From an Emirati menu at IKEA to designer discounts at Coca-Cola Arena, plus a free cinema: 7 things to do mid-week in Dubai.
Dubai: The weekend gets all the attention, but Monday to Thursday can be the better time to make the most of the city. There are shorter queues, cheaper covers, and restaurants that are impossible to book on a Saturday may happily seat you on a Wednesday.
Here’s what’s happening over the next few days in Dubai.
1. Try an Emirati menu at IKEA
IKEA has introduced an Emirati menu across its UAE restaurants for six days only, under the banner “UAE is Home”. The limited-time menu arrives as families start filtering back from their summer breaks.
Breakfast for two costs Dh39 and includes chebab, dango, foul medames and hummus. For lunch, there’s lentil soup for Dh9, chicken machboos or thareed for Dh25, foga samak and beef salona for Dh29, and slow-cooked lamb shank mashwi for Dh49.
Finish with legeimat topped with date syrup for Dh9. Just don’t wait too long – the menu is available until Saturday.
When: September 1 to 6
Where: All IKEA restaurants across the UAE
Price: Breakfast for two from Dh39; lunch dishes from Dh9
2. Shop designer discounts at Coca-Cola Arena
The Concept Big Brands Carnival warehouse sale lands at Coca-Cola Arena from Wednesday, offering up to 80 per cent off fashion, footwear, accessories and lifestyle brands.
The label list is long – and unusually high-end for a warehouse sale. Gucci, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Fendi, Versace, Burberry, Acne Studios, Palm Angels and Dolce & Gabbana are all on the list, alongside Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Puma, Diesel and Michael Kors.
Entry is free and the sale runs for 12 hours a day, making Wednesday and Thursday the sweet spot to browse before the weekend crowds roll in.
When: September 2 to 6, 11am to 11pm
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Price: Free entry
3. Beef Wellington with a Burj Khalifa view
Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC is making Wednesdays all about Beef Wellington. The midweek special comes with a 250g slice of prime Angus beef Wellington, served with truffle jus, caramelised onion and two sides of your choice.
The setting is just as much of the appeal, with views stretching across the Burj Khalifa and DIFC skyline. Valet parking is complimentary, and there’s a drinks list designed for pairing if you want to turn dinner into a full evening out.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC
4. Cool off at a new water park in Dubai Hills
Splash ‘n’ Party has opened a new branch in Dubai Hills, bringing slides, splash pads, water guns and a temperature-controlled pool designed for younger children.
There’s also food on site, so you can easily turn it into a half-day outing rather than a quick splash-and-go visit.
Tickets are Dh50 per person until September 15.
When: Open now, with the Dh50 rate running until September 15
Where: Splash ‘n’ Party, Dubai Hills
Price: From Dh50 per person
5. Greek plates and a beauty freebie
Son of a Fish at Dubai Harbour is teaming up with Drunk Elephant for a Wednesday ladies’ night with a Greek twist. For Dh210, you get two starters, unlimited Greek fries, dessert, a signature mixed drink and two hours of free-flowing drinks.
There’s a beauty freebie too: take home a full-size Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops. To claim it, download the MINDSET app and enter the code DRUNK ELEPHANT before booking.
When: Every Wednesday until September 16, from 8pm
Where: Son of a Fish, Dubai Harbour
Price: Dh210 per person
6. Catch a film on a ship, free with your room
The QE2 has transformed The Theatre by QE2 into a weekend cinema, and it’s completely free for staycation guests.
Screenings take place at 11am, 4pm and 8pm, with a mix of films aimed at different ages. Kids can settle in for Inside Out, Shrek, Toy Story, Ice Age and Pirates of the Caribbean, while grown-ups get Indiana Jones, The Matrix and The Dark Knight.
This weekend, on September 5 and 6, the line-up includes Shrek, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Inside Out 2. The following weekend brings Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean and the original Inside Out.
When: Select weekends, with screenings at 11am, 4pm and 8pm
Where: The Theatre by QE2, Port Rashid
Price: Free for in-house staycation guests; rooms from Dh229 per night
7. Shop local at Ripe Market in City Walk
The Ripe Market continues at the Indoor Courtyard in City Walk every weekend throughout September, running for 12 hours a day.
The air-conditioned setting is particularly welcome at this time of year. Expect fashion, skincare, beauty, handmade goods, home décor, wellness, accessories and food from UAE-based brands – many of them small enough that you’re buying directly from the person who made it.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday in September, 10am to 10pm
Where: Indoor Courtyard, City Walk
Price: Free entry
