Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
Who said Dubai shuts down in the summer? Sure, the temperature is scorching, but the cultural scene is also heating up. So, whether you’re after new cafés, restaurants or exhibitions, there is something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in Dubai in August.
Thursday. 1 August
Take a sky-high swim
High Society is a sight to behold. So much so, we challenge you not to take a photo when you enter the rooftop on the 30th floor of The Lana – Dorchester Collection. The sky-high setting has mastered a minimalist and modern design, offering a contemporary chic look across white furniture, tables, and sparkling infinity pools. Take a dip in the waters, dine on a menu developed by chef Jean Imbert, or sip on the largest selection of premium champagne in Dubai, which has a record number of 118 labels. Available until 31 August, from 10am to 6:30pm. AED 750 per person (fully redeemable on food and beverages).
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for reservations and more information.
Friday 2 August
Visit Trèsind Studio’s new culinary collab
Considering team FACT hailed Trèsind Studio as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2021, it’s evident that we’re big fans of Chef Himanshu Saini’s culinary prowess. Now, the young tastemaker is gearing up to join forces with Chef Antonio Iacoviello for an exciting dining event on 2 and 3 August 2024. Chef Antonio Iacoviello is a dynamic force in the kitchen at Gucci Osteria Tokyo. Inspired by his mentor Massimo Bottura, Antonio offers a unique take on Italian cuisine, creating dishes that bridge the gap between Italian tradition and Japanese seasonality. The collaboration takes place on 2 and 3 August, with seatings taking place at 6pm and 9pm. AED 1,095 per person.
GO: Visit www.tresindstudio.com for more information.
Saturday 3 August
Have brunch at Cristiano Ronaldo’s TATEL
Cristiano Ronaldo is making himself at home in the Middle East. Not only is he playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr FC, but he and fellow sports stars Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol are behind the restaurant Tatel. Located in Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, TATEL has launched a new Entre Amigos brunch. Expect live entertainment from DJ Gina, percussionist Matteo and sharing-style dishes, including Arroz del señoret, Croquetas, Gambas al ajillo and TATEL’s world-famous Tarta de Queso. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, and starts from AED 375 (soft beverages), AED 475 (house beverages), AED 575 (premium beverages) and AED 775 (Champagne).
GO: Visit https://tatelrestaurants.com for more information.
Sunday 4 August
Visit Rihanna’s Fenty beauty pop-up
Rihanna is one of the entertainment industry’s ultimate multi-hyphens. Not only is she a successful singer and actor, but she is also behind the skincare line, Fenty Skin. Set up in a lavender hue, the brand has opened a pop-up in Abu Dhabi at Al Bateen Ladies Club. Aptly named the Hydration Station, it’s all about quenching your skin’s thirst with a brand new product: the Hydra Vizor Huez. You can also sip on special Fenty Skin-themed drinks and enjoy gifts with your purchases. Available daily until 4 August.
GO: Visit @matchaalbateen on Instagram for more information.
Monday 5 August
Luxuriate at FIVE LUXE JBR
Grab your loved one and head to Five Luxe JBR for a romantic spa day out. This summer, you and your partner can indulge in a 60-minute couple’s massage at ReFIVE Spa. To elevate the experience, you can also head to the indoor spa pool and enjoy each others’ company. Available Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 10pm and from Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 12am. AED 1045 per couple.
GO: Visit https://luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com for more information.
Tuesday 6 August
Take a seat at Hadrien Villedieu’s table
The FACT award-winning Chez Wam now offers an 11-course tasting menu from Chef Hadrien Villedieu. Offering a nostalgic journey through his memories, the menu combines flavours from his childhood with influences from his travels in dishes, from the playful vegetable oyster to the inventive Morning in Paris, a take on his daily Parisian-inspired breakfast. Seated at the heart of the action, guests enjoy a front-row view of the culinary team as they meticulously prepare each dish in the restaurant’s fully open kitchen. Available on Tuesdays at 8:15pm. AED 695 (inclusive of 11 courses, water, tea, and coffee).
GO: Call 04 410 6707 for reservations and more information.
Experience Ossiano
Indulge in a luxurious dining experience at Ossiano, where stingrays, sharks, and fish gracefully swim by your table. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, Ossiano promises an unforgettable meal featuring caviar and innovative dishes in an enchanting underwater ambience. Ossiano in Atlantis, The Palm has been impressing not just Dubai but the world with its seafood. Not only is it a multiple FACT Award winner, but it is MICHELIN star-quality. You may be next to a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, but the dishes are so dazzling they will steal your attention away from the marine life. Chef Grégoire Berger’s menu is inspired by the ocean and includes unique ingredients thoughtfully sourced from the oceans or within a 50km radius of a coastline.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Thursday 8 August
Visit Sharjah’s raining street
Located on Zawaya Walk, Sharjah’s newest attraction is the Raining Street. This means that you can beat the heat and take a leisurely stroll without breaking a sweat. Enjoy a cup of karak or grab a bite from the nearby cafes and restaurants while letting cool droplets of water cascade over you. And don’t worry, you’ll won’t get drenched. The Rain Street in Sharjah offers seven shows a day at 9am, 10am, 11am, 5pm, 9pm, 10pm or 11pm.
GO: Follow @zawayawalkshj on Instagram for more information.
Friday 9 August
Rock a new look at Sharjah’s cave-like salon
Located just off Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road, Hide Beauty Center offers a perfect pampering experience. If you’ve ever watched The Flintstones or The Croods, Hide will transport you to a similar time, but with a modern twist. Treatments offered include hair, nails and massages. The massage beds also follow the same celadon colour scheme. Adding a pop of colour, the nail polish selection, hidden amongst crystal-like installations, features a spectrum of colours.
GO: Follow @hidebeautycenter on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 10 August
Experience Bali (in Dubai)
For the ultimate weekend getaway in the heart of the city in One&Only One Za’abeel, Andaliman’s Balinese Escape Lunch offers a delightful retreat, combining Indonesian cuisine with access to One&Only One Za’abeel’s serene garden pool. Perfect for family and friends, diners can immerse themselves in the tranquil vibes of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago with an incredible four-course Indonesian spread and beverages. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. AED 285 (soft beverages) and AED 385 (house beverages. Sunbeds can be reserved at AED 100 per person, subject to availability.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Sunday 11 August
Hit the slopes
Who says you can’t ski in the desert? There is fun for all in-store at the region’s first indoor snow slope, Ski Dubai. Visitors can not only hone their ski skills at five different runs of varying difficulty levels but also enjoy plenty of other fun-filled activities, including snowboarding and tobogganing. In addition, visitors can try zip-lining or even experience a penguin encounter.
Visit www.skidxb.com for more information.
Monday 12 August
Dine at Akabeko
Akabeko offers a nose-to-tail dining concept in Palm West Beach and is the city’s first Japanese A5 Wagyu-focused “Yakiniku” experience. The approach ensures that every edible part of the animal is prepared and consumed, including all the “left behinds” and “secondaries”. Akabeko’s signature dishes include the Supreme Wag-Yukke — a spicy tartare topped with scallops, uni, and ikura — and the Akabeko Donburi featuring prime Wagyu steak, uni, and caviar, embellished with truffle. We recommend you conclude your dining experience with Akabeko’s signature truffle ice cream.
GO: Visit https://akabeko.ae for more information.
Tuesday 13 August
Celebrate the Summer Olympics
La Petite Maison Dubai, the esteemed French-Riviera-inspired restaurant, will honour the Olympic Games with a new cocktail and a creatively reimagined cheesecake. The “Olympiade” cocktail (AED 68) is topped with Champagne and perfectly captures the elegance and excellence of the Olympic spirit. In tribute to the Olympics, LPM’s cheesecake (AED 59) has been redecorated to complement this exclusive cocktail.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 14 August
Check out a new dinner show
Aretha at The St. Regis Gardens is inspired by the Swinging Sixties, soulful seventies and the singing sensation Aretha Franklin. The concept brings together blues, funk and soul music and showcases local as well as international talents. The venue boasts a retro-chic décor with a rose gold bar and central stage. Aretha’s drinks menu includes signature cocktails, which are named after musical giants. Plus, the food menu includes Dover Sole Meuniere, Grilled Rock Lobster and Wagyu Beef Rossini.
GO: Follow @arethadubai on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 15 August
Experience the snow room at Banya Forrest
A new Slavic spa has opened on Bluewaters, offering the first fully equipped traditional Banya in the UAE. Banya Forrest features two cold plunge pools, traditional ice bucket showers, a snow room, two saunas (including the largest banya in the MENA region) and a restaurant. The space can accommodate 70 guests at one time, who will participate in contrast therapy, exposing their bodies to extreme cold and intense heat.
GO: Visit www.banyaforrest.com for more information.
Friday 16 August
Check into The Lana – Dorchester Collection
Make your way to The Lana – Dorchester Collection this summer for a truly luxurious getaway. This season, you get a chance to get an upgraded room upon booking as well as early check-in, giving you lots of time to explore the property. With several dining options, a sky-high infinity pool and the region’s first Dior Spa, it’s the ideal place to spend the summer.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
Saturday 17 August
Grab a cuppa at Ralph’s Coffee
If fashion is your cup of tea, it’s time to put on your designer shoes and strut on over to the Mall of the Emirates. Located on the first floor, Ralph Lauren has opened Ralph’s Coffee in Dubai. So, visitors can shop and then sip at the new luxury café. The menu spans hot and cold drinks and includes Americano, Cortado, Sea Salt Caramel Latte, Ralph’s Drip Coffee, Ralph’s Espresso and Ralph’s Hot Chocolate. Dishes are served in custom-made China and include the brand’s name italicised across the cups. The dishes range from a Caesar Salad and Carrot Cake to an Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake and Tuna Melt.
GO: Visit @ralphscoffee for more information.
Sunday 18 August
Tuck into a superb Sunday roast
The FACT award-winning restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal has launched its Sunday lunch experience. Start your meal with Meat Fruit, a clever chicken liver parfait disguised as a mandarin, before tucking into Hay Smoked Salmon and Tomato Salamagundy. The main course offers Hereford Sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish cream, tender Roast Chicken with veal and herb stuffing or Roast Cauliflower with Truffle Sauce and roast potatoes. To end on a sweet note, the popular Tipsy Cake — a heavenly brioche cake basted in Sauternes wine and served with roasted pineapple — is up for grabs. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm. AED 495 for adults and AED 295 for children.
GO: Visit www.dinnerbyhbdubai.com for more information.
Monday 19 August
Try out contrast therapy
Contrast Wellness offers an invigorating ice bath experience designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. This wellness practice, which has gained popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts, involves immersing the body in ice-cold water to stimulate recovery and enhance overall well-being. The facility boasts state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. During the session, participants typically spend a few minutes in the ice bath, where the cold temperatures work to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.
GO: Visit @contrastwellness on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 20 August
Cause some chaos
If driving down Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road gets you frustrated, give Chaos Karts a spin. This real-life Mario Kart experience in Al Quoz uses state-of-the-art technology and augmented reality, which recreates a video game experience. Drivers will ride around a projected track, and battle it out to become the winner. Competitors gain points by collecting jewels or using power-ups, which range from a laser gun to a speed boost.
GO: Visit https://chaoskarts.ae for more information.
Wednesday 21 August
Visit Dubai’s indoor rainforest
It’s easy being green at The Green Planet. Located in City Walk, Dubai, the centre is a unique indoor rainforest and bio-dome. It houses over 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds within a lush tropical environment. Visitors can explore different levels and learn about the wonders of the rainforest ecosystem.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Thursday 22 August
Get into trouble
So Much Trouble is bringing some chic to the city, and mixing things up with its new bar meets shop. The experiential fashion house-meets-cocktail bar combines dresses and drinks and offers a stylish spot to unwind. The brands range from high-end ones like Chanel, Hermes and Givenchy to cult ones like Isabel Moore, Lama Jouni, Oceanus and Romani. So, if you love to shop over a drink or three, check out the stylish spot.
GO: Follow @somuchtroubledubai on Instagram for more information.
Friday 23 August
Take in the grandeur at Atlantis The Royal
Atlantis The Royal has been created one Tetris-like block at a time and officially opened with a performance from Beyoncé. The resort includes 795 rooms, 102 suites, celebrity chefs, a state-of-the-art spa and a private beach stretching two kilometres. In true UAE style, it is home to the Skyblaze Fountain (a fire-meets-water show) and FACT award-winning dining destinations Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, La Mar by Gaston by Gastón Acurio and the simply stunning Cloud 22 sky pool.
GO: Visit www.atlantistheroyal.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 24 August
Experience Soju Gogi Weekends
Hoe Lee Kow, the latest innovative dining venture by Chef Reif Othman, has launched Soju Gogi Weekends, which involve unlimited soju, cocktails, beers, and a platter of Hoe Lee Kow’s finest grills. Soju (a Korean alcoholic drink made from rice) and Gogi (meaning meat in Korean) Weekends blends the vibrant flavours of Korean BBQ with the creativity and flair of Chef Reif Othman across a menu of beef bulgogi, chicken bulgogi, grilled mushrooms, and Sut Bul Gui (charcoal-grilled beef). Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 11pm. AED 288 per person (two-hour package).
GO: Call 04 255 5142 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 25 August
Tackle the tasting menu at Jun’s
Chef Kelvin Cheung of the FACT award-winning Jun’s has revealed a new tasting menu featuring his handpicked favourites. Known for his innovative third-culture cooking styles, Chef Kelvin’s menu features Butter-poached Lobster, Pani Puri, Potstickers, Wagyu Beef, and the Chef’s Dessert. Available daily from 12pm. AED 425 per person (eleven-course vegetarian tasting menu) and AED 485 per person (eleven-course non-vegetarian tasting menu).
GO: Call 04 457 6035 for reservations and more information.
Monday 26 August
Ride a roller coaster
We dare you to visit Storm Coaster in Dubai Hills Mall. The thrilling roller coaster ride combines twists, turns, and high speeds for an adrenaline-pumping experience. With its exhilarating drops and loops, it offers an exciting adventure for thrill-seekers and coaster enthusiasts.
Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Tuesday 27 August
Visit the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is the best place to indulge in a spa experience this summer. The property offers a Summer Cool Down series which lets you enjoy a selection of treatments that will help you beat the heat. Choose from Cold Immersion Therapy or a Bespoke Massage package, both of which let you enjoy six sessions throughout the summer. You can also choose four sessions of the Mandarin Deluxe Hydrafacial that you can experience till the end of summer. AED 1150 for six sessions of Cold Immersion Therapy, AED 3900 for six 60-minute sessions of Bespoke Massage and AED 4000 for four 60-minute sessions of Mandarin Deluxe Hydrafacial.
GO: Email modub-spa@mohg.com for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 28 August
Experience the charm of Funkcoolio
Chef Akmal Anuar’s Osteria Funkcoolio is located in Port de La Mer, the Italian restaurant combines Japanese influences. Accommodating only 30 diners, the restaurant looks set to be a swanky spot with chandeliers, red leather booths and white tablecloths. Akmal shared on social media: “Osteria Funkcoolio is a definition of cool, shattering the BS, daring to shake up things, explore and be inspired. Stay tuned and we cannot wait to welcome our best Friends and Famiglia soon!” You can read our full FACT review here.
GO: Follow @funkcoolio on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 29 August
Win a trip to Türkiye
Jones The Grocer has introduced the ‘Fly High This Summer’ raffle, offering guests who dine at the beachfront restaurant the chance to win an unforgettable summer trip. All you need to do is dine at Jones The Grocer Palm West Beach between July and August and for each AED 100 spent, you will receive one raffle ticket. Prizes include a two-night stay in Istanbul for two people and a three-night stay in Baku for two people.
GO: Call 04 230 0069 for reservations and more information.
Friday 30 August
Sleep at Nikki Beach
Nestled on the shores of Pearl Jumeira, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai presents an exclusive summer package designed exclusively for UAE residents. The appealing offering includes a discount on the best available rate for stays of two nights or more, complimentary breakfast at Café Nikki, and discounts on treatments at Nikki Spa. Plus, access to Tone Gym and beach club. Rates are available upon request.
GO: Visit https://dubai.nikkibeach.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 31 August
Take a sunset swim
Experience night swimming with the shining Burj Al Arab as your backdrop, at Sal. With an infinity pool, live entertainment and shisha, this experience comes with Southern Mediterranean cuisine and a wide selection of beverages. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night out. Available on Friday and Saturday, from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. AED 250 (sun beds), AED 500 (sun bed, mini tapas and beverages), AED 2,000 (royal cabana) and AED 3,500 (panoramic cabana).
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com for reservations and more information.
