Your UAE Weekend Guide: 23 to 25 June
Will it be beverages, lunch or live music this weekend?
The final weekend in June has arrived, but before we escape for an extended Eid break, here are our picks of the best things to experience across the UAE this weekend.
Friday 23 June 2023
Enjoy a cocktail collab
Library Bar at The Abu Dhabi EDITION welcomes Caitlin Hill from the renowned Rémy Cointreau Group to take charge of the bar for one night only this weekend. Prepare for an evening filled with exceptional libations and expert cocktail craftsmanship featuring the finest offerings from Rémy Cointreau with six curated concoctions. In addition to the beguiling beverages, you can dine on beef tartar cones, wagyu skewers, and triple-cooked chips.
GO: Email restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com or call 02 208 0000 for reservations and more information.
Dance the night away at Q’s Bar & Lounge
Zaxai is bringing all his energy to Palazzo Versace Dubai’s FACT Award-winning live music venue, Q’s Bar & Lounge. The venue’s current artist-in-residence sings in six languages and has appeared on the television show The Voice, where he was among the 24 finalists. The late-night venue is known for its intimate ambience, unmatched acoustics, and innovative cocktails and is a firm favourite with FACT’s Editor-in-chief. Available Wednesday to Sunday, from 7pm to 1am. AED 250 per person (minimum spend on Wednesday and Thursday) and AED 350 per person (minimum spend from Friday to Sunday.
GO: Call 04 556 8805 for reservations and more information.
Party at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Honeycomb Hi-Fi, the region’s pioneering listening bar, has teamed up with Boogie Box for a night of exhilarating musical fusion. Boogie Box is currently celebrating its 13th season, focusing on Bass and Dub inspired Dance Music. Taking centre stage on the evening are DJs Hassan Alwan and Soho. Hassan Alwan, the founder and resident DJ at Boogie Box, brings his impeccable taste to deliver a captivating set that transcends boundaries and genres. Meanwhile, Soho, a distinguished collector, DJ, and producer, adds an eclectic mix of influences to the stage with his innovative approach to sound. In addition to the mesmerising music, guests can indulge in delectable dishes and drinks from the carefully crafted a la carte menu. Friday, 23 June, from 7:30pm to 3am.
GO: Call 04 412 6666 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 24 June 2023
Celebrate Christmas (in June)
Why wait until the end of the year to experience the spirit of the holiday season? Reform Social & Grill will mark the halfway point to Christmas by combining the essence of the festive season with the ambience of the beach. Indulge in seasonal cuisine, including turkey, porchetta, and Christmas trifle, before a visit from Santa Claus in his summer beachwear. Saturday 24 June, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 220 (soft beverages), AED 375 (house beverages) and AED 99 (children).
GO: Email reservations@reformsocialgrill.ae or call 04 454 2638 for reservations and more information.
Have lunch at Hawkerboi
After hosting a series of sold-out supper clubs in secret locations across Dubai, Hawkerboi has finally found a permanent home at The Park in Jumeirah Lake Towers. The fully licensed restaurant is now open for lunch, serving a menu that draws inspiration from the street-food culture of Malaysia and Thailand. Tuck into Cereal Fried Chicken Wings, Charcoal Short Ribs, Chicken & Truffle Shumai, Peking Style Roast Duck or Whole Fried Sea Bass. For a sweet finale, the must-order dessert is Mango Sticky Rice with Crispy Deep-fried Paratha. Hawkerboi is open for lunch from 12pm to 4pm on weekends.
GO: Email whois@hawkerboi.com for reservations and more information.
Beat the heat
Overlooking Palm West Beach, Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum has devised a clever strategy to keep their rooftop sky-pool and restaurant accessible during the scorching summer months. The venue has implemented cutting-edge cooling technology on the terrace flooring, creating a constant breeze for guests seated at their tables. Here, diners can relish a culinary voyage through the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean.
GO: Visit https://tlamborghini-marenostrum.ae for more information.
Sunday 25 June 2023
Enjoy a South American lunch
Experience the ultimate dining adventure with En Fuego’s new La Familia lunch. Indulge in a specially curated three-course set menu featuring authentic flavours inspired by the vibrant culinary heritage of South America. Dishes on offer include fried tortillas, prawn aguachile, salmon toast, shrimps chaufa rice, sizzling mushroom fajitas, and tenderloin anticucho. Conclude your meal with desserts like caramel flan, chocolate mousse, tres leches or a selection of seasonal fruits. Sundays, from 12pm to 5pm. AED 145 per person (a starter, main course, and dessert).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Embark on a Cantonese journey
Embracing the arrival of the summer season, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi has reintroduced its Cantonese Journey menu. Using locally sourced ingredients, the menu showcases an array of Cantonese dishes including Bean Curd Mooli Salad, Jasmine tea-smoked chicken, Chargrilled Grouper, and a Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée. Nestled in the heart of the capital at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Hakkasan draws inspiration from both contemporary and ancient China. Available daily, from 6pm to 11:30pm. AED 328 per person.
GO: Call 02 690 7739 for reservations and more information.
Take a trip to Cuba at CÉ LA VI Dubai
Wind down the weekend at CÉ LA VI Dubai, where a night of enchanting live music awaits. Prepare to be mesmerised by the sensational Cubache band, who will transport you to the heart of Cuba with their captivating rhythms and melodies. While enjoying the music, why not tuck into the FACT Award-winning restaurant’s new menu, featuring Beef Short Rib Crquettes, Hamachi Crudo, Grilled Red Mullet and an extensive sushi selection. Sundays, from 9pm to 11pm.
GO: Visit www.celavi.com for reservations and more information.