12 great things to do in Dubai this long weekend

TOMO
TOMO is quite possibly one of the best Japanese restaurants around for a romantic date night. The venue offers traditional outdoor style seating where diners can share a number of moreish dishes like Wagyu sukiyaki, mixed yakitori (skewers) and sushi, whilst admiring the uninterrupted views of the world’s tallest building. TOMO’s location (it’s situated in Raffles Hotel) makes it perfect for those looking to get insight into both old and new Dubai. Its mixed drinks menu isn’t bad either.
When: 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-10.45pm, Sunday to Saturday
Where: Raffles Dubai
Contact: +971 4 357 7888,

Dubai Desert Road Run
Time to set the alarm for ridiculous-o-clock and get back out on the road. The Dubai Desert Road Run returns with a 6.15am start, inviting guests to participate in either 3km or 10km distances – both of which are lined with water stations. At the end, there are multiple food and drink kiosks, shower facilities and places to rest your feet.
When: Saturday, September 23
Where: Dubai Sevens Stadium
Price: AED90 for 3km, AED130 for 10km
Contact:

Kitesurfing
Using a modified surfboard means that if you’re an avid surfer, this is a sport you should pick up quickly. But even if you’ve never tried it before, you should start getting the hang of it after a handful of lessons. Instead of using a wave to propel you forward, you use a large, specially designed kite that catches the wind. It’s not easy, but it’s loads of fun.
Where: Nessnass Beach, Jumeirah
Price: AED350 for a private lesson
Contact:

The Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort
Known for its celebrity appeal, Fairmont The Palm is offering guests the chance to indulge in its many features and services that includes four temperature controlled pools, prime beachside location and of course the chance of meeting a celeb from just AED900 per night.
Where: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Price: From AED1215 per night
Contact: 800 2088,

Escape Reality
If you work better as a team at the time of a crisis then this escape game experience is the best for you. Teams of 2-6 players must solve a series of challenging puzzles to escape within 60 minutes. There are around 8 unique puzzles to be solved so you will find yourself coming back often to solve them all.
Where: 1st Floor, Indigo Sky, Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact: +971 4 332 777, website

The Green Planet
The vertical tropical rainforest is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Aside from an extensive array of flora, guests can interact with a number exotic animals – the sloths are adorable! General admission starts from AED95, all UAE residents will receive up to 25 percent discount. If you plan on staying a while, we recommend you get the HubZero and Green Planet pass for AED120 – the rides and games at HubZero are great for those seeking an adventure of a different kind.
Where: Green Planet, City Walk
Price: AED95 for general admission with 25 percent discount for all UAE residents (UAE ID’s are required)
Contact: +971 4 317 3999,

Butch and Lee Curtiss
Blue Marlin brings in two heavyweights for what promises to be a deep house sensation. Butch, a DJ/producer, is well-known for his effortless flow through genres that keep the dancefloors rammed throughout his set. Lee Curtiss is a songwriter by day, but switches gears at night and has DJ’d at super-clubs such as Fabric London.
When: 1pm-11pm, Friday, September 22
Where: Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Contact: +971 56 113 3400, website

Night Pool Sessions
The only evening pool party in Dubai is back in full swing for all those looking to take an evening dip. Nasimi’s resident spinners, DJ David De Luca and DJ Stylez, will provide the tunes. A food court, poolside snack service and sun (moon?) loungers are also available. Be sure to get involved in the “up all night to get duckie” game to win prizes.
When: Thursday, September 21, 7pm
Where: Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm
Contact: +971 55 200 4321, website

Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Buzzy Brit-flick starring Taron Egerton as a Bond-like secret agent who teams up with a shadowy US organisation when The Kingsman HQ is destroyed.
In cinemas from September 21