7 things to do in Dubai this weekend

Welcome to the weekend. It’s a cracking line-up this week, with the hotly anticipated Dubai International Film Festival finally here (you HAVE to go and see Room). As if that wasn’t enough to keep you busy, Taj Dubai have just opened a new rooftop bar, and Vida Hotel have a special guest coming to brunch…

Dubai Film Festival
The 2015 edition of DIFF is in full swing, with Room taking the prime spot at the Gala Opening party. The film is an adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s best-selling novel of the same name. Following the original story closely, it’s told from the point of view of five-year-old Jack, who has been locked in a room with his mother for his whole life. The harrowing tale of their escape is one of our top picks at this year’s festival. Visit here for a round-up of our other favourites.
When: Until December 16
Where: Madinat Jumeirah and various cinemas across Dubai.

Ladies Masters
Taking place over four days on the iconic Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters teed off this week. This weekend is the final two days of the tournament, so get yourself along to see who will take the top spot.
When: December 9 to 12
Where: Emirates Golf Club Dubai, www.dubailadiesmasters.com

Treehouse, Taj Dubai
Another new terrace with a playful theme opened in Dubai this week. Following Park in the nearby JW Marriott Marquis is something called Treehouse within Taj Dubai.  With renaissance décor, it’s like an ornate outdoor living room, complete with bite-sized plates of Mediterranean food.
When: Open ‘til late.
Where: Taj Dubai, Business Bay,

Andy Bates at Urban Picnic, Vida Downtown
Every Friday and Saturday, 3in1 restaurant at Vida Downtown rolls out the blankets for a special picnic brunch. But this Friday brings an extra reason to get yourself along, as special guest and celebrity chef Andy Bates will be cooking live at the brunch. Enjoy delicious food and drinks poolside (we recommend getting a cabana for an extra AED100 per person) with a resident DJ providing chill out tunes. Prices start at AED265 for soft drinks and AED295 for house beverages.
When: Friday December 11
Where: Vida Downtown, +971 4888 34444, 

Cinema – The Lobster
If you had to be turned into an animal, what would it be? It’s this ridiculous ultimatum that Colin Farrell must answer in The Lobster (no prizes for guessing what he chooses), a surreal satire set in a dystopian future where all single people who fail to find love are turned into wild animals. Ordered by the governing powers to stay at “The Hotel” and given no more than 45 days to try and find a partner, Farrell is lumbered with fellow lonely-heart residents Ben Wishaw, John C Reilly and Rachel Weisz – with the latter hopefully offering salvation to his imminent crustacean-based fate.
In cinemas now