11 incredible things to do in Dubai this weekend

The upcoming weekend will be a whole lot of fun thanks to an action-packed calendar of events taking place in Dubai.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS: This weekend tonnes of Christmas Eve Dinners, Christmas Day brunches and Boxing Day parties are taking place. Whether you want something budget-friendly or a full out Christmas splurge, check out our list of 60 festive brunches to take advantage of this weekend.

FESTIVE WEEKEND AT MARKET OTB: Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai welcomes residents and visitors to a super Festive theme to celebrate the second week of DSF. Guests will be able to watch performances by the super fun Elf Mischief juggling duo, violinist Olena, breakdancing by the Sleigh Riders, a fun talent contest, the Flame Ignite fire show, live music by artist German Cova, who will play Latino Festive Music, the super singing trio Dolce, saxophonist Flaming Sax, the amazing Spinning Snowflake – Cyr Wheel and the Festive Roly-Poly performer plus more great entertainers and live shows.

CHECK OUT THE NEW CZN BURAK: A fresh new Turkish-Middle Eastern contemporary restaurant, CZN Burak is opening its doors this weekend on Friday, December 25 at the Boulevard Point in Downtown Dubai. Celebrity Chef CZN Burak, known all over TikTok and Instagram for his meat videos, is already a well-established restauranteur in Turkey. The restaurant will showcase foods with a strong Turkish and Arabic influence that diners are familiar with. With more than 150 dishes to choose from CznBurak culinary team has curated up an extensive menu full of generous dishes. Check it out this weekend.

LIVE CONCERTS: Mohamed Hamaki and Mahmoud El Esseily will each take turns to serenade the audience at the Coca-Cola Arena on 25 December when they sing some of their biggest and best-loved hits. The pop stars will each take to the stage for their own individual performances as part of the spectacular MUSAIC Concert. Fans can purchase tickets priced from Dh250 at Platinum List and Dubai Calendar.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LIVE SHOW: The family favourite stage show, Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Theatre by QE2 until December 27 . Based on the 18th-century French fairy tale ‘La Belle et la Bete’, the classic saga tells the story of a handsome young prince who is transformed into a monstrous beast by a mysterious enchantress. He meets Beauty, a fair maiden who comes to appreciate and love the Beast and finally lift the curse. Tickets priced from Dh120.

ICE SHOW AT DUBAI OPERA: An ice show like no other, Cirque de Glace will bring to life the story of the creation of our planet, man’s evolution and take the audience on a journey to the limits of technology. Combining the world of Cirque du Soleil with beautiful ice dancing comprising of jaw-dropping lifts and high-speed throws, the show promises to be a breathtaking experience that will delight and amaze audiences of all ages. Staged at the Dubai Opera, performances of Cirque de Glace will run until December 26. Tickets are available from Dh295.

12 HOUR SALE: SHOPPING AND PROMOTIONS: On December 26, Majid Al Futtaim Malls across Dubai will invite shoppers to discover super savings on over 100 brands as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival 12-Hour Sale. With prices slashed by as much as 90 per cent and additional offers, residents and visitors who head to Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me’aisem, My City Centre Al Barsha and City Centre Al Shindagha between 10am and 10pm can discover amazing deals. The offers apply to fashion lines, electronics, childrenswear and much more.

NEW OPENING: Brand-new dining concept, Lola Taberna Española, located at TRYP by Wyndham, Al Barsha is open. Lola will transport you to the lively streets of Andalusia in southern Spain, the home of Lola Flores, the flamenco icon and inspiration behind the venue. From paella originating from Valencia, the crumbly Manchego cheese from the county’s central region, to patatas bravas from Madrid, Lola’s menu pays homage to the greatest dishes Spain has to offer.

TRY TRATTORIA’S NEW TRUFFLE MENU: Trattoria has launched a limited-edition truffle menu to celebrate Tartufo Nero season in Italy. The menu, available until January 31, will feature a selection of specially curated dishes featuring the delicacy. The exclusive seasonal menu comprises three carefully crafted dishes that each include a three-gram shaving of Italian winter black truffle, flown directly from the European country. The truffle-adorned gourmet dishes include Uovo Morbido, Carpaccio Di Manzo and Risotto Ai Funchi e Pinoli. Truffle lovers can also opt for additional shavings of Italian winter black truffle for Dh20 per one-gram, recommended to accentuate the flavours of existing dishes on Trattoria’s à la carte menu.

CELEBRATE JOE’S TURNING TWO: Joe’s Backyard, the city’s most popular barbeque hangout, located at Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City, turns two and will throw the biggest anniversary celebration, featuring a 2-for-1 brunch deal, on Saturday, December 26 from 1pm to 4pm. “Joe’s Turns 2” brings the best vibrant music, dynamic entertainment, lip-smacking flame-grilled dishes, crafted drinks and flavorful desserts. Come dressed in the best street style, casual and stylish fashion and get a chance to win exciting prizes including entry to the New Year’s Eve party for two; a one-night stay at Holiday Inn DFC including Friday brunch for two and a voucher worth Dh300 to spend at Joe’s Backyard. Packages start from Dh275 per person with house beverages

EAT MCDONALDS AND GET REWARDS: McDonald’s UAE has launched its McDonald’s Rewards program which allows customers to collect points every time they purchase their favourite meals. These points will enable fans to redeem a host of exciting rewards items. Those who already have the McDonald’s App will get automatically enrolled in the program while new users, simply need to download and sign up through the McDonald’s App. Customers will receive 10 McDonald’s Rewards points for every Dh1 spent. Eat those nuggets!