The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to be making the most of it with celebrity appearances, free fitness classes, hit movies, and lazy pool days…

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Thursday 16

Meet this Turkish actress in the flesh

Meryem Uzerl

Meryem Uzerli, the star of TV show The Magnificent Century, is in the capital today to launch her beauty kit (which will also be available at Dubai Wojoohs). The actress, who previously worked as a makeup artist, is bringing out mascaras, an eyeshadow palette, and eyeliners which sound like they’ll whip up a Friday-night look in no time. Uzerli will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans during the special appearance, so this is your chance to get up close to a real TV star.

Tryano, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 8pm. Tel: 800 879266. tryano.com.

See a painter do her thing

chez charles

It’s not often you get to see a masterpiece created as you eat, but that’s what you’ll find this weekend at Chez Charles. The French eatery, which has just opened in d3, is hosting live painting sessions with artist Elizabeth Germain. Her completed works – which you can watch being created over lunch or dinner – will end up on the walls of the restaurant, plus you might be able to pick up a few tips.

Chez Charles Restaurant, Building 11, Dubai Design District. Thursday March 16 to Friday March 17, 12pm onwards. Tel: (04) 5122444. More info on website.

Friday 17

Shrug off the weekday stress

Get Fit Wellness Programme

There’s nothing like a little workout to shake off the week’s cobwebs, and this two-day wellness event sounds more fun than your average gym session. From sunrise yoga and dance classes to kayak races, beach dodgeball and volleyball, there should be an activity to suit all fitness levels in The Beach’s jam-packed programme. Slap on the sunscreen, grab a towel, and get that blood pumping (you’ll feel better for it, we promise).

The Beach, JBR, Dubai, March 17 and 18, Fri 7am to 10am, Sat 7am to 7pm, free, registration needed for volleyball and dodgeball. thebeach.ae.

Learn how to nail the perfect eyeliner

Bloomingdale's

As part of Bloomingdale’s Beauty Benefits campaign (March 16 to 29), the beauty department will be holding a series of makeup masterclasses and skincare how-tos. The one that particularly caught our eye will take place at the Shiseido counter today, with an expert on hand for a Japanese Eye Calligraphy tutorial. So we might be able to master that signature cat-eye after all…

Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 5pm to 6pm, free.

See a free hit movie

It scored a number of Oscar nominations (but sadly didn’t win any little gold men), so you know Lion‘s definitely worth a watch. The weepie (seriously, pack the tissues) stars Dev Patel as Saroo, a boy who got separated from his family in his native India before being adopted by a couple in Australia. It’s based on a true story, and is a proper, life-affirming, will-remember-for-days-after-watching film.

Yoga Ashram, Jumeirah Bay Towers, JLT, Dubai, 2.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 360 9028. Click here to register. yogaashram.com.

Saturday 18

Attend a first birthday party

nikki beach dubai

And one where the birthday girl/boy doesn’t need an afternoon nap… Nikki Beach Dubai’s glitzy beach club is celebrating its one-year anniversary this week, and is holding a big blow-out to celebrate. There’ll be food, drinks, dancing and live DJs, and prepaid booking is a must – there are various packages depending on whether you want to hit the restaurants, day beds, or VIP cabanas. Happy relaxing…

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Dubai, from 12pm, reservations necessary, prices vary. Tel: (04) 376 6162. nikkibeach.com.

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Images: Supplied