Everything you need to have a stunning week in Dubai
Time Out Market Dubai, Expo wonderment, half marathons and Halloween deals; it’s all going on in Dubai this week.
Here is our essential guide to putting yourself front and centre for all the awesome stuff happening in your city right now.
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.
Book your place at Time Out Dubai’s 20th birthday bash
We’re turning 20, and you are being invited to our lavish celebration aboard brand-new night spot Float. The party isn’t until next week, but you’ll need to make a move sharpish to secure your ticket. We’ll be sharing more details nearer the time, but make sure you secure your spot at the party by contacting 054 711 1171. Reservations are a must.
Wed Oct 27, 10pm-3am. QE2, Port Rashid, @floatdubai, floatdxb.com (054 711 1171).
Catch Bollywood’s Devdas transforming into a Broadway show
Bollywood meets Broadway as classic Bollywood love story Devdas comes to the stage at the Dubai Opera. With lavish sets, beautiful costumes and melodious tunes, Devdas will be a visual treat for its audience.
From Dhs275. Thu Oct 21-Sat Oct 23 starts 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com.
Create your own scent at Oo La lab
Too musky, not strong enough or too light? If you struggle to find the perfect fragrance then this just may be the thing for you. Head over to a ‘sensorial’ workshop at the fragrance lab in Alserkal Avenue to learn the craft of mixing fragrances and perfumery to create your own signature scent. You can also learn the art of candle making.
Prices vary. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, oola-lab.com (058 501 2710).
Feast on a shedload of dim sum at Time Out Market Dubai’s Long Teng
Things just keep on getting better at Dubai’s hottest foodie destination. Long Teng has bolstered its already delicious menu with a mountain of new dim sum options. Bandit around a basket? You need to get sight of this, now.
Open Sat-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Fri noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Get a pump on with Reset Fitness
Wanting to get in tip-top shape ahead of beach season? Brand-new gym at Jumeirah Islands Pavilion, Reset Fitness, boasts 14 different types of workout spanning four categories, namely Combat, Shape, Strength and Cardio. Each prioritises a different fitness objective, facilitating tailored programmes that can help you reach your goals (and squeeze back into those swimming trunks) quicker. They reckon you’ll see the results in as little as six weeks. Tempting.
Prices vary. Open Sun-Thu 7.30am-8.30pm; Fri-Sat 7.30am-11.30am. Jumeirah Islands Pavilion, ihitreset.com (04 566 5475).
Get yourself to Expo 2020 for the Panamanian Marching Band
Panama’s marching bands are known for packing a punch, so expect a rousing instalment from this very special Expo 2020 Dubai strut. Combining art, feeling and plenty of flair with musical exploits in a display of mastery that will pump up any crowd.
Oct 20 5pm Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Exhibition Centre, expo2020dubai.com.
Have a happy Halloween at Motiongate Dubai
Fear seekers prepare, Motiongate Dubai’s notorious Halloween Fright Nights is back, promising seven weeks of terrifying experiences that will thrill the mind and chill the spine. Expect scary new additions to the theme park’s impressive array of shows and rides.
Prices vary. Until Nov 6 11am-8pm. Motiongate Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 820 0000).
Register for thrilling Festival City Half Marathon
Ready to put your best foot forward? You’ve only got a few days left to get your name in the mix for the Festival City Half Marathon series. Runners can choose one of the three designated paths, covering a distance of 21.1km, 10km, or 5km. There is also a 1km running path just for the tykes, so everyone in the family can take part.
Dhs275 (full race), Dhs195 (10km), Dhs150 (5km), Dhs50 (1km). Registration open until Oct 19. Races begin at 6am on Friday October 22. Dubai Festival City raceme.ae/event/dfc-half-marathon.
For a swish, peaceful retreat, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai ticks all the boxes. With a prime beachside location, the 178 spacious rooms and 78 suites are designed by interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes and overlook either the city or the beach.
Jumeirah Beach Road, mandarinoriental.com/dubai/jumeira-beach/luxury-hotel (04 777 2222).
See Al Farah take the stage at Time Out Market Dubai
Al Farah’s hoarse vocals and impressive guitar skills are a charming combination you can’t afford to miss at Time Out Market Dubai this week. A soulful mix of jazz, rock, funk, and pop anthems inspired by the likes of Bob Marley and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers awaits – alongside the city’s tastiest plates. Catch you there.
Free. Tue 7pm-10pm. Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Sip and sup at ladies’ night at the Grapeskin
Looking for a mightily good cheese and drinks deal for a night out with your girls? The ladies’ night at City Walk’s Grapeskin is a must. You’ll get three complimentary grape drinks and a mini cheese platter, so get it in your diary, stat.
From Dhs85-Dhs185. Daily 4pm-midnight. Ongoing. La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Dubai, Autograph Collection, City Walk, Al Safa Street (054 309 5948).
Take in the music of Gavin James
Do you also play All for You and City of Stars by Gavin James on a loop? Now you can listen to the Irish sensation live in The Baggot at McGettigan’s JLT. The beloved Irish pub is celebrating ten years of live music and anyone popping along will get a free drink with every ticket purchased. Spaces are limited, so you might want to jump on it right now (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Dhs150. Oct 21-22. The Baggot, McGettigan’s JLT mcgettigans.com/shop.
Tuck in at The Little Greek Shop at Expo 2020 Dubai
If a weekend visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai is on your mind, might we suggest stopping in at BB Social Dining’s The Little Greek Shop. The restaurant has a great Mediterranean menu and you’ll love the super-cool, relaxing space in the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainable District.
Sustainable Disctrict, Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Exhibition Centre, expo2020dubai.com.
Watch the exciting Tie Break Tens on its Dubai debut
Games so intense your head will become a pendulum. Watch out for the exhilarating Tie Break Tens tournament at the Coca-Cola Arena this week. Tie Break Tens is not tennis as you know it; these rapid-fire games are ten-point breakers in which every point counts. Eight players will compete in a knockout format and the winner will take home a whopping prize of Dhs500,000. Participating players include French professional tennis player, Gaël Monfils, while US singles ace, Taylor Fritz, and German crowd favourite, Dustin Brown will also be there, plus British number 1, Dan Evans.
From Dhs150. Fri Oct 22. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, tiebreaktensdubai.com.