Fabulous news: it’s the weekend. If you’re casting your eye around for something to do, look no further. Whether it’s movies under the stars, evening brunches or the hottest new season collections, we’ve got you covered.
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Thursday 22
See a movie al fresco
You’ll feel like you’re at a real Fifties drive-thru for the next few weeks, thanks to Last Exit’s Dubai Food Festival pop-up. The food truck park, located on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is hosting an open-air cinema every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the next three weeks. So you can grab a snack, pull up, and enjoy the show. This Thursday you’ll find screenings of Thor—The Dark World, Stars Wars Rogue One and Men in Black III at 6pm, 8.30pm, and 10.45pm respectively.
Last Exit E11 and Last Exit Mad X, Sheikh Zayed Road (northbound and southbound), free entry. Tel: (04) 317 3999. lastexit.ae.
Get the crew together for an evening brunch
If you’re sick of splitting bills and booking your friends three weeks in advance, because no one’s ever free on the same night, we have a suggestion. Publique in the Madinat Jumeirah has just launched a new evening brunch offering that’s valid any night of the week (yes, Thursdays and Fridays included) as long as you’re travelling in a pack of six or above. Expect more cheese than you’ll know what to do with, and the opportunity to cook your own meat on a hot stone. This Alpine-themed spot is already a favourite for its welcoming vibe and gorgeous terrace, so we’re thinking this will be popular.
Evening brunch at Publique, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, Dubai. 8-11pm daily. All food and house beverages (including select cocktails) included, Dhs295 per person. Bookings of six or above accepted. Tel: (04 430 8550). Publique.ae.
Friday 23
Spend a whole day at the spa
The capital’s super-luxe Emirates Palace is launching a brand-new spa and beach club day pass that’ll net you hours of relaxation. You can either opt for packages with 60 minutes (Dhs825), 90 minutes (Dhs1,100) or 120 minutes (Dhs1,300) of treatments, including options such as a traditional hammam, bespoke massage, facials and body scrubs. For your chosen price, you’ll also get pool and gym access, and lunch at Cascades.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, spa open 10am to 11pm. Offer available seven days a week throughout 2018 (blackout periods apply). Tel: (02) 690 7978. kempinski.com.
Have a nibble by the pool
Drift Beach Club has launched a new bite-size evening menu, which you can order straight to your lounger as you watch the sun set over Dubai Marina. The Spanish-style tapas dishes include risotto arancini and crispy salt and pepper squid, plus a selection of aperitifs, and cost Dhs35 per plate, or Dhs90 for five, Dhs175 for six, and Dhs270 for nine.
Drift, One & Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, 10.30am to 7pm daily. Weekdays from Dhs250 per person, weekends from Dhs300 per person. Tapas menu available daily, 5pm to 8pm. Tel: (04) 315 2200. oneandonlyresorts.com.
Saturday 24
Snap up some new season gems
Now that temperatures are getting a touch warmer here in Dubai, we’re already planning just how to elevate our Spring/Summer wardrobe. And, judging by the new collections that have landed at Galeries Lafayette, we’ll be hitting The Dubai Mall department store up this weekend. With brands including Elisabetta Franchi, Maje, Sandro and Reiss, the SS18 lines are rich in sweet pastels, bold colour blocking and clean lines. We’re writing a shopping list in our minds already…
Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, open daily, 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 339 9933. galerieslafayettedubai.com.
Get a taste of the Far East
Lapita Hotel has just unveiled its revamp of Cantonese eatery Hikina, which is back with a more wide-reaching menu than ever. The Asian-inspired restaurant has been relaunched as a hot pot and dumpling house, which also serves up plates such as baos, short rib yakitori and miso-glazed octopus. The decor takes influence from bustling street markets, so it sounds like you’ll get a pan-Asian experience without having to step foot in an airport.
Hikina, Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, open 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 810 9421. lapitadubaihotel.com
Images: Supplied
