The best things to do this weekend in Dubai

Cafe L'Occitane interior

Staying in this month just isn’t an option

 

If you’re wondering what’s worth getting out for this weekend, Dubai has you covered. 

There’s a big one for trance fans as ATB heads to The Agenda, while Mina Nader brings his interactive comedy show to Dubai Opera, and The Laughter Factory returns with another international line-up.

You can also hit the water after dark at Aquaventure, battle it out at the DMC Middle East DJ Championships or simply settle in for a long Sunday brunch.

Here’s what’s happening around the city. Over to you!

 

Best things to do this weekend in Dubai 

 

Grab a complimentary EXEED driving experience for Emirati Women

28 August to 7 September, Al Ittihad showroom in Deira

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Emirati women can celebrate Emirati Women’s Day with ten days of complimentary driving experiences from EXEED UAE. Choose between a chauffeur-driven journey or, for those with a valid UAE driving licence, take the wheel of an EXEED vehicle for up to six hours. Whether it’s a day of appointments, lunch with friends or simply a chance to enjoy the road, the experience is designed around comfort, convenience and a little everyday luxury.

To reserve, call 04 399 5661

 

Catch a movie aboard the QE2

From 27 August-13 September, The Theatre by QE2, Dubai
A family in bed checking their cruise ticket, a night setting with the cruise boat in Dubai
Planning a staycation? Guests staying aboard the iconic QE2 can now enjoy complimentary movie screenings at The Theatre by QE2, with films showing at 11am, 4pm and 8pm. The line-up spans family favourites, cult classics and blockbusters, including Shrek, The Matrix, Mean Girls and Casablanca. So, after a day exploring the ship, settle in for a movie night, all included as part of your stay. AED 229 a night. For bookings, call 04 526 8888

 

Check out this chic French-inspired bistro

25 Jump Street, Dubai

Spend the weekend somewhere new with a visit to Le Trottoir de Paloma, a laid-back Parisian-style bistro at 25 Jump Street. Settle in for a leisurely lunch, meet friends for an afternoon coffee or stay into aperitivo hour and dinner. With a leafy terrace, relaxed interiors and a menu made for sharing, it’s an easy spot to while away a few hours. Don’t skip the wagyu ribeye, sole meunière or warm chocolate fondant.

For further information, follow @trottoirdepaloma

 

Try out this lively Sunday brunch with MESTIZOS at ZEA Dubai

Sundays, 3pm-7pm, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai

Dubai restaurant interior shot

Make your Sunday plans a little more exciting with MESTIZOS at ZEA Dubai, a lively brunch in DIFC blending Mediterranean and Latin flavours. You can expect sharing-style dishes, free-flowing drinks, DJs, live percussion and plenty of entertainment from 3pm to 7pm. And if you’re not ready to call it a day, the after-party keeps things going until midnight. With packages starting from AED 265, it’s a fun way to stretch out the weekend with friends.

AED265. For further information, follow @zea.dubai

 

Brunch with friends at HANU

Saturdays, 1pm-4pm, St. Regis Gardens The Palm

Restaurant in Dubai interior views

If you’re looking to make your weekend plans a little more indulgent then try a trip to HANU at St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah. The contemporary Korean restaurant brings back its popular Hansang Lunch every Saturday, serving up a generous spread inspired by Korea’s “full table” tradition. You can dive into truffle egg custard, sharing starters, premium grilled meats, banchan, stews and rice, all designed to be enjoyed together. Priced at AED 198 per person, it’s a relaxed Saturday feast with plenty to discover.

AED198 per person. For further information, follow @hanu_dubai

 

DJ nights are taking over this luxe cinema lounge

Every Thursday–Sunday, 7pm-11pm, Azul Lounge, Cinemacity Fountain Views

Cinemacity Fountain Views is turning up the volume after dark, with live DJ nights taking over Azul Lounge every Thursday to Sunday. Expect Japanese-inspired dining, mixed drinks and live music in the lounge’s stylish Art Deco-inspired setting. You don’t even need a movie ticket to join in, so settle in for dinner, drinks and entertainment or make a night of it with a premium cinema experience. From late October, an international Greek DJ will also take over as resident DJ for the winter season.

For further information, call 04 770 0111

Have some splashy fun at Aquaventure After Dark

Daily, Palm Jumeirah (Crescent Rd)

Dark setting at Aquaventure

Make a night of it at Aquaventure After Dark, where Dubai’s famous waterpark gets a high-energy evening makeover. Open to guests aged 13 and over, the event runs from 8pm to midnight, with rides including Odyssey of Terror, Blackout and Immortal Falls open after dark. You can expect lasers, flames, giant screens, music and live entertainment across the park, plus plenty of food options to keep you fuelled. Tickets start from AED 169, with the event running until 20 September.

AED 169 and available until 20 September, while tickets purchased at the gate will be priced at AED 310. For further information, visit aquaventureworld.com

 

Laugh the night away with The Laughter Factory

4-5 September, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Studio One Hotel

Microphone

Fancy a giggle? Make a night of comedy this weekend with The Laughter Factory, which is celebrating more than three decades of bringing live stand-up to audiences across the UAE. This month’s line-up features Kelsey De Almeida, Aideen McQueen, Luca Cupani and Dubai-based Tanveer Khan, bringing four very different comedy styles to the stage. Catch the show at Jumeirah Golf Estates on 4 September at 8pm or Studio One Hotel on 5 September at 8.30pm, and settle in for an evening of laughs.

For further information, 

 

Dubai Hills has a new splash-filled destination for kids

Dubai Hills

Dubai Hills Mall interior

Families in Dubai Hills can now enjoy a brand-new kids’ waterpark, complete with colourful splash zones, slides, an Aqua Tower, foam parties and live entertainment. Designed for children aged one to 12, the venue also offers shaded seating, family-friendly dining and themed birthday celebrations, making it a fun option for weekend outings and playdates. To celebrate the opening, families can enjoy all the waterpark attractions for just AED 50 per person until 15 September.

For further information, visit splashnparty.ae

 

L-O-L with friends with Mina Nader

Saturday, 5 September, Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera

Dubai is in for an evening of big laughs as Egyptian comedian Mina Nader brings his interactive stand-up show to Dubai Opera on 5 September. Expect plenty of audience interaction, spontaneous moments and hilarious real-life stories, with the crowd becoming part of the performance. With more than 16 years in comedy and over 500 sold-out shows across the Middle East, Europe and Canada, Mina knows how to work a room. Whether you’re a fan or seeing him live for the first time, expect plenty of laughs and surprises.

AED195. For further information, visit dubaiopera.com

 

Rave the night away with the Legends of Trance

Saturday, 5 September, The Agenda

Dubai is getting a rare visit from one of the biggest names in trance, with ATB set to return to the city for his first performance there in years. The electronic music icon is behind some of the genre’s most recognisable hits, helping take trance from the underground to the mainstream. Expect a nostalgic night packed with classic sounds and familiar anthems as one of the scene’s defining artists brings his signature sound back to Dubai.

AED200. For further information, visit dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Let your creative juices flow with The Art of Stillness

Saturday, 5 September, Expo City Dubai

Expo Dubai

Take some time out at Expo City Dubai with The Art of Stillness, a series of guided creative workshops and immersive wellbeing experiences designed to help you slow down and recharge. Combining creativity, mindfulness and sensory activities, each session offers a relaxed way to reconnect with yourself while exploring practical tools for everyday wellbeing. It’s an easy, enjoyable escape from the usual pace of city life, whether you’re looking to get creative, switch off, or simply spend a little time focusing on yourself.

AED100. For further information and tickets, visit dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Indulge in one final taste of summer at Café L’Occitane

City Walk, Dubai

Cafe L'Occitane store front, cup of ice cream with macaroni on top

If you’re not quite ready to let summer go, Café L’Occitane has just the thing. Its seasonal menu brings a little Provençal sunshine to Dubai with refreshing mocktails, homemade iced teas and beautifully crafted desserts. Sip on the floral Arc-en-Ciel, cool off with an iced tea, then settle in with a fruity crêpe or chocolate and cherry tart. And for the ultimate summer send-off, grab a scoop from the Glace Provençale ice cream cart and hang on to those holiday vibes a little longer.

For further information, follow @loccitanecafe

 

Join the Back to the City event at Mall of the Emirates

Saturday, 5 September, 4pm-8pm, Mall of the Emirates


As the city gets back into its rhythm, Zadig & Voltaire is marking the “Back to the City” season with an afternoon of fashion, styling and personalisation. Head to the Mall of the Emirates boutique on 5 September from 4pm to 8pm for a styling masterclass with Andrina Goussous, plus a complimentary Bedazzling Bar with any Zadig & Voltaire bag purchase. Add refreshments and plenty of interactive fun, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe.

For further information, call 050 503 8647

 

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.