As the weekend approaches, it’s the smaller, more thoughtful experiences that often leave the strongest impression. From one-night cultural performances and limited-edition menus to art set within unexpected landscapes and cafés worth travelling for, this weekend is about slowing down and choosing well.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refined dining moment, a creative encounter, or a quiet escape beyond the city, this edit brings together experiences that feel considered rather than crowded each offering something distinct, time-sensitive, and quietly memorable.
The first Amina Muaddi boutique at Level shoes
Level Shoes has unveiled the UAE’s first Amina Muaddi boutique at Dubai Mall, a sleek new Crosby Studios-designed space showcasing exclusive styles (including the Juliette 45 gold thong sandals and embellished Gigi thong sandals) alongside the latest Anok capsule collection.
Time: Daily, Dubai Mall Hours
Location: Level Shoes, Dubai Mall, Dubai
One&Only The Palm’s Guerlain spa and lunch escape
For a truly indulgent winter reset, this elevated weekend experience pairs a 60-minute tailor-made Guerlain Imperial Body Massage with a three-course lunch at STAY by Yannick Alléno, perfect for a slow, luxurious afternoon on the Palm.
Time: Friday- Sunday, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Location:One&Only The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah
Songs of the bulbul by bagri foundation
Taking place on Sunday, January 18, Songs of the Bulbul is a critically acclaimed performance by British Indian choreographer Aakash Odedra, blending Kathak and contemporary dance. Inspired by a Sufi nightingale myth and set to music by Rushil Ranjan, the work has received strong praise in the UK for its emotional and expressive depth.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Crack by Werner Bronkhorst
Contemporary artist Werner Bronkhorst brings his distinctive visual language to this exhibition, where playful imagery meets social commentary. An engaging stop for art lovers looking to add a cultural pause to their weekend.
Time: 16 Jan (3pm – 11.30pm), 17 Jan (10am – 11.30pm), 18 Jan (10am – 6pm)
Location: Concrete, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai
Visit the Dubai Winter Spots
As the temperature drops, Dubai truly comes alive outdoors, transforming the city into a playground for alfresco dining, leisurely brunches, and atmospheric evenings by the water. Winter is when cafés spill onto terraces, restaurants unveil seasonal specials, and new menu launches feel best enjoyed under open skies rather than indoors. From limited-edition dishes and one-week-only menus to buzzy waterfront destinations and neighbourhood favourites perfect for long catch-ups, this is the season to explore the city at a slower, more indulgent pace.
AURA Skypool x Tom Ford Beauty takeover
AURA Skypool kicks off 2026 with a two-month TOM FORD BEAUTY takeover inspired by golden hour and the iconic Soleil Collection, bringing a luxe retail and experience pop-up to its sky-high poolside setting with 360-degree views of the Palm Jumeirah.
Time: 10 Jan – 28 Feb
Location:AURA Skypool, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
The Carousel of Chefs
View this post on Instagram
Carousel is a rotating, supper-club–style dining concept that regularly hands the table over to different guest chefs. This week, the spotlight is on Haya’s Kitchen, serving comforting Palestinian dishes in an intimate, communal setting, a dining experience that feels both personal and culturally rich.
Time: Daily, 4:00pm-12:00am
Location: Marsa Boulevard, Dubai
A limited pop-up for a dose of dopamine dressing
British fashion brand founded by Lucy Never Fully Dressed lands in Dubai with a limited-time pop-up shop. Open for two weeks until 23rd January in Wayout Showroom at Alserkal Avenue, the edit showcases an array of feel-good wardrobe staples that seamlessly work from day to night, including technicolour coords, lace and silk sets, and graphic jackets in bold, punchy prints.
Time: 11am – 8pm
Location: Wayout Showroom, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse G56
A Chef’s most personal table yet
View this post on Instagram
Chef Tristin Farmer of Maison Dali presents Chef’s Canvas, a highly personal, single-table dining experience. Beginning with a Narrative Commission, the menu is co-created around guests’ memories and stories, paired with inventive mixed drinks in a surreal, high-energy setting.
Time: Reservation only (advance booking required)
Location: The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai
A new coffee experience
View this post on Instagram
Set against the dramatic geological landscape of Buhais, Kaw-fee offers a peaceful coffee stop with context. A perfect excuse to leave the city behind and end the weekend on a reflective note.
Time: Wednesday – Monday (9am – 12am), Tuesday (3pm – 12am)
Location: Buhais Geology Park, Sharjah
Son of a Fish at Dubai harbour
Son of a Fish brings a bold, day-to-night take on Greek dining inspired by the Athenian Riviera, with a fresh fish display, sharing-style Mediterranean plates, signature cocktails and a breezy terrace overlooking the marina. Expect long lunches that turn into lively evenings with DJ sets and Modern Aegean Electronica as the sun goes down.
Time: 12pm – 2am
Location: Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Harbour
Jamavar Dubai’s weekend sadhya
The MICHELIN-starred Jamavar Dubai has launched a new weekend dining moment inspired by Kerala’s celebratory Sadhya, served as a ceremonial, tableside banana-leaf-style progression with curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and multiple rice varieties by Chef Surender Mohan.
Time: Saturday- Sunday (12:30pm – 4pm)
Location: Jamavar Dubai, Downtown Dubai
Matcha Club Dubai’s new warm & heated movement classes
View this post on Instagram
Matcha Club Dubai has launched a new wellness programme of Warm & Heated Movement classes, spanning heat-enhanced Sculpt and Power Pilates to grounding Yin and Deep Stretch, designed to support strength, mobility and recovery, perfect for a New Year reset.
Time: Ongoing, Sunday classes available from February
Location: Matcha Club Dubai, Al Quoz, Dubai
Spend an evening with an exclusive performance
View this post on Instagram
Visit Adaline in DIFC this weekend to experience two special performances by Boyzlife – the celebrated duo of Keith Duffy (Boyzone) and Brian McFadden (Westlife). The duo will take to the stage for two exclusive performances on Saturday, 17 January, and Tuesday, 20 January.
Time: Saturday, 17 January, and Tuesday, 20 January
Location: Adaline, DIFC
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @tialineker
