Photo: @tialineker, Instagram

Summer’s in full swing, and with a long weekend on the horizon, your plans deserve an upgrade.

From serene poolside afternoons and Mediterranean-inspired long lunches to a little self-care time, this GRAZIA weekend guide has your long weekend sorted.

Transport yourself to a new era

Perched high above DIFC, 1920 is one of those hidden gems that feels like you’ve stepped straight into The Great Gatsby, minus the drama. Inspired by the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, this cocktail lounge brings together old-school elegance, Art Deco interiors, and some of the best skyline views in Dubai. It’s the kind of place where you sip beautifully crafted cocktails – think crisp spritzes, rare champagnes, and vintage-style classics. The menu is playful but refined, with small bites like truffle croque monsieur, oysters, and luxe little canapés that are perfect for grazing between drinks. As the night rolls in, the space fills with live music, DJ sets, and that effortlessly cool energy Dubai’s after-dark scene does so well. If you love your evenings with a touch of old-world charm, 1920 is worth knowing about.

Early morning Pilates SESSION

Nestled in the heart of Al Quoz, Brrn Barre is a boutique pilates studio that redefines the way we move, offering reformer classes and their signature hot cardio barre. Each class is designed to lengthen, tone, and transform. It’s where high energy meets exceptional form, and every pulse is felt. Whether you’re stepping into your strength or craving a quiet reset, Burn Barre is your space to move with purpose. You’ll leave feeling just a little more unstoppable.

Escape Dubai (without actually escaping Dubai)

If you’re not actually escaping Dubai, then a visit to MiMi Mei Fair may just scratch that itch. The famed London restaurant, now in Dubai, is inviting you on a culinary escape with MiMi’s Passport to Flavour – a four-course tasting menu paired with bespoke cocktails, launching June 1 for Dhs388 per person. Inspired by the travels of the ever-curious Empress MiMi, this dining experience captures the essence of four iconic destinations through vibrant flavours and playful pairings. From the floral elegance of Hong Kong to the spice-laden streets of Singapore, each course is a passport stamp of its own. Think crispy salt & pepper squid with a sake-lychee spritz, indulgent Peking duck bao balanced by a spicy tomato-chilli margarita, and bold chilli prawns offset with a zingy shochu martini. Whether you’re after flavour, fun or a little fantasy, MiMi’s Passport to Flavour is your ticket to travel without leaving Dubai.

Pamper yourself

This long weekend, why not take a little moment for yourself? And GRAZIA has just the place to do it. Tucked inside Atlantis The Royal, ALKEMY Salon is where luxury meets intention. Billed as the world’s first independent carbon-neutral salon, ALKEMY blends sustainability, spiritual rituals, and expert treatments into one seamless, soul-soothing experience. From the moment you take your seat, the vibe shifts: a cleansing scent sets the tone, tensions begin to melt, and you feel held – energetically and physically. Their signature Caviar Treatment & Blow Out is indulgent, while the Cold Hair Glow & Blow Dry gives that effortless shine. Whether you’re after high-glam or a pared-back refresh, the team is highly intuitive and happy to tailor your session to suit your mood. The treatment finishes with a grounding Palo Santo ritual, so you leave with good hair and good energy.

cocktail hour at Sexy Fish

From Mayfair to Miami, Sexy Fish is known for its bold flavours, boundary-pushing design, and a healthy dose of fun. To celebrate a decade of Sexy Fish, the brand unveils its new cocktail menu, simply titled ‘X’. Launching worldwide on June 27, X will be a global toast to ten years of flair, flavour, and fearless creativity. What to expect: twenty drinks, half cocktails, half mocktails. Each drink draws inspiration from the cultures, collaborations, and iconic moments that have shaped Sexy Fish over the last 10 years, delivering a collection that is as visually stunning as it is complex in flavour. Expect showstoppers like Miso Thirsty, a rich whiskey served with miso, plum, and sesame (a sultry wink at the brand’s famed Japanese whisky collection), or super Magic Monkey, an energetic remix of citrus, gochujang, and coconut, straight from the 2019 archives, Shanghai-style.

DANCE AND DINE AT SUSHISAMBA

SUSHISAMBA dubai
Photo: Supplied

Perched on the 51st floor of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, SUSHISAMBA is where Japanese precision, Brazilian fire, and Peruvian soul collide. By day, it’s all about sky-high indulgence: the Vivo Lunch serves up miso-kissed salmon tiradito and buttery black cod with Dubai’s jaw-dropping skyline as your backdrop, Monday–Friday 12-3pm and Saturdays and Sundays 1-3.30pm. But save your energy for Friday night – when LOUCO unleashes the jungle. Dine. Dance. Repeat. This is your long weekend playbook in the clouds.

SWEeT TREATS AND SELF-CARE

This weekend, satisfy your sweet tooth and your skincare obsession at Touchland and Home Bakery’s collab pop-up – where limited-edition push pops (think: creamy Coconut Mango, fruity Vanilla Berries, and floral Rose Lychee) meet Touchland’s must-have sanitizers (now at Sephora, FYI). Snag Instagram-worthy treats, stock up on the region’s first Touchland drops, and soak up the playful baqala vibes. Al Wasl & Barsha, June 23–July 7.

FRIDAY NIGHT BRUNCH AT Eva Beach

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Eva Beach Club has introduced a new experience, a Friday evening brunch, an elevated gathering set against the shimmering backdrop of Palm Jumeirah. From 8 PM to 11 PM, expect curated flavours, soulful ambiance, and sea-kissed sophistication to meet. Eva isn’t just a venue, she’s a feeling. Rooted in Mediterranean charm and wrapped in understated elegance, enjoy a sharing-style menu crafted with intention. Whether you’re easing into the weekend or celebrating with friends, it’s one not to miss.

A TREAT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SKIN

Photo: @albahri_healthcare, Instagram

Fayy Health, tucked away in the World Trade Centre, offers all things health, wellness, and beauty. Modern, futuristic, and seriously chic, choose between an array of treatments that are designed for all-over restoration, from aesthetics and dermatology to IV drips and much more. We all need a refresh and reset, so make the most of the long weeks and book yourself a treat.

DINE AT Clay dubai

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CLAY Dubai is bringing a bold and beautiful tribute to Peru’s national dish, Ceviche, with a limited-edition menu from June 27th to July 6th. Experience three unique ceviche creations, each inspired by a different region of Peru: the Coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. Expect bold flavours which take you on a journey through Peru’s landscapes, infused with Japanese and Peruvian flavours

Aesthetic Mornings at the Meld concept

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At GRAZIA, we always start the weekend with a serene coffee spot. Thankfully, there’s a new spot to explore in Jumeirah. Known for its clean girl aesthetics and cozy interiors, The Meld Concept store is a space to discover design, culture, and art. By bringing together creators and the community,  discover three different brands that come together seamlessly. Enjoy the flavour of perfectly roasted coffee while exploring every other corner the space has to offer.

Catch golden hour at Banyan tree

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After a long week at work, it’s time to unwind, and what better way than a pool day that feels like a mini escape? The Banyan Tree Dubai is the definition of low-key luxe. Whether you’re lounging poolside or soaking up the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf, this is how you do a summer beach day in style. Enjoy Mediterranean bites, chic cabanas, and the kind of sunset that demands a picture. It’s time to slow down and unwind beneath the sun.

Indulge IN Niri’s tasting menu 

Photo: @niriabudhabi, Instagram

Over this long weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to travel down to the capital and immerse yourself in NIRI’s new tasting menu. Expect a journey through Japanese flavours – simple, honest, and sustainably minded. The menu includes dishes like Miso Shiru, a selection of yakitori and sushi, grilled sea bream, with it all ends with the restaurant’s signature Kinako Pistachio Cheesecake.  Enjoy a flavourful dinner while sat overlooking the serene beaches of Saadiyat. 

escape the heat at CINEMA AKIL

Photo: @cinemaakil, Instagram

Escaping the summer heat? No day out in Alserkal is complete without stopping off at Cinema Akil. Tucked within the city’s coolest creative hub, it’s where theatre and film, and culture go together seamlessly, from thought-provoking films like To A Land Unknown to gems that you would never get to see anywhere else. It’s the perfect cultural cool down.

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