This weekend we’re finally going to learn how to stand-up paddle board, see a few arty exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and spice up our iftar with a little Asian influence.
Thursday 30
1. See A Photography Exhibition At Alserkal Avenue
Coming Up Roses is the latest collection by Farah Al Qasimi, which explores beauty and feminity through a series of photographs and videos. Al Qasimi is the artist behind The World Is Sinking, an exhibition which looked at the contrast of luxury and poverty in Dubai, and she’s sure to not disappoint with her latest installment.
Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: +971 50 556 9797. More information can be found here.
2. Become A Social Media Star (For A Second, Anyway)
As part of its celebration of the Holy Month, Quest Arabiya has asked viewers across the region to share videos, images and stories of their Ramadan traditions. The TV channel has also produced 24 short infobytes that are being shown between programs, which teach viewers about different Ramadan practices across the globe, from the Middle East and Africa all the way over to Iceland and the US.
To submit your video, email social@questarabiya.com or check out the project at questarabiya.com/captureramadan.
3. Have An Asian-Inspired Iftar
To honour the Holy Month, contemporary Chinese restaurant Zheng He’s is offering customers a special iftar menu. Guests can bond with friends and family over a variety of quintessentially Oriental dim sum and thirst-quenching beverages (non-alcoholic, of course). Highlights from the iftar menu include a chicken, prawn and chive dumpling, as well as Chinese-spiced glutinous rice dumplings.
Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, iftar from sunset to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 432 3232.
Friday 1
4. Be Too Cool For School
Now that schools are out for summer and the scorching weather takes days at the park out of the equation, it’s time to get in the water. RIVA Beach Club and Ignite Surface have come up with a whole host of aqua sports for the family to try out, including swimming lessons, a kids’ summer camp, and discounted stand-up paddle boarding and wake-boarding. Activities can be mix and matched – for example, toddlers aged three and above can be signed up for swimming lessons while parents get 30 per cent off paddle-boarding lessons or two-for-one beach access – including sunloungers – for Dhs115.
IVA Ristorante, Bar and Beach, Shoreline Building 8, Palm Jumeirah. For more information on the summer programmes call (04) 430 9466 or email reservations@riva-beach.com.
5. Visit The Art Bazaars Of Art Souq 2016
Abu Dhabi dwellers who haven’t already should get down to this year’s Art Souq before Ramadan is over. This unique event, only held during the Holy Month, mixes exhibitions of contemporary art, crafts, traditional art forms and interior design under one roof. What’s more, you can take pieces home with you – the Art Bazaar sells handmade items created by female artisans.
Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Al Bateen Area, Villa 15, Al Huwelat St, Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 2 621 0145.
6. Stock Up A Sharing Fridge
The Ramadan Sharing Fridges Initiative was started by an Australian expat to help those most in need across Dubai this Holy Month. Anyone can donate food and drink to existing fridges across the emirate – find the closest one to you here.
Saturday 2
7. Have a beautiful brunch
There’s nothing like waking up on a weekend morning knowing you’re about to get a big feed. And we don’t mean the boozy blow-outs Dubai is so famous for – we’re just talking about eggs. At Craft Cafe, the newest addition to Dubai’s design district, their talented chefs have combined art with food to create dishes truly worth of an Instagram post. It’s all healthy, happy, home-grown, home-cooked fare that won’t disappoint.
Building 10, Design District Road. (04) 514 9032. Open from 8am – 6pm.
8. Spoil Yourself
If you’ve had a long week, why not pick yourself up with a few gifts? We’d recommend a Friday brunch voucher from The Collective, Grand Hyatt Dubai worth Dhs299, or a Bioderma Hydrabio facial mist SPF30, worth Dhs99. Or what about a complimentary skin analysis and facial from Bloom Laser and Aesthetic Clinic in Jumeirah, worth Dhs250+, a Luxury Closet voucher (15 per cent off), and an Indigo Living ceramic mug worth Dhs99? How about all of that for just Dhs120? Sign up for a Chic Living Kit and it’s yours!
9. Diary Dates
Every Sunday in July, Gaucho’s amazing indoor cinema will be celebrating the greatest superheroes in cinematic history. Starting this Sunday with Spider-Man 2, the rest of the month will see Ironman, Batman, the X-Men and Superman all take to the screen for Dhs100 per person, including a cinema menu (popcorn, nachos and mini burgers).
Starts at 7.30pm, call (04) 422 7898 or email events.dubai@gauchorestaurants.com to book. Gaucho, Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC.
