10 fun things to do in the UAE this weekend

Cycle on Sheikh Zayed Road, check out an outdoor cinema and try a new brunch in town

CYCLE ON SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD: Dubai Fitness Challenge is set to welcome residents and visitors for the first-of-its-kind cycling event this Friday, November 20, as Dubai Ride sees a section of Sheikh Zayed Road turn into a cycling track. The non-competitive, free-to-enter, community event will see participants set off on a once-in-a-lifetime bike ride along two distinct routes - with the longer route including the city’s main artery, passing a number of the city’s iconic buildings. A 4km family-friendly, fun ride is open to participants as young as five years old. An extended, 14km open ride is designed to motivate cycling enthusiasts aged 13 years or The 4km Family Route will commence close to The Dubai Mall Cinema Parking, while the 14km Sheikh Zayed Road Route will take participants along a loop of the main highway, between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Safa Park.

CHECK OUT THE OUTDOOR CINEMA AT DEIRA CITY CENTRE: Outdoor at Aloft, City Centre Deira, which is the first licensed outdoor cinema in Dubai. It offers amazing views of the city by the creek and provides plush-style seating for solo viewers or double seats for couples. Guests can enjoy their favourite beverages as well as a wide-ranging menu of sweet and savoury items including burgers, pizza, salads and decadent desserts from the comfort of their cinema seat. Movie lovers also have the option to book the entire cinema for a private viewing session with their family and friends for Dh45 per person, otherwise, the single-seater costs Dh65 and the double-seater costs Dh130 and includes two tickets.

TRY THE NEW DISHES AT VIETNAMESE FOODIES: Vietnamese Foodies, the ultimate spot for affordable southern Vietnamese cuisine in Dubai has introduced two new menus. Among the new additions is the Prime Short Rib Pho at Dh96, served piping hot in a stone bowl with 14-hour bone broth and al dente rice noodles. Also new on the Chef’s Signature Menu, are firm Vietnamese favourites, Bao buns, perfect for sharing and served two ways: Ga Quay Banh Bao (96 Dhs), a Half Roast Chicken with Bao Buns; and Vit Quay Banh Bao (102 Dhs), Aromatic Half Roast Duck with Bao Buns. There are also five new dessert additions including a matcha tiramisu and a basque burnt cheesecake. Vietnamese Foodies has two locations; one in Downtown Dubai and one JLT.

CHECK OUT THE NEW FRIDAY FEELS DEAL: Every Friday from 2 pm, guests who visit LookUp can enjoy a dreamy Friday brunch that includes pool access. With amazing weather, you can kick-back to an alfresco spread of steak tartare crostini, truffle pizzetta, smoked brisket tacos and more. Sip on spritz or a concoction of flavourful Iced Tea, and infused Ice Lollies, consisting of apple and kiwi, passionfruit, lemon and ginger - while grooving to the sounds of soulful and chill-out beats carefully selected by resident DJ Leon Knight at Dh350 per person. There will also be a curated selection of grape, hops and spirits.

TRY THE NEW BRIX DESSERT EXPERIENCE: Book yourself in for an evening of sweet surprises at Brix by 3Fils. The little sister of Dubai’s home-grown hotspot 3Fils hosts dessert tasting experiences at its intimate dessert bar located in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. You will experience a crafted set menu of desserts, each paired with curated beverages. Choose from a three-course for Dh145 or five-course for Dh240 menu. Brix is a haven for chocolate and sweet lovers, and the tasting menu is the perfect date night, celebration or indulgent weekend treat.

TAKE PART IN VIRTUAL REALITY DAY ALL WEEKEND LONG: Global Virtual Reality Day takes place on Saturday, November 21 and Dreamscape in Mall of the Emirates is celebrating all weekend from Thursday to Sunday with in-store activities. See details below along with a link to images. Special deals include, free entry for anyone with the initials VR in their name- Anyone who signs up to the WiFi at Mall of the Emirates gets 20 per cent off tickets at Dreamscape, buying a ticket automatically gives you a free prize and everyone can spin the wheel to give you access to tonnes of prizes.

TRY THE NEW BRASS MONKEY BRUNCH: The entertainment venue is launching a new brunch experience every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Starting from Dh250, guests will have an array of unlimited starters to share and a choice of one main. The menu includes some juicy sliders, crunchy tacos, and pile-it-high nachos as well as fresh Green Apple Salad, Green Curry Mussels, and Charred Miso Salmon. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a peanut butter cheesecake for a sweet ending. This brunch also offers three hours of unlimted gaming.

SEE EMIRATI POP ART ON THIS TOYOTA: Toyota and Emirati pop art designer, Fatma Mohammed Obaid AlMulla have partnered to celebrate local art and culture through the creation of a special edition 2021 Land Cruiser. The collaboration was initiated in an effort to empower women in the country and in particular Emirati women. The special edition car is covered with unique geometry shapes, as well as bold and vibrant patterns.

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THE TOUGH MUDDER IN RAK: Taking place on Friday, November 20 on the island of Mina Al Arab, the last remaining tickets to both the Classic Tough Mudder 10k course, and the Tough Mudder 5k course route, can be purchased from their website.

STAYCATION OF THE WEEK: Three-Day Soulful Weekend Retreat at The Palm Jumeirah, which takes place from November 19 to 21 starting from Dh1,975 per person. Top up your energy levels, shed the old, soak in the new, learn about functional health and have a few days of total bliss in a company of like-minded women. The agenda for the weekend includes health seminars by Health Nag, yoga classes, meditation, a sound bath, and a healing cocoa ceremony by the beach. Braver guests can even try the ice bath experience.