Will it be brunch, a party or a pool day this weekend?
The second weekend in May is upon us, and we’re recommending brunches, pool parties and Sunday soirées. Read on for our picks of the best things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Friday 9 May
Try the new lunch at Soul Kitchen
The FACT award-winning Soul Kitchen is now serving up its signature Lebanese-Latin fusion flavours with a vibrant new weekday lunch menu. Executive Chef Margarita Vaamonde’s menu features bold starters like Ceviche Tabbouleh, Eggplant 3 Ways and Hummus Chimichurri. Mains range from Caribbean Red Snapper with plantain and pineapple puréeto to Marinated Cauliflower Steak and SK Steak Frites. Desserts include Chocolate and Coffee Tres Leches or Halawa Cheesecake Mousse. Available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm. AED 110 (two courses) or AED 125 (three courses).
GO: Follow @soulkitchendubai on Instagram for more information.
Take a dip at Waldorf Astoria DIFC
As the temperatures rise, St. Trop at Waldorf Astoria DIFC invites you to cool off in style with a twilight escape. Perched on the 18th floor, this rooftop oasis channels the charm of the French Riviera with panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Here, guests can enjoy a chic evening swim, vibrant beats, and skyline views stretching into the night. Available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from sunset to 10pm. AED 300 per person (including AED 200 food and beverage credit).
GO: Call 04 515 9999 for reservations and more information.
Party at the legendary music festival Zamna
It’s time to say hola to Zamna. The legendary Mexican music festival is coming to Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience and will host the fun-filled event. Zamna started in Tulum, Mexico. The jungle festival has taken place across the world, and is now making its way to Dubai. The full line-up has not yet been revealed, but we do know that the event will bring together electronic music artists. The artists will span tribal beats, underground techno and house sounds.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.netfor tickets and more information.
Saturday 10 May
Tuck into unlimited steaks at Rowley’s
London-born steakhouse Rowley’s is raising the stakes with the launch of “Unlimited Steak Saturdays.” The offering includes unlimited servings of premium steak, crispy frites, and fresh salad, set against breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. Available on Saturdays from 12pm to 3:30pm. AED 190 per person (excluding alcohol).
GO: Follow @rowleys.uae on Instagram for more information.
Sip on the Déjà Vu cocktail menu at La Petite Maison
The FACT award-winning La Petite Maison Dubai has launched a new cocktail menu styled like a vintage magazine that celebrates the golden era of the French Riviera. Each of the 10 drinks is inspired by iconic cultural moments in fashion, film, and music, complete with a mirrored non-alcoholic version. Highlights include the Birkin, a melon-forward Americano twist served with a silk scarf; Douliou Douliou, a tropical Piña Colada with a retro Walkman soundtrack; and Soleil, a citrusy G&T inspired by Fragonard’s iconic perfume.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Laugh out loud with Michael McIntyre
Global comedy sensation Michael McIntyre, celebrated for his record-breaking 33 sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena, is joining the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week lineup at Etihad Arena. Renowned for his award-winning TV hits like Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and The Wheel, as well as international tours that have sold over 4 million tickets, McIntyre never fails to deliver with his quick wit and infectious humour.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sunday 11 May
Experience matcha mayhem
The FACT award-winning Reif Japanese Kushiyaki celebrates National Matcha Day with a limited-time menu running at its Dubai Hills and Dar Wasl locations. Highlights include the Matcha Duck Ramen, made with creamy chicken-duck broth, marinated French duck, and crispy burdock root. Sweet finishes come in the form of Matcha Fondue and a vibrant Matcha Basque Cheesecake, while beverages include a silky Wabi Usucha Matcha Latte and a refreshing Ikigai-cha Sencha Iced Tea. Available throughout the month of May.
GO: Visit www.reifkushiyaki.com for more information.
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea at Alba
Pan Asian restaurant Alba in Downtown Dubai has launched the Yūgure Afternoon Tea, a new dining experience inspired by the calm beauty of a Japanese sunset. Expect mochi, halva cookies, Alba tiramisu, wagyu and tamago sandos, and Hamachi tostadas—served on a playful Seletti x Diesel cake stand. The experience ends with Kakigori—a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert in flavours like Tropical Breeze, Matcha Garden, and Caramel Mist. Guests can also explore Alba’s curated tea selection and botanical mocktails. Available daily from 4pm to 7pm. Prices from AED 180 for two people.
GO: Call 058 587 3590 for reservations and more information.
Try the limited-edition menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck, the FACT award-winning Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal pays tribute with a rotating tasting menu. Expect signature creations from the Bray original, including Turbot Veronique (c. 2005) with Muscat grapes and mussels, The Alfonso Mango (c. 2001) with pine nuts and mango stems, and the bold Scallop, White Chocolate and Caviar (c. 2024). Later this year, the restaurant will also unveil a dedicated Fat Duck tasting menu, bringing Heston’s famed innovation to the city. Available daily from 6pm to 11pm. AED 980 per person.
GO: Visit dinnerbyhbdubai.com for reservations and more information.
