The weekend is finally here and we’re going to make the most of it with dance classes, new restaurants, insane gymnastics (watching, definitely not doing) and free five-star pool access…
Here’s our top plans for what to do this Dubai weekend.
Thursday 22
Get funky at the Dance Festival
If you’re looking to get your groove on, the Dubai International Dance Festival is in town. The yearly event is known for attracting well-known dance companies, classical academies, youth orchestras, bands and ensembles from around the world, so head on down and cut loose – Footloose, that is.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road, September 21 to 24, 8.30pm. Dhs455 for all four days. dubaidancefestival.com.
Feel cultured by watching an art film
Need some new fodder for dinner party discussions? Then check out this free screening of Art:Interrupted, an against-the-odds story about two artists who decided to set up India’s first contemporary art biennale. Not only will you feel super knowledgable about the country’s art scene, it also paints a riveting picture of the bustling, beachy Kerala.
A4 Space, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai, 7pm, free entry. art-interrupted.com
Update your wardrobe
We love dulaab’s collection of slightly niche, super-cool Scandi brands – and this weekend you’ll be able to try plenty on for size as the online store is holding a limited-run pop-up. There’ll be Autumn/Winter ranges on hand for you to peruse, alongside a sale rack.
A4, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 10am to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday. More information on website.
Friday 23
Listen to some of the real classics
If you’ve not yet been to the Dubai Opera, now’s your chance. Tonight sit back and enjoy an evening of arias from some of Mozart’s most famous operas performed by the Vienna Concert-Verein Orchestra. Everything from The Marriage of Figaro to The Magic Flute will be played so even if you’re not a huge classical buff, there’ll be something you know.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, September 23, 8pm. Tickets from Dhs300. dubaiopera.com.
Or check out an all-female DJ night
Blue Marlin is back from the summer break, and this weekend the beach club is welcoming a trio of female DJs to the decks. Nicole Moudaber (who’s played at Glastonbury and Coachella), Francesca Lombardo and Anja Schneider promise to get the party started – and to keep it going from the afternoon into the evening.
Blue Marlin Ibiza, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel And Resort, Ghantoot, Dubai, free entry, 1pm to 11pm. Tel: 056 113 3400. Click here for more information.
Saturday 24
Take a trip to the circus
After a three-year absence, Cirque Du Soleil has returned to Dubai with their brand new concept – Varekai. Expect heaps of on-edge-of-your-seat action, coupled with incredible storytelling and acrobatics. No one in the world does this stuff better.
Dubai World Trade Centre, September 16 to 26. Tickets from Dhs245. cirquedusoleil.com/varekai.
Grab one of the first table at this hot new restaurant
The Burj Al Arab have brought in award-winning chef Nathan Outlaw to helm their new-look Al Mahara restaurant, and we’re expecting very good things. The joint opens tonight, and the famous seafood chef – who has Michelin-starred eateries in the UK – is promising a no-fuss menu of complex flavours using local, seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients. For a three-course set lunch menu, you’re looking at Dhs450 per person, and Dhs650 a head for a four-course dinner.
Al Mahara, Ground level, Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Tel: (04) 301 7400. Lunch from 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner from 7pm to 11.30pm. jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab.
Get free five-star pool access
We told you last month that Nasimi Beach at Atlantis The Palm is offering free pool access on weekdays and weekends. The catch? Only females can make the most of the deal, which is running until the end of this month. So make the most out of the last full weekend on offer – see you on the sunloungers.
The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. 9am to 1am. Tel: (04) 426 2626. More information on Facebook.
Images: Supplied
