Photo: @yasmine.zahran, Instagram

An average weekend in Dubai calls for a packed itinerary, especially when it comes to making up for those cancelled after-work plans with your favourite girlfriends. From catch-up drinks to refined lunches and everything in between, there’s never a shortage of things to do in the city, and we’ve done all the planning for you.

We bring you everything you need to know to spend the perfect weekend in Dubai, from a luxurious dinner at Le Guilan to poolside dips at Nikki Beach.

Enjoy Persian cuisine with a European touch

Overlooking panoramic views of the breathtaking Burj Khalifa, le Guilan introduces a refined expression of Persian dining to Dubai. Bringing the generosity and warmth of Persian hospitality, the new restaurant has opened its doors to bring together expressive flavours with a European touch. The flavours stay true to the taste of Persian cuisine, intertwined with European presentation that adds a unique touch. With an exquisite array of dishes that offer savoury flavours, brought to life in a contemporary expression – and a refreshing palette of drinks to add a cooling touch.

A Poolside Brunch at Nikki Beach

Give your Saturday afternoons a lively touch with Nikki Beach Dubai’s poolside brunch. Pairing exquisite culinary tastings with a refined pool and beachside experience – so you can seamlessly move throughout between luxurious tables, loungers and relaxing dips throughout the afternoon. From coastal starters to Mediterranean mains served alongside live entertainment and sea views, the spot brings everything you need for a perfect weekend in Dubai. The three-hour dining experience brings the opportunity to catch up with your favourite girlfriends, with a vibrant tone courtesy of the spot’s resident DJ. This weekend, enjoy a classic menu of coastal specialities, paired with relaxing hours by the poolside with a crafty cocktail in hand.

A luxurious afternoon at Gigi Rigolatto

The iconic restaurant Gigi Rigolatto brings an entire day of luxury to your weekend experience. With Italian classics mixed with a contemporary allure, the iconic spot celebrated its new season, Alla Grande. With a meaningfully curated menu, including signature dishes from the Seabream Carpaccio to handmade pasta including Pappardelle allo Zafferano and the Cacio e Pepe, enjoyed with sharing plates such at the Gamberi Provenzale. Further elevating the liveliness of the experience are the weekend’s rotating lineups of DJs, each bringing a unique sense of vibrancy throughout the experience. Spend the weekend housed within the restaurant’s opulent interiors and enjoy a curation of meaningful dishes brought to life by the spot’s lively atmosphere.

Reconnect with your artistic side

Most of us in Dubai have the same cafes on constant rotation – now, Casa Tasa enters the scene. Born in Abu Dhabi, the cafe concept brings local culinary techniques under one roof. Designed to be more that a cafe, the spot brings an array of local brand pop-ups alongside a sketching studio. With specially curated dishes including The Casa Tasa Special with Burrata, the ARC Signature Matcha, the Egg Bacon Chilli Crunch and more. Encompassed by interiors of hand-painted murals to further enhance the artistic experience. Newly opened in Dubai, the spot acts as more than a cafe space, but a creative hub centred on helping guests reconnect with their artistic side.

Put your costumes on for the night

As the Halloween season starts to take over Dubai, Coya celebrated the holiday with its own Halloween party. Bringing together haunting entertainment and inviting guests to step into a world of mystery, as the luxurious spot puts on a mask specially for the night. From haunting entertainment to uniquely crafted cocktails and a lively curation of songs courtesy of the band Arkadyan Music, setting the tone. This weekend, your Halloween plans involve getting into costume with your favourite girlfriends and enjoying a night of mystery, intrigue and a crafty menu of cocktails.

A Saturday brunch, but in the evening

Celebrating its one-year anniversary, MEI at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam introduces its Saturday night brunch. Bringing together a unique mix of Japanese and Chinese cuisine, the restaurant brings live singers and entertainment to set the tone throughout the evening. With a range of classic dishes, from dim sum, sushi, sashimi and more to choose from – alongside the company of sparkling champagne to celebrate the night. This weekend, spend your Saturday evenings gathering your community for an entire evening of refined cuisine and a lively ambience.

An outdoor movie-going experience

As the weather in Dubai starts to cool, VOX MOONLIGHT brings its movie-watching experience back outdoors. Enjoy watching the most anticipated new releases on the silver screen with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. The open-air cinema experience brings cosy bean bags, loungers and private cabanas. Alongside a flavourful on-site menu with sushi, burgers and hot dogs, alongside all of your favourite cinema snacks. The rooftop cinema experience is the perfect opportunity to gather your favourite girlfriends and unwind with a film that has been on your movie-going itinerary for ages. Bringing a filmography that spans Hollywood, Bollywood and Arab cinema.

The Dubai fitness challenge

Making its return for the tenth year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge makes its return on Sunday 31st of October. As the season cools, life in Dubai returns to the outdoors – and with it comes one of the city’s most beloved traditions. Going on until November 29, the challenge features a range of fitness activities, from Dubai bike rides to the beloved Dubai runs. Making it the perfect opportunity to catch up with your favourite workout buddies and reconnect with Dubai’s overflowing fitness and wellness community. The challenge opens this Sunday on November 1 with the cycling tracks, set amongst the city’s roads.

Reconnect with Dubai’s cinema-going community

Iconic art house Cinema Akil brings its movie-going experience back to the luxurious setting of 25 Hours Hotel. The open cinema concept brings the opportunity to bond with Dubai’s rich community of cinema lovers, with a menu of films that spans across beloved Hollywood and animated classics, and an array of Arab cinema’s cinematic classics. Plus, the cinematic experience comes with the opportunity to watch classic movies with exquisitely made noodles – bringing a unique take on cinema snacks, fitting for the unique experience. This weekend, enjoy a feeling that resonates with watching a film from the comfort of our own home, blended with the experience of meeting an entirely new community against the gentle breeze of Dubai’s outdoors.