Concerts, cocktails and culinary collabs await.
The last weekend in May is here, and whilst the mercury is rising, there's still plenty of time for fun in the sun. Read on for our picks of the best things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Friday 26 May 2023
Show your Side Hustle
Prepare for an electrifying evening at Library Bar inside The Abu Dhabi EDITION as Side Hustle and their talented head of bars, Vasile Dorofeev, take centre stage. Get ready to be captivated by a night filled with extraordinary libations, as this event showcases six crafted cocktails. For those seeking a culinary experience alongside the captivating beverages, Library Bar's menu offers beef sliders, beef tartar cones, chorizo croquettes and waygu skewers. Friday 26 May.
GO: Call 02 208 0000 for reservations and more information.
Participate in an ABBA-themed game of bingo
Bongo's Bingo is back for their last hurrah before the summer arrives, and this time it's a celebration of ABBA. Head down to Zero Gravity to sing and dance the night away to ABBA's hit tunes, and you could be in the with the chance of winning quirky prizes. Make sure you dress to impress as there will be a big prize for the best fancy dress. Friday 26 May, from 8pm. AED 150 per person.
GO: Visit www.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Dine on sumptuous seafood
Indulge in a culinary journey at Mermaid, perched gracefully on the pristine shores of Saadiyat Beach. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the opulence of this fine-dining sanctuary, renowned for its mastery of Mediterranean seafood cuisine. With a panoramic vista that captures the essence of beachside luxury, Mermaid offers an extraordinary experience that will leave an indelible mark on your palate. Prepare to be enthralled as you embark on a voyage of flavour and elegance at this enchanting a la cartè seafood establishment at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island.
GO: Email dine-in.premiumsaadiyat@rixos.com or call 052 274 0020 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 27 May 2023
Tuck into a sunny Saturday BBQ
Conveniently located in JLT, UBK is known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and extensive drink menu. Kick back and enjoy the weekend vibes with BBQ favourites such as Cajun chicken, fish tacos, sirloin steak, and slow-roasted lamb, accompanied by live music from Lisa Goldin. The Beats Saturday Brunch occurs on Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 399 for two persons (including house beverages) and AED 499 for two persons (including sparkling beverages).
GO: Visit https://movenpick.accor.com or call 055 415 2623 for reservations and more information.
Attend a candlelight concert
Surrender to an enchanting musical journey as you enjoy the hits of Bruno Mars surrounded by candlelight. Prepare to be mesmerised as pianist Stanislav Fedyuk takes centre stage, captivating audiences with his spellbinding piano renditions of 24K Magic, Grenade and Uptown Funk. Set against the backdrop of flickering candles at Skylight inside Arjaan By Rotana, the atmosphere will be infused with a touch of magic. Saturday 27 May at 7:30pm.
GO: Visit https://feverup.com for tickets and more information.
Savour a Taste of SLS
SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences is gearing up to bring a new dining experience to the city with the arrival of Taste of SLS. Guests will embark on an immersive Italian experience at Fi'lia with pizza and bubbles. Next, diners will enjoy a selection of nigiri and sushi at S Bar before taking a trip to South America at Smoke & Mirrors. For those seeking a sophisticated dining experience, Carna offers the finest cuts of meat accompanied by music from Lebanese-Armenian musician Guy Manoukian. Saturday 27 May, from 7pm to midnight. AED 300 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages), AED 750 (premium beverages) and AED 4,000 (VIP package including a personalised steak knife from Carna, a cigar from Smoke & Mirrors, a one-night stay for two, and afternoon tea for two).
GO: Email slsdining.dubai@slshotels.com or call 04 607 0737 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 28 May 2023
Hit the beach
A restaurant, bar and beach like no other, Tagomago captures the feel, flavours and bohemian energy of the Balearics. Expect authentic Mediterranean flavours brought to the plate with a personal and contemporary twist, where a focus on the quality of ingredients weaves throughout the areas and offerings, from the authentic grill in the main restaurant to the signature paella, perfect for larger groups and lively gatherings.
GO: Email book@tagomago.ae or call 04 832 6620 for reservations and more information.
Secure your seat at Ossiano's latest collab
Continuing Grégoire Berger's 2023 lineup of culinary collaborations, the chef behind one Michelin star Ossiano will unite with one of Copenhagen's most exciting chefs, Eric Vildgaard of Jordnær. This remarkable collaboration will see guests indulge in an exquisite 10-wave menu entitled "Rødder." The dishes from Berger will include dry-aged duck, smoked leek, and foie gras, while Vildgaard's interpretations will comprise of Freya scallop, white asparagus and Limfjord lobster. Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May, from 7pm to 9:30pm. AED 1,500 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com or call 04 426 2626 for reservations and more information.
Visit Abu Dhabi's Lobster Festival
The FACT Award-winning Fishmarket Restaurant at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is hosting a lobster festival this month. Tuck into a selection of lobsters from Australia, Canada, Oman, Scotland and the USA prepared with a choice of tempting sauces. Whether grilled or steamed, this is one decadent dish you don't want to miss out on. Available daily until 31 May, from 12pm to 10:30pm.
GO: Call 800 423 463 for reservations and more information.
