Weekend Guide November 28 to December 2, 2025
Photo: @karenwazen Instagram

It’s the UAE national day, and that means it’s a long weekend! If you didn’t manage to book an escape for the days off, don’t worry, Dubai, as always, has plenty to offer.

Of course, GRAZIA has your ultimate guide to make the most of the mini break while staying in the city.

Celebrate 54th Eid Al Etihad at Gerbou

Photo: Supplied

Gerbou is Dubai’s go-to spot for Emirati food, reimagined. Think Turkish eggs, date and burrata on sourdough, prawn zaatar, mansaf, and many more dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Fwala, an exquisite Emirati high-tea experience, Gerbou is the place to embrace local dishes and traditions with a twist. Reflecting a deep connection to the UAE, its history, culture, and people, visit Gerbou this weekend for the ultimate flavourful national-day feast, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients.

Saturday steps

Spartan Run Club
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Is there a better or more wholesome way to kick off the weekend than a sunrise 5k along the beach track, followed by a perfectly roasted flat white with your girlfriends? No, we didn’t think so either. This Saturday, you’ll find the GRAZIA team at the Spartan X Warehouse Gym Rub Club at Kite Beach – it’s totally free to attend, you just have to be outside Common Grounds before 6:30am. And if this cooler weather has you fully in your fitness era, Spartan has offered GRAZIA readers 20% off the next trail run at Mushrif Park on 6 December. Just use GRAZIA20 at checkout on arabia.spartan.com.

Relax at the Serenity Spa by Sisley

Serenity by Sisley Paris
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Serenity by Sisley Paris, marks the first spa of Sisley’s Maison in the UAE. Located at the W Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, the spa embodies Sisley’s philosophy of beauty, rooted in precision and nature. With eleven calming private treatment rooms, this long weekend is calling for a little bit of self-care time at Serenity. Relax and unwind with any of their thoughtfully curated massages, facials, and body rituals. They even offer a dedicated Hair Rituel space for their scalp and hair treatments. Visit the spa this weekend for a wellness experience that feels personal yet quietly luxurious.

Try the new menu at Brunch & Cake

Brunch and Cake - Under the Tree
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Brunch & Cake have just reopened their garden escape, Under the Tree, and are inviting guests back to enjoy serene alfresco dining under the natural canopy at the Address Montgomerie. Surrounded by golf course and Dubai Marina skyline views, this garden feels like an escape from the busy city: the perfect lunch or dinner getaway this long weekend. Not only can you enjoy the fresh air, but also Brunch & Cake’s refreshed menu available across all of their UAE locations, featuring 25 new dishes, including Chicken and Mushroom Vol au Ven, Mushroom Arancini, and much more.

Kai Beach Unveils the Kai Beach Rituals

If you’re in Abu Dhabi, Kai Beach on Saadiyat Island, is returning with its Kai Beach Rituals for a second and third edition. The second edition will be held on November 29 and the third edition on December 13th from 4pm onwards. For both editions, Lululemon will be bringing the Wanna Pilates team to conduct yoga sessions, while Deep Reset will host breathwork sessions. Take up the short drive to Abu Dhabi, for the ultimate wellness experience to celebrate this national day and make the most out of the long weekend.

Lucia’s Reopens at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Lucia's at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
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Lucia’s has now reopened at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. With views overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab, Lucia is offering their beloved Italian dishes with a refreshed design and elevated ambience. Their authentic Italian coastal cuisine, created by Chef Andrea Zurru, is sure to leave you astonished. Book your table for this national day long weekend for the feeling of being at the Italian coast, while staying in the UAE.

Visit the Newly Opened Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

Photo: @nhm_abudhabi Instagram

Just a short drive away from Dubai, this long weekend is the perfect time to visit the newly opened Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi. On November 22nd, the museum officially opened its doors to the public. Located at the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Natural History Museum is the ideal escape this National Day for science lovers and nerds. A blend of stunning architecture on the outside and fascinating scientific artefacts on the inside, visit the museum this weekend for a fun, but knowledgeable excursion. Nothing like the long weekend to make you that little bit smarter.

Visit the UAE Flag Garden

UAE Flag Garden
Photo: @dubaimediaoffice Instagram

Every year, thousands of UAE flags are lined up next to each other to create iconic images and symbols that can be seen from the sky. It marks one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks as part of the national day celebrations. This year marks the 12th year that they are setting up the flag garden at Umm Suqeim Beach, starting Friday, October 31st, and closing on Saturday, January 10th, 2026. A fun visit with the family, and a spectacular view with Burj Al Arab in the background.

Visit Casa Amor to Catch Some Rays

Photo: @casaamordubai Instagram

Known for their exclusive beach club in the French Riviera, Casa Amor brings its free-spirited ambience and Southern French cuisine to the Mandarin Oriental in Jumeirah. Opening for the first time last year, Casa Amor opens for it’s second season in the city. Use your days off this weekend to unwind at the beach, stick your toes in the sand and jump in the waves.  Enjoy Casa Amor’s signature blend of delicious food, music, mixology, and art, for Dhs300 on Monday to Thursday, and Dhs400 Friday to Sunday.

Immerse yourself in ‘fertile dreams’ at Tabari ArtSpace

Fertile Dreams at Tabari Artspace
Photo: @tabariartspace Instagram

Located in DIFC, Tabari Artspace is a contemporary gallery that champions artistic talent from across the MENA region. On November 10, it opened its doors to Fertile Dreams, a new group exhibition that brings together regional artists in a thoughtful exploration of fertility as “a generative force tied to questions of origin, transformation, and the cycles that govern land and self.” Running until January 2, it’s the perfect cultural stop for this long weekend. Visit the exhibition to immerse yourself in thought-provoking works, then round off the outing with dinner at one of the neighbourhood’s beloved restaurants, Le Petite Maison, Gaia, and others just around the corner.

Discover Orme Osteria: Dubai’s New Italian Escape

Orme Osteria
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Located at the Palace Dubai Creek Harbour, Orme Osteria is your new go-to spot for seaside dining and the ideal spot to indulge this long weekend. With authentic Italian flavours and refined Dubai hospitality, this dining spot is where the sun-dappled coasts of Italy meet Dubai’s modern sophistication. With harbor views and a soft Mediterranean-inspired palette, this restaurant offers quiet sophistication, endless flavour and a sense of togetherness. Serving Italian classics including Burrata Puliegese, Arancini Siciliani, Ossobuco alla Milanese, and much more, this osteria offers the perfect harmony between soft and bold. Orme Osteria is open daily for lunch from 12:30pm and for dinner from 6:30pm onwards.