12 fantastic things to do in Dubai this weekend: December 9 to 11

Found yourself with an empty schedule for the next few days? 

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 the return of Sole DXB festival, a unique glamping experience in the sand dunes, a new restaurant inside the iconic Atlantis the Palm, a Santa-themed fun run inside Ski Dubai, a festive cooking class, and more.

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

Friday, December 9

Celebrate the opening of Tomorrowland’s Terra Solis

Terra Solis Dubai has opened its doors to guests for day passes and overnight experiences. The desert destination will also welcome international techno DJ Paul Kalkbrenner to celebrate the official opening on Friday, December 9, along with additional DJs Matt Jones, Aaryon, Masha Vincente, and Capoon. Tickets start from Dhs300 and are available on PlatinumList.net.

Tomorrowland presents Terra Solis Desert Destination, Dubai Heritage Vision, opening December 9. 6pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 456 1956. terrasolisdubai.com

Ace your tennis game at this one-off tournament

If a weekend of sunshine and an action-packed tennis competition sounds like something you’ve been longing for, head to the All Court Tennis Club’s Hard Court Tennis Challenge at Tennis 360 on December 9 and 10. You’ll get to hit with special guest and ATP top-26 star, Borna Ćorić. During the three-hour sessions, coaches will be on hand for a mix of drills, singles and doubles match play and a padel doubles team challenge. To mark the end of the tournament and to toast to the winners, players will brunch at Farriers restaurant at The Meydan Hotel on Saturday afternoon.

Tennis 360, Meydan, Dubai. Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10. 9am to 12pm. Dhs716 for the tennis tournament or Dhs1,083 for the tennis tournament and post-tennis dinner. allcourttennisclub.com

Get ready to party at the return of Sole DXB

Dubai’s top festival is back this weekend after a three-year hiatus, from Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11. In collaboration with visionary Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj, the festival is built on four pillars: music, fashion, visual arts, and sports.  Headlining the Saturday, Brit rapper Central Cee known for hits like Doja and Loading will perform his first headline show in Dubai. R&B singer, Jorja Smith takes the headline spot on Sunday, you’ll recognise her hits like Blue Lights, Be Honest, and On My Mind. 

Sole DXB, Dubai Design District, Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11, @soledxb / tickets.virginmegastore.me

Take part in a festive cooking class at Mamalu Kitchen

Try something a little different this weekend… Brush up on your cooking skills but most of all have fun as you make a holiday brunch from scratch.  From 11am to 1pm, friends, families, couples, and individuals will make Dutch apple pancakes, chilli eggs on potato laksa, cheddar, apple and walnut loaf, and a pear and gorgonzola pizza. The price for the class is Dhs450 per person.

Mamalu Kitchen, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Friday, December 9 11am to 1pm. Dhs450 per person. mamalukitchen.com, @mamalukitchen

Saturday, December 10

Take part in Ski Dubai’s fun festive run

As part of its winter wonderland lineup of events, Ski Dubai is hosting a festive family run this Saturday. Participants can pick either the one-km or 400-metre jog with a special appearance from Santa. Ticket prices start at Dhs105 per person and includes a race pack with a timer and medal. Don’t forget to dress up in your favourite festive attire. See you at the start line?

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Saturday, December 10. 7.30am. From age five years. Dhs105 per person. premieronline.com

Indulge in a Saturday evening brunch

Grosvenor House’s newly launched brunch takes place every Saturday evening and is inspired by the cookbook of the late and great Chef Gary Rhodes. It is based on the concept of being ‘At The Table’ with your loved ones. The set menu features culinary highlights like the white tomato soup and duck leg confit on a waffle.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina. Saturday from 7pm to 10pm with a happy hour from 10pm to 11pm. Dhs350 for soft drinks, Dhs495 for house drinks. Tel: (0)4 317 6000, rhodesw1-dubai.com, @rhodesw1

Check out Atlantis’ new restaurant En Fuego

Vamos! En Fuego, a new Latin American restaurant, opens at the iconic Atlantis The Palm on Friday, December 9. Eat, drink, and dance the night away like there is no mañana with daily live performances, mouthwatering culinary creations, and cocktails. Expect dishes like Tito’s tacos, crab tostada, charcoal Cuban sliders, an avocado altar, smoky mole, and more.

En Fuego, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeriah, Mon to Thu 5pm to 1am, Fri 5pm to 2am, Sat 12pm to 2am, Sun 12pm to 1am, from December 9. Tel: (0)4 426 0750. www.atlantis.com

Sunday, December 11

Spend time with family at Social Distrikt’s Sunday brunch

Bring your bunch to the fambam brunch at Social Distrikt for four hours of fun. Meet your favourite Marvel and Disney characters, enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Dishes include a chef’s selection of sushi, greek salad, and pizza followed by a loaded doner kebab, chicken quesadilla, meatball spaghetti and Gambas Al Ajillo (sauteed shrimp), complete with a fresh flavourful mango sorbet and an assortment of cakes. You can throw it back to the good old days with a mix of  80s, 90s, RnB hits and noughties tracks spun by the DJ.

Social Distrikt, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Sundays, 1pm to 5pm. Dhs199 soft, Dhs299 house, Dhs40 for children aged six to 11. Tel:(0)52 515 8995. socialdistrikt.com

Try a proper croque monsieur at this new French food truck 

Croq’Michel is a restaurant concept dedicated to the beloved French staple sandwich. While the restaurant doesn’t open until early next year in Dubai Hills Mall, the brand is giving the community a taste of what is to come with a food truck on Alserkal Avenue from December 9 to 18. Guests can discover the Croq Paris, the standard variation of the croque monsieur, with veal ham, emmental cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and bechamel sauce. Or for those with a taste of adventure, the Croq Bali, with shrimp, coconut cream, ginger, lemongrass, Philadelphia cheese, coriander, emmental cheese and a dash of sate sauce.

Croq’Michel, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, December 9 to 18.alserkal.online

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Japanese festival

If you’re looking for something unique to do this weekend with a dash of culture, pay a visit to the Japan Festival at Sheraton JBR hosted by The Japanese Association. On Sunday, December 11, The Japanese Association is celebrating the beauty of the Japanese community in the Middle East and aims to promote the culture and heritage of the nation. For foodies, there will be a number of food stalls available from the various Japanese restaurants in Dubai including Fujiya, Yamanote, Yui, Ikigai-cha, Gourmet-ya, Momiji, Suzumo, Wokyo, Summit Trading and more. Tickets are not required to enter the event.

The Japan Festival, Sheraton JBR, Dubai, Dec 11, 3pm to 8pm, @japanfes_dubai

Bring your paw-some friends to the Pet Festival

The leading and largest pet event in the Middle East, Dubai Pet Festival is back in town on Sunday, December 11. The event takes place at Souk Al Marfa at Deira Islands, the waterfront souk and marketplace by Nakheel. It’s free to attend so whether you’re a pet owner or just one big animal lover, make sure you pop on over. The one-day event takes place from 2pm to 10pm. There are plenty of happenings from competitions to food trucks and a children’s play zone.

Souk al Marfa, Deira Islands, Dubai. Sunday, December 11. 2pm to 10pm. petfestival.ae

Cosy up and watch Home Alone on the big screen at Fanzone by Mcgettigan’s

This weekend the fanzone will turn into a festive family day with Christmas movies, live entertainment, games, quizzes, and more. This fun-packed event, taking place on Sunday, December 11 will see a live princess show with Elsa and Anna singalong and meet and greet from 3pm followed by The Winterfest Show live on stage at 4pm, and much-loved, family fave Home Alone will screen at 7.30pm.

Media City Amphitheater, Dubai. Sunday, December 11. 7.30pm. Dhs50, children under 12 free entry. @fanzonebymcgettigans

Images: Provided/Social