9 things to do in Dubai this weekend

With Taste of Dubai, the brand new World Drone Prix, and the end of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, this weekend is so packed that we couldn’t keep to our using “6 things to do…”. In fact, there’s so much going on that we’ve made you a ShortList of nine, including a pool party, a legendary DJ, a concert and a bit of polo. Enjoy!

Taste of Dubai
There are few more enticing combinations in Dubai. A spring day of scudding clouds, billowy breezes and warm sunshine, a sward of emerald-green grass and the smells of about 20 five-star kitchens churning out bite-sized portions of their most celebrated creations. Taste of Dubai is back this weekend and ready to prove it is one of the most popular events in the entire the calendar.
When: From Thursday March 10, 9.15pm
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, www.tasteofdubaifestival.com/tickets

Julius Baer Gold Cup
Some of the world’s best polo players will be in action at the Julius Baer Gold Cup, a tournament held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. It’s also one of the main social events of the year.
When: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Where: March 11,

Dubai Concert Committee gala
To celebrate 20 years of the Dubai Concert Committee, a black-tie evening is being held at the One&Only Royal Mirage’s Ballroom, with special performances from some of the finest names in classical music today. They include the Morozov Quartet, which was formed 15 years ago by violin virtuoso Evgeniy Morozov, the soloists of the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, led by one of its founders, Grigory Kovalevsky, and, to conclude, an operatic performance by leading soprano Felicitas Fuchs.
When: March 11, 7pm
Where: One&Only Royal Mirage,

The World Drone Prix
The first ever World Drone Prix is coming to Dubai this week with 32 of the globe’s elite drone pilots competing for $1 million. Judging by the event’s promo video, which saw a Police car race a drone through the streets of Dubai, it’s going to be a spectacular launch for the new sport. Tickets start at AED100.
When: March 11 and 12
Where: Skydive Dubai, www.worlddroneprix.com

We Love Art Beach Picnic
Forming part of the Dubai Food Festival, this painting workshop takes place at the specially constructed Beach Canteen, so there will be a decent supply of quality food and drinks as you sit at your easel with like-minded folk and get creative on the sand.
When: March 11
Where: Beach Canteen, Kite Beach, www.weloveart.ae

John Digweed at Pacha
Pacha have teamed up with Travelwings to bring renowned DJ and producer John Digweed to Dubai. His top 40 hits including “For What You Dream Of” put him firmly on the map, and he was voted number one DJ in the world by DJ Mag in 2001. 15 years later he’s still filling dancefloors. Tickets are AED175 from
When: March 11, doors at 10pm
Where: Pacha Ibiza Dubai, +971 4 567 0000

Day Vibes Pool Party
Eden is little bit of paradise in Dubai. Located on The Palm with music, sunshine and beautiful people. It’s pretty perfect. This is a midday pool party with an unlimited refreshments and house music the main preference. Highly recommended.
When: Friday, March 11
Where: Eden Beach Club, 

Emirates Festival of Literature
Fans of the written word – and we sincerely hope that includes ShortList readers – ought to be making a beeline for the 2016 edition of the Emirates Festival of Literature. More than 140 writers from 25 countries will be in attendance, discussing what they’ve written, why they write and what anyone aspiring to join them can do to get published. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, it has become the leading literary event in the entire GCC, with a longer-than-ever programme of seminars, workshops and a lot of general learned chin-scratching. It’s almost finished, so make the most of it this weekend.
When: March 1-12
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Festival City, 

Cinema – Triple 9 (18)
It is, frankly, about time we had another full-on heist movie delivered by an all-star ensemble cast. Triple 9 is no Ocean’s 11, though. The Atlanta-set crime drama, directed by John Hillcoat, is perhaps more reminiscent of The Town, a hard-bitten and often violent tale of a gang and two corrupt cops who are trying to steal information on a Russian mafia boss, who will reward them handsomely for their efforts. If only it were that simple. Casey Affleck, back on form after too many mumble-core roles, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Woody Harrelson star in this above-par thriller.
In cinemas from March 10