The weekend is finally here (and looking like it’ll be a long one at that!), so we’re going to be making the most of it with the last suhoors of Ramadan, pool parties, fireworks and super sales.
Read:
This Crystal Heiress Just Tied The Knot In A Dubai Designer’s Stunning Gown
This Is How Early You Should Arrive At DXB This Weekend
Thursday 22
Book a last-minute staycay
If you don’t want to fork out on an overseas trip but still want to treat yourself to a nice night away over the break, now’s a good time to take advantage of the summer deals you can find at plenty of UAE hotels. We’ve put together a little list of some of our favourites (click here), such as City Walk’s art-infused boutique offering, La Ville.
La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Al Multaqa Street, Dubai. Tel: (04) 403 3111. Rooms start from Dhs713 between June 22 and June 26. marriott.com.
Friday 23
A late-night brunch
Get the long weekend off to a cracking start with a feast that goes into the early hours (because hey, you probably won’t have to go to work on Sunday). From 7pm, Media One Hotel’s Q43 Lounge will be putting on a Friday brunch – that includes table service, rather than a buffet – and then you can stick around to party the night away.
Q43, Media One Tower, Media City, Dubai, open from 5pm to 2am, brunch between 7pm and 10pm. Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house beverages. Tel: (04) 443 5403. Click here for more information.
Check out a super-chic pop-up
If you’re a fan of Chloé’s timeless bags (and who isn’t?), this weekend could be the time to get your hands on one. The heritage French fashion house has launched a pop-up in The Dubai Mall dedicated to its popular Nile bag – yes, the curved leather one with the elegant bracelet handle. There are plenty of styles and hues at the limited-time store, so you might be able to grab one that’ll really help you stand out from the fashion crowd.
Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, until June 23. Tel: 800 38224 6255. thedubaimall.com.
Saturday 24
Enjoy suhoor with a twist
Celebrate the end of the Holy Month at Place Du Ramadan, a North African bazaar-themed community event in Alserkal Avenue. There’ll be a street café, live music, fashion boutiques, inspirational talks, and more.
Warehouse 46, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, June 21 to June 24, 9pm to 1am. Free entry. Tel: (050) 101 9757. place-du-ramadan.com.
Sunday 25
Hit up a pool party
Sure, it’s set to be a scorcher over the long weekend, but the summer heat becomes manageable – for safe 30-minute or so sessions – when you’re up to your shoulders in cool water, which is what you’ll find at Zero Gravity this weekend. The Dubai club beloved by Justin Bieber is opening up its beach and swimming pool for day-to-night celebrations, featuring live DJs and plenty of food and drinks. Want more ideas for ways to cool off over Eid? Click here.
Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Al Sufouh Road. Sunday 25 and Monday 26, 10am to 3am. Entry is Dhs200 per person (Dhs150 is redeemable against food and drink). Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae.
Shop around the clock
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi is holding a 24-hour Mega Sale with stores open from 10am on June 25 to 10am on June 26. There’ll be entertainment and special deals, and once you’re tired of shopping you can catch a movie at Vox Cinemas, or check out the rides at Ferrari World, which will also be open all night long.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, sale from 10am Sunday June 25. Tel: 800 9276255. yasmall.ae.
Attend an Arabian party at JBR
This is one for the Instagram account… from Sunday to Tuesday, giant Arabic lanterns and canopies draped in fairy lights will be set up at Rimal in JBR. Henna artists will be on hand to adorn your palms and ankles with intricate Bedouin patterns, while Lebanese Zaffa dancers and LED marching bands will add to the festivities.
Rimal, JBR, Sunday June 25 to Tuesday June 27, 8pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 390 0091. More info on Facebook.
Monday 26
Treat yourself to a massage
Eid is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little weekday indulgence, and the beautiful Saray Spa, located within the JW Marriott Marquis hotel, is offering 50 per cent off all 60-minute massages (usually priced from Dhs450) from Sunday to Thursday throughout the summer.
JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 414 6754. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com/sarayspa
Finish the weekend off with a roast
Nothing gets you ready for a return to work like a hearty roast, and that’s what Gaucho are putting on this weekend. The Argentinian eatery in DIFC are hosting family-friendly slap-up meals, where you can choose from three tasty courses (think dishes like shrimp ceviche, sirloin with chorizo and yorkshire puds, and dulce de leche profiteroles).
Gaucho, Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai. Roasts on June 26 and 27. Dhs185 for roast only, Dhs215 for two courses, Dhs245 for three courses. Tel: (04) 4227898. gauchorestaurants.com.
Enjoy Eid fireworks at Dubai Festival City
Celebrate the second night of Eid Al Fitr with a spectacular fireworks display over Dubai Festival City Bay, combining pattern, colour and sound. Make sure to get there early to secure a comfortable viewing spot.
Dubai Festival City Bay, Monday June 26, from 11pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 2085261. More info on Facebook.
