There’s much on the agenda as summer looms on the horizon. Celebrate the changing seasons with family-friendly entertainment at Al Barari or dance the evening away at the last of Groove on the Grass until next winter.
On top of that, beloved fictional characters Jay Gatsby and Willy Wonka are making appearances you don’t want to miss. Here are the top seven things to do in Dubai this weekend:
Dance and jive with Jay Gatsby
Fitzgerald fans rejoice as The Great Gatsby, one of the author’s most recognised novels, comes to life aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 starting this Thursday. Dress to the nines in beaded dresses, hanging pearls and pinstriped suits to relive the glamour and extravagance of the roaring ‘20s with Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Nick Carraway and friends during this four-hour spectacle with Charleston dance classes, character interactions and much more.
When: 18-27 April
Where: The Queen Elizabeth 2
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Slide into the summer with Rudimental
Groove on the Grass, Dubai’s leading EDM extravaganza, wraps up season seven this Friday with a performance by Rudimental. The world-renowned English drum and bass band is headlining the show alongside Hollaphonic, Shadi Megalla, Maat and Stu Todd. Groove on the Grass is more than just music, offering yoga sessions, a pop-up bazaar and a world of enchanting sights that make this bohemian festival the best way to sign off on a splendid winter in Dubai.
When: 19 April
Where: Emirates Golf Club
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Spring fun for little ones
Spring into the season with the whole family at Al Barari. Neighbourhood resident or not, everyone is invited to enjoy the games and entertainment lined up to celebrate the changing of seasons. Get involved in craft workshops, a circus school and the biggest egg hunt in town. For adults, live music and performances add a relaxing vibe to the scene while little ones will love the petting zoo, pony rides and vegetable patch.
When: 12-20 April
Where: Al Barari
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Welcome to Willy Wonka’s whimsical world
You can never be too old or too young to enjoy Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. This classic 1971 film explores the imaginative world of famous recluse Willy Wonka, who opens up his mysterious candy factory to five lucky children. This original adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous children’s novel is screening at Cinema Akil, Dubai’s independent cinema, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, so don’t miss out on an all-time nostalgia-inducing favourite.
When: 17, 19 & 20 April
Where: Cinema Akil
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A spotlight on Dubai
Dubai’s award-winning homegrown, home-inspired comedy “Just Like That (JLT)” returns to The Junction Theatre this weekend only. The play dives into the dynamics of a single floor in an apartment building in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, exploring the diversity of lives, cultures and experiences that represent Dubai as a whole. Starring local stars Asad Raza Khan, Layla Kardan and more, “JLT” celebrates the city for all its qualities and quirks.
When: 18-20 April
Where: The Junction
More info
Explore fresh fashion in bloom
Spruce up your wardrobe in time for Ramadan at the latest trunk show by South Asian fashion platform Boulevard One. Top Pakistani and Indian designers are showcasing their newest collections, from fashion apparel and accessories to beauty and home decor. This two-day exhibition is a fabulous opportunity to get ahead of the fashion curve and hit refresh with season-inspired designs, colours and trends for the many occasions, celebrations and holidays coming your way.
When: 18-19 April
Where: Royale Ballroom, The Palace Downtown
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Find time for free fitness
Squeeze in some always-welcome fitness time this weekend with a free run and yoga session in Palm Jumeirah’s scenic Al Ittihad Park. The monthly Run & Flow session by Core Direction features a 2.6km running time trial circuit followed by a meditative, yoga-based stretch to clear your mind for the week ahead. You can choose to be a part of one or both, but the session is free and open to the public. It’s a fun community activity with a side of music to raise everyone's spirits.
When: 20 April
Where: Al Ittihad Park, The Palm Jumeirah
More info
