The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to make the most of it with stylish sushi, world-famous musicians, spa sessions and organic markets.
Thursday 20
Get the weekend started with some top-class nibbles
If there’s anywhere guaranteed to be pumping with out-of-office vibes on a Thursday, it’s this stylish sushi joint (well, it technically serves all kinds of Japanese food but the sushi is a particular favourite). Grab a drink, nab a table (reserve if you want to guarantee a spot), and chow down on some seriously tasty plates. We recommend the spicy tuna on crispy rice (Dhs99), a piquant blend of fish and satisfying textures, and the star dish, a miso-marinated black cod (Dhs190). Top if off with a signature fondant, oozing with a rich, bittersweet chocolate goo. Hey, weekends are made for eating too much, right?
OKKU, first floor, The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, open daily for dinner from 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 501 8777. okku.com.
See Sir Bob Geldof play live
The knighted musician and Boomtown Rats star is in town to help The Irish Village celebrate their 20th birthday. (And for our 20th we settled for a chain-store pizza and charades… that truly pales in comparison). There’ll be Dhs20 house beverages from 7pm until 9pm, when the I Don’t Like Mondays singer will be kicking off his show.
The Irish Village, 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, Dubai, open from 11am to 2am, over 21s from 8.30pm. Tel: (04) 282 4750. theirishvillage.com.
Friday 21
Have a slap-up dinner with a view
Forget taking the lift up to the top of the Burj Khalifa – settle for the third floor, where you’ll find some of the best Indian food we’ve had in a while. The Armani Hotel’s Amal, which specialises in traditional dishes presented in a modern way, has a terrace that it’s now cool enough to really enjoy so sit back and linger over three courses. You’ll get some five-star views of the Dubai Fountain putting on a show every half hour – and even more enjoyable was the chicken chettinadu (Dhs160), a juicy hunk of meat stuffed with an aromatic, not overpowering, spiced stuffing. Top tip: save room for pudding – the coconut sphere (above) is a don’t-miss dessert of tropical sorbet, mousse and warming cardamom crumble.
Armani/Amal, Third Floor, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. Tel: (04) 888 3666. armanihoteldubai.com.
Have a quick pamper
No matter how hard you try, you can never master a brush and hair-dryer as well as a professional. So treat yourself to an express wash and style at this new salon on the Palm, where you can pick from an extensive range of styles (think retro waves, beachy tousles or sleek and straight) as well as updos. They also offer other treatments, including manis, pedis and threading, so you could make a real day of it.
BlowOut Bar, Golden Mile Galleria, Building 10, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7.30am to 9pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 9pm. Tel: 800 2569 688. blowoutbar.ae.
Pick up some super-fresh produce
With more than 100 businesses taking part, you’ll struggle to leave The Ripe Market empty-handed. The weekly shopping event is back after a summer break, and among the lush greenery of Zabeel Park you’ll be able to restock your kitchen with organic and locally sourced fruits and veg. There’s also jewellers, artists and entertainment on site (making it much more fun than your average dash to the supermarket).
Zabeel Park, Gate 2, Dubai, 9am to 3pm. Tel: (04) 315 7000. ripeme.com
Saturday 22
Have a bunch with an island twist
If you’re tired of the usual buffet options, this a la carte menu sounds like it’ll spice things up. Miss Lily’s, the Caribbean-inspired US restaurant that’s just opened a branch in Dubai, is launching a weekly brunch that’s got our mouth watering just reading about it. Think fried chicken and waffles with a jerk maple syrup, Jamaican rancheros with stewed peas and crispy plantain, and blueberry-dotted coconut pancakes, all dished up with some old-school ska and reggae playing in the background.
Miss Lily’s, Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 12pm to 5pm. Tel: (04) 3544074. facebook.com/misslilysdxb
Indulge in a little retail therapy
The last day of the weekend is made for a bit of lazing on the sofa, right? Forgo the busy malls and pick up a treat online instead – you can’t really go wrong with a bag (well, you’ll always need one, right?). The Outnet have joined forces with French designer Jerome Dreyfuss on a limited-edition collection which went live last week, and we’re particularly lusting over this textured leather backpack.
Have a little horse play
To celebrate the launch of their equestrian school, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club are having an open day that’s promising plenty of family fun. Regardless of whether you’re looking to start classes (though you can, on the day, tour the facilities), there’s horse-riding displays, a short polo match, and the chance for kids to safely get up close to the stable’s ponies. There’s also a bouncy castle, face painting, and drinks and nibbles, so while away a few hours in the sun while the kids wear themselves out.
Images: Supplied
