Top ways to fill the next three days
The long weekend is here at last and there is plenty going in Dubai.
Want to make the most of that extra day off? You’ve come to the right place.
From lively brunches to Expo 2020 Dubai and everybody’s favourite Time Out Market Dubai, here is everywhere you need to go to ensure a very happy long weekend.
Here are the best things to do in Dubai in October.
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.
Be captivated on a spin on Ain Dubai
Feel at the top of the world on Ain Dubai. The world’s largest observation wheel is opening with a big bang of live entertainment, light shows, drone shows and Dubai-style fireworks. Each Ain Dubai ride will take around approximately 38 minutes and you can check out Time Out’s first-ride review here.
From Dhs130 per person. Tickets on sale now. Opening Oct 21. Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Dubai. aindubai.com.
Cheer on the pros at the thrilling Tie Break Tens series
Be prepared to be thrilled by an exciting dose of short form tennis that sounds just smashing. The exhilarating Tie Break Tens matches are comprised solely of tie breaks – no games, no sets, just exhilarating ten-point breakers. Every point counts. The tournament will feature French number one player and winner of 10 ATP World Tour singles titles, Gaël Monfils, who is always a crowd favourite and widely known for his entertainment value.
From Dhs150. Fri Oct 22. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, tiebreaktensdubai.com.
Dig into El Chapo’s Tacos Thursday brunch
El Chapo’s Tacos is adding an extra brunch to its programme on Thursday October 21. Why? Well, because an extra day off calls for some extra spice. The four-course meal will have all our Mexican favourites including fresh guacamole, mountains of nachos, quesadillas, signature tacos and churros. Too spicy? Slurp down a glass or two of their craft beverages too cool things down. There’s also a Kids Cartel to keep the little amigos busy with arts and crafts, and free flowing ice-cream. A sure-fire way to spice up your long weekend.
Dhs49 (children 7-12 years), Dhs149 (4 course with soft drinks), Dhs199 (house drinks). Oct 21 (12.30pm-3.30pm). El Chapo’s Tacos, Studio City, Dubai. elchapostacos.xyz (04 514 5411).
Explore the brand-new mountain bike track in Mushrif National Park
Love rattling through the wild on two wheels with the wind in your hair? Saddle up, sports fans, because Dubai is getting a brand-new 50km mountain bike track in the Mushrif National Park. Set among a picturesque, lush forest of some 70,000 trees, the epic new track has been designed to weave seamlessly through the emirate’s natural beauty, all while providing a wild ride for cyclists. The track is the first of its kind for Dubai, and phase one of the ongoing development already stretches for 20km. A further 30km is on the cards for phase two.
Open daily 8am-10pm. Mushrif Park, dm.gov.ae/historic_item/mushrif-park/ (04 288 3624).
Feel the drama of Devdas at Dubai Opera
Epic Indian romantic drama Devdas is coming to life at Dubai Opera this weekend. Expect to be amazed by over-the-top sets, colourful costumes, memorising stunts and some fantastic tunes. Think Bollywood meets Broadway and book your spot, pronto.
From Dhs275. Thu Oct 21-Sat Oct 23 starts 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com.
Get your barbecue on at Phileas Fogg’s
Love them smoky feels? The Big BBQ family barbeque brunch will be a sizzling fun-filled day out for the whole clan. Straight out of Kingsley’s Smoke Pit will be some legit delish items including barbecue chicken, smoked brisket, ribs, sausages and veggie skewers all served with salad, slaw, sweet corn and rice ‘n’ peas. Eat to your heart’s content and enjoy the family entertainment including arts and crafts, balloon bending, face-painting, a juggler and live singer.
Dhs299, (house package), Dhs399 (premium package). Oct 21 (1pm-4pm). Phileas Fogg’s, Montgomery Golf Club Academy, Emirates Hills, foggs.xyz (04 572 4477).
Grab the gang for a Family Picnic Brunch at The Scene
Fridays weren’t enough, so there’s an extra Thursday brunch at The Scene to kick-off the long weekend. Set against the backdrop of Dubai Marina, The Scene is a great spot for some weekend fun. A three-course brunch, combined with fun kids’ activities including face-painting, balloon bending, and arts and crafts, sounds like a weekend afternoon well spent.
Dhs199 (soft package), Dhs299 (house package), Dhs349 (premium package). Oct 21 (12.30pm-3.30pm). The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina. thescenedubai.com (04 422 2328).
Hang on to Oktoberfest at The Brew Garden
Not ready to let go of the Oktoberfest vibes? The Brew Garden is giving everyone a chance to savour the famed European vibes with an evergreen German à la carte menu designed for the whole family. Plates making their way on to your table include a roast knuckle, veal schnitzel, and currywurst sausages (are you getting as hungry as we are?).
Dhs249 (inclusive of soft drinks), Dhs349 (inclusive of house beverages). Oct 21-Nov 6 (5pm-1am). The Brew Garden, Dubai Hyatt Gardens. hyattrestaurants.com (056 413 5373).
Have a giggle with The Laughter Factory
Looking for a right laugh this weekend? The Laughter Factory is packaging up plenty of giggles with its latest laugh-out-loud tour in Dubai. The side-splitting programme is one again shining the spotlight on joke merchants from around the globe – all carefully selected to make sure your thigh goes home redder than a clown’s nose.
Oct 21 – Grand Millennium Barsha Heights; Oct 22 – Studio One Hotel, Dubai. All shows start at 8.30pm. thelaughterfactory.com (0508786728).
Join the celebratory festivities at Bluewaters Dubai
Bluewaters Dubai is splashing with fun and entertainment you don’t want to miss. The 2021 Bluewaters Street Festival is celebrating openings of the city’s most awaited spots including Ain Dubai, Madame Tussauds Dubai, and TR88HOUSE. Packed with live performances, food experiences and entertainment, the festival will run until November. More to come will be musical and dance performances across the island (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm-9pm), thrilling Halloween festivities (October 28-30), and an entertaining Diwali celebration (November 4-6).
Free entry. Until Nov 20. Bluewaters Island, Dubai.
Launch into space from the French Pavillion
Transport yourself into outer space and explore the magnificence of the galaxies and nebulae as the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates space week. The pavilion will transform its promenade to show visitors the wonders of deep-space. Panel discussions, documentary series, and workshops will also be a part of this stimulating experience. Ready to launch into space?
Free. Oct 20, Oct 22, Oct 23 8pm-10pm. France Pavillion, Mobility District, Expo 2020 Dubai. expo2020dubai.com.
Let your hair down at the Pat Sharp Party Brunch at McGettigan’s DWTC
Britain’s TV legend Pat Sharp is taking over McGettigan’s for an evening filled with nostalgia. Relive your childhood and join McGettigan’s DWTC for the return of the Pat Sharp Party Brunch with an afternoon of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s-inspired fun and games. Enjoy your favourite throwback tracks on top of a three-course à la carte menu with unlimited beverages. You can also dress as famous faces from the past to add more fun. An afternoon to remember.
Dhs299 (house package), Dhs349 (premium package). Oct 22 (3pm-6pm). Pat Sharp Fun House Party Brunch, McGettigan’s, Building 8, DWTC, mcgettigans.com/shop (04 378 0800).
Play Squid Game at Expo 2020 Dubai
Fans of the popular dystopian South Korean Netflix show Squid Game can experience real life versions of the games in the series – minus the violence and life-taking eliminations. Players can try their hand at the now famous traditional Korean playground games every day at Expo 2020 Dubai until Thursday November 14. The hour-long games begin at 3pm every day.
Daily at 3pm until Nov 14. Republic of Korea Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.
Start the day with Time Out Market Dubai’s new cranked up breakfast
If you wake up craving a tasty breakfast this weekend, jump out of bed and head to the Time Out Market. The city’s hottest dining destination is sure to set those craving at bay. Dig in Brix’s unmissable French toast, Local Fire’s brisket burnt ends, or Long Teng’s creamy egg custard buns. There’s something for everyone, even the picky-eaters.
Fri-Sat 10am-1pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Swing to DJ Dadou at Time Out Market Dubai
Kickstart the long weekend in true Dubai style with DJ Dadou’s live set at Time Out Market Dubai. And while you are there be sure to feast on some of the finest plates in all of Dubai from 17 rock star vendors. Tasty.
Thu 8pm-11pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutdubai.com/time-out-market-dubai.
Take in the music of Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James
The award-winning singer and songwriter Gavin James is returning to Dubai. He will enthuse his audience at The Baggot at McGettigan’s JLT on Thursday October 21 and Friday October 22 with his famed pop numbers. The Irish singing sensation is known for favourites such as All for You favourites and City of Stars, and has been a supporting act for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kodaline, and Sam Smith.
Dhs150. Oct 21-22. The Baggot, McGettigan’s JLT mcgettigans.com/shop.
Witness the Panamanian Marching Band
Head over to the Expo 2020 Dubai to watch the spectacular Panamanian Marching band pack a punch. Marvel as the band pumps up the crowd with rousing energetic performances combining art and musical sounds of trumpets, drums, and xylophones directed by twirling batons.
Free with Expo entry ticket. Oct 20, 5pm. Al Wasl Plaza. Expo 2020 Dubai. expo2020dubai.com
