Best Things to Do This Weekend in Dubai

Global Village is one of those rare places that manages to feel both hyper-commercial and genuinely charming. The pavilions—each representing a different country—are hit or miss, but the ones that work (Turkey’s baklava stands, Iran’s saffron ice cream, Syria’s handmade soap) are worth the trip alone. The evening light shows on the lake are slick but not overproduced, and the fairground rides add a layer of nostalgia if you’re here with kids. Skip the overpriced ‘VIP’ packages; the general admission ticket is enough to wander, snack, and people-watch. Weekday evenings are quieter, but weekends have the best energy—just brace for crowds near the main stage.

Alserkal Avenue isn’t just a cluster of galleries—it’s a rare pocket of the city where you can spend a few hours without feeling like you’re in a shopping mall. The converted warehouses house everything from contemporary art (Concrete, the flagship space, is worth a visit even if you’re not an art person) to indie bookshops and concept stores. The real draw, though, is the programming: film screenings, talks, and pop-ups that change weekly. Check the schedule before you go; a random Saturday might have a photography exhibition, a vinyl record fair, or a Middle Eastern indie film night. The cafés here (look for the one with the neon sign and mismatched furniture) are better than average, and the whole area has a walkable, almost European vibe.

Kite Beach is named for the windsurfers and kiteboarders who crowd the waters here, but you don’t need to be sporty to enjoy it. The sand is clean, the water is (relatively) clear, and the view of the Burj Al Arab—especially at sunset—is the best in the city. The beachfront has a handful of food trucks (the shawarma stand near the skate park is a local favorite) and a paved walking/jogging track that’s always busy with runners and cyclists. Weekends get crowded, but weekdays offer space to spread out. If you’re here with kids, the playground and skate park add some variety. Pro tip: bring cash for the food trucks; not all take card.

Most desert safaris in Dubai are a formula: dune bashing, a mediocre buffet, and a camel ride. The better way? Rent a 4x4 (or join a small-group tour) and head to the Al Qudra desert, where the dunes are quieter and the stargazing is unbeatable. Pack a picnic, bring a portable speaker, and set up camp near one of the ‘love lakes’—the contrast of the turquoise water against the sand is surreal. If you’re not up for driving, book a guided ‘glamping’ experience that includes a campfire, Arabic coffee, and a telescope for stargazing. The Lahbab desert, closer to the city, is another good option, with softer sand that’s easier to navigate. Either way, go for sunset; the light on the dunes is worth the trip alone.

Boxpark’s Friday Market (running from October to April) is one of those rare Dubai events that feels organic, not staged. The stalls—selling everything from vintage vinyl to handmade ceramics—are curated enough to avoid the usual flea-market junk, but not so polished that it feels like a pop-up mall. The real draw is the people: expats selling off their collections, local designers testing new products, and the occasional food truck serving something actually good. Weekdays are dead, but Fridays (especially early mornings) have the best energy. Pro tip: bring cash and small bills; not all vendors take card, and haggling is expected. The market is small enough to cover in an hour, making it a good add-on to a brunch or a walk along the Dubai Canal.

Soho Garden’s brunch is one of the few in Dubai that doesn’t feel like a meat market. The setting—a series of open-air terraces and shaded lounges—is more Ibiza than Dubai, and the music (house, disco, and the occasional live act) is actually worth listening to. The food is solid (the sushi platter is a standout), but the real reason to come is the vibe: no table service, no forced fun, just a crowd that’s there to eat, drink, and dance. Weekends are packed, but weekdays are more relaxed. If you’re not into brunch, the venue also hosts decent DJ nights and the occasional live band. Dress code is ‘cool’—think linen shirts, not heels and a clutch.

Al Fahidi is one of the few places in Dubai where you can still see the city as it was before the oil boom. The wind-tower houses, narrow alleys, and courtyard cafés feel like a different country—and in many ways, they are. The area is small enough to explore in an hour, but worth lingering in. The Dubai Museum (housed in a 19th-century fort) is a good starting point, followed by a walk through the textile souk and a coffee at one of the courtyard cafés (look for the one with the gnarled tree and mismatched chairs). Weekends are busy with tourists, but weekdays are quiet enough to feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the light is soft and the call to prayer echoes through the alleys.

Most beach clubs in Dubai are either overpriced or overcrowded, but the Ritz-Carlton’s JBR outpost strikes a rare balance. The day pass (around AED 250–300) includes access to the pool, beach, and loungers, plus a food and drink credit that actually covers a decent lunch. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with a mix of families and couples. The real draw, though, is the service: attentive but not pushy, and the kind of place where you can spend the whole day without feeling like you’re being upsold. Weekends are busy, but weekdays are blissfully quiet. Pro tip: book a cabana if you’re planning to stay all day; the shade and privacy are worth the extra cost.

The walk along Dubai Creek Harbour is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The path follows the water, with the Burj Khalifa on one side and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the other—a surreal mix of urban and natural. The best time to go is an hour before sunset, when the light turns the water gold and the flamingos in the sanctuary start to stir. The area is still under development, so it’s not as polished as the Marina, but that’s part of the charm. Weekends are busy with joggers and families, but weekdays are quiet enough to feel like your own private promenade. Stop at the pier near the Vida Hotel for the best views, or grab a coffee from the café with the red umbrellas.

The Sum of Us is one of the few brunch spots in Dubai where the food is actually good. The menu is a mix of Middle Eastern and Western dishes (the shakshuka and the pancakes are standouts), and the portions are generous without being overwhelming. The setting—a bright, plant-filled space in DIFC—is more café than club, and the crowd is a mix of expats and locals who are there for the food, not the scene. The best part? The brunch is all-you-can-eat, but it’s not a free-for-all; the pacing is relaxed, and the staff won’t rush you. Weekends are busy, but weekdays are a steal (around AED 150–200 with drinks). If you’re not into brunch, the café is also a great spot for a late breakfast or an afternoon coffee.

Hatta is a two-hour drive from Dubai, but it feels like a different country. The mountains here are rugged and dramatic, with hiking trails, wadis, and a man-made lake that’s perfect for kayaking. The best way to experience it is with a guided safari: most tours include a 4x4 ride through the mountains, a stop at the Hatta Heritage Village (a reconstructed mountain settlement), and a dip in one of the natural pools. The area is also home to a handful of glamping sites, if you want to stay overnight. Weekends are busy with day-trippers, but weekdays are quiet enough to feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. Pack water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—this isn’t a sanitized tourist experience.

Most coffee shops in Dubai serve overpriced, over-roasted beans, but The Coffee Club at Alserkal Avenue is the exception. The baristas here take their craft seriously, and the menu includes single-origin pour-overs, cold brews, and espresso drinks that actually taste like coffee. The space is small but well-designed, with a mix of communal tables and cozy corners. It’s the kind of place where you can linger with a laptop or meet a friend for a quick catch-up. Weekends are busy, but weekdays are quiet enough to get some work done. Pro tip: ask for the ‘filter of the day’—it’s usually a standout. If you’re not into coffee, the chai latte is one of the best in the city.