14 amazing things to do in the UAE in July 2022

Shopping, sports and singers – your month, sorted. 

It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. Whether you want to play sports or go shopping, celebrate Eid al Adha or the 4th of July, there are lots of fun things to do in the UAE in July. 

Friday 1 July 2022 

Check out new artists at the International Studio of Art and Galleries Dubai

If you are looking for your culture fix, make a beeline for the International Studio of Art and Galleries Dubai’s annual exhibition. The week-long exhibition celebrates 25 talented artists across a variety of mediums. The artworks cover watercolour paintings, glass mosaics and installations. The exhibition runs from Friday 1 July to Wednesday 6 July at Building A5 in Al Safa Park. 

GO: Visit @intartstudio_dubai or call 058 5514 835 for more information.

Get physical at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 

On your marks, get set, play. All your sporting needs will be met at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports, as there are opportunities for you to play football, tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball and more. Taking place at ADNEC, the venue spans 27,000 square metres and caters to both individuals and families. Even if you can only walk, there’s a one-kilometre track for that. Abu Dhabi Summer Sports runs from 1 July to 31 August in Halls eight to 12.

 GO: Visit https://www.adnec.ae for more information.

Join special shopping events at Dubai Summer Surprises 

Shopaholics, this one is for you. Now in its 25th year, Dubai Summer Surprises may start on 1 July, but the fun continues right up until 4 September. The event kicks off with a 25-hour sale, but continues with shopping deals, events and competitions. For example, DSS Omega Watch Week is just one of the many events – it takes place from 1 July to 10 July, and showcases the history and collection of the watchmaker. 

GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dss for more information.

Party the night away with Blueface 

Soho Garden is hosting American Rapper Blueface. Famous for his hip-hop sets, Blueface will take to the stage at BLACK in Soho Garden Meydan. The rapper is best known for his singles “Stop Cappin“, “Daddy“, and “Bussdown” with Cardi B. Resident DJs Devon Kosoko and Kenrick Chance will be joining the rapper at the largest indoor nightlife venue in the UAE. Friday 1 July, from 11pm to 3am.

 GO: Visit sohogardendxb.com/venues for reservations and more information.

Visit the teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi pop-up

Abu Dhabi, you are in for a cultural treat. The capital has unveiled plans for teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a one-of-a-kind, multisensory art experience. The new venue is set to open in 2024, but if you can’t wait that long, then visit the pop-up experience. This is open on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, running until 17 July from 10am to 11pm. 

GO: Visit https://tcaabudhabi.ae for more information. 

Saturday 2 July 2022

Watch One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson in concert

Louis Tomlinson is used to touring the world as a member of One Direction, but this is his first solo world tour. The tour is fittingly called Louis Tomlinson World Tour, and spans 30 different countries. The tour dates were previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so we are excited to finally see him in Coca-Cola Arena Dubai. Louis has notched up more than a billion streams as a solo artist, and is expected to perform some of his solo hits. The concert is on Saturday 2 July, from 7pm and tickets are from AED 225.

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

Visit the only licensed Ice Bar in the GCC

As the UAE hits highs of 50 degrees Celsius, Dubai’s The London Project has got those chills and they’re multiplying, as it launches the first-ever licensed Ice Bar in the GCC. The venue’s Summer Chills season includes the opening of the brand-new Ice Bar on 2 July, and will be the coolest way to cool down in Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island, Ice Bar will be serving cocktails from frozen glasses, of course. So, don one of the faux fur coats and snuggle up to the ice sculptures. Entry costs AED 99 and includes a drink inside the bar. 

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

Sunday 3 July 2022

Head to the beach for Sunday brunch

Brunch in the UAE doesn’t have to just take place on a Saturday. The buzzing Beirut concept February 30 launches its new Sunday brunch, which offers an incredible vibe, waterfront views and fusion cuisine. Tuck into edamame, crispy beef, lightly seared salmon, shrimp tempura and Cali maki rolls. Brunch-goers can pick a main course from a selection that includes Angus beef burger, Chilean seabass, grilled chicken, or penne tomato. Wrap this beachfront brunch up with the choice of baklava cheesecake, assorted mochi, chocolate fondant or a fruit platter. The new brunch launches on 3 July and runs on Sundays, from 1pm to 5pm. AED 325 (soft beverages) and AED 495 (house beverages).

GO: Email reservation@february30dubai.com or call 04 244 7200 for reservations and more information.

Monday 4 July 2022

Take the kids to a Summer Arts Camp 

School may be out, but there are plenty of ways to keep the kids busy. Jameel Arts Centre Dubai takes place in collaboration with Youth Animation, and has an art-packed programme. Children aged eight to 12 years old can take part in hands-on workshops, which include creating an animated film, printmaking and ceramics. Plus, participants can go on behind-the-scenes tours of the museums and galleries. Summer Arts Camp runs from 4 July to 8 July, from 9am to 3.30pm. 

GO: Visit https://artjameel.org for more information.

Celebrate American Independence Day

Put on some stars and stripes and make your way down to Joe’s Backyard Gastropub at Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse. It’s time to celebrate USA Independence Day, which has a special dining offer for the big day – you can enjoy a hot dog and pint for AED 65. The event takes place on 4 July, from 2pm to 1am. 

GO: Visit https://www.joebackyard.com for more information. 

Thursday 7 July 2022

Battle it out at Yas Gaming Month 

If you know your Fortnite from your FIFA, then you’ll be excited to hear that Yas Gaming Month is back. Now in its third year, the event takes place on Yas Island and includes fun experiences for gamers of all levels. This is your chance to play video games, old and new, on retro arcades and life-size racing simulators. Plus, there are competitions and dressing up in Cosplay is actively encouraged. Yas Gaming Month runs from 7 July to 17 July, from 10am to 10pm and is free to attend. 

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

Saturday 9 July 2022

Celebrate Eid al Adha at Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Celebrate Eid al-Adha in style at Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Majlis Lobby Lounge. The sharing-style feast of Arabic favourites. Inspired by the heritage of the Middle East, the dining journey includes cold and hot mezze, shish tawook, lamb kofta, lamb shish kabab, grilled salmon and international comfort foods such as Italian pasta. The meal concludes with a selection of baklava, fresh fruits and traditional sweets. Available on the first and second day of Eid. AED 280 per person,

GO: Email abudhabi.majlis@rosewoodhotels.com or call 02 813 5550 for reservations and more information.

Watch Eid Al Adha fireworks at Yas Bay Waterfront 

Start your Eid Al Adha celebrations with a blast. At Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi, you can watch a stunning fireworks display every night. If you want a prime spot, sit down at one of the waterfront’s many restaurants, bars or cafes, which includes Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The capital’s night sky will be lit up from 9 July to 12 July, from 9pm to 9.05pm. 

GO: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/eid-aladha-fireworks-at-yas-bay for more information. 

Friday 29 July

Eat your way through International Chicken Wing Day

When Elvis Presley was singing love me tender, it could have been an ode to BRD by Slab’s chicken wings. Chicken wings don’t have to be a messy affair, and at chef Omar’s restaurant you can enjoy some top-notch chicken wings. If you need an extra reason to indulge, there’s a new Slab location at Dubai’s Etihad Mall and it’s International Chicken Wing Day – the day started in 1977 in New York and celebrates the much-loved dish. 

GO: Visit www.weareslab.com/brd-by-slab.html for more information.