17 great things to do in Dubai this weekend

Romeo & Juliet
The Moscow City Ballet will be performing the Shakespeare show across three days. If you’ve never seen the captivating spectacle, then you really should. It’s a powerful and fast-paced production that delves deep into the timeless tale of love, betrayal and rivalry while being soundtracked by an evocative score that carries the story to its inevitable, and somewhat tragic finale.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21
Where: Dubai Opera
Contact:

Beauty Pop DXB
A beauty experience like no other is taking place at D3 as it hosts the first ever Beauty Pop DXB. It’s a three-day event showcasing the latest beauty products, services and more. Watch out for special appearances from hair stylist to the stars Jen Atkin, beauty influencer Huda Kattan and skin expert Nurse Jamie.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21
Where: Dubai Design District, d3
Contact: website

ARTE the maker’s market
This week sees the return of the excellent arts and crafts event at Mercato Mall. It will once again showcase a selection of the best design and hand-crafted goods that the UAE has to offer. With 35 creatives displaying their talents for all to see, you’ll be able to pick up unique pieces that will include art, jewellery, home décor and plenty of great little accessories.
When: Saturday, April 21
Where: Mercato Mall, Jumeirah
Contact:

World Art Dubai
Inclusive and accessible, World Art Dubai returns for its fourth edition, bringing with it more than 4,000 original art pieces from over 40 countries. Taking place from Wednesday April 18 to Saturday 21 at Dubai World Trade Centre, the fair will represent a diverse range of cultures. Original contemporary art from across the world will be on sale, with some priced from US$100 (AED367), all the way through to US$20,000 (AED73,460).
When: 2pm-9pm, April 18-21
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Price: From AED20
Contact: email; ,

VR Park
The double story park is home to three great virtual experiences; Dubai Drone, Ape X and John Wick Chronicles. Our favourite being “Dubai Drone”. Set in 2050, the ride is based around a taxi journey in the sky. The only issue is, the sky is full of traffic and your taxi spins out of control – great fun.
Where: The Dubai Mall
Price: From AED45
Contact:

Kite Surfing
It’s an extreme sport with its own dangers, but with expert tuition you’ll be flying across the water in no time. In fact, Dukite are so confident in their school, they say you can go from beginner to superstar surfer within 20 hours of lessons.
They are on Kite Beach (funny that) and teach everything from how to prepare your kite and stand on the board to reading the wind directions at extreme speeds. Honestly, after one lesson, you’ll be spending the working week dreaming about your next session.
Price: From AED350 per person
Contact: +971 50 758 6992,

Sand skiing
Sand skiing classes at Viator include quad biking too, because walking up the dunes would be madness. Switch between sand skiing and boarding and after a few lessons you’ll be able to impress your visitors from home when you take them out.
Price: From AED400 for sand skiing
Contact:

Brunch at Axe House
Replacing JLT hotspot Cocktail Kitchen, this craft hops bar’s Friday brunch boasts a mixed beverage pop-up bar, a monthly changing menu and a sharing concept of fresh market dishes. While you dig into tasty platters – think dishes such as jerk chicken wings, Halloumi churros, lamb kebabs and mackerel pate, all of which is served to your table – the resident DJ will be spinning the feel good beats. For dessert, there are sweet treats like berry Eton mess, sticky toffee pudding and apple and cinnamon crumble. We like.
When: 1pm-4pm, Friday
Where: Axe House, Armada Blue Bay
Price: From AED250
Contact: +971 4 399 9577,

Caviar dinner at At.Mosphere
Caviar is great isn’t it? Sure some may disagree but for the most part, it is agreed that it’s quite posh and tasty. Those who enjoy the dish would be happy to note that At.Mosphere is a special themed dinner on Friday, April 20, in honour of the ancient delicacy. At AED2,300, the seven course meal is by no means cheap but it does include drinks and a crash course on the ingredient.
When: 7pm-11pm, Friday, April 20
Where: 122nd Floor, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Price: AED1,300 including soft drinks and AED2,300 including grape
Contact: +971 4 888 3828,

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
A revamped, refined and extended Saturday brunch lies in wait for the new season at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE. You can choose to take your package on a beach bed on the shore, a couch on the open terrace or on a table in the restaurant, and they all come with excellent Mediterranean fare. If you’re looking for those sun-soaked vibes, upbeat tunes and people dancing all over the place, this is a Saturday party brunch that’s not to be missed.
When: Saturday, 1pm-4pm
Where: Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort
Price: AED295 for restaurant seating; AED325 for beach and terrace; AED550 with premium bubbles
Contact: +971 56 113 3400, website

A Night Out with Tyga
Tyga returns to Base following a successful stint in the city last December. The acclaimed rapper and reality TV star has collaborated with the biggest names in business, from Wiz Khalifa, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne to pop idol Justin Bieber. Watch the crowd go wild when hits such as “Rack City” and “Stimulated” are performed.
When: 10pm-4am, Saturday, April 21
Where: BASE Dubai, D3
Contact: +971 55 313 4999,

Blended Festival After Party
If you missed out on tickets to see the Backstreet Boys at the Blended Festival (tickets sold out in no time at all) you can rub shoulders with the guys at the official after party. It’s all going down at White Dubai, which was recently voted 20th best club in the world by DJ Mag and the legendary boyband will be there to wind down after their gig.
When: 11pm-4am, Friday, April 20
Where: White Dubai, Meydan Racecourse
Contact: +971 4 376 6162,