Get set for live performances, fun for all of the family and Christmas shopping
That time of the week again already? Hurrah! To be sure you have heaps of fun things to see and do this weekend in Dubai and beyond we have listed our top picks.
From the likes of live performances by Jason Derulo and Craig David to fab new restaurant openings, there’s some not-to-be-missed events this weekend.
With a whole lot of festive-themed fun on top, your weekend is in the bag.
Don your Christmas pullover
You know that Christmas has well and truly arrived when it’s time to dust off and don that ugly Christmas jumper. If you’ve been wearing the same festive jumper for five years running and you are due a new one then we have you covered as we have listed the best places to bag one. There’s still time, but you better be quick.
Get cracking with the Christmas shopping
If you still have plenty of Christmas shopping to do for your friends and loved ones, or have yet to even start then you will want to get involved in the Dubai Shopping Festival. Running until the end of January, you’ll have ample opportunity to take advantage of this Dubai-wide festival which features amazing discounts on international and home-grown brands, incredible competitions and a programme of great events.
Dubai-wide. Wed Dec 15 until Sun Jan 30. visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf.
Brunch & Cake by the Lake
Love brunch? Love cake? Then you will love Brunch & Cake by the Lake which has just opened up in Jumeirah Islands, opening its doors today (Thursday December 16). This will be the fourth UAE outlet for the popular Barcelona-born concept. Expect vibrant wholesome all-day dishes in an ultra-inviting dining space with picturesque lake views.
Opens Thu Dec 16. Open daily 8am-10.30pm. brunchandcake.com/en (800 4726362).
Turn it up at Time Out Market Dubai
Got no plans this Thursday evening? You do now. Hotfoot it down to Time Out Market Dubai to increase the tempo on the weekend. Ivo Morello, one half of Dutch DJ duo, the Morello Twins will be bringing electronic beats to the state with his live set. What’s more, you will want to grab a slice of the 30 festive dishes currently on offer so sink your teeth in whilst you have the chance. Christmas burger or Christmas pizza anyone? Yes they really are a thing at Time Out Market Dubai.
Thu 16 Dec, 8pm onwards. Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Candylicious’s Christmas party
Party season is here and to be sure your nippers get well and truly into the festive swing, be sure to partake in the Candylicious’s Christmas party. Expect fun for all of the family with the chance to get a Santa selfie with the man in red himself and stock up on sweet treats whilst you are at it. When you book your ticket on KidzApp you will receive a complimentary Garrett Popcorn taster bag, a printed picture with Santa, plus a personalised lollipop or candy bag to boot.
Dhs99 (book on KidzApp). Thu Dec 16 to Fri Dec 17, 5pm-7pm. Dubai Mall, Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Thedubaimall.com (800 382246255).
Get the Friday feelings going
If the idea of letting loose and throwing shapes on the sand sounds good to you this weekend then Bohemia at Beach by FIVE is the place for you this Friday. DJ Morten will be delivering an awesome set that you won’t want to miss. The Dutch artist and producer, who has previously collaborated with the likes of David Guetta will be bringing his banging beats so gear up for an awesome night.
Fri Dec 17, 1pm until late. Dhs200 (ladies). Dhs300 (gents). Access and three beverages, Dhs1,000 minimum spend for sunbeds (up to four guests). Dhs2,500 minimum spend high table (up to four guests). Dhs5,000 cabana (up to eight guests). Dhs6,000 VIP table (for up to 10 guests). Dhs15,000 VIP cabana (up to 15 guests). palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com/eat-drink/beach-by-five (04 455 9989).
Festive family fun
If you are looking for something fun for the family this weekend then LEGOLAND® Dubai has you covered. Kids will love the just-launched Festive Bricktacular with its awesome array of festive events to get involved in. There will be ornament building workshops, LEGO bingo, cupcake decorating and a special visit from Santa. Your little ones will not want to miss out.
From Dhs275. Festive Bricktacular open until Sat Jan 8. Parks & Resorts. Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, legoland.com/dubai (04 820 3123).
Get a beak-full of Al Baik
When it comes to Christmas eating, we all know that one of the best bits to look forward to is the bird. If you are bored with the traditional festive fare and want to spice things up a bit then be sure to get your chops around an Al Baik chicken meal, available to order from Talabat. If you have yet to try this beloved Saudi chicken chain, this weekend is the time to do it.
Available from Talabat in: Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Design District, Al Quoz 1,2 and 3, Al Safa, Jumeirah 1, 2 and 3, Al Wasl, DWTC, DIFC, Al Satwa, Karama, Al Bada’a, Zabeel 1 and 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai Healthcare City, Umm Hurrair 1 and 2, Oud Metha, Mankhool, Al Jaffiliya, Al Hamriya, Al Mina, AL Hudaiba and Al Raffa.
Start your day on a high
If the idea of breakfast over views of Dubai-on-high sounds good to you then you will want to check out AURA Skypool this weekend. The new sky-high hangout has just launched its breakfast menu which comprises both healthy and indulgent dishes.
Dhs150. 10am-2pm (morning session). 3pm-7pm (afternoon session). Dhs300 (full day). Nakheel Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, auraskypool.com.
Behold some epic gingerbread
Christmas is a time for Insta opportunities aplenty and for one of the most impressive sights that your grid will thank you for this festive season then you will want to check out the colossal gingerbread installation at H Hotel Dubai. Be warned, as delicious as it looks, it is a feast for the eyes only.
Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Centre, Trade Centre 1, Dubai, hoteldubai.com (04 501 8888).
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Partake in the festivities at Expo2020
Expo 2020 is offering an early Christmas prezzie in the form of its Dhs95 Festive Passes. For this month only you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the Expo 2020 site and get the chance to make the most of all that is on offer including its seasonal programme of events, live music and dazzling Christmas decs.
Dhs95. expo2020dubai.com
Rendevous with Craig David
It’s going to be a big weekend because Brit-pop legend Craig David will perform live at MOTN this Friday December 17 to conclude the 10-day Mother of the Nation Festival in Abu Dhabi. The chart-topping artist behind tunes such as 7 Days, Rise & Fall and Insomnia will be bringing his much-anticipated beats so be sure not to miss out.
From Dhs75. Dec 9-19, 4pm-midnight (Sun-Thu), 2pm-midnight (Fri-Sat). Fri Dec 17 (Craig David), 7pm (doors open). Abu Dhabi Corniche, motn.ae.
Tip-toe down to Soho Garden to see Jason Derulo
There’s an epic lineup of live music at Soho Garden Meydan this weekend and chief among them is Jason Derulo. He will be taking to the stage this Saturday December 18. What’s more, he will also be joined by techno-pro Sven Väth on Thursday December 16, along with American rapper Fivio Foreig on Friday December 17.
Reservation required. Minimum table spend applicable. Thu Dec 16 (Sven Väth). Friday Dec 17 (Fivio Foreign). Sat Dec 18 (Jason Derulo). 10pm-3am. Racecourse, Grand Stand, Al Meydan Rd, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, sohogardendxb.com (052 388 8849).
