UAE Public holiday: 12 things to do this long weekend

IT’S A LONG WEEKEND: There’s so much to do this long weekend. From the kick off of Dubai Fitness Challenge to the 3-day mega sale in Dubai mall. Here is your list.

THREE-DAY MEGA SALE AT DUBAI MALL: In celebration of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which kicks off on October 30, The Dubai Mall is hosting a special 3-day mega sale this long weekend. From Thursday, October 29 at 10am until Saturday, October 31 at 12am, shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 90 per cent off on sports as well as health and wellness brands. This is a perfect incentive to get those participating in the Dubai Fitness Challenge to upgrade their sports gear in preparation for the month-long event. However, if you aren't into sports, there's also a chance to snag a deal on fashion, beauty, jewellery and more for up to 75 per cent off.

KICK OFF DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE: The latest edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which runs from October 30 to November 28, will kick off this Friday morning. Removing all barriers to fitness and wellbeing, DFC 2020 will feature three dedicated Fitness Villages, ten community-centric Fitness Hubs, more than 200 virtual sessions and over 2,000 classes taking place across 150 locations throughout the month. The action-packed calendar will also feature flagship programmes, including the biggest citywide fun run with Dubai Run.

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN: The city is gearing up for plenty of fun and exciting social distancing Halloween parties, including brunches, dinners and nighttime events. Whether you choose to check out Barasti’s free to enter pyjama party or celebrate with a spooky haunted maze at Motiongate, there’s plenty to do in the city this weekend.

LAST CHANCE TO TRY THE WATERSWING: Try the Waterswing for free on Palm Jumeirah The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah is home to Dubai’s first Water Swing. Also known as the Waterfall Swing, it is basically a swing which allows you to fly through a sheet of rain without getting (too) wet. The Water Swing is fitted with motion sensors that allow you to pass through the waterfall without getting completely soaked. The swing was built to commemorate the launch of The Palm Fountain. It is open to the public daily from 1pm to 10pm until October 29. With the backdrop of the Atlantis Hotel, the water swing is bound to be something you want to snap a photo of. The best part is, it’s completely free and open to the public.

GLOBAL VILLAGE’S GRAND LAUNCH: Global Village, the biggest outdoor family entertainment destination and cultural park in the Middle East, is throwing a massive 25th season party including a virtual concert, fireworks and more. Make sure you use their new website and mobile application for the launch to ensure you can quickly and easily purchase tickets, pay for parking and top-up your Wonder Pass for contactless entry to rides and other attractions and shows. The celebrations start this Friday from 7.30pm

START THE WEEKEND BY DRIFTING AWAY: Drift Beach Dubai at One&Only Royal Mirage is now welcoming guests for an alfresco dining experience, just in time for the much-anticipated cooler season. Served from Wednesday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm, the beach club will serve its vibrant Provencal cuisine to enjoy while relaxing on the restaurant’s terrace, underneath the night sky. Menu highlights include Les Escargots, La Pissaladiere and Les Encornets for starters, before sampling signature mains Whether it’s a leisurely catch up with friends, or beautiful romantic dinner amidst the chic design and lush landscape, DRIFT Beach is the perfect way to kick off the long weekend. The launch of Drift by Night, a new evening soiree, will see live music with a DJ, saxophonist and singer, all complementing the ambience for a classic Dubai evening.

PROJECT PROVOCATEUR AT TAIKUN: Project Provocateur, a new interactive dinner show has launched at Taikun. Now taking place every Friday from 8pm till late, the show promises risqué performances by dancers, singers and varied musical artists throughout the night. Highlights from the menu include raw dishes such as beef tenderloin tataki with onion ponzu, pickled radish and roasted garlic, and seabass ceviche with mango, yuzu, pomegranate and celery, followed by sushi platters including spicy tuna, prawn tempura, chuka wakame, wagyu with fresh truffle, and more. Taikun Restaurant & Lounge is located at Vida Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is open daily from 7pm to 3am.

CALLING ALL RUGBY FAN: This Saturday huddle up at Offside at Jumeirah at Saadiyat for an evening of live rugby on the big screens. You’ll get front row seats to an exclusive live interview hosted by radio sports presenter, Chris McHardy with rugby legends Apollo Perelini and Aaron Persico who will be weighing in on all the action. The live Q&A session, hosted by Chris McHardy will be taking place alongside the Six Nation games with Wales vs. Scotland at 6.15pm, Italy vs. England at 8.45pm and finally, France vs. Ireland at 12.10am. Plus, there will also be a special chance in between games for a meet and greet with the legends.

TURKISH STREET MARKET POP UP: Two of Dubai’s popular Turkish restaurants, Babaji, and Butcha have teamed up to launch the first of a monthly Turkish street market pop-ups, ‘How Bazaar’, at City Walk, running from Thursday through to Saturday from 12:30pm to 10pm. Foodies can wander through the bazaar and relish on Turkish treats and meats from any of the food stations, all complemented with family-friendly entertainment.

TRY THE NEW COOKIE PAPI: Dubai’s famous bite-size cupcake gifting concept is making moves into the cookie kingdom. Sugargram has launched their first-ever, fresh out of the oven cookies. Coming in five flavours, the new cookies are the perfect gifting option for all sweet lovers. With the signature pink box of 8, this cookie caddy is the best way to celebrate an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or to let someone know you miss them. The flavours of the new cookies include; Chocochip Cooki B, Funfetty Wap, Brownye west, RiRi Velvet and Twopacs Double Chocolate.

SWEATY SELFIE BARE: Bare DXB have launched a special monthly event in partnership with FreakingHealthy, Dubai’s leading healthy treat brand and Masafi Water. A bare class with neon paint, water guns and a pumped playlist get to Bare before you hit the bar and start your weekend early. Prepare to torch those calories ready for the weekend as BARE DXB turns up the heat for the biggest party class of the week every first Thursday of the month. Become a friend with benefits by bringing a mate for free and upgrade your sweaty selfie with the BARE professional Instagram photographer who will be snapping throughout the class.

STAYCATION OF THE WEEK: The long weekend couldn’t have arrived at a better time and Bab Al Shams is hosting an all-inclusive Magic Eleven Escape staycation offer, priced at Dh1,111 on weekdays and Dh1,444 on weekends. Inclusive of breakfast, lunch or dinner, two hours of complimentary free-flowing house beverages. Go camel riding or play a round of desert tennis, with your choice of one complimentary desert experience, or just soak up the sun by the infinity pool overlooking the dunes of Bab Al Shams desert.