Get your calendars out – exhilarating adventures, brunch and culture await.
The weekend is almost here, and Dubai has plenty in store. Whether you’re looking to cool off beside the pool, linger over a leisurely brunch or discover a new dining experience, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of your days off. This weekend brings Mediterranean aperitivo hours, Cantonese favourites, modern Emirati flavours, restorative wellness retreats and plenty more to the table. So, clear your calendar and gather your favourite people because these are the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Friday 24 July
Enjoy a Mediterranean aperitivo ritual with Jou Jou Brasserie
Start the weekend at Jou Jou Brasserie nestled within Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, where Mediterranean afternoons unfold over a relaxed daily aperitivo ritual. Inspired by timeless Italian traditions, Jou Jou Social pairs a curated selection of cocktails, fine grapes and enticing small plates designed to share, including Focaccia Caprese with locally grown tomatoes, Stracciatella and basil pesto, Arancini al Ragù, Fried Calamari with lemon aioli, and Gambas al Ajillo featuring sautéed white prawns infused with lobster butter and Basilicata Crusco peppers. Complementing the menu, guests can enjoy signature cocktails including the Negroni, Margarita and classic Aperol Spritz, alongside much more.
Where: Jou Jou Brasserie, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
When: Daily, 3pm to 7pm
Contact: https://www.joujoudubai.com/
Indulge in a wellness-inspired tasting menu at Jun’s
Chef Kelvin Cheung is bringing a nourishing twist to Downtown Dubai with a refined 13-course tasting menu at Jun’s. Built around his signature “Third Culture Cooking,” the experience harmoniously weaves together bold global flavours and time-tested culinary traditions. A standout course is the Fountain of Youth: a soothing, slow-simmered fish maw broth served alongside sweet crab and silky steamed egg. Naturally packed with collagen and protein, fish maw has long been celebrated in traditional Chinese cuisine for its skin, hair, and joint-supporting benefits. Beyond the restorative broths, the menu features Jun’s signature dishes like the iconic Lobster Pani Puri and Portuguese Baked Lobster Rice, with each course telling a story through technique and flavour. For plant-based diners, a fully vegetarian menu ensures no one misses out on the creative lineup. AED 560 per person.
Where: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, UAE
When: Daily, 12pm to 1am
Contact: https://www.junsdubai.com/
Reset and recharge at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai
Escape the summer heat with a restorative weekend at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai. Designed for residents looking to recharge, The Downshift Retreat transforms a standard staycation into an immersive, grounding sanctuary overlooking the Burj Khalifa. The highlight of the experience is the 90-minute Signature Downshift Treatment, a deeply relaxing ritual blending guided breathwork, slow rhythmic massage, targeted jaw release, and a mindful closing ceremony, complemented by a 60-minute assisted stretching session to melt away physical tension. The staycation also includes daily breakfast at Breakfast on 36th and access to a wellness-focused lunch and dinner menu at Noia by The Pool.
Where: Wasl Tower, Albanny Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
When: Check-in at 12pm, late check-out until 4pm
Contact: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/dubai/downtown
Saturday 25 July
Feast your way through China Tang’s Grand Tier Brunch
Turn your Saturday into a stylish affair with China Tang Dubai’s Grand Tier Brunch Summer Edition. Set along The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, the three-hour experience serves authentic Cantonese classics with live tableside theatrics. Expect pistachio-filled, osmanthus-infused tomatoes and crispy roast duck salad, followed by Szechuan prawns and signature Beijing duck wrapped in paper-thin pancakes. The feast is paired with free-flowing drinks, ranging from handcrafted mocktails and curated wines to Prosecco, signature cocktails and Champagne. Set against opulent, 1930s Shanghai-inspired Art Deco interiors, the brunch offers a sophisticated, flavour-packed escape from the summer heat. AED 398 per person for the soft drinks and mocktails package, AED 428 per person for the house beverage package, and AED 798 per person for the champagne package.
Where: The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Saturdays, 12pm onwards
Contact: https://www.chinatang.com/china-tang-dubai/
Partner Listing: Savour a taste of Italy at Casa Mia
Spend your weekend indulging in the authentic flavours of Italy at Casa Mia at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Throughout July, the restaurant is showcasing curated specialities inspired by Northern, Central and Southern Italy, as well as the Islands. Settle in for the Come A Casa Mia brunch, featuring seasonal antipasti, unlimited pizzas, a rotating main course and family-style desserts. AED 250 per person.
Where: Casa Mia, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai
When: Saturdays, 12pm to 3pm
Contact: www.sevenrooms.com
Partner Listing: Embark on a an authentic Thai brunch at Pai Thai
Transport your taste buds to Thailand with the Rite of Siam Brunch at Pai Thai, set among the lush gardens and waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr. Taking inspiration from the heritage of ancient Thailand, the Saturday brunch brings guests together over a generous sharing-style spread of salads, delicate appetisers, fragrant curries, wok-fired creations and indulgent desserts, accompanied by a curated selection of beverages. It’s an immersive weekend experience that combines authentic Thai flavours with the beauty and tranquillity of the resort.
Where: Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai
When: Every Saturday, 12.30pm to 3pm
Contact: www.sevenrooms.com
Sunday 26 July
Escape the summer heat at Sirene Beach by GAIA
Sirene Beach by GAIA sets the scene for laid-back afternoons with its vibrant sunset parties every weekend. Guests can soak up the lively atmosphere while enjoying exceptional Mediterranean flavours, refreshing beverages, live entertainment and sunset-inspired beats, all within the stylish comfort of Sirene’s elegant indoor space.
Where: Sirene Beach by GAIA, J1 Beach, Dubai
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Contact: https://www.sirenebeach.com/
Savour summer treats and Emirati hospitality at Gerbou
Beat the summer heat with a taste of nostalgia at Gerbou in Nad Al Sheba. The homegrown dining destination has rolled out a seasonal selection of refreshing drinks, decadent desserts and modern Emirati favourites. Sip on the fruity Awar Qalb or floral Lychee Rose Iced Tea before cooling down with Mango Falooda or traditional Booza Ashta. Those looking for local flavours can savour dishes like Baith Tamat, Gahwa Gelato and Gerbou’s signature Chebab drizzled with Ghaf honey. Set within a beautifully restored heritage building, Gerbou offers a relaxed setting for a leisurely family meal or weekend catch-up.
Where: Gerbou, Street 20, Nad Al Sheba Rd, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai
When: Daily, 8am to 11pm
Contact: https://www.gerbou.com/
Taste summer in Italy at LaFamiglia
Spend your Sunday savouring the lighter side of Italian dining at LaFamiglia in Dubai Sports City. The restaurant is serving a seasonal line-up that starts with chilled crab gazpacho, beef carpaccio, Vitello Tonnato and Bluefin Tuna Tartare. Pasta lovers can tuck into truffle pasta or Spaghetti all’Aragosta, while authentic wood-fired pizzas offer plenty more to share around the table. Save room for something sweet, as homemade gelato and artisanal tiramisu round off the meal. With its cosy yet refined setting, LaFamiglia makes for a relaxed weekend gathering over handcrafted Mediterranean flavours with family and friends.
Where: LaFamiglia, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
When: Daily, 8am to 12am
Contact: https://www.lafamigliadubai.ae