Dubai, Sharjah: 10 incredible things to do this weekend

EXPO 2020 KICKS OFF: We can't even begin to explain the amount of events, shows, concerts and dining experiences you can expect to witness if you head down to Expo 2020 this weekend. Make sure you catch the kick off of the greatest show on earth.

NOBU RELAUNCHES THEIR BRUNCH: This weekend, on October 1, Nobu Dubai launches a brand new brunch offering an unlimited selection of starters follows, including Nobu's yellowtail jalapeño and salmon new style as well as truffle edamame, black cod croquette and Nobu's world-famous sushi and rolls. Brunch goers can then choose from one of seven iconic Nobu mains, including the wagyu ribeye flambe, beef and foie gras gyoza, lobster shiso salsa and the signature black cod miso. Brunch ends on a sweet note with an extensive dessert selection, including mochi ice cream, Nobu cheesecake and assorted seasonal fruits. The Nobu Signature Brunch takes place every Friday, from 12pm to 3pm. Packages start from Dh555 for non-alcoholic, Dh655 for house beverages and Dh795 for bubbly. Children are welcome to join from Dh255, inclusive of soft beverages.

A FIREWORK SHOW ON THE PALM: The Pointe, the waterfront destination on Palm Jumeirah, invites residents and visitors to celebrate the opening day of Expo 2020 with a unique fountain show and spectacular fireworks display on October 1 at 8.20pm. In partnership with Expo 2020 and DTCM, The Pointe is one of three chosen Dubai destinations to mark the opening day of the six-month event. Visitors will enjoy a showstopping fountain display featuring Expo’s official colours and swaying to the official Expo song, This is Our Time, followed by a magical fireworks extravaganza. The Expo song will continue to play over the course of this year and the next at The Palm Fountain.

KICK OFF THE WEEKEND WITH FREE COFFEE: To celebrate the most caffeinated day of the year, BLK Cab Coffee will be offering a fa”brew”lous deal at its latest and largest opening in Wasl 51 Mall. Customers visiting the stylish flagship location, BLK Cab Central, will receive a free single espresso with every main course purchased throughout the day. BLK Cab Coffee will also be launching an Instagram competition, for one lucky coffee connoisseur to win a brew bar experience, dinner for two and a luxury coffee hamper.

CHECK OUT THE FARMERS MARKET IN SHARJAH: Manbat, the popular Emirati farmers’ market, is returning to Sharjah’s destination Aljada this Friday in time for the winter season. A joint initiative between Arada and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Manbat market promotes the best of the UAE’s healthy, home-grown produce in a fun and family-friendly environment. Following a successful first season, the Manbat market will be ready to welcome visitors again between 4pm and 9pm every Friday. More than just a market, a weekend trip to Manbat is an experience the whole family can enjoy. There are also child-friendly activations, tasting opportunities, workshops and other activities. Families can even enjoy a free movie at Aljada’s drive-in cinema, with kids’ cartoon hit Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade showing at 8pm and superhero blockbuster Fantastic Four screening at 9.30pm.

TRY THE NEW MENU AT BOCA DUBAI: Boca, the home-grown modern restaurant in DIFC, celebrates farmers, fishermen, producers, artisans and all things local and regional. Appreciating native ingredients this week, the restaurant unveiled a new menu that features an impressive list of new local and regional ingredients, and as always, the inspiration for the menu started here in the UAE. With each new menu, BOCA explores new ingredients from local, traditional, organic and hydroponic farms. One aspect beyond agriculture that remains largely unexplored and has always fascinated us is the UAE's first indigenous ingredients. All the tomatoes used in the menu come from Pure Harvest farms in Al Ain. You'll find them in dishes like Tomato Carnival Salad made with burrata and six different types of tomatoes Pure Harvest, Heirloom Margherita Pizzetta, Pissaladière with pickled Arabian Gulf sardines and even in a dessert called Tomato & Strawberry made with pink tomato, violet infused red fruit sorbet and strawberry tartare.

WET DECK, LAUNCHES NEW FRIDAY OFFER: The iconic W Dubai – The Palm is setting the stage for an epic Friday full of good vibes, live beats, and poolside action, with its brand-new Palm Sugar Republic Friday offer, available at Dubai’s hottest poolside venue, WET Deck. For Dh299 per person, revellers will gain exclusive pool access and be treated to five selected beverages and one bite from WET Deck’s food menu, or an extra bevvy if you’re feeling parched. WET Deck’s food menu features a selection of bites including Tuna Poke Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry and Tomato Mozzarella Panini, the menu will change on a weekly basis. With live entertainment, the vibe is fresh.

BOSPORUS LAUNCHES A NEW BURGER MENU: Bosporus has launched an exciting burger menu with a range of steaks, stuffed chicken and burgers inspired by Turkish flavours. A few dishes to expect to find on the menu include a Wagyu Filet Mignon Steak, a charcoal-grilled to perfection premium fillet served with a side of rich mushroom sauce and vegetables, Stuffed Tavuk, or a roast chicken Tavuk with chicken gravy sauce and crisp vegetables, all inspired by authentic Turkish flavours and made with a special blend of Turkish spices. All burgers are served alongside thick-cut fries.

A VEGAN DINNER WITH A BOLLYWOOD PARTY: Epitome, Dubai’s first fully licensed vegan and vegetarian restaurant is all set to host a special five-course meal for all the guests on October 1, World Vegetarian Day. Celebrity Chef Akshay Nayyar has curated a special Chef's Table menu, which showcases elevated vegan food. DJ Aqeel will be taking over the deck at Epitome for Bollywood Nights on from 10 pm onwards.

CHECK OUT THE 9 AT MOE: Mall of the Emirates has officially launched its exclusive new luxury private members’ club – The 9. A regional first for a shopping destination, the opening of the club is the first phase in Mall of the Emirates’ development plans as it further enhances its customer experience, F&B and lifestyle offering. Created following extensive research, The 9 is an exclusive private members’ club that aims to inspire and elevate. With a lush outdoor terrace, perfect for entertaining and connecting, The 9’s fine dining Mediterranean restaurant, GARTH, sees Moscow chef, Sergei Andreychenko and a team of sommeliers and mixologists assemble to offer an array of exquisite menus for the club’s members to choose from.