Free coffee, a new opening and the return of Groove on the Grass…

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 South African braai, a performance by Steve Aoki and a huge beach club party.

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

Thursday October 3

1. Get a free coffee

To celebrate the launch of their new Vertuo machine, Nespresso have a pop-up running for the next few days in Mall of the Emirates. Between October 1 and 3, visitors can enjoy a complimentary coffee from the activation space, as well as a series of interactive sessions with creative influencers.

Nespresso Stand, Mall of the Emirates, Oct 1 to 3. vertuolaunch.com/events

2. See a special screening of Joker

The much-anticipated release of new movie Joker is scheduled to hit Dubai theatres this weekend and Dubai Opera have announced a special one-off screening. Joker is played by Joaquin Phoenix, who has been hugely praised by his performance, earning the film an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The Dubai Opera screenings will take place at 8pm on Thursday October 3, and 3pm and 7pm on Friday October 4. Tickets are priced at Dhs60 per person, or Dhs95 a house beverage and popcorn. If you want a free-flow of house beverages with your ticket, that will be Dhs120.

Joker, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thurs Oct 3 8pm, Fri Oct 4 3pm and 7pm, tickets from Dhs60. dubaiopera.com

3. Check out a new ladies’ night

Barasti is launching a new ladies’ night this weekend. Called Don’t Tell, the Thursday night deal offers girls a free-flow of selected beverages on the Middle Deck of the famous beach bar. From 8pm to 11pm, get your weekend started with house drinks and iconic tunes at Barasti.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (04) 399 3333. barastibeach.com

4. Or a chic new bar

St. Trop, the chic new rooftop lounge in DIFC is opening on Thursday October 3. The bar is located on the 18th floor of Waldorf Astoria DIFC and comes complete with an aquatic theme and impressive views of the city. St. Trop is, unsurprisingly, inspired by St Tropez and serves up sophisticated dishes such as Dibba Bay oysters, oscetra caviar and crispy octopus with smoked piquillo peppers.

St. Trop, Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, daily 6pm to 2am, from Thurs Oct 3. Tel: (04) 515 9800. facebook.com/StTrop.DIFC

5. Taste test a winning menu

Masterchef the TV Experience has a new chef in town. Simon Wood, the winner from The MasterChef UK in 2015, has been in Dubai this week showcasing a special menu, with some dishes that helped him win the series. The five-course tasting menu is running until Friday October 4, and is priced at Dhs240 per person or Dhs410 with beverage pairings.

Masterchef the TV Experience, Grand Plaza Marina, 12pm to 3pm Sat to Thur, 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Fridays and 7pm to 11pm daily. Tel: (04) 550 8111. masterchefdxb.com

Friday October 4

6. Jet off to an epic Candypants party

Legendary party company Candypants is going global and will be taking over WET at W Muscat on Friday October 4. This is the place to be if you’re headed to Muscat this weekend, or thinking of taking a last minute getaway. With sounds from Armando and Sync Styles, guests can enjoy the one-off pool party from 2pm to 9pm. Prices start from OMR17 (Dhs170).

WET, W Muscat, Oman, Friday Oct 4, 2pm to 9pm. facebook.com/events

7. Enjoy a traditional South African braai

On Friday October 4, South Africa take on Italy in what is set to be an epic match and to celebrate, Emirates Golf Club is throwing a traditional South African braai. For those that don’t know, a braai or braaivleis is a barbecue or roast that usually includes serving up a wide range or marinated meats. Fans attending the fun-filled event can bring their own meat or buy from Emirates Golf Club on the day. Tickets for the action-packed day cost Dhs55 which you can purchase online here.

Emirates Golf Club, Near Nakheel Metro Station, Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Friday October 4, 12.30pm to midnight, Dhs55. 800tickets.com

8. Celebrate Nikki Beach’s 20th anniversary

Global hotel and beach club brand Nikki Beach is celebrating its 20th anniversary worldwide this year. This Friday October 4, Nikki Beach Dubai will be hosting a very special event in celebration of the 20-year history. Guests can expect all six of Nikki Beach’s elements present: music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art.

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Friday October 4, 11am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 376 6162. dubai-bc.nikkibeach.com

9. Enjoy Oktoberfest at Saffron

Dubai’s renowned party brunch Saffron at Atlantis the Palm is throwing a huge Oktoberfest bash this Friday. The brunch will include unlimited amounts of your favourite Saffron dishes and drink as well as traditional German Beer between 12.30pm and 4pm.

Saffron, Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday October 4, Dhs535. Tel: (04) 426 2626. facebook.com/SaffronBrunch

10. Check out Groove on the Grass

The season 8 opening of Groove on the Grass is taking place this Friday October 4 with a brand-new line up. This weekend will see Acid Pauli, Egyptian Lover and Viken Arman live on stage. Tickets are available via Platinumlist.net from Dhs225.

Groove on the Grass, Emirates Golf Club, Friday October 4, 5pm to 3am. Tel: (055) 709 2722. platinumlist.net

11. See Steve Aoki live in Dubai

Steve Aoki fans, get excited. The legendary American DJ will be performing at open-air Dubai super club, White on Friday October 4. Aoki was originally scheduled to perform at the recently-cancelled BAO Festival on the same night, so for those who were looking forward to seeing him, this will be welcome news. White, the equally legendary Dubai club is located at Meydan Racecourse and the event will be ladies’ night so girls can enter for free. Guys will have a Dhs200 entry fee, but this includes one drink.

Steve Aoki, White Dubai, Meydan Racecourse, Friday October 4, 10pm to 4am, free for ladies, Dhs200 for guys. whitedubai.com

Saturday October 5

12. Take part in a free workout

This month The Outlet Village is hosting complimentary yoga and pilates classes each Friday and Saturday morning. Until October 19, visitors can get involved with the classes taught by Allaoua Gaham and Dina Cassir. The classes start at 9.30am and 10.30am.

The Outlet Village, near Dubai Parks and Resorts, 9.30am and 10.30am, Fridays and Saturdays until Oct 19. facebook.com/TheOutletVillageDubai

13. Feast your way through Saturday

British-style pub The Rose and Crown has a new weekend late-breakfast offer running every Friday and Saturday. Guests can indulge on eggs, sausages, pancakes, avocado on toast, creamy mac & cheese and more. You can get six dishes from the extensive breakfast menu plus two hours of gin-based drinks for Dhs140. If all of that isn’t enough you can extend for another hour for Dhs50.

Rose & Crown, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 2pm, Dhs140. Tel: (04) 437 0022. roseandcrowndubai.com

14. Expand your vino knowledge

Couqley French Bistro is hosting a steak and grape pairing class on Saturday October 5. During the evening, guests will be able to explore different combinations of steak with the perfect glass of wine. Enjoy samples of entrecote, bavette, filet de boeuf, mini burgers and steak tartare on one platter. The session starts at 8pm and will cost Dhs389 per person, including a premium wine selection.

Couqley French Bistro, Movenpick Hotel, Cluster A JLT, Saturday October 5, 8pm onwards, Dhs389. Tel: (04) 514 9339. couqley.ae

15. Check out a truffle-fest

Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen has created a dedicated truffle menu which will be available from now until October 27 at the Atlantis The Palm restaurant. It serves up classic British dishes with a truffle twist, including ruffle burrata, agnolotti truffle carbonara as well as seared beef carpaccio with truffle dressing. Drool.

Bread Street Kitchen, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 10.30pm, truffle menu available until October 27. Tel: (04) 426 0000. atlantisthepalm.com

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Images: Supplied