The weekend is finally here, and it’s even better than usual – it’s a three-day one!
We’re going to make the most of it with festive markets, shows on ice, cooking classes and free yoga…
(Plus, want to get ahead on planning next year’s long weekends? Check out our calendar of public holidays for 2017).
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Thursday 8
Treat yo’self
So it’s the month where you should probably be buying gifts for other people but hey, sometimes you need to reward yourself at the end of the year too. So now could be the time so snap up a limited-edition, art-inspired collection of the iconic Lady Dior handbag. The kuxury label has partnered up with several prominent US and UK artists for the line, which will be available at the Mall of the Emirates branch from today.
Dior, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 1oam to midnight. Bags from Dhs18,500. Tel: (04) 323 5322. dior.com.
Take a festive cooking class
A bit overwhelmed when it comes to catering for the family this Christmas? Well Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet are on hand to help you nail the final course. This festive cooking class will teach you how to make a traditional French buche (it’s like a Yule log, with a sponge roll covered in buttercream).
Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, 4pm, Dhs195 per adult, kids between six and 12 go free. Email Lafayettegourmet.chef@medsdubai.com to book. Tel: (04) 339 9933. galerieslafayettedubai.com.
Take in a show
The Nutcracker is a ballet stalwart at Christmas time, but the Dubai Opera’s version might be even better than your average. Why? Because it’s performed on ice by championship-level skaters.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thursday 4pm and 7.30pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm and 7pm, until December 10, Dhs250. Tel: (800) 36227. More info and tickets on website.
Friday 9
See an extra-special sunrise
The observation deck at the world’s tallest tower has a real winter treat for vistors – they’re opening extra early on Fridays and Saturdays so you can watch the sun rise from 456 metres up. The lift will start taking guests up from 5.30am – and you get a yummy bonus for getting up that early. Sunrise ticket holders get breakfast at the Burj Khalifa’s Café until 8amfor no extra cost.
At The Top, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, from 5.30am, tickets start from Dhs125 per adult. Tel: (800) 288 43867. burjkhalifa.ae.
Catch some action on the green
The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is on this week, starring some of the world’s best female golfers. Even if you’re not super into the sport, the event is held at the Emirates Golf Club, making it a nice day out, and is entirely family-friendly (think food trucks, activities for the kids…)
Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, December 7 to 10, 7.30am until late. Free entry. Tel: (04) 3802112. dubailadiesmasters.com.
Dine with a Desperate Housewives star
The Abu Dhabi Food Festival kicked off this week (it’ll be running until December 23 too) and there’s a couple of key events taking place this weekend. For Dhs495 a ticket, you can meet Desperate Housewives and John Tucker Must Die actor Jesse Metcalfe over a sunset BBQ, or you can rub shoulders with Masterchef Australia judge Matt Preston at a fancy dinner. There’s plenty on at the festival for less too – think street food trucks, special menus and foodie pop-ups.
Various locations including Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, prices vary. Tel: (800) 555. abudhabievents.ae.
Saturday 10
Find your zen for free
Whatever type of yoga you’re into (swing, hot, hatha, bikram…. or even if you don’t know and want to try something new), today’s the day to roll out the mat. Voyoga are offering a whole day of free classes to celebrate their new schedule, plus there’s also the promise of discounts on the day if you sign up for membership.
Voyoga, i-Rise Tower, Hessa Street, Dubai, classes from 9am to 7.30pm. Tel: (04) 553 8630. voyoga.ae.
Hit up the Dubai International Film Festival
It’s that time of the year again – the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is back, drawing in all kinds of actors, filmmakers and movie buffs from around the globe. Check out some of the latest flicks pre-release, or nab yourself a seat in one of the exclusive actor interviews (it appears Samuel L Jackson and Bill Nighy are coming this year, among others…). We’re going to try hang around outside the VIP Lounge, where all the A-listers go to get goodie bags (this year’s include products from Shiseido, All Things Mochi and Boutique Le Chocolat).
Dubai International Film Festival, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, December 7 to 14. Tickets from Dhs35. Tel: (050) 4503672. dubaifilmfest.com.
Three days of music, art and more
Alternative cultural festival Meet D3 is back for a second year, and the 2016 line-up includes performances from UK artists Jess Glynne and Calum Scott. Also expect large-scale art installations, food stalls, and fashion and furniture pop-ups.
December 8 to 10. Dubai Design District, Ras Al Khor Road, 6pm, free. Tel: (800) 42633. meetd3.com
Sunday 11
Pop in for a pamper
This is the kind of thing long weekends were made for. Vaniday (the online beauty booking site) has teamed up with De La Mer Spa for a coffee morning with a bit of TLC, where you can grab a signature treatment for a smidgen of the price. Booking is a must, and you can choose from a buff and polish (Dhs40), a 15-minute back massage (Dhs60), braids (Dhs40) or a 30-minute back, neck and head massage for Dhs150.
De La Mer Spa, Villa 783, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 10am to 1pm. Tel: (04) 328 2775. vaniday.ae.
Get into the festive spirit
If you like your Christmas shopping to be scenic, then we reckon you’ll love this outdoor market in the lush greenery of the St Regis’ Versailles Gardens. Expect stalls of artisan goods that are perfect for gift-giving, and gourmet food stands that’ll help you refuel. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto for kids and a snow fight zone, so you can make a real night of it.
Versailles Gardens, St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm weekdays, 3pm to 9pm weekend, free entry. alhabtoorcity-hotelcollection.com.
Images: Supplied
