From Lucky Ali and Thaalam Beats to family fun and summer staycations, here’s what’s on in Dubai.
Dubai: It is a landmark weekend for two of the UAE’s largest expatriate communities, with Pakistan celebrating Independence Day on Friday, August 14, and India marking its Independence Day on Saturday, August 15.
With events, entertainment and family activities lined up across the city, here is a guide to what’s happening in Dubai this weekend, in chronological order.
1. Book Week at The H Dubai
Where: The Gallery, The H Dubai
When: Until Friday, August 14, daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Dh129 for one; Dh199 for two
The H Dubai is extending Book Lovers Day into a week-long celebration at The Gallery, featuring a community book swap alongside a display of the hotel’s antique book collection. Bring along a book you have finished and swap it for something new to read.
2. Qawwali Night at Troy
Where: Troy, Ramee Dream Hotel, Business Bay
When: Friday, August 14, doors open at 8pm
Price: From Dh75
Enjoy an evening of soulful qawwali at Troy, with live performances bringing traditional South Asian music to Business Bay.
The Folk of Khan take the stage with harmonium, dholak, khartal and live vocals for an intimate evening of traditional qawwali. The music is best experienced in a setting built for close-up performances, making the hotel venue in Business Bay a fitting choice.
Guests are expected to dress in party wear or business casual. A door policy applies, and the ticket includes one house drink.
3. Afternoon Social at Mezzanine
Where: Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 6pm
Price: Drinks from Dh19
Settle in for six hours of specially priced drinks, with options starting at Dh19 and most of the menu priced at Dh39. This is an afternoon designed for lingering rather than moving from one venue to another.
4. Thaalam Beats
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
When: Saturday, August 15
Price: From Dh125
Three generations of South Indian music come together on one bill, a combination rarely seen on Dubai’s arena circuit.
Usha Uthup is the standout name, with a career spanning five decades across jazz, pop, disco and Indian film music. Benny Dayal represents the newer generation, having made his mark as a playback singer through his work with A.R. Rahman. Kerala’s Thaikkudam Bridge bring the biggest sound of the night, blending classical Indian influences with rock in a full-scale live performance.
5. Beat The Heat DXB with Marwan Moussa and Hleem
Where: Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre
When: Saturday, August 15, doors open at 6pm; show starts at 8.30pm
Price: From Dh105
Two major names in Arabic hip-hop come together for the fifth edition of the Beat The Heat DXB series.
Marwan Moussa brings the lyrical depth and chart hits, while Hleem is set to deliver the high-energy performance.
6. Back-to-School Friendship Carnival at Gogo Village
Where: Gogo Village
When: Saturday, August 15, 4pm to 6pm
Price: From Dh130
Ages: 3 to 12
A back-to-school afternoon designed for children, with two hours of games, entertainment and creative activities.
The programme includes character meet-and-greets, dancing, face painting, a design-your-own pencil case workshop and a farewell parade. Indoor play is also included throughout the event.
Advance booking is recommended, as places are limited.
7. Joke Hub by MadCat Comedy
Where: Skafos, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
When: Saturdays from August 15 to August 29
Price: From Dh85, including two food or drink vouchers
Joke Hub brings together a rotating lineup of local comedians rather than a single headliner, promising a lively and unpredictable night of comedy, with material that pushes the boundaries.
Each ticket includes two vouchers, which can be redeemed for a food item or drink.
8. Lucky Ali
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
When: Sunday, August 16
Price: From Dh175
Coca-Cola Arena gets another major music act this weekend.
Lucky Ali emerged in 1996 with Sunoh, introducing a distinctive voice to Hindi music that stood apart from the polished mainstream sound of the time. His understated, unvarnished style quickly became his signature, and the Dubai show offers fans a chance to hear the singer-songwriter’s enduring favourites live.
Expect favourites including “O Sanam”, “Ek Pal Ka Jeena”, “Na Tum Jaano Na Hum” and “Safarnama”, with the crowd likely to turn the arena into one giant singalong.
9. Fiesta Fridays at AMARU
Where: AMARU, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: Every Friday, from 8.30pm
AMARU hosts a weekly Latin American evening centred on fire-led cooking, ritual-inspired cocktails and live tango and salsa performances throughout the night.
Expect dishes prepared over an open flame, theatrical cocktails and plenty of dancing, making it an immersive night rather than simply a dinner outing.
10. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali
Valid until: September 30
JA The Resort is offering a summer stay package across its three hotels, with breakfast included and a complimentary upgrade to half board, covering either lunch or dinner.
Guests also get access to the resort’s pools, private beach and range of activities, while early check-in and late check-out are available subject to availability.
JA Beach Hotel and JA Lake View Hotel offer rooms, while JA Palm Tree Court features suites.
At Calm Spa at Palm Tree Court, guests can choose from a range of wellness offers, including unlimited 30-, 60- and 90-minute massages from Dh800. A Full Day Reset package, priced from Dh650, combines a 75-minute massage with a three-course lunch and access to the pool and beach.
Other offers include a complimentary 60-minute massage with every 90-minute deep-tissue treatment, as well as a buy-two-get-one-free deal on selected treatments.
