Our picks of the hottest happenings this weekend.
The first weekend of July is here, and the UAE is keeping things cool with after-dark swims, indoor attractions, lively brunches and World Cup screenings. Football fans can catch the action at the Coca-Cola Fanzone by McGettigan’s or settle in with a pint at The Fox’s Arms in DIFC. Elsewhere, La Cantine Beach and ZETA Seventy Seven offer glamorous night swims, GITANO brings Mexican flair to J1 Beach, and The View at The Palm serves up skyline vistas. Families can explore the Museum of the Future or Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, while Dar Zellij brings a taste of Morocco to Ras Al Khaimah. Here are the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Friday 3 July
Catch a match
The Coca-Cola Fanzone by McGettigan’s is back at Bla Bla Dubai, bringing one of the region’s biggest football fan experiences back to the city. Fans can watch the tournament’s biggest matches live on giant screens across three dedicated spaces, with food, drinks, live entertainment and plenty of match-day energy. The Stadium will host the biggest group games and knockout fixtures, with standing and VIP areas, while The Arena offers an all-seated marquee with reservable picnic tables for groups of up to six. The Boot Room offers a more casual sports-bar setting with multiple screens and unreserved seating. Entry starts from AED 60 and is fully redeemable. Catch the Portugal vs Croatia at 3am, Switzerland vs Algeria at 7am or Australia vs Egypt at 10pm.
Where: Bla Bla by McGettigan’s, The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Grab a drink
Rowley’s in DIFC has given guests a new reason to linger with the launch of The Fox’s Arms. Located beneath the popular steak and fries restaurant at Central Park Towers, the new pub-inspired venue takes over the former Tap Line space, offering a more relaxed social setting. Inspired by traditional British pubs, The Fox’s Arms serves cold pints, cocktails and classic comfort food, alongside Rowley’s signature steak and fries. Designed for lunchtime drinks, after-work catch-ups and casual evenings, the venue features live sports screenings, games and a lively group-friendly atmosphere.
Where: The Fox’s Arms, Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: @thefoxsarms.uae
Take a moonlight dip
Dubai’s favourite night swim returns to La Cantine Beach this summer. Located on Bluewaters Island, the boujee beachfront venue brings the spirit of La Cantine du Faubourg to the water’s edge, combining laidback luxury with after-dark energy. Every Friday from 7pm, guests can cool off with an evening swim, live DJ sets, curated drinks packages and generous sharing platters. The venue also features a pickleball court, volleyball court and gym equipment, making it a playful spot to spend the evening before slipping into the pool. Stylish, social and made for summer, it’s an easy way to beat the Dubai heat.
Where: La Cantine Beach, Delano Dubai, Bluewaters, Dubai
When: Fridays from 7pm
Price: AED 150 per person (sunbeds fully redeemable)
Contact: www.sevenrooms.com
Saturday 4 July
Try the Gitano brunch
GITANO turns up the heat at J1 Beach with Day Fiesta, a playful Saturday brunch shaped by the weather. Every week at 1pm, the temperature is measured and transformed into a reward, with each degree of heat converted into a percentage benefit across the brunch packages. The hotter the day, the better the deal. Set against the venue’s bohemian beachfront backdrop, the experience pairs modern Mexican flavours with seasonal dishes, flowing drinks and live DJ performances. With its Tulum-inspired energy, tropical design and lively crowd, Day Fiesta brings a dynamic twist to Dubai’s summer brunch scene.
Where: Gitano J1 Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm
Price: AED 375 (soft beverages) and AED 495 (house beverages)
Contact: www.gitano.com
Check out The View at The Palm
The View at The Palm offers sweeping views from the top of The Palm Tower. The observation deck looks out across Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, Dubai Marina and the wider city skyline, making it one of Dubai’s best vantage points. Visitors can learn about the creation of Palm Jumeirah before heading up to the viewing level for photos and skyline spotting. It’s a relaxed indoor attraction that works particularly well at sunset, when the city starts to glow.
Where: The View at The Palm, The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 7pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Enjoy a night swim
Take your night swim to new heights at ZETA Seventy Seven, perched on Level 77 of Address Beach Resort. Home to the Guinness World Records™ title for the highest outdoor infinity pool in a building, the 293.9-metre-high venue offers a striking setting above Dubai. From Sunday to Thursday, 6pm to 11pm, guests can unwind with a nighttime swim while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline. The experience is paired with fresh sushi platters, seafood and expertly crafted cocktails inspired by solar patterns and constellations. It’s a glamorous way to cool off after dark.
Where: ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina
When: Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 11pm
Price: AED 377 per couple (including a bottle of bubbly)
Contact: www.addresshotels.com
Sunday 5 July
Visit the future
Museum of the Future is one of Dubai’s most striking landmarks, but the experience inside is just as memorable. The futuristic institution explores science, technology, sustainability and human possibility through immersive exhibitions and interactive storytelling. Visitors journey through space, nature, wellness and innovation-focused zones, each designed to imagine what life could look like in the decades ahead. Its architecture, Arabic calligraphy and ambitious themes make it a must-visit for tourists, residents and anyone interested in what comes next.
Where: Museum of The Future, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 7pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Partner Listing: Dine at Nomani
Located within The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, Nomani brings contemporary Japanese and Korean cuisine to the heart of the emirate. Set inside The Heart of Sharjah, the menu moves between refined Japanese flavours and the interactive appeal of Korean dining. The four-course Business Lunch features a choice of starters, sushi, main courses and desserts, making it ideal for a midday escape. For dinner, the signature Korean Grill invites guests to gather around the table as premium cuts of meat are grilled to perfection and served with a selection of traditional Korean accompaniments and Japanese rice, creating a memorable and interactive dining experience.
Where: Nomani, The Chedi Al Bait, 79 Corniche Street, Sharjah
Contact: www.ghmhotels.com
Partner Listing: Dine at Moroccan Pop-Up Dar Zellij
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is bringing the spirit of Morocco to Ras Al Khaimah with Dar Zellij, a limited-time dining pop-up running until the end of September. Inspired by the charm of Marrakech, the immersive restaurant features intricate zellij tilework, handcrafted arches, ornate lanterns and warm Moroccan textures. The menu celebrates authentic flavours, from fragrant tagines and couscous to fresh seafood, artisanal pastries and traditional Moroccan tea. Complete with live entertainment, Dar Zellij offers a vibrant summer escape without leaving the UAE.
Where: Dar Zellij, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: https://movenpick.accor.com