The best things to do this weekend in Dubai

family having fun at Centara Dubai

Staying in this month just isn’t an option

 

Wondering what to do this weekend? Dubai has you covered.

Fancy a family day out? A little retail therapy, a new restaurant to try or a big night of music and laughs? Well there’s plenty happening around the city.

Take the kids to Modesh World before it wraps up, personalise your next purchase at Marc Jacobs, or lace up for the AI-powered Dubai Mallathon.

Come night time, kick things off with drinks at a rooftop bar before heading to catch DJ Alan Walker, comedian Sunil Grover or the Beat The Heat DXB finale.

Over to you!

 

Best things to do this weekend in Dubai 

 

Spend and win with this exciting activation at Subdued

Thursday, 20 August, 5pm-8pm, Dubai Mall

A girl wearing a pink blouse in front of a door

Subdued is celebrating the season with a fun Back to the City activation at Dubai Hills Mall this Thursday, 20 August. From 5pm to 8pm, shoppers spending AED 500 or more can enjoy a complimentary customised claw clip, adding a playful personal touch to their look. Head to Level 1 to browse Subdued’s latest pieces, pick up your personalised accessory and enjoy a little something extra with your shopping trip. It’s the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe for the season ahead.

Free. For further information, visit subdued.com

 

Keep the kids entertained at Modesh World

Until 23 August, 12pm-10pm, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

people performing on stage with children watching them

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? Modesh World is heading into its final few days at Dubai World Trade Centre, with plenty to keep little ones entertained. You can expect play areas, carnival rides, games, workshops, stage shows, food trucks and meet-and-greets with Modesh and Dana. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm, entry is free for everyone, so it’s an easy win for a family day out before it wraps up on 23 August.

Free. For further information, visit visitdubai.com

 

Enjoy an elegant afternoon at The Lobby Lounge

Daily, 12.30pm-5pm, JBR Dubai

lobby lounge afternoon tea set

Looking for something elegant to do this weekend? Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, where its signature Afternoon Tea brings together beautifully crafted savoury bites, freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and premium teas. Set in the stylish Lobby Lounge overlooking JBR, it’s a lovely way to catch up with friends, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or simply escape the everyday for a few hours.

Traditional Afternoon Tea: AED 220 – Buy 1, Get 1 complimentary, Royal Afternoon Tea ith one glass of premium sparkling: AED 329. For bookings, call 04 399 4000

 

Treat yourself to a last-minute summer staycay

Dubai Islands, Dubai

family having fun at Centara Dubai

Planning a family getaway before summer wraps up? Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is offering a Summer Family Escape with 25 per cent off dining, drinks and spa treatments, plus daily breakfast included. Book by 31 August for stays until September 30 and enjoy a choice of early check-in or late check-out, unlimited access to the waterpark and kids’ club, and exclusive access to the Mirage Family Lounge when booking a Mirage room or suite.

Book by 31 August. For further information, visit be.synxis.com

 

Lace up for this AI-edition of Dubai Mallathon

Saturday, 22 August, Dubai Festival City Mall

Dubai Mallathon AI powered

Dubai Mallathon is getting a futuristic twist this weekend, with Yango Group bringing its AI Assistant Yasmina to Dubai Festival City Mall this August as the event’s first AI race commentator. Starting at 6am, runners can choose from 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes, with Yasmina offering encouragement, wellness tips, pacing and hydration reminders. An autonomous delivery robot will also hand out water and medals, while winners can take home Yasmina AI speakers.

For further information, visit Dubai Mallathon – Run & Walk In Style

Dance the night away at DJ Alan Walker

Saturday, 22 August, Dubai

coca cola arena exterior

Electronic music fans, this one’s for you. Alan Walker is heading to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for Frequency 971, bringing his signature sound and spectacular visuals to the stage. Known for global hits including Faded, Alone and Sing Me to Sleep, the Norwegian DJ will headline a night of electronic beats alongside UAE favourites DJ Bliss and DJ Slim. You can expect an immersive audiovisual experience, high-energy sets and plenty of reasons to dance from the opening track to the final beat.

AED149. For further information, visit coca-cola-arena.com

 

Add some charm this weekend at Marc Jacobs

Friday, 21 August, Dubai Mall

Marc Jacobs tote bag held by a model

Marc Jacobs is adding a personalised touch to your next shopping trip with a special Charm Bar activation at Dubai Mall this Friday, 21 August. Taking place on Level 1 of Fashion Avenue, the experience will give customers the chance to create their own personalised keyring using a selection of exclusive charms with their purchase. So if you’re looking to refresh your accessories or simply fancy a little something extra, this is a fun way to add a personal touch to your Marc Jacobs haul.

For further information, visit thedubaimall.com

 

Join the good vibes at Beath The Heat DXB

Saturday, 22 August, Dubai World Trade Centre

Beat The Heat DXB is wrapping up its fifth season with a big night of live music on August 22 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Big Sam, Leg-cy and Aziz Maraka will take the stage for a lively finale, bringing together hip-hop, Arabic rock, soul, jazz and pop. There’ll be lots of singalongs, high-energy performances and a crowd-ready atmosphere as three of the region’s favourite artists come together to close out the summer in style.

AED105. For further information, visit dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Wake up above the clouds at Dubai

Daily, 8am-11.30pm, At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa

Dubai skyline featuring Burj Khalifa and iconic cityscape.

Fancy starting your morning 442 metres above Dubai? At.mosphere on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa serves up breakfast with some seriously spectacular views. Watch the city wake up as golden coastlines and glittering waters stretch out below, while beautifully crafted breakfast dishes and coffee make the experience even sweeter. It’s the kind of morning that encourages you to slow down, take in the view and enjoy breakfast somewhere a little extraordinary.

AED 250. For bookings, call 04 888 3828

 

Explore a new restaurant at Dubai Marina

Daily, Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, Dubai

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AlphaMind (@alphamind)

Dubai has a new Greek dining spot, and Son of a Fish is bringing the carefree energy of the Athenian Riviera with it. Created by AlphaMind, the new waterfront destination is all about fresh seafood, long lunches, flowing drinks and evenings that keep going. You can expect grilled fish, good music and a relaxed-but-lively atmosphere that blends the charm of a coastal taverna with the energy of Dubai’s dining scene.

For further information, call 04 832 6177

 

Laugh out loud with Sunil Grover

Friday, 21 August, Coca-Cola Arena

Sunil Grover

Get ready for a night of big laughs as Indian comedy superstar Sunil Grover takes over Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Known for unforgettable characters including Gutthi, Dr Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Bhabhi, Grover has become one of India’s most loved entertainers. It’s set to be a seriously funny night with plenty of sharp observational humour, hilarious impersonations, audience interaction and the infectious energy that has made him a household name across television, film and live comedy.

AED99. For further information, visit dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Image credit provided, Canva

Shane Reynolds

Shane Reynolds is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of media experience. He began his career in Ireland as Deputy Editor of the Roscommon People, where he led multiple sections and wrote a weekly sports page. After freelancing for national titles, he moved to the UAE and spent seven years teaching English at top international schools. In 2022, Shane returned to journalism, joining Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life. Now Deputy Editor, he brings strong editorial expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a deep understanding of both Irish and UAE audiences to one of Abu Dhabi’s leading lifestyle publications.