It’s time to update your Dubai bucket list.

If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s referring to summers in Dubai as “slow and sleepy”. Whether it’s the green season of Salalah, the vibrant cultural scene of London, or the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Baku, residents hightail it out of the city as soon as the mercury rises, travelling far and wide in search of respite. This summer, however, was surprisingly eventful, bringing with it a whole host of new openings across dining, fitness, hospitality, entertainment, and more. Let’s catch you up.

Bedrock

Located at the always popular Pier 7, Bedrock is a new sports bar that’s here to redefine the face of sports bars in Dubai. A change of pace from the typical dark and dingy options, it pairs a fresh and stylish interior with a warm and friendly atmosphere, incredible food, high-tech indoor sports, and the perfect view of every unmissable sporting moment. Bedrock features 20 TV screens, the latest technology in darts, and the region’s best indoor golf simulator for the ultimate competitive socialising. The X-Golf simulator in ‘The Bunker’ takes centre stage. And with the latest indoor golf technology in place, guests can compete against each other on 50 of the world’s top courses or dial in their swing on the driving range out of the Dubai heat. Bedrock is also home to five state-of-the-art darts boards with digital scoring and game options, challenging traditional notions and bringing darts to a new generation.

GO: Email bookings@bedrockdxb.ae or call 04 578 1668 for reservations and more information.

Blended Wellness

Our quest for wellness brings with it a landscape that continues to evolve, more recently resulting in the launch of Blended Wellness. Located at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, it is an all-encompassing collective of purpose-built health, fitness, and beauty experiences, pioneering a new way of thinking that challenges the ideology of perfection. The lifestyle concept not only caters to both mental and physical health, but also introduces the country’s first traditional Russian banya, Dubanya. An innovative interpretation of a traditional Russian bathhouse, Dubanya brings the tradition to today, blending ancient cleansing and detoxifying practices with new-age health and wellness rituals to offer a place of healing and tranquillity. Elsewhere, a spa, a salon, an aesthetic clinic, a fitness centre, and a space dedicated to mental wellness collectively ensure a picture of holistic health.

GO: Visit www.blendedwellness.com or call 04 423 8313 for bookings and more information.

Eva Beach House

In a case of culinary déjà vu, the line-up of restaurants at Palm West Beach continues to grow, catering to just about every occasion and palate possible. Case in point: Eva Beach House, a beachside destination anchored in the bliss of Tulum-style seaside dining. Its aesthetics feature airy and draped elements in shades of clotted cream and earthy brown, complemented by wooden accents and all manner of cacti, creating a spot of escape from the city’s frenzy. Bathed in natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows, it also allows skyline views to steal the spotlight. A rich selection of the day’s catch, dry-aged meat, and a menu rooted in diversity promise a treat for the taste buds, complemented by distinctive signature cocktails like Eaux de Vie and the Tulum Colada. While most of Eva Beach House is devoted to high-energy dining, there’s also a beach and pool where guests can gather for refreshments or a leisurely weekend while enjoying the sunset against West Palm Beach views and a soundtrack of Tulum’s always rhythmic vibes.

GO: Email evareservations@aizahospitality.com for reservations or more information.

Horror Cinema Room

While we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cinematic experiences (Cinema Akil for leading foreign films, Theatre by Akira Back for films with a side of fine dining), there was never a space dedicated to those with an appetite for horror movies – until now. Aptly named Horror Cinema Room, this new opening in Indigo Sky building screens cult favourites from the genre (IT, Ring, Insidious, and Insidious: Chapter 2) in an intimate environment. But you’ll have to brace yourself as the experience is designed to immerse visitors in a world of scares at every turn, starting with a scary check-in and a seating area reminiscent of a haunted house. While Horror Cinema Room is all about the element of surprise, a slight head’s up is in order – expect a series of flashes, splashes, high-tech special effects, and a few unexpected appearances for an evening like no other in Dubai.

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

Margaux

Dubai got a little sweeter over the summer, courtesy of Margaux’s arrival. The intimate new pastry boutique at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam offers a decadent selection of tarts, millefeuille, and more – all of which can be ordered online and delivered to your home. It’s located just off the hotel’s main lobby, and accented with the likes of feminine detailing, ornate mirrors, and soft lighting. As for its elegant shopfront? Adorned with delicate pastries and desserts collectively transporting guests to the heart of Paris, where the cobblestone streets are paved with chic bakeries and chocolatiers. Expect to indulge in the likes of tiramisu, pistachio flan, button cake, and chocolate eclairs.

GO: Call 04 366 6655 or visit jumeirah.com/margaux for more information.

Roxy Xtreme

Not a fan of catching horror flicks in indie cinemas? Meet Roxy Xtreme, home to the biggest screen in the MENA region. Measuring 28 metres by 15.1 metres, spanning 423 square metres, its screen is a whopping 60 percent bigger than a tennis court. Combine that with state-of-the-art laser projection, DOLBY ATMOS surround sound technology, and absurdly comfortable seats, and you’re looking at every cinephile’s dream destination. Not only will Roxy Xtreme screen an array of blockbusters, but also unmissable sporting events. For starters, matches from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be broadcast later this year. Incidentally, the auditorium features 382 premium reclining seats in total, but the 12 in the Director’s Boxes tier promise pure luxury; they’re fitted with heated seats, wireless phone chargers, shopping bag storage, and a personal swivel table. Oh, and standing in queue for candy and popcorn isn’t a prerequisite – waiters are also on hand with a range of food and beverage services.

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

Salmon Guru

It hails from Madrid and boasts the #24 spot on the World’s Best Bars list – and there isn’t a hint of salmon on the menu. Salmon Guru is a quirky new concept located at The Opus by OMNIYAT, named to express the ability of going against the flow and brought to the region by legendary bar industry figurehead, Diego Cabrera. His vision? To transport the fun experience of the original outpost in Madrid to Dubai. To that end, he has personally designed this venue, infusing all his creativity into his first project outside of Spain. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the unique drinks execution by sitting in or behind the detailed open bar stations. From start to end, lounge lizards can expect exotic cocktails created right before their eyes with a variety of balanced batches and sophisticated concoctions. The venue itself, while intimate, features three distinct vibes: a ’60s Tropical Speakeasy section, an Asian Night Market, and a Comic Book themed area. In short, an evening riddled with escapism is guaranteed.

GO: Call 052 814 9537 or follow @salmongurudubai for reservations and more information.

Studio 14

While several gyms made their debut in recent months, Studio 14 in Umm Al Sheif stands out for offering a personalised experience in an eco-friendly space inspired by nature. Catering to both children and adults, it houses high-tech machines that are not only effective, but also powered by the users themselves – thereby using zero electricity. As for the good news if you prefer to join workout classes? Each is limited to only six people in order to provide a more personalised experience. Studio 14’s eco-friendly outlook, meanwhile, is reflected in details such as green walls, recycled woods, and a retail selection that includes sustainable items like recyclable bags.

GO: Follow @studio14.ae on Instagram for more information.

53

Between the likes of Dream, Papillon, and The Theater, the city’s nocturnal landscape now offers more than simply bars and nightclubs. And joining the line-up over summer? 53, officially the highest dinner show in the region. Pairing a refined culinary approach with world-class nightlife and entertainment, it promises to redefine the experiential dining experience in Dubai as it’s the brainchild of a team of innovators, industry specialists, and experts in event production. Boasting stunning interiors with views over the skyline from its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, inviting patrons to enjoy sundowners from an early evening that evolve into an experiential dinner show. Blending upscale dining with performance art and live entertainment, the shows take place across a multitude of elevated stages, giving the opportunity to all guests to immerse in all the elements of the venue without taking focus away from the dining experience.

GO: Visit https://53dubai.com for reservations and more information.