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WEEKEND HOTLIST: 7 Ways To Spend The Second Last Weekend Before School Starts
Getting back to the school grind is always challenging for parents and kids. From having to wake up earlier than usual to weekends swamped with homework and extracurricular activities, school months can get very hectic. But… we don’t want to be a buzzkill just yet because you still have time to chill out for another two weeks!
Here are some places to check out for a wholesome weekend with the fam
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7. Enjoy Barasti Beach with no entrance fee
Barasti Beach, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, has removed its entrance fee for the summer. August 4 onwards, guests can enjoy free access to the pool and beach areas. There is no minimum spending limit either – sounds amazing doesn’t it?
The ‘No Entrance Fee’ initiative is valid from now until October 2025, making it the perfect place for adults to cool down, catch up with friends, and soak in the summer sun. Cabanas and sun loungers can be booked in advance, with prices starting from AED 150.
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UAE Drivers Can Have Four Traffic Points Deducted on September 15And Barasti’s signature Saturday affair – The Tease Me Brunch – is worth checking out too. Taking place every Saturday from 5 PM till 8 PM, the experience offers free-flowing beverages with beachside flavours, alongside a high-energy soundtrack delivered by Barasti’s resident DJs. As the sun dips below the horizon, the party rolls on with Tempt Me, the official after-party that kicks off at 8 PM, featuring live sets, beach dancing, and unbeatable seaside vibes.
Where? Barasti Beach, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
When? Every Saturday | 5 PM till 8 PM
When? Every Saturday | 5 PM till 8 PM
Age group? 21 and up
6. Take part in an Indian Independence Day Special
This Independence Day, Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel JLT is serving up patriotism on a plate, starting with its showstopping Pistachio Malai Motichur, a specially crafted dessert. Dressed in the vibrant hues of the Indian flag – saffron, white, and green, this indulgent creation is here to not make Indian expats in the UAE miss home too much on Independence Day. Rich motichur laddu, nutty pistachio
crumble, silky rabadi, and a decadent saffron mascarpone cream come together to form a dessert that is as heartfelt as its flavourful. Symbolic and scrumptious, it’s the centerpiece of Rohini’s Independence Day celebration, offering a sweet tribute to India’s spirit and heritage.
Where? Movenpick Hotel JLT
When? August 15 till August 17
5. Steak Frites are dominating Dubai’s dining scene
Three mains, two desserts! Swiss Butter has you sorted for this weekend’s dinner with your jingbang. This Lebanese-born brand has transformed the way steak frites are experienced worldwide, and let’s just say – it’s too good to be true. The restaurant, with two locations in Dubai, offers a hyper-focused menu built around three core ingredients: steak (or chicken or salmon), crispy fries, and its proprietary Swiss Butter sauce, a signature butter-based blend infused with 33 herbs and spices.
Price? AED 87 including the sides sounds like a steal!
Where? Novotel AlBarsha and Sofitel Downtown
When? 12 PM till 12 AM every day
4. Head over to the Baby Bazaar Market for last-minute things
Baby Bazaar is the only dedicated market in Dubai to parents who are looking to buy and sell their children’s pre-loved items. Having children is expensive – they grow so fast and often use items for a very short time. Therefore, what is better than getting incredible quality items without the big price tag? Every market brings different sellers selling different items. If you haven’t been to Baby Bazaar… and you have kids, you are surely missing out! You will find toys, books, clothes and more!
Where? Sunday, August 17
When? 10 AM till 3 PM
3. Salvage the weekend with this new menu at Salvaje Dubai
For those seeking luxury in dining, Salvaje Dubai — the globally acclaimed modern Japanese restaurant with a bold Latin twist — has unveiled its exclusive Premium Menu. At the heart of this elevated experience lies an impressive curation of seafood and meat dishes that are
nothing short of delicious. The Ceviche Platter is a vibrant showstopper — featuring five luxurious variations of seafood, including tuna akami, hamachi, kinmedai, Hokkaido scallop, and red prawn carabinero — each delicately marinated in inventive takes on the classic leche de tigre. Guests have the option to enhance the platter with 30g of Beluga Black Caviar for the ultimate indulgence.
For sushi lovers, the Premium Sushi Platter offers a lavish spread of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, gunkan, and oysters — all meticulously crafted and available with an optional caviar crown. And on the meat front, the menu dazzles with its Premium Meat Selection, showcasing cuts of exceptional provenance and marbling. If you’re craving an elevated early evening escape, Salvaje’s new Premium Menu offers the perfect excuse to go bold — and go wild.
Where? Salvaje, Opera District – Address Residences – Downtown Dubai
When? Tuesday 7 PM – 3 AM|Wednesday to Saturday 7 PM – 2 AM | Sunday 7 PM – 1 AM
2. Get your mind working at the Sunday Quiz Night
Who said Sundays have to be boring? Spike Bar is hosting a night of trivia, teamwork, and a tad bit of friendly competition at the Emirates Golf Club this weekend. Bring your brain, your mates, and your best guess game! But you can also attend solo and choose your own fun team from the other participants at the venue.
Where? Spike Bar, Emirates Golf Club
When? Every Sunday until August 31
1. Get into fits of laughter at the Standup Comedy Showcase
The Laughing Factory in Dubai is turning up the fun with Dimitri Bakanov, star of the prestigious ‘AAA Late Show’ at the Edinburgh Festival. Known for his sharp, honest, and sometimes dark humour, Dimitri is guaranteed to hit the mark. Making his Laughter Factory debut is Roman Harris, winner of the acclaimed Comedy Virgins competition and a familiar face from two seasons on the hit TV show Supermarket Sweep. He might just become your new favourite comic.
Also on the lineup is Ash Rose, who will kick off the night with jaw-dropping magic, daring stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy — a perfect warm-up for an evening of fun. And don’t miss Noha Bashir, the Canadian-Egyptian comedian who’s quickly becoming the region’s rising star. Mark your calendars now!
Where? Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills, Dubai
When? August 15 till August 23
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