The weekend is finally here – and it’s a long one at that. We’re going to make the most of it with new open-air terraces, charitable cycles, cakes and way too much Italian food…
Here are our top plans for what to do this Dubai weekend.
Thursday 29
Start the weekend off in style
Relaxing on a rooftop terrace toasting the start of a long weekend? That’s pretty hard to beat. Iris Dubai has just reopened their open-air space on the 27th floor, and now that the evenings are just about bearable, it seems like a good time to try the updated food and cocktail menus.
The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, 6pm to 3am daily. Tel: (056) 951 1442. More information on their website.
Friday 30
Indulge with some top-class Italian
We’re not recommending you try all of Manzoni Italian’s new 23 dishes in one night… but you can definitely make some inroads. There’s also a just-unveiled ‘create your own pasta’ option, where you can design up to 21 combinations of pasta and sauce to make sure you’re getting something well-suited to your tastebuds. Polish the night off with one of three new puds (we’re eyeing up the buffalo ricotta cheesecake with cinnamon…).
Manzoni Italian, Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Cluster T, Dubai, Open for lunch and dinner every day excluding Saturdays, 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 567 1159. pullmanhotels.com.
Nurture your inner photographer
Always wanted to get snapping but never had the right equipment? Well now’s the perfect chance, as GPP are holding a market day and closing down sale (don’t worry, the photography experts will still be holding classes and activities, this is just the end of the store). Raid the last of their stock, pick up some bargains, or bring down any industry goodies just sitting unused in the garage and sell them on.
Gulf Photo Plus, Alserkal Avenue, Unit D36, Al Quoz, Dubai, 5pm to 7pm. Tel: (04) 380 8545. More information on Facebook.
Dig into a proper backyard BBQ
Perry & Blackwelder’s latest concept is about creating a long, lazy afternoon filled with great food and top live tunes. Load up on an American-influenced range of barbecued dishes, and chill out to the sounds of Sean Gavin, who’s just finished touring with folksy band Mumford & Sons. The cost? Dhs195 including soft drinks, Dhs295 including house beverages, and Dhs65 for kids.
Perry & Blackwelder, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 12pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com.
Saturday 1
Try a new party brunch
Stage performers, “experimental” food, caution tape and traffic cones around the place… no, this isn’t your average brunch. The recent newcomer Indie DIFC is launching its new event this week, where food and entertainment is followed by a proper party atmosphere. Brunch will cost you Dhs290 including soft drinks, Dhs390 including house beverages, and Dhs490 including bubbly.
Indie DIFC, DIFC, Gate Village 5, Podium Level, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Set menu from 1pm, a la carte after 5pm. Tel: 055 455 6106. indiedifc.com.
Ride for a cause
Pop on your best pink outfit and hit the cycle track to raise awareness for breast cancer. This 60km ride promises to be especially social, so don’t worry if you’re not the fastest – it’s all about the cause, not about your speed or ability.
Al Qudra cycling track, Al Qudra, Dubai, meet at 5.55am. More information on Facebook.
Sunday 2
Forget the calorie-counting
This oozy red velvet and white chocolate cake is definitely worth putting the diet on hold for. Or what about a peanut butter and jelly cookie? Accompanied by a single-origin, fair-trade cup of joe? Count us in. You’ll find all the above at The Surf Cafe’s new venture, a coffee and sweet treat section on the ground floor – so grab a few pals and have a lazy few hours before the always-hard return to work.
Origin Specialty Coffee & Cookies, The Surf Café, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, open 8am to late every day. Tel: (04) 346 6292. thesurfcafedubai.com.
Diary Dates
Tuesday October 4
A night out where you get a noodle box to take home at the end? Count us is. Zengo Dubai is launching its first ladies night this week, where gals will get three complimentary drinks courtesy of some pretty skilled bartenders. If you’re peckish, there’s nibbles at the bar or 50 per cent off dinner from a new Asian-inspired menu, and DJ Katty Torres will be on the decks to get the party started.
Zengo Dubai, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, JBR Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, ladies night is every Tuesday from 7pm to midnight. Tel (04) 316 5550. zengo-dubai.com.
Tuesday October 4
Dig into some Deutsch classics at the Brothaus Bakery-Bistro’s new Stammtisch Dienstag night (roughly translates as regulars’ table Tuesdays). Here you can load up on traditional German fare (we’re thinking a lot of schnitzel and pretzels), and then play some authentic card and board games as you digest. The night costs Dhs125 per person, which gets you a signature dish and a choice of five different drinks packages.
Brothaus Bakery-Bistro, Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay, Al Abraj Street, Dubai, Tuesdays from 5pm until close. Tel: (04) 369 0000. steigenberger.com
Images: Supplied
