From night swimming at the Burj Al Arab to arthouse cinema screenings, breakfast offers and a chic new Saturday lunch
Near+Far
The winter season is in full swing, with the city moving outdoors and more openings than even the most fluttery of social butterflies can keep up with and events entertaining residents and tourists the city over. Here are the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Fabulous things to do in Dubai this weekend
Visit the first regional art fair at Downtown Design
Dubai is fast becoming a leading light for art and design in the region, thanks to the continued work of the likes of Art Dubai and Dubai Design Week, and this week has seen the debut of the region’s first dedicated art fair – Editions. Taking place until 9th November as part of Downtown Design, Editions brings over 50 galleries, design studios and collectives in the fields of contemporary design, photography, prints, ceramics and works on paper under one roof. Tomorrow marks the final day of the event, which has seen huge traction for new and established collectors alike, and those with an interest in art. While you’re at Downtown Design, check out the impressive roster of exhibitors, the The Sun Club Lounge by Veuve Clicquot and more.
Book a rainfall experience in the brand-new Banyan Tree Spa
Dubai has no shortage of glossy hotel spas, but one that’s really impressed us recently is the brand new Banyan Tree Spa at the redveloped resort on Bluewaters. We came in stressed, jittery, tired and achey one recent Friday and left quite literally floating on a cloud. The spa offers seven private ensuite treatment rooms with jacuzzis and showers and a host of facilities including vitality pools and heated loungers. The signature is the Rainforest Experience, a unique multisensory journey through a series of hydrothermal therapies such as a rain walk with ceiling and wall spa water jets, steam and sauna rooms. Finish with a massage and you’ll be able to take on any weekend plans. Trust it – this spa is worth it.
banyantree.com
Escape to the Med with Riviera by Jean Imbert’s new Saturday brunch
Located at the swish new Lana hotel, Riviera by Jean Imbert brings the laid-back, sun-drenched joy of the South of France to the city (but with the best views Dubai can have). On its outstretching terrace overlooking Burj Khalifa and Marasi Bay Marina , diners can book its brand-new Saturday brunch which embraced the art of slow living. Relaxed, elegant and upscale, the brunch is served from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and includes French-Mediterranean dishes inspired by Chef Jean Imbert’s travels. What’s even more lovely is the wine pairing – focusing on quality over quantity and available for AED320 extra per person.
AED395 per person with soft, addition AED320 for wine selection; dorchestercollection.com
Take a day trip to Sharjah’s new Aljada neighbourhood
Ask any UAE local in the know and they’ll tell you, Sharjah is having a moment. Largely under the radar, the northern emirate (home to the UAE’s third-largest city is shedding its sleepy reputation, quietly opening new luxury hotels, museums and cultural attractions. At the heart of this new dawn is Aljada, dubbed the ‘new Downtown of Sharjah’ and (perhaps) the emirate’ most exciting new destination. Designed by the acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Al Jada has tree-line boulevards with artisan coffee shops, design studios, upscale gyms, outdoor cinema and even an Emirati farmers market. Aljada’s. Jump in the car and head for the day, explore great coffee shops and cafes (like Hoof), beauty salons, boutiques, farm shops and more.
Book one of Dubai’s new beach clubs
Dubai’s new influx of glossy beach clubs hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the new J1 development finally opens to the public (formerly La Mer) and the city moves back outdoors. While we all have our favourites (for us, there’s nowhere like Twiggy, Summersalt, Byron Bathers and Tagomago), we’re excited to spend weekends trying out Dubai’s shiny new offering. Top openings are Gigi Rigolatto Dubai (of St Tropez fame) – a collaboration between homegrown Rikas Group and Paris Society, La Cantine Beach at Delano Dubai on Bluewaters Island, Casa Amor at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – the latter a bohemian-inspired social beach house and restaurant.
Book a class at Posture’s new Dowtown studio
As far as dreamy and fitness studios go, far are more aesthetically pleasing than Posture – the cult favourite reformer pilates studio that’s modern, minimalistic and inviting. Opened in 2022 on Palm Jumeirah, the studio has just opened its new Downtown Dubai outspot and is running a two for AED150 welcoming offer to join one of its coveted classes – which sculpt a toned, svelte and strong body – while working to correct postural issues and any aches and pains. They offer classes on the reformer, from ‘flow’ to ‘tempo’ and Vinyasa yoga, plus ladies-only classses. This is a fantastic way to spend a wholesome weekend in Dubai.
thisisposture.com, @thisisposture_
Enjoy The Guild’s Saturday Service
Dubai has long been known for its extravagant weekend brunches, but what the city still needs to offer is a glamorous weekend lunch where friends and loved ones can catch up and celebrate life in a chic setting with great food and quality drinks – without the mayhem often associated with a Dubai brunch. With that said, The Guild, Dubai’s Michelin Opening of the Year (and arguably the most beautiful restaurant in the city), has launched its ‘Saturday Service’, bringing a taste of the elegant weekend lunches of London, New York and Paris to Dubai. Diners enjoy three courses for AED250, an absolute snip when the menu includes items like oysters, mussels, crab linguine and steak frites, and enjoy four perfectly paired cocktails and/or cellar wines for an additional AED199. The lunch takes place each Saturday, and only debuted on 17th August (so it’s brand new), from 1pm to 4pm, all to the delightful melody of a three-piece band.
Book at theguilddubai.com, @theguilddubai
Enjoy Alserkal Avenue’s impressive line-up of arts exhibitions and a special Cinema Akil event
Alserkal Avenue – Dubai’s quirky neighbourhood cultural hub – is always bustling with exciting and culturally enticing events, and August is no different. Highlights include ‘Carpets of Eden, Gardens of Fantasy’, at the Leila Heller Gallery,’ the 14th edition of annual ‘Made in Tashkeel’, ‘Backbone’ – a collaboration of six artists exploring the complexities and fragilities of the human body, and, for children, a seven-hour summer camp at the Avenue’s ‘thejamjar’. Legendary Cinema Akil is also inviting Dubains to enjoy a ‘Summer of Classics’, with 17 titles from all over the world, celebrating the art of cinema. Titles include The Things of Life (Les choses de la vie) starring Michel Piccoli and Romy Schneider, 12 Angry Men by Sidney Lumet, the historical epic representing the Libyan resistance leader Omar Mukhtar: Lion of the Desert by Moustapha Akkad. With a food court, electric energy and pulsating soul, there’s nowhere better to see an authentic, local side of Dubai than this arthouse cinema.
Al Quoz; alserkal.online, @cinemaakil
Book a mimosa breakfast at Four Seasons DIFC
Summer is a fantastic time to hide away and indulge, and new for the season, Chef Michael Mina’s beloved DIFC restaurant Mina Brasserie is offering a fabulous breakfast affair, available daily from 7am to 11am. Perfect for an occasion breakfast or simply a summer treat, the breakfast offers the full Four Seasons DIFC hotel breakfast for AED180 per person, choosing a selection of dishes from an array of items like acai bowls, pancakes, crab omelette, waffles, shakshouka, eggs benedict and more, with unlimited tea, coffee and fresh juices. Making it perfect for weekend get together, guests can also enjoy unlimited prosecco or mimosas for AED100 per person. Enjoy on the greenery-filled terrace or in the cool dining space – adorned with art and art deco touches.
minabrasserie.com
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