Expect sun, sand and sips this weekend.
With summer season coming to a close, we’re preparing for a world of beach days and pool parties. Elsewhere, brunches and live entertainment reign supreme, so read on for your UAE weekend guide to the best things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Friday 23 August
Enjoy the art of aperitivo
Dubai’s newest Italian sensation, TOTÓ, is making waves with its exciting new aperitivo experience. In collaboration with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, and LA Lakers champion Pau Gasol, TOTÓ invites guests to unwind after a long day with its unbeatable aperitivo offer. For just AED 50, enjoy a selection of crafted cocktails and refreshing beverages paired with a choice of bar bites. Available daily from 5pm to 8pm. AED 50 per drink.
GO: Visit www.totorestaurants.com for more information.
Book a spa-cation at Waldorf Astoria DIFC
Created in partnership with Skin Laundry, Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre’s new wellness staycation offers a rejuvenating escape this summer. The package includes an overnight stay, a wellness breakfast at Peacock Alley, a 60-minute massage, a voucher for Skin Laundry’s new DIFC clinic, and an in-room gift. As part of the experience, guests will enjoy Skin Laundry’s renowned laser facial, which cleanses the skin, removes impurities and stimulates collagen production for a brighter, more youthful complexion. Available until the end of September. Rates from AED 1,870 per person.
GO: Call 04 515 9999 for reservations and more information.
Tuck into TakaHisa‘s four-hands dinner
TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant will collaborate with Tomoyuki Yoshinaga, the chef and owner of the Michelin-starred Sushi Yoshinaga in Paris. During the four-day event, guests can experience a meticulously crafted multi-course Omakase menu, blending traditional and modern Japanese cuisine with a Parisian twist. The menu will feature premium seafood from Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market and the finest A5 Kobe beef, promising a memorable meal. Available from 22 to 25 August with seatings at 6pm to 9pm. AED 3,000 per person.
GO: Email reservations@takahisa.ae or call 04 556 6688 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 24 August
Dig into desserts at Sharjah’s pretty pink cafe
Sharjah has gotten a taste of something sweet and stylish from the Czech Republic with the opening of Chloè Cafe. Located in Al Mamsha district, Chloè Cafe features pink plush seating and marble table tops to create a chic, Instagram-worthy setting. The menu follows in the footsteps of its Czech branch, but expect some regional twists on everything from Cinnamon French Toast to a Tiramisu Latte.
GO: Follow @cafechloeuae on Instagram for more information.
Try the new menu at Moonrise
Moonrise, Dubai’s acclaimed 12-seater chef’s table, has launched a new 12-course menu from Chef Solemann Haddad. Known for its innovative fusion of Middle Eastern and Japanese flavours, Moonrise blends culinary mastery with a touch of 90s nostalgia. It has become one of the places to eat in Dubai. Tuck into new dishes such as Market Prawns, Muskmelon & Labnah, Sarookh & Turbot, Shima Aji & Tomato, alongside old favourites like Explosion (Foie gras puri) and the famed Grilled Cheese. Available Tuesday to Saturday with seatings at 6pm and 9:30pm. AED 950 per person (food only).
GO: Visit www.moon-rise.xyz for reservations and more information.
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 tastemaker is gearing up to join forces with Chef Gresham Fernandes for an exciting dining event. Chef Gresham Fernandes is a dynamic force in the kitchen at Bandra Born in Mumbai, India. The collaboration takes place on 24 and 25 August, with seatings taking place at 6pm and 9pm. AED 995 per person.
GO: Visit www.tresindstudio.com for more information.
Sunday 25 August
Have breakfast at Rascals
Rise and shine with a delicious breakfast at Rascals Deli. The popular sandwich shop in Wasl Square is now open for breakfast every day from 8:30am. Tuck into fan favourites such as the Morning Glory, a protein-packed sandwich stuffed with scrambled eggs, fresh spinach and a touch of creamy Dijon mustard dressing. If you crave something more indulgent, the Breakfast Sando stuffs egg inside croissant dough. New items to the all-day breakfast menu include the Chicken Muffin, Pastrami Muffin, or Veal Truffle Avo served with orange juice and hash browns.
GO: Follow @rascalsdeli on Instagram for more information.
Get artsy at Kishmish
Kishmish has launched an Artsy Afternoon Tea featuring the delicate sweetness of pistachio cream puffs and Afghan cookies, the savoury delight of traditional vegetarian bolani and the exotic flavours of mango rice pudding or mango sheer lakh. For beverages, guests can choose from the refreshing Afghan Mojito, Pink Tea, or Afghan Green Tea. The experience extends beyond the table, adding a creative twist to your visit. For an additional AED 30, guests can take home a tote bag decorated with their personal touch or paint a pot that reflects their creativity. Available daily at Kishmish Dar Wasl Mall and Kishmish Mirdif from 2pm to 5pm. AED 145 per person).
GO: Visit www.kishmish.ae for reservations and more information.
Experience Miss Lily’s new Breakfast Club
Dubai’s beloved Caribbean hotspot is turning up the heat this season with the popular “Breakfast Club Series.” Tuck into your favourite Jamaican dishes while enjoying a night of incredible music brought to life by the dynamic House of Yanos. Renowned for introducing the soulful beats of South Africa’s Amapiano and AfroTech to Dubai, House of Yanos has fostered a lively community centred around unity and positivity. Guests can expect an electrifying atmosphere with a rotating lineup of international and guest DJs alongside pop-up stores showcasing capsule collections from emerging streetwear brands. Available on Sundays from 6pm to midnight.
GO: Visit www.misslilys.com for reservations and more information.
