Another weekend in Dubai, another excuse to make plans. From a sky-high brunch and late-night swims to Italian feasts, pet portraits and a little retail therapy, here’s what’s on our radar from Friday through Sunday.
To Shop
Marie Lichtenberg’s Mauli Necklaces
Marie Lichtenberg’s Mauli necklaces bring a modern jewellery twist to traditional prayer beads. Strung with luminous white freshwater pearls or rich Tahitian black pearls, each piece is finished with the brand’s signature gold handcuff clasp. Wear yours solo or layer it with lockets and pendants for a more personal finish.
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Passion Oud Hair Mist
Consider this the fragrance step your hair routine didn’t know it needed. Dolce & Gabbana’s Velvet Passion Oud Hair Mist leaves behind a fruity oud trail, while Sicilian prickly pear, Italian pistachio and Vitamin F help give hair a softer, shinier finish. A few spritzes and suddenly your hair smells as good as the rest of you.
TO DINE
Gloria Osteria
Gloria Osteria’s Il Giro D’Italia is taking diners through Italy one region at a time. This August, the weekend lunch series lands in Campania and Lazio, with a three-course menu of Parmigiana di Melanzane, beef-pancetta carbonara and Maritozzo alla Crema.
When: Every weekend
Price: Dhs: 240 for three courses
Commodore Club
At Commodore Club at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, breakfast stretches all the way to 6pm. Start with classics like the Commodore Omelette or Menemen, then move into the new summer menu of tomato gazpacho, watermelon ceviche, chicken paella and tiramisu. Because breakfast at 5pm feels perfectly reasonable on a weekend.
CLAP
When deciding what to order feels like the hardest part of dinner, CLAP’s omakase takes care of it. Set on the ninth floor in DIFC, the rooftop spot serves a chef-led progression of contemporary Japanese dishes, designed around the element of surprise. Just arrive hungry and leave the rest to the experts.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
At Atlantis The Royal, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen brings Chef Ariana Bundy’s contemporary take on Persian cuisine to the table. Expect rich spices, generous hospitality and dishes inspired by the regional diversity of Iranian cooking.
Bull & Bear
For a slower Saturday afternoon, head to Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC for premium steak cuts, a side and a glass of bubbly, all against the DIFC and Burj Khalifa skyline.
To Experience
Le Cloud Brunch
Forget brunch with a view, this is brunch above the clouds. At.mosphere’s Le Cloud Brunch takes over the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa every Saturday, serving up skyline views, flowing drinks, live music and a sunset party to keep the afternoon going. Pick between Soft, House or Sparkling packages and make a day of it.
When: Saturdays, 1pm–4:30pm
Price: From Dhs: 350
Riina’s Sunday Workshop
Your camera roll is probably 90% pet photos anyway, so why not turn one into something you can actually hang? Riina’s Sunday workshop with artist Roydan Barboza starts with a pre-sketched canvas based on your favourite photo, before guiding you through creating your own pet portrait. Expect an afternoon of painting, canapés and a drink.
When: Sunday, August 9, 4pm–6pm
Price: Dhs: 300
Eitr W Fan Studio
Ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, Eitr W Fan Studio is hosting two intimate heritage workshops at Souk Al Seef. Saturday is dedicated to making rangina, while Sunday focuses on henna preparation, mixing and design.
When: August 8 & 9, 5pm–7pm
DEKA MILE
Looking to make your weekend workout a little more exciting? DEKA MILE is bringing its race format to Hyphen in Al Quoz, with ten challenge zones broken up by runs between each station. Finish strong, then reward yourself with complimentary sauna and cold-plunge access.
When: Sunday, August 9, 8am–2pm
Price: Dhs: 135
To Visit
FIVE LUXE JBR
FIVE LUXE JBR’s new summer package turns a resort escape into a full-day ritual. Begin with a 45-minute massage at ReFIVE Spa, followed by spa pool access and a three-course lunch before heading to Playa Pacha for a livelier afternoon by the beach. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the resort experience without booking an overnight stay.
When: Monday to Thursday, from 10am
Price: Dhs: 459 per person
One Central
Inside Akari’s futuristic One Central space, wellness gets a high-tech upgrade. Spend the afternoon moving through full-body red light therapy, IHHT sessions that alternate oxygen levels, and a visit to the sleek Brain Bar designed to support recovery, energy and better sleep. It’s a summer reset for when your body needs a little extra care.
To Watch
Cinema Akil
Alserkal Avenue is calling. Cinema Akil’s weekend line-up includes Goodfellas, Rain Man, Oldboy and Spirited Away, alongside The Odyssey. Families can also catch free morning screenings of Flow and Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo.
When: August 7–9
Price: Varies; Cine Mini screenings are complimentary
Beat The Heat DXB Season 5 ft Al Shami Live
One of the region’s biggest voices is heading to Dubai World Trade Centre this Saturday. Al Shami will bring his emotional ballads, chart-topping hits and crowd favourites to Hall 8 for Beat The Heat DXB Season 5.
When: Saturday, August 8
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall 8
