This week, the UAE marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with a public holiday on Friday, August 28 – and with it, a well-earned long weekend across the Emirates.

In Dubai, a long weekend is never simply about time off. It’s a chance to reconnect with your community, hit reset, and gather your loved ones at the city’s chicest dining spots – the kind that fill your Instagram feed the next morning. And for those craving a slower pace, Dubai offers no shortage of places to pause, unwind and recharge.

Whether you’re after a stylish staycation, a new wellness sanctuary or a lavish sunset dinner against the glittering Dubai skyline, GRAZIA has you covered.

An artistic endeavour under the candlelight

A contemporary experience to get back in touch with your artistic side alongside a cosy ambience created by a candlelit dinner. Discover the art of wheel throwing under a softer light with Maison Terrae on Saturday evening from 8pm to 9pm. The evening will be centred around a Mediterranean-inspired sharing spread, with an assortment that blends sweet and savoury flavours. The session will be guided by a professional ceramist and is open to beginners, for Dhs290.

A beauty treat

A sanctuary space that focuses on aesthetic and emotional transformation – Leo Beauty Club brings you an elevated self-care routine. Often, it can be difficult to get back to your self-care routine amid the constant demands of the workweek. Spend the long weekend with a much-needed beauty touch-up with one of the city’s best hair salons. The premium spot has long been a go-to address for Dubai’s beauty enthusiasts. The salon follows a specialised Airtouch colour technique for naturally sun-kissed highlights, whilst focusing on giving you a luxurious experience beyond a blow-dry. It uses hair essentials and scents from Dolce & Gabbana, as well as an in-house ice cream bar. This weekend, treat yourself to a relaxing beauty touch-up with this essential beauty address.

A Sunday roast made for sharing

One of Britain’s most beloved traditions has made its way to Dubai with The Spaniel’s new Sharing Sunday Roast. Designed for long, leisurely afternoons, the experience brings a touch of tableside theatre alongside seriously generous portions. The feast features roast beef, roast chicken and slow-cooked lamb, served with all the classics, from rich gravy and creamy mashed potatoes to an array of comforting sides. It’s an unapologetically indulgent take on the traditional Sunday roast, made for sharing around the table.

A true Italian pizza

After being named Dubai’s Best Pizzeria for 2026, with renowned chef Roberto De Sario continuing to climb The World’s Best Pizza Chef rankings, FALCONE has unveiled its latest creation: the Pepperoncini Verdi Pizza. Celebrated for its world-class Neapolitan-style pizzas, the new addition brings a vibrant taste of Italy to Dubai, layering fior di latte, roasted green chilli and smoked scamorza for a beautifully balanced combination of creamy, smoky and bright flavours. Cooked in FALCONE’s wood-fired Pavesi oven, each pizza pays tribute to traditional Italian craftsmanship while allowing premium ingredients to take centre stage.

A Portuguese-style Sunday worth lingering over

Lana Lusa’s Lusa Brunch is made for slow Sundays by the water. Set along the Dubai Water Canal, the three-hour experience brings together Portuguese-inspired flavours, generous sharing plates and an easygoing atmosphere that encourages long lunches and even longer conversations. Running every Sunday between 12pm and 5pm, guests can choose from soft, house beverage or Champagne packages, making it an ideal pick for everything from a relaxed catch-up to a more indulgent weekend gathering.

Mimi Kakushi gives Saturdays a rosé-tinted twist

Mimi Kakushi is putting a playful spin on its signature weekend brunch with Rosé Saturdays, a seasonal collaboration with Roseblood. Taking place on select Saturdays throughout August, the experience pairs the restaurant’s much-loved Japanese-inspired brunch with complimentary free-flowing Roseblood rosé for House and Champagne guests. Expect live band entertainment, curated take-home gifts and a pink-inspired dress code, all adding an extra dose of theatre to an already lively Saturday afternoon.

A staycation at Atlantis The Palm

This weekend, get away from the cityscape to an iconic Dubai address with a staycation at Atlantis The Palm. Hit pause with luxurious pool and beachside views, with world-class dining at Nobu, Ossiano, Hakkasan and FZN by Björn Frantzén. Unwind under the shade of a cosy cabana beside a lagoon-style pool with a well-crafted cocktail. Spend the weekend in the luxurious interiors of this iconic spot, full of Instagram-worthy moments that will be filling up your feed.

Press Pause at Akari

Whether you’re in need of red-light therapy, IHHT treatment or to get back in touch with your inner balance, Akari Wellness has you covered. The renowned wellness spot brings a science-based outlook to Dubai’s wellness landscape. Giving your system a much-needed reset by giving your body what it needs. Plus, the sanctuary space offers a Brain Bar with nutrition-packed food and drinks that are as enjoyable as they are healthy.

A city staycay

Enjoy meaningful moments and hit pause alongside panoramic sky views at Mandarin Oriental Downtown. Restore balance with the rhythm of the city with this opulent getaway address. With exquisite dining spots — from a taste of traditional Hong Kong cuisine at Yù & Mì to exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Noia By The Pool. Spend the weekend unwinding at the hotel’s renowned spa, and rejuvenate your wellness routine with a much-needed detox.

MAKE A DATE FOR JOU JOU BRASSERIE

Not only is Jou Jou Brasserie one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve been to lately, but the food more than lives up to the setting. Tucked inside Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, the Mediterranean brasserie is made for long lunches that turn into dinner. Order a few plates for the table – the burrata, gambas al ajillo and fritto misto are all very good ideas – before moving on to the spaghettoni with tomato and stracciatella, herb-crusted lamb chops and Dove sole meuinere. Whatever you do, save room for the tiramisu. You’ll regret it if you don’t. There’s even more reason to go now: Jou Jou Social runs daily from 3pm to 7pm with cocktails, wine and Mediterranean small plates, while UAE residents receive 35 per cent off the à la carte food and beverage menu every Thursday with a valid Emirates ID.