This weekend in the UAE promises delectable food, parties and quite a few adrenaline pumping events. Here are our top picks.
1. Shimmers at Madinat Jumeirah
Indulge in Greek flavours at Shimmers offering lunch and dinner in view of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The soothing atmosphere and delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine by Greek Chef Yiannis Katsik is a must-try this week. The fresh items on offer include traditional spicy feta cheese dip served with freshly baked pita bread; zucchini kefta or exquisite tender chargrilled octopus.
Location Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Cost A la carte Timings Lunch 12pm to 5pm Dinner 7pm to 11.30pm Dates Daily Website
2. UAE against Thailand in FIFA 2018 Qualifier
The UAE football team is in the last and final qualification stage, playing against Thailand this weekend before what is expected to be a decisive game in Jeddah. The top-two teams in this pool of qualifiers will automatically qualify for the World Cup in Russia while the third-placed team has to negotiate further play-offs to secure a spot. UAE is in the fourth spot as of now after Australia, Saudi Arabia and Japan in the first three positions.
(A still from the qualifier game between UAE and Australia on September 6)
Location Mohammad bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Cost Dh200 onwards Tickets
3. James Morrison at Dubai Opera
This weekend will see the much talked-about event at Dubai Opera with James Morrison. He was just 21 years old when his debut album rocketed to the top of the charts in 2006. He has sold over four million copies of his music worldwide and has performed live shows across the world.
Location Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai Cost Dh295 to Dh695 per person (Box tickets available) Timings Doors open at 8.30pm Main act 10pm onwards Dates Friday, October 7 Tickets Website
4. Tiger Sessions’ Deep House gig
Tiger Sessions presents a one-off monthly gig with exciting and upcoming international DJs from the deep house music scene. The season kicks off with international artist and DJ Habischman - so if you fancy a chilled-out evening with an Asian street food corner to tickle your taste buds, you know where to go.
Location Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai The Walk, Dubai Dates Thursday, October 6 Timings 6.00pm to 3am Tickets Free entrance all night More details here
5. Evolve Fun Speed Run 2016/2017 - Round 01
The motorsport season in the country will begin soon. To get you in the mood, take your car and head down to the Dubai Autodrome. Throw it around the track a bit. The fun speed run is open to everyone with a car (except an SUV or 4X4). If your car (or better half) won’t allow you to enjoy the driving experience, then head down regardless – it’s open to spectators. Make sure you read their registration information and rules via the link below.
Location Dubai Autodrome Cost Dh400 + Dh100 for a helmet Dates Friday, October 7 Timings 11.00am to 5:00pm Facebook Event Page
6. Go Pink with A.O.C French Brasserie
A.O.C French Brasserie present a pink take on their regular Friday brunch with a Rose station as well as thematic pink beverages. With an oyster bar, home-made foie gras and indulgent eclairs, this brunch makes for a great Friday outing.
Location Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Cost Dh345 per person Timings 1pm to 4pm Date Friday, October 7 Website
7. Tale of Us at Blue Marlin Ibiza
Party all night this Friday with Berlin-based Tale of Us (Karm and Matteo) and Subb-An. The Tale of Us pair bring a fusion of house and techno with influences from pop, disco and even rock music. Ashique Subhan, or Subb-An as he is popularly known, is a leading DJ rocking the underground house-music scene in the United Kingdom.
Location Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotel, Dubai Cost Free (Reserve in advance) Timing 1pm to 11pm Date October 7 Contact +971 56 113 3400 Email reservation@bluemarlinibiza-uae.com
8. Oktoberfest Yas Island
Back by popular demand, the event will feature traditional German Oktoberfest icons, including authentic German beverages, pretzels, food and fun along with a live band direct from Munich. It is a win-win as there will be daily raffle draws for a chance to win airline tickets to Germany in addition to lots of other great prizes. With family activities in the Kindergarten to keep children entertained, this is a family-friendly event.
Note: Every visitor under the age of 21 has to leave the venue at 10pm
Location du forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Cost Dh175 onwards per person Timings and dates October 6 (Thursday) 7pm to 2am October 7 (Friday) 4pm to 2am Tickets
9. Brunch at Bistro de Arts
Not in the mood for a typical Dubai brunch? Bistro de Arts has come up with a unique brunch concept which promises to transport diners to the streets of Paris. The new offering at the restaurant includes a ‘social table’ for the guests to indulge in while the ‘creperie’ section offers sweet treats. Wash it all down with hot and cold beverages including coffee, tea and juices.
Location Address Marina Hotel, Dubai Marina Cost Includes unlimited selection from the ‘social’ table, one serving from ‘cuisine’ section and one serving from ‘creperie’ section Dh99 per person (with one hot beverage, fresh juices and water) Dh199 per person (with two half-litre jugs of select beverages, one hot beverage, fresh juices and water) Timings 8am to 2pm Dates Friday and Saturday Contact +971 455 11 576 Email info@bistrodesarts.ae
10. 360°’s Battle of the DJs
If you’ve been battling with your boss all week, head down to 360° Dubai and watch others battle instead. For the first time ever, 360° will be giving all of Dubai's hip-hop and RnB DJs a chance to compete for a Residency at Thursday's hip-hop night.
Location 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Dates Thursday, October 6 Timings 5.00pm to 3am More details on participation here
11. Bounce in Al Ain
Now you can ‘Bounce’ in Al Ain too. The venue in Al Ain, which is the third in the UAE, is around 25 per cent bigger than the one in Dubai and showcases a whole host of new features such as a 20 metre tumble track, a super tramp – a high performance trampoline twice the size of a standard trampoline and a giant airbag to practice those Hollywood stunts. You can even book party rooms for birthdays and events.
Location Floor 3, Remal Mall, Al Ain Cost Dh80 onwards Timings and dates Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm Thursday-Friday 10am to 12am Website
