10 amazing ways to spend the weekend in the UAE

There's plenty of events, deals and meals to enjoy this weekend in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

GO SEE ALAN WALKER LIVE: In collaboration with BookMyShow Middle East, the Coca Cola Arena is hosting the British-born Norwegian musician and producer. The event will also mark the debut of Sunburn in the UAE. Sunburn is a global electronic music festival, best known for the yearly Sunburn Goa festival in India, which has drawn in more than 100,000 visitors. Tickets range from Dh175 to Dh399. Tables start at Dh495 and go up to Dh995 for a lounge for six.

LAGUNA WATERPARK SAVINGS: Calling all waterpark fans! For one day only on January 7, Laguna waterpark is offering UAE residents full-day access passes for just Dh50. Plus, for Dh95 guests can upgrade their full-day access park inclusive of unlimited food and drinks. Located at the beachfront hotspot located in the heart of La Mer – the two-day offer also includes a complimentary towel for each guest, plus, children below the age of two can enter for free.

BREAKFAST AT BARSTI: Sometimes there’s nothing better than a lazy weekend with pals, noshing on eggs or pancakes and making the most of those precious days off work. Taking place every Friday and Saturday, the Barasti Big Breakfast takes places from 9am to 4pm, featuring a variety of à la carte morning to afternoon meals. From the Hangover Burger, Waffle Nutella, the Healthy Wakeup to the quintessential Barasti Big Breakfast, it’s best that you come with an empty stomach.

SOHO BEER GARDEN’S NEW STREETBRUNCH: The new hip and urban venue, Soho Beer Garden located in Meydan will be hosting a new weekly Friday Street Brunch, with dining, live bands and lots of entertaining games. The Soho Streebrunch menu includes international food including smoked chicken and chorizo croquettes, prawn cocktail, traditional pretzels with dipping sauces for starters. Veal bratwurst, lamb merguez; a traditional North African sausage with harissa, beef chorizo and chicken and cheese all from the grill. Guests can dig right into the main courses with some herb-marinated chicken, pulled wagyu beef and Italian flatbread with chargrilled peppers, pesto and mozzarella for vegetarians with plenty other options. On the dessert menu, double chocolate brownie, ice cream assortment, profiteroles with vanilla cream and a selection of sliced fruits. Brunch is priced at Dh299 and takes place every Friday from 1pm to 5pm.

CELEBRATE RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS WITH ROKA: Roka has arranged a tasting experience to celebrate the Russian Orthodox Christmas on January 7. The tasting menu, priced at Dh450 per person. To start the dinner party, a delicious selection of starters such as sashimi, wagyu tempura maki and black cod and king crab dumplings will take the Christmas celebrations to the next level. The tasting menu will also feature ROKA’s signature dishes from their black cod marinated in yuzu miso to the tender beef fillet with chilli, ginger and spring onion along with tender stem broccoli with ginger and barley miso. For an additional Dh200 per person, you can enjoy a pure breed Japanese wagyu with eryngii mushrooms and wasabi ponzu sauce.

GO SHOPPING IN ABU DHABI: Aldar malls bring the best of the deals during the Winter Sale promotion running until February 14. There is plenty of time for you to grab the unmissable offers with the hundreds of participating stores at the three landmark Aldar malls- Yas Mall, The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain.

DISTILLERY LAUNCHES A NEW BREWSKI BRUNCH: Downtown Dubai’s local is launching a new late-start brunch this Friday. Set to become a weekly event every Friday from 5pm to 8pm at Distillery, the ‘Brewski Brunch’ invites guests to enjoy three hours of unlimited food and beverage, all served to the table, in a fun and casual setting with indoor and outdoor terrace seating available, complete with Burj Khalifa views. From the menu, plenty of unlimited sharing-style starters await, including tuna tartare with soy, ginger and lime and more. For the main course, diners can choose from options such as chargrilled salmon with chimichurri, roasted spice-rubbed half chicken with BBQ sauce, 24-hour cooked brisket and more. Desserts come unlimited and offer up classic comforts including New York cheesecake, Eton mess, and chocolate mousse. Brunch is priced at Dh189 for woman and Dh249 for men, including unlimited beverages.

LED BALLERINA DANCE SHOW: The LED Ballerina Dance Show brings the talent of classically trained ballerinas to this edition of DSF. With a specialist technique in ballet and pointe work, and dressed in their delicate, subtly lit LED costumes, these professional ballerinas will light up people’s evenings at Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Seef Presented by Al Foah. These unique ballet performances are sure to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Visitors can catch a show from January 7 to 9 with performances at 6.45pm, 8.05pm, 9.15pm and 10pm.

VISIT THE NEW CAYA POP UP: Located at the Town Square Dubai Park, caya the Mediterranean inspired restaurant is hosting a caya at the park. The pop-up concept invites guests to relish in an array of mouth-watering offerings that include; pizzas dripping in cheese, juicy burgers and succulent meats straight off the grill. On January 7 and 8, the park pop-up will be available every Thursday and Friday from 4pm until 10pm, ensuring caya neighbours make the most of Dubai winter evenings.

SUNSET SESSION AT THE RED ROOF: Dance the night away at the Red Roof Pool at Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis’s January Sunset Sleighin’. Every Thursday, Red Roof will host a resident DJ to provide hours of great new tunes and entertainment while guests lounge by the temperature cooled pool and take in the views of Dubai Digital Park as the sun goes down. Ladies can also enjoy free-flowing punch from 7pm to 8pm. In the mood for food too? There is a menu offering a range of bites for the poolside.