Your UAE Weekend Guide: 11 to 13 August

Celebrate the weekend in style. 

With Barbie fever sweeping the country, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for the upcoming weekend. From themed afternoon teas to brunches and pool parties, these are our picks of the best things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Friday 11 August 2023

Enjoy a Barbie-themed afternoon tea

Josette invites all Barbie fans to partake in a Sparkling Afternoon to celebrate the highly anticipated Barbie movie. Surrounded by pink hues, diners can enjoy elegantly crafted sandwiches and pastries, including the vegan beetroot sandwich, the indulgent croque Josette, dainty pink macarons, and a caviar cheesecake adorned with edible Barbie ornaments. For those seeking a glamorous experience, an added layer of luxury awaits with Josette’s famous’ Press for Champagne’ button. Available from 9 to 13 August, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

GO: Email reservations@josette.com or call 04 275 2522 for reservations and more information.

Embark on a summer spacation

Guests who book a room for two at the stunning SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences this summer will spend the night in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms, where they can enjoy breakfast overlooking the expansive city skyline the following day. The FACT Award winning Ciel Spa on the 69th floor will treat lovers of luxury to a rejuvenating 60-minute massage or an LED mask facial for the ultimate summer wind down. Available daily until 30 September. AED 1,399 per couple.

GO: Email spa.reception@slshotels.com for reservations and more information.

Journey to the Far East

Indulge in the ultimate Pan-Asian culinary experience at Urban Kitchen inside Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Delight in tantalising Thai curries, succulent Peking duck, sumptuous sushi, flavorful Indian cuisine, and irresistible Asian flavours. Experience live stations featuring appetisers, main courses, and desserts. Available on Fridays, from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 180 (soft beverages) and AED 320 (house beverages).

GO: Visit www.opentable.ae or call 02 698 8137 for reservations and more information.

Saturday 12 August 2023

Beat the heat with a Barbie-inspired brunch

The FACT Award winning Lola Taberna Española has introduced pink-themed brunches to celebrate the release of the Barbie movie in UAE cinemas. Guests can enjoy a live flamenco dancer, music from the restaurant’s resident DJ, pink cocktails and a doll-inspired photo booth. The brunch menu includes authentic Spanish tapas, paellas and pink-hued desserts. Every Saturday in August, from 1pm to 4pm. AED199 (soft beverages), AED 249 (house beverages) and AED 349 (Estrella package).

GO: Visit www.opentable.com for reservations and more information.

Cool down with the summer ice pool party

Beat the heat like never before at the Summer Ice pool party. Settle in at Beach By FIVE, or bask poolside beside the Insta-worthy glass-lined pool while immersing yourself in the tunes spun by FIVE’s finest resident DJs. Savour handcrafted cocktails and indulge lite bites against the backdrop of the Dubai Marina skyline as the sun dips below the horizon. Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm. AED 200 (ladies) and AED 300 (gents).

GO: Visit https://palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com for reservations and more information.

Dine on Afghan cuisine

Immerse yourself in a culinary expedition exploring Afghanistan’s opulent flavours at the new Kishmish restaurant in Mirdif. Kishmish offers an intuitive approach to cooking that results in dishes evoking the warmth and comfort of Afghan home-style cuisine through an enticing selection of salads, soul-soothing soups, hearty stews, delectable dumplings, and expertly grilled delights. Just ensure you don’t miss the Kabuli Palou or the protein-packed mashawa.

GO: Visit www.kishmish.ae for reservations and more information.

Sunday 23 August 2023

Have brunch beside the sea

Em Sherif Sea Café Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new brunch menu that showcases a delightful array of mezze, including Mini Saj, Fattet Kraydis, and Banadoura Shanklish. Highlights from the main course selection include the Grilled Butterfly Sea Bass paired with lemon rice, and the Wild Mushroom and Truffle Moghrabiyet, featuring velvety moghrabiyeh, sautéed wild mushrooms, and delicate truffle shavings. Brunch concludes with desserts such as the Em Ali, a twist of vanilla-infused puff pastry adorned with caramelised nuts, and the Orange Nammoura featuring an orange-infused semolina cake. Sundays from 12:30pm to 5:30pm. AED 350 (food and a choice of one mocktail), AED 425 (food and a choice of one cocktail and one bottle of wine) and AED 550 (food and a choice of one bottle from the premium bar).

GO: Email info@emsherif-seacafe.com or call 02 626 2895 for reservations and more information.

Unleash your inner artist

Couqley has reintroduced its popular Paint & Grape session. Designed to provide an engaging indoor activity, participants will be guided by skilled art teachers from We Love Art to create their own masterpieces. This artistic experience lets each participant tap into their creativity while indulging in two glasses of grape or three non-alcoholic beverages, complemented by canapés. Sunday 13 August from 4pm to 7pm. AED 390 per person.

GO: Visit www.weloveart.com for reservations and more information.

Tuck into Sushi Sundays at Asia Asia

Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge Asia Asia has set the stage for a feast of ocean treasures with its new Sushi Sunday promotion. Sushi lovers are invited to indulge in an extensive selection of unlimited sushi and dim sum, accompanied by a bottle of grape. The offer is available at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, Business Bay Dubai, and Yas Bay Abu Dhabi. Available on Sundays, from 2pm to 6pm. AED 330 per couple.

GO Visit https://dubai.asia-asia.com for reservations and more information.