This weekend is going to rock – we’ve got an Arabic music fest, some noughties popstars, a Ukrainian metal band, and the world’s largest EDM festival, all right here in Dubai!

Here are 12 things to do in Dubai this weekend…

Thursday July 27

1. Go to a night filled with Arabic beats

The inaugural WASLA Music Festival took place at the start of the year, and now they bring you the WASLA Summer Session, featuring live performances from the region’s up and coming Arabic music talents. Expect “a heady night of afro-rock intertwined with oriental beats, electronic rhythms and melodies, and experimental Arabic fusion.”

ON42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Thurs July 27, from 8pm. Tickets Dhs100 on Platinum List, or Dhs120 at the door. More info on Facebook.

2. Watch a critically-acclaimed production

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is being broadcast live from the Harold Pinter Theatre in London to the Courtyard Playhouse tonight. The production, which examines a marriage breakdown, stars Imelda Staunton, who played the terrifying Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz. Thurs July 27, 8pm to 11pm. Free. Tel: (050) 9861761. More info on website.

3. Check out a Christmas market

No, you didn’t read your calendar wrong – Aussie cafe Tom & Serg is hosting a Christmas in July night market, with more than 30 local vendors offering a mix of fashion, culture, art, and food. You can also look forward to acoustic versions of your favourite Christmas tunes. Why not get into the festive spirit a few months early?

Tom & Serg, Al Quoz. Wed July 26 and Thurs July 27, from 6pm. Free entry. More info on Facebook.

4. See Liberty X perform live

Remember these early-2000s pop idols, formed from the runners-up of the TV show Popstars? The five-piece has dropped a couple of members since then, but you can still see Jessica, Michelle and Kelli performing in Dubai at Societe tonight. Should be a fun throwback. We can already tell Just A Little is going to be stuck in our heads for the rest of the day…

Societe Dubai, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, 10pm to 3am, free entry. Tel: (050) 699 3191. More info on website.

Friday July 28

5. Stay at a luxury hotel for less

The racecourse-adjacent Meydan Hotel feels ‘away from it all’, but is only actually a 10-minute drive from Dubai Mall. They have an excellent deal on at the moment which means that if you stay you get Dhs250 back in hotel credit. And, with it being summer, the rooms are already at a great rate: they’re changeable, but when we checked they were starting from around Dhs499 a night. This means you could go and stay there for effectively Dhs250. What should you spend your credit on? Well, there’s a new family-Friday roast lunch at Farriers that costs Dhs165 per person (kids under 12 pay half price, those under 4 dine free).

Meydan Hotel, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba. Tel: (04) 381 3333. More info on website.

6. Adopt a dog

There are many hardworking animal rescue organisations in Dubai, and one of them, PARA, are holding an adoption day at Doggies Palace Resort (the puppies above will be there). Dog owners are welcome to come along too to help their pups socialise, and there will also be a bake sale to help raise funds for these lovely animals’ vet bills. Also: here are 46 dogs and puppies in Dubai that need foster or forever homes.

Doggies Palace Resort, Birds and Pets Market, Al Warsan, 5pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 320 9949. More info on Facebook.

7. Catch a Ukrainian metal band

Ukraine’s Jinjer is heading to the UAE for the first time, bringing their unique blend of groove metal, funk, reggae and jazz. The four-piece has shared the stage with the likes of Evanescence and The Rasmus, so get ready to rock.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai. Fri July 28, meet and greet at 7pm, show starts 7.30pm. Dhs120. More info on Facebook. 

8. Treat yourself to a late brunch

Weekends are for lie-ins, but that isn’t always possible when you’ve got a Friday brunch to attend. Waka has the answer to all your problems with their late brunch, featuring delicious Latin American cuisine and way more social brunching hours. We recommend loading up on the Wakamole…

The Oberoi Dubai, Business Bay. Fri 8.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs200 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs400 with champagne. Tel: (04) 444 1455. More info on website.

Saturday July 29

9. Tuck into a Saturday roast

Nothing says weekend comfort food quite like a proper roast dinner, and Qwerty has a brilliant Saturday offering. Enjoy beef, chicken or lamb with all the trimmings, plus a house drink, for just Dhs95. You can make the most of the extended happy hour too, from 1pm to 7pm.

Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Sat, 1pm to 7pm. Dhs95. Tel: (04) 427 1000. More info on website.

10. See some stand-up

Hosted by Dubomedy (Dubai Comedy), Comedians at Work is a stand-up night where both new and seasoned comedians have a chance to take the mic. Be sure to head along early to enjoy the food trucks.

Hangry Hangar at Warehouse Four, Al Quoz. Sat July 29, 7.30pm. Free entry, but RSVP to RSVP@Dubomedy.com. More info on Facebook.

11. Hit up Tomorrowland (without leaving Dubai)

The world’s largest electronic music festival is taking place in Belgium today, and will be broadcast at Dubai’s Festival City Arena via satellite. You’ll be able to experience some of the best DJs in the world virtually, while a whole host of great acts will also take to the stage live in Dubai. It’s the next best thing to actually being there…

Festival City Arena, Dubai Festival City. Sat July 29, 2pm to 3am. Tickets from Dhs590 on Platinum List. More info on website.

12. Party with two Bollywood stars

Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan is in town with his Jab Harry Met Sejal co-star Anushka Sharma, and the pair will be making a special appearance at the Cavalli Club tonight. You can also catch a glimpse of the duo at Vox Cinemas, Deira City Centre at 2pm, where they will be holding a meet and greet.

Cavalli Club Dubai, The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road. Sat July 29, from 8.30pm. Tel: (050) 991 0400, or email reservations@cavalliclubdubai.com. More info on website.

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