Weekends in Dubai Aura Skypool
Photo: @alanaguymer Instagram

As the Eid Al Fitr long weekend begins on March 18, the UAE shifts into relaxation mode, with a curated mix of experiences across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

From fashion pop-ups and homegrown brands to book now, to standout dining destinations, beachside escapes and next-generation beauty and wellness treatments, there’s no shortage of ways to mark the break.

Whether you’re planning long lunches, last-minute plans or a slower reset, GRAZIA rounds up the best things to do across the UAE this Eid weekend – spanning fashion, food and beauty.

Staycation offers you can’t miss

Erth Abu Dhabi
Photo: GRAZIA

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, many of us will be staying closer to home, so it’s the time to take advatnage of the plethora of hotels across the country. Across the UAE, a new wave of staycation offers invites residents to rediscover the city through a different lens, from beachfront retreats and desert sanctuaries to skyline icons. See GRAZIA’s full edit here.

A special Mother’s Day moment

For a more intimate addition to the weekend, ROKA Dubai is offering a refined Mother’s Day dining experience within its signature robatayaki setting. On March 21, mothers dining at the restaurant will receive a complimentary dessert created exclusively for the occasion – a delicate raspberry and rose creation designed to celebrate the moment. Regardless, ROKA always offers a relaxing setting to indulge in the best Japanese cuisine in the emirate.

Shop local

Reina Bitarr sat with flowers
Photo @reinabitarr, Instagram

As Eid is a time for giving, why not give back to the community by shopping local? Across the UAE, there are a variety of independent brands just waiting to be discovered. From Heart Cottage Lane, offering thoughtfully curated home décor to High Life Dubai with bold, design-led accessories to Little Majlis, which celebrates Emirati heritage through elegant coffee cups, incense burners and keepsakes. Explore our full edit of homegrown brands here.

Redefining Facial Harmony

If you’re perhaps looking to invest in some ‘me’ time this weekend, why not opt for a beauty treatment (or two or three). One of GRAZIA’s go-to places is Zieda Aesthetic Clinic, which brings a more holistic approach to beauty in Dubai, centred around the concept of facial harmony. By combining dermatology, dental science and aesthetic medicine, treatments are designed with the face as a complete structure in mind. Each plan is tailored to balance proportions, enhance natural features and support long-term skin health.

Above it all

Aura Skypool
Photo: @auraskypool.dubai Instagram

Few places capture Dubai quite like AURA, and this Eid, the iconic skypool is offering residents even more reason to visit. With 50 per cent off pool bookings and 1,000 complimentary tickets released for Eid, it’s one of the most sought-after experiences of the weekend. Set high above the Palm with panoramic views, AURA blends atmosphere with exclusivity, always.

An Abu Dhabi reset

If your weekend calls for a more mindful pace, The Burn Room, located in the UAE’s capital, offers a wellness-led escape grounded in intentional movement. This Emirati female-founded concept combines Lagree training with Red Light Therapy, designed to support both physical strength and mental balance. The studio’s approach is calm and considered, creating a space where guests can slow down, reconnect and recharge. Ideal for those spending the long weekend in Abu Dhabi, it’s a restorative way to move through Eid.

Beach please

DRIFT Dubai-Best beach clubs
Courtesy of DRIFT Beach Dubai

For an elevated seaside escape, DRIFT Dubai continues to define refined coastal living this Eid. UAE residents can enjoy complimentary sun loungers alongside 20 per cent savings across dining and spa experiences, making it an effortless all-day destination. Start with the Breakfast Getaway before easing into poolside afternoons and sunset moments at the Sea Lounge. With its French-inspired cuisine, iconic infinity pool and uninterrupted marina views, DRIFT remains one of Dubai’s most polished beachfront settings.

Italian ease meets Dubai Harbour views

For a coastal escape without leaving the city, L’Amo Bistro del Mare brings Italian ease to Dubai Harbour. Pranzo A L’Amo offers a refined midday pause, while Cena Al Porto transforms evenings into a more intimate, elevated dining experience. Weekends centre around Brunch Al Porto, where free-flowing drinks and live entertainment capture the spirit of Italian indulgence. As golden hour approaches, the Aperitivo experience offers panoramic views paired with a curated selection of drinks — the perfect way to ease into the evening.

Rhythm meets ritual

Photo: Supplied

Eid celebrations take on a high-energy rhythm at SUSHISAMBA, where the spirit of SAMBA returns across two immersive evenings. Expect Brazilian dancers, live DJs and a vibrant dining experience blending Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours in one elevated setting. The momentum continues with the newly launched Vivo Lunch, perfect for refined daytime dining, while the return of the iconic Rio Brunch later in the month promises a dynamic afternoon of sushi, robata and live entertainment.

A fashionable pause

For something slower and more community-led, Endless is hosting a pop-up in Al Quoz that offers a different kind of weekend plan. Designed as a space to drop in, have a coffee, try pieces on and spend time without pressure, it feels intentionally relaxed. Set within Warehouse 52, the concept invites guests to pause, browse and reconnect in a low-key, thoughtfully designed environment.

A spicy Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, Sobremesa keeps things refreshingly simple – great food, good company and margaritas worth lingering over. Set in the heart of Souk Al Bahar, the offering invites guests to enjoy two hours of unlimited margaritas when ordering a main course and a spicy margarita. Expect a lively, easygoing atmosphere where afternoons effortlessly turn into evenings.

Coastal dining at its finest

Bâoli Dubai
Photo: @sunsethospitalitygroup Instagram

Bâoli Dubai brings a fresh energy to the Eid long weekend with a curated programme of dining, music and seaside moments. Running from March 19 to 22, guests can enjoy a special welcome drink for the first 50 ladies each day, alongside new privileges for UAE residents across pool, beach and dining experiences. The venue’s signature atmosphere continues with its evolving music-led programming, including resident DJs and the return of Bâoli Circle.

Invest in your skin

For those using the long weekend to invest in self-care, The Rebecca Treston Method offers a more advanced, results-driven approach to skin health. Built around layered laser and energy-based technologies, the method targets everything from texture and pigmentation to collagen regeneration and structural support. Designed as a long-term strategy rather than a quick fix, treatments are tailored to each individual with controlled downtime.

The Ultimate City Retreat

For those staying in Dubai this Eid, a collective of the city’s most distinguished hotels — including Kempinski Central Avenue, Kempinski The Boulevard, JW Marriott Hotel Marina, Hotel Boulevard and The Heritage Hotel — are offering exclusive UAE resident staycation packages. With up to 25 per cent off stays, complimentary breakfast and savings across dining and spa experiences, each property offers a different lens on the city, from Downtown’s retail and cultural heart to Dubai Marina’s waterfront energy. It’s an effortless way to reset, without ever leaving the city.