The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 16 to 18 August
Celebrate the weekend in style.
From immersive experiences to extravagant dinners, these are the best ways to celebrate the weekend in style.
Friday 16 August
Head to the Northern Emirates for some family fun
Nestled on a beautiful beachfront in Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is designed for family fun. Children will love splashing about in the fun-filled aqua park and swimming pools or along the 650 meters of private beach while you relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
GO: Email reservations_dtmarjan@hilton.com or call 07 203 0000 for reservations and more information.
View some art
Khawla Art Gallery in d3 has launched its first-ever Summer Collective, showcasing various works from emerging and established artists. The artists displaying their work include Abdelkrim Mancer, Ahlam Ismail, Amal Salloum, Fafi Balhawan and Nidal Khaddour. Featuring miniature paintings, upcycled art, oil and acrylic paintings, calligraphy, and charcoal drawings, their pieces promise to captivate and inspire others choosing to tread the same path of expressionism.
GO: Visit www.khawlaartgallery.com for more information.
Escape reality
If you thought Avatar was impressive, then get ready to be wowed by Aya, an immersive, experiential entertainment park in Wafi City Mall. Combining art with state-of-the-art technology, it features 12 zones spread across 40,000 square feet where visitors can enjoy different experiences, each with its own unique theme and interactive elements. Experiences include observatories packed with a million stars, gardens of blooming light, and a river of colour that generates storms and pools.
Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 17 August
Get crafty
Dubai has a knack for embracing the best of British. Now, the city is gearing up to welcome London’s very own Duende Lab for a craft-making workshop at In The Pink at Dubai Hills Estate Park. If you’re a fan of the nostalgic 90s, this jewellery-making workshop gives you a chance to create your own unique and special piece of art, and Duende Lab’s experts will guide you every step of the way. Available on Saturday 17 August at 11am. AED 359 per person.
GO: Visit https://duendelab.com for reservations and more information.
Experience Saturday Service at The Guild
Michelin Guide Dubai’s Opening of the Year 2024 has introduced a new lunchtime affair featuring a menu of classic and innovative dishes. Entrées include Half Dozen Amélie Oysters and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. Main courses feature Grilled Market Fish, Spinach and Kale Risotto and Wood-Fired Australian Black Angus Steak Frites. Desserts are crafted by The Guild’s pâtissier, barista, and in-house chocolatier, offering delights like Crème Caramel and Tiramisu, made with The Guild’s single-origin coffee, mascarpone, and Valrhona chocolate. Available on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. AED 250 per person.
GO: Visit www.theguilddubai.com for reservations and more information.
Dance the night away
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is alive with the sound of music. Located in Business Bay, the venue prides itself on being the region’s first listening bar. The hip hangout has a loyal fanbase and a FACT Award for ‘Best Bar in Dubai.’ This Saturday, DJ Jamie 3:26, a pioneer of Chicago House music, will set the dance floor ablaze with fresh and overlooked sounds. Jamie’s recent remixes on the ‘Heist’ label have received significant praise, and his track ‘Hit It N Quit It’ has become a worldwide phenomenon. Available on Saturday 17 from 9pm until late. AED 120 per person (including one complimentary drink).
GO: Follow @honeycombhifi on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 18 August
Indulge in a fiesta of flavours at Tortuga
The beloved Mexican restaurant has re-opened its doors for a special month-long pop-up at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the stunning setting and signature dishes, including Carne Asada Tacos, Guacamole and Rib Eye Fajitas. Whether you’re in the mood for a two or three-course dining experience or prefer to explore the á la carte options, Tortuga offers a memorable Mexican meal.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for reservations and more information.
Dine at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung has a loyal following across the world. Sure, it’s a chain, but it’s a brilliant one. What started as a small shop in Taipei has earned a MICHELIN star in Hong Kong and become a global culinary sensation across the world, from London to Sydney. The restaurant has just opened its latest location at Dubai Hills Mall, where you can experience those world-famous handmade dumplings, baos, buns, noodles, shumai, soups and wontons. Plus, there’s a private dining room.
GO: Visit www.dintaifungae.com for reservations and more information.
Try Dubai’s viral chocolate bar
In the UAE, kunafa is a beloved dessert, and Fix Dessert Chocolatier has taken it up a notch with their viral Kunafa Chocolate Bar. Combining gooey kunafa mixture with rich chocolate, this treat is a blend of chocolatey and cheesy goodness that you won’t want to miss. The kunafa’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the decadent chocolate, creating a blend of textures and flavours. Fun fact: These chocolates from the UAE have now become a global sensation.
GO: Follow @fixdessertchocolatier on Instagram for more information.
