Dubai Weekend Plans: Halloween Parties, Brunches, More
From brunches to open-air films, Dubai's weekend plans are looking full
The weekend plans that fell through after work finally get their second chance this week, and for groups of friends across Dubai, the days from Friday through Sunday offer plenty of ways to make up for lost time. Whether the mood calls for a long lunch, a costume party, an evening brunch or a movie under the stars, the city’s calendar is full, and the choices below lay out how to fill it.
For those drawn to the water, Nikki Beach Dubai is bringing back its poolside brunch on Saturday afternoons. The three-hour experience pairs culinary tastings with time spent moving between luxurious tables, loungers and relaxing dips, with sea views and live entertainment setting the pace. Coastal starters give way to Mediterranean mains while a resident DJ keeps the tone vibrant. This weekend, the classic menu of coastal specialities comes paired with slow hours by the pool and a crafty cocktail in hand.
Dinner plans lean Persian at Le Guilan, a newly opened restaurant overlooking panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa. The spot introduces a refined expression of Persian dining to Dubai, pairing the generosity and warmth of Persian hospitality with a European touch. The flavours stay true to Persian cuisine while the presentation takes on a European character, resulting in an exquisite array of savoury dishes given a contemporary expression, alongside a refreshing palette of drinks.
Gigi Rigolatto, meanwhile, is marking its new season, Alla Grande, with an entire day of luxury. The Italian classicist spot has curated a menu that runs from the Seabream Carpaccio to handmade pasta, including Pappardelle allo Zafferano and the Cacio e Pepe, with sharing plates such as the Gamberi Provenzale. Rotating lineups of DJs add vibrancy across the weekend, and guests can settle into the opulent interiors for a meal carried along by the lively atmosphere.
Not everything on the list involves dressing up. Those wanting something quieter can head to Casa Tasa, a cafe concept born in Abu Dhabi and newly opened in Dubai. Designed as more than a cafe, the space hosts local brand pop-ups alongside a sketching studio, all set within interiors of hand-painted murals. The curated menu includes The Casa Tasa Special with Burrata, the ARC Signature Matcha and the Egg Bacon Chilli Crunch. The idea behind it all is simple: give guests a creative hub where they can reconnect with their artistic side, away from the same few cafes on constant rotation.
For film lovers, two outdoor options compete for attention. VOX MOONLIGHT is bringing its open-air cinema back as the weather cools, screening the most anticipated new releases against panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. Cosy bean bags, loungers and private cabanas come with an on-site menu of sushi, burgers, hot dogs and familiar cinema snacks, and the filmography spans Hollywood, Bollywood and Arab cinema. By contrast, Cinema Akil, the iconic art house cinema, returns to the setting of 25 Hours Hotel with an open-air programme of Hollywood and animated classics alongside Arab cinema’s cinematic classics, with exquisitely made noodles standing in for the usual snacks. For regular moviegoers, both promise that feeling of watching a film from the comfort of home, blended with meeting an entirely new community in the gentle breeze of Dubai’s outdoors.
The evening crowd has options too. MEI at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam is marking its one-year anniversary by introducing a Saturday night brunch, blending Japanese and Chinese cuisine with live singers and entertainment. Dim sum, sushi and sashimi are on offer, accompanied by sparkling champagne. Over at Coya, the Halloween season has taken hold: the spot celebrated the holiday with a party of haunting entertainment, uniquely crafted cocktails and songs from the band Arkadyan Music, inviting guests to step into a world of mystery for a night of costumes, intrigue and a lively cocktail menu.
Finally, Sunday belongs to the city’s runners and riders. The Dubai Fitness Challenge returns for its tenth year, running until November 29 and featuring everything from Dubai bike rides to the beloved Dubai runs. The challenge opens this Sunday on November 1 with cycling tracks set amongst the city’s roads, giving workout buddies the perfect reason to reconnect with Dubai’s overflowing fitness and wellness community as life moves back outdoors for the season. Will the tenth edition draw the biggest crowds yet?
Q&A
What is returning at Nikki Beach Dubai this weekend?
Its poolside brunch on Saturday afternoons, a three-hour experience pairing coastal starters and Mediterranean mains with sea views, live entertainment and a resident DJ.
Where can film lovers watch movies outdoors in Dubai?
At VOX MOONLIGHT's open-air cinema with bean bags, loungers and private cabanas against the Dubai skyline, and at Cinema Akil, which returns to 25 Hours Hotel with open-air screenings of Hollywood, animated and Arab classics.
What makes Casa Tasa different from a typical cafe?
Born in Abu Dhabi and newly opened in Dubai, it hosts local brand pop-ups and a sketching studio within interiors of hand-painted murals, designed as a creative hub where guests can reconnect with their artistic side.
When does the Dubai Fitness Challenge open its tenth edition?
This Sunday, November 1, with cycling tracks set amongst the city's roads; the challenge runs until November 29 and includes Dubai bike rides and the beloved Dubai runs.