Awesome things to do in UAE this weekend, Oct 24-26

Staycations, brunches, pasta extravaganzas, there’s a lot to do in the UAE this weekend. If you are a fan of musicals, sing along to Greased Lightnin’ at Dubai Opera and if you can’t wait until Dubai Fitness Challenge to start your fitness journey, check out events like Dubai Active.

These are your options:

Back to school

Are you rooting for Danny and Sandy? We know we are. Grease The Musical  is bringing all the magic, swagger, and high notes of the Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta hit — plus, a surprise twist for Dubai fans. Hum along to classics such as You're the One That I Want, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You and Greased Lightnin’  as you see Rydell High come to life on the Dubai Opera stage.

Price: From Dh270

When: Oct 24-Nov 2

Where: Dubai Opera

Catch up with a star

If you’ve been moving like a snake and want to meet the mind behind the movement, head over to City Centre Deira where Bollywood star Nora Fatehi will be headlining an escalator fashion show.

Price: Free

When: Oct 25, 6pm-8pm

Where: City Centre Deira

Forget lunch, it’s time to brunch

While there are plenty of brunch options in the UAE, the Sea You Brunch at Origins, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club just hits different. Relax and let the salty breeze blow past as you dig into the specials, which include indulgent desserts. You can also tap your toes in rhythm to the tracks the DJ is spinning on the decks.

Price: Dh249 (including soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee); Dh349 (house beverages)

When: Saturdays, 1pm-4pm

Where: Origins, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club

Foodies unite

Calling all gourmands and foodies, it’s time to get your tickets to Alserkal Avenue’s What The Food event, where over two days you’ll hear talks, see exhibitions and immersive installations about food and its future. Everything from live demonstrations to a line-up of talks, workshops and guided food tours are on the menu. Zero-waste restaurant Silo’s owner,  chef Douglas McMaster, is hosting hands-on masterclasses too.

Price: Event is free; Dh1,000 for masterclass

When: Oct 25-26, 10am-10pm

Where: Alserkal Avenue

Limited-edition menu

Prepare to be mesmerised by alchemy on a plate this month, because Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the one-Michelin-starred restaurant at Atlantis The Royal, is bringing the goods. Paying culinary tribute to The Fat Duck on its 30th anniversary, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will be starting with aerated beetroot, red cabbage gazpacho with a scoop of Pommery grain mustard ice cream. This is followed by the roasted scallop with white chocolate and caviar. Main courses bring together complex flavours in dishes such as Turbot Veronique, which pairs Muscat grapes, mussels and parsley, as well as the most historic dish on the menu, the King’s venison. For dessert, you can sample, Taffety Tart, followed by the nitro scrambled egg and bacon ice cream.

Price: Dh955 (per person), grape pairings available at additional cost.

When: Until Nov 30, 6pm-11pm

One for the teens

Restless teen on your radar? Book a staycation at JA Lake View Hotel, where the The Freedom Seeker’s Day option will give them the space they – those aged between 11 and 17 — need to exercise their agency. Whether they’d like some downtime or dart tournaments and padel matches, they will get what they want. Your day will begin with breakfast and be followed by the teen's choice of SUP boarding or relaxed downtime. Afternoon will bring more fun time with activities like badminton, dart games, billiards and UNO tournaments at Club Joumana. In the evening, the young people can exercise their padel swings before heading to dinner with the fam.

Price: Depends on the room

When: Ongoing

Where: JA Lake View Hotel, Dubai

Pasta time

Live stations at The Coop House mean your pasta will be cooked just right. From Spaghetti Pomodoro and creamy Penne Alfredo to signature plates like Truffle Risotto, Ravioli Mushroom and Truffle and Linguine with Mixed Seafood, this is Italian done perfectly — don’t be surprised to find yourself going, mama mia.

Prices: From Dh57

When: Sat, 6pm onwards

Where: The Coop House, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai

Step on the pedal…

And get moving with the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Ride 2 on Sunday. You’ll not only test your skills and stamina, you’ll also make new friends as you race 45km along Al Qudra desert. Once you are done, help yourself to a hearty breakfast at the Cycle Village and let the kids explore the activities.

Price: Dh95.

When: Oct 26, 6.30pm

Where: Al Qudra Cycle Track, Dubai

Show me the funny

Somebody’s going to laugh real bad this weekend. Ok, a lot of people are going to guffaw this Saturday thanks to Russell Peters who is bringing his brand of wacky humour to Dubai. With  rapier-like jabs and an interactive routine, Peters’ gig is bound to be… hysterical.

Price: From Dh199

When: Oct 25, 8pm

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

Work it out

If you needed proof that getting fit could be fab, this is it. Dubai Active is returning this year with even more workout sessions and brands offering the latest in clothes, supplements, and wearable tech. Whether you are a competent practitioner of the healthy club or are looking for a way to join, this is your call to action (and a fitter life).

Price: From Dh50

When: Oct 24-26

Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.