8 things to do in Dubai this weekend

There’s so much going on in Dubai this weekend that we couldn’t whittle it down to our usual six. With live music, a famous comedian (yep, Al Murray is in town), spa offers and the long-awaited return of Gitex shopper, we have a feeling that we’ll arrive at work on Sunday morning exhausted. Come on weekend, we’re ready for you.

The Cat Empire at Zero Gravity
The Cat Empire, the ska-meets-jazz-meets-a-whole-bunch-of-trumpets band first made waves in 2003 with their sleeper hit ‘Hello’, before becoming a fixture at Australia’s best music festivals and beyond. The group’s first ever Dubai gig will launch Zero Gravity winter’s season, on the nightspot’s newly renovated outdoors stage. We can’t wait. The afterparty features A.Skills and Krafty Kuts, supported by Ada, Baluch. Tickets are AED130 in advance or AED170 on the door.
When: Thursday October 30, from 7pm
Where: Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai Dropzone,

Audiojack at Square
Audiojack are part of the furniture in Ibiza. The DJ duo run their record label, Druuv, from the white isle, where they met and united in their love of music. See them at Square nightclub this weekend for a night of European electronic sounds. Admission is AED100.
When: Thursday October 30, from 10pm to 3am
Where: Level 5, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay,

Groove Assassin at 360
If you haven’t been to Sunstroke at 360°, now’s the time to rectify the situation. British-born DJ Groove Assassin makes his debut this weekend, alongside Sunstroke’s other residents. While the evening’s name may remind you of a affliction you’d rather avoid, don’t let that put you off.
When: Thursday October 1
Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +9714 366 5866

Al Murray
Award-winning Brit stand-up Al Murray is bringing his everyman brand of comedy to the World Trade Centre this Friday, with his show One Man, One Guvnor.  The man they call ‘The Pub Landlord’ has proven popular in the region, with this performance marking his fifth time in Dubai.
When: Friday October 2
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre,

Explore the new Mall of the Emirates
It’s been nearly impossible to find a parking space after 3pm for the past 18 months, but it’s all been worth it. The AED1 billion refurbishment of the mall, which was unveiled this week, includes fashion chains Abercrombie & Fitch, Jane Norman and All Saints, as well as the new VOX cinema – which is the biggest cinema in the Middle East.
When: Check store opening times.
Where: Mall of the Emirates,

Offer at Soma Spa
For the next two months, Soma Spa in Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre have an offer to keep you feeling pampered and relaxed. Get either a 90-minute anti-ageing ritual or a 90-minute hammam for AED395. Both provide cell regeneration and anti-inflammatory benefits, so you’ll be ready to tackle the week ahead.
When: Offer runs until November
Where: Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre,

Gitex Shopper
Time to loosen those purse strings people, because the Middle East’s largest consumer electronics and IT show is back. And as it’s also the exhibition’s 25th anniversary, we’re expecting a plethora of product deals to boot. If it’s got a microchip, a battery, a screen or a keypad, chances are there will be a discount of varying degrees for buyers to enjoy, from some of the most recognised names in electronics and lifestyle products. For the cash-strapped, it’s worth noting that there’s AED3 million worth of prizes being given away as well, from 40-inch HD TVs to 4×4 cars. All you have to do is stump up AED30 for a ticket to get involved.
When: From Saturday October 3 to 10
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre,

Cinema – Black Mass
Based on a true story, Black Mass is about the most violent criminal in Boston’s history, Whitey Bulger. As the Mafia start to encroach on Whitey’s business, he teams up with the FBI, becoming an informant in order to rid South Boston of the Mafia’s hold.
For screening times and cinemas visit our film listings.