The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 24 to 26 May
Concerts, cocktails and comedy await.
The last weekend in May is here, and whilst the mercury is rising, there’s still plenty of time for fun in the sun. Read on for our picks of the best things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Friday 24 May
Play MarioKart IRL
Ready, set, Dubai. BattleKart, a new go-karting experience, has made its way from Saudi Arabia to Dubai Investment Park, offering interactive fun for the whole family. Visitors can choose from several experiences, which take place on an illuminated track. The experience combines elements of video games and sporting activities, and the digital projections bring different tracks to life. Do you remember Snake? This time it’s not on a Nokia phone, but on the track. One of the tracks includes a snake-inspired experience, which sees you battle it out to not touch the edge of the track and become the longest snake. If you love the video game Mario Kart, you’ll love BattleKart Dubai. Tickets start from AED 200.
GO: Visit www.battlekart.com for more information.
Be serenaded by James Blunt
James Blunt’s upcoming concert at Coca-Cola Arena is part of his new album tour, Who We Used To Be. The show promises to be a journey through James Blunt’s musical evolution. Blending elements of folk, pop, and rock to create a sound that is uniquely his own, his songs capture moments of love, loss, and self-discovery with an authenticity that is both raw and compelling. James Blunt’s career has been defined by the hauntingly beautiful, chart-topping hit You’re Beautiful.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sip away the weekend
This weekend, Hakkasan Dubai will host a one-night-only event featuring mixology talent and Tao Group Hospitality’s Head of Bars UK, Wendy Hopkins. Here, guests can choose from six signature cocktails and two mocktails which include the ‘Caviar Martini Duet,’ a decadent twist on a dirty martini with Grey Goose vodka, Cocchi Americano infused with chamomile, mezcal, and a spoonful of caviar, as well as ‘Good as Gold’ featuring Seventy-One gin, elderflower, lemon, absinthe, milky oolong tea, and Saicho Darjeeling sparkling tea. Available on Friday 24 May, from 6pm to 11pm. Signature cocktails and mocktails are priced from AED 75.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 25 May
Try the new Sake Steak Brunch at The Grill
Prepare for a culinary adventure as The Grill at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan unveils its Sake Steak Brunch. Enjoy a gastronomic experience that fuses Japanese flavours with international flair. Feast on succulent cuts of prime steak, mouthwatering lobster, and a curated selection of Japanese-inspired delicacies. With live music that’s sure to get the party going, you’re in for a great brunch experience. Available on Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 485 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Tuck into a weekend roast
With the arrival of summer’s warm embrace, PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is ready to enhance your seasonal enjoyment with a new Saturday Roast. Indulge in a hearty weekend roast featuring a variety of meats and sides paired with unlimited drinks. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm. AED 199 per person.
GO: Visit https://api.whatsapp.com for reservations and more information.
Laugh out loud with Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker is known for his roles in the Rush Hour movie series and his impeccable comedic timing. From his early days on Def Comedy Jam to his stellar performances in blockbuster hits like Friday and The Fifth Element, Tucker’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of legendary. Taking the late show spot at Abu Dhabi Comedy Week on 25 May at the Etihad Arena, he’s going to leave the audience in splits with his boundless energy and sharp wit.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 26 May
Plunge Into Paradise
Unwind with a day of pure luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Leave the ordinary behind and surrender to a day of pampering with the hotel’s pool and beach passes, allowing you to lounge at the immaculate private beach home to Abu Dhabi’s most expansive outdoor swimming pool. Soak in the views of the canal’s glimmering waters and indulge in an array of snacks and signature drinks at the poolside bar, Lillet.
GO: Call 02 818 8203 for reservations and more information.
Luxuriate at a FACT award winning spa
Indulge in a sublime skincare experience at The Spa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort with a luxurious HydraFacial treatment. Embark on a rejuvenating journey that uses advanced technology to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin, leaving you with a radiant glow and revitalised complexion. Choose from the signature HydraFacial, enriched with a super serum packed with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, or the ultimate Platinum HydraFacial, which includes personalised lymphatic drainage, two boosters of your choice, and LED light therapy to combat signs of ageing.
GO: Email stregisspa.saadiyat@stregis.com or call 02 498 8996 for reservations and more information.
See Jo Koy in the capital
We have some news that is going to put a smile on your face. Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy is bringing his world tour to Abu Dhabi. The comedian has appeared on shows ranging from Chelsea Lately to The Adam Coralla Show. Plus, he has created Netflix specials including Jo Koy: Comin in Hot and Jo Koy: Live from Seattle. Jo Koy is currently on a world tour, which is coming to cities including Antwerp, Brisbane, London, Oslo, San Diego and Singapore. He will only be visiting Abu Dhabi in the Middle East, bringing jokes about families and the Filipino diaspora.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
