As always, we’re keeping you in the know with the very best events, parties and offers happening this weekend. In no particular order, here are the top five things that should be on the cards for your days off.
Find your Zen at Dubai’s first yoga festival
Over the course of the weekend, in proper festival style, XYoga’s full-immersion yoga and wellbeing event hopes to leave you feeling more balanced for the weeks ahead. Over two days there will be free sessions, workshops and talks held by well-known international yogis, including the world’s oldest Yoga instructor – 97-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch – as well as yoga flash mobs occurring around the city. Held at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, admission is free. Visit xyogadubai.com for more.
Watch an Oscar-nominated film on the big screen outdoors
If you’re in Abu Dhabi this weekend, head to Mushrif Park to enjoy a film al fresco. Theeb, the first Arab film to ever receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, is a coming-of-age adventure movie. Set in 1916 the story follows an 11-year-old Bedouin boy from a first-time Jordanian director. The event is part of the 7th Art Al Fresco project, which will be showcasing outdoor films in changing locations on a bi-weekly basis. Starting at 6.30pm, the films are subtitled in English. As admission is free, the screenings are a first-come, first-serve policy so get down early to reserve your seats. Check out their Facebook page for information on upcoming screenings.
Enjoy some pre-night out pampering
We’re getting prepped for the weekend with super-sweet treatment packages from SensAsia Urban Spa. Their buy one, get one-half price offers run until February 29, so they’re perfect for a couple’s treat or girls’ day out. We’ve got our eye on the Blissfully Unaware package for Dhs835, which begins with a warming hot stone massage followed by a 60-minute Elemis facial to keep the glow going even a week after Valentine’s Day is over.
Book at any of the SensAsia Spas: The Village (04) 349 8850, Palm Jumeriah (04) 422 7115, Emirates Golf Club (04) 4417 9820 or Downtown (04) 456 0866.
Be at the heart of the party
For over two decades, Café Mambo has been considered one of the most iconic restaurant and bars in Ibiza, the big player of San Antonio’s sunset strip. And since 2013 the brand has taken this brand worldwide, bringing the party to corners of the Earth with Mambo on Tour and this weekend, they are returning to Nasimi Beach. With international Mambo DJ John Jacobsen at the helm, we are expecting nothing but the hottest house and dance music from 5pm to midnight in one of Dubai’s most glam and VIP beach clubs. To make the guest list, call (04) 426 2626.
Get the family down to the Yas Island Kite Festival
If your family is in need of a wholesome and fun day out, the first annual Anatara Sir Bani Yas Island Kite Fest is happening this Friday on the beach adjacent to the Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anatara. The day kicks off at 11am with families building their own kites to fly on the island’s beaches with no time to waste – the contest starts an hour later. In addition to a little friendly competition, Spinneys Abu Dhabi are providing a complementary sausage sizzle and the beach will be filled with music and other beach games for the whole day. Register your family by emailing dirs@anantara.com
DIARY DATES
Bunny Majaja
South African Idol favourite Bunny Majaja has just landed a residency in Dubai, performing every night at Yesterday Pub with pianist Andre Behnke. Yesterday Pub in Downtown Dubai is loved for its good traditional comfort food and with Bunny having been described as, “the meal that hits the spot when you are hungry.” It sounds like a match made in heaven to us.
Every Monday at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Monday Mornings in Abu Dhabi are about to take on a whole new meaning with special ladies offers at Yas Mall from 8am to 2pm. And before your shopping spree begins, you can take part in an hour-long power walk around the mall from 9am to 10am with fitness coach Pernille who also incorporates fitness advice into the session. The list of specially curated promotions, holistic treatments, free cups of coffee, discounted food outlets and clothing offers from some of your favourite brands is too long to list so visit yasmall.ae for more information.
Words: Jennifer McNeill
Images: supplied
