Our picks of the hottest happenings this weekend.
If you thought the UAE was quiet in September, think again. Dubai is filled with exciting things to do. So, whether you’re after staycations, spas or swimming – here’s what you need to know.
Friday 12 September
Escape to Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort
Make a break for The World Islands with a staycation tailored for GCC residents. Choose from spacious suites with ocean views or private pool villas set in the garden or on the beach. The offer includes up to 35% off luxury accommodation, daily breakfast for two at Qamar, and AED 750 in resort credit. Book a Beach Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Villa, or Four Bedroom Villa and receive a 60-minute full-body massage for two.
GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.
Get your groove on at Dubai Opera
Carvaan Live’s Disco Dancer: The Musical revives the 1982 cult hit with a high-energy staging reimagined by Salim and Sulaiman. Expect top tracks like “I Am a Disco Dancer” and “Yaad Aa Raha Hai,” live vocals, dazzling lights, and precision choreography. Fresh from ovations in London and Mumbai, the show lands at Dubai Opera on 12 and 13 September. A family crowd-pleaser, it blends Bollywood nostalgia with big-stage spectacle.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sip on the Lunar Alchemy cocktail menu
The moon guides the menu at Luna Dubai, the rooftop bar at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai DIFC. A ten-drink list is organised by mood: Eccentric, Familiar, Light, and Strong. Highlights include Desert Moon, a New Moon riff with tequila, Giffard Espelette, Lemongrass Cointreau, prickly pear, lime, and agave. Harvest Moon layers gin, calvados, red wine, hazelnut, plum, and bay leaf. I Feel the Earth Move brings vodka, cold brew, coconut, cherry, and matcha for a grounded finish.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Saturday 13 September
Tuck into a family feast at Rowley’s
Rowley’s DIFC turns weekends into an occasion with a 1.2 kg Australian Côte de Boeuf served with salad and frites, designed for three to four to share. Daily quantities are limited, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Spot the charming fox mascot across uniforms, merchandise, and even tablecloths, where you can jot down your name and preferred doneness for interactive fun. Available every Saturday and Sunday for AED 650.
GO: Visit https://rowleysrestaurants.com for more information.
Tuck into the Buffalo Wings & Rings brunch
Buffalo Wings & Rings Brunch is the ultimate weekend hangout for sports lovers and casual diners. Every Saturday and Sunday, the action runs in two sessions from 3pm to 6pm and from 8pm to 11pm, perfectly timed for football, NFL, and F1. Settle in for big-screen coverage, fan-favourite bites, and a lively atmosphere that keeps the energy high from kick-off to the final whistle. AED 119 (soft beverages), AED 199 (house beverages) and AED 249 (premium beverages).
GO: Call 04 359 6900 (DIFC) or 04 321 6112 (JLT) for more information.
Watch a Colombian folk performance
Cayena Colfolk returns with RAIZ, a Colombian dance showcase at The Fridge in Alserkal Avenue. With 20 dancers, musicians, and actors, expect Cumbia, Currulao, and Bambuco in a celebration of Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and Spanish roots. Vibrant costumes mirror traditional dress, while Juan Valdez MENA serves traditional Andean coffee. One night only on Saturday, 13 September. Tickets from AED 120.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 14 September
Sample the roast at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Sunday lunch gets the Heston treatment at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Atlantis The Royal. Begin with signatures such as Meat Fruit (c.1500), or newer additions like Smoked Salmon Tartare (c.1847) and Roast Beetroot Salad (c.1830). Mains feature Black Angus Sirloin with ox cheek-filled Yorkshire pudding, Roast Chicken with morel and brioche stuffing, and Truffle Roast Cauliflower. Desserts include a classic Trifle, Bakewell Tart, or the indulgent Chocolate Bar, with the playful Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Trolley as a finale. Available Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm. AED 345 per adult and AED 195 per child.
GO: Visit www.dinnerbyhbdubai.com for more information.
Hit the beach at Sirene by Gaia
Conceived by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, the FACT award-winning Sirene by Gaia invites you to indulge in a relaxed coastal experience at J1 Beach. With seating for 400 in the restaurant, a beachfront boasting 300 sunbeds, and luxurious private cabanas, Sirene creates a seamless experience accompanied by curated beats from the resident DJ throughout the day. Inspired by Chef Izu Ani’s journeys through the Mediterranean, guests can enjoy a marvellous menu featuring Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yoghurt, alongside exciting new creations like Rooster Pasta, Sirene Dakos, and the indulgent Caviar & Oyster experience.
GO: Visit https://sirenebeach.com for more information.
Watch India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is currently underway. Taking place across the UAE’s top cricket venues, eight teams will participate. Group A will feature India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. Group B will include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The most anticipated clash will be between India and Pakistan, as they bring their fiercest cricketing rivalry to the UAE on 14 September.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
