Great new brunches, free family days out, cheap pool and lunch deals. Oh, and Mariah! Here are 15 things to do over the next three days in Dubai…

Thursday 23

1. Go to the Jazz Fest

This weekend you’ll find us on the grass at Dubai Media City Ampitheatre, chilling out during the Dubai Jazz Festival. Welsh legend Tom Jones played on Wednesday, tonight Mariah Carey will warble her way through her five-octave vocal range (she on fire!) and Latin sensation Enrique Iglesias will take to the stage on Friday. There are some great supporting acts throughout the weekend too, including Nathan Sykes (who is formerly of The Wanted) and guitar virtuoso Raul Midón.

Media City Ampitheatre, Dubai Media City. Thurs and Fri, from 8.30pm, Dhs325. Tel: (04) 391 1196. Buy tickets here. More info on website.

2. Watch a legend at work

Tonight at Dubai Opera you’ll get to listen to the works of Michel Legrand, live. He’s responsible for more than 200 film and TV scores, and worked alongside artists such as Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, so expect to recognise many of the melodies. Fast fact: today also happens to be his 85th birthday.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 8pm, from Dhs250. Tel: (800) 36227. More info on website. 

3. Relive the tunes of Ringo et al

If you’re not into Mariah’s brand of R&B, there’s a Beatles cover band playing at The Music Room tonight – so if All You Need Is Love is your number one tune, this could just be your dream night out.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai. Friday February 23, from 6pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 274 3555. More info on Facebook. 

4. Dance with the Dubai Soul Club

There’s a new monthly night in Bur Dubai that’s all about Northern Soul from the UK, Motown, ’60s and ’70s soul and Philly disco. We would find it almost impossible to avoid the dancefloor when these tunes are playing. Ooh, and there are drinks deals throughout the night too (and the crowd is a touch older, and not even an ounce judgmental).

George & Dragon, The Ambassador Hotel, Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 393 9189. From 8pm. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

Friday 24

5. Break the fast in the desert

Have you heard about the new desert dining venue Qasr Al Sultan? It’s right by the Outlet Village mall near Parks & Resorts and has a very Arabian Nights feel. Well, if you’d like to check it out in the morning, they’re now offering breakfast there: it’s Dhs50 for those aged 6 to 12, and Dhs100 for adults, and it includes a buffet, live cooking stations, camel and pony rides and much more (oh, and there’s plenty of parking right outside, just follow the flags from Outlet Village to get there).

Qasr Al Sultan, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dhs50 to Dhs100. Tel: (800 785826). Make sure to book. More info on website.

6. Go to a very glam new brunch

Excellent Asian-Mediterranean restaurant Play has a new brunch that feels like a new millennium take on Great Gatsby – and the food is a la carte (no wilting buffets – the dishes pictured about are actually what you’ll get). Plus, the dessert platter is the most delicious sweet course we’ve ever sampled at a brunch and the entertainment is excellent (the singer did a rendition of The Wknd that had the whole brunch out of their seats last week).

Play, 36th floor, The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Dhs340 with soft drinks, Dhs440 with wine and spirits. 12pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 336 4444. More info on Facebook.

7. Go for ‘plunch’

The Address Dubai Mall has a great deal on at the moment for ‘Plunch’ – what’s that, you ask? Well, for Dhs200 a person, you’ll get a poolside lunch from live cooking stations, the chance to chill by the pool all day, and a mini spa treatment (like a foot massage). Kids pay Dhs100 (well, their parents pay that for them) and there will be face painting and the like to keep them happy.

Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, 12pm onwards every Saturday. Tel: (04) 438 8888. More info on website. 

8. Eat the world (from Burj Park)

From Singaporean street eats to everyone’s favourite fried chicken, get ready to taste your way around the globe this weekend as dozens of food trucks from the US, UK and Singapore take over Burj Park in Downtown Dubai. There will also be UAE food trucks to check out too. Here’s a guide to the trucks you’ll find to whet your appetite.

Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Thursday 5pm to 11pm, Friday 12pm to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 11pm, Dhs50 at the door (those under 12 enter free). More info on Facebook.

9. Head along to a touch tournie’

Today at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club in Arabian Ranches you’ll find a corporate Touch 6s rugby tournament. It’ll be a bit of a family day out considering there’s live music, soft play for kids, food trucks, licensed drinks and trampolines courtesy of Bounce.

Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, 9am to 5.30pm, free entry. More info on Facebook. 

10. Go to a label showcase

UK imprint Anjunadeep is heading to Dubai for its debut label showcase in the UAE. Representing the hugely respected label will be Jody Wisternoff, Ashworth, Dom Donnelly and Martin Roth. Their accessible, sun-kissed melodic house is the perfect option for the day-to-night beach party vibe at JA Jebel Ali Resort.

JA Jebel Ali Resort Beach Club, Jebel Ali Free Zone, 2.30pm to 3am, from Dhs150. Buy tickets here.

Saturday 25

11. Go to the theatre (sort of)

Acclaimed National Theatre play Amadeus will be screened at the Courtyard Playhouse this Friday and Saturday. The play stars Lucian Msamati as court composer Antionio Salieri, a man consumed with jealousy by the arrival of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Street 4b, Dubai (next to Lime Tree), 8pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (050) 986 1761. More info on website.

12. Catch some musical theatre

If you’re after some sing-alongs, legwarmers and big hair this weekend, then go see Fame The Musial at the Madinat Theatre. “I’m gonna live foreeeveeeer!”

Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, from Thursday 23 until Saturday March 4 (today there’s a show at 1pm and 7pm), from Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (04) 366 6546. Buy tickets here.

13. Learn how to whip up a healthy meal

Remember, its Talise Wellness Month at the Madinat Jumeirah (see a full schedule of events here), and today they’re putting on a cooking class with Talise Wellness where you’ll learn to whip up nutritious – and hopefully delicious – meals. It runs from 9.30am to 11.30am and will cost Dhs99.

Talise, Madinat Jumeirah, 9.30am to 11.30am. Tel: (04) 366 6822. More info on website. 

14. Afternoon tea with a side of shopping

La Serre Bistro and Boulangerie are hosting a two-day treat, where you can get a dainty afternoon tea of mini pastries and sandwiches, plus a live catwalk show courtesy of fashion boutique Maison Clad. Guests will also get the chance to get their hands on the latest pieces from 17 hard-to-find brands in an on-site pop-up shop.

La Serre, Vida Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, February 25 and 26, 3.30pm. Dhs95 per person. Tel: (04) 428 6969. More info on website.

15. Celebrate the new moon

The full moon isn’t the only time to do yoga outdoors, oh no. In fact, the new moon is associated with new beginnings and intentions, and so there will be a yoga workshop in Umm Suqeim tonight that’s all about building creative energy. There will also be breathing work and a mediation too. The workshop is two-and-a-half hours long and costs Dhs80 (bring cash – and the exact amount – if you want to join in). Bring your own mat, a towel, a notebook and a bottle of water.

Umm Suqeim Park, 8pm to 10.30pm, Dhs80. More info on Facebook. 

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