Staying in just isn’t an option
If you’re looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy Dubai this week, you’ve certainly got plenty to choose from.
Sing along to nostalgic hits at Lucky Voice’s Throwback Party, indulge in incredible foodie experiences (bottomless gelato brunch, anyone?) or shop to win an SUV at your favourite mall.
Throw in beachside staycations, local markets and family-friendly adventures, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a fun-filled week. Here’s our pick of the best things to do across the city.
Over to you!
Best things to do this weekend in Dubai
Try one of Dubai’s most iconic brunches
Every Saturday, 1pm-4.30pm, afterparty from 4.30pm, Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah
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If you’re looking for a spot that combines delicious food, good vibes and a great party, we’ve got just the place for you. Hosted at Maiden Shanghai at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, the Naughty Noodles Brunch mixes Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai and Beijing cuisine for the ultimate feast – from delicate dim sum to crispy prawns. Add plenty of entertainment to the mix (we’re talking dancing dragons, friendly pandas and MJ-style dancers), and you’ve got a brunch that is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
AED 350 non-alcoholic package, AED 450 for house package, AED 550 for VIP Premium Package. To book, email [email protected], WhatsApp 04 455 9999 or call 04 455 9989
Visit a local market
Saturday and Sunday, 10am-8pm, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall
MINT Market brings its curated edit of UAE-based independent brands indoors to Dubai Marina Mall, running every weekend from 11th July. Guests can spend the weekend by the waterfront, shop local, and discover some of the UAE’s most exciting independent brands in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting – making it an ideal school holiday outing for the whole family.
Free. For further information, follow @mintmarket.ae on IG
Shop to win an SUV
Until 30 August, various mall across Dubai
Dubai’s “Shop, Win & Zoom Away” promotion is giving shoppers the chance to drive home in a brand-new Exeed LX SUVs as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2026. Organised by Shopping Malls Group, the campaign rewards shoppers who spend AED 200 or more at participating malls with digital raffle entries, with five more SUVs still available to win. Participating malls in this year’s Shopping Malls Group DSS promotion include: Arabian Center, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Khail Gate Community Centre, Bay Avenue, Dubai Festival Plaza, Mudon Community Centre, Serena Marketplace, Shorooq Community Centre, Silicon Central, Villanova Marketplace and New West Zone Malls (Al Khail, Mizhar 1 & 2).
Free. For further information, visit shopandwinrewards.com
Dessert maxxing with a gelato brunch
Every Sunday, 12pm-10pm, Cioccolatitaliani, Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall
Cioccolatitaliani has launched Dubai’s first Bottomless Gelato Brunch at its Dubai Festival City Mall outlet, running every Sunday for an extra sweet end to the weekend. The experience offers guests unlimited artisan Italian gelato, premium flowing chocolate from signature fountains, and a selection of handcrafted Italian pastries including cannoli, cannoncini, maritozzi and bignè.
Made fresh daily using traditional techniques, the gelato can be customised with three varieties of premium chocolate, while guests can finish their indulgent treat with a signature Mini Affogato al Caffè and one included hot or cold beverage.
AED149 per adult, AED79 per child, AED399 for family deal (includes 2 adults and 2 kids aged 12 + under). For further information, follow @cioccolatitaliani.ae on IG
Experience Emirati excellence at the cinema
Available at VOX cinemas at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Nakheel Mall and Wafi Mall
VOX Cinemas has partnered with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) to launch ‘Emirati Chefs x VOX’, a limited-time dining experience that showcases the talents of Emirati chefs through an exclusive menu at THEATRE by VOX Cinemas. The collaboration features signature dishes by twin chefs Abdulrahman and Maitha Al Hashmi and pastry chef Ahmad Al Fardan, bringing authentic local flavours to the premium cinema experience. The initiative celebrates the UAE’s culinary heritage while supporting Dubai’s D33 economic agenda by promoting homegrown talent, with the special menu available for a limited time at selected THEATRE by VOX locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
To book, visit voxcinemas.com
Get a taste of Portugal without leaving the city
Every Saturday, 1pm-5pm, Lana Lusa, Uptown Dubai
Lana Lusa has launched Casa Lusa Brunch, a new Saturday dining experience celebrating all things Portugal. Taking place every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm at Lana Lusa in Uptown Dubai, the brunch features signature Portuguese-inspired dishes, free-flowing beverages and live entertainment for great weekend vibes.
AED300 for soft package, AED425 for house package and AED625 for premium package. For further information, visit lanalusa.com
Join the Throwback Party at Lucky Voice
Friday, from 8pm, Grand Millennium Hotel, Dubai
Missing the music of 2016? Lucky Voice Dubai is bringing it all back with its Throwback Party this Friday. You can expect a live DJ spinning all the biggest nostalgic anthems, interactive games, themed props and the venue’s signature party atmosphere. Ladies can enjoy three hours of unlimited selected house beverages and an entrée for AED 99, while gents can tuck into unlimited food and selected house beverages for AED 250.
AED 99 for ladies, AED 250 for gents. For further information, call 052 991 6979
The ultimate plot twist at Dubai Marina
Available until 30 September 2026, Dubai Marina, Dubai
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Why choose between the city and the beach when you can have both? Book a stay at Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club and enjoy complimentary beach access at Address Beach Resort on selected room categories. Spend your mornings by the marina and afternoons on the sand, with return transfers included, 20 per cent off beach dining and complimentary beach access for children under 12.
For further information, call 04 550 8888
Enjoy golden hour at carine
Daily, 4pm-8pm, Emirates Golf Club
Make the most of Dubai’s golden hour with carine by Chef Izu Ani’s new early evening offering. Available daily from 4pm to 8pm, enjoy a refreshing Summer Highball paired with a French-Mediterranean bar bite from AED128. Expect everything from truffle tart and salmon tartare to crispy calamari, all served against the beautiful backdrop of Emirates Golf Club. It’s the perfect excuse for an after-work catch-up or relaxed summer evening.
AED128 for one Summer Highball and one bar bite. For further information, call 04 417 9885
You might also like: Dubai Comedy Festival is coming back with 10 days of non-stop laughs
Join the Dubai Mallathon 2.0
Until 15 September, 6am-11am, Dubai Festival City Mall
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Dubai Mallathon 2.0 is transforming shopping malls into indoor fitness hubs this summer, encouraging residents and visitors to stay active in a fun, social and air-conditioned environment. Whether you’re aiming to boost your daily step count or simply enjoy a morning walk, it’s a great way to keep moving while escaping the heat.
For further information, visit dubaimallathon.ae
Celebrate the flavours of India
Friday to Sunday, 6.30pm-10.30pm, Bur Dubai, Four Points by Sheraton
Treat your taste buds to the bold, colourful flavours of India’s street food scene with All You Can Chaat. Feast on unlimited favourites including pani puri, papdi chaat, samosa chaat, aloo tikki chaat, bhel puri and dahi bhalla, all freshly prepared and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re a longtime chaat lover or trying it for the first time, it’s a delicious experience that’s guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
AED 30 per person. For further information, call 056 414 2213
Discover a curated line-up of dining offers at Bluewaters
Until 30 September, Bluewaters Dubai
Looking for your next foodie outing? Bluewaters is serving up a season of flavour with Gastronomy Island, running until the end of September. Expect everything from family-friendly dining deals and indulgent brunches to ladies’ nights, set menus, sundowner offers and live match screenings across the waterfront destination. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a weekend feast or an evening of restaurant hopping, there’s something to tempt every appetite this summer
For further information, visit bluewatersdubai.ae
Try out a refreshed menu at Amelia Dubai
Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
Amelia Dubai is giving its celebrated Nikkei menu a delicious refresh with a selection of new signature dishes inspired by Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Expect everything from king crab maki and Wagyu nigiri to black cod tempura, truffle mushroom risotto and a zesty yuzu cheesecake. Perfectly paired with the restaurant’s immersive atmosphere and inventive signature drinks, it’s another reason to book a table at this Downtown favourite.
For further information, call 04 328 2805
Treat yourself to The Equestrian Getaway
Valid until 19 September, Al Habtoor Polo Resort
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Swap the city skyline for peaceful polo field views with The Equestrian Getaway. This countryside-inspired staycation combines guided stable tours, family-friendly experiences, indulgent dining and exclusive savings, all just moments from the heart of Dubai. Whether you’re looking to unwind, spend quality time together or simply enjoy a slower pace, it’s the perfect summer escape for horse lovers and anyone craving a refreshing change of scenery.
AED499 per night. For further information, call 04 435 4495
