Summer is over. At least on the calendar it is, even if the wall of humidity outside says otherwise. But what it means for Dubai is that everyone has trickled back into the city after their holidays and there are tons of things to do. From epic immersive events to dreamy ballets and memorable concerts, here’s our guide of the 34 best things to do in Dubai this September.
1 . Dig into a glamorous nighttime brunch
Hutong Dubai’s after-dark brunch is back for its 2023 edition starting September 7. Aptly named the ‘Dark Brunch’, every Thursday the atmosphere will be pulsating with vibrant LED displays, a resident drummer, thrilling fire acts and an artist who’ll paint calligraphy Chinese characters and intricate designs on diners. We’d say wait until after dinner to get painted as the enticing brunch menu features fresh new hits like duck bao, spicy crispy octopus, roasted chicken medallions and more. From AED 288 per person
From 9pm-12am; call 04 220 0868
2. Jazz up your evenings with live music at Q’s Bar
Dutch singer-songwriter and TV personality Oumnia Guigui and her velvety vocals will mesmerise guests at Q’s Bar and Lounge in Palazzo Versace from Wednesdays to Sundays. Having penned lyrics for bestselling artists such as Rita Ora K-pop band Black Pink and Martin Garrix, this musical powerhouse who’s featured in Holland’s Got Talent and The Voice of Holland promises some stunning shows for fans of live music during her two-month residency.
Call 045568805 for reservations; minimum spend from AED 250
3. Try an array of cuisines at JW Marriott Hotel’s food festival
The world’s tallest five-star hotel’s annual food festival called Restaurant Month has returned with set menus and deals for diners to explore all nine of its restaurants. Until September 30, you can enjoy set menus for signature restaurants at JW Marriott Marquis for AED 245 and prix fixe menus at casual dining venues for AED 125 for casual dining venues. Call 04 414 3000
4-10. Watch the Asia Cup Cricket Matches live in Dubai
Asia’s biggest cricket teams will lay it all on the pitch during the Asia Cup 2023. Although the games are being held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can catch the action live in Dubai in an energetic stadium-like atmosphere at an array of sports bars and restaurants. Click here for details, timings and prices
11. Have a shivering good time at this ice bath experience
The towering Business Bay hotel SLS Dubai is collaborating with Dubai-based wellness company Endorphins Method to host two 60-minute breathwork and ice bath classes on September 24 and October 1. These sessions will walk participants through guided breathing exercises followed by dunking into sub-zero tubs of ice. AED 399 per person includes access to the gym, rooftop pool and a 20% discount on selected spa treatments and poolside refreshments.
From 8am; email spa.reception@slshotels.com for reservations
12. Savour an exclusive meal by MasterChef Australia judge Gary Mehigan
Imagine being dined and wined by a Michelin star chef and a celebrity TV chef. You can make that a reality when you sign up for the exclusive Four Hands Dinner by Michelin star chef Mansour Memarian and MasterChef Australia’s judge Chef Gary Mehigan. On September 8 and 9 the culinary giants will be whipping up a nine-course menu at this intimate dining experience at the award-winning restaurant, Vanitas, Palazzo Versace.
8:30pm onwards; from AED 1,400 per person. Call 04 5568805 for reservations
13. Walk through stunning sculptures in DIFC
Dubai’s financial district has some serious cultural clout. Its annual open-air gallery-style exhibition is on until September 30 in the DIFC Sculpture Park. Titled ‘Tales Under The Gate’, this year’s exhibition sees manicured streets of DIFC dotted with video installations, thought-provoking sculptures, and vibrant paintings from regional and renowned international artists, including greats like Salvador Dali. The surrealist’s Woman of Time with the iconic melting clock is on display too. Find details here
Entry is free of charge and open to all; click here for details
14. Enter Van Gogh’s gorgeous paintings (kinda) at this digital art exhibition
So a field of sunflowers is out of the question for us this September, but you can definitely be enveloped in them and the Starry Night at the Van Gogh x Japan immersive exhibition at TODA. The digital art experience brings the Dutch painter’s masterpieces to life and delves into how Japanese art forms influenced him. The 1-hour experience results in some unforgettable snaps and riveting storytelling, so don’t miss it!
Find more info and tickets here.
15. Glam up at this fashion pop-up featuring Papa Don’t Preach and others
Trending Indian designer label Papa Don’t Preach has been a darling of the stars from Paris Hilton and Jennifer Aniston to Alia Bhatt. After embellished candy-coloured outfits have been taking fashion weeks, red carpets and our Instagram feeds by storm, the haute couture brand is set to dazzle Dubai’s fashionistas on September 16 for one-day-only at The PosH-Rack’s festive fashion edit. It’s happening at the One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina. Shop till you drop from 10am-8pm.
Call 0555609524 or email poshrack1@gmail.com
16-22. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert in the UAE
Attend one of the many stunning Candlelight concerts happening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this September. It’s your chance to be captivated by pop hits by Coldplay, and Taylor Swift, film soundtracks from Anime movies, and classical tunes by Chopin, Beethoven and Ludovico Einaudi. Set in spectacular venues such as the Burj Al Arab and Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel lit by thousands of LED candles, it’s a night out for the books. Click below for info and tickets.
💜Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift in Abu Dhabi
🎵Chopin’s Best Works at Burj Al Arab
🪕A Century of Iconic Arab Music at Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah
🎸Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay
☯Candlelight: Best of Animes
🎹Beethoven’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight A Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi
21. Relax with a cinema meditation experience at Cinema Akil
If you’re used to turning on the TV and binge-watching every Netflix show and movie ever to tune out the stress, this cinematic meditation experience is for you. The 45-minute audio-visual experience will lead you through meditative practices under the guidance of energy healer Raghdan. Each week focuses on a new theme and will teach you to embody that main character energy. Until September 30 at Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue.
Get tickets here
23. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Dubai’s authentic Bavarian Pub
From food prepared by German chefs to music played by German bands in a German pub, it’s time to say Prost! Ernst, Dubai’s only authentic Bavarian pub and beer garden is hosting their annual Oktoberfest starting September 14. Delicious food, bands from Germany and on-tap beverages all make this one of the city’s best Oktoberfest experiences. Find details here.
23. Take a hike at the amazing new trail in Mushrif Park
As much as we whinge incessantly about the Dubai heat (it’s a love language), the weather is edging towards winter, at snail-pace but there’s progress. With longer evenings and shorter days, the perfect outdoor activity to try is a hike at Mushrif Park’s new 10km trail. While it launched in June, now is the perfect time to test this spot out during weekends. Find details here.
24-26. Make your weekends count with these fabulous nightlife events
Party people, after working hard all week, make sure you play hard at one of these cool events by The Spot. Dazzling brunches at one of Dubai’s most beautiful restaurants, Afrobeat club nights, and Friday afternoon pool parties to drown away your work-week sorrows are all in place. Get more info and tickets below
🥂Soul Brunch Downtown at Papa Dubai
🪩WALL2WALL at Lekki Club
🤽♀️Out of Office Fridays: Pool Party
27. Catch a graceful performance of the iconic ballet Swan Lake
The Hungarian National Ballet’s critically acclaimed performance of Swan Lake is coming to Dubai Opera from September 8-10. Tchaikovsky’s epic score and the lithe, graceful movements of some of the best dancers in the world will recreate on stage the tale of Prince Siegfried and his doomed love for Odette, Queen of the Swans. Get tickets here
28. Enjoy the last of indoor games at Dubai Sports World
The annual indoor sports arena will close doors on September 10, so this is your final chance to check out all of the different fitness activities and sports on offer at Dubai World Trade Centre. On weekends, they also have a fun festival filled with music, entertainment and a farmer’s market with fresh produce. Find details here.
29-30. Watch Indian comics Kapil Sharma and Vir Das live in Dubai
Two stellar Indian comics are set to tickle Dubai’s funny bone this month.
😂On September 24, stand-up comic and talk show host Kapil Sharma will amuse fans in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena with his witty anecdotes. Get tickets here
🎭Four days later on September 28, comedian Vir Das returns to Dubai with his ‘Mind Fool Tour’ with two back-to-back shows the Dubai Opera. Known for Netflix specials such as Abroad Understanding and Losing It, this tour promises fresh material and Das’ signature fresh and intelligent (yet hilarious) perspective on issues. Get tickets here.
31. Run through snowy obstacles at the Ice Warrior Challenge
The Ice Warrior Challenge is back for a 14th edition at Ski Dubai with a 3.5km assault course. On September 24, participants will brave the cold by overcoming 20 different obstacles from monkey bars, climbing walls, net crawls and an ice pool. Registrations close on September 17. Find more here.
32. (Head) lock your calendar for WrestleFest DXB
The showmanship, exaggerated rivalries, insane stunts and make Dubai’s only wrestling tournament a thrilling live experience fans of the sport will enjoy. Happening on September 9 at Warehouse 4 in Al Quoz, the wrestler to emerge triumphant from the ring during this 2nd edition will win the title of Dubai World Wrestling Champion. Pro Wrestlers, both male and female, from, Spain, Morocco, UAE, Philippines and more will battle for glory.
Get tickets here
33. Be mesmerised by thrilling acrobatics at La Perle by Dragone
Dubai’s first permanent show is a visual treat at all times of the year. Located in Al Habtoor City, this aqua theatre filled with 2.7 million litres of water is the setting for a scintillating aerial and aquatic acrobatics show inspired by Dubai’s pearling history. Designed by legendary theatre director Franco Dragone – the same genius behind The House of Dancing Water in Macau and Le Reve in Las Vegas – this is a defining Dubai entertainment experience you don’t want to miss. Get tickets from AED 209 here.
34. Enjoy a piano performance by Japanese pianist Marie Kiyone
SAMIT Group is putting up a special performance by the musical virtuoso on September 24 as part of their VIP Classical Concert series in Dubai Opera. Kiyone will tinkle the ivories with renditions of two composers – Chopin’s best works, Lizst’s solo piano arrangement Tickets for AED500 per person are available here.