12 fantastic things to do in Dubai this weekend: November 25 to 27

See out the month in style…

The search for the best things to do in Dubai at the weekend isn’t exactly the easiest endeavor. Why? Because there are so many options – like a phenomenal dune-bashing desert drive, a new beach restaurant overlooking the Burj al Arab, a free yoga class, a complete hotel takeover party, a magical winter wonderland where you can meet the real Santa, and more.

Here is our shortlist of 12 fantastic things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Friday, November 25

Bring back the 90s with Roll DXB

Lift your spirits with an hour of unadulterated fun at Roll DXB’s 90s themed nights this Friday and Saturday. Priced at Dhs115 per hour, bring back the iconic era with 90s themed tunes by Shabab Al Wadi Recording and retro vibes. Don’t forget to wear your flyest vintage fits.

Roll DXB, Port Rashid, Dubai. Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26. 6pm to 11pm. Dhs115 per hour. rolldxb.com /@rolldxb

Celebrate the first anniversary of 25hours hotel

Dubai’s quirkiest hotel turns one this weekend which means it’s party time – and we’re all invited. In true 25hours Hotel fashion, the unconventional hotel is calling all the stops with a full-day celebration that’s jam-packed with mouthwatering food, intoxicating beverages, and mind-blowing music. From the Nomad Courtyard (currently home to Salt) and Ernst’s winterfest to Tandoor Tina, all the way up to Monkey Bar, visitors can visit their favourite venue or opt for a golden wristband (Dhs750) for unlimited access to all the parties, with free-flow house beverages all day, and all night.

25Hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre, Dubai. Saturday, November 25. From 3pm to late.  Dhs750 for golden wristband. Tel:(0)4 2102566. 25hours-hotels.com

Don’t miss this two-day Porsche festival for a weekend of family-fun

The second edition of the Icons of Porsche festival is here. Running over two days, the event will take over Dubai Design District for an action-packed weekend of classic cars, art exhibitions, live music performances, homegrown food trucks, and so much more. The free festival is your chance to get up close and personal with some of Porche’s most iconic releases, including a first look at the brand new 911 Dakar, which will have its regional premiere at the event. Entry is free, all you need to do is register at iconsofporsche.com to receive your ticket.

Icons of Porsche 2022, Dubai Design District, November 26 and 27, free. iconsofporsche.com

Watch the game against the most beautiful backdrop

With the incredible backdrop of the Museum of the Future, this outdoor arena features huge screens, private VIP lounges, and delicious food. Located on the ground-floor of the Plaza Terrace, Emirates Towers Arena offers a more refined football experience; however the football camaraderie is still at an all-time high. This iconic fan zone is not one to be missed.

Jumeriah Emirates Towers, Downtown Dubai, jetarena@jumeirah.com

Saturday, November 26

Experience a unique four-hands dinner at Le Guépard

Treat your senses to something new with a special one-off dinner at funky French brasserie, Le Guépard. The Alserkal Avenue spot is hosting a four-hands dinner with its in-house chef, Yanis Yahoui, better known as Chef Yax, and Chef Franckelie Laloum of Michelin-starred French restaurant, all the way from Hong Kong. On Friday, November 25 and Saturday November 26, the two chefs will collaborate on an experimental seven-course dinner “where the senses work in concert”. The four-hands experience is priced at Dhs800 per person.

Le Guépard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, November 25 and 26, 8pm, Dhs800. @le_guepard_dubai

Get ready for the ultimate adventure-packed day with Desert Drive

Dying for some off-roading and dune-bashing thrills? This is for you. The fourth edition of Khaleej Times’ Desert Drive takes off this weekend in the desert of Ras Al Khaimah. The one-day event starts off at Al Hamra golf club where participants will enjoy breakfast in the stunning par-72, 18 hole golf venue before lining up to depart. The seven-hour journey, self-driven will give residents a chance to explore the desert while expert marshals who will be with them every step of the way. The evening entertainment and dinner will start at 6pm.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras al Khaimah. Saturday, November 26. 7am to 4.30pm. Dhs450 per person, children aged 6 to 11 Dhs250. 

Stretch it out with a free yoga event at Fairmont The Palm

Yogis can unwind and practice the downward dog with an ultra-serene hatha yoga event at Fairmont The Palm. Open to all, the free event is a relaxing way to move the body and challenge the bodies limitations, whilst focusing on mindfulness. The afternoon includes a gentle hatha yoga session with Anna Krukovskaya to focus on mind, body, and breath, to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance.

Arabian Courtyard, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. Saturday, November 26. 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Free. reconnectprogramme.com

Check out the new Nikkei restaurant at Summersalt beach club

Well-known beach club Summersalt has recently launched a new restaurant concept, Summersalt by Kayto. Showcasing a blend of Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, diners can expect favourites such as Tuna Tarte Sticky Rice, citrusy Yuzu Ceviche, and hearty Wagyu Beef. With unparalleled views of the Burj al Arab, this is the ideal spot to unwind. Resident DJs will transport guests with unique acoustic sounds from 2pm every day.

Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel:800 323232. Book a table: sevenrooms.com / @summersaltbeachclub

Adopt don’t shop at K9 Friends’ adoption open day

This Saturday, K9 Friends is hosting an adoption open house and information session. The two hour session runs from 9am to 11am. There are so many dogs just waiting for their forever home, so you’ll definitely find a furry friend that suits your lifestyle. The volunteers and organisers at K9 Friends can answer your questions and share their thoughts about a particular pup’s personality.

K9, Saturday, November 29, 9am to 11am. Call to confirm attendance and find the location. Tel:(0)4 887 8739. @k9friendsdubai

Sunday, November 27

Visit the new Lakrids by Bulow in Mall of the Emirates

…the first 100 shoppers will get an exciting goodie bag! Liquorice-enthusiasts will be pleased to know that these heavenly chocolate treats have made their way to Mall of the Emirates. To celebrate, they will be offering a goodie bag to the first 100 buyers between November 25 and 27. For those who haven’t yet tried these crowd-favourites, we recommend the bronze flavour and salted caramel.

Lakrids by Bulow, Mall of the Emirates, Level 1, Dubai. lakridsbybulow.com

Grab a tea-to-go from the newly-reopened TWG Dubai Mall

Planning on getting some Christmas shopping done this weekend? Instead of your usual coffee break, you may want to try this new tea takeaway at the newly-reopened TWG in Dubai Mall. Choose between over 100 varieties of tea, served hot or cold, and prepared using careful infusion methods and special filtered water. The takeaway cups, priced at Dhs29, are served in cups which mirror its signature gilded teapots with a white sugar stick as well as a TWG Tea Glass Straw for iced tea. Who’s for a tea? 

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, Dubai Mall, Ground Floor. 10am to 12am. Tel:(0) 04 878 1838. twgtea.com

Take the little ones to meet the real Santa at Expo City

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… especially at Expo City Dubai. The magical winter wonderland has a variety of festive activities and experiences for the whole family such as traditional, chalet-styled Christmas markets, pine trees, fun fairground games, Santa’s grotto, and a letter-to-Santa station. Families can also enjoy zip-lining pursuits, gingerbread, wreath and ornament-making workshops. There will also be a toy factory where you can customise teddy bears. Don’t forget to tell Santa and Mrs Claus what’s on your list this year.

Expo City, November 23 to January 8, entry is free of charge while some activities may be ticketed. expocity.com

Images: Provided/Social