This weekend in Dubai could begin with tequila cocktails in Downtown and end with a wellness escape in Hatta. In between, there are new brunches, summer desserts, a family-friendly pizza class, pre-loved designer shopping, live music and more to add to your plans. Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Raise a glass for International Tequila Day at Amelia
If tequila is your drink of choice, Amelia Dubai is marking International Tequila Day with a one-day cocktail offer on Friday, July 24. For one night only, five signature tequila cocktails will be available for Dhs69 each, including the exclusive Mango Fuego, created especially for the occasion with tequila blanco, fresh mango, chilli, honey and lemon. Also on the menu are La Flora, MIA, Spicy Paloma and Amelia’s signature cocktail.
Where: Amelia Dubai, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
When: Friday, July 24
Cost: Dhs69 per tequila cocktail
Contact: @amelia.dubai
Start the morning at bkry’s new outpost
Breakfast fans have a new reason to head to Nad Al Sheba Mall, where Dubai favourite bkry has opened a new branch. The cosy space serves the bakery’s signature pastries, creative croissants, breakfast eggs and speciality coffee, alongside a selection of location-exclusive dishes.
Where: bkry, Nad Al Sheba Mall
When: Daily, 8am to 10pm
Contact: @bkry.space
Explore one of Dubai’s newest wellness clubs
If your gym routine could use a refresh, ARKHE is worth a look. The new wellness performance club in Dubai Marina brings together state-of-the-art training spaces, personal training, HYROX, unlimited recovery, longevity programmes, Dubai’s first PILAT3S Dynamic Reformer Pilates studio and an all-day café. The gym floor is open now, with the full club experience launching in September.
Read more here
Where: Silverene Tower, Marsa Dubai, Dubai Marina
When: Gym floor open now; full club experience launches September 1
Contact: (052) 733 9709 @arkhe.club
Try a new summer dessert at LPM
La Petite Maison Dubai has introduced the Tomatini Sorbet, a limited-time dessert created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Danny Khezzar. Inspired by the restaurant’s signature Tomatini cocktail, the non-alcoholic dish combines vine tomatoes, white balsamic vinegar and tomato vinegar, and is served with French toast brioche, tomato confit and basil for a savoury-sweet finish.
Where: La Petite Maison, DIFC
Cost: Dhs55
Contact: @lpmdubai
Shop pre-loved fashion while you dine at SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA has teamed up with So Much Trouble for a month-long Wild Summer pop-up, giving diners the chance to browse pre-loved luxury fashion throughout the restaurant. The collection of clothing and accessories is on display on-site, and if something catches your eye, you can scan the QR code on your coaster to shop it while you dine.
Where: SUSHISAMBA, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: @sushisambadubai @somuchtroubledubai
Book a Latin American brunch at AMARU
For a Saturday outing with plenty of energy, AMARU Dubai has launched Amigos Brunch at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The experience brings together bold Latin American flavours, sharing-style dishes, live DJs and a lively atmosphere, with plates including ceviche, tacos, empanadas and the restaurant’s signature 36-hour Asado Negro. House and premium drinks packages are available.
Where: AMARU Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: Every Saturday, 3pm to 7pm
Cost: Dhs350 (house package), Dhs499 (premium package)
Contact: (04) 227 5881, (050) 263 7060, @amaru.dubai
Escape to Hatta for a wellness retreat
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves switching off completely, JA Hatta Fort Hotel is hosting a two-day wellness retreat led by transformational coach and Family Constellations practitioner Tatiana Romanenia. Set in the Hajar Mountains, the programme includes sunset yoga, guided sessions focused on emotional wellbeing and self-discovery, overnight accommodation, breakfast, dinner and refreshments. Places are limited.
Where: JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta
When: Friday, July 24 to Saturday, July 25
Cost: From Dhs800 per person (sharing), Dhs950 single occupancy
Contact: @jahattaforthotel
Let the kids make pizza
Dodo Pizza has launched its Kids Academy in Dubai, offering children a hands-on introduction to making pizza from scratch. Little chefs get to work with dough, toppings and plenty of creativity before enjoying the pizza they’ve made themselves. The experience costs Dhs79 per child.
Where: Al Thanyah Fifth, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
When: Open daily, 12pm to 8pm, book in advance
Cost: Dhs79 per child
Contact: 054 247 6417,
Plan a dinner-and-drinks night at ZEA Dubai
For something that starts with dinner and ends like a night out, ZEA Dubai’s new PAREA experience blends Mediterranean-style sharing plates with live percussionists, dancers and a resident DJ. Running every Thursday and Saturday from 9pm, the evening builds gradually before turning into a late-night celebration.
Where: ZEA Dubai, Emirates Financial Tower, DIFC
When: Every Thursday and Saturday, from 9pm (until 2am)
Cost: From Dhs260 per person
Contact: @zea.dubai
Treat yourself to Em Sherif Café’s summer sweets
Em Sherif Café has launched a seasonal dessert menu inspired by Lebanese favourites, ideal for a slow summer afternoon or a post-dinner stop. Highlights include the nostalgic Bouza wo Ghazel el Banet, artisan ice cream in classic flavours, a fresh seasonal fruit salad with strawberries, kiwi and pomegranate, and a light strawberry cake layered with vanilla cream.
Where: Em Sherif Café, The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily, 12pm to 3am
Contact: @emsherifcafedubai
Try the Huda Beauty x SALT collaboration
Huda Beauty fans heading to Dubai Mall can stop by SALT for the brand’s latest collaboration, which includes three limited-edition Softie flavours inspired by the new Liquid Matte Mousse lipsticks. Customers will also receive exclusive Huda Beauty x SALT merch with the purchase of a Softie.
Where: SALT, Dubai Mall
When: July 10 to August 2
Contact: @findsalt @hudabeauty
End the weekend with drinks and live music
The Irish Village Studio One is celebrating its seventh birthday on Sunday, July 26, with all-day drink offers, live entertainment and the easygoing atmosphere the venue is known for. Pints, house grape and mixed drinks will be priced at Dhs27 throughout the day. If you miss the celebrations, there are still plenty of reasons to return, including all-day weekend roasts, a weekday lunch deal, ladies’ night every Tuesday and ladies’ and gents’ night packages starting from Dhs99.
Where: The Irish Village Studio One, Dubai Studio City
When: Sunday, July 26
Cost: Dhs27 for pints, wine and mixed drinks throughout the day
Contact: @theirishvillagedubai