The best things to do in the UAE this week: 6 to 12 February
Your Dubai guide for the week ahead.
Brunches, lunches, happy hours and wellness experiences are all included in FACT’s fantastic picks for this week.
Monday 6 February
Have lunch at the beach
DRIFT Beach Dubai introduces La Pause Déjeuner, a new weekday lunch menu offering an artful take on Provençal cuisine that is prepared with seasonal ingredients. The three-course menu features Le Carpaccio de Boeuf, La Daurade Royale, and Le Café Gourmand and is served against views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. Available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 1:30pm. AED 155 per person.
GO: Email info@driftbeachdubai.com or call 04 315 2200 for reservations and more information.


Tuesday 7 February
Experience BOCA’s Kitchen Takeover
The FACT Award-winning wine bar has announced that it will welcome seven chefs in seven weeks for an all-female kitchen takeover. This week it’s the turn of Dubai-based chef, and best-selling cookbook author, Bethany Kehdy. At the takeover, she will serve a four-course menu that combines West Asian and North African flavours. Available from Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 February, from 7:30pm. AED 545 per person (four courses including Estrella Damm, GinRaw, Lyre’s cocktails and S.Pellegrino).
GO: Visit https://boca.ae for more information.


Wednesday 8 February
Drink for only AED 10
Bar Baar Freestyle Kitchen & Bar have launched an eight-hour happy hour on Wednesdays with drinks from AED 10. The restaurant is known for its menu of global cuisine, including Rock Shrimp Rempura, Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Wings, 18-hour Lamb Shanks and Miso Marinated Cod. Expect a lively evening set to a soundtrack of hip-hop and R&B. Wednesdays from 6pm to 3am.
GO: Email hello@barbaardubai.com or call 04 223 1173 for reservations and more information.


Thursday 9 February
Try the UAE’s first traditional Russian banya
Located at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, Blended Wellness is an all-encompassing collective of purpose-built health, fitness, and beauty experiences. The lifestyle concept not only caters to both mental and physical health, but also introduces the country’s first traditional Russian banya, Dubanya. An innovative interpretation of a traditional Russian bathhouse, Dubanya brings the tradition to today, blending ancient cleansing and detoxifying practices with new-age health and wellness rituals to offer a place of healing and tranquillity.
GO: Visit www.blendedwellness.com for reservations and more information.


Friday 10 February
Head to the ‘NXT Friday’ party
Elevate your weekends at Cove Beach Dubai by immersing yourself in the lively beach club atmosphere and enjoying a Friday brunch with retro hip-hop and R&B hits. Dance to the beats of DJs Sir-Taz, Lucasdirty, and Mr Levier whilst enjoying a live BBQ and unlimited beverages for three hours. Fridays, from 3pm to 6pm. AED 299 per person.
GO: Follow @nxtfridaydxb on Instagram for more information.


Saturday 11 February
Enjoy a Warayaki-style feast at Netsu
Head to Chef Ross Shonhan’s acclaimed restaurant to enjoy a Japanese feast in a unique Kabuki setting or on the outdoor terrace. At Dubai’s latest weekend brunch, diners will enjoy a diverse menu of Netsu signatures such as Salmon Tacos, Warayaki Tuna Tataki, Korean Fried Chicken, and maki rolls. Main courses are served directly from the Warayaki grill and include Spicy Miso Chilean Seabass and Australian Wagyu Ribeye. Brunch ends with a dessert platter, whilst a DJ and live musician provide entertainment. Saturdays, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. AED 450 per person (house beverages).
GO: Call 04 777 2232 for reservations and more information.


Sunday 12 February
Try a new brunch
Head to the newly-opened August on the 12th floor of Address Fountain Views to enjoy a shared set menu while taking in the views of the city skyline. August’s resident DJ will play melodic house tunes, whilst guests tuck into Oysters, Zucchini Carpaccio, Chicken Souvlaki, Grass Fed Argentinian Ribeye, Classic Beetroot Risotto, and Seabass Fillet with Tzatziki. Sundays, from 1pm to 5pm. AED 320 (soft beverages), AED 420 (house beverages) and AED 520 (premium beverages).
GO: Email reservations@august.ae or call 058 641 9294 for reservations and more information.

