The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 21 to 23 June
Will it be beverages, brunch or live music this weekend?
The third weekend in June has arrived, but before we escape the heat for an extended summer break, here are our picks of the best things to experience across the UAE this weekend.
Friday 21 June
Experience the 3Fils x Rascals Deli collab
3Fils, currently ranked sixth in the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024, has teamed up with Rascal’s Deli for a special sandwich collaboration. The 3Fils x Rascals Deli menu items include a Crispy Rice Sando, an Asian inspired Chopped Cheese Roll and a Fried Fish and Caviar Sando. The latter is made with Rascal’s signature Hokkaido milk bread, known for its marshmallow-like softness. Available until Friday 21 June.
GO: Follow @3.fils and @rascalsdeli on Instagram for more information.
Take a dip at Maison de La Plage
Chef Izu Ani’s magical Maison De La Plage has introduced its new moonlight swimming experience. Located on West Palm Beach, Maison De La Plage has extended its swimming pool hours until 11pm, allowing you to indulge in luxurious sunbeds by the pool for AED 25o (with AED 100 redeemable on the à la carte menu). Try the Salad Niçoise or the ever-popular Izu Burger, or swim under the stars for an elevated evening out.
GO: Email reservations@maisondelaplage.com for reservations and more information.
Camp in the rainforest
The Green Planet isn’t simply home to over 3,000 plants and animals. It’s also a go-to destination for unique and unexpected experiences offered amidst an indoor ecosystem – rainforest camping and snorkelling with piranhas included. Spend the night in one of The Green Planet’s comfortable tents, and you’ll discover the rainforest’s enchantments with a nocturnal animal tour and a BBQ dinner at The Green Planet’s Café – complete with roasting marshmallows and a nature-themed movie – before falling asleep under the biodome stars to the songs of the rainforest’s exotic birds. Available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices start from AED 850 for two adults in the regular tent, while group bookings can be made at AED 1,650 for a party of four in the large tent.
GO: Visit www.thegreenplanetdubai.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 22 June
Try the new street food brunch at StreetXO
StreetXO, from acclaimed chef Dabiz Muñoz, is set to transform the brunch scene in Dubai with its new brunch. The sharing-style menu elevates street food with global inspirations, and highlights include Pekinese Dumplings, Saam Cheeseburgers, Sweet & Sour Hamachi Tiradito, Taco de Pulpo and Wagyu Croquetas. Dessert offerings feature unique creations like Churros Con Chocolate and Fluido, a white chocolate and egg yolk lava cake served with Tom Kha ice cream and coconut crumble. To complement the feast, traditional StreetXO wineskins will flow with rich red wine and Spanish Sangría while diners enjoy high-energy entertainment. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm. AED 444 (soft beverages), AED 555 (house beverages) and AED 777 (bubbles).
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Elevate your Saturday at Grand Millennium Al Wahda
This summer, Porters English Pub in Grand Millennium Al Wahda allows you to start your weekend with a bang as you dive into the culinary delights of its famed brunch. Expect fun, food, festivities and plenty of live entertainment to get you grooving with brunch followed by drunch. Brunch takes place from 12:30pm to 4pm for AED 199 (soft beverages), while drunch runs from 4pm to 7pm for AED 169 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Party with French Montana
Hip-hop heads, we have some sweet news. French Montana is coming to Dubai. Born Karim Kharbouch, Moroccan-American rapper French Montana has released four studio albums and 25 mixtapes in a career spanning little over a decade. The 38-year-old is best known for his 2017 hit singles Unforgettable and Hurtin’ Me. Having collaborated with some of hip-hop’s biggest talents, including Cardi B, Drake, Future, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Nas, Nicki Minaj and Post Malone. The “No Shopping” and “Unforgettable” rapper will be joined on the night by Turkish singer Mustafa Ceceli, Amanda Maalouf, and the popular Filipino pop group December Avenue.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sunday 23 June
Visit the alluring Apricot
Nestled in the heart of Al Manzil, Apricot Cafe provides a cool and refreshing retreat for the summer season. The enchanting ambience of Old Town surrounds this casual European eatery, where a delightful menu of Blueberry Yoghurt Pancakes with Organic Honey, Watermelon Feta Salad with Chili Oil, Grilled Prawn and Mango Tacos and a range of summery desserts await. Our personal preference? The Bodrum Breakfast for two is priced at AED 96 AED (inclusive of unlimited Turkish tea).
GO: Follow @apricotdubai on Instagram for more information.
Make time for tea
Shai Salon at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach has launched a new afternoon tea inspired by the timeless traditions of apothecary. Guided by a knowledgeable herbalist, guests indulge in a curated selection of sweet and savoury dishes infused with nourishing herbs. Each creation is accompanied by stories highlighting the profound connection between plants and well-being, adding an extra layer of wonder to the experience. Expect Almond and Blueberry Lemon Balm Cookies, Thyme and Lemon Brioche and The Strawberry and Basil Cheesecake. Available daily from 3pm to 7pm. AED 240 per person or AED 420 for two.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for reservations and more information.
Tuck into Italian cuisine at Big Oli
Now open at Neighbourhood Food Hall in Motor City, Big Oli is named after the traditional Venetian pasta, celebrated for its thick tubular shape and chewy texture. Each dish at the restaurant pays homage to Italy’s rich culinary heritage, utilising the finest ingredients sourced directly from Venice and other parts of Italy. Big Oli’s menu boasts a wide array of pizza and pasta dishes, including shrimp peri peri pasta and anchovy salsa pasta with sweet caramelised onion. Pizza lovers can enjoy options like truffle pizza and pepperoni pizza.
GO: Follow @big.oli.pasta on Instagram for more information.
