Looking for awesome, fun things to do in Dubai this weekend? Well, whether it’s putting on your skates and channeling your inner Britney or learning to padel, here are some ideas to add to your list of things to do. Scroll down to find out where you can wander off to!
CINEMA AKIL
Cinema Akil is an independent cinema that’s based in Al Serkal in Al Quoz, where they play the best of independent, world, and classic movies. It’s not just a place where you just go for the popcorn and the 90 minutes of Hollywood glamor we usually see in cinemas. It’s a space to watch unique films that are often not played in mainstream cinemas where visitors get to know the filmmakers and have a conversation around the movies.
As of June, they’ve started a new program called Summer Throwback, a classics film festival where they’re throwing us viewers back to the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. So movies like Psycho, Blade Runner, Scarface, and Clueless are going to be played there on different days all the way up until September! This weekend, they’re playing The Witches (July 8, 9) and The Housemaid (July 9, 10). They’ve got bites and a café called Project Chaiwala on site who serve their signature karak chai.
Website: www.cinemaakil.com.
HAYA’S KITCHEN
Haya’s Kitchen is hosting a communal breakfast at a space called Kave located in Al Serkal in Al Quoz. Haya has set up this incredible concept of sufra tables where she invites people on a monthly basis to experience a delicious menu that she’s curated from farm-to-table based on her Palestinian heritage. The idea is to encourage people to gather happily around a table, build relationships with likeminded people, and to hear the old and forgotten traditions of authentic Palestinian food.
This Saturday July 10 at 10AM, she’s hosting a two hour sufra breakfast with a four stage journey through the Palestinian breakfast culture. Some of the delicious things on the vegetarian menu include labneh za’atar balls, fattet hummus, and manakish.
Socials: @hayasktchn. Link here to book a seat.
ROLL DXB
There’s a new rink in town at Mina Rashid called Roll DXB where you can head over, rent (or bring) a pair of skates, and skate back to the 80’s. It’s awesome fun, and the venue is designed to look like a retro roller disco with neon lights and a DJ.
This Saturday July 10, they want us to channel our inner Britney Spears, and dress up for the occasion which kicks off at 9:45PM until 11:15PM! Dressing up is a plus!! Tip: make sure to bring long socks with you; otherwise, you can also purchase them by the counter.
Website: www.rolldxb.com.
YOGA AT THE VIEW
Experience sunrise yoga with a jaw-dropping view from Dubai’s newest attraction, The View at The Palm. Every Friday*, The View hosts a 60 minute vinyasa yoga session in collaboration with Core Direction. The session takes place on the observation deck which is on the 52nd floor, where you can stretch and get your energy levels up. When I say up, I literally mean up, 240 metres in the sky.
The yoga session this Friday July 9 begins at 7AM; however attendees are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:30AM to go through security before making their way up. Attendees must bring their own mat, towel, and water.
PADEL
Padel is one of the most popular sports at the moment. It’s a racket sport, and its often described as a hybrid between tennis, squash and badminton. A few friends have started playing it, and they absolutely love it. Apparently it’s easy to learn and far more forgiving than tennis. It’s a game that’s primarily played in doubles but apparently can be played in singles as well. There are many outdoor courts here in Dubai, but also a few indoor ones. Many of the clubs offer coaching sessions, as well as matchmaking between players based on skill levels.
Recommended indoor clubs by friends (thanks Matt!): Padel Point and World Padel Academy.