Fabulous news: it’s the weekend. If you’re casting your eye around for something to do, look no further. Whether it’s pampering, plenty of food, or fitness you seek, we’ve got you covered.

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Thursday 5

Have a proper feast

Jumeriah Restaurant Week

Jumeriah Restaurant Week is back for another year, offering eight days of spectacular dishes and deals across 40 of the resort’s Madinat eateries (with packages starting from Dhs95). To kick things off on Thursday, Jumeirah are hosting the Big Bite Out, a foodie tour which lets you tuck into three courses and plenty of drinks across 14 venues for Dhs395, before ending with an after-party at Shimmers.

Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Thursday 7pm to 11pm (Jumeirah Restaurant Week running until October 13), Dhs395 per person. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com.

See a musical with a local twist

amazing dubai musical

Whether you’re a resident or a first-time visitor, you’ll learn something new from Amazing Dubai. This debut musical from a newly-founded local theatre company charts the history of the city, from a small fishing community to the cosmopolitan metropolis of today. It’s told through the eyes of an Emirati family, and the cast is made up of UAE-based talent. We’re sold…

Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, showing at 11am, 2pm and 7.30pm on Thursday (also showing 3pm and 8pm on Saturday). Performances will run year-round. Tickets from Dhs75. madinatjumeirah.com.

Friday 6

Have an afternoon tea with a difference

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has teamed up with Emirati jewellery brand Damas to support children’s medical non-profit, the Al Jalila Foundation. And it’s really easy to get involved – just head down at 2pm any day to partake in the Hope Afternoon Tea, which features delicate nibbles such as seared tuna salad, freshly baked scones, duck egg mayonnaise and a vast selection of little pastries inspired by Damas (we’re eyeing up the French vanilla pavlova). A proportion of the proceeds from each afternoon tea ordered will go towards helping fund kids’ treatment here in the UAE… seems like a good way to get involved in the Year of Giving to us.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, running daily throughout October, 2pm to 6pm. Dhs160 per person. Tel: (02) 498 8888. stregissaadiyatisland.com.

Get a super-speedy pamper

Bedashing Beauty Lounge

They’re a big deal in Abu Dhabi, and now Bedashing Beauty Lounges have opened up a branch right here in Dubai (well, two actually, there’s a second in Mirdif). The salon founded by Emirati entrepreneur Noor Al Tamimi has a focus on prompt pampering, with specially-designed chairs that let you indulge in a number of treatments at the same time. So if you’re tight on time or looking for a lunchtime pick-me-up, you’ll definitely find express service here.

Bedashing Beauty Lounge, 18A-06, Citywalk Boulevard, Dubai, open 10am to 10pm. Tel: 600 560 037. bedashingbeauty.com.

Head to a poolside music festival

MK

Always a favourite with the city’s party people, Zero Gravity is bringing something new to your Friday evening. They’re promising a whole new experience, and international DJ MK is performing this week. If it’s anything like their usual offering, it should be a banger.

Ritual at Zero Gravity. 8pm til late. Sky Dive Dubai, Al Sufouh Rd, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

Saturday 7

Work out with a great backing track

Cardio can be pretty exhausting, but we reckon you’ll forget about all the energy you’re expending at this newly launched class. Hip Hop Cardio brings together a high-intensity workout with urban dance, and it’s not bad for your core strength or flexibility skills either.

Train SF, Al Quoz, Dubai 10am, Dhs100. Tel: (052) 777 6957. hiphop-cardio.com.

Indulge your inner foodie

grapeskin

Always wanted to learn more about how cheese and grape go together (or just feeling peckish)? Grapeskin’s new discovery package should sort you out, serving up three glasses from a premium selection of beverages, paired with expertly curated, complementary cheeses. Sounds like the perfect way to wind down the weekend before Sunday strikes.

Grapeskin, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Tuesday, daily 4pm to midnight. Dhs85 per person. Tel: (04) 4033 111. grapeskinlaville.com

Diary Dates

See some luxury one-off watches

It’s one of the world’s most prestigious auctions, and now we have a chance to see the Only Watch 2017 timepieces in the flesh before they’re sold off to raise money for charity next month. The biennial event features one-off designs from luxury labels including Hublot and Audemars Piguet, which will be auctioned in Geneva on November 11, and this year marks the first time the pieces will be displayed in Dubai before the big night.

Le Cirque, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai 10am to 6pm, October 10 and 11. 

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Images: Supplied