Scene selection: May 24 - 30

I am in desperate need of a new page turner – any recommendations? I’m hearing lots about Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy. Which actually throws up two interesting questions: Why are all the fun books these days geared towards the teen market? And why is everything a trilogy? Anyway, this weekend is my friend Kooros’ b’day celebrations so I’ll be heading out for drinks (please be indoors, please be indoors!) after hitting up the Bice Mare brunch with the Scene team, as we’ve all been invited to a bit of a tasting sesh. I’ve also got a major afternoon tea head on for some reason, so I’ll be hitting up the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah to scratch my pastry-lovin’ itch. Finally, it’s been too long since I last was there, so a trip to Dubai Outlet Mall is definitely in order to net some designer bargains galore.
Gemma White, Editor 

I’m definitely starting the weekend on my couch watching the American Idol final – I really think there hasn’t been a better top two ever! Remember Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina?! Poor. They’ve got nothing on Phil and Jess. Oh, and while I was all about Joshua – he went too soon – I’m now a firm member of Team Phillip, BTW. Who are you rooting for? Let us know on facebook. Then it’s brunch with Gem, Farah and Lucy at Bice Mare on Friday, which I’m very excited about as last year I savoured what had to be the best pasta I’ve ever eaten, it was a seafood and tomato concoction, and oh yes, I will be ordering it again. Saturday, my lovely husband and I are going to finally try The Farm out in Al Barari – I’ve heard great things about the remote restaurant, friends tell me the local produce is top notch. And later in the week I’m going to finally try the Dubai Mall Ice Rink, if only to make people laugh, as I’m officially one of the least coordinated people in the city.
Nyree McFarlane, Deputy Editor

Could this weekend be about anything other than the American Idol final? Heck, no! I am going to be on the edge of my seat waiting to see who’s going to win out of Jessica and Phillip – but I’m sooo rooting for Phillip! Jessica is amaze, but how can you not swoon over Phil and his amazing mellow vocals? Oh and PS, he’s also been battling major kidney problems since January, and will probably be whisked away from the AI set the second the winner is announced to have a vital operation! If that’s not showing dedication to your art, I don’t know what is. Once Phil wins (check out my positive thinking!) I’m off to Hakkasan on Friday night for a double birthday celebration. I’ve heard the food is incredible, and the place is so cool it could keep the polar ice caps from melting (or something). Then on Saturday, I’ll be hitting up hot new boutique, Socialista, at Sunset Mall to start building my birthday wish list. With exclusive ranges from my fave designers, including Cushnie et Ochs, Mark Fast, David Koma and Emilio De Morena, I’m thinking a multiple birthday party outfit situation could arise!
Lucy Wildman, Fashion Editor

I’m starting this weekend by taking advantage of the Jumeirah Restaurant Week, I can’t choose between The Rivington Grill and Pai Thai but I’m definitely excited about tucking into three amazing courses for just Dh120! After taking advantage of the amazing food for even better prices I’ll be enjoying more delicious dishes at the Scene team brunch at Bice Mare on Friday – their seafood platters are my food heaven. On Friday night I’m going to see Wiz Khalifa and Tinie Tempah, I have my fingers and toes crossed for an Ellie Goulding appearance during Wonderman. On Friday I’m heading up to the Abu Dhabi Street Art Exhibition, after meeting Dubai-based graffiti artists Sya and Bow when they came into the studios last week, I’m inspired to go and check out more street art, so I have the perfect excuse to head up to the Yas Viceroy’s Light Box Gallery this weekend.
Farah Andrews, Writer