Your UAE Weekend Guide: 28 to 30 July

Take your pick from cafés, cinemas and comedy.

Who said the UAE shuts down in the summer? Sure, the temperature maybe hot, but the cultural scene is heating up. So, whether you’re after new cafés, restaurants or exhibitions, there is something for everyone. Here is your UAE weekend guide.

Friday 28 July

Book a spectacular staycation at Fairmont The Palm

Fairmont The Palm has some exciting offers for UAE residents. The rates start from AED 449 per night and 25 per cent off all of the restaurants and bars. Plus, there is a two-for-one deal on breakfast and dinner buffets. The restaurants include the MICHELIN selected Little Miss India, Brazilian restaurant Frevo, BA Boldly Asian and much more. The offer and code UAE2023 are available until 31 August.

GO: Call 04 457 3388 or email thepalm.reservations@Fairmont.com for reservations.

Celebrate the National Day of Peru at SUSHISAMBA Dubai

In honour of the National Day of Peru, visit SUSHISAMBA Dubai. The day marks when the country got its independence. Located on the 51st floor of the St Regis Dubai, The Palm it offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Check out the open kitchen, and then indulge in Peruvian dishes, from antichuchos to ceviche.  

GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for more information.

Dine out at F.R.N.D.S. Grand Café

F.R.N.D.S. Grand Café in Address Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai is a sophisticated spot. The upscale restaurant is great for late-night socialising. The menu includes Japanese and Mediterranean dishes. The venue’s dramatic décor boasts Art Deco features, and a five-meter-tall bas-relief carving created by the Portuguese artist V.H.I.L.S. Plus, the stained-glass grand bar boasts a floating quartzite and walnut table suspended from the ceiling. 

GO: Visit https://frndsgrandcafe.com for more information.

Saturday 29 July

Channel your inner influencer at EL&N in Abu Dhabi

If you feel like you’re missing out on the Barbie fun – the release date is delayed in the UAE, after all – then we have the answer. EL&N Cafe has opened in Abu Dhabi, and it is a pink paradise with Insta-worthy décor. Not just a pretty face, it stands for eat, live and nourish and serves dishes ranging from Eggs Benedict to Lotus French Toast.

GO: Visit https://ae.elnlondon.com for more information.

Have a laugh at a comedy night  

Here’s an event that will put a smile on your face: The Selfdrive Laughter Factory Presents Leave Your Worries Outside Tour takes place at Dukes The Palm Dubai. The comedians include Adam Bloom, Michael Fabbri and Red Richardson. The event runs from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, and tickets start from AED 160.

GO: Visit https://ticketslover.com/dubai for more information.  

Have a drink or three at the new McGettigan’s

Have a craic-filled time. The much-loved Irish pub has now opened in Holiday Inn Suites Dubai Science Park. Enjoy the Irish charm from the cuisine to the drinks. The venue screens live sports, and hosts live entertainment. Plus, there is even a wall dedicated to Ireland’s biggest exports, from Bono to Saoirse Ronan.

GO: Visit www.mcgettigans.com for more information.

Sunday 30 July

Chill out at the rebranded The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

Relax in style. Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi recently rebranded into a Mandarin Oriental property. As part of the changes, the wellness centre is now The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. Inspired by ancient Eastern healing traditions, we’d suggest trying The Spa’s signature treatment – Oriental Qi.

GO: Email moauh-spa@mohg.com or call 02 690 7885 for reservations and more information.

Check out Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s first artist in residence

Dubai’s Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is welcoming its first artist in residence. The hotel is inviting visitors to admire Seth Benzel’s work and join classes with the artist. His work will be on display throughout July and August. General Manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Mark Hehir, explained: “We look forward to offering guests and visitors an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art, with the added privilege of participating in special classes with the esteemed artist and gallery owner.”

GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.

Watch Christopher Nolan’s new film, Oppenheimer

With Barbenheimer trending, it’s time to visit the cinema. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is an IMAX-shot film, so check it out on the biggest of screens. The thriller follows the man who was instrumental in creating the first nuclear weapon. The cast includes Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Matt Damon.

GO: Visit https://uae.voxcinemas.com for more information.