Brilliant things to do in UAE this weekend, Nov 7-9

It's that time of the week again, so take it easy. Make plans with the pals and enjoy some much-needed down time.

This weekend, you can brunch at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, or meet your favourite author at Sharjah Book Fair before you go shopping for goodies.

Here are your options for a really good time:

A capital brunch at Louvre

After a day of discovering Abu Dhabi, unwind with a rooftop brunch at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Art Lounge, located above the stunning canopy of the museum, is launching the Sundown Brunch this Saturday. This is where Pan Asian dining, courtesy Tazu by Art Lounge, and Abu Dhabi House Movement’s signature beats will come together to make the evening sing. The Sunset Experience will feature live saxophone performances and a curated soundtrack from ADHM’s own DJ-duo DECEMBR 12, DJ Kinsell, DJ Gloria, and DJ Chewna.

Price: Dh250 (food and soft drinks); Dh350 (with house beverages); Dh450 (bubbly)

When: Saturdays, 5pm-8pm (Sunset Experience)

Where: Art Lounge

By the book

With a star-studded line-up that includes Hollywood’s Will Smith and Bollywood’s Prajakta Koli, Sharjah Book Fair has returned this year all ready to prove why it’s so popular. There are workshops for the littles where they can learn how to use AI to create their own animation, for example; panel discussions; and book signing sessions where you can gawp happily at your favourite author.

Price: Free entry, but you need to register for the sessions you’d like to attend.

When: Until Nov 16

Where: Expo Centre Sharjah

Let’s get moving!

It’s time to stretch those limbs out and wake up the kids, we are going running this weekend. The Spinneys Family Run is open to everyone from a three-year-old tot to a 99-year-old grandma, so there’s no excuse to not get moving. Added incentive, besides feeling productive all day long? You’ll get a finisher medal. There are two routes you can take – one is a gentle 2.5km run and the other is a 5km course.

Price: Dh25

When: Nov 8, 7.30pm

Where: DAMAC Hills Mall

New conversations, by design

Feed your creative spirit with a wander through Dubai Design Week. You’ll see unusual pairings, stunning structures, and interesting workshops – such as Maker Space ProArt x Blender: Rendering Masterclass – and installations that will make you question long-held perspectives. For all things design, this is your pit stop.

Price: Dh80   

When: Until Nov 9

Where: Dubai Design District

Neigh problem, the carnival is back

Dress to impress this weekend and you’ll be in good company at Dubai Racing Carnival, which kicks off its new season on Nov 7. Settle in and get your tea around The Trackside, Meydan’s new culinary hotspot where the food is as good as the view. Indulge your appetite with dishes from Masti, MAINE, Little Fox by Rowley’s, Salt, and even McGettigan’s. And this is besides the main event – the racing. Win big with the Faces at the Races competition, the Pick 7 prediction game, and even car giveaways.

Price: From Dh75

When: From Nov 7

Where: Meydan

Stay calm and curry on

The Noodle House is currently serving a limited-edition menu that includes curries from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. The well flavoured dishes include Rendang Daging, Ayam Kapitan, Ginataang Hipon, and Gaeng Massaman Kae.The menu has been curated by chef Fetty Aryanie, whose background includes stints at SLS Dubai and Le Méridien (in other words, she knows what she’s doing).

Price: Depends on the dish

When: Daily, until Nov 30

Where: The Noodle House branches in Souk Madinat, Palm Jumeirah Mall, or City Walk

The Hatta hike

The weather is giving us a reprieve and it’s time to take advantage of it… with a hike. On Nov 8, there’s a guided tour happening where you can walk by the Hatta Sing (and take pics, of course) and then watch the cosy cuddle of the Hajar mountains in the backdrop of the city. Just remember though: take some coffee along.

When: Nov 8, 7am-9am

Where: Hatta Wadi Hub

You can do improv too

Have you ever felt put on the spot, unable to utter a word even though you know you could have witty comebacks if you only had a little more time? This workshop will get you there. The Courtyard Playhouse is hosting as 12-people-only class called Unscripted: Speaking with Impact this weekend, where you can build your confidence, make some new friends – and perhaps, try out your rapier sharp wit on stage. The workshop will be led by Salman Qureshi and includes lunch at Cassette Dubai. Ready to rid yourself of the ummms?

Price: Dh2,435

When: Nov 7, 9am-4pm

Where: The Courtyard Playhouse

Where you can just walk from country to country

Global Village is back! And that means evenings of family-friendly fun. Not only are there loads of performances on the cards but also there are specialties from around the world to appreciate. Viral dessert trends = Instagram gold, and cool games on the premises mean you can make some nice memories (and walk away with prizes too). Don’t forget to sample all the lovely food from around the world either – to taste it all is going to take a while, so we recommend multiple visits.

Price: Dh25 (Sunday–Thursday, excluding public holidays); Dh30 (any day ticket)

When: Until May 10, 4pm-midnight

Where: Global Village