Our picks of the hottest happenings this weekend.
The weekend is here, and whilst the mercury is rising, Dubai is serving up plenty of ways to stay entertained as the summer heat sets in. Food lovers can book the final days of the FACT Favourites x Mott 32 menu, dine on Latin American flavours at Amaru, or indulge in Zuma’s Baikingu Brunch. Elsewhere, football fans can catch FIFA World Cup 2026 action, while families can camp overnight inside The Green Planet or cool off on the slopes at Ski Dubai. From wellness escapes to big-screen matches, here are the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Friday 26 June
Tuck into the FACT x Mott 32 culinary collab
FACT Favourites makes its debut at Mott 32 Dubai with a limited-time menu celebrating some of the restaurant’s most memorable dishes. Available from 16 to 27 June, the collaboration offers diners a curated taste of the award-winning Chinese restaurant, set high above the city at Address Beach Resort. Known for its moody interiors, cinematic views and contemporary Cantonese flavours, Mott 32 Dubai has been named Best Chinese Restaurant at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai three times. The menu features Duck Salad, Szechuan-style vegetable dumplings, soft shell crab, smoked black cod, wok-fried Angus beef and Yeung Chow-style fried rice, followed by the theatrical Almond and Chocolate Oolong Tea “Xiao Long Bao”.
Where: Mott 32 Dubai, Address Beach Resort, Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina
When: Available daily until Saturday, 27 June 2026
Price: AED 275 per person
Contact: www.mott32.com
Beat the heat at Banya Forrest
The FACT award-winning Banya Forrest brings a traditional Slavic spa experience to Bluewaters, offering a refreshing way to reset during the summer months. The FACT award-winning wellness destination is home to the UAE’s first fully equipped traditional banya, alongside two cold plunge pools, ice bucket showers, a snow room and two saunas, including one of the largest banyas in the MENA region. Designed around contrast therapy, the experience alternates between intense heat and extreme cold to promote relaxation and renewal. There is also an on-site restaurant, making it a social spa escape for groups.
Where: Banya Forrest, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 11pm
Contact: www.banyaforrest.com
Have dinner at Amaru
Amaru brings Latin American fire and flair to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Inspired by the mythical Incan serpent-dragon, the restaurant and lounge is designed for long dinners that move seamlessly into late-night revelry. The menu leans into fire-led cooking and bold flavours, with dishes such as citrus-laced ceviches, smoky anticuchos, otoro tostadas, lobster tacos in huitlacoche tortillas, and flame-kissed highland lamb chops. The setting is just as theatrical, with warm clay walls, textured stone, carved wood and glowing firelight creating a temple-like feel. Interactive projection mapping, shifting lights and symbolic details add to the sense of discovery, while Latin rhythms keep the energy high.
Where: Amaru, Madanat Jumeirah, 1 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Sufouh, Dubai
When: Open daily from 6pm to 3am
Saturday 27 June
Feast on Zuma’s FACT award-winning brunch
Offering a sophisticated twist on the traditional izakaya style of informal eating, uma’s FACT award-winning Baikingu Brunch offers a sophisticated take on izakaya-style dining. The experience begins with starters such as signature shrimp tempura, crispy fried squid and an assortment of sashimi, nigiri and maki. Diners can then enjoy beef yakiniku from the live robata station, followed by signature mains including miso-marinated black cod, jumbo tiger prawns and grilled Australian wagyu ribeye. Dessert brings sorbets, ice creams, chocolates and exotic fruits to the table.
Where: Zuma Dubai, Gate Village, DIFC
When: Saturdays from 12:30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 545 (soft beverages), AED 645 (house beverages) and AED 795 (premium beverages)
Contact: zumarestaurant.com
Catch a World Cup match
HuQQabaz is bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 fever to Dubai with live match screenings across its three locations. Football fans can catch every goal, tackle and last-minute moment on big screens, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere and round-the-clock hospitality. Known for its authentic Turkish cuisine and lively setting, HuQQabaz offers a reliable spot for everything from early kick-offs to late-night fixtures. To mark the tournament, the restaurant has also introduced a limited-edition World Cup 2026 signature menu, created especially for the occasion and inspired by the spirit of football. Whether gathering with friends or supporting your favourite team, HuQQabaz promises energetic game days throughout the season. Catch Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia at 4am and Egypt vs Iran at 7am.
Where: HuQQabaz Jumeirah, HuQQabaz Souk Al Bahar and HuQQabaz Garden at Mall of the Emirates
Contact: www.huqqabaz.com
Camp in the Rainforest at The Green Planet
The Green Planet is bringing back Camping in the Rainforest, giving guests the rare chance to spend the night inside Dubai’s indoor tropical biodome. Available on selected Fridays and Saturdays until October 2026, the overnight experience runs from 7pm to 8am and combines adventure, education and family-friendly fun. Campers will stay in fully prepared tents with mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets, surrounded by free-roaming birds, geckos and some of The Green Planet’s beloved residents, including Lemon the sloth, Kendrick the lemur and Avo the anteater. The experience includes a buffet dinner, marshmallow roasting, a nature documentary, a nocturnal tour, animal feeding and breakfast at The Green Planet Café. Prices start from AED 790 for two people.
Where: The Green Planet, Al Wasl, Dubai
Contact: www.thegreenplanetdubai.com
Sunday 28 June
Visit the FIFA Coca-Cola Fan Zone
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 Panama vs England at 1am, Algeria vs Austria at 6am or Jordan vs Argentina at 6am.
Where: Bla Bla by McGettigan’s, The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Shop at the FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store
Number 10 has opened a FIFA World Cup 2026 Pop-Up Store in Alserkal Avenue, giving Dubai football fans a new place to gear up for the tournament. The pop-up stocks national team jerseys, football boots, training apparel and limited-edition releases from brands including Nike, adidas, PUMA and New Balance. Visitors can browse the latest match-day looks, performance gear and exclusive drops ahead of kick-off. A New Balance takeover on the upper level showcases the brand’s Pure Ambition Pack, with complimentary jersey customisation available on selected purchases. Following the success of Number 10’s Yas Mall store, the Alserkal Avenue pop-up brings football retail into one of Dubai’s most creative districts.
Where: Number 10, Warehouse 41A, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 9pm
Contact: @number10.store
Take to the slopes at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai continues to prove that snow in the desert is not only possible, but also seriously fun. Located inside Mall of the Emirates, the indoor snow park features ski slopes, snowboarding, tobogganing, chairlifts and family-friendly snow activities. Visitors can choose from runs of varying difficulty, making it suitable for first-timers and more experienced skiers. Beyond the slopes, the venue also offers zip-lining and penguin encounters, adding to the sense of Alpine escapism. Whether you are planning a full day of adventure or a quick break from the heat, Ski Dubai is a summer staple.
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am to midnight
Contact: http://platinumlist.net