The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 19 to 21 January
Concerts, staycays, swimming pools, theatre and more…
With Ed Sheeran, Hamilton and Pluma offering wow-worthy performances across the emirates, let FACT help you to plan your weekend of dining, nightlife and entertainment.
Friday 19 January
Book a palatial staycay
Palazzo Versace Dubai has crafted a luxurious staycation by launching the ‘Ultimate Getaway limited-time package. The offer includes a stay in one of the hotel’s Versace-styled Deluxe Rooms and a 15% discount at the FACT award-winning, The SPA. Whether you choose the lush indoor jungle-inspired ambience or the captivating outdoor setting overlooking the pool, Giardino beckons with an indulgent buffet-style spread for those opting for the breakfast-inclusive package. Rates start from AED 1,250 (for stays during the winter months) and AED 899 (for stays during the summer months). Bookings must be made before 31 January 2024.
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for reservations and more information.
Try a smoke and embers-based Omakase
Andalusian Chef Dani García’s latest masterpiece, Smoked Room is now open inside Leña at St. Regis Gardens. The intimate fire omakase dining experience accommodates just 14 guests per service, with smoke playing the role of essential seasoning. Experience the essence of smoke and embers with each dish featuring exquisite combinations of the finest seasonal produce. Available Wednesday to Sunday. AED 950 (food only), AED 1,125 (food and tea pairing) and AED 1,540 (food and wine pairing).
GO: Visit https://grupodanigarcia.com for reservations and more information.
Party with Swae Lee at Blu Dubai
BLU Dubai continues to captivate the city’s nightlife scene with its run of celebrity shows. Busta Rhymes, J Hus, Kanye West, M Huncho, Quavo and YG have all performed at the venue in recent weeks. This weekend, you can see Swae Lee at the nightclub on the 32nd floor of V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. He and his brother Slim Jxmmi exploded onto the scene as Rae Sremmurd, captivating audiences with their hits like Black Beatles and Purple Lamborghini. Swae’s signature blend of auto-tuned crooning and rap verses have cemented his solo success with the tracks Sunflower with Post Malone and Unforgettable with French Montana.
GO: Visit https://clubbludubai.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 20 January
Take a dip at Banyan Tree Dubai
Immerse yourself in the sun-soaked sophistication of Banyan Tree Dubai’s pool and beach this weekend. Embrace the winter weather and enjoy a laid-back Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining menu featuring fried calamari, Greek salads, and marinated olives. Whether you dive into the Arabian Gulf, hop aboard a jet ski, or unwind in a private cabana, enjoy the perfect seaside escape at this FACT favourite. Available daily, from 8:30am to 7pm. AED 350 per person (weekend day pass with AED 175 food and beverage credit).
GO: Email dubai@banyantree.com or call 04 556 6666 for reservations and more information.
Have lunch in the sky
Elevate your lunch to new heights with ‘Lunch in the Sky’ at the FACT Award-winning AURA Skypool. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey 210 meters above sea level, surrounded by panoramic views, while indulging in a specially crafted Pan-Asian menu. Tuck into chilli garlic beef, glazed Chilean seabass, Korean fried chicken, Thai green papaya salad and spicy tuna maki from Executive Chef Craig Best. Available daily from 12pm to 2pm and then from 2pm to 4pm.
GO: Visit auraskypool.com for reservations and more information.
See Ed Sheeran live in Dubai
Ed Sheeran has brought his Mathematics Tour to the Middle East. For fans in Dubai, this announcement brings back fond memories of Ed Sheeran’s last performance in the city in 2017. It’s been too long since he graced Dubai with his presence, and now, he’s making a triumphant return to the emirate. Expect to hear the hit singles Eyes Closed, Shape Of You and Thinking Out Loud. The FACT team will see you there.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 21 January
Experience the enchantment of Pluma
Roll up, roll up. The circus is coming to town. Cirque du Liban’s Pluma is heading to Dubai. Pluma unfolds an enchanting narrative of self-discovery and empowerment, introducing audiences to the captivating journey of Pluma, a young girl fueled by dreams of flight. Guests will witness the spectacle of acrobats gracefully defying gravity, soaring through the air with unparalleled precision. Prepare for laughter as Pluma’s clowns will bring humour to the grand circus tent while daredevils perform death-defying stunts. Cirque du Liban’s Pluma will perform until 28 January. Tickets are priced from AED 295.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Dine at German delicacies at Brauhaus
Savour Chef Pedro Kimmig’s January specials, a feast that brings together German flavours and hearty bites at Brauhaus in Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. Begin with the crispy Knusprig Gebackene Sprotten (fried whitebait with cucumber remoulade) and Berliner Pommes Mit Haxen Happen (Berlin-style fries with a crispy eisbein knuckle and curry ketchup). Dive into hearty mains like Geschmorte Wagyu Rinderroulade (wagyu beef roulade with bacon, gherkins, and savoury sides). Seafood lovers can enjoy One Pound Muscheltopf (mussels mariniére in a garlic broth with fries). Pair your meal with classic German hops, the Weihenstephaner Helles or Bayrisch Dunkel, from one of the world’s oldest breweries.
GO: Email fbres.beach@rotana.com or call 02 697 9186 for reservations and more information.
Watch Hamilton at Etihad Arena
It’s time to get ready to witness Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, in action like never before. Hamilton, created by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, took the world by storm in 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show tells the story of Alexander’s life with an unprecedented blend of traditional costumes and a hip-hop-inspired soundtrack. Featuring a diverse cast of actors who break traditional casting conventions, Hamilton sends a powerful pro-immigration message that will move you to your core. Hamilton performances take place at Etihad Arena until 4 February.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
