The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to be making the most of it with night markets, A-list appearances, and free plays.
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Thursday 27
Get in the Christmas spirit (wait, what?)
No, you didn’t read that wrong – there’s a festive night market taking place at Aussie cafe Tom & Serg. (They often have a second Christmas-type celebration during July Down Under). Expect stalls showcasing a range of fashion, homewares and arty little titbits, with festive tunes and Mexican-inspired nibbles.
Tom & Serg, Al Quoz, Dubai 6pm to 10pm, July 26 and 27. Free entry Tel: 056 474 6812. Click here for more information.
See some chart-toppers perform their best hits
If you, like us, have a bit of a soft spot for early 2000s pop, then you’ll like this one. British band Liberty X – yes, those of Just A Little fame – are performing in Dubai for one night only, although don’t expect the original five-piece (Jessica, Michelle and Kelli have instead regrouped to form a trio).
Societe, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am. Free entry. Tel: 050 699 3191. societe.ae
Friday 28
Treat yourself to a proper pamper
With the summer heat still raging on, we’ve been seeking sanctuary in Dubai’s many spas – and got a particularly good scrub down at the newly-opened Address Boulevard. The Moroccan Hammam (Dhs500) consists of an invigorating lather with eucalyptus soap, a thorough full-body exfoliation, and a soothing hair and body mask. You’ll leave with skin smoother than you’ve ever had in your life, we promise.
The Spa at Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, open daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 561 8126. theaddress.com.
Catch a West End show
Well, not quite – you can’t zip over to London for free, but you can watch a live screening of the Harold Pinter Theatre’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The 1962 play charts the breakdown of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, and stars Harry Potter villain Imelda Staunton and Games of Thrones’ Conleth Hill.
The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz. July 27 and 28, 8pm to 11pm. Free entry. Tel: (050) 9861761. courtyardplayhouse.com.
Saturday 29
See a Bollywood icon in the flesh
Because who wouldn’t want a chance to meet Shah Rukh Khan? The actor will be in Abu Dhabi this weekend for a personal appearance, along with his Jab Harry Met Sejal costar Anushka Sharma. The pair will be walking a red carpet in the mall’s central atrium, before mingling with fans. We reckon get there early to get the perfect spot for a guaranteed handshake…
Dalma Mall, 19th Street, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, 6pm. Tel: 800 325 626 255. dalmamall.ae.
Take a cultural road trip to the capital
Scratch your arty itch with this organised road trip to two Abu Dhabi galleries – all free of charge (including the bus ride). This Alserkal event takes guests up to the capital, and then for a guided tour of two exhibitions – one at the Guggenheim at Manarat Al Saadiyat and another at the NYUAD Art Gallery.
Nadi Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, 3pm to 8.45pm. Free but spaces limited, reservations necessary. Tel: 50 556 9797. Click here for more information.
