12 great things to do in Dubai this weekend

Run For The Oceans

Get your sneakers on for the Adidas x Parley event that will see Dubai join in with a global running event. For the first one million kilometres covered, per runner, Adidas will contribute around AED4 per km to the Parley Ocean Plastic Program. The run is to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution, which needs to be stopped. To join the cause, download the Runtastic app and sign up.
When: Friday, June 22
Where: Kite Beach Dubai
Contact: website

Bongo’s Bingo

Bingo, the game often played at retirement homes has been bizarrely revamped with scooters, coco pops, confetti and, erm, even more confetti, to give it a party atmosphere. So it’s great that Bongo’s Bingo is back for a new season. It’s filled with giveaways, dance-offs and a playlist of retro tunes to groove away to. With only three nights available all summer, be sure to catch this one before it’s too late.
When: 9pm onwardsm June 21
Where: ON24, Media One Hotel
Price: From AED100
Contact: +971 56 895 7532,

3D Mini-golf at JBR

With themed rooms and neon backlit panoramas, we’re witnessing a whole new way of playing mini golf with friends and family. Everything glows in the dark, and we mean, everything. With Chroma Depth glasses, watch as the 3D effects painted on the walls come to life. Take out an hour or two from your day and spend it trying to get a hole-in-one.
Where: Glowing Rooms, Dubai Marina JBR, Bahar Plaza Level
When: 2pm-12am, Sunday to Wednesday and 2pm-1am, Thursday to Saturday
Price: AED110
Contact: +9714 565 7621, website

FIFA World Cup at Atlants, The Palm

A whopping 2,000 people of all ages can watch the World Cup matches together. With a gigantic 28 square metre HD display you can choose to immerse yourself among the mega fans at “The Stadium” or opt for a more chilled vibe at “The Bench” which has a gaming corner. You could also win a trip to the Cup’s winning nation and a getaway to the hotel.
When: Until July 15
Where: Atlantis, The Palm
Contact: +971 4 426 2626, website

FIFA World Cup at Garden on 8

With an air conditioned outdoor fan zone, a specially crafted food menu that includes the likes of Wiener schnitzel strips, tangy BBQ chicken wings and crispy chunky onion rings, and one massive screen airing every single of the FIFA World Cup, Garden on 8 really have gone all in celebration of this year’s World Cup. No really, they have. There’s live entertainment, tons of competitions and face painting too.
Where: Media One Hotel
Contact: +971 4 427 1000, website

FIFA World Cup at Bridgewater Tavern

Bridgewater Tavern have gone all out in celebration of the FIFA World Cup. The upbeat sports pub has set up three sections for the tournament – general, private viewing and a special fan zone, which promise to leave you front and center of all the action. Keeping you fueled while you watch as favourites like Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo battle it out on the field, is the venue’s moreish food menu and bucket deals. Score.
When: From 6pm onwards, until July 15
Where: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Contact: +971 4 414 3000,

FIFA World Cup at The Irish Village

The Irish Village has quite a neat set up in celebration of the FIFA World Cup. Fans can watch their team on the mega screen from tiered terraces while the venue’s lively staff ensure that their every need is catered to. There’s a minimum spend of AED100 – the fish and chips are delicious and well worth a try. Groups of 10 or more are advised to make a booking to secure their seat.
Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud
Contact: +971 4 282 4750,

WEBRUNCH @Accents

For three glorious hours, guests are free to tuck into an array of international dishes that range from moreish homemade pasta, fresh seafood and a good old roast. Aside from free flowing drinks and mouthwatering cuisine, guests will be treated to live entertainment provided by resident DJ Andy Swift and great views of the Dubai Marina. There’s an after party at Ynot from 4pm onwards for all those looking to keep it going well into the night.
When: 1pm-4pm, Friday
Where: Intercontinental Dubai Marina
Price: From AED299
Contact: +971 4 446 6669,

Evening brunch at Q43

The Manhattan loft-style destination has a brunch menu of creative dishes. There’s popcorn shrimp and a green apple and goats cheese bruschetta platter, for starters, followed by roast chicken, lamb pot pie or glazed beef brisket as your headline main dish. The finale offers a fantastic Madagascar vanilla bean crème caramel.
When: 7pm-10pm, Friday
Where: Media One Hotel
Price: AED269 with soft drinks; AED369 with house beverages
Contact: +971 4 443 5403,

La Familia Brunch at El Chiringuito

This big brunch at El Chiringuito quickly established itself on the scene as one of the places to hang out on the weekend, which is no mean achievement considering the competition. Slick Mediterranean vibes, excellent food – try the veal Milanese and the fresh oysters as an example – makes this brunch an easy contender as far as Saturday brunches go.
When: 12pm-4pm, Saturday
Where: El Chiringuito
Price: AED395 with soft drinks; AED495 with house beverages; AED595 with premium drinks; AED695 with premium bubbly
Contact: +971 54 449 6464,

Ocean’s 8