This weekend, join in the festivities with an array of must-see festivities from all 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 energy of Dubai from amazing heights with a night swim in the world’s tallest 360o infinity pools. 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 the laps and snapped 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 restaurant, and special drinks. The experience costs Dhs250 per users.
Aura Skypool of the St Andre Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. 1 and 3 December, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Gather the tribe for a family pool day
Al Barari Playground is a wonderful site for a fun-filled pool day for the kids. The outdoor playground is located in the peaceful area of Al Barari and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with admission fees starting at Dhs45 for two hours and Dhs72 for four hours. There’s a sandcastle building subject matter, a splash pad with exciting slides, a toddler heaven with tiny slides and beautiful treehouses, ziplines, swings and more on dry land.
Al Barari was Park is set in Al Barari, Dubai. Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dhs45 (two hours) while the week, Dhs65 (two hours) on weekend.
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 most historic district. Explore hidden gems with stuffed breads fresh from a streetside oven, deep-fried nostalgic snacks with walnut chai served in traditional clay pots, and complete with an authentic Yemeni meal with fragrant rice, juicy meat, and flaky bread perfecting for dipping into a hearty stew.
Friday, December 1, 4.30pm to 8.45pm, Rove downtown Deira. 8 years and above. 175 Dhs per person
See Peggy Gou live
If you’re searching for a location to party this weekend, Soho Garden on the Palm Jumeirah is the place to be. On Friday, December 1, Nanana star DJ Peggy Gou is going to headline Soho Garden in Dubai. Tickets will be sold at the door. Peggy Gou is a Korean DJ recognised for her amazing techno sounds.
Soho Garden is situated 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 approach… Cherry Blossom will be offering a Christmas wreath-making workshop at Bounty Beets, a nutritious cafe. The holiday workshop, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday during December, prices Dhs395 per person which includes all goods, expert tuition, and a festive Aperol Spritz on arrival. From 5.30pm to 6.30pm, there will also be live music singing all of your favourite Christmas songs.
Bounty Beets, Saturdays and Sundays, 4pm to 6pm, till December. The cost is Dhs395 per person.
Get your body moving at the beach with Crank
Are you going to the beach this weekend? Crank, Kite Beach’s homegrown fitness store, will be bringing back their popular Ride class. Join in the 45-minute lesson on Saturday at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. In the trademark full-body physical activity, pedal through steep hills and saddle up for strong sprints. Crank has you covered with physical activity gear, quiet disco headphones, and pure good vibes to get your complete body work 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 Emirates Dubai 7s returns from Friday, December 1 to 3, and, as normal, it is going to have some A-list celebrities. On Saturday, double Brit award winner Becky Hill will perform, bringing her head-bopping chart-topping classics like Lose Control, My Heart Goes, Disconnect, and more. This fantastic weekend mainly caters to families, with fun events for all ages. Young fans can expect a plethora of events and attractions, and best of all, access 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 all of your family, including animals of all kinds, to this enchanting Christmas market at Hillhouse Brasserie in Dubai Hills. Engage in involvement-based events like being in a gingerbread workshop, letter writing to Santa, and bauble decorating. Shop for unique gifts from regional artisans and enjoy in tasty meals 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, that 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, from 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 an array of options for Union Day, including the Family Explore package, which includes early check-in, late check-out, four adrenaline-pumping activities, two big breakfast baskets, and a BBQ supper starting at Dhs999. Alternatively, the Hatta Escape package, which starts at Dhs1,599, includes an amazing breakfast basket, a BBQ meal, and a free Ultimate Adventure Package for each visitor, which includes ziplining, huge plunge, archery, rock climbing, axe throwing, and other outdoor adventures.
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 Beachfront home. Join known yoga teacher Allaoua Gaham for a Warrior Flow yoga class in the lovely landscape amongst the vegetable farms. It’s pure high. 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
For those who value health… This two-hour Thermal Boost session with Energy Camp combines the benefits of ice baths, saunas, and Wim Hof breathing to leave you feeling energised and repaired. There are multiple benefits to heat and cold exposure, including improved brain simplicity, circulation of blood, immunological and digestive systems, and more. Every Sunday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, the Thermal Boost class is held at 25Hours Hotel One Central.
25Hours Thermal Boost Session, Hotel One Central, Dubai. Sundays from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Spend a morning at the farm
Emirates Bio Farm has reopened for the season with an enlarged restaurant, play area and new self-guided field access. Take a tractor ride around the fields, feed friendly goats and chickens, pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, and dine at The Farmer’s Table for a tasty farm-to-table meal. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can pre-purchase tickets for Dhs40 online, with children under three entering for free.
Emirates Bio Farm is positioned near Al Shuwaib, Al Ain. Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dhs40. Children under the age of three are free.
Monday, December 4
Get your burger fix with a view
As if we needed another 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 local flavours will also be available till December 5. Make sure to sample the Fudge à la Mode.
Eleven Green is situated at Meyan Mall on Al Thanya Street in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Dubai. Every day from 12.30pm until 11pm.
Dive into the daycation of dreams
The jaw-dropping 22nd storey infinity pool, Cloud 22, has been one of the most exclusive locations since Atlantis The Royal started in February 2023. As of Monday, December 4, you are no more necessary to check in to enjoy the jaw-dropping views 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).
Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, is open every day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Embrace la dolce vita
Make your midday 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 sorrentina, or veal lemon escalope. Order the tiramisu for dessert and thank us later.
Signor Sassi Dubai, St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, 6pm-2am Mon-Thu, 12pm-3pm Fri-Sun, 6pm-2am Sat-Sun.
