This weekend, join in the festivities with an array of must-see things to do across the city. Here’s our pick of the top 12 things to do in Dubai this long weekend:
Friday, December 1
Swim under the stars
Capture the spirit of Dubai from amazing heights with a night swim in the world’s tallest 360o infinity pool. The National Day swim runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, providing you four hours to bask in the moonlight and swim laps around the 360-degree sky pool. After you’ve completed your laps and taken that all-important Instagram photo with the amazing Dubai Marina skyline in the background, it’s time to enjoy the great line-up of entertainment, delicious Pan-Asian food, and unique drinks. The experience costs Dhs250 per participant.
Gather the tribe for a family pool day
Al Barari Playground is perfect for a fun-filled pool day for the kids. The outdoor playground is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and costs Dhs45 for two hours and Dhs72 for four hours. On dry ground, there’s a sandy castle building region, a splash pad with exciting slides, an infant’s heaven with miniature slides and gorgeous treehouses, ziplines, swings, and more.
Eat your way around Old Dubai
On this special edition National Day Frying Pan Adventures trip in cooperation with Rove Hotels, get a taste of Dubai’s oldest district. Explore hidden gems with stuffed breads fresh from a streetside oven, deep-fried nostalgic snacks with almond chai served in traditional clay pots, and finish with an authentic Yemeni food with fragrant rice, succulent meat, and flaky bread perfect for dipping into a hearty stew.
Friday, December 1, 4.30pm to 8.45pm, Rove downtown Deira. 8 years and above. The cost is Dhs175 per person.
See Peggy Gou live
If you’re searching for an area to party this weekend, Soho Garden on the Palm Jumeirah is the place to be. On Friday, December 1, Nanana star DJ Peggy Gou will DJ at Soho Garden in Dubai. Tickets will be sold at the door. Peggy Gou is a Korean DJ recognised for her outstanding techno sounds.
Soho Garden is located at Nakheel Mall on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The doors will open at 9 p.m. on Friday, December 1.
Saturday, December 2
Make your own Christmas wreath
It’s starting to look… Cherry Blossom is providing a Christmas wreath-making workshop at Bounty Beets, a healthy cafe. The holiday workshop, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday during December, costs Dhs395 per person and entails all goods, expert instruction, and a festive Aperol Spritz on arrival. From 5.30pm to 6.30pm, there will also be live music humming all of your favourite Holiday songs.
Bounty Beets, Saturdays and Sundays, 4pm to 6pm, till Dec. Per person, the cost is Dhs395.
Get your body moving at the beach with Crank
Are you going to the beach this weekend? Crank, Kite Beach’s homegrown fitness store, has invited back their popular Ride class. Register in the 45-minute lesson on Saturday at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. In the trademark full-body exercise, pedal through rocky terrain and saddle up for strong sprints. Crank has you covered with exercise gear, quiet disco headphones, and pure good vibes to get your complete body workout done bright and early.
Kite Beach, Crank, SALT. Saturdays at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Dhs80 for first-time visitors, Dhs130 per class.
Head to the action-packed Rugby 7s
The eagerly awaited Dubai Dubai 7s returns from Friday, December 1 to 3, and, like usual, it will include some A-list celebrities. On Saturday, double Brit award winner Becky Hill will be on stage, bringing her head-bopping chart-topping classics like Lose Control, My Heart Goes, Disconnect, and more. This fantastic weekend also appeals to households, with fun events for all ages. Young fans will find a plethora of events and attractions, and best of all, admittance is free for all kids under the age of ten.
Emirates Dubai 7s, Sevens Stadium, December 1–3, starting at Dhs425.
Have a merry time at this festive market
Bring the entire family, even the animals to this enchanting Christmas market at Hillhouse Brasserie in Dubai Hills. Engage in involvement-based events like as the gingerbread workshop, letter writing to Santa, and bauble decorating. Shop for unique gifts from regional artisans and indulge in tasty foods from Hillhouse Brasserie & The Duck Hook. There shall be a mind-blowing Magic Show by Magic Phil and a surprise visit from Santa himself. The festival, which takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will warm your heart.
Dubai Hills Golf Club’s Hillhouse Brasserie. Saturday, December 1, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 3
Go glamping
Make the most of your family’s time away from the city by booking a staycation in Hatta’s rocky highlands and amazing environment. There are a variety of options for Union Day, including the Family Explore package, which includes early check-in, late check-out, four adrenaline-pumping tasks, two big breakfast baskets, and a BBQ dinner starting at Dhs999. Alternatively, the Hatta Escape package, which starts at Dhs1,599, includes a tasty breakfast basket, a BBQ meal, and a free Ultimate Adventure Package for each client, which includes bungee jumping enormous plunge, archery, rock climbing, axe throwing, and other activities.
Stretch it out with a relaxing yoga session
Let It Gro, a Dubai community, will host an outdoor yoga session followed by a tea ceremony this Sunday from 4pm at a beautiful Jumeirah home. Join renowned yoga instructor Allaoua Gaham for a Warrior Flow yoga session in the lovely plant flowers, among the vegetable farms. It’s pure ecstasy. The session costs Dhs120, with 100% of the profits going to the Emirates Red Crescent in support of Gaza.
Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m., Jumeirah 2. Dhs120.
Kickstart your New Year’s resolutions early
Emirates Bio Farm has reopened for the season with a larger restaurant, play area and new self-guided field access. Take a tractor ride around the fields, feed friendly goats and chickens, pick up seasonal vegetables and fruits, and dine at The Farmer’s Table for a delicious farm-to-table meal. Open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can even pre-purchase tickets for Dhs40 online, with children under three entering for free.
Emirates Bio Farm is set up near Al Shuwaib, Al Ain. Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dhs40. Children under a certain age of three are free.
Monday, December 4
Get your burger fix with a view
As if we needed a further reason to visit Eleven Green, the renowned native burger spot now boasts an open-air deck with views of the Burj Al Arab. Expect a variety of delicious items on the menu, ranging from a traditional cheeseburger to the famed bull burger. A limited-edition UAE-inspired National Day hotdog with a Chicago-style twist and renowned flavour profiles will also be available till December 5. Don’t forget to sample the Fudge a la Mode.
Dive into the daycation of dreams
The jaw-dropping 22nd levels infinity pool, Cloud 22, has been one of the most exclusive locations since Atlantis The Royal debuted in February 2023. As of Monday, December 4, you are no more forced to check in to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breezy Mediterranean flair. Guests may spend a lovely pool day in the clouds with single sun loungers for Dhs450 Monday through Thursday, and Dhs650 Friday and Sunday (and on public holidays).
Embrace la dolce vita
Make your lunchtime more memorable at Signor Sassi’s new business lunch, Andiamo A Pranzo, whether you’re catching up with friends or closing a deal. Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2.5pm, the legendary Italian’s business lunch costs Dhs145 per person for all three meals. Guests can start with a reassuring soup of the day or aubergine parmigiana, then go on to a margherita pizza, gnocchi alla the company, or veal lemon escalope. Order the tiramisu for dessert and thank us later.
