13 great things to do in the UAE this weekend

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara
It’s touted as an “urban sanctuary in the heart of the capital” and the impressive waterfront hotel couldn’t feel more like a retreat if it tried. Relax in the Mangroves lounge or at the infinity pool – or just chill out in your luxury room. We recommend trying the delicious and authentic Thai cuisine at Pachaylen and maybe a pre-dinner drink at Impressions, the stunning rooftop lounge. The setting is impressive, but you can really unwind by opting for a relaxing treatment at the Anantara Spa with two Vichy shower rooms a dedicated slimming room and the vast Turkish hammam, featuring two private hammam rooms, an open hammam area, sauna and steam rooms.
Where: Abu Dhabi
Price: From AED875 per night
Contact: +9712 656 1000, website

Ladies night at Gaucho
Ladies can end the weekend in some style on Saturdays between 8pm-11pm at Gaucho, which has a rather appealing new terrace to enjoy at this time of year. Guests will be greeted with three roses which can then be exchanged for a beverage throughout the night.
When: 8pm-11pm, Saturday
Where: Gaucho, DIFC
Contact: +971 4 422 7898, website

Fun House Brunch
You don’t have to be a British ’80s/’90s kid to enjoy this one-off brunch, but it help. Pat Sharp, who’s best known for presenting kids TV show Fun House, is DJing at this special ’80s-themed Fun House Friday brunch at McGettigan’s, which’ll take us back to yesteryear with an epic set list of nostalgic tunes. It’s AED269 for drinks and access to all the stodgy goodness on the buffet and à la carte menu that’s served to your table between 1pm-6pm.
When: Friday, March 30
Where: McGettigan’s JLT, Dubai
Price: From AED269
Contact:

Easter Garden Brunch
Celebrate Easter with a relaxing afternoon at Fujairah Rotana & Spa. The venue’s cooking stations and live entertainment will keep the elder folk entertained while the kids take part in an action packed Easter egg hunt. There’ll be a raffle draw and a special fluffy guest will be making an appearance too.
When: Friday, March 30
Where: Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
Price: From AED169
Contact: +971 9 204 2138,

Barbary Brunch
If you like brunch that packs a bit more protein than most, Barbary has a menu that could pique your interest. Kick off the morning with some steak and eggs, because why have steak for dinner when you could have it for the most important meal of the day? There’s also a deli platter with a selection of three cured meats, cheese, pickled mackerel and seasoned fruits with jam. While Barbary’s brunch may be a bit meatier than most, there are steel-cut oats options with Greek yogurt and wild-berries, and buttermilk pancakes with poached peaches for vegetarians.
When: Saturday, 12pm-5pm
Where:  Wyndham Hotel Dubai
Price: À la carte menu, prices vary; AED47 for mixed drinks; AED38 for grape; AED39 for hops
Contact: +971 4 247 6688, website

Q43
This Manhattan loft-style destination has a brunch menu of creative dishes. There’s popcorn shrimp and a green apple and goats cheese bruschetta platter, for starters, followed by roast chicken, lamb pot pie or glazed beef brisket as your headline main dish. The finale offers a fantastic Madagascar vanilla bean crème caramel.
When: Friday, 7pm-10pm
Where: Media One Hotel
Price: AED269 with soft drinks; AED369 with house beverages
Contact: +971 4 443 5403,

BASE presents Black Coffee
Electronic music producer and Soulistic Music label founder Black Coffee is known for his “Afropolitan house” and his South African Music Award-winning album Home Brewed, among many other accolades and records. Now he’s going to be known for an awesome set in Dubai when he headlines Base at the weekend. It’s free entry for ladies, too.
When: 10pm-4am, Thursday, March 29
Where: Base Dubai, Dubai Design District (d3)
Contact: +971 55 313 4999,

Tiger Sessions with John Graham aka Quivver
Skanna, Quivver, John Graham – whichever name you know him by – will be headlining Pure Sky Lounge’s Tiger Sessions this weekend. Doors open at 9pm and there are some VIP tables (minimum spend applies) there to be booked, too. Wear comfy shoes because the British DJ will have you dancing all night.
When: 7pm-3am, Friday, March 30
Where: Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai, JBR
Contact: +971 56 298 3690,

Ritual presents Dennis Cruz (Sunset)
Spanish DJ Dennis Cruz has won plenty of awards in his time, including Beatport’s 3rd Best Tech House Artist. Enjoy his tunes and the upbeat vibes at Zero Gravity. It’s free entry after 5pm and then AED100 for men after 8pm. Take note; only couples and mixed groups are allowed. So, bring friends.
When: 8am-3am, Friday, March 30
Where: Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai
Contact: +971 55 500 9111,