The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 26 to 28 January
The best parties, brunches and dining deals this weekend.
The fourth weekend of 2024 is a big one. With dining deals, music festivals, sporting soirees, and poolside fun, there’s plenty to keep you occupied across Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Friday 26 January
Break The Block at Expo City Dubai
Taking to the Al Forsan Park in Expo City Dubai, Break The Block promises a night of music, food, and vibes. Imagine a backyard bash but on a grand scale. Plus, with a lineup of musicians and DJs — not to forget delicious street food that’ll be up for grabs — this event is not to be missed. As for the musical journey, leading the charge is Jungle, a dynamic duo straight out of London. Plus, there will be performances by Nightmares on Wax, Shadi Megallaa, and a party from Hot Mess.
GO: Visit www.platinumlist.net for tickets.
Witness the Dubai Challenge Cup
Promising to be a spectacular showdown, the inaugural Dubai Challenge Cup will showcase the sporting prowess of four powerhouse clubs from China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco. Kicking off the excitement, the tournament opener on 26 January will witness a clash between fourteen-time Egyptian champions Zamalek SC, led by the formidable Shikabala, and three-time CAF Champions League winners Raja Club Athletic from Morocco. Tickets are up for grabs to secure your spot at the Al Maktoum Stadium.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Party under the full moon
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has teamed up with Hamac Beach Boutique for a full moon party at the Boho-inspired beachside resort. Dive into a relaxed fiesta filled with music, dance, DJs and positive vibes. Indulge in South American and Levantine Cuisine food stations featuring delicacies like bocadillos, empanadas, kebabs and seafood paellas. Isn’t it about time you embraced the tranquillity of island life? Friday, 26 January from 7:30pm. AED 200 (house beverages) and AED 400 (food and house beverages)
GO: Visit www.hamacbeach.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 27 January
Visit a fashion-forward poolside pop-up
Mare by Bussola, the adults-only pool and beach club at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has undergone a chic transformation courtesy of local luxury fashion label, Second Summer. The venue’s parasols, pillows and sun loungers have been reupholstered with Second Summer’s in-house print from their Island Girl capsule collection, which is also available for purchase at their pop-up space within the resort. Guests can seamlessly transition from the beach to the pool to the restaurant, thanks to the new beach-hut style of changing rooms and showers.
GO: Visit www.bussoladubai.com/mare for reservations and more information.
Experience a Bavarian Beerfest
Gather your friends and head to Ernst in 25hours Hotel One Central for the first “Fassanstich” BeerFest of the year. Diners can expect 25 varieties of bottled beers available at six distinct stations, along with various draft beer options. Bavarian delicacies are available if hunger strikes, including Bratwurst, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Gold Currywurst and the popular Pretzel Bun. Plus, the Maverick’s Band have been flown in from Germany to provide entertainment. Available from 25 to 28 January.
GO: Visit www.ernstbiergarten.com for reservations and more information.
See Andrea Bocelli live in Abu Dhabi
On Saturday, 27 January, the world’s most beloved Tenor will take to the stage in Abu Dhabi for Saadiyat Nights. The record-breaking artist has performed at countless openings, including the Olympic Games and the European Football Championships, throughout his three-decade-spanning musical career. The Abu Dhabi show will be an unmissable experience for music fans and marks Bocelli’s sixth appearance in the UAE capital. We hope he performs some of his biggest hits including Because We Believe, Canto Della Terra and Time to Say Goodbye.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Sunday 28 January
Have a leisurely breakfast at RSVP
At RSVP, guests can enjoy a blend of old-world elegance and French sophistication. The BoxPark restaurant has introduced a Parisian-style breakfast and brunch, featuring a homemade Boulangerie offering bread, pastries, and desserts, as well as classic dishes like Croque-madam, Omelette au lard, Scrambled Eggs with Caviar and Smoked Salmon, Shakshuka and French toast. The breakfast menu also features a selection of fresh juices, smoothies, and specially curated mixed drinks. Available Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am to 3:30pm.
GO: Visit www.atelierhousehospitality.co for more information.
Dine overlooking the sea at Burj Al Arab
Embark on a culinary odyssey at the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha with a four-course set menu from Chef Saverio. The gastronomic journey commences with the Caprese Salad, a delightful fusion of heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella foam, followed by the renowned Ravioli del Plin featuring Guinea Fowl Plin Ravioli, Parmesan Cream, and Truffle Tuber Melanosporum. For the main course, tuck into the Corn-Fed Chicken accompanied by an Aubergine Variation and Vin Jaune Sauce. Culminate your dining experience with the grand finale, Il Latte – a decadent fusion of biscuit, fresh yoghurt, and goat cheese emulsion. Available daily from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. AED 390 per person (food only).
GO: Visit jumeirah.com/burj-al-arab-muntaha for reservations and more information.
Visit Dubai’s cultural hub
Quoz Arts Fest has returned to Alserkal Avenue for its 11th edition, promising a weekend filled with live music performances and cultural activations for the whole family. The lineup boasts the return of crowd favourites such as the Dubai-based hip-hop maestro Big Hass and the Sudanese fusion duo MarSimba. Adding a unique flavour to the mix, UAE-based Stick No Bills will showcase South Asian culture through their captivating live music performances and DJ sets.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
