The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to be making the most of it with designer pop-ups, celebrity stylists, free yoga, and stacks of sushi.
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Thursday 9
Marvel at (or maybe even splurge on) some luxury lovelies
We’ve been looking forward to Dior’s Spring/Summer 2017 ready-to-wear collection – the first designed by incoming artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri – since we saw it on the catwalks last year. (Yes, it’s the collection with that already-iconic ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ tee). And for a limited time, you can get your hands on the most popular pieces at a pop-up from the luxury label in Dubai’s Level One shoes. Think embroidered tulle dresses and power suits, and wave goodbye to your savings…
Level Shoes, Ground Floor, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to 12am. Dior pop-up is in-store until March 25. Tel: 800 538 3573. levelshoes.com.
Book in with a celebrity hairdresser
OK so Cassondra Kaeding won’t actually be in Dubai until next week, but we have a feeling slots will book up fast – so get in while you can. The Hollywood colourist-to-the-star, who’s tended to the tresses of Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Hudson, is in town for five days only, and will be available for services including balayage, dip-dye and highlights.
JetSet, Emirates Towers Boulevard, Dubai. Appointment will be held between 9am and 8pm from March 16 to 20. Prices from Dhs735. Tel: 050 298 8787. facebook.com/JetSetUAE.
Friday 10
Try out a new brunch
We’ve been long-time fans of OKKU’s ladies’ night, and based on the food then, we’re psyched for the launch of the Japanese-inspired spot’s new Friday brunch. There’ll be piles of fresh seafood (think shucked oysters and sushi platters) alongside signature plates, and then sweet treats including Fuji apple tarts and passionfruit and ginger crème brulees. But what we’re most excited about is the 80s and 90s playlist…
OKKU, The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Fridays 12.30pm to 6pm. Dhs299 per person with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house beverages, Dhs449 with premium beverages and bubbly, free for under sevens, half price for under 12s. Tel: (04) 501 8777. okku.com.
Forget your troubles and get happy
Last month’s wild wind and rain put a bit of a dampener on the subsequently cancelled Happiness Festival, but luckily the event has been rescheduled – and is taking place this Friday. With 65 wellbeing experts on hand to host sessions throughout the day, the festival will include everything from group yoga and personal training sessions, to talks on mindfulness and meditation, keeping cool and more. Here’s a full schedule of all of the classes happening at the event.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai Studio City, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, 11am to 6.30pm. Free (but register here). Tel: (04) 3618111. thehappinesshub.me.
See a British cooking star in person
Food writer Deliciously Ella is in the city for the Dubai Food Festival, where she’ll be holding some healthy cooking demos this weekend (and some attendees should even get a taste of the finished product). The cookbook author is also going to host a demo and forum at Miele Kitchen at 11.30am, so if you’ve got a particular question for her, you might have it answered then.
Al Islami Kitchen Stage, Etisalat Beach Canteen, behind Sunset Mall, Dubai, 3.30pm to 5.30pm. dubaifoodfestival.com.
Saturday 11
Get a dose of culture
The festival that celebrates home-grown artistic talent is back for a seventh year with a programme jam-packed with visual and performing arts, music, film, literature and food. More than 150 artists and institutions are taking part, so there’ll be something for everyone, whether you want a workshop for the kids or some late-night live music.
Sikka Art Fair, Al Fahidi Historical District, March 11 to 21. Click here for the full schedule. sikka17.com.
Try a tropical-influenced brunch
Beach balls, coconutty drinks, lilos… this sounds like paradise. This beachy get-together promises Mediterranean plates, BBQ dishes and fresh sushi, along with DJs on the decks as the sun slips below the horizon. FYI, there are a few different times depending on where you want to eat. If you choose the restaurant, you’re looking spots from 1pm to 3pm or 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Fancy the terrace and beach setting? That’s between 2pm and 4pm. We’re mentally putting on our flip flops as we type…
Blue Marlin UAE, Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotel, Dubai, 1pm to 11pm, Dhs295, or Dhs550 for premium bubbly. Tel: (056) 1133400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com.
Images: Supplied
