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There are two ways to spend August in the UAE: waiting for the temperature to dip, or making the most of everything the season has to offer. We recommend the latter. From last-minute staycations and cultural exhibitions to chic new store openings and local celebrations, there’s plenty to fill your calendar before the season shifts.
Here, we round up the experiences worth adding to your agenda this month.
DINE IN THE DUNES
Here’s a reason to make the drive to RAK: Zuma has extended its desert pop-up at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for another year. And it is the perfect excuse to book a staycation while you’re there. Spend the day in your private pool villa, watching gazelles roam across the dunes, before dressing up for an evening of Zuma’s signature modern Japanese izakaya cuisine. The pop-up spans two levels, with a rooftop terrace for sunset drinks and uninterrupted desert views, plus a main restaurant that opens directly onto the sand. As night falls, fire pits glow beneath the stars and you may even spot camels or gazelles passing by as you dine on sushi, miso black cod and the wagyu dreams were made of.
BOOK THE ULTIMATE SPA DAY
If you want to feel your best from the inside out, the spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah is where it’s at. And this summer, they’ve curated a line-up of wellness experiences that go beyond the usual – whether you’re after a proper glow-up, a full-body reset, or just some serious downtime. The Beauty Day Retreat is a total treat: book any 90-minute facial and you’ll get a complimentary 60-minute body massage to double down on the relaxation, plus access to the spa, fitness facilities, pool, and beach. For something more intensive, the Sculpt & Reshape Series combines 10 ICOONE body treatments, four Precision Lift Face add-ons, and four Iyashi Dome infrared sessions – ideal for pre-travel prep or post-travel recovery. And for a deeper detox? The Iyashi Dome is where it’s at: Japanese infrared technology that supports circulation, metabolism, and overall wellbeing. Prices start from AED 1,575.
Take in a Mexican Art Exhibition
For this month’s dose of culture, step into the world of Earthbound Spirits at Isola Space — an immersive exhibition celebrating Mexico’s rich artistic heritage through the lens of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Bringing together handcrafted ceramics, carved wood, textiles and collectible design pieces from master artisans, the exhibition traces the deep connection between nature, mythology and material, inviting visitors into the stories and techniques passed down through generations of Mexican makers.
Pair Wagyu With Whisky At Sutēki
For one night only, Sutēki is bringing together two Japanese heavyweights: wagyu and whisky. Taking place on Friday, August 14, The Nikka Wagyu Experience is an intimate four-course dinner built around the restaurant’s signature Japanese cooking, with each dish paired with a different expression from NIKKA Whisky. Expect exceptional wagyu, considered pairings and a more immersive take on dinner than your usual Friday-night reservation. There are just two seatings, at 7pm and 9pm, with limited places available. So book – fast.
Taste Summer at Commodore Club
With its relaxed marina setting, all-day breakfast until 6pm and elevated comfort food, Commodore Club at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the kind of place you can easily lose an afternoon to. This summer, it’s introduced a limited-edition menu that sits alongside the classics, with fresh seasonal dishes changing each month so there’s always something new to try. Think chilled Tomato Gazpacho, Watermelon Ceviche and a Fish & Chips Burger that puts a playful spin on the British classic, all served with those dreamy marina views. And whatever you do, leave room for the tiramisu or sharing Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream – you won’t regret it.
Find Your Reset
Nestled in Dubai’s One Central, this gorgeous sanctuary offers a science-led approach to wellbeing that actually fits into modern life. The Summer Reset Membership (AED 2,950 for three months) gives you unlimited access to their NovoTHOR Red Light Therapy – one of the most advanced systems for cellular recovery – plus priority booking, member pricing on IHHT (where you breathe alternating cycles of low-oxygen and high-oxygen air through a mask while snuggling under a weighted blanket and listening to sound meditation), and access to their adaptogen-infused Brain Bar. The Daily Reset Membership (AED 1,250 per month) includes a daily adaptogen-infused organic coffee or blend, member rates on IHHT, and access to community events. The space is stunning, the therapies are genuinely effective, and those adaptogen coffees are chef’s kiss.
SPRITZ YOUR WAY THROUGH SUMMER
ICD Brookfield Place is serving up the summer energy we all need right now. Every Thursday, The Space on Level 1 transforms into Summer Spritzers, with cocktails, live music, games and a different restaurant takeover each week. Il Gattopardo takes over on August 6, followed by Josette on August 13, with everything kicking off from 6pm. Whether you’re there for a post-work drink, a game of pickleball or just the Aperol station – just us? – this is where you’ll want to be.
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea
When the Dubai heat calls for a slower pace, settle into an afternoon of refined indulgence at Peacock Alley DIFC. Located within the Waldorf Astoria, this elegant lounge invites guests to experience its signature “Meet Me At The Clock” Afternoon Tea — a sophisticated ritual of delicate bites, fine teas and beautifully crafted pastries. With timeless interiors and a calm atmosphere, it’s the ideal setting for catching up with friends, marking a special moment, or simply embracing a little mid-afternoon luxury.
SWIM UNDER THE STARS
Every Friday, Nobu by the Beach – the brand’s first-ever pool and beach club – turns into a moonlit playground at Atlantis The Royal. Think lagoon pool dips beneath the stars, cocktails in hand and the Skyblaze Fountain show lighting up the night, all with Atlantis The Royal as the backdrop. From Dhs250, fully redeemable on food and drinks, you can claim a sun lounger for the evening and graze on Nobu favourites including Yellowtail Jalapeño, Black Cod Butter Lettuce and Rock Shrimp Tempura between swims. Fancy making it even more special? Poolside day beds for two start at Dhs600, also fully redeemable. We can’t think of a better way to cool off this summer.
Sip Your Way Through Japan
The Library Bar at The Abu Dhabi EDITION just got a whole lot more interesting. The intimate cocktail den has unveiled a new manga-inspired menu from Head of Mixology Ryan Remulta, and it’s every bit as creative as it sounds. Think bold visuals, vivid characters and cocktails that tell a story – each one a chapter in Ryan’s sensory journey through Japan. The Geisha brings tequila, green melon and gyokuro tea together with yuzu and grapefruit, while the A5 is a floral, citrus-forward number with Roku Gin and sakura vermouth. The Natsuyami? Ketel One, yuzu sake, sparkling sake, nitro apple and pomegranate, served with theatrical flair. There’s even a matcha-based cocktail for anyone firmly in their matcha era. You’ll want to try everything, ideally from a velvet stool in the bar’s dimly lit, impossibly chic space.
Attend a Beauty Pop Up
IT GIRL UAE brings its signature girl-powered pop-up to Nad Al Sheba Mall this August — the perfect excuse to gather your favourite girls and spend an afternoon browsing curated beauty edits, discovering local brands and uncovering your next must-have product. Expect a vibrant atmosphere packed with everything that makes Dubai’s beauty scene so exciting, from fresh launches and independent labels to no shortage of picture-perfect moments.
unleash your competitive side
For a playful break from your summer routine, XU has partnered with Paris Society Entertainment to host a midweek games night and a lively weekend karaoke afternoon. Whether you’re ready to take centre stage with your favourite songs or challenge friends to a little friendly competition, these evenings are made for gathering your crew. Expect a stylish setting, buzzy atmosphere and plenty of laughs, all paired with Asian-inspired sharing plates.
Escape for an Offline Weekend
If there’s one thing the UAE does exceptionally well, it’s the art of the staycation. We recommend the luxury private desert experience at Al Maha for a weekend of sophisticated solitude and a genuine digital detox. Set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha offers a refined take on desert living — spot Arabian wildlife, explore the dunes on a guided excursion, or simply unwind poolside as the desert stretches endlessly around you.
Try A Limited-Edition Summer Drink
Four new summer sips have landed at Novikov café in Dubai Mall for the perfect Instagram moment. Priced at Dhs65 each, the beverages layer textures, colours and flavours. For coffee lovers, choose from the Tropical Noir for a burst of mango or the Espresso Tonic for instant rejuvenation. Matcha fanatics must try the Strawberry Matcha with coconut milk. And for those who want something out of the ordinary, try the Blue Cloud – coconut water, lime juice, blue curaçao and blue cream.
Celebrate Emirati Women’s Month
Now that HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak has extended the occasion, take time to honour the achievements, creativity and contributions of women across the UAE. Throughout the month, explore the stories of inspiring Emirati women, support local female-led businesses, and discover the exhibitions, workshops and cultural events celebrating their voices and accomplishments.
HAVE A SNOW DAY
Yes, you read that right. When Dubai’s summer heat gets too much, swap it for snow boots, chairlifts and sub-zero temperatures at Ski Dubai. Available until August 23, the Summer Pass includes unlimited access to snow park rides and attractions, from tubing and tobogganing to the Mountain Thriller, plus unlimited chairlift rides, a meal at North 28, fleece gloves and locker rental. You can also choose one extra activity, whether that’s two Snow Bullet zip-line rides, a penguin encounter, a ski or snowboarding discovery lesson, or two hours on the slopes. Passes start from Dhs335, while the Summer Family Pass for four costs Dhs1,000. It’s the kind of winter wonderland escape that makes you forget it’s 40°C outside.
