15 great things to do in Dubai this weekend
From a new breakfast deal to a popular bar’s birthday…
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 evening brunch to try, a launch party for a new store, oh and one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
Here are 15 awesome things to do this weekend in Dubai.
Thursday September 5
1. Attend a launch party with Dubai rapper Moh Flow
The long awaited opening of fashion and lifestyle store Urban Outfitters is finally here. On Thursday September 5, the brand will launch their first Middle East store in The Dubai Mall. To celebrate, their inviting everyone to join them in-store for a launch party between 5pm and 8pm. Hip-hop singer Moh Flow and Dubai DJ Basil AlHadi will also be performing to get the crowd in the party spirit and fans will be able to shop the collection in-store.
Urban Outfitters (close to Topshop), The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Thursday September 5, 5pm to 8pm, free. @uo_arabia
2. Sample fine French wine after work
La Cantine du Faubourg is upgrading your after-work drinks with a taste of France. Each month the bar and restaurant will be showcasing a different French region to offer a selection of fine wines, prepared and explained by their in-house sommelier. Available weekdays between 5pm and 9pm.
La Cantine du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Downtown Dubai, Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 9pm. Tel: (04) 352 7105. lacantine.ae
3. Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day
It’s Brazil Independence Day on Saturday and to celebrate, Chamas is hosting a three-day festival from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 September. From 6pm to 11.30pm, you’ll be able to enjoy live stations featuring traditional food from various regions of Brazil. There will also be exciting performances from Chamas’ resident Latin band and Samba dancers. If you want to indulge on the feast available, there are several packages starting from Dhs315 (and a 25 per cent discount for Brazilians).
Chamas, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, September 5 to 7, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (800) 276 963. crowneplazadubai.com/chamas
4. Check out a new evening brunch
Dukes the Palm are launching a brand-new brunch this weekend. Running from 6.30pm to 10pm every Thursday, guests can expect enjoy unlimited house drinks, an international buffet and live entertainment. Make sure to bring your appetite, as the international buffet is bursting with everything from sushi to seafood, curry to a full roast dinner, hearty burgers and a whole section dedicated to desserts (make sure you don’t miss the chocolate fountain). Beverages on offer range from house wine and beer to specially crafted cocktails.
Late Brunch Thursdays, Great British Restaurant, Dukes, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 6.30pm to 10pm, Thursdays, Dhs298 soft, Dhs350 house, Dhs420 premium. Tel: (04) 455 1111. barcelo.com/dukes-the-palm
5. Start your weekend on the dance floor
American bar at The Pointe, Chicago Meat Packers, is launching an EDM party that fans of house, disco, hip-hop, soul and electro beats will love. This Thursday will see DJs Megatronic, James Locksmith, Essarai, Megadon Betamix and Frezidante hit the decks and tempt guests onto the dance floor. If that’s not enough to reel you in, everyone who arrives before midnight will receive two complimentary drinks.
Chicago Meat Packers, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Thursday September 5, 8pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 580 7983. chicago-meatpackers.com
Friday September 6
6. It’s Lock Stock & Barrel JBR’s birthday
One of our favourite come-as-you-are locals, Lock Stock & Barrel JBR, is turning two this weekend. To celebrate, they’re throwing a huge LSB bash, and everyone’s invited. It all kicks off with a Big Fat Brunch from 1pm to 4pm. Then later, the big birthday party starts at 9pm promising exciting giveaways and a night to remember.
Lock Stock & Barrel, Rixos Premium, JBR, Friday September 6, Brunch 1pm to 4pm, Party 9pm onwards. Tel: (04) 392 7120. lsbdubai.com/jbr
7. Get two for one on everything at The Scene
Pier 7 hotspot, The Scene, is hosting a great offer all day on Friday. Guests can enjoy buy one get one free on absolutely everything from 8am to 2am the next day. Whether you want to tuck into a tasty burger, or wash it down with their signature cocktails, you’ll be able to double up on anything you like.
The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Friday September 6, 8am to 2am, BOGOF on everything. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com
8. Afrocentric returns
Pure Sky Lounge’s popular Afrocentric event is ready to return on Friday September 6 for a night of afro-house and afro-beats. Fans of electronic music will enjoy this clubbing night which is heavily inspired by African beats and vocals. The event will continue on the first Friday of every month, so if you don’t catch it this time you’ll need to wait until October.
Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Friday September 6, 8pm to 3am, free. Tel: (058) 508 0860. hilton.com/dubai
9. Try out a mystery dinner
Osaka Nights at ONI Lounge and Restaurant offers guests a secret set menu prepared by the expert kitchen team paired with traditional Japanese drinks. The immersive concept will only be available on Fridays until the end of September, but this Friday will see a special performance by DJ Megrov and saxophonist Matt Ehrenreich.
ONI Lounge and Restaurant, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Fridays, 6pm onwards. Tel: (04) 4052333. onidubai.com
10. See Eats Everything at Code
British DJ and Producer, Eats Everything (real name Daniel Pearce), is headed to Dubai to play at Code DXB, Soho Garden this weekend. He’s known for putting a new spin on some of the most popular house tunes of the moment, with a underlying humour to all of his work. The award-winning DJ will be preluded by resident DJ Adam Graca.
Code, Soho Garden, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Friday September 6, 11pm to 4am. Tel: (052) 388 8849. sohogardendxb.com
Saturday September 7
11. Check out a brand-new breakfast menu
Remember when brunch used to mean a late-breakfast/early-lunch, well the newly-renovated Mina’s Kitchen is bringing that back. The Long Breakfast is a four-hour ‘blunch’ offering guests unlimited breakfast items with non-alcoholic and alcoholic packages. The soft package, called Oh Behave, includes unlimited freshly brewed coffee, fresh juices and more, while the ‘Yeh Why Not’ option offers bloody Mary’s, mimosas, spritzers and beers.
Mina’s Kitchen, Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Rd, Dubai Marina, Saturdays, 11am to 3pm, soft Dhs145, house Dhs245. Tel: (04) 511 7373. minaskitchendubai.com
12. There’s a new burger joint in town
Hailing from Amsterdam, The Butcher has landed in UAE, taking a spot along Dubai’s bustling Marina Walk. You can expect to find prime Angus beef burgers in home-made semi-brioche buns as well as a series of tempting sides. The restaurant had outlets in Amsterdam, Berlin and Ibiza before opening its doors in Dubai this week.
The Butcher, The Residences at Marina Gate, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina. Tel: (04) 554 9245. the-butcher.com/dubai
13. See a Queen tribute
Kicking off from Thursday September 5 and running until Friday September 13, Hard Rock Cafe will host a week-long celebration which will see a whole host of Freddie Mercury-inspired events happening at the venue. There’ll be live entertainment from Hard Rocks’ resident bands putting their twist on a number of Queen classics, along with a special performance from an official tribute band, DIO’s INNUENDO on Saturday September 7 from 8.30pm.
Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Thursday September 5 to Friday September 13, free to enter. Tel: (04) 232 8900. facebook.com/hardrockcafedxb
14. Head to the capital for UFC 242
One of the most exciting UFC fights in history is about to take place in the capital on Saturday September 7 when current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Dustin Poirier face off for UFC 242 in the brand-new purpose-built arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. There will also be a variety of Fan Experience events including meet and greets, autograph signings, podcasts and more. Available for ticket holders only.
15. See Eva Simons perform live
Dutch singer and songwriter Eva Simons will be in Dubai this weekend performing at BOA. Her first performance will be on Thursday September 5 and she’ll then return for the club’s URBAN night on Saturday September 7. The Amsterdam-based singer is best known for her song Policeman and for collaborating with Afrojack and will.i.am. There’s even free drinks for girls on the night.
BOA, V Hotel, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Saturday September 7, 11pm to 4am. Tel: (056) 501 2039. boadubai.com
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