Fabulous news: it’s the weekend. If you’re casting your eye around for something to do, look no further. Whether it’s a lively spot for dinner, a free workout, or a leisurely brunch, we’ve got you covered.

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Thursday 26

Dine courtesy of a Michelin-starred chef

capital club

If you’ve got a gourmand to impress, here’s your Thursday plan. Michelin-starred English chef Galton Blackiston is finishing up the Capital Club’s celebrity chef series, and they’re welcoming non-members along. Think whole roasted monkfish and smoked garlic hollandaise, Australian wagyu ox cheek pie and celeriac risotto with king oyster mushrooms and truffle. Sounds pretty luxe to us.

Galton Blackiston at Capital Club Dubai, Gate Village, Building 3, DIFC. Dinner at 7.30pm from April 25-27, bookings essential. Dhs500 per person, plus Dhs250 for grape pairings. Tel: (04) 364 0111. capitalclubdubai.com

Try a new South American spot with million-dirham views

hotel cartagena 

We’re never short of a new restaurant or six here in Dubai, but this is something special. Set on the 72nd floor of the JW Marriott Marquis, Hotel Cartagena is named for a port city in Colombia, and that South American charm is very much evident. With Burj Khalifa views, overgrown greenery, neon signage and hot pink walls, it’s one of the coolest interiors we’ve seen lately, and the food and service match. Expect moreish tacos, black bean empanadas, and inventive cocktails. They’re very vegan-friendly, too. If you’re after a lively spot for an end-of-the-week catchup, gather your gals here.

Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai. Tel: (04) 560 1799. hotelcartagena.ae

Friday 27

Get a taste of la dolce vita

armani deli

A long and leisurely new brunch has just launched at Armani/Deli, and it sounds like an ideal way to eat up your favourite Italian dishes while eyeing up the Dubai Fountain’s shows. With plenty of courses, from antipasti down to dessert, plus a cheese-tasting room and live music, this flexible dining experience can be enjoyed from lunch right up until the late evening. (So if you find the usual 12.30pm to 4pm brunch time slot a bit restrictive, this might be for you).

Armani/Deli, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Fridays from 12.30pm to 9pm. Dhs450 including three hours of house beverages, Dhs310 including three hours of soft drinks. Tel: (04) 888 3666. armanihoteldubai.com

Work out for free

Fitness In DXB

Make the most of the beach (before summer kicks in) with this free day of ocean-side activities. Fitness In DXB, Extreme Watersports and Kite N Surf have come together to host this one-day event, which features an itinerary of fun fitness activities, including paddle-boarding, kayaking and scuba-diving. There’ll also be beach yoga, volleyball and bootcamps, and you can just drop by for whichever sessions you fancy.

City Beach, Jumeirah Umm Suqeim, Dubai, 8am to 6pm, registration open from 7.30am. Free. instagram.com/FitnessInDXB.

Saturday 28

Hit up an Arab indie music festival

yasmine hamdan

Dubai Opera is hosting an indie music festival this weekend, and it sounds kind of incredible. Headlined by Yasmine Hamdan and with a DJ set from Tala Samman, you’ll also catch acts like the Wanton Bishops, Moroccan songwriter Manal, Egyptian duo Sharmoofers, and Syrian rapper Moh Flow. Hip hop artist Narcy has also just been added to the bill.

dxbeats, April 28, doors at 5pm, performances start at 6pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. Tickets from Dhs225.dubaiopera.com

Discover your passion for fashion

DIDI

Thinking of embarking on a career in the industry? Then this two-hour workshop by the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation might help you on your way. Held by designer, writer and institute dean Sass Brown, the 101 introduction to finding your sartorial path –  which draws on Sass’s own experience – is a must for creative students.

DIDI, Building 4, Dubai Design District, Dubai, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Free for pre-college students. Tel;:800 3434 392. didi.ac.ae.

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Images: Supplied