Food and fitness fight for centre stage this weekend. Dubai Food Festival is turning up the heat in eateries citywide, but the courts are on fire thanks to top-tier tennis stars like Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka. This weekend celebrates the best of Dubai's multicultural offerings so if you’re still finalising plans with friends, here’s our pick of the top seven things to do in Dubai:
Munch through the city at Dubai Food Festival
Hearty appetites go bananas at the annual Dubai Food Festival, a citywide culinary extravaganza for the (cook)books. The two weeks are stuffed with all kinds of food fun so gourmands from near and far can get their fill of Dubai’s world-class culinary offerings. Sign up for expert-led masterclasses, gather the friends for exclusive tastings or sample a menu of incomparable Foodie Experiences, like a surprise menu at Inked. DFF is shedding a spotlight on the city’s hidden treasures but if you're craving some of the fancier flavours in town, Restaurant Week makes fine dining affordable for all.
When: 21 February – 9 March
Where: Citywide
Make a racquet with Roger Federer
Roger Federer, Naomi Osaka, Bautista Agut, Simona Halep and more of the world’s best tennis players are smashing it on the court at this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The tournament started on Sunday (17 February), but this weekend sees games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These two weeks will see a WTA Premier 5 women’s event, starring nine of the world’s top ten female players, followed by the ATP 500 men’s competition. Sold on some star-studded, edge-of-your-seat competition? Get your tickets here.
When: 21-23 February
Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
Catch a glitzy show at Dubai Opera
A wealthy widow is in the market for a new husband, but she’s not the only one with a say in her marriage. Hoping to keep her wealth in the state, her countrymen are on a mission to help her find the right suitor.
Hungarian composer Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow is considered one of the most popular comic operettas. Lavish and lighthearted, this production of the classic is glittering with glamorous dinners, show-stopping choreography, extravagant costumes and richness in quality money can’t match.
When: 21-23 February
Where: Dubai Opera
Laugh in different languages
The fourth edition of Montreux Comedy returns to the stages of Madinat Theatre this weekend. Learn the universal language of comedy at this multi-lingual three-night show featuring sets in English, French and Arabic. France’s Kyan Khojandi and Noman Hosni, the UK’s Tom Houghton, Egypt’s Omar Shams, India’s Sundeep Fernandes and many more have packed their routines with hysterical and diverse perspectives that will resonate with all backgrounds. On 22 February is an evening of all Arabic humour starring Ammar Daba, Wissam El Cheikh Hassan, Eman Khallouf and friends.
When: 20-22 February
Where: Madinat Theatre
Take a strange journey with Rocky Horror
Jim Sharman’s Rocky Horror Picture Show is the ultimate cult classic. A musical science-fiction horror-comedy, this strange film tells the story of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his exceptionally bizarre and risqué creation – the ultimate male, Rocky Horror. Now nearly 44 years old, Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to be an experiment on filmmaking that blends peculiarity with playful whimsy and surprise. Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue’s permanent independent theatre, is showing this multi-genre delight on Saturday, although there’s a screening on Wednesday for midweek movie-goers.
When: 20 & 23 February
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
Sand samurais unite for the Desert Warrior Challenge
Run, jump, crawl and climb across a series of challenging obstacles to test your limits. The Desert Warrior Challenge offers four courses, including one for juniors, that cover various terrains and hurdles to test you for your physical strength, teamwork, fitness, stamina and more. Enter on your own or in a team with friends and coworkers for this annual event that sees fitness and sports enthusiasts from across the UAE battle it out for the desert warrior title at Al Marmoom.
When: 22 February
Where: Al Marmoom Desert
Savour flavours at Dubai’s first Cheese Fest
Served on the side of Dubai Food Festival is Dubai’s first ever Cheese Fest. SOPEXA Middle East has put together one of the most fabulous gatherings for cheese connoisseurs, restaurant owners and everyday foodies to sample cheeses from around the world. Buy imported cheeses from vendors from across the region, learn about the industry during informative workshops or merely enjoy the range of activities to entertain all ages. Trust us – this event is too gouda to miss.
When: 22-23 February
Where: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
