Who said you have to wait for Friday? Here are 10 excuses to get out of the house this week

Dubai may be synonymous with extravagant weekends, but the allure of the city doesn’t wane from Monday to Thursday. Whether you’re seeking a lively dance class, a serene library café, or a sophisticated summer tasting menu, there’s no shortage of activities to engage in. From rejuvenating spa retreats to delightful afternoon teas, this week offers something for every vibe, budget, and preference — proving it’s worth stepping outside to escape the heat, even in the midst of summer.

Here are 10 fun things to do in Dubai this week

Monday, July 7

Start your week with a proper business lunch

Three Cuts Steakhouse

Image: Supplied

Elevate your week with a business lunch that feels more like a treat. Found atop Nakheel Mall, Three Cuts focuses on keeping it straightforward yet delightful: top-quality meats, expert preparation, and a relaxed atmosphere. The lunch set is succinct — one starter and one main course — but far from ordinary. Expect options like beef carpaccio, mushroom risotto, and steak frites, all for Dhs135. Whether you’re dining alone or finalizing business deals, this midday escape is sure to recharge your energies.

Location: Rooftop, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah

Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm

Cost: Dhs135 for one starter and one main

Contact: (0)4 395 6000. @threecutsdxb

Treat yourself on World Chocolate Day

Läderach

Image: Läderach website

Attention chocolate enthusiasts! Monday, July 7, is World Chocolate Day, making it the ideal occasion to indulge guilt-free. Whether you crave rich ganache, crisp pralines, or avant-garde desserts, Dubai is brimming with options. One standout is Läderach, a Swiss artisan chocolate shop acclaimed for its high-quality chocolates and exquisite pralines. With a passion for craftsmanship, Läderach handles every production step in-house, ensuring that each creation—from signature slabs to café offerings—is a testament to quality. Explore the city for all the chocolate-centric events, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Location: The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre

Times: Monday–Thursday: 10 am–11 pm; Friday–Sunday: 10 am–midnight

Cost: Chocolate bark starts at Dhs320

Contact: laderach.ae. @laderach_uae

Tuesday, July 8

Shake things up with a belly dancing class

belly dancing class

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Need to add some rhythm to your workout? Join OneFit’s new weekly belly dancing classes that incorporate fun, music, and core strengthening. Ideal for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, these 50-minute sessions allow you to disconnect and enjoy a lively workout. Guided by professional instructors, the classes will focus on hip movements, isolations, and posture while you groove to upbeat tunes. It’s a low-impact yet effective alternative to traditional exercises.

Location: OneFit, multiple Dubai locations

Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am; Wednesdays, 6pm (50 mins)

Contact: (0)4 570 0922. @onefituae

Booking: Through the OneFit app or onefitdubai.com

Cool down over a summer afternoon tea

Summer Breeze Afternoon Tea at One&Only Royal Mirage

Set in the elegant ambiance of the Lobby Lounge and Samovar Lounge, this seasonal offering features a delightful combination of savory bites, fresh pastries, and refreshing teas, all meticulously curated to reflect the luxe surroundings. You also have the option to couple your tea experience with creative candle-making with Kinza — a delightful touch that transforms a simple gathering into a memorable afternoon.

Location: Lobby Lounge & Samovar Lounge, One&Only Royal Mirage

Times: Daily, 3pm to 6pm

Cost: Dhs210 per person (afternoon tea), Dhs395 per person (with a glass of bubbly), Dhs250 for Kinza candle-making.

Contact: (0)4 399 9999 oneandonlyresorts.com

Get your taco fix at this waterside summer pop-up

Tortuga

Image: Supplied

Tortuga is making a sought-after comeback this summer at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam as a pop-up venue. Known for its vibrant Mexican cuisine, Tortuga serves up all the favorites — sizzling fajitas, chimichangas, street corn, and, of course, delicious tacos. Open daily from lunchtime into the evening, Tuesdays are particularly exciting with an unlimited taco offer. Feast on classics like carne asada and crispy Baja fish, all in a fun, relaxed environment that captures the essence of Mexican dining.

Location: Hanaaya, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Times: Daily, 12:30pm to 10pm

Cost: Taco Tuesdays priced at Dhs150 (unlimited tacos) or Dhs250 (with 3 drinks)

Contact: 800 323 232 jumeirah.com

Wednesday, July 9

Dive into a new all-day breakfast at North Audley Cantine

North Audley Cantine

This new selection features light, fresh, and flavorful options such as shakshuka poached eggs, Turkish eggs, and Monterey Jack scrambled eggs served in a brioche bun. Can’t decide? Opt for the NAC Breakfast Plate for a little taste of everything! If you’re more inclined toward greens, their kale and cabbage salad is a refreshing must-try. They’ve also reintroduced sharing plates featuring fan favorites like popcorn chicken, honey sweet potato, and decadent desserts, like speculoos French toast.

Location: H Residence, Al Safa

Times: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm

Contact: (0)43791774 @nacdubai

Reservations: nacdubai.com

Level up your summer Pilates routine

 

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Want to stay consistent through the quieter months? REVIVE, the boutique Pilates studio at Jumeirah Golf Estates, has introduced a limited-time Summer Unlimited Reformer Pilates Pass — granting you access to unlimited group classes throughout July and August. This pass is valid at both their flagship Fairways studio and the newer REVIVE+ within the Golf & Country Club. Regardless of your experience, the pass allows participation in beginner, mixed, and advanced Reformer classes, all taught by certified instructors.

Location: REVIVE: First Floor, Jumeirah Golf Estates, REVIVE+: Inside Jumeirah Golf Clubhouse (via gym)

Times: Mon–Fri: 6am–8pm, Sat–Sun: 8am–11am

Cost: Dhs999 per month (July & August only)

Contact: (0)52 674 1822 revive-pilates.com

Hide out at a cosy library café

Located in the stylish D3, The Lighthouse is a café and concept store offering more than just meals. With its emphasis on aesthetic appeal and quality, you can enjoy a delicious menu while browsing its curated selection of culinary and design literature, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Location: Building 6, Dubai Design District

Times: Open daily, 8am to 11pm

Cost: Coffee starting at Dhs22

Contact: (0)4 380 2088 @thelighthouse_ae

Thursday, July 10

Take a midweek pause with a luxe summer spa deal

PAUSE Spa

Image: Supplied

In need of a refreshing break in the middle of the week? Look no further than PAUSE Spa by Château Berger at the Paramount Hotel Midtown. This serene retreat draws inspiration from French wellness practices and the glitz of Hollywood. You can experience their signature ‘To The Stars’ massage, a personalized treatment designed to relieve tension, ease muscle soreness, and provide a profound sense of relaxation. The tranquil environment transports you far from city noise, making it an exceptional midweek escape.

Location: PAUSE Spa, Paramount Hotel Midtown

Times: Daily from 10am to 10pm

Cost: Dhs550 (60 mins), Dhs690 (90 mins)

Contact: (0)4 246 6666. paramounthotelsdubai.com

Pair cocktails with curry at Jamavar’s new tasting menu

Jamavar

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Jamavar Dubai presents its new Spice & Spirits tasting menu — a four-course experience designed to be complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. Delight in dishes that showcase contrast and harmony, like smoky prawns paired with apricot Palomas, and butter chicken served alongside a refreshing kaffir-lime daiquiri. Whether you choose vegetarian or non-veg, each dish offers a modern twist on Indian cuisine, with a warm and inviting ambiance reminiscent of its MICHELIN-star status.

Location: Jamavar, Address Residences Opera District, Downtown Dubai

Timings: Daily from 12pm to 12am (12:30pm on weekends)

Cost: Dhs395 per person

Contact: 04 553 7852. jamavarrestaurants.com. @jamavardubai