Here’s how to make the most of the week ahead.
As we venture into the first week of May, culinary experiences are on the agenda. Read on for our picks of the best things to do in the UAE over the next seven days.
Monday 28 April
Unwind at FACT’s Spa of the Year 2025
At Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa, the service is spectacular. Spread over 3,000 square metres, the spa has 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and an indoor pool. The state-of-the-art treatments include Celliss (cellulite treatment), Gharieni Welnamis (vibrational therapy), Ko Bi Do Royal Regenerating Facial Massage and the MLX Quartz Bed for Psammo (hot sand) Therapy. Plus, there are VIP spa suites, traditional hammams, a fully equipped gym and a yoga studio. No wonder we awarded it as one of the best spas in the UAE at the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards UAE 2025.
GO: Visit www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com for more information.
Tuesday 29 April
Enjoy an evening of elevated jazz
Celebrate International Jazz Day at The St. Regis Bar, where the rich tones of world-class jazz meet the elegance of one of Abu Dhabi’s most refined settings. Acclaimed trio VNTG will take the stage, led by bassist and composer Rudo Pieterse, who worked with everyone from Alicia Keys to Beyoncé. Their smooth blend of jazz and soul promises an evening of reinvented classics and an à la carte menu of Prohibition-inspired cocktails and elevated tapas. Available on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, from 8pm to 11pm.
GO: Email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com or call 02 694 4553 for more information.
Wednesday 30 April
Experience a taste of Italy by the sea
The essence of coastal Italy is brought to life on the serene shores of Jumeirah Saadiyat Island at Mare Mare. This elegant seaside restaurant pays homage to Italian cuisine, blending time-honoured recipes with a touch of modern finesse. From hand-rolled pastas to fresh seafood, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and served against panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Thursday 1 May
Caffeinate at Kurasu
Dubai is home to cool coffee shops, from homegrown concepts to international brands. Now, Kurasu has made its way from Kyoto in Japan to Dar Wasl Mall in the UAE. Kurasu comes from the Japanese words “to live” and “lifestyle.” In 2013, the brand first started as an online homeware shop in Kyoto, and now guests can try high-quality coffee and immerse themselves in a new culture and coffee community. In Dubai, queues are already forming for the hip hangout.
GO: Visit https://kurasu.kyoto for more information.
Friday 2 May
Party with Sigala at Barasti
Sunset, sand, and serious beats combine at Barasti Beach this weekend with a headline performance from Sigala. From chart-toppers like Easy Love and Sweet Lovin’ to his signature feel-good house anthems, Sigala will light up the shoreline with a high-octane set under the stars. Friday, 2 May from 6pm. AED 75 (entry and one beverage) or AED 295 (three hours of beverages and a bite).
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Saturday 3 May
Have brunch by the beach
Dubai’s boutique coastal gem Kaimana at J1 Beach has launched a new brunch in collaboration with the legendary party curators at Candypants. You can expect a Pan-Asian menu, handcrafted cocktails, and superb sea views set to the rhythm of live music. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 4:30pm. Packages from AED 425.
GO: Call 04 243 3555 for more information.
Sunday 4 May
Hit the sand at Sirene by Gaia
If it’s good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it’s good enough for us! Winner of ‘Favourite Beach Club in Dubai’ at the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards UAE 2025, Sirene Beach by GAIA offers a luxurious coastal retreat at J1 Beach. Billed as the world’s biggest beach club, the venue from Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani features a 400-seat restaurant, 300 beachfront sunbeds, and exclusive private cabanas. Unwind to beats from the resident DJ or dine on a menu of GAIA’s signature classics, like Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yoghurt, alongside new creations such as Rooster Pasta, Sirene Dakos, and a decadent Caviar and Oyster experience.
GO: Visit https://sirenebeach.com for more information.
