Big Brunches, leisurely lunches and new restaurants all add up to a bumper long weekend in the UAE.
As Eid Al Etihad approaches many of us will be enjoying an extended weekend. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a culinary adventure, watch a show or immerse yourself in the local culture, these are the best things to enjoy over the long weekend.
Friday 29 November
Pamper yourself at Pastels Salon
Make your way to FACT-nominee Pastels Salon, located at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, for a day of pure indulgence. With a team of skilled hairdressers and technicians, this salon is dedicated to tailoring every service to meet your needs. Start with a personalised consultation to craft a haircut that perfectly suits your style, followed by a flawless blow-dry to complete the look. Then, treat yourself to a luxurious mani-pedi session that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
GO: Visit www.pastels-salon.com for reservations and more information.
Visit a desert pop-up
Escape the urban mirage and find solace at Limited, a mirage-like desert cafe nestled on the shores of Al Marmoom Lakes in Al Qudra. This collaborative venture between Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Bun offers a limited menu highlighting quality over quantity. Indulge in juicy Bound Burgers with premium Wagyu beef and homemade sauces. Satiate your sweet tooth with decadent Stuffed Buns, bursting with innovative flavours. Then, refresh yourself with aromatic coffees and vibrant mocktails from Sillage while taking in the tranquil setting.
GO: Follow @limited.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Check out Arab Cinema Week
Few venues have altered the cultural landscape of Dubai like Cinema Akil – not only is it the first arthouse cinema in the region, but it has also been instrumental in building awareness around independent filmmaking both in the UAE and the Middle East as a whole. The independent cinema is currently hosting its annual Arab Cinema Week, showcasing films from 11 Arab countries. Screenings include The Burdened, Behind the Mountains, Backstage, Baghdad Messi, The Brink of Dreams, Diaries from Lebanon, Les Chenniles, Disorder, Madaniya, and The Mother of All Lies.
GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for tickets and more information.
Saturday 30 November
Try the new brunch at Leña
Chef Dani García’s immersive brunch experience combines bold Andalusian flavours with the theatrical flair of live entertainment. True to its name, which means “firewood” in Spanish, Leña’s new brunch offers a menu infused with smoky, wood-fired flavours, including sharing starters, a choice of main course, and shared dessert. Adding to the spectacle, the Foie Gras Trolley will provide an indulgent selection of pâtés and foie gras for a luxurious, interactive experience. Available on Saturday 30 November from 1pm to 5pm. AED 399 (soft beverages), AED 549 (house beverages) and AED 749 (premium beverages).
GO: Call 04 453 7523 for reservations and more information.
Experience Zuma’s Baikingu Brunch in the desert
Zuma’s FACT award-winning Baikingu Brunch is coming to The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi blending Japanese izakaya charm with the serene beauty of the desert. Enjoy live stations featuring sushi, sashimi, seasonal salads, stunning sharing plates and main courses such as Half-Roasted Lobster, Miso-Marinated Black Cod and Spicy Beef Tenderloin. Set amidst desert dunes, you can expect a memorable meal. Available on Saturdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. AED 395 (soft beverages), AED 495 (house beverages) and AED 595 (champagne).
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
See The Streets perform live in Dubai
Led by Mike Skinner, The Streets played a pivotal role in shaping the UK urban music scene in the early 2000s. Hits like “Has It Come to This?” and “Weak Become Heroes” were introspective and street-smart, reflecting on youth culture, clubbing, and inner-city life in a relatable yet profound way. The one-night-only show at Coca-Cola Arena is expected to be raw and authentic, with Skinner’s candid lyrics and humorous commentary creating an intimate atmosphere and a chance to experience one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British music.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sunday 1 December
Get fired up with Stormzy
British rapper Stormzy will headline Emirates Dubai 7s. Stormzy, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, hails from London, England. In 2017, he made waves with his breakthrough album, Gang Signs & Prayer. The record was the first grime album to top the UK charts. The album won British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards. In 2019, he released his second album, Heavy Is The Head, which also topped the album charts in the UK, and achieved more than one billion global streams. General admission tickets on Saturday and Sunday start from AED 425. A weekend pass starts from AED 550.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Hit the beach with Sundance Festival
The line-up of R&B megastars performing in the region continues to expand, this time with news that Jason Derulo will return to Dubai for the Sundance Music Festival 2024. Since breaking through with his five-times-platinum single Whatcha Say, Derulo has sold more than 200 million records worldwide. Releasing chart-topping hits like Talk Dirty, Wiggle and Swalla, his music has consistently set dance floors ablaze around the globe. Sean Kingston, Iyaz, and Yume will perform on the same evening.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Caffeinate at Roasters Specialty Coffee House
Roasters Specialty Coffee House is an Emirati brand that delivers exceptional speciality coffee experiences. They meticulously source 100% Arabica beans, emphasising quality and sustainability. Their diverse menu features popular manual brewing methods, pretty pastries, and a wide selection of desserts and signature coffees. They source beans from around the world, roast them in-house, and brew them to perfection using various methods like pour-over, espresso, and cold brew.
GO: Follow @roasterscoffee_dxb on Instagram for more information.
