The best things to do this weekend in Dubai

Elegant restaurant interior in Dubai with a large clock and stylish decor.

Staying in this month just isn’t an option

 

Looking for ways to make the most of your weekend in Dubai?

Take the kids on an indoor adventure at Zamania by Leo & Loona, indulge in a sky-high dining experience at At.mosphere, or soak up Mediterranean vibes with a stylish Riviera lunch at African Queen.

Football fans can catch the latest World Cup action at Zenon Dubai, while foodies can explore Amelia’s refreshed Nikkei menu.

From staycations and beachside brunches to live jazz and fitness events, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.

It’s a full-on Dubai weekend, every way you look at it.

Over to you!

 

Best things to do this weekend in Dubai 

 

Kickstart your weekend at Zamania by Leo & Loona

Ibn Battuta Mall

zamania leo & loona

Looking for an indoor adventure the whole family will love? Head to Zamania by Leo & Loona at Ibn Battuta Mall. From Ninja Warrior challenges, ziplines and trampolines to Mario Kart simulators, climbing walls and an arcade, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy. Little ones have their own play zone too, while parents can relax at the café before jumping back into the fun.

For further information, visit zamania.ae

 

Enjoy an elevated night out at At.mosphere

Burj Khalifa Dubai, 5.30pm–11pm

interior dining for at.mosphere burj khalifa

Looking to elevate date night? At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa pairs breathtaking views with an equally impressive dining experience. Tuck into a refined three-course menu featuring favourites like tuna tartare, chicken yakitori, seabream, truffle risotto and indulgent desserts, all while watching Dubai’s glittering skyline light up beneath you. It’s dinner with a view that never goes out of style.

AED 250 per person (three-course menu). For further information, call 04 888 3828

 

Sample a taste of the French Riviera

Sunday to Friday, 1pm-5pm, J1 Dubai

African Queen at J1 Beach brings a taste of the French Riviera to Dubai with its elegant Riviera Lunch. The three-course Mediterranean menu celebrates fresh seasonal ingredients in a relaxed beachfront setting, making it the perfect excuse to slow down and savour a leisurely afternoon. Add sea views and chic surroundings, and you’ve got one of Dubai’s most stylish lunchtime escapes.

AED 250 per person. For further information, call 04 515 4600

 

Try a summer staycation at Vida Hotels and Resorts

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

48 hour summer staycay vida hotel

Hit pause on the everyday with a summer staycation at Vida Hotels and Resorts. Whether you’re planning family fun, a relaxing couple’s escape, a workcation or a getaway with your four-legged friend at selected pet-friendly properties, Vida is all about easy-going stays, poolside afternoons and making the most of Dubai’s summer. The best part? You can check in when it suits you and enjoy your stay your way.

For further information, visit vidahotels.com

Experience a Latin American makeover at Tamoka

Every Sunday, 1.30pm-4.30pm, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

tamoka dubai interior dining

Sundays are getting a Latin American makeover at Tamoka with the return of its popular Sabroso Brunch. Running every Sunday the beachfront experience pairs flame-grilled specialities, fresh ceviches and sharing-style dishes with free-flowing beverages and live Colombian music. Set against sweeping Arabian Gulf views, the brunch wraps up with the lively Sabroso Ritual Rounds, a colourful carnival-style toast that brings the whole venue together.

Starting from AED 299 per person. For further information, call 04 318 6099

 

Cheer on your favourite team at Zenon Dubai

Until 19 July, Kempinski Central Avenue, Downtown Dubai

watch the world cup at zenon dubai

Catch the World Cup action in style at Zenon Dubai. The Downtown hotspot is screening every big match across its immersive digital displays, with three unique ways to watch. Choose the high-tech main restaurant, soak up the atmosphere on the terrace with giant screens and shisha, or settle into the elegant Zenon Lounge for a more exclusive viewing experience, all paired with elevated dining and drinks.

For bookings, call 04 837 7222

 

Join the Dubai Mallathon 2.0

Until 15 September, 6am-11am, Dubai Festival City Mall

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

 

Turn up the heat at GITANO Dubai

Saturday, 11 July, La Mer, Jumeirah, Dubai

gitano outdoor dining

It’s time to turn up the heat this Saturday at GITANO Dubai, where two standout dining experiences promise to spice up your weekend. Start with the Day Fiesta brunch, where the hotter the weather, the bigger your discount thanks to temperature-based pricing. As the sun sets, the award-winning CEREMONIA Night Brunch takes over with modern Mexican dishes, signature drinks and live entertainment. Set within GITANO’s bohemian beach club, it’s the perfect spot for a stylish summer celebration.

For bookings, visit gitano.com

 

Try out a refreshed menu at Amelia Dubai

Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai

Stylish restaurant interior in Dubai with warm lighting and modern decor.

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 mixed drinks, it’s another reason to book a table at this Downtown favourite.

For further information, call 04 328 2805

 

Experience some Cuban rhythm with Anabel

Saturday, 11 July, Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge

Step into the glamour of the 1920s at Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge, where Jazz to Havana with Anabel brings together smooth jazz and lively Cuban rhythms for an unforgettable evening. Set inside Paramount Hotel Dubai, this weekly live entertainment experience pairs vintage speakeasy vibes with great music, handcrafted cocktails and an atmosphere that transports you straight to old Hollywood.

AED120. For further information, visit dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Image credit provided

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.