The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to make the most of it with Italian feasts, underwater yoga, heart-warming fun runs, and films alfresco…

Thursday 24

Take a tasty journey around Italy

armani

Four top chefs from Armani/Ristorante restaurants around the globe have congregated in Dubai, and tonight is the final night they’re holding an Italian degustation feast before going their separate ways. So if you’re a fan of fine-dining takes on traditional dishes, stop by while you still can (our pals at What’s On recommend the raw tuna antipasto from the Milanese chef).

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs1,000 for seven courses with matching pairings. Tel: (04) 888 3666. More info on website

Get swept away in a fairy tale 

sleeping beauty dubai

Sleeping Beauty will be playing from November 18 to December 15 at the Meyana Auditorium in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with a performance featuring everything from dance to music and acrobatics.

Meyana Auditorium, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. November 18 to December 15. Tickets from Dhs100. thedubaifringe.com

Friday 25

Try yoga with a fishy twist

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

If you struggle to find your inner zen without a little visual aid, this newly launched class at the Atlantis is worth a try. During the hour-long session of gentle Hatha poses, you can watch marine life float by in the hotel’s serene aquarium. Trust us, it makes a very calming distraction when your mind is whirling with office stress.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 8am to 9am, Dhs120 per person, includes mat and water, booking essential. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com.

Come together for a fanastic run

unity run

It takes something special to drag us out of bed early on a Friday – but this event is worth it. The Unity Run is a three-kilometre walk and seven-kilometre designed for both the able-bodied and those with special needs, who can participate side by side in a super-inclusive workout.

Al Mamzar Beach Corniche, Sharjah, 8am (3km) and 8.30am (7km) start. Dhs165 (Dhs100 for ages 7 to 17), free for those with special needs. More information on website

Get fired up by the F1

Yasalam

The famous racing series is speeding into the capital this week, and while two- and three-day grandstand tickets have sold out, there’s still a few left for Friday only. Even if you don’t get your hands on passes, it’s still worth going to the capital – there’ll be a huge F1 fanzone on the Corniche, free-to-attend music concerts (including one by Sean Paul) and fitness classes.

Abu Dhabi Corniche, main fanzone open from 4pm to midnight, Thursday to Friday and from 5pm to 11pm Saturday. More information on website. For F1 tickets, visit yasmarinacircuit.com.

Saturday 26

Hit up a Christmas brunch

pullman jlt

‘Tis the season (well, the start of the season), and the Pullman JLT will be launching their Christmas-themed brunches from Saturday November 26, and holding them every Saturday until the big day. There’ll be a bundle of fun, family-friendly activities, heaps of live cooking station, and even a visit from Santa himself.

Pullman JLT, Dubai. Dhs100 per person, kids below six go free. Tel: (04) 5671100. pullmanhotels.com

See a film alfresco

Now that the weather is cool enough to bear, VOX Cinemas have brought back their outdoor screenings. Found on the rooftop of the Galleria Mall, expect luxury seating, plenty of greenery,, hampers and cosy blankets, and showings of some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. Tonight you’ll find Brad Pitt’s Allied, Jessica Chastain’s Arrival and Disney’s Moana.

Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa, Dubai, Dhs150 per person, or Dhs90 for kids. voxcinemas.com.

Try out a new dining concept

A photo posted by @inkeddubai on

Al Serkal’s INKED is no stranger to foodie pop-ups, and the latest one sounds rather intriguing. Called “This Is Not A Resturant”, the space will be hosting a three-day dining affair that takes staples from some of Dubai’s most-loved dishes and reinvents them. Every dinner over the event is different, booking is essential, and there’s only one table – ie. expect mingling with strangers.

Warehouse 57, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 8.30pm. Dhs375 per person for a four-course dinner, booking essential, November 26 to 29. Tel: 050 845 1359. inked.ae.

Diary Dates

Tuesday November 29

private sale

If you fancy a few new bits and pieces for your wardrobe, pop into Abu Dhabi Confidential’s private sale. It’s the site’s first curated private fashion and decor sale, and promises plenty of handpicked international brands (think pieces you’ll definitely not find every other woman wearing at your next ladies’ night).

Saadiyat Beach Club, exit 14, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm. Tel: 02 656 3500. Click here for more information.

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Images: Supplied