Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.

Whether you like the sound of brunches or boybands, there are plenty of cool things to do in the UAE this September. There are concerts galore ranging from K-pop superstars to Irish popstars, Westlife. Plus, exciting dining options, from a Brit-inspired brunch to a limited-edition burger. Calendars out, here are the best things to do in the UAE.

Thursday 1 September

Visit the new Emirates Palace Spa 

We all know about the 24-karat golden cappuccino at Emirates Palace, but how about a 24-karat gold facial? At the newly launched The Hideaway by Emirates Palace Spa, which can only be accessed by a secret pathway, you can indulge in the new treatments and services from massages to facials. 

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.

Tuck into a limited-edition burger

Homegrown burger joint SLAW has joined forces with the world’s number one mayonnaise brand to create a one-of-a-kind combo that is only available until the end of September. Named ‘The SLAW Dunk’, this delicious combo pairs a maple-glazed chicken burger with golden fries and garlic truffle aioli created with Hellmann’s classic mayo. Guests can order the chicken burger for AED 55, the fries for AED 25, or opt for both at AED 75. 

GO: Visit https://houseofslaw.com for reservations and more information.

Friday 2 September 

Shop and save at Dubai Summer Surprises

Shopaholics, this one’s for you. Dubai Summer Surprises may be coming to an end, but you still have to make the most of discounts of up to 90 per cent. Visit The Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Dubai Marina Mall from 2 September to 4 September, and you can enjoy big savings across fashion, beauty, technology, home, and more. Visitors also have the chance to take advantage of The Biggest Deal of The Year at The Dubai Mall – as long as you show the receipts stating that you’ve spent AED 500, you have the chance to become a millionaire.

GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information. 

Saturday 3 September 

Bop along to this new Britpop Brunch

Families and friends can expect a culinary journey across the United Kingdom with traditional British fare, paired with Britpop beats from the nineties, at this new brunch at the appropriately named Great British Restaurant inside Dukes The Palm. The British gastronomic experience includes ale-braised beef cheeks, Dublin coddle, Scottish haggis and traditional salmon. The Britpop Brunch also offers complimentary access to the lazy river, infinity pool and Dukesy Kids Club. Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 349 (house beverages) and AED 399 (bubbly).

GO: Email info.dubai@dukeshotel.com or call 04 455 1111 for reservations and more information.

Sunday 11 September 

Cheer on cricket teams at Asia Cup

If you know your innings from your googly, then this one’s for you. Cricket fans will be pleased to hear that Asia Cup 2022, which was originally going to be held in Sri Lanka, is now coming to the UAE. The much-anticipated final takes place on 11 September. Who will lift up the crown? India has won the cup a grand total of seven times, Sri Lanka has won five times and Pakistan has won twice. 

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.

Saturday 10 September

Catch K-pop superstars at Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi

Megastars from South Korea’s K-pop scene will be coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and it looks like it’s set to be a big one. So far, the set list includes the boyband group P1Harmony; rapper Sik-K; DJ Woogie; GOT7’s lead boyband member Jay B; rapper, record producer and singer Peakboy; and the rock band The Rose. Tickets start from AED 300 and are now available.

GO: Visit www.hyperound.ae for more information.

Monday 12 September 

Check out The Foundry’s new art exhibitions 

Foundry in Dubai is home to art, glorious art. We’re excited as the art space, located in Downtown Dubai, has announced its new season of events. Visitors can enjoy four new exhibitions, which include photographer Stuart Lawson, fine art photographer Baber Afzal, multidisciplinary artist Debjani Bhardwaj and experimental artist Studio Lenca. The new season of exhibitions starts from 12 September and runs until 30 October. 

GO: Visit https://foundry.downtowndubai.ae for more information.

Thursday 15 September

Enjoy music and a MICHELIN-Starred meal

Restaurant addresses don’t get more iconic than the Burj Khalifa. Armani/Ristorante is situated in the world’s tallest building, and has high-end food and views. Indulge in fine dining Italian food with a sideshow of live music. The music nights take place Thursday from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, and include musicians ranging from violinists to pianists.

GO: Follow @armanihoteldxb on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Saturday 17 September 

Dance the night away at The Birdcage

If you’re after funky music and vibes, then head over to recently opened The Birdcage. The new rooftop lounge in Downtown Dubai launched Sounds of Levitation, which sees DJs play every Wednesday to Sundays from 7pm onwards. Fans of kitsch will love this – think swanky chandeliers, Roman sculptures, holograms of birds, neon lights and purple furnishings. While the house music and eclectic beats are bought to you by DJ Nana Mom, JP Mayeur, DJ Avibold, and DJ Emery. 

GO: Follow @birdcagedubai on Instagram for more information. 

Friday 23 September 

Immerse yourself in the new Infinity des Lumieres’ art show

It’s time to paint the town. The immersive art experience is back with a new show at The Dubai Mall, Gaudi, Kandinsky & Klee: Raise Vibration, which celebrates the artists Antoni Gaudi, Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. The show launches on 23 September and opens from Fridays to Tuesdays from 10am to 1am, and Wednesdays to Thursdays 10am to midnight. 

GO: Visit www.gaudikandinskykleedubai.com for more information.

Thursday 29 September

Swoon as Westlife perform in Abu Dhabi

Westlife fans are one step closer to having their boyband dreams come true. The Irish group are bringing The Wild Dreams Tour to Abu Dhabi, which will see the band perform some of their greatest hits in the Middle East. The legendary Irish boyband are now a foursome and includes the singers Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne. The original line-up included Brian MacFadden, who quit back in 2004. So, get ready to sing along to songs including Swear it Again, What Makes a Man and World of Our Own. Tickets are now available.

GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.

Friday 30 September

Party with 50 Cent

As part of his Green Light Gang World Tour, rapper and actor, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, will perform a one-off show at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The platinum-selling superstar will bring his Green Light Gang World Tour to Dubai, so get ready to sing along to his hits ranging from In Da Club to Candy Shop. 50 Cent is no stranger to Dubai. He has performed in the emirate before but that was more than a decade ago, so we are excited to welcome him back to the city. Tickets start from AED 225 and are now available.

GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.