Dubai Weekend Guide: Ramadan Festivities, Epic Desert Runs, Heritage Classics & Much More!

Ramadan month is here and so are the many lovely things to do around the city on weekends.

Read along to find the top best places to be at, this weekend in Dubai!

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12. Grab a Bavarian style lunch at Bruno’s Biergarten

Sundays are getting a whole lot more fun at Bruno’s Biergarten.

This vibrant outdoor brunch is a feast for the senses, with hearty Bavarian classics like schnitzels, rotisserie chicken, bratwurst, and warm pretzels served sharing-style, plus live grill stations and soulful acoustic tunes.

Little ones get their share of fun too with a children’s buffet, cookie-decorating workshops, and meet-and-greets with Bruno himself.

Families, friends, or solo – you’ve got the games, garden vibes, and a full afternoon of vibing with great food.

When: Every Sunday, 1–4 PM
Where: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Price: AED 179 (soft drinks), AED 349 (house beverages), AED 89 (kids 6–12), free for under 6
Booking: 050 489 9436 | dining.jumeirahbeach@movenpick.com

 

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11. Sharjah’s getting lit this weekend

As night falls, Sharjah’s most iconic landmarks will be transforming into glowing works of art.

The Sharjah Light Festival returns with stunning projection mapping, immersive visuals and music, illuminating mosques, heritage buildings and cultural sites across the emirate. Each display blends modern creativity with Emirati heritage, turning familiar spaces into an open-air art gallery after dark.

Oh and the best part? It’s completely free to enjoy. Discover Sharjah in a whole new light at the Sharjah Light Festival.

Deets:
When: Until February 23
Where: Various locations across Sharjah
More info: sharjahlightfestival.ae

 

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10. Karama’s ultimate iftar spot is back!

18 community iftars set around long picnic tables, bringing people together the way Ramadan should.

Clear your evenings because the Ramadan Street Food Festival is taking over Al Karama again.

From iftar until 2am, Sheikh Hamdan Colony transforms into a buzzing food haven with more than 100 restaurants serving everything from South Indian classics and Asian street eats to sizzling kebabs, chaats and sweet treats.

Oh, and many of these dishes start from just AED5.

The free-to-enter, walkable festival stretches across Flavour Lane and Culinary Crossroads at Karama Park, linked by a lively Food Trail. There’s also going to be nightly performances, roaming entertainers, henna and calligraphy artists, + carnival games for the whole fam.

MORE DEETS!
When:
19 February – 18 March 2026, daily from iftar to 2am
Where: Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama
Price: Free entry

 

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9. Happy Hour that never ends at the Hungry Monkey

Hungry Monkey is where Dubai slows down and the good vibes never clock out. Across three standout spots locations – Al Barsha 1, Mirdif Hills, and DIFC – this lifestyle dining haven serves up bold, playful dishes perfect for sharing, alongside free board games, plush seating, and premium shisha.

From comfort classics to globally inspired bites, every dish and drink is designed to bring friends together, with prices starting at just AED 25. Whether it’s a post-work unwind, a weekend catch-up, or a spontaneous night out, Hungry Monkey balances warmth, community, and a touch of mischief for a truly memorable evening.

When: Daily, all-day happy vibes
Where: Al Barsha 1, Mirdif Hills & DIFC, Dubai
Price: Food & drinks starting from AED 25

8. Swap the treadmill for this Epic Desert Run

In Dubai, we surely do things differently. And by that we mean, your morning run could be a 3-15km run across the scenics deserts.

The Desert Palm X-Country Run is back on February 22nd, and it’s serving serious scenic views with your sweat session.

Starting from Melia Desert Palm, runners will power through lush gardens, polo fields, sandy stretches and tree-lined roads – basically, an upgraded pavement jog from your average runs.

You get to pick your challenge: 3km, 5km, 10km or go all in with the 15km and join the buzzing community vibe to keep you going strong.

This one’s worth setting that early alarm for.

DEETS HERE!
When:
22 February
Where: Melia Desert Palm, Dubai
Price: AED125 (Juniors 9–18), AED175 (Adults 19+)

7. Game, Set, Dubai: Tennis Season Starts Here

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is back, and the city is serving up two weeks of world-class action.

From 15–28 February, global heavyweights like Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Bublik are landing in town to battle it out on court.

Women’s Week (15–21 Feb) kicks things off with one of the strongest WTA line-ups the tournament has ever seen, followed by the men’s ATP 500 showdown from 23–28 Feb.

There’s going to be powerful rallies, edge-of-your-seat tie-breaks and plenty moments happening off-court too.

When: 15–28 February
Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

 

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6. Step back in time at Shindagha Museum

Swap the skyscrapers for stories and uncover Dubai’s roots at the UAE’s largest heritage museum – Al Shindagha Museum.

Tucked along the historic creek, this cultural gem is the UAE’s largest heritage site and a must-visit if you’re curious about the city beyond the glitz and glam.

Wander through 22 themed pavilions packed with interactive exhibits that bring old Dubai to life – from pearl diving days to traditional Emirati customs and family life. It’s immersive, beautifully curated and set against a waterfront backdrop that makes the experience even more special.

Price: AED50
When: Open daily 10am–8pm (last entry 7pm).
Where: Al Shindagha. 800 33 222

5. Light up your evenings at Al Seef

Make your nights sparkle this Ramadan with a dazzling series of fireworks at Al Seef along the iconic Dubai Creek.

From Feb 19 to March 19, the skies come alive, creating a festive backdrop for families, friends, and visitors to gather and soak in the magic of the season.

The best part? It’s completely free – just show up, find a good spot, and let the fireworks brighten your evening.

When: Until March 19
Where: Al Seef, Dubai

4. Celebrate Ramadan with Dubai

Ramadan is officially here, and Dubai is sparkling with festivities. From fireworks to hidden Iftar gems, there’s something to make every evening unforgettable.

Catch an exclusive projection show at Dubai Festival City Mall, explore cultural activations at CityWalk until March 19, or soak up the glowing Ramadan nights at The Beach, JBR. Don’t forget nightly fireworks displays lighting up the skies, and for the shoppers, AED 1,000K could be yours when you spend at Carrefour, Union Coop, or Lulu.

More deets here: SeasonofWulfa.ae

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3. Sky-High Iftar at Vida Dubai Mall

Elevate your Ramadan evenings at Vida Dubai Mall, where the Banquet Terrace offers panoramic views of Burj Khalifa alongside a build-your-own-plate iftar buffet. Let soft oud melodies set the mood as you explore a menu blending Middle Eastern classics with modern twists, perfect for family dining or catching the skyline glow.

Dining indoors or alfresco, the experience pairs incredible food with Dubai’s iconic scenery.

When: Daily during Ramadan
Where: Vida Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Book: vidahotels.com | 04 549 8888

2. Feel the rush at Volta Racing’s Outdoor Electric Karting

Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride at Volta Racing, where high-speed electric karts tear around a 249-meter outdoor track at up to 55 km/h.

Each 7-minute session delivers 12 thrilling laps in a safe, supervised, eco-friendly environment – perfect for those looking for a weekend thrill. Helmets, racing suits, and pre-race safety briefings are all included, with free bottled water and access to the viewing area so your squad can cheer you on.

Making this a top spot for competitive fun in the Dubai sun.

When: Open daily, sessions throughout the day
Where: Volta Racing, Dubai
Booking deets here!

1. Don’t miss the Planetary Parade over Al Qudra

Clear your Saturday plans and look up.

The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a special stargazing night in the stunning Al Qudra Desert, where multiple planets will align in the same patch of sky for a rare Planetary Parade.

Bring your curiosity (and maybe a jacket) as experts guide you through the phenomenon, sharing fascinating solar system facts while powerful telescopes zoom you in on the action.

Whether you’re an astronomy buff or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to see the night sky put on a proper show.

When: Sat Feb 21, from 6pm.

Where: Al Qudra Desert

More deets here: althuryaastronomycenter.ae

BONUS: You’d be an “idiot sandwich” to not try this one out

Brit classics with a Twist at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen

Bring your appetite to Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar for a stylish take on British-European cuisine.

Inspired by the London original, the warehouse-themed restaurant serves up modern classics like craft beer-battered fish & chips, alongside a curated 3-course set menu perfect for lunch or dinner.

Pair your meal with bespoke gin and tonics, wines, or signature cocktails from the lively bar while soaking in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Ideal for family meals, casual catch-ups, or special occasions, the set menu comes with an al fresco seating available for those wanting a breezy dining experience.

When: Lunch Sun–Fri 12 PM–3 PM | Dinner Sun 6 PM–10 PM, Mon–Wed 12 PM–10 PM, Thu–Fri 12 PM–11 PM, Sat 6 PM–10 PM
Where: Atlantis, The Palm
Booking Deets here!

Idiot Sandwich GIFs | Tenor

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