The Desert Warrior Challenge is back and a much-loved bar is opening at Meydan…

Another week in Dubai is almost done and dusted. We’re already looking forward to the weekend, and you should be too with everything that’s going on. We’ve managed to find 15 of the very best things to do in Dubai, so you can have the best weekend ever.

Here’s 15 of the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.

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Thursday November 7

1. Get creative at Boxpark

It’s the final weekend of Boxpark’s Street Art Festival, where visitors who spend Dhs100 at Box park’s retail outlets can explore the art activations until Saturday November 9. There’s a digital wall where you can graffiti a masterpiece, and blank canvases to get to work with a paintbrush. Children can also get involved in the action, with customisable caps and collage-making.

Boxpark, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, daily until November 9, Dhs100 min spend. boxpark.ae

2. Dive with sharks

Atlantis, the Palm is opening up its Shark Lagoon for guests to come face to face with the deadly animals. Place your Sea Trek helmet on so you can breathe normally throughout the experience, before coming face to face with sharks and stingrays inside the Atlantis aquarium. The experience will cost Dhs340 for 30 minutes.

Atlantis, the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, daily, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs340. atlantis.com

3. Check out an exclusive fashion event

The Collective is making its way from LA to Dubai for one day only. Taking place at Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, guests will enjoy exclusive panel discussions by the industry’s top professionals across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Tickets cost Dhs360 and the event will take place between 10am and 6pm.

Collective DXB, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Thursday November 7, 10am to 6pm, Dhs360. thecollectivedxb.com

4. Enjoy Michelin Star-style dinner

Chef of Michelin Star restaurant Vermeer, Chris Naylor, is hosting a dinner at Bushman’s Bar and Restaurant, Anantara the Palm this weekend. On Thursday November 7, you’ll be able to sample dishes such as scallop in the shell, baked in bread and fermented plum and celeriac jus from the specially curated menu.

Bushman’s Bar and Restaurant, Anantara the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Thursday November 7, 6pm onwards, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 567 8304. anantara.com

5. Get glittery

After a stellar event a few weeks back, legendary Ibiza night Glitterbox is back for one night only. This time, Defected record label owner, Simon Dunmore, will be spinning the decks, alongside Mousse T and The Shapeshifters (live set).

Glitterbox, Soho Garden, Meydan Grandstand, Thursday November 7, 10pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 388 8849. facebook.com/events

Friday November 8

6. Make a run for it

Sheikh Zayed Road will become a running track on Friday, November 8 for the first time ever with Dubai residents invited to come and take part in a free 5km or 10km. Both runs will start and finish at the Dubai World Trade Centre at 6am. People of any age, fitness or ability are invited to join the 5km fun run, which you can do at your own pace, with space for strollers and wheelchairs.

Dubai Run, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Friday November 8, 6am, free to attend, registration required for ages 8 and over. platinumlist.net

7. Or take on the RAK desert

The Desert Warrior Challenge is back this weekend and inviting competitors to take on the tricky course. It will be the first time the challenge has taken place in Ras Al Kahimah, with even bigger and better obstacles than ever before. Take part in the ‘Fearless Warrior’ challenge, with 12 obstacles along five kilometres, and the little ones can get involved with the ‘Junior Warrior’ course.

Desert Warrior Challenge, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, Friday November 8, 7am to 4pm, prices from Dhs411 for adults and Dhs125 kids. desertwarriorchallenge.com

8. Party under the sun Marbella-style

On Friday November 8, be transported to the coast of Spain as Ocean Club Marbella return to Dubai for an epic day of live music, dancing and chilling under the sun. The famed Spanish beach club will be bringing its entertaining band Funky D, and the beach club’s signature dance troupe.

Ocean Club X DRIFT, DRIFT Beach Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, Friday November 8, noon til late (doors open 10.30am). Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com

9. Enjoy a discounted brunch

It’s your last chance to enjoy Movenpick Grand Plaza’s Big Bavarian Brunch at Oktoberfest M’City. The final five-hour brunch will be available with a 50 per cent discount meaning the packages start from just Dhs90. Enjoy a taste of authentic German entertainment for the last time at the fun Bavarian tent.

Oktoberfest M’City, Movenpick Grand Plaza, Dubai Media City, Friday November 8, Dhs90 soft, Dhs190 spirits and wine, Dhs215 house. Tel: (054) 793 1426. facebook.com/events

10. Watch Despicable Me 3 on the beach

Kite Beach’s outdoor cinema comes to an end this weekend, with Kung-Fu Panda (at 5pm) and Despicable Me 3 (at 8.30pm) showing on Friday November 8. Visitors simply need to spend Dhs30 at one of the outlets to gain access to the cinema.

Kite Beach, Jumeirah, Thursday October 24 to Friday November 8, 5pm and 8.30pm, Dhs30. kitebeach.ae

Saturday November 9

11. Flow with a piano

This weekend, Dubai Opera will host a yoga session with live piano by talented musician Arash Behzadi. The 75-minute class will be a meditative slow flow session hosted by Dina Cassir. Taking place at 9.30am on Friday and Saturday, the class is suitable for all levels of fitness and will cost Dhs110.

Dubai Opera Studio, Downtown Dubai, Friday Nov 8 and Saturday Nov 9, 9.30am, Dhs110. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

12. Indulge in a French breakfast

Every Friday and Saturday, carine has an indulgent French breakfast between 8.30am and 1pm. Dishes include oeufs brouillés aux truffes noires (scrambled egg with black truffle) and Pain perdu à la confiture fait maison et Chantilly (French toast with homemade jam and whipped cream).

carine, Emirates Golf Course, Sheikh Zayed Road, Fridays and Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm. Tel: (04) 417 9885. dubaigolf.com/carine

13. Enjoy a relaxing T-Tox

W Dubai – The Palm has a daily T-Tox afternoon tea which comes complete with a 30-minute detox massage and a 10-minute glow session at AWAY Spa. You can then indulge in an Instagrammable selection of treats and teas. The whole package is priced at Dhs450 per person. 

W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, daily, 4pm to 7pm, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 245 5533. @wdubaipalm

14. Dine with your dog

Fancy bringing your furry pal to lunch? LOWE has opened its outdoor terrace and is invited pet owners to bring their four-legged friend along when they dine. The contemporary menu includes dishes such as sesame bread with charred aubergine, roast chicken with spiced coconut and wood-fired pita and lemon.

LOWE, KOA Dubai, Wadi Al Safa 3, Sunday to Thursday 7am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 320 1890. lowe-dubai.com

15. Check out an old favourite in a new location

After closing its doors in Dubai’s Business Bay in October, popular rooftop bar Iris has relocated to Meydan and will open its doors on Saturday November 9. Occupying a much larger plot, Iris Dubai at Meydan will have space for no less than 1,500 guests at its new open-air home.

Iris Dubai, Meydan, Dubai, 5pm to 2am Sun to Weds, 5pm to 3am Thurs to Sat from Saturday November 9. Tel: (056) 951 1442. irisdubai.com 

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Images: Provided