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    10 fabulous things to do in the UAE this May

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    Pop-ups, wellness mornings, Pilates classes and so much more…
    If you’re spending May in the UAE, Emirates Woman has curated the best events, pop-ups, classes and festivals to add to your must-visit list this month.
    Here are 10 fabulous things to do across Dubai and Abu Dhabi this May.
    Until May 1: Curate your wardrobe around The Frankie Shop

    May 1 is the last day to shop the exclusive Frankie Shop pop-up in Abu Dhabi. An immersive experience located at the Regional Concept Space in MiZa, Abu Dhabi’s emerging art and culture district, you can shop th latest seasonal drops, plus discover a curated menu of collagen drinks, created in partnership with @48collagencafe.
    @thefrankieshop
    May 2: Head to the capital to see an award-winning comedian

    A frequent face on the UAE’s comedy circuit, actor and comedian Kevin Hart returns to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on May 2. This time around, the Grammy and Emmy-nominated funnyman promises endless laughs with his new material, Acting My Age. He’s one of a huge number of headliners of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, running from the end of April until June, which will also see Michael McIntyre, Pete Davidson and Trevor Noah perform. Tickets start from AED295.
    @etihadarena.ae
    Throughout May: Stretch and flex at a chic new Pilates studio

    Hot cardio is taking over Dubai – and the newest concept to bring its own take to the city is Brrn Barre. With Hot Cardio at its core, the studio offers a fusion of Barre, functional training and core Pilates movements in the hot rooms with infrared heating to target all our wellness needs. Find it in Goshi Warehouse City, Al Quoz.
    @brrnbarre
    May 3: Discover your new favourite beauty brand

    A one-of-a-kind beauty and wellness event is taking place on May 3 at KANVAS in Al Quoz to celebrate the official launch of Murad Skincare at Beauty Solutions, and beauty junkies are all invited. There’s sound healing, meditation, charm making and art therapy, as well as lots of opportunities to discover the skincare line. RSVP to lora@beautifulbrands.me.
    @beautysolutionsme
    May 17: Head to a huge music festival at Expo City

    The annual Elrow extravaganza returns to Dubai for an unmissable season closing. This time it’s taking place at Expo City, but you can expect all of the usual high-octane fun this Ibiza-born event is known and loved for. This year’s stage is the ‘Rowlympic Games’ bringing the grandeur of Roman architecture as a backdrop to confetti cannons, high-spec production, and a DJ set list that includes Bora Uzer, Ilario Alicante and Patrick Topping.
    @dubaidancedistrict
    Until May 15: Enjoy a last chance to go glamping in Hatta

    If you want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s no better way to do it than by escaping to the Hatta hills. At this enclave of adventure, nestled alongside the pretty Hatta Dam, there are several glamping options, including dome tents that come with plunge pools, rustic-luxe lodges that dot the mountainside, and retro caravans fitted with all the amenities you’ll need. Once here, there’s lots of activities to try at the Wadi Hub, or simply curl up with a book and embrace the local nature. Rates start from AED400.
    @visit.hatta
    Until May 30: Shop the Rowen Rose pop-up at THAT Concept Store

    Beloved by the style set, Rowen Rose has landed at THAT Concept Store. Bringing its bold, unapologetically chic Parisian aesthetic to Mall of the Emirates for a limited time, you can shop the SS25 collection until the end of May. The collection blends delicate femininity with bold masculine elements—featuring lightweight fabrics, elegant patterns, crisp tailoring, and sculptural silhouettes. Perfect for breezy summer days.
    @thatconceptstore
    Sundays throughout May: Enjoy a refined lunch at L’Amo Bistro Del Mare

    Enjoy lunches alfresco at L’Amo Bistro Del Mare, bringing a taste of La Dolce Vita to Dubai every Sunday with its refined new lunch experience. Set against the serene backdrop of Dubai Harbour, expect a seasonal menu of antipasto, an a la carte choice of main, and a trio of desserts, all paired with live music from a three-piece band. It’s available from 1pm to 4pm for AED325.
    @lamobistrodelmare
    May 17: Head to a DJ set by the sea at COVEBEACH

    Squeeze one final beach party out of the season at COVEBEACH. This stalwart beach club now features a duo of pools, several restaurants and bars and some seriously stunning views on JBR, and is a lively spot for days spent soaking up the sun. On Saturday May 17 they’re set to host COVEBEACH XLA FAMILIA, a beachfront brunch party with international DJ sets and a brunch package from 2pm to 5pm if you’re heading down in the afternoon or 5pm to 8pm, perfect for a sunset soiree. Packages start from AED275 for brunch and AED150 for general admission.
    @covebeachdubai
    Wednesdays in May: Wake up with wellness mornings at La Baia

    This colourful ode to the Italian Riviera might be about leisurely lunches and evening date nights, but it’s also a wonderful way to embrace some mid-week self-care. On Wednesdays, you can recharge with an energising yoga class at 8am led by Adrienne Everett, then enjoy a nourishing breakfast plus pool and beach access for the rest of the day, all for AED250.
    @labaia.dubai
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram More

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      12 activities to try over the long weekend in the UAE

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      Your ultimate Eid al-Fitr weekend guide in the UAE, March 28 to April 2, 2025.
      Book a luxe staycation

      Golden beaches, gourmet dining, and sensational five-star resorts await. If you’re spending the long weekend in the UAE and making plans to check-in to one of the alluring resorts on our doorstep, then consider one of these fabulous Eid staycation deals. From opulence in Dubai to relaxing retreats on the shores of the Northern Emirates, check out our Emirates Woman-approved guide to Eid staycations in the UAE.
      Visit this beauty pop-up
      For all the beauty aficionados, Knot Bakehouse has launched an exclusive collaboration with Kosas. To celebrate the launch of the brand’s most powerful under-eye brightener yet. Just like the Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Serum-Powered Color Corrector, which is supercharged with double the caffeine, double the hyaluronic acid, and 10 times the peptides to brighten, depuff, and correct dark circles, the KNOT X Kosas Matcha Latte is the perfect fusion of function and indulgence. Together, they deliver the ultimate “awake eyes” effect—energizing from the inside out and outside in. The collaboration will run for one week until March 31 at the Knot Bakehouse in Jumeirah, with the first 50 customers purchasing the drink on each day receiving a Kosas gift.
      For more information visit @knotbakehouse
      Indulge in a Spanish meal

      Head to La Niña for an unforgettable weekend dining experience that brings the bold flavours of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula to the heart of Dubai. The La Niña Experience is a curated culinary journey designed for two or more guests, featuring a refined selection of vibrant sharing starters like Lobster Tacos, Tiger Prawns, and Ceviche del Día. Choose between two standout mains: pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass or Grilled Beef Tenderloin each cooked to perfection. End on a sweet note with a duo of Chocolate Sorbet and Piña Colada dessert. Elevate the evening further with an optional wine pairing, thoughtfully matched to each course. The set is chic and contemporary setting making it the perfect spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
      For more information visit laninarestaurant.com
      Rest and Rejuvenate

      Dubai’s newest haven, Talise Spa has just opened at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. It’s more than a spa—it’s a journey of transformation, designed to elevate self-care to an art form. Nestled along the stunning coastline, Talise Spa seamlessly blends ancient healing rituals with cutting-edge technology to create a haven of tranquillity. Every moment within its serene walls is designed to enhance well-being, cultivate inner balance, and leave guests feeling revitalised. With world class facilities and a variety of classes under one roof – this experience is a must add to your list.
      For more information visit jumeirah.com
      Book a Pilates session

      Looking to revamp your fitness routine? This once forgotten exercise trend has made a comeback since it was first invented by Joseph Pilates a century ago. With social media been the force behind its resurgence, this popular workout channels the mind-body connection to achieve precise, controlled movements that promote alignment, balance and strength. Designed to improve physical strength and coordination, form long-term habits and ensure greater core strength, these workouts allow to strengthen your muscles and feel mentally fit. Pilates can help create long, lean, and defined muscles, while also helping to reduce stress, creating awareness in the body, and improving mental clarity From Plume Studio to Matcha Club, the options in the emirate are endless. So, if you’re looking to begin on your Pilates fitness journey, we’re curated a guide of all the must-visit studios in Dubai.
      Stock up on your water

      Are you particular about your water? VOSS Water, the global icon of premium hydration, has launched its 250ml Still Water bottle in the UAE market, combining innovative design, sustainability, and exceptional quality. Crafted to enhance the on-the-go hydration experience, the new compact bottles are made from 100% recycled PET and are perfectly suited to complement the UAE’s fast-paced, luxury-driven lifestyle. Now available at leading retail outlets, premium hospitality venues, and select online platforms throughout UAE.
      For more information vosswater.com  
      Try a fine-dining Korean BBQ experience

      HANU, Sunset Hospitality’s latest dining destination at St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, offers a modern take on Korean cuisine led by acclaimed Chef Kyung Soo Moon. Blending tradition with innovation, the menu features bold creations like Korean Beef Tartare, oversized Kimbap Hand Rolls, and Kimchi Arancini, alongside the interactive Meat Me at the Grill experience, where premium cuts are cooked tableside on Korean charcoal grills. A curated selection of Soju, wines, and cocktails complements the flavors, while the elegant design—featuring dark walnut wood, antique furniture, and Korean pine trees—creates a warm, inviting ambiance. Guests can dine indoors, in a private room, or on a lush terrace, making HANU a standout destination for contemporary Korean dining in Dubai.
      For more information visit hanu-restaurant.com
      Visit our favourite matcha spots

      Obsessed with matcha? Us too. As the health benefits outweigh everything, let us look at some of the best Dubai Matcha cafés to visit. Known for its host of health benefits, matcha is best for both its energising and detoxifying properties. This highly sought-after drink is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which help fight inflammation and support heart health. It provides a steady energy boost without the jitters of coffee, thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. Matcha also supports metabolism, aiding in weight management, and may enhance brain function, improving memory and concentration. From AVANTCHA Tea Bar to The Matcha Tokyo, Dubai’s cafés use the finest ceremonial grade matcha powders – that will give you the reset you need. So, if you’re looking to skip coffees and adapt to a natural source of caffeine, Dubai offers an array of chlorophyll-infused beverages that we simply can’t resist. So, just scroll through our Emirates Woman guide for inspiration.
      Capture the best memories

      For a special way to capture those moments during the Eid al-Fitr holidays, Fujifilm Instax have you covered. With instant cameras, snapping moments and creating aesthetic, tangible memories is easy, With a variety of cameras for everyone’s preference and style of photography, you can choose from the Instax Pal, which is designed for being on the go. It’s priced at Dhs299. The Instax Wide 400 is all about capturing all the big “wow”moments with double- card-sized wide films and is priced at Dhs599. The Instax mini Eco is the ultimate hybrid camera with a mini-format film for a retro look for Dhs899. So, pick your favourite Instax camera for your Eid holiday adventures, and say goodbye to waiting and hello to instant joy – every shot is a keepsake you can hold onto forever!
      For more information visit Instax.com
      Get that adrenaline rush

      Situated in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp by RAK Leisure, gives visitors a change to experience what it’s like to experience the wild with a team of experts. During our own journey, we tried out the basic survival course, which takes place for four hours with specialised instructors who gave us a taste of what it’s like to experience the desert with a handful of limited resources. BGEC presents discounted rates for weekday and weekend stays, both featuring three outdoor activities like high rope courses, abseiling, rock climbing, hiking, archery, and air rifle shooting. The essential survival course starts at Dhs350 per person for 4 hours to learn about the basic skills. If you want to survive in the harsh mountain environment of Ras AL Khaimah for Dhs550.
      For more information go to beargryllscamp.ae
      Swim under the stars

      Home to the UAE’s longest-suspended infinity pool, Tapasake invites guests to enjoy Night Swim every Friday. After a successful run, Swim Under the Stars is back, offering a relaxing evening by the poolside with stunning views of the Dubai skyline. Located 100 meters above the city, Tapasake Dubai offers stunning views and a culinary Japanese journey with a Mediterranean influence. The à la carte menu features signature dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and live DJ music, providing an exceptional dining experience. It takes place every Friday from 7:30pm to 11pm and is priced at Dhs250 per person with Dhs200 redeemable on F&B.
      For more information vist tapasakedubai.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @galawesh More

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      The best things to do in the UAE this April

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      Life

      by Alice Holtham-Pargin
      5 hours ago

      Your editor-approved guide to the coolest events across the emirates this month…
      It’s April in the UAE, which means a beach pop-up foodies will love, some major music events, a timeless musical and some renowned art exhibitions. Here are 10 brilliant new things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in April 2025.
      Until April 13: Beach Canteen

      e& Beach Canteen lands at Nessnass Beach in Dubai from March 27 until April 13. This Instagrammable seaside pop-up is a foodies haven, featuring street food favourites and renowned international brands. Open daily from 4pm to 12am, the free-to-attend event will see TikTok sensation Brooki arrive in Dubai for the first time, as well as London’s viral churros brand, The Knot. Local brands including ChaCha Matcha and Humm Crumbs will also add to the culinary line-up. Catering to all tastes, this community event also promises non-stop live performances at the e& stage, fireworks on the first night of Eid, plus arcade games and a family pavilion with soft play and arts and crafts.
      @beachcanteenofficial
      April 5: Dubai World Cup

      Don your most fabulous fashion fits and get ready for a day at the races as Dubai World Cup returns to Meydan on Saturday April 5. Yes, the nine-race card – the final race day of the season – might be the main event, this equine extravaganza is as much about fashion as it is sports. There are a variety of packages on offer, with access to the vibrant Apron Views the most popular option for AED350, as well as several hospitality packages, including a brunch package in the Bubble Lounge for AED849.
      dubairacingclub.com
      April 7: Dine at the hands of culinary masters at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

      Three star culinary talents are teaming up for a six hands dinner at the iconic Burj Al Arab on November 7. For one night only, One Michelin Star Al Muntaha will welcome Row on 45’s Chef Jason Atherton and Tresind Studio’s Chef Himanshu Saini to join Chef Saverio Sbaragli for an extraordinary evening of culinary stardom. Set 200 metres above sea level, Al Muntaha provides a refined backdrop for the nine-course tasting menu, where each chef will present three signature dishes that showcase their talents. It’s AED1,600 or AED2,800 with optional wine pairing.
      jumeirah.com
      April 10 to 20: Les Miserables at Etihad Arena

      Multi-award-winning musical Les Miserables will head to Yas Island’s Etihad Arena for a 10-date run from April 10. The Arena Spectacular features a cast and orchestra of over 65 people, who will present Victor Hugo’s enthralling tale of broken dreams and unrequited love in this timeless showcase. Tickets start from AED130.
      etihadarena.ae
      April 12: Enjoy a night out Ibiza style as Ants takes over Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

      Since October, Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience has been bringing a taste of Ibiza to Dubai Harbour with headline sets from Calvin Haris, Adriatique and Black Coffee. And on April 12 the party continues as the globally renowned electronic music brand Ants returns to Dubai for the first time since 2018. Bringing with it a huge headline line-up of Marco Carola, Andrea Oliva and Calussa, it’s set to be a big night of cutting-edge house and techno with some seriously sensational visuals. Tickets start from AED200.
      platinumlist.net
      April 13 to 20: Get creatively inspired at the return of Alserkal Art Week

      Alserkal Art Week returns to our favourite creative hub in Dubai for 10-days of exhibitions, talks and installations this April. The whole district will come alive under the theme A Wild Stitch. Highlights include Vanishing Points, a major exhibition by Imran Qureshi at Concrete; a new public art commission curated by Fatoş Üstek under Between a Beach and Slope, designed to challenge the notion of belonging; and 15 new gallery exhibitions.
      alserkal.online
      April 14 to 16: Check out a legion of fashion talent at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week

      Discover celebrated designers and mingle with influential figures in the global modest fashion space at The St Regis Saadiyat Island during the 10th edition of Modest Fashion Week. Featuring a line-up of over 30 designers from more than 15 countries, styles will cover everything from modest wear essentials to dazzling evening wear from designers including Saudi-born Leen, the Australian label Ashaalia, and made-in-the-UAE Rabail Riaz, known for its handmade accessories. It’s invitation only, but you can get on the guest list here.
      modestfashionweeks.co
      April 18 to 20: Sing-along at a music festival in Abu Dhabi

      Abu Dhabi’s three-day music festival Club Social returns from April 18 to 20, bringing together some huge A-Listers for a weekend of music, art and dancing at Etihad Park. On Friday April 18, rockers Snow Patrol will bring hits like Chasing Cars and Just Say Yes to the UAE capital, performing alongside the guys behind She Moves In Her Own Way, The Kooks. On Saturday, we’ll be singing and dancing along to the addictive tunes of Usher, and then on Sunday, Raye and London Grammar close the show. Tickets start from AED295.
      ticketmaster.ae
      April 18 to 20: Discover works from over 120 global galleries at Art Dubai

      The 2025 edition of Art Dubai will bring together regional art aficionados for three days from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah. A beacon of celebration of art in all its forms from around the Middle East, Central and South Asia and Africa, this year’s edition is themed around 20th Century modern masters who have had a lasting impact on global culture. This year, there will be more than 120 galleries from over 40 countries, plus talks, events and live performances. Tickets start from AED100.
      @artdubai
      April 26: Round out the month at a new music festival headlined by Ed Sheeran

      OFFLIMITS is the name of Abu Dhabi’s exciting new one-day music festival, bringing some of the biggest names in pop music to Etihad Park. Created by Theory Eleven, one of the biggest pop stars on the planet – Ed Sheeran – will be Thinking Out Loud as he performs a two-hour set of his most iconic songs in the UAE capital. Also on the bill, Stop and Stare hitmakers One Republic; the rockers behind I Predict A Riot, Kaiser Chiefs; and 1990s dance music favourites, Faithless. Tickets start from AED495.
      platinumlist.net More