Happy International Women’s Day, ladies! The annual celebration on March 8 is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who’ve come before us and those who’re set to transform the future. While we at Secret Dubai staunchly believe that women must be celebrated every single day of the year, March 8 is a great opportunity to add some fun to feminism and treat yourself or the ladies in your life to some fun. Championing gender equality and leaning into breakthrough glass ceilings is hard work, after all. Here are 15 phenomenal things to do to celebrate girl power.
1-6. Sip on free drinks and/or dishes at these restaurants when you visit on March 8
India Bistro has lined-up free starters and mocktails for women who visit the eatery from March 7-22. Choose from delicious mocktails such as masala mojito, watermelon caipiroska and more or tuck into scrummy starter options that range from lamb seekh kebab and broccoli dak bangla. You can plump for either a free mocktail or a free starter. Call 06 546 2228
Craving cocktails? La Mezcaleria, the restaurant and lounge located at Pavilion, The Beach is offering every woman who visits a complimentary cocktail on March 8. From 12pm onwards. Call 056 520 2020
Make the most of the magical Marina skyline at Atelier M at Pier 7. The rooftop lounge and restaurant is handing out a free glass of rosé to all women who visit the venue. You can choose from bites from their à la carte menu. Call 04 450 7766
At Qwerty in Media City, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing drinks when you order a main dish at the gastrobar in Media One Hotel. The offer’s valid from 12pm to 10pm on March 9. Call 056 843 6814
French restaurant Bagatelle at Fairmont Dubai in SZR is where girls can just have fun and all the unlimited bubblies as well. DJ Katie Pride will bring girl power to the decks along with Bagatelle’s resident DJ and belt out afro-house and indie dance music all night.
Call 04 354 5035 or email reservation dubai@bagatelle.com
Babylon, DIFC’s new dinner and a show hotspot is raising a toast to womankind with free dessert (Berry Pavlova) and a complimentary glass of bubbly while you enjoy the scintillating performances and wild costumes on March 8.
Call 04 352 7750 or email reservations@babylondifc.com
7-8. Gorge on Indian street food for reduced prices
In the mood for some girly chit-chat? Turn that to chit chaat (Indian street food) by heading out to Dhaba Lane this International Women’s Day. From March 8 to March 10, the Indian restaurant specialising in Punjabi cuisine is doling out unlimited servings of pink-coloured dahi puri to the ladies for just AED 15. Made with yoghurt that’s been infused with rose syrup, it’s a delicious treat you’ll want endless helpings of.
Available in Dhaba Lane outlets in Karama (043583554) and Garhoud (042237233)
Yummy Dosa are offering their Mumbai-style Jini Dosa for just AED 8 to the gals on March 8. The spring-roll style meal stuffed with spicy veggies would usually run up a tab of AED 29. The Women’s Day special is available at their outlets in Sharjah and Dubai.
Available at Discovery Gardens (04 876 7982) and Al Karama (04 342 6332)
9-10. Celebrate your femininity at these art workshops
A candle-making masterclass including food and drinks is happening at The Secret Bar inside Li’ Brasil restaurant at Address Beach Resort on March 8, from 6pm-9pm. During the workshop, you’ll snack on canapes like the traditional chipotle chicken snack of Coxinha Brasileira, cheese cigars, falafels and special drinks crafted by mixologists as you learn to mold wax into fun novelty candles.
AED 399 per person ; call 04 879 8888
The Royal Majlis at Emirates Golf Club is hosting a Paint & Dine event for the ladies on March 12, from 4pm-7pm. Built around a floral theme, women can create paintings inspired by flowers while sipping on wine and nibbling on a snack platter. AED 399 per lady.
Call 04 417 9999 or emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com
11. Bond over burning calories with your bestie
Female friendships get stronger with NRG Fitness’ BOGO workout offer for International Women’s Day. When you buy one class you get one free for March 8. The 45-minute sweat session can be utlilised anytime from 7am to 7:30pm. The class costs AED 120 for one person.
Call 050 652 7722
12. Laugh out loud at this female-led comedy event
Women are frickin’ funny, and comediennes from six different nationalities are set to prove that on March 14 at a special standup comedy called #Shelarious at Pubg.20 Social Lounge in Al Barsha’s Donatello Hotel. The all-female lineup set up by comedy club Comedy Kix and author Purva Grover will encourage you to turn giggles into cackles. The punchlines will be delivered by Iman Dumagay, Saaniya Abbas (India), Rebecca How (UK), Nidaa Babar (India), Jessica Combes (South Africa), Miriyam Mulla (UK), Gabriela Le Henand (Mexico) and Maria Vitoratos (Greece) from 7pm onwards.
AED 95 cover charge includes a signed copy of Purva’s book SHE and a free drink.
Call 0564848596
13. Dine with a generous discount at Nonya
Pan-Asian restaurant and Bar Nonya is offering a 15% discount on the total bill to celebrate International Women’s Day. Located on the 44th floor of Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers you can celebrate the great heights of womankind’s achievement with views to match.
Call 052 263 1565 or email reservations@nonyadubai.com
14. Treat yourself to free dessert at Baofriend
Funky new Aisan eatery Baofriend is treating the ladies to some sweet lovin’ with a free dessert – the Pashmak Bao. What’s that, you ask? Caramelised bao, creamy pistachio halva mousse, rose water caramel, and tangy pomegranate come together to create the luscious creamy dessert. Available at Baofriend’s Dubai Silicon Oasis branch on March 8 from 6pm to 11pm.
Call 04 2875120
15. Be serenaded by Italian singer Jo Squillo
Beauty and the beat is the way Luigia, the Italian restaurant at Rixos Premium Hotel in JBR is set to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. Your presence will bring in the beauty and the beat will be factored in by famous Italian singer Jo Squillo at their Festa Della Donna event. The singer and songwriter, who’s also an actress will belt out retro tunes from the 60s and 70s. From 8:30pm, a minimum spend of AED 200 gets each lady 3 free glasses of bubbles.