11 amazing things to do this weekend

Concert, Shopping sales and plenty of other things to do this weekend.

DSF KICKS OFF: The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) begins on Thursday, December 17 with an action-packed opening weekend of great live music, amazing markets, and family entertainment. The opening celebrations will usher in great concerts, promotions show and much more taking place across the city until the grand finale on 30 January 2021.

DSF CONCERTS: Music singing sensations Hussain Al Jassmi and Tamer Hosny will headline the first evening of DSF’s two-day opening weekend celebration. The artists, two of the biggest names in the Arabic music world, will perform on December 17 as part of an incredible double bill of live music for the start of this year’s DSF. While on day two, International singing star Anne-Marie, pop band Clean Bandit and vocalist Yasmin Green are all set to perform, marking the start of DSF, the trio will perform at the Etisalat Market OTB, Burj Park on the second day of the December 18 opening weekend celebration.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY: This National Maple Syrup Day, on December 17, give yourself a winter sugar rush at Eggspectation with their limited-edition Maple Syrup Canadiano. Made with high-quality maple syrup imported from Canada (the very land of maple syrup), this custom made drink is the holy grail of winter drinks. Swirled with rich maple gold, espresso, cream and cinnamon, this drink will be available for one-day-only for Dh22. Whether you are Canadian, feeling homesick, or in search of something sweet and new, this toasty beverage is the perfect drink to be enjoyed this festive season.

BONGO’S BINGO IS BACK: The much loved Bongo’s Bingo is back this week, with a festive twist. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the most bizarre game of bingo is returning and this time at La Mer’s festive wonderland. If you think this is going to be your average game of bingo think again. This version of Bingo is going to be located on the Helipad at La Mer and it’s a guaranteed top night out. With Xmas tunes, hilarious prizes, it’s definitely one to add to the diary. Founder Jonny Bongo will be flying over for the occasion to host what is set to be the biggest and best night of the year. Tickets are available forDh100 per person and doors open at 7pm.

CHECK OUT BRAND NEW RESTAURANT ZOR: ZOR, the latest dining destination to open at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah celebrates its Grand Opening weekend on Thursday, December 17th and Friday December 18th with a memorable live performance by Uzbek superstar Sevara Nazarkhan. A singer, songwriter and musician, Sevara has achieved worldwide fame through her collaboration with many high-profile international artists as well as through her unique music style which incorporates Uzbek folk and contemporary music. ZOR has been designed with a bold vision to showcase the best of authentic Uzbek culture and cuisine to the Middle East. And so, the concept offers guests a first-hand glimpse into the true spirit of Uzbekistan, via an immersive culinary journey. Seen as a melting pot of flavours and spices and with a rich and unique history, Uzbekistan’s heritage is one that is embedded with numerous influences from neighbouring nations and as a result, many Uzbek recipes have centuries-old histories and are prepared with various rituals that elevate the dining experience to all-new heights

KICK OFF THE WEEKEND WITH FITMAS: On Thursday, December 17 at 5.30pm, your ho ho homies at Bare DXB in Business Bay are throwing a Christmas party themed workout. Gather round the Fitmas tree and raise those jingle barbells to a playlist of festive favourites! Sleigh the workout, burn those calories and collect an early present at the Fitmas party of the year.

CHECK OUT THE NEW FOOD DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET: A new bona fide farmers’ market, the Emirati Farmers Souq, has launched at Food District on Palm Jumeirah in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment. Running every Saturday from 8am to 2pm until Ramadan on the ground level terrace outside Boon Coffee, young entrepreneurial UAE farmers sell local fruit and vegetables from their stalls directly to the customer. Visitors can choose from local produce that is either conventionally grown, hydroponic farmed or organic – at very affordable prices. Vegetables and fruit aside, eggs and honey are also on sale. The initiative celebrates farmers, local ingredients and entrepreneurship in the food production sector with the goal of enhancing food security and ensuring food sustainability.

FREE MULLED GRAPE AT VIBE 2.0: Order a main course from VIBE’s holiday season menu and get a glass of mulled grape on the house. As the holiday season is in full swing, VIBE enlightens the festive spirit with offering a specially curated holiday season menu, where each main course ordered will be served with a complimentary glass of the ultimate festive beverage; mulled wine. The limited-edition menu can be enjoyed daily from 7pm and will be available until December 31 at VIBE’s Gate Avenue, DIFC branch with prices starting from Dh39.

VISIT THE CHRISTMAS PET CARNIVAL: Looking for a perfect fun outing with the furry member of your house? A local customised pet furniture brand, Furnature, is hosting a fun Christmas Pet Carnival for all pet parents at a Latin American restaurant Highway 311 in Jumeirah Lake Towers on Thursday, 17 December 2020 from 4pm to 8pm. The carnival activities include a workshop on painting a festive leaseholder which participants will take back home and a three-course food menu. Plus take cute Christmas selfies at a special selfie booth. The entry to the one day Christmas Pet Carnival is priced at Dh59 that includes a leaseholder painting workshop, three-course menu and chance to win gifts and food vouchers. Leash-holders will be provided to all the attendees.

CHECK OUT THE NEW MMG GALLERY: Dubai-based creative production agency MMG have launched the MMG Art Gallery a digitised art gallery showcasing the works of talented independent, established and emerging artists and photographers. MMG Art Gallery offers art collectors and buyers exclusive access to limited-edition artworks with accessible prices. MMG ensures exclusivity with their artists by discontinuing the sale of artworks after two hundred of each piece or print is sold. The buyer will receive a certificate to authenticate the exclusive sale along with their artwork purchase.

Mona Fares, one of the popular Souk Seven artists, will be hosting free to attend kids’ workshops in the central courtyard at Souk Madinat Jumeirah to celebrate the festive season on Saturday, 19th December. From 1-2pm and 3-4pm, Mona will be hosting a pouring art inspired workshop where children will learning about different painting techniques and colour combinations while also having fun! All workstations will be aligned with the COVID-19 safety compliance regulations. Seating is limited so visitors are advised to arrive early.