From iftars with a twist to indoor sports and a secret breakfast spot on the Palm – here are 14 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

ALSO
*103 places open for breakfast & lunch over Ramadan*
*25 unique iftars to try*

Thursday 1

1. Head to Dubai Sports World

Avoid going stir crazy during the summer months by spending time at the UAE’s largest indoor summer sports venue, which re-opens today. Athletes of all levels and disciplines can work on their skills, with football pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, a running track, trampoline park, fitness studio and more. Coaching clinics are also available.

Sheikh Saeed Halls and Trade Centre Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre, June to September, 8am to 1am during Ramadan. Various prices. Tel: (04) 306 4000. More info on website.

2. Stop by the Ramadan Night Market

This night market is back for another year, and is the place to nab bargains in fashion, homeware, electronics and more. There’s also plenty of games and activities for the little ones, like face painting, sand art, and bouncy castles, as well as food from the Food Court and an Arabic-themed Majlis for spending time with family and friends.

Halls 7 & 8, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thurs June 1 to Sat June 10, 8pm to 2am. Dhs5 entry, or free for under-5s. More info on website.

3. Check out a new exhibition in the mall

Throughout The Dubai Mall this month you’ll find an exhibition that takes you through the different Golden Ages of Islam – it highlights the work of many different Islamic scholars and craftsmen. There’s a Knowledge Zone, a Film Zone, a Literature Zone, a Science Zone and more. It’s all across the mall – you can find a map of where the different zones are here.

Throughout The Dubai Mall, 10am to 3am, every day of Ramadan. Tel: (800) 382246255. More info on website. 

4. Try a food-focussed iftar

Bazxar in DIFC is offering an iftar this Ramadan that features a diverse menu – there’s everything from Greek salad to mac n’ cheese, and sirloin steak to salmon teriyaki and tofu with rice noodles. Oh, and things round off with tiramisu and cheesecake – both excellent ways to end a meal.

Bazxar, Gate Precinct building 4, DIFC, Dhs150 per person. Tel: (04) 3551111. Metro: Financial Centre. bazxar.com

Friday 2

5. Buy some affordable(ish) art

Starting this weekend there’s an art sale at Citizen E Gallery in D3 featuring 3 to 4 works from around 40 artists. The most a work can cost is Dhs4,000, meaning, while not necessarily a bargain, it will be a good chance for potential collectors serious about art to get their foot in the door.

First floor, building six, Dubai Design District. From today, opens 8.30pm daily until June 24 Tel: (04) 457 2380. More info on website.

6. Book in a pampering session with a difference

Tips & Toes salon has a Ramadan offer where, for every mani/pedi treatment of the month or mani/pedi with head, neck and shoulder massage purchased, they will donate a warm and nutritious meal to someone in need. Iftar boxes will be distributed to labourers across Dubai and Sharjah.

Tips & Toes salons, both treatments cost Dhs250. Available throughout Ramadan. More information on website.

7. Go to Pantry Cafe, on The Palm

For the month of Ramadan, breakfast favourite Pantry Cafe (in Business Bay) will pop up in The Palm Jumeirah Nikkei restaurant Ají. They will be serving eggs, flat whites, pancakes and more in the restaurant from 7am to 12pm until the end of June.

Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, 7am to 12pm, daily until the end of June. Tel: (04) 552 0244. More info on website. 

8. Experience a traditional iftar

Photo: Mohammed Somji

We love the tours run by Frying Pan Adventures, and they’ve joined forces with Gulf Photo Plus to create Unseen Trails – tours that combine food and photography. They’re doing a special Old Dubai Iftar Walk for Ramadan, where you’ll witness the breaking of the fast in Naif, one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, before heading to an Afghani eatery for a delicious meal. Definitely something to experience at least once in Dubai. But, do note: this tour is not for those that hate the heat.

Meet at Al Ras Metro Station, Dubai, Tues May 30 to Tues June 20, tour starts at 5.20pm. Dhs595. Booking details on website.

Saturday 3

9. Watch the Lions rugby tour

The first match of the Lions rugby tour of NZ will see the Irish and British Lions take on New Zealand’s Provincial First XV at 11.35am Dubai time. There are many spots where you can still watch rugby over Ramadan, including Dhow & Anchor in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. They’re offering a Full English breakfast and a drink for Dhs95. (Side note: The Lions will be playing the top dogs – the All Blacks – on Saturday June 24, Saturday July 1 and Saturday July 8.)

Dhow & Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, from 11.30am daily 9am to 3am. Tel: (04) 4068999. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. More info on website.

10. Or watch the UEFA Final

At 10.45pm tonight Juventus and Real Madrid will go head to head in the UEFA final – heaps of Dubai spots will show the game. For instance, at Burger & Lobster in DIFC they’re running a special 2-for-1 happy ‘hour’ from 6pm to 1.30am to keep you going throughout the entire match.

Burj Daman, DIFC, kick off at 10.45pm. Tel: (04) 514 8838 or email reservations@BurgerAndLobsterDubai.com for bookings. More info on Facebook.

11. Commit a random act of kindness

Ramadan is well and truly here, and whether it be sparing time or money, there are plenty of ways you can get into the giving spirit of the Holy Month. Check out our list of 10 ways you can give back this Ramadan for some ideas on how to do your bit.

12. Shop for some unique gifts

The ARTE market is the largest urban arts and crafts market in the UAE, and tonight you’ll find 35 local artisans setting up shop in Mercato Mall. With art, fashion, accessories, handmade cosmetics and gourmet goodies on offer, you’re bound to pick up some one-of-a-kind treasures.

Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Sat June 3, 5pm to midnight. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

13. Take the kids to yoga (for free)

At Just Be Holistic Centre this Saturday there are two half hour workshops on children’s yoga that are completely free. The Jungle Adventure yoga classes are for little ones aged four to seven and are running at 10am and 11.45am. There are a bunch of other kids workshops there today (just make sure to register in advance ASAP as spaces are filling up fast). See a full schedule here.

Just Be, Umm Suqeim, various times, free (but registration essential). Tel: (050) 747 8066. More info on Facebook.

14. Go to an iftar that won’t break the bank

Hidden gem 3 Fils, has created a special iftar starter set for Dhs75, which includes grilled prawns, mezze favourites and marinated mushrooms with pomegranate. You’ll also be able to try 3 Fils’ take on lamb ouzi as well as the usual a la carte menu options.  

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm ’till late (Ramadan hours), closed Sundays. Tel: (056) 2730030. Taxi: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. More info on website.

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