7 things to do in Dubai this weekend

It’s a big weekend for football fans around the world with Euro 2016 heating up. Thursday night sees Wales take on England, followed by Germany v Poland. Italy are up against Sweden on Friday, while Spain take on Turkey… and we could go on. Of course, there’s still plenty to do if you’re not a football fanatic, but maybe just keep away from the bars…

#THISISNOTABUFFET
#THISISNOTABUFFET, another Al Quoz offering, is a community pop-up Iftar with a focus on celebrating togetherness and community spirit. The event takes place in a customised warehouse in the ever-cool arty community. In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, five percent of the revenue generated will be donated to charity. Don’t expect great sprawling buffets; the Arabic cuisine with a modern twist menu is available to order in courses or small tapas-style plates.
Where: The Yard, Alserkal Avenue
Price: Choose from a two or five course menu ranging from AED90-AED210 or Arabic tapas bar priced at AED12-35 per dish
Contact: +971 56 499 3061

Ramadan-ization
This exhibition at DUCTAC features the work of artists reflecting on their own memories and experiences of Ramadan. Set against the increasing commercialisation of the Holy Month, these personal and artistic re-interpretations highlight many shared experiences, from TV series, iftars and personal behaviour. Curated by Muhanad Ali, the exhibition features works from Ahmed Bouhoulaigah, Fatima Albudoor, Amal Al Khaja, Sara Al Haddad, Jumairy, Khalid Mezaina and Salama Nasib, Dina Saadi, Safwan Subzwari and Walid Al Wawi.
When: Monday, June 13
Where: 9:30pm, DUCTAC, 

Visions of Islam
This Ramadan exhibition will display two dozen Islamic artworks by eight artists who comprise art instructors and prize-winning members from the Dubai International Art Centre. They works capture many different styles, from watercolours to modern abstract works.
When: Until July 2
Where: Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre, 

Iftar – PierChic
This Ramadan, the award-winning restaurant set over the waters of the Arabian Gulf with the amazing views has created a special menu of seafood-inspired dishes with authentic Arabic touches. Arrive at the foot of the pier at sunset and you will be picked up in Pierchic’s new rickshaws before tucking into a feast of special Arabian mezze, including Pierchic‘s own fattoush made with baby squid and cuttlefish ink, grilled tiger prawns with sumac, garlic toum and lime and baba ghanoush with pomegranate and brown shrimp. For mains, tuck into a mixed seafood grill, served with seafood machboos, chermoula and tahini, followed by a dessert tasting platter, featuring baklava, Turkish delight, Pierchic croissants, umm ali and fruit skewers and sticky date and toffee pudding. From start to finish this will feel like a huge celebrated treat.
Where: Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah
Price: AED270 per person
Contact: +9714 366 6705

Lady Fuzion Bazaar
Another bazaar that has been going for a while is this one from Lady Fuzion, the fashion-based networking group. This is the seventh Ramadan bazaar and will feature some of the most notable textile designers in the UAE in a friendly, sociable environment.
When: June 16, 11am-12am
Where: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, +971 50 290 4419

Euro 2016 – Story rooftop lounge
We should really start referring to this place as the Story Stadium, which is what it will become for the duration of the Euros. The venue in Knowledge Village will completely transform from a lounge bar into a football fan palace, including fake grass, a tiered stand, hospitality boxes with their own TV screens and even an “away end” for when multiple games are on. There will also be special packages on Thursday and Friday nights – AED250 between 8pm-11pm – and a stack of deals and loyalty point schemes for repeat visits.
For large groups, or even corporate entertaining, there are four hospitality booths for up to 14 people each. For AED5,000 a pop, there is all-inclusive food and drink for three hours – and your own TV.
If this bar were a team: Wales. Unfashionable? Come on, there’s some genuine quality in there.
Where: Holiday Inn Express, Knowledge Village
Contact: +971 55 773 0010

Cinema – Me Before You (PG15)
Jojo Moyes’ novel Me Before You gets the big-screen treatment via first-time director Thea Sharrock. It tells the tale of a recently paralysed and embittered investment banker (Sam Claflin of The Hunger Games fame) who moves to the English countryside to live as a recluse, only to discover, via the delightful form of his caregiver (Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke), that life might be worth living after all. There’s sufficient prettiness and spark to keep it interesting.
In cinemas from June 2