It’s 47 degrees out there today, but Dubai’s still bringing the fun with loads of free activities, as well as fun brunches, new museums and big nights out.

Here’s your Dubai weekend sorted…

Thursday 4

1. Dine early (eat cheap)

Excellent Indian restaurant Bombay Brasserie is offering an early-bird dining deal at the moment – eat between 6pm and 8pm and you’ll get to try three courses for just Dhs150 a person. The early dinner menu is full of classics like tandoori salmon tikka and chicken tikka masala. Plus, there’s a happy hour deal alongside the dinner that means you can pick up a bottle of grape for just Dhs150. (Ooh, and they’ll start doing this menu as a pre-theatre deal once Dubai Opera’s open).

Taj Hotel, Business Bay. 6pm to 8pm, daily. Tel: (04) 438 3222. More info on website. 

*ALSO TRY THIS WEEKEND: A free Al Quoz pop up (that encourages naps)*

2. Get a free cookie

Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (yes, there really is a day for everything), and to celebrate DoubleTree by Hilton is giving away a free cookie to anyone who pops in. People in Dubai can go to DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach. Just head to check in and just ask for a cookie. The flavour? Chocolate chip and walnut.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Dubai Marina, all day. Tel: (04) 453 3333. More info on website.

3. Hear Mind Against up close

Berlin-based Italian brothers Alessandro and Federico Fognini, aka Mind Against, are playing at Media One Hotel tonight – the lads definitely fit into the techno mould, but they also throw in some more experimental sounds. Should be a good one.

ON42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. 10pm to 3am, from Dhs100. Buy tickets here. More info on Facebook.

4. Listen to some Filipino acoustic jams

Beloved Filipino artists Aiza and Joey G are in town for a show tonight – Joey G is best known for his time in Side A, while former child star Aiza Seguerra is sure to belt out her multiple-platinum hit Pagdating Ng Panahon. 

6. Let the kids loose on the Lego 

As part of Dubai Summer Surprises there’s a Lego Friends Workshop running in the India and Egypt courts of Ibn Battuta, and this weekend’s your last chance to check it out. It’s really for the little ones: after they’ve built their Lego masterpieces they’ll receive a diploma. Swanky.

India & Egypt Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, free, 2pm to 10pm, until August 6. More info on Facebook. 

7. Stretch it out, in an acrobatic way

Acroyoga is a combination of acrobatics and yoga, and this Friday Piloga is hosting a two-hour session of the stuff with George Anthony, founder of the Sajeeva Yoga School in Thailand.

Piloga Studio, Bay Square, Business Bay, Dubai, Friday 3pm to 5pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 456 4499. More info on Facebook. Booking essential. More info on Facebook. 

8. Keep the fiesta flowing post brunch

The W Lounge in brand new hotel W Dubai has views of the Dubai skyline, the Gulf and a free-flowing post-brunch drinks package for Dhs250. Also, the interiors are crazy (in a good way). Head to the 30th floor every Friday from 4pm to 8pm to keep the party going.

W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, Friday 4pm to 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4366666. More info on website. 

9. Chill in a tent

Media City favourite Tamanya Terrace is now cloaked in a purpose-built, air-conditioned tent, and tonight it’s hosting a Summer Vibes party featuring Xo Chic from the States as well as Amy Wells and Jacob Bailey. Arrive between 7pm and 8pm and pay Dhs50 for entry (and get two free drinks), although after 9pm it’s Dhs80, and after 11pm it’s Dhs100. It’s an open list night so need to book in advance.

Tamanya Terrace, West Tower, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. More info on Facebook. 

10. Catch some Indian tunes

One of India’s freshest talents, Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is coming to Dubai for the first time this weekend. Opening for the VJ will be Raaga Factory, who play retro Hindi tunes and folk music with a touch of Sufi style too.

Here’s what you can expect:

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai. From Dhs150 to Dhs400. Tel: (04) 314 8222. Buy tickets here.

11. Get two for one drinks

Lovely Spanish creekside spot Casa de Tapas is offering two-for-one on all house beverages any day over summer from 5pm to 9pm. The deal ends on September 15, so you’ve got a good month to fit it into your schedule. Post Thai Kitchen brunch option maybe?

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (next to the Park Hyatt), Deira. 5pm to 9pm, daily. Tel: (04) 416 1800. More info on website.

Saturday 6

12. Visit a new museum

The Saruq Al Hadid museum has just opened, and it walks you through a civilization that existed in Dubai 4,000 years ago (in the Rub Al Khali desert). The site was discovered in 2002, and the museum shows off 900 objects from the site – from bronze and iron to animal skeletons. This is one for all those people who say Dubai has no history…

Al Shindagha Historical District (a five minute walk from Al Ghubaiba Metro Station). Dhs20 per person (children aged seven to 12, Dhs10, and those under 7 and over 60, free). 8am to 8pm, Saturday to Thursday and 4pm to 8pm, Friday. Tel: (04) 353 9090. More info on website.   

13. Drive to the Last Exit

Last Exit, the food-truck-filled rest stop in between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is now officially open, and almost all of the food trucks are drive through so you don’t even have to get out of your car to pick up your dinner. Road snacks to and from Abu Dhabi just got a lot tastier – hello Big Smoke Burger and Clinton St Bakery.

Just after interchange 11 when driving towards Dubai on E11 (get specific directions here). Open 24/7. More info on website. 

14. Take your dogs to a party

If your dog is over 15kg then take them down to ABVC Kennels today for a free play day in an air-conditioned play area. A great way for doggies to let off some steam and use up some of their energy.

ABVC Kennels & Cattery, 26th Street, Al Quoz, Dubai. 1pm to 5pm, free. More info on Facebook. 

15. See some interesting GCC art

At the East Wing gallery this month (which is closed on Fridays, FYI) you’ll find Parataxic Distortion. The exhibition features portraiture by young Doha-based duo Christto & Andrew – their colourful photos play with the idea of traditional portraits and misconceptions about the Gulf. They’re also just fun.

East Wing, Limestone House, DIFC, Ritz Carlton Annex. Sat to Thurs, 10am to 8pm, free, until September 1. Tel: (050) 5533879. More info on website.

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