Dining deals, spa days, adorable animals… don’t say we don’t spoil you.

There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend. It’s September, the weather is cooling down, some of our favourite spots in the city are re-opening for the new season… there’s a lot to get through, and not a moment to waste. We bring you 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

Thursday September 6

1. Try a new business lunch

Crazy Fish in DIFC has just launched a new Italian style lunch menu. For Dhs98, you can enjoy soup and a main course, or pay Dhs118 for soup, two starters and a main course. Starters include veal carpaccio and seafood salad, while mains include fish of the day, Tagliolini seabass, and gnocchetti with tomato sauce.

Crazy Fish, DIFC, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (055) 902 9397. crazyfishdubai.com

2. Snag yourself a free course at Boardwalk

Creekside maritime restaurant Boardwalk has a new deal for diners this month. Order a main from the new Mediterranean seasonal menu and you’ll get a complimentary starter and dessert for free. Dishes on offer include Normandy oysters, grilled baby chicken and octopus, and raspberry cheesecake. You can get a premium wine pairing for an additional Dhs125.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 8.30pm. Tel: (04) 2054647. dubaigolf.com

3. Make the most of a fab ladies’ night deal

The stylish Ba Restaurant and Lounge in Fairmont The Palm has a brilliant Thursday ladies’ night offering where ladies can enjoy unlimited drinks (including their fancy cocktails) between 6pm and 9pm for just Dhs99. There’s no need to book, but we recommend showing up early to nab yourself a seat with prime views of the Dubai Marina skyline.

Ba Restaurant and Lounge, Fairmont The Palm, Thursdays, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 457 3457. fairmont.com

4. Catch a new horror flick

Halloween might still be a month away, but we’re already gearing up for it with the release of horror-thriller The Nun. The new fright fest, part of the Conjuring universe, delves into the origin of the demonic Nun Valak, who first made her evil presence known in The Conjuring 2. 

The Nun, in UAE cinemas from September 6.

5. See an epic show at Dubai Opera

Carmen, the legendary opera penned by French composer Georges Bizet, is set to make its Dubai Opera debut tonight. It follows the tale of a doomed love affair between soldier Don Jose, who falls in love with hot-tempered gypsy Carmen and grapples with love, betrayal and jealousy.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, September 6-8, various timings. Tickets from Dhs350. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Friday September 7

6. Get writing at Alserkal Avenue

Think you’ve got what it takes to write a 10-minute play in 24 hours? Aspiring playwrights can prove themselves at this event hosted by Alserkal Avenue. You’ll be given two cards, one outlining a character and another describing a situation. With those, you’ll write a play based on the theme of memories. The winner will earn a spot in the 2019 Short+Sweet Theatre Festival.

A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz, Fri 2pm, free. Tel: (04) 338 8525. alserkalavenue.ae

7. Check out the new outdoor licensed cinema

Cinema lovers, there’s a brand new experience for you. VOX Cinemas has opened an outdoor cinema at the movie-themed hotel, Aloft City Centre Deira. The cinema is licensed, which means you can have a drink while watching the latest blockbuster, and features a retractable roof (and air-conditioning), so it can be enjoyed in all seasons.

VOX Outdoor Cinema, Aloft City Centre Deira, Dhs75 single seat, Dhs150 double seat for two. voxcinemas.com

8. Start practising for St. Patrick’s Day 2019

It might be six months away, but Irish pub McGettigan’s JLT is already warming up for St. Patrick’s Day. Today they’re throwing a huge party called ‘St Practise Day’, which involves free-flowing drinks, live entertainment, and plenty of craic. Brunch is from 1pm to 6pm, and costs Dhs269, or you can opt for the three-hour drinks package from 5pm to 8pm for Dhs199. It’s then half-price drinks from 8pm to 10pm. Don’t forget to wear green!

McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Fri from 1pm. @McGettigansJLT

9. Book a table at a newly returned brunch

It’s no secret that Ruya in Grosvenor House does some of the best Turkish in town, which is why we’re so excited that their epic Grand Bazaar Friday brunch is back this weekend. With a tasting menu served to the table – as well as an interactive pide station – this is truly a brunch for the foodies.

Ruya Dubai, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, from Dhs299. Tel: (04) 399 9123. ruyadubai.com

10. Hit up a flea market at Zabeel Park

Dubai Flea Market is hosting an epic event at Zabeel Park tonight from 4pm to 10pm. Whether you’re looking to pick up some second-hand treasures or get rid of some stuff so you can live your best minimalist life, there’s something for everyone.

Friday Night Flea Market, Zabeel Park, Fri 4pm to 10pm. dubai-fleamarket.com

Saturday September 8

11. Adopt a furry friend

Dubai-based animal welfare group Kittysnip is hosting a number of pet adoption days this month, and one is taking place at The Courtyard, Al Quoz. This special event will bring together kittens and cats from different backgrounds and circumstances – some have been abandoned, neglected and injured, or their owners couldn’t afford their medical care.

The Courtyard, Al Quoz, Sat 10.30am to 4.30pm. Email kittysnip@gmail.com for more info. @kittysnip_uae

12. Treat yourself to a spa day

There’s a new offer available at the One&Only The Palm’s Guerlain Spa this month. Guests can book a 60-minute Imperial Relaxing massage which includes spa and pool access, a light lunch or afternoon tea at all-day dining restaurant ZEST for Dhs995 per person on weekends (Dhs895 on weekdays). After your massage, two friends can meet you for lunch and pool access for Dhs450 per person.

One&Only The Palm, West Crescent, daily 10am to 9pm, Dhs995 on weekends. Tel: (04) 440 1010. oneandonlyresorts.com

13. Take your pooch to puppy pilates

The Animal Agency in association with yoga studio Phoenix Rising is bringing back its popular Puppy Pilates classes. The dynamic and often playful nature of many Pilates exercises makes it a fun way to workout with your pooch, and instructor Kirsty MacPherson-Wright will be on hand to guide you through all the moves. Pre-booking is essential.

Dogwalk, Al Quoz, Sat 4pm, Dhs95 per person (Dhs85 if your dog is registered with The Animal Agency or Reading Dogs). Book here.

14. Laze by the pool at a Saturday brunch

The ‘Saturdaze’ brunch at the Vida Downtown is back. Inspired by traditional NYC brunches, this one offers you a long and lazy lunch experience, with a bespoke menu of classics like eggs benedict, pancakes, omelets, avocado toast, and more. Pay an additional Dhs100 per guest, and you can enjoy it all from a lovely cabana (plus you’ll get pool access).

3in1, Vida Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Sat 11am to 3pm, Dhs145 per person. vidahotels.com

 15. Have a laugh at a free comedy night

Tribeca’s new comedy night, Giggle and Stitches, premieres tonight, and is bringing comedic talent from all over the world to its stage. The event is free to attend, and the JBR restobar will be offering selected drinks for Dhs25 each.

Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, Sat from 7pm, free. Tel: (050) 345 6067. tribeca.ae

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