10 Exciting Things To Try in Dubai This Week

Dubai is never short on experiences and this week is no exception. From exciting new restaurant openings to staycation offers and creative foodie concepts, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Dubai.

Check Out Social Distrikt

The immersive dining and entertainment hub in Downtown Dubai has elevated its culinary line-up with three new concepts: Mattar Farm, the beloved homegrown smokehouse known for award-winning brisket and wood-fired meats; Kompay, a bold Latin-Asian fusion spot serving tropical street food and zesty small plates; and Shawarma Abu AlAbid, a cult-favourite Syrian brand specializing in sizzling rotisserie meats and authentic saj wraps. These join more than 22 globally inspired F&B vendors under one buzzing roof, complemented by HUSHH, a 750 sqm nightlife and arcade zone with bowling, AR darts, and live entertainment, alongside indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic Boulevard views, cementing the venue’s reputation as a go-to weekend hotspot that blends food, music, and social energy.

Website: Social Distrikt

Check Out Dubai’s Newest Bookstore

Book lovers, you’re in for a treat. Crossword Bookstores has opened its first international flagship at Silicon Central Mall, bringing Dubai a treasure trove of bestsellers, Arabic titles, kids’ books and gifts. More than just browsing, keep an eye out for upcoming storytelling sessions, author events and book clubs that will turn this new spot into your go-to community hub.

Instagram: @crossworduae

Experience Chef Tala’s Limited-Edition Menu at Jardin Des Arts

Award-winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi is bringing her inventive style to Dubai with a special collaboration at Jardin Des Arts, Address Montgomerie. Available until 1 November, the menu reimagines French bistro classics with modern twists, think wagyu tartare with bone marrow, lobster risotto with sea herbs and crispy duck leg with tamarind and cocoa nibs. With its elegant garden-inspired setting, this limited-time experience is one for the city’s serious food lovers.

For Reservations, visit Jardin Des Arts

Try Netflix-Inspired Gelato at La Romana

Dessert gets a binge-worthy twist this fall. Gelateria La Romana UAE is launching four limited-edition gelato flavours, created in collaboration with Netflix and inspired by some of our most beloved series. Indulge in playful scoops of Netflix Popcorn & Chill, a caramelised popcorn swirl that captures the joy of your favourite Netflix stories. Stranger Banana Split, a nod to Stranger Things. Dalgona Biscuit, crunchy sweetness inspired by Squid Game. Gum Gum Choco Berry, a chocolate and berry indulgence celebrating ONE PIECE. Crafted fresh every three hours in-store, these artisanal creations are available across La Romana’s seven UAE locations.

Instagram: @gelaterialaromana_uae

Slurp Ramen at Konjiki’s New Palm Jumeirah Spot

Michelin-acclaimed Konjiki Hototogisu has landed at Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, bringing its award-winning ramen to the island. Dig into the restaurant’s iconic clam-and-chicken broth topped with truffle oil, alongside Japanese izakaya plates and handcrafted desserts. With a dedicated kids’ menu and a soft play garden, this branch serves as a go-to for both families and ramen enthusiasts.

Instagram: konjiki.uae

Staycation at Anantara The Palm

If you’re planning a long-weekend getaway, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has you covered. Celebrating 12 years on Palm Jumeirah, the resort is marking the occasion with an anniversary stay offer of up to 40% off rooms, suites and villas, plus surprise vouchers for dining, spa and more with every night booked. Add to that a special birthday brunch at Crescendo on September 27 and indulgent spa perks, including complimentary treatment vouchers for the first 12 guests on September 15.

For reservations and more information, visit Anantara Dubai The Palm

Carluccio’s Kids Pizza Making Classes

Turn your little ones into mini maestros with Carluccio’s new Kids Pizza Making Classes, runningweekly across Dubai. Designed for children aged 4 to 11, the 45-minute sessions let kids roll their own dough, layer on toppings, and watch their pizzas bubble to life in the oven. The fun wraps up with juice and creamy gelato, making it a deliciously memorable afternoon for the whole family.

The classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 3 PM at Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, and The Ranches Souk at AED 75 per child.

For more information, visit carlucciosme or email hello@carlucciosme.com

Indulge in LOONA’s Elegant New Dinner Menu

For a delightful night out, head to LOONA at Vida Downtown Residences, where chefs Artem Losev and Vitaly Istomin have created LOONA RUSSA, a luxurious set menu that blends Italian elements with premium Russian ingredients. Expect standout plates, such as Eastern scallops with black caviar, Wagyu fried dumplings, a signature caviar pizza, and beef ribs with a silky shallot purée, rounded off with creative desserts, including spiced chocolate “Chu” and a refreshing pomegranate sorbet.

For reservations, call 05 885 02200

Celebrate at Dubai’s Ultimate Family Carnival

Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate at Oaks Hotel is kicking off its first-ever carnival on 13 and 14 September. From 1 PM to 7 PM, the venue will transform into a buzzing playground with a Tex-Mex flair, featuring live performances, balloon artists and plenty of creative activities for kids and adults alike. Families can even customise cowboy hats to take home as souvenirs, while Rodeo Drive’s cheerful mascot will be on hand for photos.

For reservations, email info@rodeodrivedubai.com

Brunch Plans Sorted

If your weekend plans include brunch, we’ve got two standout picks worth booking.

The Social Brunch at City Social
Head up to City Social at Grosvenor House Dubai, where Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has crafted a refined ‘at the table’ brunch. Expect oak-smoked burrata, cured salmon ceviche and indulgent mains like Black Angus ribeye and confit lamb shoulder, all served with sweeping views of Dubai Marina. Packages start at AED 395.

Every Saturday,12:30 PM – 4 PM 

For reservations, email resbook.grosvenorhouse@luxurycollection.com or call +971 4 402 2222.

Sunday Brunch at The Beam
Keep the celebrations going with a relaxed Sunday brunch at The Beam by Nick Alvis in Le Royal Meridien. Think hearty mains, shareable pitchers and desserts set in a bistro-style enclosed terrace. Want to take it up a notch? Add on the premium Wagyu sirloin roast for an extra AED 95, a proper showstopper for a weekend feast.

Every Sunday, 1 PM – 4 PM

For reservations, call +9714316 5555 or visit thebeamdubai


Mariam Khawer
Mariam Khawer
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