Our picks of the hottest happenings this weekend.
If you thought the UAE was quiet over the summer, think again. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are filled with exciting things to do. So, whether you’re after staycations, spas or swimming – at night time, no less – here’s what you need to know.
Friday 11 July
Enjoy pizza and vino at Tutto Passa
Tucked inside Delano Dubai, Tutto Passa channels the sun-drenched charm of the Amalfi Coast. Bathed in golden amber tones and coastal elegance, the name translates to “everything passes”, offering a gentle reminder to savour the moment. The modern Italian eatery invites guests to make the most of Dubai’s daylight hours with Pizza & Vino Afternoons, featuring one of Tutto Passa’s signature pizzas paired with two glasses of hand-selected wine. Available daily from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 190 per person.
GO: Visit https://delanohotels.com for more information.
Have lunch at Soul Kitchen
The FACT Award-winning Soul Kitchen is now serving its bold Lebanese-Latin fusion flavours as part of a vibrant new weekday lunch menu. Crafted by Executive Chef Margarita Vaamonde, the menu includes inventive starters like Ceviche Tabbouleh, Eggplant Three Ways, and Hummus Chimichurri. Mains range from Caribbean Red Snapper to Marinated Cauliflower Steak and SK Steak Frites, with desserts such as Chocolate & Coffee Tres Leches or Halawa Cheesecake Mousse. Available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm. AED 110 (two courses) or AED 125 (three courses).
GO: Follow @soulkitchendubai on Instagram for more information.
Try Umi Kei’s late-night ramen club
Chef Yukou Nishimura’s late-night ramen club is in full swing at Umi Kei, the modern Japanese izakaya at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The menu features soul-warming bowls like Chicken Ramen, Clam & Lemon Ramen, Wagyu Beef Ramen, and a chilled spicy version ideal for summer. Set against interiors inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, this is comfort food with poetic flair. Available daily from 10pm to 11:30pm. AED 100 per person.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Saturday 12 July
Participate in the coolest fitness class in Dubai
As temperatures rise, GymNation offers a cooler way to sweat it out. The Coolest Class in Dubai combines high-intensity training with icy challenges such as treadmill sprints in front of industrial fans, squats in ice-packed vests, ice bucket carries, and sledge pushes using frozen blocks. Afterwards, unwind with an ice bath in the Chill Zone. The class is available every Saturday in July and is free for members and non-members.
GO: Visit https://events.gymnation.com for more information.
Try a funky four-hands dinner
Cult supper club Haus of Vo partners with Chef Robin Höfer for a two-night culinary collaboration that blends Vietnamese and Southern German influences. With experience in MICHELIN-starred kitchens across Europe and the UAE, Höfer serves up playful dishes like Black Forest Praline and Mulled Wine Granita. Founded by Lisa Vo in 2021, the supper club is rooted in the idea of food as a human connection. Available on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July, with only ten seats available each night.
GO: Follow @hausofvo on Instagram for more information.
Laugh out loud with Bill Burr
One of comedy’s sharpest minds, Bill Burr brings his unfiltered humour to Etihad Arena. The Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian is known for Netflix hits such as Live at Red Rocks, Old Dads, and his iconic appearances on Saturday Night Live. His latest special, Drop Dead Years, is set to hit Hulu in 2025.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 13 July
Tackle a fitness class at Sculpt
Created as a sanctuary for body and mind, Sculpt offers a varied schedule of classes from Barre Burn and Reformer Pilates to Vinyasa Flow and guided meditation. Whether you’re working on strength, flexibility, or mindfulness, each session is designed to support both physical and mental well-being.
GO: Visit www.sculptdxb.com for more information.
Enjoy a taste of Australia at Bushman’s
Bringing a taste of the Outback to Palm Jumeirah, Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar at Anantara The Palm serves hearty Australian fare in a laid-back yet refined setting. Dishes include Saltbush Lamb Cutlets, Wagyu Steak Tartare, and signature Butcher’s Blocks. Don’t miss happy hour from 6pm to 7pm.
GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.
Have an early dinner at XU
Located on the second floor of Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, XU offers a flavour-packed three-course early dinner that’s light and satisfying. Choose from Dim Sum, Hot & Sour Soup, or an Oriental Salad, followed by Black Pepper Beef Striploin, Mapo Tofu, Steamed Seabream, or Sweet & Sour Chicken. Finish with the signature Black Sesame Dessert. Available Sunday to Friday from 6pm to 8pm. AED 95 per person.
GO: Visit https://xudubai.ae for more information.
