Fabulous news: it’s the weekend, and thanks to Eid Al Fitr, it’s a long one at that. If you’re casting your eye around for something to do, look no further. Whether it’s a lush hotel stay, some fireworks, or a day of zen you’re after, we’ve got you covered.
Read:
Prince William is coming to the Middle East this month
5 things we learned from the first episode of Huda Kattan’s reality show
Thursday June 14
Treat yourself to a deluxe staycay
With Eid Al Fitr falling across a weekend this year, and the attendant uncertainty around days off, you might well have left it too late to get out of town. No matter. Jumeirah hotels are offering up to 30 per cent off best available room rates to celebrate the holiday, and we’re thinking that makes a top-tier staycay even more appealing. Rooms at Jumeirah Al Naseem, pictured above, will start at Dhs1,955, and that includes breakfast, dinner and access to Wild Wadi.
Jumeirah Hotels, across Dubai. Deal runs throughout Eid weekend. Rates vary by hotel. Tel: (800) 58634724. jumeirah.com.
Try one last iftar
The Holy Month looks set to end on Friday, so we’re thinking your last iftar should be a goodie. For a real special occasion vibe, you can’t go past the Address Boulevard, and if that doesn’t quite suit you, check out our other favourites over here.
Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily from sunset. Dhs195 per person. Tel: (04) 561 8888. theaddress.com
Friday June 15
Celebrate Eid with some fireworks
We love a fireworks display, and this Eid Al Fitr, Dubai Festival City Mall is putting on two, at 9pm and 10.30pm on Friday evening. It’s free to attend, but we’d recommend claiming a table at one of the restaurants facing the water for your best view.
Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival City, 9pm and 10.30pm, Friday June 15, free. dubaifestivalcitymall.com.
Check out Burberry’s new store
We’ve spoken before about The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension — it’s seriously swanky and home to stores like Prada, Gucci, Rolex and Hermès. Now, add one more to that list. British heritage brand Burberry have just opened their doors here. The store caters to both men and women and is already well stocked with the brand’s autumn-winter 2018 pre-collection of knitwear, suits, accessories and handbags. You know where to find us this weekend.
Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Sunday-Wednesday 10am-11pm and Thursday-Saturday 10am-12am. Tel: (04) 568 7960. ae.burberry.com
Saturday June 16
Take a moment
If you’d like to end this long weekend feeling a little more centered than you do right now, step this way. H Retreats and online magazine Shimmering Sands are putting on a series of wellness days in Dubai, and this first one is all about holistic living. Expect meditation, yoga, a fresh, healthy lunch, and fresh juices throughout the day. We’re relaxed just writing about it.
Wellness Saturday, Ritz Carlton JBR The Walk, 9am to 6.30pm, Saturday June 16, Dhs800. Tel: (058)561 0108. hretreats.com.
Hit the pool after dark
It’s far too hot to head out in the sun these days, so we like the sound of this Atlantis event. From 8pm until midnight, families can enjoy any one of the up to 20 waterslides which will be open all evening. There are music zones for those who’d rather not attempt the vertigo-triggering Leap of Faith or the water coasters, and would rather just use this as the venue to get some friends together for a fun pool party.
Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 8pm to 12am, Saturday June 16. Early bird tickets Dhs123, regular tickets Dhs165. Tel: (04) 426 2000. aquaventurewaterpark.com
Sunday June 17
Celebrate Father’s Day
French bistro Couqley in JLT will be offering a buy one get one free on all their burgers. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a father to avail this offer, as it’s open to all. The buy one get one free means we no longer have to make the excruciating decision of whether to order the Dhs145 Truffle Brie Burger – an open-face black Angus with grilled mushrooms and truffle aioli sauce – or the Dhs99 Raclette Burger served with skinny fires. We’ll just take both.
Couqley French Bistro & Bar, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Open midday-2am. Offer valid from June 17-23. Tel: (04) 514 9339. facebook.com/couqleyUAE.
Stretch your weekend with a beachside brunch
At Zero Gravity, a long weekend means an extra day of brunch. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate a day out of the office. They’re opening the beach back up for the weekend, so between that, the pool, and the garden, you’ll have plenty of room to chill. Remember your sunscreen, friends.
Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, 12pm to 5pm, Friday June 15 to Sunday June 17, Dhs249 ladies, Dhs299 guys. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae.
Images: Supplied
