Weekends in the UAE aren’t just for Netflix binges and “I’ll start my diet on Monday” promises. Nope, this weekend is packed with adventures that scream, “Get off the couch and live a little!” Whether you’re looking for pirate pups, soulful Sufi vibes, or simply an excuse to eat breakfast until your jeans beg for mercy—this roundup has you covered.
PAW Patrol Live: Pirate Pups to the Rescue!
Parents, brace yourselves. The pups are back, and they’ve gone full Jack Sparrow. Join Ryder and the gang as they dig up treasures, sing songs, and rescue the day—all with enough energy to make your kids forget about TikTok for two whole hours. Catch the action at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (Aug 29–31). Tickets from Dh95 at etihadarena.ae.
DIVAlicious Is Back to Slay
If your wardrobe is crying out for a glow-up, DIVAlicious has arrived just in time. This three-day fashion carnival (Sep 5–7, Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers) is basically the Avengers of couture, jewellery, accessories, and gifting. Over 100 curated brands, one swanky ballroom, and entry that’s gloriously free—plus valet parking so you can roll up like royalty. For deets, call +971 50 458 5265.
Unlimited Breakfast = Unlimited Happiness
How many pancakes are too many pancakes? Unwind Café (Hessa Branch) dares you to find out. Their unlimited breakfast for two is only Dh69, running Fri–Sun (8am–2pm), for the first 100 customers each day. That’s right—coffee, eggs, pastries, and your weekend serotonin boost sorted.
Sound & Hypno-Meditation at TODA
If the week left your brain resembling a browser with 37 open tabs, it’s time to reboot. Step into TODA’s 360° digital dome at Madinat Jumeirah and float away on sound waves with Alexandra Venison’s guided sound healing + hypno-meditation session. Happening Friday, Aug 29 at 9am. Tickets: Dh250 at toda.ae.
Guardians of Water Festival
Water is life, but this festival makes it art too. From Liam Neeson’s narration of Our Blue World (cue dramatic goosebumps) to storytelling, hands-on workshops, and guided tours, this two-weekend event (Aug 30–31 & Sep 6–7) at Expo City Dubai will make you see H2O in a whole new light. Tickets from Dh50 (kids under 12 free). More at terra.expocitydubai.com.
Projection Light Festival
Lights, music, action! Abu Dhabi meets Moscow flair with dazzling light installations and digital art, plus live beats from international stars. Highlights? Mohombi on Saturday and hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes on Sunday. Dates: Aug 30–31. Consider it the rave your Instagram stories were waiting for.
The Legacy of the Khans
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan + his son Shahzaman = goosebumps on goosebumps. Experience soulful Qawwali magic as father and son perform together for the first time in Dubai. Happening Saturday, Aug 30 at Coca-Cola Arena, this concert is the definition of unforgettable.
Visit 1920 Dubai
Perched 52 floors up, 1920 Dubai mixes Gatsby vibes with Downtown views. Think velvet booths, Art Deco drama, live jazz & swing, and indulgent bites like Wagyu steak and truffle sliders. The team behind Zuma and COYA created this playground, so you know it’s the real deal.
Weekend Wrap-Up
So, what’s it gonna be? Pirate pups? Pancakes? Or poetic Sufi songs? Whatever you choose, the UAE has officially made sure your weekend is anything but boring. Pro tip: try squeezing in two or three events—you’ll thank me when your Monday office small talk is on fire.
