Live DJ performances, dinners on the sand, outdoor brunch and more
It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time to switch on that out of office and hit Dubai. Hard.
Check out our list of awesome ways to spend your weekend in Dubai.
For more fun things to do in Dubai this week, click here.
Looking to dine out? Head here for all the best restaurants in Dubai.
For top bars to check out, click here.
If keeping active is more up your street, have a gander here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across Dubai.
Thursday
Catch DJ Smokingrove at Time Out Market Dubai
Glide into the weekend with melodic vibes as DJ Smokingrove jumps on the decks at Time Out Market Dubai this Thursday from 8pm until 11pm. Combined with a range of delicious plates from the elevated food hall’s rockstar vendors, there’s no better start to the weekend than this.
For more Time Out Market Dubai happenings, click here.
Thu 8pm-11pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutdubai.com/time-out-market-dubai.
Dine in the sand at Nikki Beach Dubai
Looking for a unique al fresco dining experience? Dinner in The Sand is returning to Nikki Beach. Enjoy a romantic bohemian and vintage-inspired dinner on a starry night under twinkling lights and an endless beachfront. A delicious two- or three-course meal accompanied by ambient-themed music by resident and global DJs are all part of the intimate affair. Luxe.
Dhs270 (2-course meal, welcome drink), Dhs370 (3-course meal, welcome drink). Nov 11 7pm-9pm, 9pm-11pm. [email protected] (04 376 6000).
Floatation therapy at Six Senses Spa
This sensory deprivation pod creates an environment where the body can rest weightlessly in the water, void of the kind of stimulation that leads to stress. Along with a place to quiet the mind, this treatment helps replenish magnesium and thus relieves symptoms such as muscle spasms and cramping, and it’s also beneficial for hormonal balancing, pain relief, increased circulation and more restful sleep. Be advised you can open the pod from the inside: we know thoughts of Final Destination are not conducive to a relaxing time.
Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Business Bay, sixsenses.com (04 512 5566).
Visit Expo 2020 on a cut-price ticket throughout November
Planning on a world tour this weekend? Make use of the Dhs45 midweek November Expo 2020 pass and explore hugely innovation edutainment installations, live cultural performance and gourmet food and drink from 192 country pavilions. The passes are up for grabs until Tuesday November 30 and are valid for one-day visits from Sunday to Thursday. Don’t miss the chance to enter a cool raffle with amazing prizes including a brand-new Nissan X-Terra SUV.
For all you need to know about Expo 2020, click here.
Dhs45 (November weekday pass). Until Nov 30. Expo 2020, expo2020dubai.com
Friday
Go techno with ARTBAT at Palmarama
Ibiza-style powerhouse Palmarama will host techno music duo ARTBAT this weekend, and its set to be another rager. Hailing from the electronic music scene of Ukraine, DJs Artur and Batish are poised to drive crowd wilds with the hypnotics and rhythmics of tech-house.
Minimum spend per table Dhs2,000 (reservations only). Fri Nov 12. WHITE Beach Dubai, Atlantis The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah (054 5822 778).
Jump into an outdoor brunch at Pai Thai
Hop on an abra and sail your way to this swish Thai brunch. The terrace juts out into the water and makes for a serene, charming afternoon with tasty food (don’t miss the dim sum). A romantic spot for a daytime date.
For more cracking brunches in Dubai, click here.
Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim (800 666 353).
Glam up your camping experience at Sedr Trailers Resort
Book yourself one of the 13 shiny metal American-style airstream trailers and revel in the marvellous mountain scenery (especially from the viewing deck). As this place is run by Meraas, there just had to be an on-site food truck, or fire up the barbie for DIY dinner.
Hatta, Dubai (800 637 227).
Meet artisans and see handicrafts at Dubai Design Week’s The Marketplace
Artsy? Head down to The Marketplace to explore a fascinating range of high-quality handmade goods, sustainable products and tasty food offerings. This year will present an even more varied experience, with more than 50 new participants, as well as a curated selection to support designers and producers working in Lebanon; from mouth blown glass and artisanal Lebanese delicacies to ceramics, and unique hand-crafted designs.
Nov 12-13 (10am-9pm). dubaidesignweek.com, [email protected], Dubai Design Week, d3.
Smash up the joint at Smash Room
Meditation apps not calming your mind? Let loose at The Smash Room – you know, that place where you can demolish an entire room full of TVs, laptops, printers, plates and more – and out those destructive thoughts to a real use. This is one of Time Out’s go-to destinations when a chill pill just won’t cut it. And as well as helping to clear your head, it’s also a tough physical workout, meaning any lost sleep will soon be returned with interest. Go wild, then catch some zzz’s.
Open Sun-Wed 12.30pm-10pm. Thu-Sat 10.30am-11pm. Umm Suqeim St – Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, thesmashroom.com (04 339 7810).
Start your day right with delicious new breakfast treats at Time Out Market Dubai
Pump up the energy for a great day (and even better weekend) with a hearty breakfast at Time Out Market Dubai. The delightful new morning menu includes Local Fire’s brisket burnt ends, Long Teng’s creamy egg custard buns and a lot more. November sun-ups don’t get anymore ‘good’ than this.
Fri-Sat 10am-1pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Saturday
Bag a bargain at Ripe Market
The much-loved flagship Ripe Market at the Academy Park in Umm Suquim has swung open its doors, so grab your tote bag and get ready to shop. Wander through the park to find fresh organic produce, merchandise by talented local artisans, and a warm community spirit – all the hallmarks of a great farmer’s market. It’s the perfect place to hang out, especially as the weather cools off and everyone heads back outside. Ripe Market has also opened Ripe By The Bay, in partnership with Dubai Festival City Mall, bringing a spectacular new night market to Festival Bay. The night market will be open until May 2022 and will take place daily from 4pm to 10pm. You don’t want to miss it.
Festival Bay. ripeme.com/ripemarket (055 543 1282).
Devour Mughal flavours at Jehangir’s
In the mood for some royal flavours? Al Ain’s much-loved Indian restaurant featuring Mughal cuisine with a modern spin has opened its doors in Dubai. Located close to Spinney’s in Mankhool, Jehangir’s specials include chakor kachori and jalebi chaat among more rich Mughal recipes passed down over the centuries.
Open daily noon-12pm. Al Mankhool, jehangirs.restaurant (050 5808191).
Sip on chai with a twist at The Yellow Chilli
Live, love chai? Head to Yellow Chilli, for a dose of some warm chai pleasures with a twist. The twist? Enjoy bottomless chai with a choice of snack for just Dhs19. Snacks to choose from include onion bhaji (onion fritters), vada pao (battered potato slider), and samosas. See you there at afternoon tea-time?
Dhs19 (unlimited chai with snack). Daily 4pm-6pm. The Yellow Chilli (JLT & Burjuman, Al Qasba Sharjah (056 551 1798).
Wipe out the stress with McGettigan’s JLT
Christmas festivities are in full swing at McGettigan’s with a Santa sack full of happenings across its branches until Christmas Day. Can’t join in the fun? Order the McGettigan’s special takeaway turkey with sausages wrapped in blankets, buttery brussels sprouts, honey-roast carrots, rosemary, garlic and thyme roast potatoes, sage, onion and apricot butter stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Dhs699 (serves 6-8 people, 48-hour notice required). Collection from The Bonnington Hotel JLT, mcgettigans.com.
