Workshops, festivals and the next edition of the What’s On Lock In…

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.

Thursday November 21

1. Enjoy the great outdoors

Popular family-friendly gastro pub Reform have announced that their free, three-day autumn festival Harvest Fest is returning this November. Taking place from Thursday November 21 to Saturday November 23 in the orchard at Reform, the lakes gastro pub invites you to enjoy a huge outdoor BBQ, live entertainment and lots of activities for the little ones throughout the three day festival. There’ll be BBQ platters serving up free samples from an array of live stations, with fun activities for adults like a treasure hunt and live music sets to take you from day to night each evening.

Harvest Fest, Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, Thursday, November 21 to Saturday, November 23. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae

2. Learn the art of watchmaking

Dubai Watch Week is running from Wednesday November 20 to Sunday November 24, with tonnes of exciting free workshops, panel discussions and activations to explore. If you love watches and would like to learn more about the innovation and technology that goes into creating them, you need to check out Dubai Watch Week. You can even try your hand (excuse the pun) at making your own ticking mechanism.

Dubai Watch Week, Gate Village, DIFC, Wednesday November 20 to Sunday November 24, 10am to 10pm, free. dubaiwatchweek.com

3. Check out some inspiring artists

ON.DXB, the inaugural gaming, music and film festival at Dubai Studio City, will be taking place on Thursday November 21, Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23. Highlights of the weekend include filmmaker Spike Lee discussing the power of media at 5.15pm on Saturday. Additionally, actor and rapper Kano will be performing for 2,000 fans on Saturday at 10pm and American actress and YouTuber Liza Koshy will take part in a discussion on Thursday at 5.15pm. Check the website for the full schedule.

ON.DXB, Sound Stages, Dubai Studio City, Thurs Nov 21 to Sat Nov 23, from Dhs100. ondxbfest.com

4. Indulge in a French feast

Nikki Beach Dubai is hosting an exclusive dinner called A Taste of Saint Tropez this Thursday. Chef Alessandro Pizza, who hails from Nikki Beach Saint Tropez, will be cooking up a three-course Provençale menu with wine pairing at either 1pm or 7pm. The menu costs Dhs295 including alcohol and includes dishes such as calamari “a al plancha” crudite courgette salad and wild sea bass filet.

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Thursday November 21, 1pm to 4pm or 7pm to 10pm, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 376 6162. dubai.nikkibeach.com

5. Get a good laugh

The Laughter Factory, the Middle East’s longest-running comedy club, are back again to provide you with fun nights out with their hilarious tri-factor of stand up comedians. This month sees Brennan Reece, Rich Wilson and Adam Rowe providing the humour guaranteed to tickle your funny bones from Thursday November 21 and Friday November 22.

The Laughter Factory, Tryp by Wyndham, Thursday November 21, 9pm, Dhs160. Tel: (050) 878 6728. thelaughterfactory.com

Friday November 22

6. Get locked in with What’s On

We’re so excited to party with 100 What’s On readers at the chic new waterfront hotel, Vida Creek Harbour this weekend. Taking place on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23, our guests will be treated to an unforgettable weekend, complete with brunch, boxing, braiding, breakfast and more. If you didn’t manage to book a place this time, look out for the next one to be announced soon.

What’s On Lock In: Chill Out Edition, Vida Creek Harbour, Dubai Creek, Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23, sold out. vidahotels.com

7. Let It Go at brunch

Fan of Disney’s Frozen? To celebrate the launch of Frozen 2, Swissotel Al Ghurair is hosting a Frozen-themed brunch this Friday between 12.30pm and 4pm. All brunchers will also get a ticket to see the anticipated new movie at Reel Cinemas Al Ghurair Centre. The brunch is priced at Dhs179 for adults, Dhs99 for children between six and 12 years and kids under six are free.

Liwan Restaurant, Swissotel Al Ghurair, Al Ghurair, Friday November 22, 12.3pm to 4pm, Dhs179. Tel: (04) 293 3270. swissotel.com

8. Enjoy Britain’s biggest brunch

The UK’s biggest brunch is returning to On42, Media One Hotel this Friday. If you like British garage music, then get yourself a spot in this consistently sold-out brunch. Expect performances from DJ Blaise and MC Kofi B, bottomless house beverages and food platters as well as fun games throughout the afternoon.

On42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Friday November 22, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs295. platinumlist.net

9. Take a trip to the Amalfi Coast without leaving Dubai

If you’ve not checked out the What’s On Award-winning Alici restaurant on Bluewaters yet, here’s a perfect reason to: they’re transporting guests to a summer spent on the Italian Coast. Taking place on Friday November 22 they’re hosting their Amalfi night for one night only, to celebrate the opening of their stunning terrace. Priced at Dhs350 per person, enjoy canapés made from the best ingredients from Southern Italy while sipping on an array of perfectly-paired beverages. The dress code – captivatingly Capri.

Alici, Bluewaters Island, off JBR, Dubai Marina, 6pm onwards, Friday November 22, Dhs350. Tel: 04 275 2577. platinumlist.net

10. Celebrate a big birthday

Famed beach club Zero Gravity is turning six this weekend. They’re kicking off the celebrations with an extra special edition of the Tropical Brunch, as well as an evening performance by legendary garage artist DJ EZ. The after party is free for girls, while guys will need to pay Dhs150.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Friday November 22, 6pm onwards. Tel: (055) 500 9111. 0-gravity.ae

Saturday November 23

11. Build a mini garden

Build miniature gardens at the Westin Wellness Dome’s terrarium-making workshops and teach your children about gardening, physics and biology. The workshops are running on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23 between 9am and 7pm.

Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Friday Nov 22 and Saturday Nov 23, 9am to 7pm, free. wellnessbywestin.com

12. Enjoy a roast with a side of jazz

Enjoy at traditional British roast dinner with a side of jazz at Lakeview Terrace, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The laid-back event runs every Saturday between 1pm and 6pm, serving up delicious roast dinners alongside a live jazz pianist. The stunning terrace offers gorgeous Dubai skyline views too.

Lakeview Terrace, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Saturdays, 1pm to 6pm, Dhs145. Tel: (04) 295 6000. dubaigolf.com

13. Listen to some up and coming musicians

Enjoy the sounds of an uncensored jam session at Nasab. The co-working space by KOA promises ‘a creative expression welcoming all levels of musicians’. Stageless is a monthly event and this will be the first time it takes place on the rooftop of the ultra-cool space.

Nasab, 3 Al Safa St, Al Barari, Saturday November 23, 2pm to 6pm, free. Tel: (04) 886 8182. nasabdubai.com

14. Attend a healthy rave

Every Saturday rooftop bar SoBe hosted a Mezcla event complete with underground artists, healing areas, nutritious food and body paint. This Saturday, hear music from Oceanvs Orientalis as well as W’s resident DJs Magoodalf, Gol and Anushée. The perfect combination of wellness and raving, Mezcla starts at 4pm and continues long after the sun goes down.

SoBe, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Saturdays, 4pm til late, free entry. Tel: (04) 245 5800. @sobedubai

15. Learn to roll with the best of them

Learn the art of crafting the perfect sushi rolls at Nobu, Atlantis the Palm this weekend. Daily until Saturday November 23, you have the chance to learn from a sushi master and perfect the skill yourself. The class will cost Dhs600 and then you can get 25 per cent of a post-class dinner bill.

Nobu, Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, November 17 to 23, 4pm to 6pm, Dhs600. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com

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