As the week’s showers are reported to end just in time for the weekend, let this weekend be a time for exploring the city. From hole-in-the-wall spots to new stores, new films, and new experiences, who says exploration can’t be a way to reset from the stress of the week? Keeping an open mind and our adventurous spirit up, here is Soigné’s guide on things to do in Dubai this weekend.
To Shop
Ailes
Seen on the likes of Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Anouk, and Alexandra Saint Mleux, Ailes is an Emirati fine jewellery brand defined by contemporary silhouettes grounded in craftsmanship. They’re simple pieces that stand on their own, but some collections in this brand also lend themselves to be a chic curated stack. Our favourite from the bunch is the Wave collection, where the sculptural lines feel like a timeless design.
Sweaty Betty | Dubai Mall
Coming all the way from London, women-owned Sweaty Betty has finally opened its doors at the Dubai Mall. Sporting co-ord sets, jackets, and loungewear, it fosters plenty of modest wear options and is easy to style for Pilates, Yoga, or running errands.
To Dine
Birch Bakery | Al Quoz
For those looking for some adventure once the rain clears out, Birch is a well-known hole-in-the-wall bakery that requires expert GPS navigation. However, the challenge is well worth it once the scent of freshly baked bread hits the nose. Sandos, flaky pastries, and seasonal specialities like Poached Pear & Labneh Cheesecake Cruffin are what you can expect here. Paired with the fresh air and freshly brewed coffee to sip on and that’s your weekend morning sorted!
Kinara by Vikas Khanna | JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta
Considering everything that’s been going on lately, a quick escape might just be what we need to feel recharged. So if you’re making a trip, make it to Hatta and drop by Vikas Khanna’s exclusive residency at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Alongside Hatta’s natural landscapes, the curated menu here features the best of contemporary Indian dining. It begins with a selection of starters that balance comfort food with culinary innovation. Then moves on to mains, which feature a layered approach to flavour, with curries slow-cooked for depth and meats soft and tender. Finally, the journey ends on a sweet note with typical Indian desserts hitting the table.
MANĀO | Jumeirah 1
The Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its delectable Sunday lunches, and starting this weekend, the eatery will extend the menu to Saturdays as well! Served from 12–5 PM, the lunch comes with leisure at the forefront, keeping a casual, relaxed weekend vibe in mind. So those dining can expect the vibrant flavours MANAŌ is known for in light bites. We’re talking their Sticky Rice Roti, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Crispy Seabass, Yellow Curry of Prawns and Cumin Leaf, and more. Paired with the restaurant’s cosy interiors, the lunch is ideal for those looking for a slow day.
To Experience
SĀN Beach | The Club, Palm West Beach, The Palm Jumeriah, Dubai
Making the most of the cool weather while we still have it, SĀN Beach has recently introduced Night Swim, a nighttime pool experience that allows us to get refreshed without the glare of the sun. Taking place from 8 PM to midnight, guests can float and swim under the stars. If they prefer not to get wet, they can access pool beds and floating cabanas while sipping on drinks.
Skin Laundry
If the stress of the month has been getting to you and your skin, then carve out some time to visit Skin Laundry. With branches at Dubai Marina and DIFC, you can get both indulgent pampering sessions or quick skin refreshes, depending on what you need. Give their Signature Laser Facial a go, where lasers work their magic to help prevent breakouts, calm redness and rosacea, target hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production. One session will leave the skin firmer, but if you’re looking for a real change, then multiple sessions over time will build the skin to become clearer and more resilient.
To Watch
Marty Supreme
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Odessa A’zion, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Marty Supreme follows the story of Marty Mauser, a young man on a quest to become a table tennis world champion. Loosely based on the life of Martin Reisman, this film is an energetic sports-comedy-drama that’s a fun weekend watch.
The Bride!
For the sci-fi, romance, and Frankenstein lovers, The Bride! follows Frankenstein into 1930s Chicago to ask a doctor to create a companion for him. Starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, and Jake Gyllenhaal, this is a modern interpretation of a classic and delivers it like so!
