Get your calendars out – exhilarating adventures, brunch and culture await.
Dubai’s outdoor season is gathering pace, and this week’s plans make good use of the coastline. Casa Playa serves Latin-inspired dishes on Bluewaters Island, Bungalo34 unveils a colourful collaboration with Les Ottomans, and SIRENE by GAIA celebrates its season opening with an all-day party. There’s plenty happening indoors, too, with Mo Gilligan and Zarna Garg taking turns on the Dubai Opera stage. Whether you’re booking a midweek dinner or clearing Saturday for the beach, here are seven things to do in Dubai from 12 to 18 October 2026.
Monday 12 October 2026
Partner Listing: Catch Mo Gilligan Live at Dubai Opera
Start the week with a few laughs as Mo Gilligan returns to the city for Dubai Comedy Festival. The British comedian takes over Dubai Opera with The Mo You Know World Tour 2026, serving up a new hour of observations on modern life and fame. Known for his animated delivery, physical comedy and viral sketches, Gilligan turns familiar situations into material that feels made for sharing with friends. Speaking to FACT about the upcoming show at Dubai Opera, the comedian said: “That is one of the top three venues I think I’ve ever seen. I remember walking out, and you know, we do a soundcheck and stuff, but when we walked out I was like, ‘Wow, this is really, really nice.’” Tickets start from AED 250.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Monday, 12 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Explore Latin seaside flavours at Casa Playa
A new dinner destination awaits on Bluewaters Island, where Casa Playa has joined Banyan Tree Dubai’s beachfront dining line-up. The Latin-inspired restaurant and bar puts sharing at the centre of the meal, moving from raw seafood to smoky dishes cooked over fire. Begin with The Pearl platter, featuring sea bass ceviche and tuna tartare, before trying charcoal-grilled Pulpo a la Brasa with smoked potato purée or the generous Casa Playa Grand Catch. Latin-inspired music accompanies the coastal setting, making this an appealing spot to gather friends as daylight fades. Save space for Cinnamon Churros or almond Tarta de Santiago, then let the conversation carry the evening.
Where: Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 6pm to 10pm
Contact: www.banyantree.com
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Ease Into Wednesday at Casita By Casa Amor
Enjoy hump day beside the sea at Casita by Casa Amor, the relaxed beach house concept at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. The Mediterranean sharing menu gives a leisurely lunch plenty of direction, starting with Tomato Pissaladière and Sea Bream Sashimi before moving to Cold Spaghettini with Gambero Rosso or Wagyu Mille-Feuille. Order a selection for the table and leave room for San Sebastián cheesecake, particularly if your afternoon plans extend little further than another look at the water. Afterwards, the lounge offers shisha and coastal views for those keen to linger.
Where: Casita by Casa Amor, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily from 9am to 10pm
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Thursday 15 October 2026
Discover Bungalo34’s Colourful Les Ottomans Collaboration
Bungalo34 gives Thursday dinner a Riviera-inspired makeover as its month-long collaboration with Les Ottomans begins. The beachfront venue on Pearl Jumeirah pairs its coastal setting with the design house’s hand-painted ceramics, patterned textiles and cheerful lemon motifs. There’s a culinary element, too, with a special menu drawing on family recipes from Les Ottomans founder Bertrando Di Renzo. Dishes include Lasagna ai Frutti di Mare and Tortelli con Crema di Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by Lemon Torta Caprese or Frutti Rossi e Crostoli. Cocktails continue the theme, from Granita Siciliana to Negroni di Sorrento. Book a table with friends and take your time over the details, both on the plate and around it.
Where: Bungalo34, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Dubai
When: 15 October to 15 November 2026
Contact: www.bungalo34.com
Friday 16 October 2026
Partner Listing: Laugh out loud with Zarna Garg
Family disagreements become Friday night entertainment as Zarna Garg takes to the Dubai Opera stage with Million Dollar Excuses. Part of Dubai Comedy Festival, the Indian-American comedian’s show draws on parenting, marriage and immigrant life, finding humour in the negotiations that keep a household running. The New York-based performer has built a following through viral clips and a frank approach to cultural differences, with family dynamics providing plenty of material. Tickets start from AED 195.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Friday, 16 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae
Saturday 17 October 2026
Spend the day (and night) at Sirene by GAIA
Clear your Saturday diary as SIRENE by GAIA celebrates its Grand Season Opening with a beach party that runs from morning until late. Begin poolside before moving to lunch accompanied by a live band, then head to the Sunset Lounge for guest DJ sets as the afternoon progresses. After dark, the open-air terrace takes on a Little Mykonos theme, with music and drinks keeping the celebrations going. The Club Room opens at 10pm for those ready to continue into the night. With several settings and a changing soundtrack throughout the day, this is one to settle into with friends rather than squeeze between other plans. Festivities begin at 10am.
Where: Siene by GAIA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Saturday, 17 October 2026 from 10am until late
Contact: www.sirenebeach.com
Sunday 18 October 2026
Partner Listing: See Vir Das at Dubai Comedy Festival
Indian comedian Vir Das is making a highly anticipated return to Dubai as part of the Dubai Comedy Festival 2026. Taking the stage at Coca-Cola Arena, he is set to deliver his signature blend of sharp wit, clever storytelling and global observations. Known for his charismatic stage presence and thought-provoking humour, Vir Das promises an evening of big laughs, fresh perspectives and the unique comedic style that has made him one of India’s most celebrated stand-up acts.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Al Satwa, Dubai
When: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Contact: www.dubaicomedyfest.ae