Al fresco dining, brilliant brunches and live entertainment await this weekend.
The second weekend of 2025 brings brunches, concerts and plenty of opportunities for dining in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So start planning your weekend of nightlife and entertainment – you can thank us later.
Friday 10 January
Book a stay at Mama Shelter Dubai
Mama Shelter Dubai is shaking up Dubai’s Business Bay, and millennials and Gen Z will feel right at home in the new hotel housed in a Franklin Azzi Architecture-designed building. Mama Shelter is famous for creating an informal atmosphere, which is why you’ll find room sizes categorised as S, M, L and going all the way up to XXL. With 201 rooms and 80 residences, guests checking into the hotel can also visit the rooftop bar, lobby bar, coffee house, and swimming pool. Plus, there’s an outdoor cinemas and DJs.
GO: Visit https://mamashelter.com for reservations and more information.
Enjoy a night of live music
The FACT award-winning Q’s Bar & Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai will host American artist Blake Winters for a two-month residency. Hailing from Philadelphia, Blake Winters has carved a remarkable path in the music industry as a gifted songwriter and performer. His dedication to musical excellence is evident in his collaborations, including contributing to Chris Brown’s 2x platinum hit Even and lending his vocal brilliance to Sam Smith’s Love Me More. Winters’ impressive portfolio also features collaborations with industry legends such as Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, and Laney Stewart, further establishing him as a force in contemporary music. Available Wednesday to Sunday from 7pm to 1am.
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for reservations and more information.
Experience a glamourous evening at FTV Dubai
Head to the first floor of the Voco Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road for a dazzling fusion of fashion, style, and entertainment. Inspired by Fashion TV’s global legacy, FTV Dubai serves exquisite cuisine, signature cocktails, and an exciting calendar of events. Guests can expect a showcase of premier local talent, ensuring the restaurant evolves effortlessly from day to night.
GO: Follow @ftv.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 11 January
Try a Coldplay-inspired brunch
Step into a galaxy of stars, music, and unforgettable vibes at Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, for a brunch that will light up your day. Celebrate during Coldplay’s much-anticipated Abu Dhabi concerts with a one-of-a-kind dining experience featuring live performances of Coldplay’s greatest hits, a trivia quiz to test your Coldplay knowledge, and a face-painting booth to add a splash of colour to your day. Menu highlights include the Sky Full of Greens salad bar and Clocks and Clams station, as well as cocktails like Yellow Sunrise and Paradise Punch. Saturday 11 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 245 (soft beverages), AED 365 (house beverages), AED 550 (Champagne).
GO: Call 02 698 8137 for reservations and more information.
Visit the 3Fils pop-up in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi EDITION is bringing Dubai’s renowned 3Fils to the capital for an exclusive pop-up event at Market at EDITION. Available for a limited time, this dining pop-up offers a memorable meal where 3Fils brings its harbour-side heritage and bold culinary artistry to the heart of Abu Dhabi. Available from 7 to 12 January from 6pm to midnight.
GO: Visit www.3fils.com for reservations and more information.
Laugh out loud with Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr in Abu Dhabi promises a night of laughter. The British-Irish comedian is bringing his world tour, Laughs Funny, to Abu Dhabi, which is expected to be a sold-out show. For those unfamiliar with Jimmy Carr, he’s a popular name in the global comedy scene. He started his career in 1997 and has since appeared on several TV shows, such as A Comedy Roast, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and many more, cementing his position in the entertainment world. He also has several Netflix appearances, including Funny Business, His Dark Material, and Natural Born Killer.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 12 January
Jog On
On your marks, get set, run! The Dubai Marathon is taking place on 12 January 2025. Stretching 42.195 kilometres, it is the region’s oldest marathon. If you want to channel your inner Mo Farah, but can’t go the distance, don’t worry. You can also join a 4-kilometre or 10-kilometre race.
GO: Visit www.dubaimarathon.org for reservations and more information.
Have brunch at Arrogante
Elevate your Sunday dining with a celebration of Italian cuisine and culture at Arrogante’s new La Dolce Domenica Brunch. Expect traditional family-friendly activities, live entertainment and a menu of Italian favourites such as Vitello Tonnato, Tagliatelle Ragu Bolognese and Dorada Al Limone. To keep little ones entertained, the brunch features a dedicated pizza-making station. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. AED 275 (soft beverages), AED 375 (house beverages) and AED 425 (premium beverages).
GO: Visit arrogantedubai.com for reservations and more information.
Catch Coldplay in concert
Coldplay’s record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour will stop at Zayed Sports City Stadium in January and be the British band’s only shows in the region. Coldplay’s concerts are immersive experiences known for dazzling light shows, fireworks and LED wristbands. In addition to performing new singles feelslikeimfallinginlove and We Pray, the group will also feature iconic anthems from their extensive catalogue including Clocks, Fix You, Paradise and Viva La Vida. The tour has sold more than 10 million tickets across 164 dates, making it the highest-grossing and most-attended tour ever.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for tickets and more information.
