15 things to do in Dubai this long weekend

Dubai Parks & Resorts
From September 1 Dubai Parks and Resorts will be offering UAE residents day tickets to Motiongate, Legoland and Legoland Waterpark for AED165, and Bollywood Park for AED95. Check out the Lionsgate attractions and give yourself an adrenaline rush on the Capitol Bullet Train.
When: From September 1
Where: Dubai Parks & Resorts
Contact: 800 2629464,

Azure Beach
The newly opened Azure Beach at Rixos on JBR has no entry free (even over Eid!) but there is a minimum spend of AED200 for each person – pretty easy to manage that if you go for a full day. It’s usually a minimum spend of AED100 on weekdays.
Where: Rixos Premium, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Price: AED100 weekdays, AED200 weekends
Contact: +971 52 777 9472,

Plus/Minus with DJ Gunther
Lebanese born DJ and producer, Gunther is known to be one of the most influential figures in Middle East’s electronic music scene; most notably known for his seven-year residency at Beirut’s B018 club. He’s played alongside the likes of John Digweed, Richie Hawtin, Sasha, Carl Cox and James Zabiela.
When: Friday, September 1
Where: Bridgewater, JW Marriott Marquis
Contact:

Eid Al Adha fireworks
The Eid Al Adha celebrations are taking place right around the country this weekend, with plenty of activations in malls, parks and the various waterfronts. Many people in Dubai will be heading down to The Beach in Jumeirah Beach Residences, where there will be a nightly display of fireworks from 8.45pm. This has become a popular community activity, with people gathering on the beach, the walkways, the restaurants and cafés, and the balconies of the residences behind. There will also be firework displays at Festival City.
When: August 31 – September 3
Where: The Beach, JBR
Contact: website

Raffles
Get yourself inside the pyramid for Raffles’ ‘relax by the pool’ offer. The AED150 package includes all-day access to the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi as well as two complimentary beverages, or you can upgrade to the AED399 package with any rejuvenating massage treatment or deep cleansing facial at the Raffles Spa along with a lavish afternoon tea.
When: Until 30 September
Where: Wafi City, Sheikh Rashid Road
Price: From AED150
Contact: +971 4 324 8888,

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,

OKKU Friday Brunch
The chic family-friendly brunch kicks off at 12.30pm with pre-drinks and a generous serving of oysters and crabs. Come 1pm, guests are guided to the main restaurant where they are then treated to a massive platter of sushi, sashimi and maki, as well as unlimited servings of signature O’style starters. After that, it’s time for the mains. Guests are free to choose one large main plate each, which according to Japanese dining customs, are meant to be shared. A lavish dessert serving of Fuji apple tart, chocolate brownies, passion fruit and ginger crème brûlée ends of the dining experience.
When: 12.30pm – 4pm, every Friday
Where: The H Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Price: From AED299
Contact: +971 4 501 8777,

Wakeboarding
The sport involves having two feet strapped to a board while being pulled behind a speedboat. Anyone who’s snowboarded before should get the hang of it quite easily – mastering it is the fun part. Rushing across the bright blue sea with stunning views of Dubai in the background is an adrenaline rush in itself before you even start pulling out tricks.
Where: Seariders UAE, Dubai Marina
Price: AED550 per hour
Contact:

Daycation at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
The breathtaking Zabeel Saray looks straight off the set of Magnum Opus. Enjoy a one-hour pampering session with the tailor made peppermint oil massage at Talise Ottoman Spa, with access facilities including steam, sauna, pool and beach access. The package includes an authentic Lebanese lunch spread at the Al Nafoorah restaurant.
When: Until the end of the year
Where: The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road
Contact: +971 4 453 0456,

La Familia Brunch
If the summer heat is putting a damper on your time spent outdoors, El Chiringuito might just be the answer. The chic laid-back venue’s Saturday brunch is not only great value for money, its outdoor space is also glass protected. Aside from uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, guests can expect to enjoy a number of locally and internationally sourced Mediterranean dishes such as seafood paella, Cotoletta alla Milanese and Terrine octopus a la Gallega. Once the clock strikes 4pm, the venue takes on a livelier party vibe reminiscent to that found in the party loving island of Ibiza. El Chiringuito’s in-house DJ takes the decks while guests make their way to the temperature controlled pool.
When: 12pm – 4pm, every Saturday
Where: El Chiringuito, Rixos The Palm
Price: From AED395
Contact: +971 4 277 9180,

Cinema – The Glass Castle
Brie Larson (Room and Kong: Skull Island) returns to the silver screen for yet another tear jerking film. This one is based on the life of writer Jeannette Walls and follows both her and her siblings’ nomadic journey to adulthood. And, while it may appear to be a simple task, they have to do so whilst caring for their “unconventional” parents who are played by Naomi Watts and Woody Harrelson.
In cinemas from August 31