10 things to do in Dubai this weekend

There’s a massive celebration at Blue Marlin this weekend as the beach club throws its fourth birthday party. Closer to home at Eden Beach Club, DJ Solomum and Seth Troxler get behind the decks. Black Honey are making their UAE debut at Casa Latina, while Freestyle Steve (the official DJ for Justin Timberlake and Timberland) is heading to Pacha. There’s also a hilarious line-up of comedians at The Laughter Factory and a brand new film at the cinema.

Black Honey
One of the biggest acts in UK indie music, Black Honey are set to make their regional debut this week. Described by The Guardian as what Lana Del Ray fronting a rock band would sound like, the grungey, shoegazey  four-piece from Brighton, England, layer up the guitar sounds behind lead singer Izzy Phillips’ vocals. Their early singles “Teenager” and “Ghost” are sure to feature.
When: May 12
Where: Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.platinumlist.ae

The Laughter Factory
As we previewed in the last issue, The Laughter Factory is entering its 20th year and is doing so with another incredible line-up of comedians – all booked by The Comedy Store. This month offers up Pete Johansson, Irishman Chris Kent and Marlon Davis grab the mike for their stand-up routines at the Mövenpick Hotel in the Marina. To give you an idea of their calibre, Pete has opened for Stewart Lee and also closed a set for Jerry Seinfeld. They’ll also be swinging by Abu Dhabi’s Park Rotana on May 11 before heading back to Dubai. AED140.
When: May 12-13
Where: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach,

Brunch at Eloquent Elephant
A cosy bar complete with rustic Victorian-style furnishings, low lighting and a fantastic gastro pub menu. The décor has little quirks – the walls are decorated with glass bell jars with lights inside, the floor is aged timber and there are brass finishings everywhere. The food is focused on simple well-cooked ingredients without any gimmicks. Those who like their hops won’t be disappointed, with a huge range to choose from.
When: Fridays, 1-4
Where: Taj Dubai, Business Bay, +971 4 438 3131

Bed and Brunch
The Pullman in JLT has put together a very attractive offer for May. Their Bed & Brunch package is pretty self-explanatory. You can book a room and get either their Friday Jazz brunch or their traditional roast brunch – both in their Seasons restaurant – as well as access to all the hotel’s facilities, including the rooftop pool, and entrance to Riva Beach Club on The Palm. All that for AED299 per person with soft drinks. The Friday brunch is noted for the live jazz music from South African singer and guitarist, Ezra.
When: Offer runs until June 4
Where: Pullman Hotel & Residence Jumeirah Lakes Towers, +9714 567 1100,

Short + Sweet
The semi-final of the international dance competition Short+Sweet sees both individuals and groups perform for a maximum of 10 minutes with the mission of introducing creative and innovative routines in specific dance genres. The final takes place the following Thursday.
When: May 13
Where: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates,

DJ Solomun at Eden
One of the most respected DJs on the underground scene, Solomun will be spinning at Eden Beach Club. The founder of Diynamic and 2DIY4 records will be joined by Seth Troxler, known as the master of house and techno. You can expect a long, hot party by the beach.
When: May 13
Where: Eden Beach Club, Rixos The Palm, +9714 277 147

Blue Marlin’s Fourth Anniversary
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE have spared no expense to ensure that their 4th anniversary goes down in clubbing history books. Flying in a string of acts such as the likes of half-British, half-Japanese DJ and producer Maya Jane Coles. Laying the table for her will be Brazilian born- Barcelona based DJ Anna, who’ll be spinning a number of her hits like “Tronic”, “Yoshitoshi” and “Terminal M” as well as British music maker Bas Ibellini. All in all, it’ll be a great way to blow out some candles…
Where: Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
When: Friday, May 13
Contact: +97156 113 3400

Freestyle Steve
A must-see event for RnB lovers in the city. Freestyle Steve, the official DJ of Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, is set to have party dwellers on their feet for a landmark party. Joining the famed celebrity DJ is JSA who’ll be playing, in his own words, “hip-hop, RnB and everything in between.”
When: May 13
Where: Pacha Ibiza Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah, +971 52 736 9669

Exhibition – Observing the Ritual
This collaborative photography exhibition at Gulf Photo Plus in Al Quoz seeks to explore the spaces in which the rituals fundamental to Muslim culture occur. From communal prayers held in a secret mosque in Italy to the breaking of the fast in a family home during Ramadan, the exhibition’s participating photographers shed light on some of the most intimate moments of life for practising Muslims. The exhibition has three distinct elements, each from the three photographers whose work is on display: Italy’s Nicoló Degiorgis, British-Lebanese Natalie Naccache and, from the UAE, Ammar Al Attar. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a series of workshops in the build-up: focusing on elements such as self-publishing for photographers (May 14), a review of Nicoló Degiorgis’ work and a chat with Ammar Al Attar both May 15).
When: From May 14
Where: Gulf Photo Plus, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz,

Cinema – The Trust (18)
Nicholas Cage’s latest outing, though, might be considered a return to form – or at least a reminder of how interesting an actor he used to be. In The Trust, Cage plays a cynical, detached forensic cop in Las Vegas who has long-since stopped caring about solving crimes. “I despise my job” is an early, scene-setting line of dialogue. His younger, although no-less disillusioned sidekick, played by Elijah Wood, spots the chance for a big fish when he investigates the bail money raised by a suspected drug dealer and hatches a plot to track its source.
In cinemas from May 12