From comedy fests to magical afternoon raves, and free legends in concert to new beachy brunches… here are 15 things to fill your Dubai weekend with.

Enjoy!

Thursday 12

1. Laugh (hopefully a lot)

Laughter Factory is Dubai’s longest running comedy night, and we’ve never had a bad time there. Tonight you’ll hear the musings of Edinburgh Fringe’s Best Newcomer Sofie Hagen as well as Rob Deering and Jack Dathel.

Moevenpick JBR, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs140. Tel: (050) 878 6728. More info on website. 

2. And that’s not all the comedy…

Also this weekend is the annual ComedyFest at McGettigan’s in JLT. Headlining the two-day fest’ is up-and-coming youngster Al Porter, a 23-year-old who’s been making quite the name for himself on the UK and Irish comedy circuit:

Returning to Dubai is Limerick comedian Karl Spain, a self-deprecating comic who’s toured with big names such as Kevin Bridges and Ed Byrne.

McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, next to Bonnington Lakes Tower, Dubai. Thursday January 12 and Friday January 13, doors open at 8pm. Tel: (04) 3780800. More info on website.

3. Watch a classic book brought to life

Looking for something to do with your kids this weekend? Well, Eric Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar (which has sold 41 million copies in its time) is being brought to the stage via puppets at Ductac this weekend.

Centrepoint Theatre, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, 1pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm Thursday, 11am, 2pm and 4pm Friday and Saturday, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 341 4777. More info and tickets on website. 

4. Listen to an Argentinean techno boss

The Decibel nights at the industrial-feeling ON42 are always a good night out, and tonight isn’t likely to be an exception – flying in is Argentinian-born DJ and producer Kintar. He has more than 100 releases to his name – including the above, which features the beautiful voice of DJ Luxury. See you there.

Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 9pm to 3am, from Dhs100. Tel: (055) 6566554. More info on Facebook. 

Friday 13

5. Go see a fabulous Kiwi film

New Zealand flick Hunt for the Wilderpeople was 2016’s little film that could, and the surprisingly funny and heartwarming tale is showing at Alserkal Avenue tonight, for free! Double win!

The Yard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 7pm, free but first come first seated. More info on Facebook. 

6. Love Body Pump? You’ll love this…

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Garhoud is hosting a party dedicated to one particular fitness class this weekend, and that’d be Les Mills’ Body Pump. Star instructors will be there, as well as guest presenter Reagan Kang. Ticket prices include a goodie bag, and there will be prizes up for grabs too. Ooh, and there’s an after party at Nomad from 4.30pm.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs100. Buy tickets here. 

7. Explore the Cairo sound

At Dubai Media City Ampitheatre today you’ll be able to explore the diverse and delightful world of Egyptian music – from Cairokee to Sharmoofers and Khaled Huseein to Moustafa Ghazal, there will be a touch of pop, jazz, reggae and rock on the night.

Dubai Media City, from 5pm today, tickets from Dhs195 for regular and Dhs525 for VIP. More info on website. 

8. See Atif Aslam live

Pakistani legend Atif Aslam will be taking the stage at Global Village tonight to work through his numerous film hits, including Tere Sang Yaara and Tu Jaane Na. The good news is that the concert’s included in the Dhs15 entry price for Global Village, so you’ll pay nothing more to see him (expect serious crowds though).

Global Village, E311, Dubai, from 9pm, Dhs15. More info on website.

Saturday 14

10. Take the kids to brunch for free

Did you know that the Saturday brunch at Ronda Locatelli is free for kids up to 11 years old? None of that under five stuff… plus, there’s a magician, an art studio and a pizza cooking class to keep the young’uns entertained. The food? Italian classics.

Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. Dhs195 per person with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house beverages, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Saturdays. Tel: 04 426 2626. More info on website.

11. Go to a book club

The Urban Bistro monthly book club is back, and this weekend they’re discussing The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (pictured), which many of you are likely to have already read. So if you’ve been itching to discuss “the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point,” with others, now’s your time to shine.

Urban Bistro, Dubai Media City, 11am, free. Tel: (04) 362 4330. More info on Facebook.

12. Buy handmade

The Handmade Dubai market will see an eclectic range of handmade items on sale, including art, clothes, home stuff and jewelry. There will also be food and drinks on sale, as well as activities for kids, to help you while away the hours.

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Emirates Hills, 12pm to 6pm, free entry. More info on Facebook. 

13. Try full moon yoga

Fancy doing yoga under the stars? Provided it’s not foggy… Well, Fairmont The Palm is hosting a yoga class on its lawn tonight that will be led by three instructors. It’s Dhs75 per person and includes towels, mats, bottles of water and a range of healthy snacks and warming drinks (but you can bring your own mat if you prefer).

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs75, 8pm to 10pm. Register a spot by emailing elmira.gazizova@fairmont.com. More info on Facebook. 

14. Dream (all day)

The All Day I Dream label’s party that used to be at Arabian Ranches is now at d3 – this afternoon/evening will be headed up by Gorje Hewek and Izhevski. Expect a dreamy vibe (and lots of fairy wings on adults, as well as whimsical masks – see above).

d3 Design District, Dubai, 1pm to 10pm, from Dhs150. Taxi: d3. Tel: (056) 775 8009. Buy tickets here. More info on Facebook. 

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