The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to make the most of it with modern Arabic fare, open-air bars, health and fitness celebrities, and vintage shopping…
Thursday 3
Wind down after work with some traditional food
The weather’s finally cool enough for an alfresco dinner, so sit out in the St. Regis Dubai’s picturesque courtyard and feast on Le Patio’s re-launched Arabic menu. Expect a modern take on traditional dishes, like quinoa falafel, beef wagyu pide, and bread with Za’atar pesto, alongside a range of refreshing mocktails and fruit teas.
Le Patio, The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, open daily from 10am to 1am. Tel: (04) 435 5577. lepatiodubai.com.
Check out this year’s Global Village
With 36 pavilions, 50 fun rides and 26 restaurants, it’ll take you days – maybe even weeks – to see everything at the annual worldly fair (lucky it’s open until April then).
Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, 4pm to midnight (1am on weekend), from now until April 8, Dhs15 entry. Tel: (04) 362 4114. More information on website.
Celebrate Flag Day with a souvenir
Dubai-based designer Nadine Kanso has teamed up with Emirates to create a line of accessories inscribed with traditional Arabic calligraphy. So if you’re feeling patriotic (and want to show it), snap up a mag, notebook, plate, T-shirt or pouch while you can.
Friday 4
Check out a picturesque open-air bar
If you’re after tapas-size dishes with a view, this just-opened outdoor space at the iconic Burj Al Arab should fit the bill. Scape gives a 270-degree view of Dubai from its seaside perspective, so sit back and nibble as the house DJ turns up the tunes.
Scape Restaurant & Bar, Burj Al Arab, lunch 12.30pm to 3.30pm, dinner 6pm to 11pm, shisha from midnight. Booking essential. Tel: (04) 301 7600. jumeirah.com
Get inspired by some sporting talent
If your conception of golf is still that of a sport played by middle-aged men in cardigans, be prepared to let this weekend’s inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open at the stunning Saadiyat Beach course bring you up to speed. Running Wednesday to Saturday this week and offering free entry for all visitors, a stellar field will battle for the trophy and a share of the $550,000 prize fund, but there’s loads to do besides watch golf, as has become customary at the high-profile sporting events held in the UAE. The tournament will offer an action-packed four days of interactive experiences, golf clinics, children’s activities, competitions, cuisine and more.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. From November 2 to 5, free entry (but register first online), grounds open 7am to 5pm. fbmladiesopen.com.
Find some new treasures for your home
Into retro pieces? Then you’ll want to check out this genuine vintage interiors market while it lasts (it’ll be on until November 19). From Scandi finds to industrial gems and shabby chic steals, there’ll be something to suit your tastes, no doubt. It’s cash only though, so come armed.
French Caravane Dubai pop-up store, The Farm, Al Barari, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 392 5660. Click here for more information.
Saturday 5
Get a healthy dose of fitspo
Health nuts and fitness fanatics listen up – there’s a big ol’ well-being festival set to take place this weekend. Held at Skydive Dubai, the Sun & Sand Sports Fitness Fest will be headlined by Joe Wicks, aka ‘The Body Coach’, who shot to fame thanks to his popular ‘Lean in 15’ cooking and workout programme. There’ll also be demos from expert nutritionists and chefs, free challenges and a bunch of competitions.
Sun & Sand Sports Fest, Skydive Dubai, November 4 to 5. Friday 8,30am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm. Dhs40 for early bird tickets, Dhs50 at the door. fitnessfest.ae.
Have brekkie at the Burj
The tall one, not the sail one, that is. At.mosphere at the Burj Khalifa has just launched a new breakfast menu, so we’ll be tucking into truffle scrambled eggs and lobster eggs benedict with a view of the city from the 122d floor. There’s also a wide choice at the buffet (think waffles, French toast and crepes to satisfy the sweet-toothed), and brekkie costs Dhs325 per person – with a Dhs95 supplement for signature dishes.
At.mosphere, Level 122, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, daily 7am to 10.30am. Tel: (04) 888 3828. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com.
Diary Dates
Get the working week off to a healthful start
The zen-inspiring Comptoir102 have just started offering yoga classes in their outdoor space, with Dina of Jivamukti Yoga hosting the session. So slot in an hour’s worth of gentle, but effective, exercise followed by a healthy brekkie in the shop’s cafe. It’ll help you face the start of the working week – we promise.
Comptoir102, 102 Beach Rd Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sundays 8am to 9am. Dhs150 for yoga and breakfast. Tel: (04) 385 45 55. More information on Facebook.
Wear the little ones out
Want to get toddlers comfortable on the ice but without the weekend crowds? Make time for these special skating sessions, where they’ll get a 30-minute lesson, and then free time to whizz around the rink at their own speed.
Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Mondays 10am to 11.45am. Dhs90 for one child and one adult, includes lesson, penguin pal, helmet and skate hire. Tel: (04) 448 5111. dubaiicerink.com.
Images: Supplied
