Our ultimate roundup
It’s been a long time since we had to plan a weekend itinerary, but with businesses fully up and running, this weekend might be the first one in weeks that we can enjoy in virtually unrestricted.
From a new restaurant to nature escapes, this could be the best weekend we’ve had in a long time.
Back to nature
Escape the heat into the wild and beautiful Amazon forest located right here in Dubai. Following a temporary closure, The Green Planet is back, promising experiences like no other in the city. With over 3000 plant varieties, exotic birds, adorable monkeys, creepy crawlies, colourful reptiles, resident sloths, tiny fruit bats, and even wallabies that live on a lower ground level. Social distancing rules are implemented throughout and children under 12 and adults over 60 are not yet permitted.
Take it to the streets
Appreciate art at a distance by driving through some of the areas in Dubai that are known for their vibrant street art. In 2016, the Karama building was transformed with colourful illustrations, while Satwa is the best spot for artwork that depict the rich heritage. For something a little closer, head to Al Serkal Avenue for contemporary graffiti, while The Walk JBR has been a favourite Instagram spot for murals depicting nature (we love the giraffe).
New dining hotspot
No one passes through Dubai without grabbing dinner at The Maine and now the homegrown establishment has unveiled it’s third venue. The Maine Land Brasserie is located on the ground floor of ME Dubai in The Opus, Business Bay, offering a grand yet industrial interior making you feel like you’re stepping into a speakeasy in London. The menu filled with familiar favourite as well as some new dishes like truffle mac and cheese and Burgundy snails. Focusing a little more on meat eaters, there is an open grill and an impressive marble bar.
The great outdoors
Grab family games and head to one of the many parks in Dubai to catch a golden sunset. Everyone has their favourite, for example Safa park is a go-to for avid barbecuers and as well as keen runners who take advantage of it’s 3.5-kilometre running track. Meanwhile Zabeel Park is packed with educational activities, as well as the popular Dubai Glow Garden that you can visit during the evening and marvel at the multi-coloured lights.
Picnic in the dunes
Heading out to the desert in this heat might seem like a crazy thing to do, but wait till you watch the sun set over the golden dunes and then tell us its a bad idea. With many of us focusing on what is closed, we are forgetting about the sandy landscape that surround us. Pack some food and drinks, grab your friends and drive an hour out of central Dubai and feel like you’re miles away from it all.
On the water
With public beaches reopened, this is the perfect opportunity to polish up your stand up paddle boarding skills. IGNITE Surface, located at RIVA beach club, rents out boards as well as kayaks from 6am to 7pm every day. With enviable views from Palm Jumeirah, this is one of the best spots to paddle out and enjoy the surroundings.
Taste of Asia
One of our favourite dining spots in DIFC, Shanghai Me, is reopening this Friday with it’s popular terrace completely closed off from the summer heat. Reminiscent of 1930’s Shanghai, enjoy a variety of classic Asian dishes such as prawn toast and Peking duck, as well as innovative dishes like yellowtail carpaccio and prawn & truffle dumplings. There’s also a great selection of sushi.
