Alert: August entered the chat with pure vibes
From dreamy staycays to foodie finds and low-key launches, there's still plenty to keep your calendar cute, even if you're on your no-plans plans.
Whether you're leaning into the lull or making your own buzz, here's everything worth stepping out for this August. ☀️
Bageri Form's Butter Yellow Midsommar Market
Bageri Form is bringing a touch of Nordic nostalgia to the heart of Dubai this summer with its new seasonal campaign, 'Butter Yellow Summer: Midsommar Moments.' Inspired by the warmth and simplicity of a Scandinavian summer picnic, slow down and savour the beauty of the season with a limited-edition menu featuring mini pavlovas, mango mascarpone cake, watermelon & lime juice, and much more. Enjoy an on-the-spot embroidery and personalisation of the branded butter yellow linen pouches.
When: Saturday, August 2nd.
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Location: Bageri Form, Building 4, Dubai Design District.
For more information, click here.
LUSH Spa Ladies' Night
Supplied
Step into a monthly ritual of relaxation at the only LUSH Spa in the region. On the first Wednesday of every month, LUSH Spa Ladies' Night offers an evening of themed treatments, self-care rituals, and hands-on fun designed to pamper, refresh, and reconnect. The upcoming session on Wednesday, themed 'Stepping Stone', is all about honouring the small but powerful steps we take in our wellness journey–from the soles of the feet to the soul.
Date: Wednesday, August 6th.
Time Slots: 6 PM – 7:30 PM or 7:30 PM – 9 PM.
Price: Dhs150 per person
Location: The LUSH Spa, Mirdif City Centre, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Mirdif.
For Reservations: call +971 4 560 8504. The LUSH Spa is women-only.
Coffee & Matcha Rave at Canopy by Hilton Dubai
Supplied
This isn't your average rave. Experience caffeine-fueled energy, amapiano and house beats, and vibrant creative vibes, all under one roof. Powered by House of Yanos, with specialty matcha drinks from Avantcha and bold coffee brews. Dance the day away to a live DJ set and soak up the feel-good energy. Also enjoy the lively market of local streetwear brands, gadgets, and artisanal finds. Gather your crew, sip, shop, dance, and vibe.
When: Sunday, August 3rd.
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Location: Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef.
For more information, click here.
Dime
The team behind Apollo, Za Za, and Rascals Deli has recently expanded with the burger joint, DIME. Expect classic burgers and cool vibes. Choose between a classic cheeseburger or DIME's signature house-made sauce and enjoy crispy nuggets, waffle Fries, classic milkshakes, and more. The vibe is effortlessly retro; it's giving a classic diner aesthetic with a chic twist.
When: Open daily.
Time: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM.
Location: Dime, 58 21st St, Al Satwa, Dubai.
For more information, click here.
Voyage Club at City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Mirdif's Voyage Club, your ultimate summer escape where art, culture, retail therapy, and summer energy meet, bringing the vacation vibes straight to your doorstep. From charm bracelet bar and DIY tan oil and bronzer-making workshops, there's something for everyone. Not just that, enjoy your favourite snacks from SALT and CREME! Just spend Dhs300 or more (excluding Carrefour) to begin your journey at Voyage Club.
When: Open daily.
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, on weekends open till 12AM.
Location: Ground Floor, City Centre Mirdif, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Mirdif.
For more information, click here.
Supper Club Tuesdays
Supplied
Held within the Girl & the Goose's private dining room, Supper Club Tuesdays is a six-course dining experience. Featuring new dishes shaped by Chef Gabriela's travels and rooted in her culture. Each evening is held by Chef Gabriela herself or Demi Chef Denisse Sierra. Optional drink pairings are available, carefully chosen to complement the menu. An evening to enjoy.
When: Every Tuesday starting August 5th.
Time: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM on weekends open till 12 AM.
Price: Dhs 387
Location: Girl & The Goose, Anantara Downtown Hotel, Business Bay.
For reservations, click here.
Pool day at Kinugawa
Via Instagram @kinugawadubai
Located on the beachfront of Marsa Al Arab, Pool Days at Kinugawa offer a luxe daytime escape. Lounge by the pool with views of the Burj Al Arab, while enjoying delish Japanese-French bites, with great music and stunning surroundings, it's a poolside experience full of style and serenity. A day to indulge in style and catch those rays.
When: Open daily.
Time: 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Location: Kinugawa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim.
For more information, click here.
Spread the love this International Friendship Day; check out all the spots to take your bestie to.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Have you sipped on safcha, the Emirati twist on matcha yet?
For matcha lovers and those who want to try it without worrying about sleepless nights, a new caffeine-free alternative has emerged from the UAE: safcha. Saaf Cafe, an Emirati concept inspired by the palm tree, a national symbol of heritage and identity, now serves the drink made from dried palm fronds. Safcha mimics the properties of matcha — a heavy pour of antioxidants and nutrients — sans the caffeine. Like the Japanese tea, the drink is green, and its production — the leaves are carefully selected, steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder — inspired by its overseas counterpart. The name itself blends the words 'saaf', which is Arabic for palm fronds, and matcha. It is ideal for those looking for a calming drink or an earthy local flavour. Mohammed Al Badwawi, brother of the founder of Saaf Cafe, told KT LUXE: 'During our participation in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia, we discovered a new product called safcha. We were immediately drawn to it because it perfectly aligns with our vision of offering products made from the palm tree.' By promoting this healthy beverage, the cafe hopes to attract the younger generation by providing food and juices that align with modern health trends, such as caffeine-free coffee alternatives similar to matcha. 'We've always aimed to offer choices that suit everyone, including those who are sensitive to caffeine,' Al Badwawi added. Now, safcha has become a staple on the extensive cafe menu. Hatta effect Saaf Cafe was established in 2024 in Hatta, and its name pays tribute to the natural environment and cultural heritage of the mountainous Hatta region. It also seeks to promote the culture of using dates by presenting them in various forms — from coffee infused with date extract, priced at Dh30, to other beverages such as 'Basr Juice' (made from fresh dates), Spanish Latte with dates, and V60 with dates. The menu also includes dishes like date pizza, date tiramisu, and rutab (semi-ripe dates) cheesecake, with prices ranging from Dh15 to Dh45. Al Badwawi explained: 'We wanted everything to be inspired by Hatta, from the name to the ingredients.' Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration" Mohammed Al Badwawi In addition to beverages and desserts flavoured with dates, the cafe also offers personal care products such as date oil for hair, facial serum, eyelash oil, body oil, and date patches for eyes, feet, and joints. 'Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration,' he said. The cafe was founded by Ali Al Badwawi, a retired government employee, former FIFA referee, and former member of the UAE Football Association. Al Badwawi views the project as a tribute to Emirati heritage. With more than 150 palm trees on the family farm, the Al Badwawi estate supplies the dates used to produce the beverages and food items served at the cafe. More than a cafe It's usually location that draws a crowd, but in the case of this cafe, it was the site of operation that proved to be the challenge. (It is located inside Dubai Municipality's Al Wadi Park at Hatta.) However, a collaboration with the local municipality helped turn the cafe into a visitor attraction. 'It was difficult to design a marketing plan that would draw people into the park to visit the cafe, but the municipality cooperated by placing a sign for the cafe inside the park,' he said. The venue functions as both a cafe and a restaurant, featuring two floors and an outdoor space. It was established to serve local products. The cafe blends traditional and modern atmospheres, and offers a unique dining experience suitable for all ages, including traditional breakfasts and other meals. Services include dine-in, online ordering, and soon, a new branch in Mirdif, Dubai. The cafe also organises events and initiatives aligned with local culture, such as dedicating special hours for only women, where people can connect over snacks and a cup of safcha.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: No family nearby? Mothers' club helps new mums find support circle away from home
The Mum Club Dubai, a local franchise of the UK-based community, has experienced remarkable growth since launching in November 2022. What began as a single monthly coffee club has expanded to eight events per month, serving over 3,000 active subscribers. The club welcomes mothers of all nationalities aged 20-40, creating an inclusive space for Dubai's diverse expatriate community. The club's origin story reflects the challenges many expatriate mothers face. Founder Jo moved to Dubai several years ago without knowing anyone and wanted to connect with like-minded mothers. Having experienced the positive impact of The Mum Club community in her hometown, she approached The Mum Club UK about franchising when her family relocated to Dubai for her husband's work. 'Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where mums can take a moment for themselves,' explains the club. 'There are so many classes aimed at the babies, which is great, but sometimes the mum is forgotten about. Our club aims to bring mums together through our thoughtful events and supportive communities that are tailored for women's well-being.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Dubai's challenges Dubai presents specific obstacles for new mothers that differ from other cities. 'They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what happens when you've moved abroad and hopped on a plane to live in a whole new country, away from your family and lifelong friends?' the club asks. 'Increasingly, we see people moving to Dubai for a better life, but they are leaving behind their 'villages' and we need help.' The city's fast-paced environment compounds these challenges. 'Dubai is fast-paced, and maternity/paternity leave isn't always as long as what we may have in our home countries. Husbands go back to work quicker, leaving mothers at home and often isolated, not knowing anyone else to lean on.' Dubai's multicultural, transient nature creates additional networking complexities. 'Dubai is busy, Dubai is transient, and Dubai is multicultural. It's a hub for networking – but networking as a mother is different. Do we even speak the same language? Do you even want another friend? Where do we meet? And even when you feel like you know some friends, you can't get complacent as people's plans change all the time!' The club's inclusive approach addresses these concerns directly: 'We are here for mums full stop. That's any mums, any age and any nationality.' They provide qualified babysitting help at most events and ensure staff are present to welcome mothers so 'no one is ever left to feel by themselves.' Diverse activities The club offers diverse programming, including breakfast clubs, fitness classes, and cinema screenings. Their breakfast clubs have become particularly popular, providing 'a breath of fresh air for mums offering a relaxed, stylish space to connect with other women who get it while enjoying great food, real conversations, and a moment to focus on you (not just the kids).' Cinema clubs feature a unique format where mothers enjoy a breakfast buffet and networking opportunity before watching the latest releases in Roxy Platinum reclining seats. 'We have our own private screen and so we lift the lighting for mums to be able to tend to their babies throughout, and the sound is lowered so it's baby-friendly. It's a gorgeous morning.' One standout offering is Reformer Pilates classes, where 'you can have your baby next to you whilst you do your class. Our on-hand babysitters are there to help you so you can get the most out of your workout.' Venue selection reflects careful consideration of mothers' needs. The club seeks locations that accommodate 30 mothers with babies and prams, offer easy accessibility with nearby parking, provide comfortable baby changing facilities, maintain aesthetically pleasing atmospheres, and serve excellent food and coffee. 'There are numerous restaurants in Dubai, endless in fact, but we set ourselves the mission to search for the best and most convenient with the mum in mind. There are many baby-friendly venues, but our goal is to make it the most 'mum' friendly.' Weather considerations are crucial in Dubai's extreme climate. 'We have specific events which we can run outside, but we only do these in the cooler winter months, and then we move them to alternate venues inside when it's too hot again!' 'The unicorn I needed' Nazli de Gee's experience illustrates the club's impact. The 32-year-old South African mother of four children - Mikhail (11), Aiden (8), Alana (3), and Mila (2) - moved to the UAE in 2022 when her husband Wesley received a job offer. The family completed their relocation within two months. 'When we moved to the UAE, everything felt like a whirlwind. Within six months, I was pregnant with our fourth baby. We were still trying to settle in, I had no family, no friends, no car and suddenly I went from a working woman with a career in marketing to a stay-at-home mom, just trying to keep it together,' Nazli recalls. During this transition, she also launched her small business, Peek-a-Boo. 'So after a few months of trying to adult, mom, wife, mompreneur and socialise all at once, I saw The Mum Club on Instagram and I figured The Mum Club might just be the unicorn I needed - moms, coffee, conversation, and someone else entertaining the baby for once? Count me in. Sanity brought me to The Mum Club… and it didn't disappoint.' Nazli discovered the club during a 2am Instagram scroll while feeding her baby. 'It felt like a sign… or at least a well-targeted ad.' She was hoping to 'meet some like-minded moms who get it: the chaos, the love, the sleep deprivation. Somewhere I could actually have an adult conversation that didn't involve the words 'potty' or 'snack,' and maybe just maybe finish a hot cup of coffee without reheating it three times.' Her first experience exceeded expectations. 'It was honestly lovely, the hosts were very friendly and welcoming. I met so many amazing women from all over the world who were going through similar things, trying to navigate motherhood in a new country, just like me. We talked nonstop from beginning to end, and it was exactly what I needed at the time, both mentally and emotionally. It felt like a reset button.' Overcoming barriers Before joining, Nazli faced significant isolation challenges. 'Dubai is dazzling, but it can be incredibly isolating without your village. Although I have my husband, who is my best friend and very supportive and hands-on, I still felt somewhat alone. In the early days, it felt like everyone had their crew except me. There were moments I'd go days without adult conversation - unless you count asking Siri how to remove crayon from walls.' The absence of extended family support proved particularly difficult. 'Not having grandparents pop by or aunties take over for an hour made everything feel heavier. I missed the 'drop-by support' and those impromptu family meals that feed your soul more than your stomach. Here, every bit of help had to be scheduled and sometimes paid for.' The practical challenges of going out with children in Dubai were substantial. 'Going out with four kids feels less like a casual outing and more like prepping for a full-on military operation - timings, snacks, backups, and all. While Dubai is quite kid-friendly, it's surprisingly hard to find cafes that truly cater to babies or toddlers. Most places offer colouring pages and a few crayons, but that only buys you about six minutes of peace.' Finding suitable activities proved equally challenging. 'In the beginning, it was really difficult. There just weren't many options that I knew of, and I often felt like I had to choose between what I needed and what was good for my baby.' Meeting other mothers presented its own obstacles. 'It was surprisingly hard. Unless you randomly bond with a mom over rogue raisins in a play area, it's awkward. Most meetups felt too formal or forced.' Barriers included 'time, energy, and the weird fear of rejection (yes, even as grownups). Sometimes you don't want to seem desperate or intrusive.' Life-changing impact The club transformed Nazli's experience in multiple ways. 'In more ways than I can count. It gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me that motherhood isn't meant to be done in isolation. Now I have friends who get it, who've cried over sleepless nights and laughed over exploding nappies. Emotionally, I feel lighter, more seen, and a lot more human.' The club also provided unexpected professional benefits. 'As a mompreneur, The Mum Club became more than just a support circle, it turned into a powerful networking space. I got to connect with my exact target audience (aka other amazing moms!) and even had the chance to showcase my small business, Peek-a-Boo AE, at one of the Breakfast Mornings. Coffee, connection, and a little brand visibility? Win-win-win.' The club's format proved ideal for busy mothers. 'The Mum Club has been the perfect balance. My baby's happy, stimulated, and safely entertained while I get to enjoy a proper breakfast, hot coffee (a rare luxury!), thoughtful goodie bags, and genuine conversations with a lovely group of moms. Sometimes there are expert talks too, which is like a bonus TED Talk in your morning. All that, for a small cost? Honestly… what more can you ask for? And I leave feeling refreshed, not depleted.' The organic nature of connections appealed to Nazli. 'The Mum Club made it organic like speed-dating for mom friends, but with better coffee and less pressure. The Mum Club gave me a space where everyone wanted to connect and it removed the awkwardness. Now, I've got a circle of strong, hilarious, supportive women who've become more like family.'
The National
13 hours ago
- The National
Alba Street review: Japanese burgers and sophisticated sushi cater to the whole family
Feeding teenagers who turn their noses up at anything green or raw is a challenge. A big challenge when eating out. Choosing a place with plenty of backup options is a must. That's why a school holiday family outing to Dubai Mall 's Social Distrikt felt like a promising way to please everyone. At Alba Street, which has a menu full of Japanese-inspired bites and familiar comfort food, my 13-year-old twins could stick to burgers, fries and ice cream, while the grown-ups branched out. Where to sit and what to expect Social Distrikt opened in April. The indoor food hall and entertainment hub in the Fountain Views area of Dubai Mall has an open layout and bold graffiti-style art, giving the space energy and a youthful vibe. Its mix of global cuisines makes it ideal for adventurous eaters and choosy teenagers alike. The hall is quiet when we arrive. Alba Street, a 40-seat counter-service outlet with an izakaya-style open kitchen, sits neatly within the venue. A spin-off from Alba Restaurant in Downtown Dubai, it promises a casual-yet-refined take on Japanese street food. That's not a pitch that works on my fussy kids, so I have sold it to them as a burger-and-fries joint. We grab a table near the service hatch and settle in. The menu Alba Street reimagines its parent restaurant's menu with a fun, accessible twist. Created by chef Chistyakov Vladimir, the offering ranges from shareable snacks to hearty combos. There's an extensive selection of nigiri, sashimi, onigiri and hand rolls with ingredients such as scallop, eel, king crab and A5 Wagyu beef. For burger fans, like my two, standout options include the Wagyu kimchi burger and the spicy yuzu chilli chicken burger, both available in cheekily named combos: Grendizer and Cheat Day. Desserts follow the same East-meets-West theme, incorporating matcha and miso, while house-made drinks such as milk oolong mango lemonade and pink sakura water add a playful touch. I had prechecked the menu, so there are no surprises when the girls both order the Grendizer Power Pack combo (Dh115): Wagyu kimchi burger, fries, sauce and a drink. Everything comes in takeaway-style cardboard packaging, just how they like it. The burgers, packed with umami flavours and melted cheese, pass the picky test, even the spicy house-fermented kimchi. The hit of the meal, however, is the delicious home-made cherry almond lemonade. It vanishes in a few gulps. My wife opts for the Geisha Cheat Day combo (Dh95), sticking with a yuzu chilli chicken burger and fries. It's a safe option and goes down a treat. The fried chicken has a crispy crunch and, glazed in tangy yuzu chilli sauce and topped with shredded cabbage and creamy Japanese mayo, has an abundance of flavour. I'm not usually a sushi kind of guy, but I'm here for real Japanese flavours. Though starters include kale salad (Dh35), broken cucumber (Dh25) and popcorn shrimp (Dh45), I skip them and head straight for the sushi-style dishes. My selection includes salmon belly sashimi (Dh55) and tuna akami onigiri (Dh55). Served with soy sauce, both showcase the full range of Japanese flavours – sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty. The salmon belly is rich and buttery, and works well when dipped in soy sauce, delivering an umami taste. The tuna onigiri has a fresh, meaty texture with a well-balanced salt and seaweed taste. Wasabi dip adds another dimension, providing a kick to the taste buds. To order or not to order The king crab handroll (Dh90) is the pick of the bunch. It's a sweet, salty, sea-scented bite with excellent contrast provided by the rice, seaweed and veggies. But it was disappointing – not least for the girls – not to be able to sample dessert. The soft matcha ice cream (Dh25) had not been delivered on time by the supplier for our lunch outing. The other desert option, miso Snickers (Dh30) was also unavailable, so we had to go without. Save or splurge There's plenty of range when it comes to pricing, but the most expensive options are probably worth it if sharing. A 12-piece sashimi box with salmon, yellowtail, tuna and eel is Dh175 and an eight-piece nigiri box comes in at Dh165. Other shareable options include a four-piece handroll box (Dh150), two-piece onigiri set (Dh150), and 16-piece maki roll box (Dh135) with avo maki, California crunch, salmon avo and spicy tuna. For smaller appetites, individual items start from Dh35, with salmon the most affordable across formats. The verdict Alba Street pulls off a tricky balance: comfort food for hesitant teenagers and bold, high-quality Japanese street food for grown-up palates in a cool and casual setting. But with no guarantee dessert will show up, the sweet-toothed might leave with cravings still intact. Alba Street at Dubai Mall's Social Distrikt is open from 11am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made by calling 058 527 8771.
