July isn’t joking around with its weekend plans. It’s the first weekend of the month and we’re already seeing celebrity-heavy appearances by Martin Nievera, DJ James Zabiela and more. Make room for some good old family shopping time or catch up on culture at Alserkal Avenue. Here’s our pick of the top seven things to do in Dubai:
Pinoy power with the Concert King and Asia’s Nightingale
Make plans with the Philippine's Concert King and Asia’s Nightingale this weekend. On Friday, heavyweights Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha are teaming up for a super concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Fans can catch the megastars bring their top tracks to the stage as part of their World Alliance ME Tour, an effort to bring a sense of home to Filipino expats around the Middle East.
When: 5 July
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
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Shop nonstop during Dubai Summer Surprises
Dubai Summer Surprises, or DSS, is in full swing and things keep getting better every day. Explore a city teeming with incredible sales and offers, from malls to boutiques, and a plethora of family-friendly entertainment. Modhesh World brings back four zones packed with fun, while live entertainment and activations pop up at malls across Dubai. Stay up-to-date with the latest DSS offers and events here.
When: 21 June – 3 August
Where: Citywide
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Designing fine dining at d3
The inaugural Restaurant Week at Dubai Design District (d3) launched on Sunday, 30 June and you have until this weekend to get a bite out of the action. Eight of the neighbourhood’s buzzing restaurants, including Akibadori, Mohalla and Molecule, have whipped together set menus for AED99-150. Dine your way through d3’s array of restaurants which embody the district’s dedication to quality design, artistry and unparalleled experiences.
When: 30 June - 6 July
Where: Dubai Design District
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Fall off The Grid
Watch five artists take over a 50,000-metre soundproofed warehouse at The Grid. Your ultimate summer dance fest, this upbeat shindig will see international artists DJ James Zabiela, German techno duo Teenage Mutants and Sebastian Mullaert as well as local stars Josephine De Retour and MadLou set the bar for weekend goals. Enjoy heavy synths and electro-magic at this bona fide underground experience for music enthusiasts in Dubai.
When: 5 July
Where: Studio City
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Watch a free movie at Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil, an independent film theatre in Alserkal Avenue, is hosting a free screening of Jenny McQuaile’s ‘Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image’. This feature documentary puts international beauty and fashion industries on trial for perpetuating unreasonable body standards while highlighting figures working to rewrite the rules. Exploring images that celebrate diversity in size, age and race, this inspiring film exposes its viewers to years of negative reinforcement.
When: 6 July
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
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Can you trust what you see
According to a German school of psychology called Gestalt psychology, the brain combines an image of the whole from just a part. See this theory placed into effect at The Third Line gallery, which is showcasing an exhibition that teases what we see and what we think we see. Titled ‘I Will See It, When I Believe It’, it features works by multiple artists who play with the perceptions of their audience.
When: 15 May – 31 July
Where: The Third Line
More info
Souk up summer vibes indoors
Artisanal goods, unique works of art, exclusive jewellery, fresh fashion and more – Ripe Market is Dubai’s favourite community shopping experience. With summer on the horizon, the bazaar has moved indoors with pop-ups at Dubai Festival City Mall and The Springs Souk every weekend. Enjoy some low-key family fun perusing all the quirky creations by local vendors while buying farm-to-table fresh foods for healthy eating.
When: Every Friday & Saturday until 31 August
Where: The Springs Souk & Dubai Festival City Mall
