Our ultimate roundup
Celebrate pay day and five days off (for most of us) in the best way possible with our edit of the wonderful activities taking place in Dubai and the capital. Happy UAE National Day!
Start your engines
Adrenaline junkies, make your way to Abu Dhabi for the biggest racing weekend on the calendar – F1 Grand Prix. Not only will you see some of the best F1 racing driver zoom past you – including Lewis Hamilton – but the concert line up is also worthy of your attention. DJ Marshmello opens the show on Thursday November 28, while Future and Gucci Mane will replace Travis Scott on Friday. Lana Del Ray will then perform on Saturday November 30, followed by a final performance from The Killers who’ll close the show on Sunday December 1.
Kick off your weekend this Thursday at FIVE Jumeirah Village’s ReFIVE Spa. The found the perfect combination for relaxing and indulging with their 45-mins massage, lunch or dinner at the all-day dining Turn Up or signature restaurant Soul Street, and access to our social pool with two drinks each, for only Dhs350 per person. For reservations call 04 248 9964.
Inside Studio 54
As the world descends on Abu Dhabi for the much-anticipated Formula 1, kick off the weekend in style as Cinema Akil takes over the rooftop of ANNEX at The Abu Dhabi EDITION for an exclusive one-night-only screening on Thursday of acclaimed documentary, Studio 54. The documentary is based on the iconic and era-defining 70s club of the same name that was co-founded by Ian Schrager, the creative mind behind the EDITION brand of hotels, and tells the real story behind the greatest club of all time.
Coffee, but make it fashion
Online giant Farfetch is taking over Grind Roastery locations across the UAE from Thursday, November 28 till December 1. They will be offering free coffee at all their locations to anyone who downloads the Farfetch App. There will also be limited edition Farfetch x Grind coffee cups and iced coffee fun packs available. All bottles have been customised and are for sale now.
Listen up
One of our favourite eateries The Lighthouse, has launched its new podcast titled ‘The Lighthouse Conversations’. Focusing on regional arts, culture and entrepreneurial landscape and hosted by Founder, Hashem Montasser, its first guest was Myrna Ayad, an influential figurehead in the art industry and former Fair Director at Art Dubai. A great listen for those who want to keep up do date with the cultural movers and shapers in the Middle East.
The artists
The newly renovated Souk Madinat Jumeirah will debut a new immersive art project “Souk Seven” with seven of the country’s most acclaimed artists celebrating the UAE National Day. As part of an engaging legacy project designed to narrate the rich heritage of the Emirates through an ongoing collection of artworks and installations, the ‘Souk Seven’ – Amalie Beljafla, Amrita Sethi, Mona Fares, Zeinab Al Hashemi, Noora Al Mazroui, Laila Masri and Fathima Mohiuddin – have created a series of unique and distinctive pieces of artworks and installations to transform Souk Madinat Jumeirah into a living canvas.
Taste of the orient
One of our favourite Chinese dining spots, Zheng He, has recently had a makeover. A stylish haven of memorable dishes and innovative cocktails, the restaurant is the place to be for contemporary Chinese cuisine in a dynamic, one-of-a-kind location in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam hotel. Spearheading Zheng He’s new menu is Chef Lai Min Wei, a Malaysian-born chef who spent 9 years within the global Hakkasan franchise in London, Dubai and Doha. They still have a few more touches to add, but the meal we had was modern, delicious and memorable.
Chasing sunsets
Azure Beach at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR is hosting a Corona Sunset Festival on Saturday November 29. Expect a full Coachella vibe complete with engaging activities such as high-energy drum circle sessions; jam sessions with two professional musicians at a dedicated Corona Jam area complete with percussion instruments; beach volleyball competition; hula hoop sessions and workshops; glitter art stations; acrobatic dancers; and a special pop-up bar featuring limited edition mixed drinks.
Welcome to the jungle
Want to feel like you’re in the wild Amazon without leaving Dubai? Then head to the rainforest themed restaurant Amazonico, located in DIFC. Drawing inspiration from Latin American culture, book a table for lunch or dinner, or pop by for a quick bite and drink at one of its bars, restaurant, sushi counter or open-air rooftop terrace.
Bonjour long weekend
Fítzroy at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah is now home to La Clique, a new, Thursday night soiree featuring great music, drinks deals and classic French cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the chic and bustling restaurants of Paris, La Clique offers a superb selection of canapés served alongside an expertly-curated range of fine house beverages. Priced at Dhs95 for ladies and Dhs145 for gents, La Clique gets under way every Thursday from 7pm offering two hours of free-flowing beverages and classic French bites against a backdrop of deep house and electro tunes from a live DJ.
