After working hard all week, it’s only fair you play hard this weekend. Make the most of the next three nights and two days with our entertaining list of things to do in Dubai this weekend. From a free house music party and outdoor movie screenings to underwater-themed brunches and vibrant arts festivals, this list of 18 brilliant things to do in Dubai this weekend won’t disappoint. Unlike Mondays.
1. Catch the free Dhai Dubai Light Festival
Expo City’s Al Wasl Plaza will be illuminated by stunning light art installations all weekend as part of the first-ever Dhai Dubai Light Festival. Dreamed up by the same creative curators behind the renowned Vivid Sydney Light Walk, this light festival is out to highlight visionary Emirati artists through interactive installations, and 3D light projections. Get details here.
2. Watch a free movie at this open-air movie night in JLT
Grab a blanket and pack up a tub of popcorn, then make a beeline for the JLT Park open-air cinema sessions. Taking place every Saturday until March 2, this popular outdoor movie night is free for all and screens family-friendly action flicks, animated classics and the like. More details here.
3. Attend a free concert by American RnB singer Trey Songz
Soho Garden Meydan is going to be the place to be on Saturday, February 3 as RnB crooner Trey Songz takes to the stage. The Mr. Steal Your Girl and Bottoms Up singer will get the crowd up on their feet as he belts out his biggest hits. Doors open at 10pm; ladies and couples enter free until 1am.
4. Gobble up unlimited Steak and Fries
Peaches and Cream’s beachy, breezy vibes and outdoor seating make it an ideal beach club and restaurant to lounge around on weekends, but now this Palm Jumeirah joint is upping the ante with an unlimited Steak and Fries deal on Saturdays. A perfectly grilled succulent steak paired with fluffy, crispy golden fries for AED 119 per person. Want some wine to wash down that steak? You can add on a free-flowing wine package AED 299. From 8pm to 11pm; book here.
5-6. Groove to techno and house music at two Dubai nightspots
🎧 British-Austrian DJ Cassy is bringing her eclectic mix of tunes to Honeycomb Hi-Fi on February 3. The trendy space in Pullman Hotel Downtown Dubai – Dubai’s first and only listening bar – will echo with the beats of minimal techno and house tunes. Known for her residency at Berlin’s Panorama Bar as well as manning the decks of popular Ibiza clubs like Cocoon and Circoloco, DJ Cassy’s a party powerhouse to reckon with. From 11pm until late; find details here.
💿 French DJs Sébastien Léger and Apache will kick of a party under the stars at Be Beach. Located on the Dubai Habour waterfront, this new beach club boasts spectacular views which when combined with the melodic techno sounds of the DJs make it a hypnotic evening out. Léger’s singles such as Hit Girl, Hypnotized and Firefly are dancefloor favourites while DJ Apache is known for deep house music with bouncy African beats that will keep you grooving all night long. Doors open at 6pm; free entrance for ladies, AED 150 for gents. Call 054 751 1119
7. Grab unlimited grills at Punjab Grill’s lavish Weekend Brunch deal
This Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant at Anantara Hotel in Business Bay is offering up its fine-dining delights for less than AED 200 per person. Their newly launched Weekend Brunch Deal serves up a feast of unlimited platter of kebabs and grills, bottomless pins, house beverages and frozen margaritas (there’s a cinnamon-flavoured one). Vegetarian options are included as are desserts. The weekend brunch starts at 6:30pm on Fridays and from 12pm-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
From AED 195 per person. To book call 050 194 1107 or visit www.punjabgrill.me
8. Feast on unlimited pizzas for AED 99
Italian pizzeria Al Fresco Dubai at the Millennium Plaza Downtown has dreamed up a pizza party like no other on Thursdays and Fridays every week. Diners can binge on slice after slice of a variety of pizzas featuring different toppings for just AED 99 per person. The deal throws in a glass of wine too. You can pick from classic pies like the Margherita and Quatro Formaggi as well as more exotic Frutti Di Mare (Seafood) and Funghi Feschi (mushroom) pizzas. Call 054 305 7622 for bookings.
9. Enjoy oysters and live jazz at the Canary Club’s rooftop
Plush JLT bar and lounge, Canary Club, has an Acoustic Apertivo sundowner deal on Sundays happening at their Tiki’s Rooftop. You can slurp down on six oysters, knock that back with free-flowing prosecco and listen to live jazz while basking in the warm winter sun. All that for AED 149 per person. From 2pm-5pm; call 04 584 5999
10. Ladies, there are two free beach parties for you this weekend
Sorry, boys! You’ll have to cough up an AED 150 admission free but the gals go in free at two beach parties taking off at BCH: CLB in W Dubai – the newest kid to join Dubai’s ever-growing string of beach clubs. On February 2, DJ Manda Moor starts of the celebrations from 7pm. February 3 sees DJ Sirius Hood take to the decks and spin some of the hottest mixes 4pm onwards.
Call 04 834 3803 or WhatsApp 058 575 0805
11. Find your zen at a beachside breakfast and yoga session
Koko Bay, the popular beach club perched on Palm West Beach is a weekend hotspot for its chill Bali vibes and stunning location. Now, they’re checking off Bali-style wellness too with a beachside yoga class and breakfast every Sunday. Limber up with the cool sea breeze on your face and offer sun salutations to the morning sun under the guidance of yoga expert Lauren-Anne. The one-hour yoga session starts at 8:30am and wraps up with a complimentary breakfast.
AED 150 per person; call 04 572 3444.
12. Brunch at Atlantis The Royal for less than AED 300
Jose Andres, the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Spanish-American chef is spreading joy and good cheer in Dubai with wholesome Spanish food at his restaurant Jaleo By José Andrés at Atlantis The Royal. The signature La Feria brunch on Saturdays features the chef’s signature dishes and beverages all for AED 295 per person. Combined with Flamenco performances, and table-side theatrical acts the meal will transport you to Spain and experience one of the world’s 50 best hotels!
From 1pm-4pm, call 04 426 2800
13. Sashay into a Saturday ladies’ night with glorious views
Atelier M in Pier 7 is hosting a rocking good ladies’ night deal every Saturday where girls can grab a three-course set menu with 3 drinks all for AED 169 per lady. As a bonus for being organised, guests get 2 additional drinks when they pre-book. From 6pm to 10pm. Call 04 450 7766 or 050 380 3316 for bookings.
14. Catch the final weekend of Reel Palestine festival at Cinema Akil 25Hours
The 10th edition of the annual Reel Palestine Film Festival comes to a close this weekend at the Cinema Akil pop-up in 25Hours Hotel. Before the curtains drop on the final film showing on February 4, visit the festival for some fabulous masterclasses and movie screenings.
Films on the roster this weekend are Notes on Displacement, R21 Aka Restoring Solidarity, Les Miserables by Ladj Ly, and Here and Elsewhere. Covering genres from thrillers and feature films to documentaries and dramas, the films screened at the festival also span an array of languages from Arabic to French and English. Find more info here
15. Take the family to a DJ pool party at Wild Wadi
The famous water park’s Wave Pool turns into a party zone from February 3 to 11 with a fun DJ pool party. A live DJ will play non-stop music from 10am to 6pm as you float around the waves on a tube. The waterpark also has an All-You-Can-Eat snacks deal for AED 70 per adult and AED 60 per child. UAE residents get a 40% discount on tickets with an adult pass priced at AED 195, AED 175 for kids aged 12 and under and free entry for tots of three years and below. Get tickets here .
16. Have fun fairground experience at DIFC
The financial district isn’t all suits and stocks – Gate Avenue, the lifestyle destination in DIFC does family fun with plenty of flair and style. Until February 4, they’re putting up a Whimsical Family Funfair at the Zone D Podium Level every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kids can zoom on race car tracks, dabble in arts and crafts, and much on popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream from food carts. Free popcorn also awaits you when you show up for free movie screenings at Index Mall inside Gate Avenue – dive into hits like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Matilda and Brave will engross you. Entry is free and activities cost AED 20 each.
17. Savour dinner and a show at this rooftop lounge
Mi Amie, the swanky new terrace lounge and restaurant in Jumeirah Emirates Towers has been making waves since it opened last year for its dazzling views of the Museum of the Future. They’ve now thrown in a spectacular dinner show on Fridays and Saturdays full of dancers, singers, drummers, and saxophonists all vying for your attention with the vista. Ooh, where to look? Minimum spend of AED 300 per person redeemable on food, drinks and shisha. From 8:30pm-11pm. More details here https://secret-parties.com/event/the-dinner-show-cVq9K2GJ1WWt
18. Enjoy a cold pint at this pop-up Beer festival
The Habtoor Grand Resort has transformed its outdoor area into a Beer Garden for the delightful winter season. The limited-time beer festival features food stations and hops from around the world to dig into along with live entertainment, until February 20. From 1pm-1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. More info here.
19. Dive into an ‘Under the Sea’ brunch at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The iconic wave-shaped hotel’s restaurant Kitchen Connections has a family-friendly Under the Sea brunch to feast at every Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:20pm. Much like the name hints, bounties of the sea are highlights at this buffet as are entertaining appearances by mermaids, a bubble show and a parade of sea creatures. Craft beverages and live entertainment will reel in the adults while kids can stay hooked with arts and crafts, balloon modelling, a mini chef’s corner and more. Book the brunch here.