, Thursday June 13, 8pm onwards, free. Tel: (055) 963 6756. oshrestaurant.com

3. Head to a new bar

Skorpeus burst onto the scene with its immersive dinner-and-a-show experience just before Ramadan and after a short break, it’s time to show Dubai what it’s made of. The Emerald Palace Kempinski bar on Palm Jumeirah is a chic venue with a unique backdrop which uses 3D technology to display striking visuals all night long.

Skorpeus, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, daily 8pm to 2am. Tel: (052) 715 6278. @skorpeusdxb

4. Get down to some old school tunes

Remember Lisa Mafia, and Romeo? Two members of the 90s garage/hip-hop band So Solid Crew. As it turns out, the crew are still together and they will be performing at The Hideout on Thursday June 13. The 21 Seconds hitmakers will be taking the stage alongside residents DJ Superfly and MC Charmer.

The Hideout, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, Thursday June 13, 8pm to 2am, free. Tel: (058) 534 6000. thehideoutdubai.com

5. Listen to a legendary DJ

Urban DJ, Tim Westwood, will be heading to Dubai to play at Armani/Privé on Thursday June 13. Expect tunes from the biggest hip-hop and urban artists from around the world. The radio presenter will also be at One Club, Habtoor Grand on Friday at 4pm.

Armani/Privé, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Thursday June 13, 11pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 176 9420. armanihoteldubai.com

Friday June 14

6. Get a free brunch (there’s a catch)

Celebrate your birthday in style this June with a complimentary brunch at BiCE. Anyone born in June can enjoy a free pass to their weekly Friday brunch – just bring your id. The Italian ristorante offers up a selection of tempting dishes and unlimited drinks, followed by pool and beach access.

BiCE Ristorante, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Fridays in June, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, free for June babies, Dhs250 soft, Dhs325 house. Tel: (04) 318 2520. hilton.com

7. Party it up in a pool

The latest pool party to storm onto the scene takes place at FIVE Palm Jumeirah every Friday. It’s called Summer Ice and there’s a live burlesque show and tunes from Chico Boss so expect a party atmosphere. It starts at 3pm so you still have time for a lie-in (or a brunch?) and costs Dhs300 per person with Dhs150 redeemable against food and beverages.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Fridays, 3pm to 9pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 455 9999. facebook.com/FIVEPalmJumeirahDubai

8. Check out the newest poolside brunch

Ever considered yourself an Aquaholic? Then this might be the perfect brunch for you. Aquaholic at Shades, Address Dubai Marina is the latest brunch to offer poolside bites and unlimited drinks. Swim, munch and sip from 2pm to 6pm for Dhs245 including soft beverages and Dhs345 with house drinks. After brunch the party doesn’t stop, with a live saxophonist and unlimited drinks for Dhs199 until 10pm. 

Shades, Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Fridays, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs245 soft, Dhs345 house. Tel: (04) 888 3444. facebook.com/addressdubaimarina

9. Explore a Distillery

Souk Manzil welcomed a new venue this week, a speakeasy style bar named Distillery. Distillery’s menu features a range of small plates (hello, bourbon chicken wings), tartare and ceviche, sandwiches and heartier mains, but there’s a pretty firm focus on meat.

Distillery, Souk Manzil, Downtown Dubai, Mon to Thurs 4pm to midnight, Fri & Sat noon to 1am, closed Sun. Tel: (04) 329 8899. distillerydubai.com

10. See Mark Knight spin the decks

Another fresh bar on the nightlife scene, Tokyo Vibes, has a big night in-store on Friday June 14. Toolroom’s Mark Knight will be DJing at the Japanese bar in Soho Garden. Expect Ibizia-style dance tunes from 10pm onwards and there’s a happy hour from 8pm to 11pm.

Tokyo Vibes, Soho Garden, Meydan, Friday June 14, 8pm to 3am, free. Tel: (052) 388 8849. sohogardendxb.com

Saturday June 15

11. Run around the world’s largest themed mall

For those of you who won’t have had a big night on Friday, why not get up and get running? Too hot? Well at Ibn Battuta you can keep cool while you jog. Mall Runs start in China Court at 8.30am for participants to walk, jog or sprint either 2.5 kilometres or 5 kilometres on a specially-created track around the mall. Register for free at raceme.ae/battutarun.

China Court, Ibn Battuta, 8.30am, monthly from Saturday June 15, free. ibnbattutamall.com

12. Taste test a pop-up breakfast spot

Homegrown cafe, Park House, has branched out to open a pop-up in Dubai Studio City. Head to Nutri Bowl in Building 2 to find Park House’s pop up breakfast brunch every Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. For just Dhs55, adults can feast on three breakfast items and a drink, while kids can one breakfast item, juice and an ice-lolly for Dhs25. 

Park House Pop-Up, Taqado and Nutri Bowl, Building 2, Dubai Studio City, Fridays and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm, Dhs55 adults, Dhs25 kids. Tel: (04) 876 7556. parkhouse.ae

13. Bring new life to old clothing

Remember that t-shirt you used to wear? It was your favourite until it ripped and now it lives in the back of your wardrobe. Well now you can revive it with Glitches & Stitches’ visible mending workshop at Kave. The three-hour session will teach you repair techniques for holes and stains smaller than 2cm² on old clothing.

Kave, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Saturday June 15, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs150. Tel: (052) 926 0189. facebook.com/glitchesandstitches

14. Sample dishes from far East

Popular Palm Jumeirah restaurant, Asian Kitchen, has opened a second branch at Jebel Ali Recreation Club. The new restaurant promises a vast, diverse menu combined with vibrant and colourful décor with tastes from India, Vietnam, Thailand and China.

Asian Kitchen, Jebel Ali Recreation Club, Jebel Ali, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 11pm, Fri & Sat noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 459 5190. asiankitchen.ae

15. Go underwater after dark

La Ville Hotel & Suites is the perfect spot to cool down on a summer’s night with Dip in the Dark. From 5pm to 10pm every day, chill on a lounger or float in the infinity pool whilst taking in stunning views of Downtown Dubai. Weekdays is Dhs100 with Dhs50 back for food and drink while weekends are Dhs150 with Dhs100 back to spend.

Look Up, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Downtown Dubai, daily, 5pm to 10pm, from Dhs100. Tel: (04) 403 3111. bit.ly/DipInTheDark

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Images: Supplied/Facebook