The weekend is here, which means the group chat is about to get busy. Whether you’re after a new-season find, a very good dinner, something creative to do or simply a reason to leave the house, we’ve got you. From late-night swims and candle making to Moroccan feasts, shopping and a little Premier League action, here’s what we’re making room for this weekend.
To Shop
All by Kai
If your wardrobe could use a few pieces that actually earn their keep, All by Kai is worth a look. The Dubai-based label does easy, versatile pieces that can take you from day plans to dinner without requiring a full outfit change in between.
Custom Marc Jacobs Charm
Make your next purchase a little more personal. This Friday, Marc Jacobs is offering a complimentary customised charm with any purchase of a bag, shoes, ready-to-wear or accessories at its Dubai Mall store. Browse the Fall 2026 collection, including new takes on The Tote Bag, Snapshot and The Scene Bag, then add a little something of your own to the piece you take home.
When: Friday, 21 August | 6–9pm | Marc Jacobs, Dubai Mall
To Dine
CQ French Brasserie
For a Sunday that feels a little more Paris than Dubai, head to CQ French Brasserie. The charming spot brings the energy of a classic French neighbourhood brasserie to Dubai, with a relaxed setting that works just as well for a family lunch as it does a long catch-up with friends. Its Sancerre Sunday menu serves three courses from Dhs 219, with favourites including the signature Escargots de CQ, Steak Frites, Steak Tartare and Pain Perdu. There’s even a dedicated terrace area, making it an easy choice for a leisurely Sunday meal.
Take a Drive to Ras Al Khaimah for Dar Zellij
Make a little road trip out of dinner and head to Ras Al Khaimah for Dar Zellij at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. This limited-time Moroccan pop-up brings the warmth of a traditional Moroccan residence to the resort, with zellij tiles, glowing lanterns and a menu filled with tagines, fragrant couscous, seafood, Moroccan pastries and the traditional Moroccan Tea Ritual. The four-course set menu runs Sunday–Thursday throughout summer, making it a pretty good excuse to get out of Dubai for the evening.
Sunday–Thursday | 6:30–11pm | Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Third Culture Cooking at Jun’s
Head to Jun’s for The Short Story Volume 3, a seven-course introduction to Chef Kelvin Cheung’s signature Third Culture Cooking. Expect Lobster Pani Puri, Hot and Sour Wonton Soup, handmade noodles with Wagyu or lobster, and nostalgic desserts inspired by the chef’s childhood. At Dhs: 255, it’s a good excuse to finally see what all the Jun’s chatter is about. P.S. Vegetarians, there’s a menu for you too.
Kokoro
For something more casual, head to Kokoro at Alserkal Avenue, the UAE’s first handroll bar. Grab a seat at the counter and watch your rolls come together, from hamachi furikake and salmon to spicy tuna and A5 wagyu nigiri. The space has plenty of personality too, with a collection of more than 80 rubber ducks, while the menu keeps things simple with fresh ingredients and well-executed handrolls.
To Visit
Curve Club
For a slower weekend reset, head to Curve Club for a restorative Pilates session centred around movement, strength and taking things down a notch. A good option when your weekend needs something a little more restorative than another brunch.
Khali Balak Men RISO at Tashkeel
Spend an afternoon with colour, texture and the wonderfully unpredictable world of risograph printing. Khali Balak Men RISO brings together a collection of works created through the distinctive process, where slight shifts in colour and texture give each piece its own character. The exhibition runs until 23 August, so this weekend is your last chance to catch it in person.
When: Until 23 August | Tashkeel
Nobu by the Beach
For a more polished take on the weekend night out, head to Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal for its Friday night swim. The lagoon pool stays open from 8–11pm, with the Skyblaze Fountain show nearby and the full Nobu menu on hand when a swim inevitably turns into dinner. Sun loungers start at Dhs: 250 per person, fully redeemable on food and drinks.
Friday | 8–11pm | From Dhs: 250 per person | Atlantis The Royal
To Experience
Mandarin Oriental Downtown
If your idea of a weekend reset involves checking into a hotel and letting someone else handle the details, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai makes a pretty good case. The A Meaningful Pause staycation includes 20% off the best available rate, daily breakfast, flexible check-in and check-out, spa and dining savings, plus beach access at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai. For something shorter, The Mandarin Pass gives you a daycation with wellness facilities, poolside time at Noia by the Pool and Dhs: 400 dining credit per person.
Or skip the overnight stay and head to Noia by the Pool for Sundown at Noia, with 30% savings on selected Aegean-inspired dishes and Mediterranean cocktails during golden hour. The Spa also has treatments including the 111SKIN Reparative Longevity Facial and Rest & Restore Deep Sleep ritual for when you really mean business about switching off.
Paint & Swap at riina
Give your Sunday plans a creative turn with riina’s Paint & Swap. Start on your own canvas, then pass it to the person beside you every ten minutes and watch your masterpiece slowly become a very unpredictable group project. Paints, brushes, canapés and a drink are all taken care of. Artistic ability, thankfully, is not part of the brief.
Sunday, 23 August | 4–6pm | Dhs: 290
Make Your Own Candle at Dishtrict
Spend two hours making something you can actually take home at Dishtrict’s candle-making workshop. Pour your own candle, decorate it with dried flowers and pearls, then settle in with bites and coffee while you work. A slow Sunday plan that’s part craft project, part catch-up and just the right amount of chic.
Sunday, 23 August | 12–2pm | Dhs: 199 | Dishtrict, Al Wasl 51
Kinusaiga
For something a little more unusual, try Kinusaiga, the traditional Japanese art of creating textile artwork without sewing. Small pieces of fabric are tucked into carved grooves to build intricate, patchwork-like designs, turning leftover textiles into something completely new. Add a drink and a few bites, and you’ve got a pretty lovely way to spend a few hours.
Saturday, 22 August | 3pm
To Watch
Alan Walker at Coca-Cola Arena
Electronic music fans, this one’s for you. Alan Walker brings his signature cinematic sound and high-energy production to Coca-Cola Arena for Frequency 971, joined by UAE DJs DJ Bliss and DJ Slim. Expect fan favourites, new music and a full audiovisual production that makes this feel like more of a full-scale experience than a concert.
Coca-Cola Arena | Dubai
Premier League at Ribs & Brews
If your ideal weekend involves football, good food and a table full of comfort classics, Ribs & Brews is showing Premier League matches throughout the season from Friday, 21 August. Settle in for the games with food and drink combos, drinks offers and Happy Hour deals, plus late opening hours for the bigger fixtures. Basically, a solid excuse to make a whole evening of the match.
From Friday, 21 August | Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Sonic Majlis x Vinyl Souk
Vinyl Souk is back at Lulu & The Beanstalk for another edition of Sonic Majlis, this time with Tarik Omar sharing more than 20 years of stories from behind the decks. Starting with the very first record he played at his first gig, the evening moves through the records, places and memories that shaped his musical life. Part listening session, part storytelling, part trip down memory lane, a Saturday night with a little more soul to it.
