This week, the UAE is dishing out more than just sunshine. From festive feasts and elegant dinners to mindful workshops and music-infused menus, there’s no shortage of ways to make your July pop. Whether you’re flying solo, hanging with friends, or looking to try something new, these standout events bring the flavour, fun, and a little bit of flair. Here are the best things to do in the UAE this Weekend.
Dinner with Strangers
Craving good conversation and even better sushi? “Dinner with Strangers” by Happy Together Social Events is a refreshingly human antidote to screen fatigue and surface-level chatter. Held at the elegant Salmontini Le Bistro, this evening promises unlimited sushi, two house beverages and a room full of open-hearted strangers ready to become friends.
Whether you’re new to the city or just in the mood for something a little different, the vibe is casual, calm and connection-forward. Come solo or with a plus one, everyone’s welcome.
July 25th
7:30 PM – 10 PM
Salmontini Le Bistro, Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi
For reservations, visit dinnerwithstrangers
Christmas in July at Belgian Beer Café
Santa’s trading in sleigh bells for sunshine and making a pit stop at Belgian Beer Café this July for a cheeky mid-year celebration. The Countdown to Christmas brunch is a chance to channel your festive spirit, complete with a merry makeover of the venue, family-friendly games, and a live band jingling all the way through the afternoon.
Expect a Belgian-inspired three-course brunch and beverage packages to suit your style, whether you’re sipping on house pours (AED 225), Belgian draughts (AED 250) or feeling bubbly with sparkling grape (AED 350).
Reservations required, because Santa’s calendar books up fast.
July 26
1 PM – 5 PM
Belgian Beer Café, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
For reservations, call: 04 423 4100, WhatsApp: +971 50 494 2390 or Email: fbreservations.gmhd@millenniumhotels.com
Lobster Night at Café L’Occitane
Café L’Occitane is adding a touch of luxury to your weekday evenings with the launch of Lobster Night, a four-course experience crafted around the delicate, comforting flavours of Provence at AED 200 per person.
Begin with a crisp lobster beignet, followed by a beautifully seared lobster & crab cake. The main event? A garlic butter lobster tail served with creamy mashed potatoes, ending with a strawberry shortcake.
Monday to Friday
From 5 PM until close
Café L’Occitane, City Walk
For more information, visit Café L’Occitane
Snap & Stitch: The Photo Embroidery Workshop
Discover the mindful magic of stitching stories into snapshots. In this hands-on, meditative workshop, you’ll learn how to transform printed photographs into tactile, embroidered artworks using just thread and imagination.
Held at the artsy The Workshop Dubai, the session is bilingual (English & Arabic), open to ages 18+, and priced at AED 367.50. You’ll leave not just with a one-of-a-kind piece, but the skills to continue the craft at home. All materials provided.
July 27
11 AM – 2 PM
The Workshop Dubai
For registrations, visit theworkshopdubai
Summer Flavours at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is dropping a fresh set of dishes that match its soulful soundscape with serious summer flavour. Dubai’s first listening bar has added seven new dishes to the menu.
Highlights include the Mushroom Gyoza, Wings Yakito, Wagyu Flank and Cold Citrus Udon.
Pro tip: don’t skip the Ice Cream Flavour of the Month. Lychee Frozen Yoghurt Sando
Sunday to Thursday -7:30 PM – 2 AM
Friday, Saturday -7:30 PM – 3 AM
For reservations, call +97144126666, WhatsApp +971542891688 or visit honeycombhifi
Visit John Dory Seafood Market at Dubai Festival City Mall
Seafood fans, mark your calendars. John Dory Seafood Market officially opens its doors on July 25, bringing the region’s first sustainable head-to-tail seafood ecosystem to life.
The concept spans three formats under one roof:
John Dory Seafood Bar: A casual, 80-seat restaurant featuring open-fire grilling “à la parrilla.” John Dory Seafood Store: A retail market offering various catches, canned specialities, and ready-to-cook meals.
John Dory Street Food: A concise menu of seafood dishes, perfect for a quick bite within the food hall or on the outdoor terrace.
Opens July 25
Daily from 12 PM – 11 PM
The Market Island, Dubai Festival City Mall
La Selezione at TOTÓ Dubai
La Selezione is the kind of experience that doesn’t come around often. For two days only, TOTÓ Dubai invites guests to enjoy a five-course menu paired with a curated selection of Planeta Wines.
On Friday night, the experience is elevated further with a special appearance by Alessandro Vallecchi, Planeta’s Head Sommelier, who’ll guide guests through each pour with stories and expert insights.
Priced at AED 400 per person, menu highlights include golden-crusted Supplì al Telefono, Sicilia Pizza, calamarata pasta with mussels and the iconic Cannolo Siciliano.
July 25 – Dinner from 6 PM
July 26 – Lunch & Dinner
TOTÓ Dubai, Downtown
For reservations, call 04 215 2121, WhatsApp +971 50 648 9801 or email reservationsdubai@totorestaurant.ae
