Dance the weekend away at a European festival making its UAE debut (and don’t forget Valentine’s)
UAE residents are in for a busy week, as the country embraces events such as Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. The winter season also peaks with a mega outdoor music festival making its debut in Dubai and a major Hollywood star performing outdoors in the capital.
Here, The National rounds up seven things to do in the UAE from today until Sunday.
Today
Start the week with an early Valentine’s treat at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi. Couples can indulge in a curated spa package featuring a 30-minute milk bath with champagne and chocolates, a one-hour special Anantara treatment and a one-hour Biologique Recherche facial. Until Sunday; Dh3,400 per couple; Al Mirayr, Abu Dhabi; www.anantara.com
Tomorrow
Head to Mott 32 restaurant at Address Beach Resort to catch a limited-run exhibition featuring Chinese New Year-themed pieces by Judith Leiber Couture, including handcrafted evening bags themed around prosperity and abundance. Couture pieces such as the Chinese takeaway box-shaped bag and another shaped like a dragon’s egg will be on display.
The restaurant has also created a menu inspired by the Year of the Dragon, including a dragon egg dish with fresh blueberry lime compote, honey Greek yoghurt espuma, snap tulie and dried pineapple. Until March 10; 6pm-1am; a la carte; Jumeirah Beach Residence; www.mott32.com
Wednesday
Who says Valentine’s Day can’t be about you and your pet? British pub The Duck Hook is hosting a unique celebration for guests and their pooches on Wednesday. A limited-edition menu has been curated, including pet-themed beverages.
A Polaroid photo booth area is also set up, as well as a play zone with professional trainers. Wednesday; 11am-8pm; a la carte; Dubai Hills Golf Club; www.jumeirah.com
Thursday
Untold, one of Europe’s most popular music festivals, arrives in the city for the first time on Thursday. Taking place at Dubai Expo City, the fourday event will have dozens of artists performing.
Big-name acts include Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren, British singer-songwriter Ellie
Goulding and South Korean artist Psy. More niche artists set to perform include singer-songwriter Ama Lou, electronic music trio Arkadyan and Dubai’s DJ Bliss.
Until Sunday; from Dh300; Dubai Expo City; www.untold.ae
Friday
A new food hall opens at Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai on Friday. Set across 308 square metres in one of Dubai’s oldest shopping malls, the Flayva brings together 23 street food concepts, predominantly representing Asian cuisines. Brands include Lebanese venue Allo Beirut, Emirati-owned
Hubboba Tea Cafe and Indonesian concept Warung Bandung. Open Sunday to Thursday, 10am-11pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am-1am; Al Ghurair Centre; www.flayvadubai.com
Saturday
Spend Saturday night in the capital listening to Alicia Key’s heartfelt vocals live. The US singer and pianist will perform at the open-air music series Saadiyat Nights. Known for hits Fallin’, If I Ain’t Got You and Girl on Fire, she has sold more than 90 million records worldwide. Saturday; 5pm; from Dh295; Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Island; www.ticketmaster.ae
Sunday
Book an educational tour of Dibba Bay’s oyster farm in Fujairah on Sunday as part of a 10-day Oyster Festival.
Guests will learn about the production process of the onshore facility, followed by a boat trip to see the actual oyster spot at sea.
The package includes oyster tasting with non-alcoholic wine pairings as well as transportation from Dubai. Saturday and Sunday; 10am4pm; Dh350; pick up at Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai; www.dibbabay.com