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WEEKEND HOTLIST: A Special Birthday Invite And Much More This Weekend
Dubai’s throwing a HUGE birthday party this week, and you can be on the guest list. Keep scrolling down to find this special invite.
And while you’re at it, explore world-class performances, exclusive new launches, to one-day-only shopping deals at your favourite spot. The city’s packed with things you def wouldn’t want to miss out on this weekend.
As usual, let’s dive right in. Here’s your Hotlist of 11 fun things to do this weekend in Dubai!
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11. An exclusive invite from global chef Akira Back
This one’s a foodie dream come true. Global superstar chef Akira Back is flying into Dubai for one exclusive night to launch his Time Capsule Menu — a six-course culinary journey that celebrates his legendary career across Aspen, London, Seoul, and beyond.
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The Lovin’ Dubai Community Awards 2025: Winners Revealed!Explore a range of culinary magic from shima aji with yuzu ponzu, red prawn with angake sauce, and A5 ribeye miso yaki… every course paired with music from the same era of Back’s journey. It all wraps up with a nostalgic nod to his childhood in Seoul with a persimmon dessert. You’ll be signing up to a full sensory trip through the master chef’s life story.
Where: Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm
When: September 24, from 7pm
Price: AED 599 (dinner), AED 300 (wine pairing)
How: Book via wpalmdining@whotelsworldwide.com or call +971 4 245 5800
10. Bruno’s Biergarten at Mövenpick JBR
Say hallo to Dubai’s newest Bavarian hotspot. Bruno’s Biergarten is bringing the Munich vibes right to Jumeirah Beach Residence with hearty German bites, contemporary brews, and that buzzy beer garden energy.
Expect live music, big-screen sports, a super chill community vibe, and bonus: look forward to the Oktoberfest festivities picking pace! This weekend head to Dubai’s new home for pretzels, schnitzel, and steins.
Where: Movenpick Hotel, JBR
When: Everyday, 6pm-1am
Check it out HERE!
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9. Pamper yourself with Ruhee’s home massages
If you’re looking for some real pampering delivered right to your home, Ruhee is the real deal. How to know? Well, Ruhee officially just smashed 50,000 appointments and are chilling in their position as Dubai’s go-to app for at-home wellness and beauty services.
From aromatherapy, deep tissue massages, mani-pedis, to full-on grooming, they’ve got licensed pros who’ll remind you why they’re one of the best in the business. With an average rating of 4.9+ stars, safety checks, and flexible booking on WhatsApp and their website, this is self-care made easy.
Where: Downtown Dubai
Book a massage at your home here!
8. Celebrate a big, fat, fake wedding at Vice
All the band, baaja, without the baraat… Vice is throwing the ultimate fake wedding party and it’s about to be the most filmy night in town. With DJ Arsalan and DJ Sarpanch on charge of the beats, the only vow of the night would be unlimited fun. Experience live dhol, mehendi, shaadi-style snacks, and pure Bollywood wedding vibes.
Where: Vice, Ramee Dream Hotel, Business Bay
When: September 19th
7. Somethings cooking up at Le Gourmet
If your weekend plans include eating good food (duh), why not make it yourself too? Le Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette is now hosting Private Cooking Masterclasses and it’s the kind of foodie adventure you didn’t know you needed. All that ‘Private Chef’ reels knowledge’s gotta be put to use somewhere, after all.
From sushi-making to fresh-baked pasta, take your pick from your fav cuisines and you’ll learn the tricks from expert chefs. YUM.
Where: Le Gourmet, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall
Price: Starting from AED 150 per person (with drinks included!)
How: For reservations reach out to +971 56 545 2558
6. Put your capes on to rescue some furry buddies
Bearlots Furry Friends (BFF), the UAE’s very own homegrown app dedicated to rescue, adoption, and all things responsible pet parenting, are celebrating their first anniversary!
If you haven’t heard of them yet, this app is basically Tinder for rescues (they call it FurMatch) – connecting adopters and fosters with verified rescue orgs.
To mark their big ONE, they’re launching Rescue Repawst, a UAE-wide campaign to spotlight rescues who are waiting for their forever homes. So if you’ve been thinking of adding a four-legged member to your fam, this is your sign.
Where: UAE-wide
What: Rescue adoption
How: As easy as clicking this link
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5. A Lazy Italian sunday brunch at Trattoria
Sundays are for lazy-ing around with some good Italian food that’ll make you go “Mamma Mia!” Trattoria at Souk Madinat has brought this concept to life with their ‘Lazy Sunday Brunch’ (yep, that’s what it’s called).
From noon to evening, you get a full two-hour slot to enjoy a 3-course Italian feast, all while soaking in those dreamy Venetian-style canal views.
Where: Trattoria, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: September 21, 12pm-6pm
4. Dubai Opera Opens Its New Season With Puccini’s La Bohème
Culture buffs, this one’s for you! Dubai Opera is kicking off its 2025–2026 season with opera’s timeless classic – Puccini’s La Bohème. Brought to life by the world-famous Hungarian State Opera, this is a love story that’s been moving audiences for almost decades.
Set in the wintry streets of 19th-century Paris, La Bohème follows the poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimì in a tale of love, friendship, and heartbreak, all told through sweeping music and soul-stirring arias. It’s going to be all the feels!
Where: Dubai Opera
When: September 18-20
Performed in Italian with English surtitles
3. Experience an EXCLUSIVE iPhone launch
This isn’t your regular iPhone launch. At Mall of the Emirates, SHARE by Majid Al Futtaim is creating one of the world’s most exclusive ways to experience the iPhone 17, a reflection of Majid Al Futtaim’s known commitment to crafting great moments. SHARE members
will be the very first to get a look at the device inside the SHARE VIP Suite — a premium, luxe experience.
Invited guests would get access to the SHARE VIP Suite at Mall of the Emirates — a private sanctuary designed for comfort and exclusivity. Here, members can discover the iPhone 17 in a tailored one-on-one showcase, with every detail curated to reflect the
grandness of the moment.
For a select few, the experience will be even more elevated with the launch being brought directly to their home or any setting of their choice With SHARE’s new benefit, “Be The First”, you can be the first to enjoy the experience.
Where: SHARE VIP Suite, Mall of the Emirates
When: September 19–30
Access: Strictly VIP invite & pre-booking
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2. Watch a classic ballet at Dubai Opera
For theatre lovers, Dubai Opera’s all set with yet another performance of the season – Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Returning to Dubai after a completely sold-out run in 2023 that saw over 8,000 guests. It’s THE ballet, the most beloved and mesmerizing classic that millions keep revisiting.
Performed by the Hungarian National Ballet with the Hungarian National Opera Orchestra, this production follows a story of love, betrayal, and enchantment.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: September 25-28
Price: AED240-790
Ages: 6+
1. You’re invited to Mall Of Emirates’ Bday!
Mall of the Emirates is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style, and they’re doing it off the wall (literally). This Saturday head to the Fashion Dome for a dance performance that will tells you the mall’s story. Capturing two decades of being every resident’s go-to mall, with a classy performance. Sounds like a plan.
And that’s not it! While you’re there, don’t miss out on exclusive one-day offers across stores at the Mall of Emirates. Shopping, dancing, day-out, it’s going to be the ultimate birthday bash.
Where: Fashion Dome, Mall of the Emirates
When: September 20th, shows at 5pm & 6pm
Bonus: Exclusive offers at the stores (only on the day!)
Launching soon!
MEI: The New Asian spot where the vibe changes along with the day
Dubai’s dining scene just got a little spicier. MEI, the latest launch from SHI Hospitality Group, is officially opening at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam on October 1st and it’s serving more than just dinner.
By day, it’s your classic fine Asian dining experience with Chinese and Japanese influences. But when the clock hits 10pm, the vibe changes to darker lighting, live singers, DJs, and a late bars that rolls right into the night (doors stay open till 2AM btw).
Plus it’s a 120-seat terrace with Burj Al Arab views, the perfect spot to watch the entire day unfold.
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