With the UAE National Day long weekend just around the corner, you’ll no doubt want to make the most of some extra time off. From celebrations to staycations, this long weekend will be abundant with activities to help you make the most of your Dubai weekend. Whether you want to embark on a shopping spree or embrace the festivities, there are SO many options. GRAZIA brings another edition of the Dubai weekend guide: The long weekend edition.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES AT MOLI BY SHI
Not only is the newly opened Moli one of the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai (just look at that gorgeous golden light-up floor and those jasmine flower chandeliers) but it is also the place to go if you’re after fine dining Chinese cuisine. Step inside the captivating space inspired by traditional architectural elements of Chinese temples, complete with rich red textiles and sculptural Chinese art, and savour the most delicious dim sum, crispy Peking duck, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef and wasabi prawns imaginable. The menu has been created by Chef Li of SHI fame, which says it all. With a ladies night, weekend brunch and business lunch set to launch soon, you’ll need no excuse to keep coming back for more. Because yes, we’re still dreaming about those prawn har gow…
To reserve visit here.
shop FOR SHOES at Amina Muaddi’s first Middle East pop-up
Renowned designer Amina Muaddi is opening her first-ever pop-up in the Middle East in partnership with Ounass, and we’re clearing space on our shoe racks faster than you can say slingbacks. Taking place on December 1st. Shop, you can shop ’til you drop and give your credit card a good workout. From Middle Eastern exclusives to her iconic signature Begum pumps, there’s something for all your footwear needs, and then some.
Fouquet’s Pardon My Brunch
Dubai is a city that knows how to brunch. Pardon My Brunch, hosted by Fouquet’s, makes its debut on December 2nd and will run every Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM. Transporting guests to the stylish streets of Paris, it even boasts a brand-new band featuring a drummer, singer and saxophonist. The brunch features a delicious selection of the restaurant’s staple dishes together with a sharing concept. Wagyu beef carpaccio, creamy burrata, and delicious mushroom velouté are just a few of the starter options, while mains include pan-fried Omani prawns and roasted corn-fed chicken. Just be sure to save room for dessert. Apple tart and chocolate soufflé?
Prices start at Dhs250. To reserve call +971 4 525 5301 or email here.
Beach and Brunch at Koko Bay
Speaking of brunch, beach bar and restaurant Koko Bay is opening its boho-chic doors so you can unwind on a sun lounger, savour European-Asian tapas and sip on cocktails from 10am to 6pm daily. Not forgetting the colourful brunch taking place on Sunday, December 3rd, with a DJ, live saxophonist and a bongo musician. The experience includes sharing appetizers, main courses and a delicious dessert platter. Even better? You can rest it all off on your sunlounger or in your cabana, as each beach bed booking is redeemable against the delicious food and refreshing beverages Every Sunday from 1pm until 4pm.
Prices start at Dhs250 per person for Beach Day. Prices start at Dhs300 per person for Koko Loco Brunch. To reserve visit here
Celebrate National Day under the Stars at Aura Skypool
During this National Day weekend, you can take part in a UAE National Day Swim. Enjoy a revitalising dip in AURA’s temperature-controlled pool while admiring the city’s skyline from 210 metres above the ground. Enjoying expansive views of Dubai and its most recognisable structures, such as the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai, where you’ll undoubtedly have the best front-row seats to take in all the festivities and fireworks. Along with exciting live entertainment, signature beverages and delicious Pan-Asian food created by Executive Chef Craig Best, guests can enjoy relaxing on the most comfortable daybeds.
Prices start at Dhs250 per person. To reserve visit here.
Step into the golden age of jazz with 42 Midtown’s “The Cotton Club Brunch”
Every Saturday, 42 Midtown, the brand-new eatery at Zabeel House the Greens, is thrilled to host visitors for their brand-new Cotton Club Brunch. Within the nostalgic atmosphere of a jazz club, 42 Midtown promises to be a melting pot of flavours in the centre of one of Dubai’s liveliest neighbourhoods. The menu features a sharing-style selection of appetizers, artisanal wood-fired pizzas, signature main courses and decadent desserts, all of which are enhanced by lively live music, a signature Negroni fountain and endless cocktails. Every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.
Prices start from Dhs285. To reserve visit here or call +971 4 519 1111
Explore a hidden speakeasy at Moonshine DIFC
Dubai’s underground speakeasy, Moonshine, promises to redefine Dubai’s nightlife. Guests are invited to experience a new world where refinement meets the unknown, hidden behind a mysterious green fridge door. Moonshine is supposed to be the hidden place where secrets are shared via the embrace of the night and beverages are poured in whispers. Each drink has been expertly crafted by a team of skilled mixologists with flair and precision. Plus, you can savour expertly matched appetizers and snacks from a menu created by Chef Riad. As night falls, Moonshine comes alive with the sounds of an incredible lineup of DJs, transforming the space into a popular late-night destination for partygoers. From 6pm to 12am on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. From 6pm to 3am on Thursday to Saturday.
For more information call +971 52 450 775 or visit here
STAYCATION AT PARK HYATT DUBAI
Craving a staycation? Enjoy an amazing stay at Park Hyatt Dubai and a special 20% discount available to World Hyatt members through December 2nd, as the UAE prepares to celebrate its 52nd anniversary. Breakfast at Brasserie Du Park or Lakeview, enjoy lunch at Boardwalk or indulge in the famous Traiteur brunch and a sip on a sundowner at NOÉPE. There are so many options available for dinner, such as QD’s, Asado Nights, The Thai Kitchen and The Cinnamon Club, all of which boast stunning views of the marina. The quiet lagoon beach at Twiggy is the perfect place if you’d rather have some peace while soaking up some rays.
For bookings call +971 4 602 1000 or visit here
SHOP the L’AFSHAR X LEVEL POP-UP
Get ahead of your holiday season shopping this Dubai weekend. Lilian Afshar, Founder and Creative Director of Dubai-based brand L’AFSHAR, will be showcasing exclusive products for UAE National Day as well as a range from her FW23 and core collections at Level in Dubai Mall. The capsule collection is available at the Personal Shopping Suite, Level Shoes, The Dubai Mall from November 28th to December 3rd from 12-8pm. Products you can exclusively shop include the Mini Leon Crushed Ice with Crystal handles bag. Run don’t walk.
