15 fab things to do in Dubai this weekend: UAE National Day edition
Happy 51st National Day, UAE…
Join in the celebrations this weekend with plenty of unmissable events and experiences around the city. Here is our shortlist of 12 fantastic things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Thursday, December 1
Head to the action-packed Rugby Sevens
Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s is one of the biggest events on the sporting and social calendar – rugby fan or not. The music, sport and entertainment festival is back at full capacity for 2022 and the huge three-day event will take place once again at The Sevens Stadium from December 1 to 3. Tickets are on sale now, which are free on Thursday, Dhs400 on Friday, Dhs375 on Saturday or Dhs475 for the full weekend; available on the Emirates Dubai 7s website. Expect live music across the weekend from the likes of Gorgon City, Cuban Brothers, and Craig David.
Emirates Dubai 7s, The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, Thursday December 1 to Saturday December 3. dubairugby7s.com
Watch the spectacular fireworks
Head outdoors with the family and watch the dazzling celebrations from one of many locations in Dubai. At The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, you’ll also get to enjoy a fountain show, if you head to Global Village you’ll get to shop and dine you heart out and if you go to Dubai Festival City Mall, you can also visit Vibes by the Bay or shop at all the mall.
An entire roundup of spots where you can see the fireworks can be found here.
Tuck into a festive afternoon tea at voco Bonnington Dubai
From 2pm to 5pm from December 1 to 23, head to voco Bonnington Dubai for a festive afternoon tea tiered with sandwiches, scones, cakes and mulled wine or Christmas cocktails. It will cost you Dhs149 per person.
voco Bonnington Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, JLT Cluster J, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 356 0000. vocobonnington.com
Friday, December 2
Take part in the family-friendly festivities across Dubai Parks and Resorts
Ideal for families looking for a thrilling getaway this weekend. From the world’s largest UAE Lego minifigure flag at Legoland Dubai to a falcon display and traditional dances at Riverland, there’s plenty going on at Dubai Parks and Resorts this UAE National Day weekend. The family-favourite destination will be decorated in the UAE flag colours to celebrate the occasion across all its properties. There will also be a magnificent firework display on December 2 at 7pm and 9pm.
December 1 to December 4. Dhs295 per person (one park pass). dubaiparksandresorts.com
Get your hands on a limited-edition UAE flag pizza at Monno
In celebration of the UAE’s 51st National Day on December 2, proudly Emirati-owned restaurant Monno will be serving up a limited-edition UAE flag pizza prepared in true Neapolitan style. Toppings include creamy mozzarella fior di latte from Napoli, fresh rocket and black olives. The delicious pizza is available for one day only for lunch and dinner at Monno, and priced at Dhs50 per pizza.
304 Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12pm to 12am. Tel:(0)43322255, www.monno.ae
Visit Expo City Dubai and partake in the National day celebrations
Expo City Dubai is celebrating UAE National Day with a series of activities from December 1 to 4. Visitors will experience an Al Azi performance with poetry led by Emirati poet AlWasmy at the Surreal water feature and see an immersive projection at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza. You can also tuck into delicious Emirati hospitality at the cultural market and check out art and photography exhibitions and get a hands-on experience at workshops.
Celebrate with a night swim at the world’s tallest infinity pool
Capture the essence of Dubai from spectacular heights with an unforgettable night swim in the world’s highest 360º infinity pool. Between 8pm and 11pm on Friday, enjoy a refreshing dip in Aura’s temperature-controlled swimming pool, under a blanket of stars with glittering views of Dubai Marina for Dhs250 per person.
Aura Sky Lounge, St Regis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah. Friday, December 2, 8pm to 11pm. Dhs250 non-redeemable. auraskypool.com.
Saturday, December 3
Join in this incredible breakfast and chai tasting tour around Dubai
Get a taste of Dubai’s most historic neighbourhood on this special edition National Day tour in collaboration with Project Chaiwala and Rove Hotels. Rediscover the city’s roots, wander through the spice souk, explore hidden gems with stuffed breads fresh out of a streetside oven, an exquisite chocolate that’s proudly crafted in Dubai, and then cool down with an icy Persian treat from one of the oldest cafeterias in the area. Throughout the tour, the guide will be sharing stories and local tidbits that will make you truly appreciate the transformation that this humble fishing settlement has gone through over five decades.
Saturday, December 3. 8.45am to 11.45am. 8 years and above. Dhs125 per person. fryingpanadventures.com
Check out the latest exhibition at Infinity des Lumiѐres
Infinity des Lumiѐres is celebrating National Day with an incredible offer for the whole family to enjoy. Between November 30 to December 4, adults can avail discounted entrance tickets to the 45-minute experience for just at Dhs99, whilst the little ones (up to age 13) can enter for just Dhs49. The current exhibition, ‘Raise Vibration’, brings together the timeless works of Gaudi, Kandinsky, and Klee with poetic symphonies ranging across different genres.
Dubai Mall, Level 2, opposite Galleries Lafayette. Monday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 11pm. infinitylumieres.com
Get your body moving at the beach with Crank
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Heading to the beach this weekend? Homegrown fitness boutique Crank is hosting a one-off Ride class at Salt, Kite Beach. The 45-minute class is taking place on Saturday, December 3 at 7.30am. Pedal through heavy climbs and saddle up for powerful sprints in the signature full-body workout.
Crank, SALT, Kite Beach. Saturday, December 3. 7.30am. Dhs60 for first timers, Dhs120 for per class. crank-fit.com
Bring your best detective skills to this murder mystery night
Take part in an immersive theatre investigation at Murder Mystery: The Emerald House, located at Al Seef Heritage Hotel. Travel back to early 1900s Arabia, use your detective skills to search multiple rooms, find clues and interrogate suspects. Can you unmask the true murderer? Don’t miss this intriguing experience starting Saturday, December 3 for a limited time only. Reserve a spot now for Dhs210 per person.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Saturday, December 3. 4.30pm and 7pm. Dhs210. feverup.com
Sunday, December 4
Indulge in a beachside lunch with Argentinian flavours
This weekend only, Michelin-lauded chef Mauro Colagreco is in town. Drawing on his Argentinian heritage, Chef Mauro will create flavourful dishes perfect for sharing with your friends and family. Indulge in fresh South American flavors with appetizing starters including tender grilled octopus, golden empanadas, and light ceviche, followed by grilled fish, prawns, and wood-fired meats straight from the parrilla, all to the backdrop of the rhythmic beats of DJ Nader.
Weekend Vibes at Beach Bar and Grill by Mauro Colagreco, One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. Every Friday and Sunday, 1pm to 4pm. Tel:(0)4 315 2414. oneandonlyresorts.com
Celebrate as a family with OliOli’s National Day pass
OliOli welcomes children and grown ups of all ages to explore, discover, and create magical memories with the family pass offer. Starting from AED 229 for two children, the same number of adults go free, making it easier for the whole family to celebrate, little ones and adults can create joyful memories in their favourite OliOli galleries, filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and tonnes of wholesome fun, as well as enjoy the return of a much-loved festive temporary exhibition – Magical Winterland!
OliOli, Al Quoz, Dubai. From December 1 to 4. 9am to 8pm Saturdays, 9am to 7pm Sunday to Friday. Dhs229 for two children and two adults. Tel:(0)4 702 7300, olioli.ae
Discover Emirati culture through a unique dining experience
Built around a sacred tree, Neem Tree Lounge is a new eclectic space that combines Emirati heritage and modern design to bring stories of the past back to life. With a big outdoor screen, you can cheer on your team in the world cup while enjoying traditional Emirati dishes such as saffron seafood soup, lamb harees, margoga, and finish on a sweet note with luquaimat (traditional dumplings topped with a sweet date syrup and sesame seeds).
Neem, DIFC Gate Avenue South. 12pm to 5am daily. Tel:(0)4 5875575. neem.ae
Splash out at Aqua Parks Leisure
Dubai’s first freshwater swimming pool water park, Aqua Park features over 21 different activities for families to enjoy from frog jumps to monkey bars, and more. Open from 8.30am daily, the waterpark is suitable for children aged three years and above. Sure to keep you splashing and smiling all day long.
Kite Beach, Daily, 8.30am to sunset. Dhs60 per hour. 3 years and above. Tel:(0)45 61 6877. @aquaparksleisure
Images: Social/Provided
