From a ladies’ night at the cinema or a meat-free Monday menu to the kicking off of some fabulous Oktoberfest celebrations…

With the Dubai Fitness Challenge now well underway, there’s no better time to take a step back and focus on our health and wellness. The whole of Dubai seems to be doing just that and there’s loads of ways for you to make some small changes to your wellness routine this week. We’ve also thrown in a few drinks and dinner deals, because as we all know, life about balance.

Here’s 8 new things to try in Dubai this week…

Sunday October 20

1. Swing into Sunday with a jazz night

Soothe your Sunday blues with the sound of Roberto’s resident jazz band. Italian trio Mark Zitti e i Fratelli Coltelli will take to the stage from 10pm at the upscale DIFC restaurant, so get yourself booked in on their outdoor terrace and enjoy tucking into a range of delicious Italian plates.

Roberto’s, Building 1, Gate Village, DIFC, Sundays 10pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 386 0066. robertos.ae/dubai

ALSO READ: 8 fun outdoor activities to try in Dubai this weekend

2. Kickstart your week with the Dubai Fitness Challenge

Friday October 18 officially marked the start of Dubai Fitness Challenge, with loads of activities, free classes and workshops springing up over the city for one whole month. BARE DXB are offering you a week-long programme that you can start anytime between October 18 and November 19, where you’ll take part in 4 BLACK classes (where you can burn up to 1000 calories in 50 minutes), get three 30 minute ab exercises to do at home as well as a 7-day BARE nutrition detox plan. Challenge yourself.

BARE DXB, Clover Bay Tower, Marasi Dr, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 6am to 9pm, Fri & Sat 9am to 12am. Tel: (054) 455 0597. bare.fitness

Monday October 21

3. Have a meat-free Monday

Trying to cut down on your meat intake? Well, MINA Brasserie are all about encouraging the trend of cutting it out one day a week with their meat-free Mondays. They’ve prepared a special menu which includes vegan and veggie dishes like grilled halloumi with vine cherry tomatoes and grilled baguette, roasted beets with hazelnuts, balsamic and warm goat’s cheese, meaning meat-free doesn’t need to be boring. 

MINA Brasserie, Four Seasons Hotel, DIFC, lunch 12pm-4pm, dinner 7pm-11.30pm. Tel: (04) 506 0100. minabrasserie.com

4. Savour a free gin

What’s better than a gin and tonic? A free gin and tonic. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Juniper’s, the brand new speakeasy bar at VIDA Emirates Hills on Monday October 21. In celebration of ‘International Gin & Tonic Day’ (yes, apparently that is a real thing), they’ll be offering guests one specially-curated gin and tonic for free.

Junipers, VIDA Emirates Hills, Dubai, Tuesday October 22, 4.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 888 3444. facebook.com/junipersdxb

Tuesday October 22

5. Take the kids to a fun and creative science workshop

Just like that, the half term holidays are here already and you might be wondering what you can do to keep the kids entertained. If you’re looking for something fun but educational, check out Oli Oli today, Tuesday 22 for the last day of their S.T.E.A.M.ANIA event, with workshops for your young budding learners featuring on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. There’ll be all sorts of creative things for them to get involved in.

Oli Oli, Next to Oasis Center, Al Quoz, Dubai, 9am to 9pm, ends October 22, suitable for children under 12, from Dhs156 per child regular price. Tel: (04) 702 7300. olioli.ae

6. Spend ladies’ night at the cinema with your girls

Ladies’ nights don’t have to be all about drinks deals. Roxy Cinema’s have just brought back their ladies’ night deal, which will take place once a month kicking off on Tuesday October 22. For Dhs99, you’ll get a starter, main course and a mocktail whilst you enjoy the movie, as well as enjoying a little pamper time at N.Bar between 6.30pm and 7.30pm who’ll be offering a free express polish or a mini massage. This month, you and your girls will be able to choose between Maleficent, Joker or Zombieland.

Roxy Cinema’s, City Walk, Dubai, one Tuesday a month from Tuesday October 22, movie starts from 7.30pm, Dhs99. theroxycinemas.com

Wednesday October 23

7. Enjoy a post-work happy hour with some epic views

The winter season is finally here and that means that we’re able to sit out on some of our favourite outdoor terraces again. Yay. SoBe at W Dubai – The Palm is just one of those venues, with awesome views out across to the Arabian Gulf and is a spectacular spot for watching the sun set. Their happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm, Sunday to Thursday, with a selection of house drinks for Dhs35.

SoBe, W The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Tues, 4pm to 1am, Wed to Fri, 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 245 5800sobedubai.com

8. Dig out your Lederhosen for an Oktoberfest celebration

From October 23, and for a whopping 18 days, Oktoberfest fans will get to enjoy the best of Bavaria inside a traditional Munich-style Oktoberfest tent at Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City. The inaugural Oktoberfest M’City 2019 extravaganza will feature a series of exclusive deals and entertainment including ladies’ nights, Bavarian brunches and a live band flown over especially for the occasion.

Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, daily 5pm to 2am, October 23 to November 9, free entry. Tel: (054) 7931426. movenpick.com/grand-plaza or @gpmovenpick

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