From concerts to family camps and free activities, Dubai’s weekend guide is here.
Dubai: While UAE summers bring soaring temperatures outdoors, the indoor entertainment calendar continues to heat up. From tribute concerts and a FIFA World Cup-themed LEGO experience to a museum’s first-ever summer camp and a caviar-inspired dining experience, here are 10 activities to add to your weekend plans.
1. Michael Lives Forever
After sold-out performances worldwide, the Michael Jackson tribute show arrives at Coca-Cola Arena for a one-night-only performance. Led by tribute artist Rodrigo Teaser, the production features a live band, dancers and choreography inspired by Jackson’s original performances.
Fans can enjoy iconic hits including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” as the show recreates the energy and style of the King of Pop.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
When: 18 July
2. DSS Performing Arts Fest
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is bringing a large-scale entertainment celebration to three malls this summer, with each venue transformed into an immersive, themed experience for a weekend.
Visitors can expect a packed lineup of stage performances, dance shows, acrobatics and aerial acts, culminating in a high-energy parade during peak hours.
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall (24–26 July), Mall of the Emirates (31 July–2 August), City Centre Deira (14–16 August)
When: 10am to 10pm on each weekend
Price: Free
3. Beat The Heat: Dystinct & Issam Najjar
As part of Beat The Heat Season 5, Belgian-Moroccan artist Dystinct and Palestinian-Jordanian singer-songwriter Issam Najjar will take the stage for a night of Arabic pop and genre-blending performances.
Fans can enjoy Dystinct’s popular tracks including “Ghazali,” “Ya Baba” and “Yamal”, along with Najjar’s breakout hit “Hadal Ahbek.”
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
When: 18 July
4. K-Pop Demon Hunters Pop-Up
Fans of Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters” have a limited time to experience this free pop-up attraction, featuring a themed photo zone, official merchandise, dance performances and a K-Pop Culture Experience Zone.
Visitors can also take part in Korean-inspired activities, including DIY patch-making and fashion customisation.
Where: City Centre Mirdif
When: Until 19 July
Price: Free entry
5. LEGO World Cup Make & Take
With the FIFA World Cup reaching its final stages, LEGO Certified Stores across the UAE are inviting young football fans to create their own exclusive World Cup-themed LEGO model in-store.
The experience also includes a dedicated photo opportunity, giving participants a chance to be featured on the brand’s Instagram page.
Where: LEGO Certified Stores, UAE
When: Until 19 July
Price: Free entry
6. Modesh World
One of the region’s largest indoor family entertainment destinations is back with three exciting zones — the Fun Zone, Modesh Market and Family Zone — offering a mix of live shows, interactive activities and shopping experiences for visitors of all ages.
Visitors who load receipts worth Dh500 or more onto tap cards will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a home in Dubai.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
When: Daily, 12pm to 10pm, until 23 August
Price: Free entry
7. Zayed National Museum’s Emirati Sanaa Programme
Running throughout July and August, the Emirati Sanaa programme at Zayed National Museum explores the values of respect, generosity and hospitality that are central to Emirati culture.
The programme features a range of interactive activities, including the Dhiyafa workshop, where visitors can create their own Emirati coffee blend, Takiya Embroidery, inspired by traditional majlis customs, and Patterns in Hospitality, a drop-in session where participants decorate traditional coffee cups.
Visitors can also join guided tours highlighting Emirati values, UAE history and coastal heritage, with some sessions led by senior Emiratis sharing personal insights. A Quiet Morning session is also available for guests with sensory sensitivities.
For the first time, the museum is hosting a summer camp for children aged 5 to 14, featuring weekly heritage-themed activities and learning experiences.
Where: Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi
When: Programmes run throughout July and August; summer camp runs from 6 July to 7 August
Price: Varies by programme
Workshop and tour schedules: Available at zayednationalmuseum.ae
8. Arabian Center’s Summer Line-up
Arabian Center is offering a packed summer programme with new activities, family entertainment and interactive experiences across the mall.
Visitors can meet Cocomelon’s JJ and Cody during surprise weekend appearances, with five photo sessions daily at a dedicated booth. The mall’s Entrance B has been transformed into a summer-themed playground featuring slime-making, storytelling, face painting and arts-and-crafts activities.
As part of the Dubai Summer Surprises celebrations, Modhesh and Dana also have a dedicated photo spot at the Food Court.
Popular attractions including Screen One Cinema, Air Maniax, Fun City and Lemonade continue to operate, while new additions such as Mini Bounce and an upcoming Scorpion Bowling alley add more entertainment options for visitors.
Where: Arabian Center
When:
- JJ and Cody appearances: Fridays to Sundays until 2 August, from 5pm
- Summer Playground: Daily until 2 August, 2pm to 10pm
- Modhesh and Dana photo spot and car raffle: Until 29 August
- DHA Wellness Day: 25 July
Price: Free
9. BurJuman’s Summer Theatre Camp
In partnership with The Junction Academy, BurJuman’s BHub is hosting a Summer Theatre Camp featuring acting, storytelling, spoken word and movement activities through themed weekly sessions.
The programme offers morning classes for children aged 4 to 8 and afternoon sessions for ages 9 to 16, helping young participants develop creativity and performance skills.
Meanwhile, shoppers can take part in the Summer Shop & Win campaign, with a SOUEAST S07 seven-seater SUV as the grand prize for customers who spend Dh300 or more in a single day.
Where: BurJuman Mall, BHub
When: 6 to 24 July (weekly batches)
- Morning sessions: 9am to 12pm (ages 4–8)
- Afternoon sessions: 4pm to 7pm (ages 9–16)
Price: Dh300 per child, per week
10. World Caviar Day at Sirene Beach
To mark World Caviar Day, Sirene Beach by GAIA is offering a special menu celebrating one of the world’s most luxurious ingredients, paired with a seaside dining experience.
The highlight is the Tuna Caviar dish, featuring delicate tuna tartare mixed with finely chopped shallots and topped with premium caviar, served on a crisp olive cracker for a rich, savoury flavour.
Where: Sirene Beach by GAIA, J1 Beach, Dubai
When: Daily, 10am to 1am
Price: À la carte (dine-in only)
