Dubai has a knack for weekends. From sports to science, music to movies, and dancing to discounts–uncover a treasure trove of activities that touch the pulse of every kind of entertainment you might crave following a long week. If you’re still trying to figure out how to sign off on another week well spent in October, check out our top picks for things to do this weekend in Dubai:
Swan Lake at Dubai Opera
141 years later and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake will never get old. Witness a modern take on the timeless, elegiac tale of a cursed maiden and a besotted prince as they navigate the throes of good and evil, love and tragedy. Taking over Dubai Opera from 24 to 27 October, Swan Lake is brought to life by the Houston Ballet and accompanied by The Orchestra of the National Opera of Ukraine. Enchanting and evocative, the ballet will be an extraordinary production laced with breathtaking talent, passion and mystique.
When: 24-27 October – various times
Where: Dubai Opera
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David Guetta at Base Dubai
Carrying a suitcase full of his latest hits, David Guetta is landing at BASE Dubai this weekend with a mixed bag of EDM, pop and dance tunes for a guaranteed good night at the ultra-hip outdoor venue. The French DJ catapulted to the high ranks of world-renown following the release of his fourth studio album “One Love” and its leading single “When Love Takes Over” with Kelly Rowland in 2009. Guetta has since established himself a factory of pop hits and is often credited for bringing dance music into the mainstream. Set aside an evening to see the superstar live in action with supporting beats by BASE Dubai’s resident DJs to keep the celebrations pumping all night long.
When: 25 October
Where: BASE Dubai, Dubai Design District
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The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale
Over three million children’s books from an extensive repertoire of genres at 50-80% off–that’s what you can expect at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale this weekend. Take home a public library’s worth of brand new English books for kids from the world’s largest book fair and cultivate your child’s love for reading. Kids will go wild with the endless selection of new reads all under one roof so be sure to set aside a good couple of hours to rake through the book fair and make the most of the discounts.
When: 17 – 28 October; 24 hours
Where: Sound Stage Venue, Dubai Studio City
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Grace Jones: Bloodlight & Bambi
Catch the final showing of the electrifying and unseen saga of Grace Jones in Sophie Fiennes’ Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami this Saturday at Cinema Akil. The critically-acclaimed documentary braids together Jones’ public and private lives, painting a multifaceted image of the supermodel and singer as pleasure-seeking bohemian and tenacious businesswoman, a mother and androgynous glam-pop diva, a talented entertainer and more. Flitting between personal videos and dance numbers, Fiennes’ direction captures the essence of her subject and strips away the artifice of Jones’ larger-than-life media personality to expose raw, honest vulnerability.
When: 28 October; 5pm
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
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The Children’s City Science Film Festival
If there’s ever a time or place to let your kids spend an entire day watching movies, it’s now, and it’s at the Children’s City in Dubai Creek Park. The illuminating Science Film Festival is back for another year with a fresh calendar of movies and interactive workshops for children between the ages of five and 16 years. Divided by age groups, the screenings cater to a range of topics and levels, so everyone leaves having learned something new. Be sure to catch the tail end of the event as it wraps up this weekend covering topics like ‘The Biggest Predator on Earth,’ ‘Dry Freezing’ and much more.
When: 21-27 October
Where: Children’s City, Creek Park
More info
Deepavali Utsav 2018
Spark up the festival of lights a week early with live music and entertainment at Deepavali Ustav at Etisalat Academy this Friday. Catch award-winning artist Naresh Iyer, whose voice has embellished the likes of magnum Bollywood hits ‘Rang de Basanti,’ and Bennet and the Band, known for modern renditions of classic and folk songs, perform their hits through the evening. The family-friendly event will host folk dances, rangoli competitions and a selection of traditional Indian activities that will set Diwali off with a bang. If Dubai is your home away from home, there’s no better place to find wholesome community spirit this October.
When: 26 October
Where: Etisalat Academy, Muhaisnah
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Dubai Fitness Challenge Opening Weekend Carnival
Get ready, get set, go: lace up your running shoes because the Dubai Fitness Challenge is back to make Dubai the most active city in the world. The month-long fitness effort kicks off with a dynamic opening weekend carnival at Dubai Festival City offering a jam-packed day of fun and exercise for the whole family. Adults can rejuvenate with a serene yoga session or crank up the dial at interactive cycling classes while kids get busy with inflatable assault courses, specialised fitness activities, trampolines and more. Featuring with live music, activities and prizes, the Opening Weekend Carnival is a fantastic way for the whole city to get riled up for a month of fitness ahead.
When: 26-27 October, 2-7pm
Where: Dubai Festival City
More info
