Officially, this weekend is Christmas. It suggests Santa will arrive at last. A lot of us are blessed to have Christmas Day off, so take this as your itinerary for a fun-filled extended weekend in Dubai.
Whatever your weekend plans may be in Dubai, we at What’s On HQ hope you all have a very bright and amazing Christmas this year.
Friday, December 22
Grab a festive sando
From Wise Guys, we have all we need to get started this weekend. We discuss their Christmas sandwich, The One with the Moist Maker. inspired by the sandwich Ross Geller stole from Friends. This sandwich includes all the best leftover Thanksgiving ingredients: smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, melting provolone and kashkaval cheese, and cranberry sauce to bring it all together.
Wise Guys: The Marble Walk, Gate District, 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Sensational concert
That’s true, this weekend, Sean Kingston, a reggae musician, and Beautiful Girls hitmaker Chris Brown, the legend of American R&B, will be playing at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. On Friday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m., the two are scheduled to perform at the arena. Get your tickets quickly as they are selling out. The base cost for seated is Dhs295; for standing, it is Dhs 795.
[Dhs 295 for tickets] Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Downtown Dubai, Friday, December 22.
Hefty cookies for a conspiracy freak
You won’t want to pass up these cookies. They are so tasty and luxurious. Since the sizes are limited, be sure to place your orders as soon as possible.
Saturday, December 23
Lots going on at the listening bar
The location that’s been the buzz of the town is Honeycomb Hi-Fi, which is tucked away in the Downtown Pullman Hotel. They have a huge roster of DJs on their way this weekend. You might like the music of DJ Shadi Megallaa and Tomas Station on Saturday.
Pullman Hotel Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai; Sunday thru Thursday, 7.30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7.30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Stunning Swarovski decorations
Bar Du Port has partnered with Swarovski to update their currently gorgeous venue in a wonderful way for Christmas season. Prepare for an amazing makeover of the space; the collaboration will last until January 7. While there, you may stay for morning meal.
Bar Du Port, Dubai Waterfront, through January 7.
Pawsitive Pilates with your (future) pets
This weekend, The Petshop in Dubai Investment Park and Stray Dogs Centre have teamed up to present a Christmas-themed pilates morning. That means that you are invited to a dog pilates morning from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by an adoption day until 1 p.m. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your lifelong furry partner and get some exercise in.
The Petshop, Dubai Investment Park, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 23.
Daycationing at Ninive, Bab Al Shams
Just a short drive from Dubai A few new restaurant concepts were introduced by Bab Al Shams with its recent public reopening. One of those is Ninive, a locally available Middle Eastern dessert manufactured by the Rikas Group. The second branch in Dubai has the same rich history that some people expecting.
Bab Al Shams Resort, located on Al Qudra Road, will open to the public on Friday, December 22, Ninive.
Sunday, December 24
Dinner at Chic Nonna
As always, Chic Nonna, the beautiful Italian, is serving up even more festive fare this Christmas season with a carefully designed menu that combines classic charm with contemporary touches. At Dhs 750 per person, indulge in a five-course meal.
Dec. 24 and 25, Chic Nonna, DIFC, starting at Dhs 750 per person.
Christmas marketing
Fort Island has been turned into a mystical winter wonderland by the Madinat Festive Market. The best part is that everyone may enjoy free admission. There will be a live band, a classic chalet-style market, and an abundance of joyous food and drinks (mulled wine, anyone?). With a snow battle zone, bungee jumping, a train trip to the North Pole, and a Venetian carousel, the kids’ cheeks will be beaming. You can even ride an Abra with Santa and make some beautiful memories.
Fort Island in Madinat Jumeirah is home to the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market until January 7, 2024. Mon–Thurs 3 p.m. to late, Fri. 12 p.m. to late, Sun.
Carolling under the dome
Even if Dubai doesn’t have a white Christmas, we still like to rejoice, and Expo City is helping us do just that by offering us with an immersive experience featuring choirs, dancers, and projections of magical Christmas sceneries across the Al Wasl dome.
Dubai Expo City, Al Wasl Plaza. Dhs20 fee. friendly to pets.
Monday, December 25
Build up to Christmas with popcorn and a film
All of the beloved Christmas flicks are playing on massive screens this holiday season. These classic Christmas films are playing at theatres all around the city, if you’re a fan of Home Alone, Love Actually, Die Hard, or the weird Harry Potter movie.
Japan celebrates Christmas with fried chicken, so should we
Here at What’s On HQ, we must admit that we have a serious soft spot for cheeky chicken tenders or chicken sando. It was so wonderful that we had it brought for lunch this week. We’re suggesting that, because BonBird is unmatched, we start a new Christmas tradition in Dubai, namely, fried chicken.
BonBird has multiple locations in Dubai.
A story loved by many, in 360º
One of the most beloved films of all time is The Little Prince, and what better day to see the lovely story in 360 degrees than Christmas Day? The Little Prince will play at TODA through January, but we think that Christmas is a great day to see the show.
Theatrical of Digital Art, Souk Madinat, from Dhs 75 to January 31.
