From a new brunch to a cocktail masterclass…

The weekend is nearly upon us and its time to start planning. Dubai is as busy as ever with tons of things to do, there’s a new bar to try, a limited-edition burger and one of our favourite beach clubs is reopening.

Here are 15 awesome things to do this weekend in Dubai.

Thursday September 12

1. Check out a new ladies’ day

Laguna waterpark is launching a ladies’ day with a difference at their fun-filled attraction. Every Thursday from September 12, girls will have three options of arrival times to enjoy the waterpark. Arrive at 11am and stay the whole day (until midnight) for Dhs195 or you can split the day. If you’re there from 11am to 6pm, you’ll pay Dhs145 or for an evening swim, get there from 6pm to midnight for a reduced price of Dhs125. There’s plenty of fun activities happening throughout the day including fitness classes, live DJ and female drummers.

Laguna Waterpark, La Mer, Jumeirah, Thursdays, 11am to 12am Dhs195, 11am to 6pm Dhs145, 6pm to 12am Dhs125. lagunawaterpark.com

2. Order a limited-edition burger

If you’re a fan of the game Fortnite then you’ll probably recognise this Durr Burger… Deliveroo has teamed up with Jones The Grocer, Dusit Thani to deliver the burger only on Thursday September 12. If you’re in the area, you’ll be able to order and try it for yourself for Dhs79.

jonesthegrocer.com

3. Discover a new bar

Focus is the new bar located in Hyatt Place Dubai, Wasl District. It’s opening on Thursday September 12 and offering 50 per cent off house drinks and buy two get one free on selected beverages. There’s also a grill night every Thursday offering up seafood, meat and desserts from Dhs50.

Focus Bar, Hyatt Place Dubai, Wasl District, Deira, opening Thursday September 12. Tel: (054) 589 7637. hyattplacedubaiwasldistrict.com

4. Enjoy a Parisian brunch

BQ – French Kitchen & Bar, Habtoor Palace, has just launched a new Thursday night brunch called Paris Paris. Every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm, guests can enjoy a five-course dinner complete with smoked salmon, goat’s cheese salad and foie gras au torchon, followed by a sumptuous seafood platter with fresh oysters, cold water prawns, sea bass ceviche and salmon tartare. 

BQ, Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Thursdays, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs225 soft, Dhs325 house. (04) 435 5577. 

5. Feel the Caribbean vibes

Nikki Beach’s stunning Caribbean restaurant, Key West, is relaunching its popular Thursday night dinner – Jammin’ – this weekend. Guests can enjoy Josper trays and sides, live barbecue buffet, dessert station in the rum cave and a wide selection of drinks starting from Dhs200. 

Key West, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeira, Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3766 290. facebook.com/NikkiBeachHotelDubai

Friday September 13

6. Check-in for a sleepover brunch

Running every Friday until the end of September, The Sleepover Brunch deal at Studio One Hotel will get you a five hour brunch at cosy Italian, Larte, six free drinks at chic bar and restaurant, Boho, and an overnight stay at the hotel. And it’s all for just Dhs599 for two people – that’s less than Dhs300 per person.

The Sleepover Brunch, Studio One Hotel, Studio City Dubai, every Friday throughout September, Dhs599 for two subject to local fees and taxes. Tel: (800) 788 346. studioonehotel.com

7. Blue Marlin is back

After a very long, very hot summer, we’re so excited that Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is back in our lives. The Abu Dhabi beach club is kicking off its eighth season in style with a day of music from Dubfire, Mathame and ARTBAT. The opening party promises to be every bit as vibrant and memorable as the famed beach club is known for.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Gantoot, Sheikh Zayed Road exit 399, Friday September 13, 1pm to 11pm. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

8. Smash plates at a special edition party brunch

After the success of its first two brunches, the Insta-worthy Greek restaurant OPA is bringing us their third edition, this time themed around Rhodes, on Friday September 13. You’ll be transported to Greece as you’ll experience fresh mediterranean cuisine and traditional Greek entertainment, complete with Zorba dancing and plate smashing.

OPA, Level one, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12pm to 4pm, Friday September 13, Dhs395. Tel (04) 357 0557. opadubai.com

9. Hop aboard the Mega Yacht

Kicking off on Friday September 13 and running every Friday thereafter, it’s all aboard The Lotus super yacht from Pier 7, with the three and a half hour cruise taking guests around Atlantis, The Palm, Burj Al Arab and Bluewaters island – so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to nail that ‘gram shot. Packages start from Dhs349 for unlimited house drinks and an international buffet or Dhs499 for the international buffet and premium drinks.

Mega Yacht Brunch, from Pier 7, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs349 regular, Dhs499 premium. Tel: (052) 777 6953. Book your tickets here

10. See La Perle for less

If you haven’t been to see La Perle yet, this could be your perfect chance. To celebrate their second birthday, the amazing show is offering silver and gold tickets for Dhs222. With stunts, dance, theatre and comedy all rolled into one, it make the perfect date night out. The offer is only valid for a limited time so you’ll have to be quick to make the most of it.

La Perle by Dragon, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Tues to Sat, 7pm & 9.30pm, Dhs222. Tel: (04) 437 0001. laperle.com

Saturday September 14

11. Learn to make your own bath salts

This Saturday, Akara Home is hosting a day of workshops at 8th Street Photography Studios where at 1.30pm you can make your own bath salts. The one hour workshop will cost you Dhs75 and you’ll learn about all natural beauty products, understand the uses of aromatherapy and blending essential oils and create your own customised bath salts.

Soul Circus, 8th Street Photography Studios, Behind Times Square, Al Quoz, Saturday September 14, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Dhs75. facebook.com/events

12. Become a cocktail master

Every Saturday from 1pm, Noir Cocktail Bar and Lounge‘s expert mixologists will be on-hand to give advice and guidance to guests looking to expand their cocktail-making skill-set. You’ll also have a true taste of Peru with a sample of authentically South American ceviche. The class is Dhs250 and includes three drinks and one portion of ceviche.

Noir, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Saturdays, 1pm to 3pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 409 5999. kempinksi.com

13. Paint a masterpiece (and drink wine)

Create your own Frida Kahlo artwork at Couqley French Bistro’s paint and grape class this Saturday. The Mexican muse will be pre-sketched on a canvas so all skill-levels are welcome and the class should take around three hours. All materials will be provided and you’ll also get two alcoholic or four non-alcoholic drinks included.

Couqley French Bistro, Cluster A, JLT, Saturday September 142.30pm to 5:30pm, Dhs390. Tel: (04) 514 9339. 

14. Save at some of Dubai’s best restaurants

Marriott Harbour Hotel is turning 10 this month and to celebrate they’re offering 50 per cent off everything at their three signature restaurants. While their birthday is on September 15, the offer is available every day throughout September so you can make the most of the deal.

Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai Marina, daily throughout September. marriott.com

15. The weekend doesn’t end until Frank says so

Toyroom Saturdays are one of Dubai’s biggest nightclub events. For those who are never quite ready to say goodbye to the weekend, Toyroom offers a party to help you forget about work in the morning. With resident DJs Mr Levier and Major Flow, you can keep dancing until 4am, with ladies receiving free drinks until 1am.

Toyroom, Soho Garden, Meydan Grandstand, Saturdays, 11pm to 4am. Tel: (052) 463 3338. toyroomdxb.com

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Images: Provided/Facebook