UAE things to do: 10 exciting things to look forward to this weekend

GET READY FOR THE EPIC PALM FOUNTAIN LAUNCH ON THURSDAY: The 'Palm Fountain', which is set to launch on Thursday, October 22, will attempt to break a Guinness World Record as the worlds' largest fountain. The inaugural launch event will be free and open to the public. Additionally, the event will include an entire day of festivities, with all-day fun and competitions from The Pointe’s restaurants starting at 4pm and running until late. There will also be an array of live entertainment including multiple DJ sets, dance shows, performers, and a fireworks show. Make sure you register for free online, as there are limited spaces due to social distancing measures. Location: Palm Jumeirah, The Pointe. Cost: Free, registration is mandatory. When: Thursday, October 22 from 4pm onwards.

SIDDARTHA LOUNGE REOPENS ON THURSDAY: Iconic Dubai institution Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar are-opens in time for the new season on Thursday. The hotspot which offers indoor and outdoor elevated seating is back to deliver premium beverages, food and a great soundtrack. On Thursdays and Fridays, a saxophonist will join the resident DJ for a great way to kick off the weekend in Dubai Marina. Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina. When: Sunday to Wednesday from 5pm to 12amand Thursdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 1am.

SEE THE ANIMALS AT UMM AL EMARAT PARK FROM THURSDAY: Starting Thursday, animal lovers in Abu Dhabi will be able to visit their favourite animals at Umm Al Emarat Park’s Animal Barn, hosted in collaboration with Al Ain Zoo. In addition to ponies, rabbits, tortoises, pygmy goats, and camels, the Animal Barn will now be home to three Emu Birds – ranked the world’s second-largest bird by height. Location: Abu Dhabi, Mushrif Area. Cost: Dh10 per adult. When: From 8am to 12am – with the last entry at 11pm.

CHECK OUT THE NEW THEATRE OF DIGITAL ART ON FRIDAY: Dubai is now home to a brand new Theatre of Digital Art, which allows visitors to up close and personal look at some of the most famous paintings in the world. The area, which covers 1,800 sqm and is located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is officially open to the public. The new gallery uses a combination of light technology, virtual reality and an incredible soundtrack to put you in the most transcendent mood. The premiere exhibition is titled ‘From Monet to Kandinsky, Revolutionary Art’, is a very unusual presentation of classical art in digital format. The multimedia show has a duration of 45 minutes and features masterpieces by art world icons. Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Cost: Dh75 for adults. Dh45 for children over 3. When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm.

SPEND YOUR FRIDAY AT DUBAI SAFARI: DUBAI SAFARI PARK: The wildlife reserve, animal sanctuary and education centre opened its doors to visitors earlier this month following a revamp of many of its facilities. Dubai Safari Park will allow visitors to observe animals in their natural habitats, interact with animals in a safe environment, and discover fascinating facts about a diversity of species native to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It will also help families and children gain a better understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Spanning 119 hectares, the Dubai Safari Park is home to 3,000 mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. Location: Al Warqa. Cost: Dh50 per person. When: Open daily from 9am to 5pm

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SATURDAY LAZY LOUNGERS DEAL: If you spend Dh100 on food and beverage at Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis on Saturday you will get pool access to lounge by the pool at RED Roof for free. The roof bar offers a menu of poolside bites with a selection of sandwiches and salads alongside more indulgent options. Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis. Cost: Dh100 minimum spend for free pool access.

TRY THE NEW SECRET PARTIES SATURDAY BRUNCH AT FISH: The worst kept secret in Dubai, Secret Parties have teamed up with one of the most talked-about venues in the region Fish Beach Taverna at Dubai Marina to host a new weekly Saturday brunch. Secret Escape Brunch promises an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A singer and saxophonist will take things up a notch in true Secret Parties style, while guests enjoy dishes such as; Octopus marinated in fresh rosemary, garlic and fresh oregano, salted sea bass infused in fresh herbs served with orange, rosemary, fresh oregano, mustard and olive oil, as well as the whole grilled catch of the day, served fresh from the sea. Save room for dessert as classics such as traditional homemade walnut baklava is served with maras ice cream, to finish off the meal perfectly. Location: Fish Beach Taverna, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Cost: Dh299 including soft beverage package, Dh399including house beverages. Dh499 including sparkling beverages. Dh699 including premium sparkling beverages. When: Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

TRY OUT P&B’s NEW RECOVERY SATURDAY BRUNCH: Perry & Blackwelder’s, Dubai’s smokehouse in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is launching The Big Recovery Brunch, the new three-hour Saturday rolling brunch features all-day breakfast options that include P&B signature dishes, and adult beverages, together with live music served between 11am and 7pm, and priced at Dh199 for soft drinks, or Dh299 for house beverages. Featuring everything from the savoury through to sweet, menu items include pancakes, waffles or french toast with a variety of toppings; a breakfast slider with real bacon and sausage; P&B cajun fried chicken and waffle benedict and omelette with different fillings. In addition to breakfast options, diners can enjoy an unlimited menu of starters, like Chicken Wings, Texas BBQ Nachos, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and Chicken Thumpers, among others and more.

CHECK OUT THE SATURDAY BAZAAR AT LAHLAH Enjoy a dedicated day for the community every Saturday with a full day of activities including a supervised bouncy castle and arts and crafts, and a three-hour brunch package. Pooches are also welcome to join all the fun! The opening weekend will host 20 homegrown talents including DJs and live musicians including Khalil Barazi, Leon Knight, David Craig, Soulninja and Jon Besant, among others. For those who’d like to go all out can indulge in an alfresco ‘Bazaar Brunch’ and tuck into a three-hour package of a specially curated menu available from 12pm on Saturdays for Dh269 per person. Location: Zabeel House the Greens. Cost: Free entry to the bazaar. When: Saturday from 12pm onwards.