Well, that three-day week was tough… not!

Comedy, music, improv, new brunches. Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday June 29

1. A South African comedy night

South African expats will need no introduction to comedian Barry Hilton, and he’ll be working through his standup routine at the Movenpick JBR from 9pm tonight. He’s been at it for 30 years, so you can expect some seasoned, polished standup from him.

Movenpick JBR, Dubai Marina, 9pm to 11pm. Tickets from Dhs185 to Dhs250. Buy tickets here. More info on website.

2. Bingo is back!

Photo: Dubai Night

Games-night-meets-thumping-party Bongo’s Bingo is back: This British export blends a few rounds of the popular number-matching game with dancing that lasts into the wee hours. A big night is generally had by all. 

ON42, Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 8pm to 3am. Dhs100 per ticket, aged 21 and over only. More info on website.

3. A world-class bass player

Q’s Bar at the Palazzo Versace (yes, the one owned by the one-and-only Quincy Jones) has just welcomed a new musician in residence: Katie Thiroux and her accompanying band will be there to entertain until September 2. Thiroux carries on in the tradition of the legendary Ray Brown with her exemplary bass playing, while her vocals are reminiscent of jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald.

West Wing, Palazzo Versace, Culture Village. Free entry, only for those 21 and over, 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 556 8865. More info on website.

Friday June 30

4. A kid-led theatre show

There’s an improvised storytelling session for children aged four to 11 at The Courtyard this morning – it will be interactive, and actually involves the kids telling the grown ups what to do. Expect balloons, boxes, bubbles, bananas, toilets, gorillas, toys and more.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, 11am to 11.45am, free but RSVP essential. More info on website. 

5. The history of Khaleeji style

Fashion designer and author Dr Reem El Mutwalli is displaying a selection of traditional Emirati thawbs and kandurahs from her private collection at Robinsons department store over the next few weeks, with 18 pieces worth a whopping Dhs5.5 million on show. The intricate pieces are a must-see for history buffs and fashionistas alike…

Robinsons Department Store, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai, until July 13. Store open 10am to 10pm Sun to Wed, 10am to 12am Thur to Sat. Tel: 800 67667. More info on website.

6. A new brunch at an old legend

The Irish Village is holding its first ever Friday brunch, and it starts this weekend! From 12.30pm to 3.30pm you’ll get three courses a la carte, with beer, house drinks and sparkling for Dhs299, Dhs199 with soft drinks and Dhs60 for kids. There will be live music from IV favourite Drew to keep the atmosphere lively. We’re calling it: This will be an absolutely epic brunch option for the winter months too.

The Irish Village, Garhoud, from Dhs199, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 282 4750. More info on website.

7. An up-and-coming Emirati star

Ras Al Khaimah local Mohamed Al Shehhi will be at Dubai Opera for a one-night-only show tonight. He’ll definitely perform his mega hits, including Kachf Al Mahaba, which has had more than 34 million views on YouTube since its release last year. Read more about him here.

Dubai Opera, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, from 10pm, Dhs150. More info and tickets on website.

8. A Malayalam movie maestro

Deepak Dev is a musician, singer and composer whose work is well known in Malayalam movies – you’ll get to hear the man himself, live and unplugged, at the Music Room tonight – doors open at 7pm, it costs Dhs100 and the dress code is smart casual.

The Music Room, Bur Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 548 8520. More info on Facebook.

Saturday July 1

9. Spend and be in to win

Guess what? Dubai Summer Surprises starts today (aka, Saturday), and that means a load of great deals across the city. One offer means if you spend Dhs200 at Wafi Mall, Khan Murjan Souk (pictured) or the Pyramids from today until August 12, you’ll be in to win one million Etihad Guest Miles (which will go a long way towards flights, upgrades and more).

Wafi Mall, Oud Metha, 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 324 4555. More info on website.

10. A jungle brunch at Barasti

Barasti has turned its indoor area into a bit of a jungle – fake animals and all – and they’re now hosting an afternoon brunch there every Saturday from 2pm to 5pm (and then there’s a happy hour from 5pm to 8pm). Expect food trucks, free-flowing drinks and lots of music and entertainment too. Oh, one thing, the pricing system is a bit tough on lads – the whole affair costs Dhs175 for women and Dhs250 for men.

Barasti, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs175 for women, Dhs250 for men. Tel: (04) 399 3333. More info on Facebook.

11. Go out for a fancy yet affordable meal

Starting today and running until August 31, many of Jumeirah’s restaurants are serving up three-course menus for Dhs150 a head (if you book online here). Secluded and romantic Italian restaurant Segreto (pictured) will offer eggplant parmigiana, seabass and pannacotta; while Perry & Blackwelder’s has southern fried chicken and donut poppers on their menu. Other restaurants include The Agency, ET Sushi, Trattoria and 360.

Across Dubai, until August 31, Dhs150 per person. Book here.

12. Try yoga accompanied by a flautist

Jivamukti Yoga at 136.1 is a lovely way to wind down the weekend – the studio has a view over the Marina, and the sun sets during the 90 minute class (which is a properly good workout too). Tonight’s class will be extra special as the flow will happen while a flute is played live in the studio. Sounds very zen…

136.1, Dubai Marina, from 6pm. Dhs100 for a drop in for the 90 minute class (call to book). Tel: (04) 441 6287. More info on Facebook.

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