Mo*Vida
Mo*Vida is the latest in a long line of hot London clubs flinging open its doors in Dubai and has become one of the hottest spots in which to ‘see and be seen’ in town.
Expect to be treated like a VIP all night, from the glamorous ladies welcoming you at the door to the club’s signature cocktails. For a VVIP experience, book yourself one of the 37 exclusive tables.
The club is a celeb fave in London, with the likes of 90210 star Jessica Lowndes and singer Pixie Lott making it their regular haunt, and the Dubai club has already been graced by the likes of Bollywood star Amir Khan, and American R&B artist Jeremih, and all since its December opening!
The decor is super-luxe, with shimmering gold surfaces, velvet panelled walls and dramatic pink lighting – this club will make an impression on you from the moment you step through the door.
Cost Free entry
Where Radisson Royal, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Opening hours Wed-Fri, 10pm-2am
Call 055 174 4449
The Battle of the Chefs
Masterchef move over, there’s a new battle in town. Every month this golf-course-facing hotel will round up some of Dubai’s top chefs and encourage them to get their knives out. The culinary warriors will be given three signature ingredients (say shrimp, lamb and chocolate) and be tasked with creating a three-course meal on the spot. The best bit? If you go, you get to eat the results; your palate is sure to be challenged and delighted in equal parts.
Cost Dh275 including soft drinks, Dh355 with house beverages
Where Nineteen at The Address Montgomerie Dubai
When Wednesday January 18 from 7pm
Call 04 390 5600
Test Cricket: Pakistan vs England
Why go? The English invented it, yes, but there’s no overlooking the fact that cricket is a national obsession in Pakistan – the crowd at this match is guaranteed to be truly electric.
We went to one of the first Test Matches at this top-class stadium and there was a group of men holding up a huge sign that said, ‘We built this stadium!’ – that’s one of those Dubai moments we’ll always remember.
England are the number one Test side in the world – this is a chance to see them in action for just Dh20.
Cost From Dh20-Dh100 per day, depending on seats
Where Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sports City
When Tuesday January 17-Saturday January 21
Visit www.dubaisportscity.ae
Art Nights & Auctions
The business hub of DIFC is also becoming quite a cultural hotspot. Don’t believe us? Get down to the free Art Nights event this week and you’ll find eight galleries all open and buzzing, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art.
There will also be artists creating live sculptures before your very eyes, DJ Lobito on the decks and food and drinks courtesy of The Ritz Carlton, DIFC. Crowd-wise, expect corporate moguls in slim-fit suits as well as eccentric artists who look questionably clean yet somehow cool.
And if this night gets you in the arty mood, don’t miss the Young Collector’s Auction on Tuesday January 17 (from 7pm) at Ayyam Gallery in DIFC. The fun and friendly auction sees art works from key and emerging Middle Eastern artists – like the one pictured from Mohannad Orabi – up for grabs at an affordable (well, for the art world) range of Dh3,500-Dh30,000 (www.ayyamgallery.com).
Cost Free entry
Where Gate Village, DIFC
When Sunday January 15 from 7pm-9pm
Visit www.facebook.com/DIFCommunity to register
The Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup Polo
There’s truly no better daytime fashion parade than a spot of polo – so pop on your finest, ‘oh this old thing?’ and make a day of it this Friday 13 at luxe equine retreat Desert Palm by Per Aquum.
The VIP areas are strictly invite only, natch, but fear not, there’s a Polo Lounge that overlooks the fields, is free to enter and boasts a cash bar (so hit the ATM first). We’ll be cheering on the UAE team – partly for reasons of patriotism, but also because Argentinian legend (and heart throb) Adolfo Cambiaso is the captain. ‘Dolfi! Over here, we’re over heeere!’.
Cost Free entry
Where Desert Palm, Al Awir Road
When Friday 13 from 3pm
Call 04 323 8888
Step On: The January Party
Dubai’s longest-running indie night - Step On – is holding its January party at Catwalk in Barsha. Put some Vampire Weekend or The Kooks on loud, throw in cheap drinks deals and a bunch of cardigan-wearing DJs and what do you have? A packed club. We recommend, provided you don’t have personal-space issues.
Cost Free entry
Where Catwalk, The Golden Tulip, Barsha
When Friday 13 from 9.30pm
Call 050 464 9390
