12 things to do in UAE this weekend: Painting, art and more

Looking for something to do? Here's our guide to spend your off days.

How to make the most of your Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Khaleej Times recommends...
Bella Italia
Tonight, indulge in a four-course authentic Italian set menu specially curated by the talented Chef Michele at Leonardo Dubai in the Marina. The Ill Grappolo dinner offers you an appetiser, soup, main course and mouthwatering dessert served from 7pm to 11pm for Dh249 per person. Che bella!
Paint well
Couqley French Bistro's Paint & Grape is on Saturday! Not only is the cozy eatery bringing back arty time, but they are centering it around Dutch impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. All levels, from novice to experienced artists, are welcome from 2.30pm. It's Dh390 for three hours of painting and a few drinks.
Evening fun
The spirit of the season has taken over the Museum of Illusions Dubai with a dedicated bill of post-Iftar activities. Step into the Upside Down Room, where you appear to be standing on the ceiling, or the Ames Room, which distorts your height to appear much taller or shorter. An adult ticket is Dh80. Take many pics!

Storytelling
Get in on a storytelling show for adults and children aged from six. Storyteller Layla Darwich, a Parisian of Lebanese origin, carries on her grandmother and father's performing tradition. On Saturday from 5.30pm Layla will tell stories of The Word Knitter at the Theatre of the Alliance Française Dubai. 
Café culture
How many hip cafes in Al Quoz can you name? We have at least five that spring to mind. Time to add another. You may know OliOli near Oasis Centre as a children's museum/ edutainment area, but you may not be aware of its La Petite Treehouse Café. It's a habitat of comfort, love and joy. Whether visiting OliOli's amusements or not, just head in and fuel the fun from 9am.
Matagi Mantra
If tonight's the night for a slice of something different, this is it! Running every Thursday, Matagi Mantra promises to bring a chic new energy to the weekend. They're offering you a playful yet glamorous invitation to unwind after a busy week of work. Join in the fun with this elegant party amplified with Asian flavours, elevated with the latest DJ tracks and enhanced mixology.  

Ripe Market
Beat the heat this summer season and visit the indoor Ripe Market at Dubai Festival City Mall at 10am till late on Fridays. The Ripe Market offers healthy food and artisanal crafts from local designers. Wander around the market stalls and enjoy the local retailers offering jewellery, fashion, accessories, kid's toys and home décor, as well as organic fruit and veggies, and freshly baked bread.
Smash power
The Smash Room is Dubai's safe sanctuary for you to relieve tension by smashing up rooms of stuff. They're offering a 20 per cent discount on smash packages throughout Ramadan between 9.30pm 12.30am, including the weekends. A percentage of the proceeds from smashing sessions will be donated to the refugees in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and Melltoo. The Smash Room is in Al Quoz and waiting for you.
Iftar for you to enjoy
The Loft
An iconic luxury Gold & Honey Iftar awaits you at The Loft at Dubai Opera, serving a variety of Khaleeji, Emirati and international favourites. Journey through various areas including a carving station, pide & pizza fired oven, and pasta & risotto counter. From Dhs265 per person.

Khyber, Dukes
In Khyber at Dukes, The Palm, the Mughal era meets modern views. The chefs have prepared a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including samosa chaat, juicy keema seekh kababs and roghan josh from Dh185 per person.

Saba Al Seef
Blending the best Arabic hospitality with a lavish selection of regional flavours, Saba'a at Al Seef Heritage Hotel offers an impeccable setting to embrace the spirit with hot and cold mezzes, rustic soups, Middle Eastern main courses and desserts for Dh145.

Coffee Club
If you've enjoyed Iftar and fancy something sweet, the team at The Coffee Club have concocted the Vimto Milk Cake served with a special Vimto flavoured sauce and embellished with edible décor for Dh39.

• UAE