A tapas tour, a Michelin-starred mingle and a brand new club opening…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a new brunch, the start of Dubai Summer Surprises or why not swap your tie for a cocktail? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend. 

Thursday June 20

1. Go on a tapas tour around Dubai

On June 20, the Spanish embassy in the UAE is celebrating World Tapa Day and 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.

World Tapa Day, buses start from Le Meridien Airport Hotel and Westin Mina Seyahi at 5pm, tapa and a beverage Dhs30. facebook.com/worldtapadaydxb

2. Swap a tie for a Mai Tai

On Thursday June 20, head down to Trader Vic’s Hilton JBR with an old neck tie or bow tie and swap it for a Tiki cocktail. Mai Tai fans should start searching their drawers for their least favourite neck accessory to get their hands on the hand-crafted cocktail.

Your Tie Mai Tai, Trader Vics, Hilton Jumeirah Dubai, JBR, Thursday June 20, 6pm onwards. Tel: (04) 318 2530. tradervicsjbr.com

3. See a mystery superstar perform

We got word of a secret free gig happening at Barasti’s House of Whatever this Thursday. The identity of the artist is kept top secret but trust us, you’ll want to be there when he or she takes to the stage. The performer in question hasn’t played at Barasti before (sorry Jazzy Jeff fans) but has sold 15 million records worldwide so we’re pretty sure you’ll love them. You won’t find out who they are until the moment their set begins, so make sure to arrive early to get a prime view.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Thursday June 20, 10pm onwards, free. Tel: (04) 399 3333. barastibeach.com

4. Pay Tribute to the Legends

Your neighbourhood eatery, Larte Studio City, has a new evening brunch every Thursday accompanied by swing & jazz singer, Michael Antoniou. Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner with unlimited drinks for Dhs299 or opt for drinks only for Dhs199. Tribute to Legends offers a legendary setlist compiled with covers of your favourite jazz singers from the past from 8pm to midnight.

Larte, Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, Thursdays, brunch timings 7pm to 10pm, Dhs199 house drinks, Dhs299 with dinner. Tel: (04) 581 6870. larte.ae

5. Celebrate a first birthday

The ever-popular Stage brunch has officially been running for one year, and to celebrate you can enjoy a special party at Jazz@Pizza Express in JLT and Pizza Express Live Business Bay. Guests will be treated to the acoustic talents of Gari Deegan and Adam Baluch after dining to their hearts content on as much Italian food as possible – hello dough balls! 

The Stage, Jazz@Pizza Express JLT and Pizza Express Live Business Bay, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs150 soft, Dhs225 house, Dhs259 premium. thestagebrunch.com

Friday June 21

6. Hit the sales

Friday June 21 until August 3, Dubai’s annual citywide celebration, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), will usher in six weeks of sales, retail experiences and events. This year promises to include summer deals across the city’s shopping outlets, attractions, hotel staycations and family entertainment. If last summer’s sale season is anything to go by, this year will include even more amazing giveaways and chances to win. Prizes up fro grabs include cars, cash, hotel stays, gift vouchers and more.

DSS, Dubai malls, Friday June 21 to Saturday August 3.

7. Celebrate World Music Day

carine is bringing you a Fête de la Musique party on Friday June 21. DJ Julien will be playing a variety of carine’s favourite songs from the last 30 years while you tuck into a selection of tasty French dishes in the new pergola.

carine, Emirates Golf Club, Friday June 21, noon onwards. Tel: (04) 417 988. carine.ae

8. Feast at a fiesta

Be transported to the streets of Cancun with Muchachas’ Miss Chief brunch. The new menu comes at a lower price and includes four rounds of delectable authentic bites, including tacos, quesadillas and can’t-stop-won’t-stop fresh guacamole dip. The drinks on offer include frozen or iced margaritas with flavours ranging from watermelon & raspberry, to pineapple & basil and taramind & jalepeño. You can also choose from a range of Mexican beer, mocktails or wine. If you’re not ready to end the fun there, the party continues after-brunch with unlimited drinks from 4pm to 7pm for only Dh99.

Muchachas, Holiday Inn Express, Al Safa, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs119 soft, Dhs199 house. Tel: (04) 327 5878. muchachasdubai.com

9. Meet a Michelin-starred chef

Fans of Akira Back who take the opportunity to dine at his W Dubai – The Palm restaurant this weekend, indulge in a set-menu and meet the man himself. Visit Akira Back on either June 21 or 22 and Chef Back will be there to meet and greet customers alongside tunes by W’s music curator Smokingroove. The set menu costs Dhs395 and includes a welcome drink.

Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, June 21 and 22, from 7pm onwards, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 245 5555. akirabackdubai.com

10. Check out the opening of a new club

Code is the latest piece in the Soho Garden puzzle, and the final of three new indoor venues opening at the Meydan complex this summer. Although very few details of the new super venue have been given, we’re advised you’ll need to enter through Tokyo Vibes, another new opening, to get to the club, which will open this Friday with Nicole Moudaber. Beforehand, enjoy a happy hour at Tokyo Vibes from 8pm to 11pm.

Code, Soho Garden, Meydan, Friday June 21, 11pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 388 8849. sohogardendxb.com

Saturday June 22

11. Attend a creative weekend in Abu Dhabi

This weekend, Warehouse421 is hosting a series of creative workshops featuring a mix of classes and discussions including Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy and Palmyrene Clay Structures. the discussions are free to attend while the workshops cost Dhs240 each. The full schedule of activities can be found online

Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, June 21 to 22, various times. Tel: (02) 676 8803. warehouse421.ae

12. Join a fitness party

Motion Cycling is throwing a party to celebrate the start of summer on Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22. The cycling studio has partnered up with a number of exciting brands to offer its visitors special discounts. The pop-up party includes a 45-minute workout choreographed to a setlist of summer hits to get you in the party spirit. Plus newbies can ride for free!

Motion Cycling, Oberoi Hotel, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, June 21 to 22, 9am to 6pm, Dhs120 or free for 1st timers. Tel: (056) 171 7130. motion-cycling.ae

13. Try a 24-karat steak at Prime68

Indulge in a 24-karat dinner at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s famous steakhouse Prime68 where you can enjoy a 350g steak covered with edible 24-karat gold flakes, complimented with a side dish of your choice for Dhs330 per person. The steak is aged for 24 days, which makes it that much more delicious and unique.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 6pm to midnight, Dhs330. Tel: (04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

14. Try a new afternoon tea

Experience a luxurious afternoon tea at Al Mandhar Lounge in Jumeirah Al Naseem. For Dhs218, enjoy three tiers of curated sweet and savoury bites, pastries, scones and cakes as well as a vast selection of fine teas.

Al Mandhar Lounge, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, daily 2pm to 6pm, Dhs218. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

15. Indulge in raw dishes

Seven Sisters has just launched their weekly Raw Nights, every Saturday. From 7pm to 12.30am, enjoy a selection of delectable raw dishes including tuna and salmon tataki for Dhs165 or including house wine for Dhs250. 

Seven Sisters, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Saturdays, 7pm to 12.30am, Dhs165 food, Dhs250 with wine. Tel: (056) 775 4777. sevensistersdubai.com

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Images: Supplied/Facebook