Salsa, Peruvian parties, Jungle Book experiences, bass-heavy gigs and more… here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend:

THURSDAY 28

1. Celebrate Peru

Today is Peruvian Independence Day, and a top place to celebrate would be the lively spot Garden. There are lots of nice long tables, so it’s good for a group, and the food is delicious – we particularly adore the quinoa sliders. To celebrate the big day the chef is putting on a three-course set menu for Dhs225 – pay Dhs375 and you’ll get to enjoy free-flowing Pisco cocktails until 11pm. Ándale, see you there.

JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay. 6pm to 11pm (fiesta continues at Living Room until 3am). Dhs225 food only. More info on website. 

2. Relive the golden age of Hollywood

Dubai’s excellent free cinema night, Cinema Akil, is showing Modern Times tonight, which is arguably Charlie Chaplin’s most famous silent film (the 1936 movie has a 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes). It’s also showing at the same time, same place on Friday night.

A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. 7pm, free (but first come first served). Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. More info on website. 

3. Watch some award-winning theatre

The show’s been nominated for three Tony Awards and The Audience at the Courtyard Playhouse will see Helen Mirren retake her role as Queen Elizabeth II. Alas, she won’t actually be there (we’re sorry), but the Courtyard Playhouse will be screening the theatre piece for free for all to see.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Street 4B, Al Quoz, Dubai. July 28, 8pm to 10.30pm. Free, but donations accepted. Tel: (050) 9861761. More info on website. 

4. Dance to breaks, beats and drum fills

Hot Cakes boss Deekline is bringing his A-game to Dubai tonight, a perfect gig for bass freaks. In fact, in the words of our sister mag Hype, “if you like bowel-shaking bass, this is for you”.

ON42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Dhs50. 10pm to 3am. More info and tickets here.

5. See DJ Kiff One @ The Act Dubai

This Thursday at The Act will see a little bit of everything music-wise. Get your funk on to some old school RnB, or break it down to some classic dancehall tunes.

The Act Dubai, Shangri La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. Á la carte dinner service begins at 8.30pm, club closes at 3am. Reservations required. Tel: (04) 3551116. More info on website.

FRIDAY 29

6. Spend the day at a hotel pool

Fancy a spot of breakfast and then a pool day? Well this deal at Sofitel Dubai Downtown should be right up your alley – for Dhs160 you’ll get to sample the buffet breakfast at Les Cuisines (there’s a crepe and waffle station – just FYI), and then you’ll be able to spend the whole day (if you can handle the heat) at the hotel’s infinity pool.

Sofitel Downtown Dubai. Breakfast runs from 6.30am to 10.30am, offer available any day until September 30. Tel: (04) 503 6666. More info on website.

7. Go to the jungle (in Jumeirah)

At City Walk at the moment you’ll find The Jungle Book – a 25-minute live stage show featuring Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan (all portrayed by Broadway actors). You’ll also get to take “pre-historic selfies” (oxymoron?) and try out a rock climb. How do you get access? Well just spend Dhs150 at any retail or F&B store across City Walk to get access for two children. This weekend is your last chance to see the live show, so get down there. The live show is by the Promenade near The Butcher Shop on Al Safa Road at 4.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm until July 30, while the ‘experience’ with monkeys, rope bridges and all is next to Hub Zero and runs until August 20.

City Walk Phase II, Jumeirah. Free with purchase. More info on website. 

8. Try your hand at sketching

Today at community arts space thejamjar you’ll find a sketching workshop – and it’s for all skill levels. So whether you want to up your Pictionary skills or genuinely develop your artistic talent, there’ll be something in it for you.

thejamjar, Al Quoz. 4pm to 6pm, free. More info and registration on Facebook. 

SATURDAY 30

9. Asian Street Food Market

Sunset hotspot Pure Sky Lounge at Hilton, The Walk at JBR, is set to transform into a bustling foodie market today. Expect veggie spring rolls, sweet and sour fish cracker selections, as well as BBQ stations serving up prawn in sugar cane and calamari skewers. Don’t even get us started on the noodles and dim sum…

35th floor, Hilton Dubai The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3747888. facebook.com/pureskylounge.

10. Family fun at Modhesh World 2016

Everyone’s favourite yellow accordion man has set up shop at the Dubai World Trade Centre until August 27, and he’ll be seen in multiple halls filled with fun experiences for kids and teenagers including mini bowling, bumper cars mirror mazes and tea cup rides.

Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre Halls 1 to 8, Sheikh Zayed Road. Dhs25 per person. facebook.com/modheshworld.

11. Get mindful

Today at the beautiful, leafy green Al Barari you’ll find a mindfulness meditation that will help you connect with the world and hopefully de-stress. Wear comfortable clothes and come with an open mind.

Heart & Soul Spa, Al Barari. Dhs100. Sign up here. More info on Facebook.

12. Dance the salsa

Mahiki Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is hosting a salsa night tonight – there will be drinks for Dhs50, as well as timba, Cuban salsa, merengue, cha cha, bachata and more. Oh and FYI, bring your ID as the salsa night is being held in the VIP area so sometimes the security ask to check ID.

Mahiki, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh Road. 9.30pm to 2am. For table bookings call 04 380 7731. More info on Facebook.

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