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Image Credit: Last Exit D98/Supplied

Movies with live orchestra, the last exit on the road is not an exit but a destination, free parties and events - no excuses to stay home this long weekend.


Movies at the Opera

Dubai Opera is screening award-winning films, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark, with a full live symphony orchestra this weekend. To be part of Dubai’s first orchestral screening of these renowned blockbusters make sure you buy your tickets today! Both Steven Spielberg films; Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark are timeless classics accompanied by John Williams’ memorable scores.

“If you haven’t seen a Hollywood Blockbuster accompanied by a full live symphony orchestra then you’ve truly never experienced the incredible power of music to bring films to life” Dubai Opera’s Chief Executive, Jasper Hope said. 

Location Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai Tickets and show times will be available at www.dubaiopera.com


Michelin Star Chef Heinz Beck at the Palm

Chef Heinz Beck returns to Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah to create an innovative menu and to host a rare cooking demonstration, where the artistic courses will be created in front of you by the chef himself.

Paying homage to Chef Beck’s passion on the science of nutrition and the importance of healthy food,  discover unexpected flavours of the specially crafted six-course menu, consisting of light and healthy items such as tartare of amberjack on strawberry, asparagus with seaweed pesto, avocado and squid and lamb medallions with eggplant ragout - not forgetting about the special dessert  he has in store for the evening.

Location Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah Dubai Cost Dh650 per person exclusive of beverages, Dh750 per person inclusive of cooking demonstration (limited participants RSVP), Dh1100 per person inclusive of grape pairings Timings April 18 to 22; From 7pm Contact 04 8182222


Business lunch at Novikov

Novikov, the Pan-Asian restaurant and bar, located at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, has re-launched its signature business lunch menu featuring the Shinkansen Business Lunch and Dim Sum Lunch The lunch menu now offers guests the chance to indulge in a range of specialty dim sum or choose from a range of options that include Novikov’s most popular dishes.The Novokov business lunch is the perfect option for a mid-day break.

Location Sheraton Grand Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road Cost Dh115 per person Dates and timings Shinkansen Sunday to Thursday 12.30pm to 3pm; Dim Sum Saturday to Thursday 12.30pm - 3pm Contact reservations@novikovrestaurant.co.uk  or +9714 388 8744


An evening of fun at Palazzo Versace

We tried this one out for you and believe us when we say the whole evening is an experience than just something to do. Walk in to the luxurious, fashion and style focused interiors, decorated with framed couture designs. The reason to go this weekend is the performance by Xriss Jor at Quincy Jones’s bar at the hotel. Enigma has a pre-show menu for visitors to Q’s Bar. All you need to do is reserve a dinner at Enigma (terrace seating is best), and move to Q’s bar right next to the restaurant and enjoy the performance.

Location Palazzo Versace, Near Al Jaddaf metro station and Dubai Creek Cost Dh140 onwards for the pre-show dinner at Enigma, Free entry in Q’s Bar Timings Performance starts at 9pm Dates Until May 26 Contact +971 4 556 8888


Free interior design workshops in Dubai

HGTV, the leading home and garden channel, is hooking you up with free interior design workshops in Dubai City Festival Mall this weekend. The channel will bring together two of the country’s leading experts in interior design and Feng Shui to host daily workshops, from coffee table designing – and putting together a cohesive look – to techniques in creating positive energy flow in the home. There will also be loads of family activities that everyone can enjoy from DIY strength challenges, ‘tweets for treats’ twitter vending machine dispensing heaps of great gifts, plus arts and crafts, and face painting for the kids.

Also, read our guide to making a studio apartment feel and look like a palace.

Location Dubai Festival City Mall Cost Free entry and free workshops Dates April 20 to 22 Timings 10 am onwards Workshops at 4.15pm, 5.15pm, 6.15pm and 7.15pm


Live music at McGettigan's

The talented Scott Maher takes to the stage for a lively acoustic set from 8pm to 11pm followed by Clarita and the Chandeliers playing Pop and Rock from 11pm to 2am. McGettigan’s will be rewarding you for getting through this hard week with ‘That Thirst-day Feeling’ – a dirham-saving deal that
offers house beverages for just Dh25 and grape for Dh19, every Thursday.

Location DWTC, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road Cost free entry Timings Thursday April 20 Contact 800 6247

Another Last Exit has opened

For those of who are still in doubt, there have been two Last Exit venues, the unique food truck concept by Meraas – Last Exit E11 (Shaikh Zayed Road) and Last Exit D63 (Al Qudra). The latest addition out of a promised total of ten is Last Exit D89, at Al Khawaneej, next to Mirdiff between Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.

This opens the concept up to residents living in areas of old Dubai and is also nearer Sharjah. The venue is themed as an outdoorsy food space with spacious lawns, vintage pick-ups; farm animals, bird houses, and wholesome dishes. The suburban hideaway is also designed to reflect the rich agricultural heritage of the surrounding community in Al Khawaneej

Location D89, Al Khawaneej, next to Mirdiff between Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road Cost A la carte


Support the kids for Kabayan Cultural Day

If you’re looking for a fun and free Saturday event to go with your children in Sharjah, try Kabayan Cultural Day hosted as part of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2017. Filipino students from various schools across the UAE will be showcasing their talents. There are also a lot of activities, on the spot competition and fun for visiting students as well.

Location Sharjah Expo Centre Cost Free entry Date April 22 Timings 1pm to 4pm Details


Brazilian party night at Pure Sky Lounge

Pure Sky Lounge, on the 35th floor of Hilton Dubai, The Walk invites guests for what they claim is the biggest Brazilian party in Dubai, christened ‘Brazilian Spirit’. The party will showcase uplifting music from legendary Brazilian Baile do Dj Marlboro, who is the founding father of the popular music style, Funk Carioca (Favela Funk). Happy hours are from 6pm to 8pm and with their loyalty card, you can get further discounts on the night.

Location Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai, The Walk Cost Free entry Date April 20 Timings 6pm to 2am (happy hours from 6pm to 8pm) Contact pureskylounge@hilton.com or call +971 52 646 1764


Sunday Irish brekki

Image may contain: tree, pool, plant and outdoor
 
Breakfast will be served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with views of the Madinat waterways.Enjoy a full Irish breakfast with all the trimmings – 2 eggs, sausage, tomato, black and white pudding, mushroom, beans, hash brown and tea/coffee and toast – or indulge in handpicked crab Benedict, eggs Benedict, spiced apple French toast and more. What a great way to enjoy a lovely day off.
Location Madinat Jumeirah Cost a la carte Timings Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12pm Contact 04 4470219

 

Movies

We have three movie recommendations for you this weekend.

Mine

Release Date: 20 April 2017

Starring: Armie Hammer, Tom Cullen and Annabelle Wallis

Language: English

After a failed assassination attempt, a solider (Armie Hammer) finds himself stranded in the desert. Exposed to the elements, he must survive the dangers of the desert and battle the psychological and physical toll of the treacherous conditions

Eat Local

Release Date: 20 April 2017

Starring: Charlie Cox, Mackenzie Crook, Tony Curran and Eve Myles

Language: English

The story follows Sebastian who goes for a date with Vanessa, who introduces him to some of her friends; A coven of hungry vampires. Things get even more complicated when a heavily armed squad of vampire hunters storm the party.

Georgettan's Pooram

Release Date: 20 April 2017

Starring: Dileep, Renji Panicker and Rajisha Vijayan

Language: Malayalam

The son of a Mar Thoma priest is expected to follow in his father's footsteps, but the priesthood may not be the best fit for him.


Staying in?

Not up to braving the crowds in Dubai? Plan a movie marathon with our guide to ten amazing movies with the most sequels. 

Gulf News has you covered live sport blogs, movie reviews, health and fitness pages, television news and much more. Check out our most popular sections to find what catches your fancy this weekend in Sport and Leisure.