Things to do this weekend in UAE: New menus, pop-ups, workshops and wellness experiences

If you’re looking to make the most of the weekend, the UAE has plenty in store — from new restaurant launches and innovative menus to immersive pop-ups, art-led gatherings, and wellness experiences that go beyond the usual. Whether you’re craving a fresh dining spot, hoping to unleash your creativity, or wanting to try something new for your mind and body, this week’s roundup brings together the most exciting things happening across Dubai and beyond. Here’s where to go, what to eat, and what not to miss.

Free self defence classes

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GymNation is introducing a unique Self-Defence Retreat this winter, offering a fresh take on wellness by combining fitness, mindfulness, and practical street-smart skills. Although Dubai is known for its safety, rising global conversations around personal security inspired the initiative, reframing self-defence as a confidence-building experience rather than a response to danger. Led by UAE expert Jason Woodham, the retreat empowers participants to feel stronger and more aware through hands-on sessions. Free and open to both residents and travellers, the programme runs every Saturday at 8am until December 20 at GymNation Al Quoz.

Try a new Greek restaurant

Son of a Fish, now open at Dubai Harbour’s new Harbour House district, introduces a fresh, modern take on Greek dining inspired by the Athenian Riviera. Created by AlphaMind, the concept blends laid-back Mediterranean lunches with lively after-dark energy, serving authentic Greek dishes with a contemporary twist, from fresh seafood to shareable mezze and signature beverages. The breezy, Aegean-inspired interiors feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a marina-facing terrace that shifts effortlessly from relaxed afternoons to music-driven evenings fuelled by Modern Aegean Electronica and live DJ sets. Positioned beside Bar du Port, it is the first homegrown restaurant in this new seafront hub, now open daily for lunch and dinner.

Indulge in a new wellness experience

Talise Spa at Jumeirah Beach Hotel has introduced its new wellness menu featuring Ground and Swissline ingredients, with the 90-minute Swiss Lifting Facial standing out as a results-driven highlight. Priced from Dh1,350, the treatment targets elasticity loss, wrinkles, sunspots, dehydration, and dullness using Swissline’s Cell Shock formulas enriched with Growth Factors and Peptides. Combining an active lifting massage with high-performance serums, it works across the face, neck, and décolleté to tone muscles, enhance moisture retention, and strengthen the skin’s structure, particularly beneficial for clients experiencing muscle weakness from long-term botulinum use. The new menu is built around three wellness pillars: Performance, offering advanced, results-oriented therapies; Empower, focusing on natural formulations and restorative techniques; and Intention, centred on mindful rest and personalised relaxation.

Indulge in authentic Aegean flavours

Meraki at Aloft Palm Jumeirah offers a lively Greek taverna experience with authentic Aegean flavours, warm hospitality, and a mix of indoor dining and terrace seating overlooking panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai’s skyline. The standout feature is its fresh seafood market, where guests can choose their catch and select the preparation style, from grilled and oven-baked to pasta, pizza, or traditional Greek peinirli. Complemented by storytelling-inspired cocktails, Greek wines, and sharing-style dishes, Meraki delivers a vibrant dining atmosphere on the East Crescent. Open daily from 2pm to 11pm, with complimentary valet.

A fresh Indian feast

Bombay Borough in DIFC unveils a vibrant new menu that reimagines Indian cuisine through a contemporary, globally inspired lens. The culinary journey begins with playful small plates like Froyo Papdi Chaat and Gondhoraj Chicken Puchka, followed by flavour-packed grills such as Recheado Prawns and Nihari Lamb Chops. Big plates showcase refined regional classics, from Truffle Methi Malai to coastal dishes like Crab Gassi and Clay-Baked Seabass, and desserts revisit nostalgic Indian flavours with modern flair.

Coffee and paint

Unwind from the rush of everyday life at the Coffee & Paint Evening on November 29, where guests can enjoy a relaxed, creative atmosphere filled with art, good food, and great company. Hosted at Uptown Social Café in JLT, the event welcomes all skill levels, with a guided artist from Little Strokes Academy helping participants create their own take-home masterpiece. It’s an easygoing, community-focused evening designed for anyone looking to try something new or simply enjoy a cosy night out. The session runs from 5pm to 8pm, with limited spots available; interested guests can DM the venue on Instagram for bookings and further details.

Lazy Brunch

Launching on November 29, the new Luma Pool Lounge Brunch invites guests to a refined weekend ritual at Address Creek Harbour, blending Mediterranean and Levantine influences with sweeping views of Dubai’s skyline. Set in a chic, open-air waterfront lounge framed by an infinity pool and golden sunset light, the experience features a curated set menu infused with Mediterranean flavours and subtle Asian notes, along with a mobile pasta station and live BBQ. Taking place every Saturday from 2pm to 5pm, the brunch is priced at Dh299 per person or Dh350 with beverages, offering a relaxed yet elegant afternoon escape. Booking is available via +971 4 275 8833.

Fashion, culture, and coffee pop-up

This November, tensplace brings fashion, culture, and community under one roof as it transforms Knot Bakehouse in Jumeirah into a fully branded immersive experience to celebrate the launch of Collection 2. For five days, visitors can explore new tones, along with updated vests and printed tees crafted from premium organic cotton. The takeover features live t-shirt printing by The Workshop DXB, daily DJ sets, complimentary coffee with every purchase, and a limited-edition pistachio kunafa chocolate created in collaboration with Knot Bakehouse. Running until November 30, 7am to 11pm.

Elevated Italian Dining

Orme Osteria, the newly opened Italian restaurant at Palace Dubai Creek Harbour, blends the warmth of Italy’s sunlit coastlines with Dubai’s contemporary elegance, offering a serene setting framed by harbour views, refined textures, and a soft Mediterranean-inspired palette. Named after the Italian word for “footsteps,” the restaurant takes diners on a journey through elevated classics, from Burrata Pugliese and Arancini Siciliani to handcrafted pastas like Rigatoni ai Funghi Porcini e Tartufo, followed by signature mains including Branzino alla Ligure and Ossobuco alla Milanese. Timeless desserts such as Tiramisù and Panna Cotta round out the menu, with dedicated dishes for younger guests ensuring a family-friendly experience. Open daily for lunch from 12.30pm and dinner from 6.30pm, Orme Osteria invites guests to reserve their table at +971 4 455 8870.

Brasserie Boulud Saturday Brunch

Brasserie Boulud at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk introduces its new Saturday brunch, featuring live chef stations, a jazz duo, and the signature “ring for oysters” experience. Guests can indulge in French classics such as Steak Tartare, Escargot, Filet de Boeuf Rossini, and Roulade de Sole au Caviar, finishing with desserts like Crêpes Suzette or Tarte Tatin. Families are welcome, with complimentary access to AstroKids Club for children aged 4–12. Brunch packages for adults start from Dh345 and Dh175 for kids. The brunch runs every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

Seasonal Bites and Brews

This season, Bruno’s Biergarten at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is serving up exclusive dining offers that bring together classic comfort food and refreshing brews. Guests can choose options starting from Dh99. Available daily from 5pm to 1am on the second floor, the experience is enhanced by live entertainment from Thursday to Saturday, a family-friendly policy allowing kids under six to dine free with an adult, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Reservations: 050 489 9436.

Try Ladurée’s Mythical Garden Collection

Ladurée unveils a limited-edition series of gift boxes inspired by the Garden of the Hesperides, reimagining Greek mythology through the intricate, delicately detailed illustrations of artist Daria Song. Conceived as collectible treasures, the boxes are available in various macaron and Eugénie sizes, as well as an opulent four-drawer podium box ideal for gifting or festive centrepieces. Prices range from Dh158 for a box of eight macarons to Dh1,129 for the podium box, with the collection available all day across Ladurée boutiques and cafés throughout the Middle East.

Laid-back coastal vibes

Bliss Lounge at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort offers one of JBR’s most beloved beachfront escapes, blending golden sunsets, laid-back coastal vibes, and upbeat nightlife in a relaxed yet lively setting. With beach-view dining, refreshing beverages, and smooth day-to-night transitions, guests can settle in for Happy Hours daily or join the popular Ladies’ Night every Thursday with two hours of unlimited house beverages for Dh99. Open from 12.30pm to 3am, with dinner served from 6pm to 11.30pm and family hours until 10pm (extended on weekends).

Live Music Nights

The Underground Pub at Al Habtoor Grand Resort blends classic British pub charm with a lively, modern atmosphere, offering guests the perfect setting for an evening out with expertly poured pints, crafted beverages, and hearty bites. Exposed brick walls, dark wood interiors, and cosy seating set the tone, while the Sydney & Rich Duo elevate the experience with energetic live performances that bring warmth and vibrancy to the space. With live entertainment running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 6:30 PM and Saturdays from 5:30 PM, the pub has become a go-to destination in JBR for music, socialising, and memorable nights. Reservations can be made at +971 4 408 4257.

Indian Sunday Brunch

Purani Dilli invites guests to elevate their Sundays with a vibrant Indian-themed brunch featuring an authentic buffet of fragrant biryanis, rich curries, and classic dishes that capture the essence of India’s culinary traditions. Paired with free-flowing beverages and set within a lively, welcoming atmosphere, the brunch offers a flavour-packed experience perfect for groups, families, or anyone looking to reinvigorate their weekend. Available every Sunday from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch is offered at two locations with prices starting at Dh119. For reservations, guests may contact +971 56 414 2213.

A refreshed French-Mediterranean menu

RSVP Dubai, the French-Mediterranean gem near Box Park, has unveiled a refreshed menu under the guidance of Executive Chef Alfredo Albergatore, blending the restaurant’s classic Parisian charm with modern culinary creativity. The updated offerings maintain favourites like Escargots, Truffle Pizza, and Poulet Piccata au Citron, while introducing new highlights such as Veal Rigatoni, Cordon Bleu, and Poulet aux Morilles. Guests can also enjoy a refined pâtisserie selection, including Chocolate Fondant, Crème Brûlée, and the Spectacolo di Gelato, alongside a seasonal Dubai Edition breakfast featuring Arabic-inspired dishes like Egg-Labneh Shakshuka. Recognised in Dubai’s Michelin Guide, RSVP continues to offer all-day dining with a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, blending French elegance with a welcoming neighbourhood spirit.

Khaleej Times Staff

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