A Canadian rockstar, colourful carnivals, and a new boat rental service to try… here’s your Dubai weekend sorted.

Thursday 9

1. See Bryan Adams live

Head back to the Summer of ’69 with veteran rocker Bryan Adams tonight. The Canadian superstar last played in Dubai in 2010, so we’re hanging out for hits like Everything I Do, Please Forgive Me, and Heaven. Sing it with me now – “I got my first real six string…”

Autism Rocks Arena, Outlet City Dubai. Thursday March 9. Doors open 6pm. Tickets from Dhs295. More info on website.

2. Get a Taste of Dubai

The popular three-day dining extravaganza returns this weekend with celebrity chefs, food stands from Dubai’s top restaurants, and music from Motown legend Billy Ocean. You can check out our full guide here – in short, make sure to arrive hungry.

Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Thursday March 9 to Saturday March 11 from 8pm. Dhs75. Tel: (04) 391 1196. For more info visit the website.

3. Have a chuckle

Indian comedian Kenny Sebastian is heading to Dubai with his quirky stand-up tonight, bringing his keen eye for culture, people and stereotypes with him. His latest show, “Don’t Be That Guy”, takes a look at the sometimes confusing transition into adulthood, sprinkled with baffling questions about growing old, relationships – and some hilarious tunes to boot.

Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Thursday March 9, doors open 7.30pm. Tickets from Dhs150, available on ductac.org, Platinum List, and UAE Exchange branches.

4. Spend a night at the opera

Did you catch Madam Butterfly at Dubai Opera last weekend? Well, there’s another Giacomo Puccini epic starting tonight — La Boheme, performed by the National Welsh Opera. This time the scene is set in bohemian Paris in the 1830s, when a poet falls in love with a seamstress…

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. Thursday March 9 and Friday March 10 at 8pm, Saturday March 11 at 3pm. Dhs300. Tel: (800) 362. More info on website. 

5. Pamper yourselves, ladies

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Armani Hotel spa is offering ladies a complimentary body scrub or express facial with any 80-minute treatment. Need some additional pampering? Take all the time you need, with special offers on facial, scrub and massage treatments. Ooh, and you’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the thermal bathing facilities and spa lounge.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown Dubai. Available until Saturday March 11. Dhs250 for 25-minute express facial, Dhs450 for 50-minute aromatherapy massage, Dhs250 for 25-minute energising body scrub. Tel: (04) 888 3888. More info on website.

Friday 10

6. See a foodie star

British cooking sensation Deliciously Ella is bringing her health food vibes to the Dubai Food Festival. The founder of the popular food blog will be appearing on the Al Islami kitchen stage at Etisalat Beach Canteen from 3.30pm to 5.30pm to share her foodie philosophy, as well as whipping up some super healthy dishes for visitors to enjoy.

Etisalat Beach Canteen, behind Sunset Mall. Ends Saturday March 11. Free. For full schedule visit the Dubai Food Festival website.

7. Try a new Japanese brunch

Our mouths are already watering for the delectable new brunch offering at OKKU. You can enjoy fresh crab and shucked oysters, as well as platters of sushi, sashimi and maki, before tucking into the main feast. Then treat yo’self to a lavish platter of desserts – including apple tarts, chocolate brownies, and passionfruit and ginger creme brulee. Oh, and did we mention the 80s and 90s playlist?

OKKU, The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Fridays 12.30pm to 6pm. Dhs299 per person with soft drinks, Dhs399 with house beverages, Dhs449 with premium beverages and bubbly, free for under sevens, half price for under 12s. Tel: (04) 501 8777. okku.com.

8. Go to the Happiness Festival

After being postponed last month due to bad weather, the Happiness Festival is back today. There will be 65 wellbeing experts hosting sessions throughout the day, and every 40 minutes or so there will be seven new workshops to try. There are workshops on ‘How and Why Guys Communicate Differently’ as well as ’10 Simple Ways to Connect with your Child Every Day’. Here’s a full schedule of all of the classes happening at the event. Plus, it’s all free! Now that makes us happy…

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai Studio City, Al Qudra Road, Dubai. Friday March 10, 11am to 6.30pm. Free (but register here). Tel: (04) 3618111. thehappinesshub.me.

9. Check out the Aks Colour Carnival

Head down to Rugby Park today for a day of music, food, and, well, colour. Described as an entertainment bonanza, the event also features unique shopping stalls and souks by local vendors, and a fun-filled kids arena. It sounds like there’s going to be something for everyone…

Rugby Park, Sports City, Dubai. Friday March 10, 10am to 7pm. Tickets Dhs60 for singles, Dhs100 for couples, and free entry for kids under 16. Tickets can be purchased online or from ticket counters at the venue. 

10. See a carnival in the sky

Spend the day with your head in the clouds at the Dubai Sky Carnival, a beach festival which showcases an exhilarating display of kites and colourful inflatables. The event is merged with the Etisalat Beach Canteen, which means you can tickle your tastebuds while enjoying the visual spectacle.

Jumeirah 2 Beach Area, behind Sunset Mall, Dubai. Friday March 10 and Saturday March 11, 11am to 8pm. Free. For more information see Facebook.

Saturday 11

11. Go for a cruise around Dubai

There’s a new boat rental service in town — and it’s kind of like Uber, except it’s for yachts. CharterClick has boats to suit every budget, ranging from Dhs300 to Dhs5000 per hour. Once you’ve selected your dream vessel, all you have to do is enter some details and pay for your booking with your credit card – then show up to the pier on the day you want to set sail. Trust us, it’s the best way to see the city…

For more information visit charterclick.com

12. Try a tropical brunch

Have some fun in the sun at Blue Marlin UAE’s tropical brunch, with Mediterranean plates, BBQ dishes and fresh sushi, as well as smooth DJ tunes. Book your spot in the restaurant from 1pm to 3pm or 3.30pm to 5.30pm, or head out onto the terrace and beach between 2pm and 4pm. There’s also beach balls, and giant inflatable sandals for guests to float around on. Bliss…

Blue Marlin UAE, Ghantoot Al Jazira Hotel, Dubai, 1pm to 11pm, Dhs295, or Dhs550 for premium bubbly. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com.

13. Celebrate local art

The Sikka Art Fair, which showcases home-grown artistic talent, is celebrating its seventh year with a programme packed full of visual and performing arts, music, film, literature and food. More than 150 artists and institutions are taking part, so you’re bound to find something that gets the creative juices flowing. 

Al Fahidi Historical District, March 11 to 21.Click here for the full schedule. sikka17.com.

14. Watch Sleeping Beauty

Now is your chance to see the classic ballet, Sleeping Beauty, on screen. The Bolshoi dancers will take the audience on a dream-like journey complete with jewel fairies, a magical kingdom, a dreamy princess and a handsome prince in this purest style of classical ballet.

Novo Cinemas, Ibn Battuta Mall and Festival City Mall. Saturday March 11, 3.30pm. Tickets cost Dhs35. More info on website.

15. Have a sushi and dim sum feast

Get a group of friends together and book a table at Shiba in the Meydan Hotel. The stylish Asian restaurant has a delectable new all-you-can-eat dinner deal involving copious amounts of sushi and dim sum. What better way to round off the weekend?

Shiba, The Meydan Hotel, Dubai. Offer is available for dinner daily, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs165 per person, minimum of 2 persons. Tel: (04) 381 3111. Email meydanrestaurantreservations@meydanhotels.com.

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