From glitzy brunches to virtual reality gaming, this weekend is jam-packed with activities to help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer.

THURSDAY TO SATURDAY

Dine at dusk

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge

Abu Dhabi’s sundown brunch is back and more chilled out than ever at Caramel Restaurant and Lounge. From 7pm to 10pm, enjoy unlimited house grapes, hops and bubbly and tuck into a huge menu including Caramel’s signature chicken lollipops served buffalo style with blue cheese.

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, Thurs to Sat 7pm to 10pm, Dhs199 per person, reservations: (02) 6783344. For more information click here.

Hit the shops

Mall of the Emirates

Be sure to take advantage of the shopping and dinning deals on offer this DSS. Not only can you invest in a new wardrobe, but you can be in the running to win prizes worth millions of dirhams including 12 Infinity cars, airline tickets and a Dhs150k mystery vacation at participating malls across Dubai.

At participating malls across the Emirates including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif. For more information click here.

Enter an indoor wonderland

burjuman

At BurJuman mall you’ll find an array of kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained in this scorching weather. This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, take part in some arts and crafts or catch the Forest Caravan show where you can see everything from stilt walkers to flower fairies.

BurJuman, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Dubai, Forest Caravan Show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. For more information click here.

THURSDAY 21

Get a quick taste of Italy

armani deli

If you’re looking for a gourmet bite to eat but are a bit pushed for time, then try the Armani/Deli’s ‘Pronto Lunch’ menu – here you can enjoy an array of fresh breads, cheese, charcuterie and Italian favourites in a pinch.

Armani/ Deli, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 3pm, Dhs130 for two courses and Dhs160 for three courses, reservations: (04) 8883666 or email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com. For more information click here.

FRIDAY 22

Check out the W Dubai Brunch

W Hotel Dubai

With seven live cooking stations, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a dedicated dessert room, the Level Seven brunch is a good place to give in to those weekend carb-load cravings. For an after party worth sticking around for, head down to the W Lounge and enjoy their “Sunset Sessions” – Purchase a beverage package of your choice and enjoy a selection of sundowners and cocktails while taking in the Dubai skyline as the night rises.

Brunch: Level Seven, W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, from Dhs395 per person. Tel: (44) 466666. For more information click here.

After-party: W Lounge, W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, Fri 4pm to sunset, beverage packages from Dhs250. Tel: (44) 366666. For more information click here.

Have a pizza party

pizza express

Kids can design their own creations at Pizza Express this weekend. Expect a combination of fun and games to keep everyone entertained before kids can tuck into their own masterpieces – then cool off with a round of gelato.

At participating branches across the UAE, Dhs99 per person. Advance booking is essential. For more information click here.

Jazz@ Pizza Express, Cluster A, JLT, Dubai: (04) 4416342; Pizza Express, Al Safa, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai: (04) 3945616; Pizza Express, Near World Trade Centre, Dubai: (04) 3318480; Pizza Express, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai: (04) 2852393; Jazz@ Pizza Express, World Trade Centre Mall, Abu Dhabi: (02) 4447752

A 1920s-themed brunch 

prime 68

Prime 68’s Prohibition era-inspired feast has a menu split into 11 sections combining traditional elements and modern presentation. With Roarint Twenties “spiked teas” and classic cocktails, enjoy a chilled out experience with live jazz and a magician wandering table to table.

Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Fri 12.30 to 3.45, from Dhs275 per person. Tel: (04) 4143000. For more information click here.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Shake Shack

Shake Shack

Beat the heat with Marina Mall’s brand new branch, where you can try their location-specific ‘concrete’ (frozen custard blended at high speed) or Salt N’ Seaside (a mixture of vanilla custard, salted caramel sauce, banana and shortbread cookie).

Shake Shack, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Sat – Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Fri 10am to 12am. Tel: (800) 6623. For more information click here.

SATURDAY 23

Hope for a scorcher at Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club

This is the only time Abu Dhabi residents will be keeping their fingers crossed for recording-breaking temperatures. The spa in Saadiyat Beach Club is offering discounts equating to the temperature outside so if it’s a boiling 50 degrees, then that’s a whopping 50 per cent off.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Exit 14, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6563500. For more information click here.

Experience virtual reality at Hub Zero

hub zero

City Walk is home to the region’s first immersive gaming hub. From classic arcade games like Pac Man and Space Invaders to wireless virtual reality first-person shooters, Hub Zero has anything and everything the gaming geek could wish for.

Hub Zero, City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai. Tel: (800) 637227. For more information click here.

 

Introduce some jerk into you life

We’re loving the newly opened Miss Lily’s Jamaican restaurant. Not only is it the coolest hangout in the emirate – we spotted high-profile local designers and celebrities – but the staff are the hottest in town and its Scotch bonnet the spiciest sauce in the neighbourhood. Go for great music, incredible authentic cuisine and great vibes. Yas!!! Portions are generous and food so delicious, you may need an elastic waistband. Also, if dancing is your thing then post 10pm is when the party really starts.

5th floor, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Hotel. 7pm to 2am daily. More info on Instagram. Tel: (04) 3544074.

Beverage deals at The Music Room

The Music Room

Enjoy live music and three house beverages for Dhs30 at The Music Room this Saturday. If you want to keep the party going after midnight, there’s buy one get one free on all regular beverages until 3am.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 3am Tel: (04) 3598888. For more information click here.

Diary Dates

Eat along to some jazz beats

This coming Tuesday, check out Anita Williams at Sass Café for All That Jazz night. Tuck into a menu inspired by the south of France, featuring signature dishes like carpaccio de loup de mer et vinaigrette truffles (sea bass carpaccio with lime and truffle vinaigrette), and sit back and enjoy some live and catchy jazz.

Sass Café, Al Fattan Currency House, Dubai International Financial Centre, 8pm to 2am, reservations: (04) 3527722. For more information click here.

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Words: Jemma Carr