A free lunch, a retro disco and we’ve found your new favourite breakfast spot…

This weekend is so huge, it was almost impossible to choose only 15 highlights. Check out a new bakery, a live music night or why not enter a football challenge? Whatever you do, we hope you have a great one.

Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday July 11

1. Get your hands on a free lunch

Thursday July 11 is International Kebab Day and to celebrate, Kaftan La Mer is offering the first 50 customers a free Turkish doner kebab sandwich. All you need to do is wish the staff ‘happy international kebab day’ and they will be delighted to hand you your gift. The offer is valid from 11am to 7pm, and each customer is entitled to one kebab.

Kaftan, La Mer, Jumeriah 1, Thursday July 11, 11am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 344 6288. kaftan-restaurant.com

2. Celebrate Bastille Day

Gorgeous French restaurant carine is celebrating Bastille day on Thursday July 11 and Sunday July 14. Guests can enjoy the sultry sounds of French singer Annabelle Veltri while relaxing in carine’s brand-new pergola on the terrace. 

carine, Emirates Golf Club, July 11 and 14, 7pm onwards. Tel: (04) 417 9885. dubaigolf.com/carine

3. Get yourself a free drink (or five)

If you’re strapped for cash and looking for the coolest new after-work spot, head to The Shoreditch in Industrial Avenue. This urban bar is offering free drinks to everyone, but you’ll have to be quick as it’s only between 7.30pm and 8pm. The offer runs daily and there’s fun games including beer pong and PlayStation 4, so say hello to your new pre-drinking hangout.

The Shoreditch, Industrial Avenue, Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, daily, 7.30pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (052) 293 5907. industrialavenuedubai.com

4. See Take That on the big screen

For one night only, Roxy Cinemas is showing Take That’s greatest hits tour in their JBR and City Walk branches. Fans of the legendary boyband are encouraged to sing along to the hits from classic to brand new at this special screening.

Roxy Cinemas, JBR The Walk and Citywalk, Thrusday July 11, 8.15pm, Dhs75. Tickets available here.

5. Head indoors to a fun brunch

Zero Gravity’s popular Thursday evening brunch has made it’s way indoors for summer. Now you can enjoy all of the tasty buffet bites, as well as six hours of house beverages, in the comfort of the air-conditioned venue. The DJ is ready with his old school songs, and you unlimited food and drinks from 8pm to 2am is priced at Dhs199.

Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Thursdays, 8pm to 2am, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

Friday July 12

6. Pick up a treat from a new bakery

Heavenly cake shop Magnolia Bakery has just opened a new branch on Palm Jumeirah. Located in Golden Mile Galleria, the new spot offers delicious desserts including stunning cupcakes and banana pudding. This weekend, one lucky guest will have the opportunity to win one year’s supply of banana pudding, if they find the golden ticket hidden in the restaurant.

Magnolia Bakery, Golden Mile Galleria, Palm Jumeirah, daily, 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 564 3443. @magnoliabakeryuae

7. Brunch inside a palace

While the sellout Secret Garden brunch is on a summer hiatus, Secret Parties have set up a new party brunch at Emerald Palace Kempinski. At the buffet you’ll find plenty of seafood and a DIY salad station, plus a selection of hot dishes are accessed via a window to the kitchen, served up alongside plenty of sparklers, napkin-waving and music that’s sure to have you on your feet.

The Secret Brunch, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs499 sparkling, Dhs599 champagne. Tel: (04) 248 8860. secret-parties.com/secretbrunchpalace

8. Get in the tennis spirit

Wimbledon is well underway, and what would it be without strawberries and cream? Garden on 8 has taken the liberty of creating a unique take on the summery dessert and we urge everyone to try it. Complete with a fully edible tennis ball, this sweet treat is only available until July 14.

Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, daily until July 14, Dhs39. Tel: (04) 427 1000. facebook.com/gardenon8DXB

9. Dig into a Friday feast

West 14th at Dukes the Palm, has a weekly barbecue that will give you those backyard vibes without having to brave the outdoors. For Dhs150, guests can enjoy as much meat and seafood as they please from 1pm to 4pm. Kids can enjoy the feast too for only Dhs75.

West 14th, Dukes the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs150 adults, Dhs75 kids. Tel: (04) 512 9298. west14th.ae

10. Throw it back to the eighties

Fans of music from yesteryear will love the new old school party launching at Level 43. Retro Nights will make you feel young again as flashing disco lights and songs from the 80’s and 90’s take over your senses. Dig out your best vintage outfits and get ready to groove.

Level 43, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Fridays, 8pm to 1am. Tel: (056) 414 2213. level43lounge.com

Saturday July 13

11. Build your own Benedict

Those waking up with sore heads this weekend might enjoy Perry & Blackwelder’s brand new breakfast offering. Have your eggs Benedict your way with an English muffin, poached eggs and cayenne hollandaise topped with either smoked brisket, real bacon, hot smoked salmon, or buttered baby spinach.

Perry & Blackwelder’s, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 1pm. Tel: (800) 666 353. facebook.com/perryandblackwelder

12. Take on a new challenge

Dubai Sports World is hosting an exciting football challenge throughout the summer. Using a portable football training arena, visitors are up against each other in a bid to become the top goal scorer in the hopes of winning goodies from Umbro. Challengers just need to upload a video of themselves using the arena, and tag Umbro to be in with a chance of winning.

Umbro Challenge, Dubai Sports World, daily until September 10. Tel: (04) 306 4000. dubaisportsworld.ae

13. Enjoy a day with the lads

Have the ultimate boys day at fun bar Wavehouse is Atlantis, The Palm. On Saturdays, feast on a full English breakfast with two beers and unlimited access to the wave-rider machine for Dhs120. The venue constantly screens the Premier League football games, too.

Wavehouse, Atlantis The Palm, every Saturday, noon to 1am, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 426 2626. facebook.com/wavehousedubai

14. Tuck into a traditional roast

What’s a Saturday without a roast dinner? Indulge in roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, cabbage and all the trimmings with a pint for only Dhs99 at The Stag. Head down to Citymax Al Barsha anytime between 12.30pm and 4pm every Saturday.

The Stag, Citymax Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates, Saturdays, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 409 8000. facebook.com/CitymaxHotelAlBarshaAtTheMall

15. End your weekend on a musical note

Saturdays at the Vii terrace are for throwback R&B tunes. With DJ B Luv on the decks and soulful singer Bru Fave on the mic, guests are in for a real treat as they perform a live set. Expect all of your favourite R&B songs from the 90’s and 00’s and girls can enjoy unlimited wine for Dhs99.

Vii Terrace, Conrad Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Saturdays, 9pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 777 6953. facebook.com/events

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Images: Supplied/ Facebook