More stories

  • in

    9 fabulous things to do this weekend

    Life

    August 22, 2025

    As August edges forward, the city begins to stir again. With summer escapes winding down and the rhythm of work life resuming, weekends take on a new kind of momentum.
    Whether you’re seeking a relaxing reset or a refined way to transition back into the buzz, Dubai’s scene is ready, with elevated menus, chic escapes, and curated experiences that match the mood. We have the perfect line-up in this edition of the Emirates Woman’s weekend guide for 22-24 August.
    Book a Michelin star Onam Sadhya

     For the very first time, Jamavar Dubai marks Onam with a one-of-a-kind culinary tribute, presenting Leelamma’s Onam Sadhya. This multi-course feast is a celebration of Kerala’s harvest season, inspired by the heritage of the Nair family. Reimagined through a regal banana leaf-style presentation, each dish pays homage to Kerala’s culinary identity and the legacy of their beloved matriarch, Leelamma.When & Where: From 26 August to 5 September for lunch and dinner at Jamavar, The Address Residences, Downtown Dubai. Book this weekend to secure your table.
    Experience a relaxing breath work session under the moonlight

     A brand-new, relaxing sea-floating breathwork experience is now in Dubai. The weekly event sees a group float off the coast of Palm Jumeirah under the moonlight while guided through breathwork rituals. Sessions begin with a somatic activation on the sand before you’re guided onto a velvet-topped lilo to float on the Arabian Gulf with noise-cancelling headphones.When & Where: Sunday evenings. Meet at MGallery The Retreat Palm Dubai. Participation costs Dhs350 per person.
    Visit the Acqua di Parma pop-up café

     The Italian lifestyle brand teams up with Bloomingdale’s for its very first pop-up café experience in the Middle East. Expect a vibrant space designed by Dorothee Meilichzon, a vintage gelato cart, and a menu of Italian coffee classics and mocktails like the Capri Spritz. It’s a stylish escape from the city heat.When & Where: Now open at Caffetino on the first floor of Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall.
    Honour Emirati Women’s Day at Guerlain Spa

    In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm unveils the “Path to Calm”, a three-hour sanctuary. The ritual includes the Dubai Harmony Treatment with Ice Bubbles and the Aura Nobile Face Treatment, harnessing the power of the rare Gold Nobile orchid. The experience concludes with an indulgent afternoon tea at The Lounge.When & Where: Available until 30 September 2025 at Guerlain Spa, One&Only The Palm. Priced at AED 1,985 per person.
    Dubai’s coolest new restaurants worth booking this weekend

    Get a taste of Japan at Ongaku

     Tucked away within CLAP Dubai, Ongaku offers a one-of-a-kind escape inspired by the electric nightlife of Tokyo. You could visit there over the weekend to soak in the atmosphere or op for their weekly ladies’ night. The night, named Tokyo Room, recreates the mystery of Tokyo nights through Japanese-inspired decor and vibrant beats. The package includes three signature dishes and free-flowing beverages for three hours.When & Where: Every Thursday from 8pm at Ongaku, CLAP Dubai, DIFC. The ladies’ package is AED 240.
    Order in from an Emirati-owned restaurant

    Celebrate Emirati Women’s Day by supporting incredible homegrown concepts led by inspiring Emirati women. Order from iconic brands like SALT founded by Amal Al Marri and Deem Albassam, the innovative coffee of Masraana by Tasnim AlGergawi, the creative cuisine of Fifth Flavour Founded by sisters Aisha and Noor Alabbasi, or favourites like Home Bakery and Cocoville.When & Where: Order via Deliveroo any day this weekend to celebrate.
    Unwind with a rainforest & tea experience

    Banyan Tree Dubai invites guests to celebrate strength and grace with a serene experience. The offering combines the signature 60-minute Rainforest Experience at their spa with a refined Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea at Tocha, creating an intimate setting to pause and connect.When & Where: From 23rd to 31st August at Banyan Tree Dubai. Priced at AED 450 per person for groups of up to six.
    Indulge in a Spa & Dining Escape in Ras Al Khaimah

     The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach marks Emirati Women’s Day with a luxurious spa and dining experience. Guests can enjoy a 60-minute Emirati massage with a complimentary 30-minute express facial. To complete the experience, Shore House is offering a bespoke afternoon tea for two.When & Where: From 24 August to 6 September at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach. The spa offer is AED 540 per person.
    Enjoy a Themed Afternoon Tea at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

     Step into a world of timeless grace at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Gather with women who inspire you over Dubai’s award-winning afternoon tea, Le Goûter Vault, served in an iconic pink vault at Bijou Patisserie. For a sky-high experience, opt for the version served at Club Millésime on the 51st floor.When & Where: Daily from 2pm to 6pm at Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Prices start from AED 195 per person.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @dianashex More

  • in

    Dubai’s coolest new restaurants worth booking this weekend

    Life

    August 21, 2025

    New restaurants appear in Dubai on an almost weekly basis, making it a challenge to stay current with the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. This year has welcomed acclaimed international imports and exciting homegrown concepts alike. We have explored the latest openings to curate a list of the most compelling new venues worth discovering this very weekend.
    DIME

    With DIME, the focus is laser-sharp, offering just two burgers prepared and plated to absolute perfection. Every element, from the buns to the pickles and signature sauce, is made in-house after months of testing. The concise menu is rounded out with crispy nuggets, waffle fries, pies, and classic milkshakes. The vibe is effortlessly retro, featuring polished metal, warm wood, and booth seating lit by custom fixtures, creating a timeless diner aesthetic dedicated to burger excellence.
    Kumo

    In a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, Kumo offers refined Japanese cuisine from the team behind Independent. The name means “cloud,” and the space feels like a sophisticated, minimal Japanese residence filled with natural light. The villa is divided between a dedicated matcha bar, an open sushi counter, and a serene dining room. The modern menu balances tradition with contemporary approaches, featuring standout yellowtail tiradito, wagyu tataki, and exceptional A5 wagyu nigiri. It represents a successful evolution into elevated casual dining.
    Forma

    At the doorstep of Jumeirah’s public library, Forma brings together handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee. The space is inspired by its bookish neighbour, with artsy decor and thoughtfully placed books creating an intellectual yet approachable atmosphere. The concise menu impresses with both classic and inventive combinations. The Six Cheeses pizza showcases technical excellence, while the meatless Miso Corn option, with its complex textures and flavours, is surprisingly memorable and deeply satisfying.
    Mayg

     In Dubai Design District, Mayg elegantly bridges Japanese precision with French technique under executive chef Aadel Ouaoua. The philosophy of “simplicity and complexity” translates to restrained flavours met with intricate execution on every plate. Cloud-like chandeliers and copper accents define the elegant interior, which includes a private dining room. The menu features buttery escargot, flavour-layered burgers, and perfect pasta, though the rich mi cuit dessert alone warrants a return visit. Sustainability is key, with local sourcing prioritized alongside exceptional Japanese imports.Address: Building 11, Dubai Design District
    Gusto

     On the ground floor of Burj Daman Tower in DIFC, Gusto unfolds like a perfect day in Milan. The intimate, 42-seat space transitions from a morning café to an elegant evening restaurant with marble tables and art-lined walls. Founder Carlo Tinelli distilled his favourite Milanese details into this polished concept. The restrained menu focuses on Italian basics done exceptionally well, from creamy burrata to a blistered margherita pizza. The standout tagliolini al tartufo is luxuriously creamy with a lingering truffle finish, embodying the restaurant’s refined yet warm hospitality.Address: Burj Daman Building, Al Mustaqbal St 16, DIFC
    Ostura

    Ostura is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant inspired by the enchanting tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The venue masterfully combines refined regional cuisine with contemporary design and live entertainment for a truly immersive experience. Warm lighting and opulent details set the stage, while a narrative of a hidden genie adds a theatrical element to the evening. The menu spans from traditional mezze to wood-fired mains and desserts, all balancing authenticity with elevated technique. Stay after dinner for Oriental house music that continues into the night.
    Elaia

     On the fourth floor of Pier 7, Elaia brings a confident Mediterranean ease to Dubai Marina. Named after the Greek word for olive, the restaurant draws inspiration from shared tables and lingering meals. The intimate space, washed in soft blues with potted olive trees, offers wraparound views of the marina. The sharing-style menu spans from crisp baby calamari to Oscietra caviar and lobster. Standouts include the seabass carpaccio and the rich, comforting paccheri elaia pasta, with thoughtful options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diners.Address: Pier 7, Dubai Marina
    Mirabelle

     Mirabelle is an unapologetic celebration of hardcore French cuisine, plated with a contemporary touch at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Chef Sacha Enjalbert’s devotion to tradition is clear in dishes like garlicky Burgundy snails and homemade foie gras. The modern setting shimmers in oyster and gold, with a multi-tiered terrace offering stunning Burj Al Arab views. Mains are deeply committed, from a pink veal chop with morel sauce to Dover sole meunière. While plant-based options are limited, the exceptional sides and fatal, deeply French desserts more than compensate.Address: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @_inna_morata_ More