Make your own chocolate, go for a brunch: Fun ways to spend the weekend
Your ticket to the chocolate factory
The best gifts come from the heart, and what could be better than giving that special someone a sweet something you had a hand in making? Mirzam Chocolate Factory has a cool activity in mind this weekend – just in time for World Chocolate Day. This is a dessert that you can help craft and decorate, before wrapping it up in a special paper. Hand-made: check. Sweet: check. Winning option: check.
Dh95 (per person/min two people). July 6-7, 4pm and 6pm (July 6); 2pm and 6pm (July 7). Mirzam Chocolate Factory, Al Quoz, Dubai. mirzam.com
Paint and sip the day away
This is no slap-dash session – you will walk away feeling like an artist. Relax by the poolside (or take a refreshing dip), sip on beverages, and enjoy a three-hour guided painting session by We Love Art where you can work on one of three artworks: Vibrant Horse, Birth of Venus, or Sails of Tranquillity. We suggest bringing a friend along – you know, for appreciation of your genius.
Dh390 (per person). July 5, noon-3pm. Equestrian Lounge, Al Habtoor Polo Resort. habtoorpoloresort.com.
Bon appetite!
It's time - embrace your inner foodie and enjoy Dubai's Summer Restaurant Week, a 10-day celebration of all the fabulous dining options in the city. Fifty eateries are taking part in the event, where you can tuck into a two-course lunch or a three-course dinner at a steeply discounted price. On the menu are offerings from Al Fanar Seafood Market, Frank Meat & Taps, and more. Just remember to reserve your table before you go.
Dh95 (two-course lunch); Dh150 (three-course dinner). July 4-13. At various locations across Dubai. opentable.ae.
Ready to run?
Kicks at the ready now, you can still take part in a run, even if it will sizzling out there. the RX Summer Run 2025 at City Centre Mirdif offers you the chance to flex those muscles in the great indoors. The family-friendly challenge, held at the ground level of the mall, calls on people to walk the 850-metre short distance race or take on the the more challenging 3km and 5km routes. Participants will receive a medal, certificate and refreshments after the competition, and cash prizes are up for grabs.
Dh47.25 (850m); Dh68.25 (3km); Dh99.75 (5km). July 6, 7am. premieronline.com.
Brunch it up!
Get your fix of Brit favs at this brunch that caters to the whole family. From traditional roasts (chicken, slow roasted lamb racks, beef) to pies and even British Indian flavours, you'll find something for even fussy eaters. Take a break from your culinary journey to tune in to fun beats thanks to an on-the-scene guitarist. If that's not enough incentive, you also get pool and beach access, and the kids can enjoy Dukesy Kids Club access.
From Dh305 (per person); July 5, 1pm-4pm. Great British Restaurant, Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel.
Dreaming of a daycation
Craving an urban escape? We've got just the thing - Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is offering an all-inclusive summer daycation, made more affordable with a 25 per cent discount on adult packages which you can forego to bring along up to two kids (under 12) free of charge. The offer will allow you to splash around in the pool, take long walks on the beach, or try a new fitness class. Kids will love the Rixy Kids Club, where they can play games and take part in interactive activities. Breakfast and lunch is included.
Dh599 (per adult, weekday); Dh699 (per adult, weekend). Until Sep 15. Palm Jumeirah. rixos.com
See a show
You may want a drop of honey before you go see Once Upon a Fairytale: Two Princesses on July 6. You are sure to find yourself humming (if not singing) along to songs from iconic cartoons and kids' musicals including Colours of the Wind (Pocahontas) and How Far I'll Go (Moana) to Part of Your World (Aladdin) and Defying Gravity (Wicked).
From Dh125 (per person). July 6, 2pm. Theatre of Digital Arts' (TODA), Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai. toda.ae
Padel anyone?
Head over to PAUS: Café and Wellness Studio, where you can enjoy a range of classes and take part in an unusual pop-up; when you buy a special beverage only available on July 5 and July 6, you'll get a complimentary Dove Hair Mask depending on your hair-type. If court-side matches are you're your speed, chill out and watch beauty influencer Aliona on the padel court.
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