The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to be making the most of it with some belly-laughs, new brunches, and beachside yoga…

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Thursday 11

Kick off the weekend with some Afro-Caribbean culture

gursha

If Ethiopian cuisine mixed with rhythmic beats sounds like your kind of thing, then this newly-launched concept might be for you. Ethiopian restaurant Gursha Dubai is bringing together its authenthic food with live entertainment for its weekly Afro Thursdays, which will see live drums, DJs and national dishes aplenty.

Gursha, Club Vista Mare, The Palm Jumeirah, 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 554 2665. More information on Facebook.

See some proper stand-up

Jason Byrne

Perrier-nominated Irish comedian Jason Byrne (no, no relation to Ed) is in town for two nights only, bringing his new Propped Up tour to McGettigan’s. He’s been described by The Times as “the outright king of live comedy”, so it sounds like you don’t want to miss him in the flesh.

McGettigan’s JLT & The Baggot, JLT, Dubai, May 11 and 12, 8.30pm. Tickets Dhs120. Tel: (04) 378 0800. More information on Facebook

Friday 12

Check out a brand-new brunch

viceroy the palm

Haven’t popped into the swanky new Viceroy hotel on the Palm yet? This just-launched poolside brunch could be the perfect chance, as you can score a complimentary upgrade from a soft drinks package to house beverages package between now and the start of Ramadan. The Big Smoke Brunch at BLVD On One promises barbecue favourites such as smoked briskets, grilled short ribs, slaws and corns… anyone else’s mouth watering yet?

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Fridays 12pm to 3pm, Dhs350 per person until Ramadan (Dhs480 thereafter). Tel: (04) 455 9988. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

Get some cut-price pampering

Retreat Spa, Grosvenor House, Dubai

Now that the weather’s heating up, we’re mostly staying inside on the weekends… and by inside, we mean curled up in one of the city’s many spas. And for the month of May, Retreat in Grosvenor House is giving 15 per off its treatments if you have one between 9am and 1pm (or 25 per cent if you book two 60-minute treatments). Guess the early bird really does catch the worm…

Retreat Spa, Grosvenor House,Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3176761. retreatspa-dubai.com.

Saturday 13

Find your zen before heading back to work

fairmont the palm

We’re big fans of a leisurely Saturday yoga session, but this one sounds a little more special than most. Fairmont The Palm’s monthly beach yoga class takes place under the full moon, which sounds beyond serene, and includes meditation as well as as yin and vinyasa poses.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 8pm to 9.30pm, Dhs75 each, includes towel and water. Tel: (04) 457 3388. More information on Facebook.

Get ready for some top-class couture

arab fashion week

It doesn’t start until May 16, but make today the day you sign up to attend Arab Fashion Week. The sartorial event brings together a wealth of regional and international designers, including this year’s headline label, Marchesa (yes, the eveningwear line that’s a favourite of Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz). Sign up to score a seat at the catwalk shows, or to attend daily seminars and workshops.

The Meydan Hotel, Dubai, May 16 to 20, registration necessary. arabfashionweek.

Diary Dates

Attend a gala with a difference

make a wish

The Make A Wish foundation, the non-profit that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses come true, is coming to the UAE for the first time ever on Wednesday 17 May. Holding a charity event at Novikov Dubai, the gala will see celebrity guests and live entertainment come together for a family-style dinner party that fundraises for a very worthy cause.

Tickets are Dhs1,450 per person and must be booked in advance. Call 056 342 8612 or email dubai@gatfluence.com.

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Images: Supplied