9 great things to do in Dubai this weekend

Hopfest 2017
The annual party at the Irish Village, a kind of early Oktoberfest, takes place this weekend in a big, purpose-built (and fully air-conditioned) tent in the backyard of the Irish Village. It is a pretty standard celebration of brewed beverages and live music, with the likes of Dubai favourites The Maplejacks, the lively Roadie and, for rockier tastes, Fixer. DJ Marky Mark then takes over to keep the party going into the small hours. It’s based on a voucher system, with discounts to be had if you arrive early. There’s free food on Saturday, September 9, from 12pm to 2pm too.
When: September 7-9
Where: Irish Village, Garhoud
Contact: +971 4 239 5000,

Under Armour Challenge
To celebrate the launch of their flagship store in The Dubai Mall, Under Armour has devised a challenge that will see participants undergo a series of grueling tasks in hopes of winning a year’s sponsorship with Under Armour as well as a chance to attend a Q+A session with the brand’s ambassador, Michael Phelps. The event that is open to individuals and mixed groups will have three winners; one woman, man and a mixed group.
When: 10.30am-6pm, Saturday, September 9
Where: Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall
Price: Registration is AED100 per person and AED400 for groups of four
Contact: 

Stacey Pullen
An innovator from the second wave of Detroit techno, Stacey Pullen is currently one of the most in-demand DJs in the world, so his presence at Provocateur is definitely one to be celebrated. His music is always atmospheric and dripping in textured electronic sounds.
When: 11pm-3am, Friday, September 8
Where: Provocateur Dubai, Four Seasons
Contact: +971 55 211 822,

London Nights with Bate Nate & Fonzi
Two award-winning rappers from London are coming to Dubai for a special party at The Spree Club – which is the new, spruced up identity of Velvet Underground. Bate Nate and Fonzi, the latter of which erupted to considerable fanfare back in 2014 with the track “Me & Myself”. Spree resident DJ Kay will be behind the decks.
When: Saturday, September 9
Where: The Spree Club, Bur Dubai
Contact: +971 50 777 3365,

Atif Aslam and Badshah Live
It seems that September is music month in Dubai, doesn’t it? In another big show, Sports City hosts Pakistani star Atif Aslam in a mammoth concert and party, where the singer will be joined by Bollywood rapper Badshah and no less than five DJs: DJ Shadow, DJ Hani, DJ Asef, DJ Scorpio and DJ Pierre. Tickets start from AED85 for general admission.
When: Thursday, September 7
Where: The Dome, Dubai Sports City
Contact: +971 55 943 5599,

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:

Cinema – IT
IT, the seminal 1986 Stephen King novel, has been greeted with a combination of fevered excitement and no little trepidation. This is in many ways the archetypal Stephen King work, where childhood friendships in a New England idyll are interrupted by a creature whose form adapts to each child’s deepest fears. Anyone afraid of clowns, should steer clear of this one.
In cinemas now