Our picks of the hottest happenings this weekend.
The weekend is shaping up to be a strong one across the UAE, with Dubai offering plenty of reasons to step out. Whether you fancy a restorative escape to the Empty Quarter, a chef-led dining experience in the city, a lively brunch by the beach or a night of Afro house under the stars, the next few days are packed with options.
Friday 17 April
Embark on a workcation
Deep in the Abu Dhabi desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is giving remote working a more scenic setting with its new Desert Workcation Retreat. Set in the Rub’ al Khali – the world’s largest continuous sand desert – the offer combines work-friendly essentials with the stillness of the Empty Quarter. Expect reliable connectivity, in-room or villa work setups, complimentary printing, unlimited coffee, and remote learning support for children through the Kids’ Club. Off-duty hours can be spent dune bashing, camel trekking or unwinding at the spa.
Where: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anatara, Mahdar Sahab, Liwa, Abu Dhabi
When: Available daily until 30 September 2026
Price: Rates from AED 1,080 per night
Contact: www.anantara.com
Take a seat at The Extended Table
Chef Akmal Anuar’s The Extended Table arrives at Harummanis on 17 April, bringing a more generous spirit to Dubai’s dining scene. Best known for the bold, flavour-driven cooking at the FACT award-winning Harummanis, Chef Akmal Anuar has built a reputation for food that feels expressive and full of personality. With The Extended Table, he takes that same approach and applies it to a more intimate format. Guests can expect a rotating spread of dishes served at a shared table, encouraging diners to come together over plates made for passing, sharing and discussing. As more people join, the table grows longer. In doing so, the concept becomes a visible expression of support for the restaurants, their teams and the people who continue to champion independent hospitality in Dubai.
Where: Harummanis, Wasl 51, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Friday, 17 April 2026 at 7pm
Price: AED 150 per person
Contact: @harummanis.51
Try the Tsumugi menu at KIGO
KIGO at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre has launched Tsumugi, a new six-course dining experience designed to offer a more accessible introduction to the restaurant’s refined Japanese cuisine. The menu bridges KIGO’s signature Kaiseki and Sushi Omakase formats, showcasing the restaurant’s focus on seasonality, precision and craftsmanship. Highlights include Summer Vegetables with dashi gelée, Chawanmushi with crab sauce, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Saikyo Miso Grilled Ōmi Wagyu, and six chef’s special Nnigiri.
Where: KIGO, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai
When: Available Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to 10pm
Price: AED 980
Contact: www.kigodubai.com
Saturday 18 April
Grab a bite at A Normal Day
A Normal Day is an elevated spot, redefining the morning dining experience with comfort and creativity in Dubai’s Dar Al Wasl Mall. Under the guidance of Chef Illia Andriushyn, the menu at this homegrown spot offers refined takes on breakfast classics, such as Avo and Mango Toast, Mortadella Benedict atop a crispy hash brown, or the Date Bonbons that need to be seen to be believed. Beyond breakfast, A Normal Day transforms into a creative hub at night, where its test kitchen hosts exclusive tasting events and chef collaborations.
Where: A Normal Day, Dar Wasl, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
When: Open daily from 9am to 10pm
Contact: @anormalday.ae
Enjoy sunset sips at Cocina Tres
Cocina Tres brings a lively edge to early evenings with its Sunset Hour. The promotion keeps the focus firmly on agave, with classic, spicy, mango, and skinny Margaritas priced at AED 45, while the Frozen Paloma is offered two-for-one at AED 60. Groups can opt for the Margarita Pitcher at AED 295, designed to serve seven. Elsewhere, there’s a Carajillo No.3 with Licor 43 and cold brew coffee, plus a Michelada, Corona draft and neat pours of tequila and mezcal. It is a concise menu made specifically for sundowners.
Where: Cocina Tres, Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 7pm
Price: Selected beverages from AED 35
Contact: @cocina_tres
Hit the sand with Francis Mercier
Be Beach Dubai is set to host an open-air night with Francis Mercier, bringing his signature blend of Afro house and melodic rhythms to Dubai Harbour. Known for creating immersive sets that balance energy and atmosphere, the renowned DJ will take over the beachfront venue for what promises to be one of the season’s standout music events. Joining him on the lineup are Kris Fade, Dean Curtis, Celeena and Marioo, ensuring a high-energy crowd, premium production and a vibrant setting where music and lifestyle come together under the stars.
Where: Be Beach, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
When: Saturday, 18 April at 7:30pm
Price: Tickets from AED 100
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Sunday 19 April
Enjoy a marvellous meal at Piehaus
Set within its cosy home at Warehouse 22A, Piehaus has built a loyal following for its handcrafted pies, warm hospitality and sense of familiarity. Founded by Stasha Toncev, who is also behind the FACT award-winning 21grams, the brand has launched Initiative 22 in response to the current strain facing small businesses and communities alike. Named after the venue’s address, Menu 22 offers four Piehaus favourites for AED 22 each, giving guests the chance to enjoy comforting food and drinks at an affordable price point. The selection includes the Harissa Potato Pie, topped with spicy pepper relish and Omani chips; the sweet and fragrant Caramel Tahina Pie; an Aerocano for coffee lovers; and a Hibiscus Berry Iced Tea for something bright and refreshing.
Where: Piehaus, Warehouse 22A, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: Open daily from 9am to 6pm
Price: Four Piehaus favourites for AED 22 each or à la carte
Contact: @piehaus.dubai
Play some padel
Padel One has arrived in Dubai, bringing a new take on the city’s fast-growing padel scene. Located in Dubai Investment Park, the lifestyle-led venue features six indoor courts with FIP-approved surfaces, a wellness zone, yoga and Pilates studio, social café and lounge, plus private coaching through The Padel Academy. Opened by French-Congolese singer and entrepreneur Dadju alongside Nasser Goulamhoussen, the concept blends serious sport with a strong sense of community. Its launch drew famous faces, including Kylian Mbappé, Francis Ngannou, Théo Hernández and Lucas Hernández, cementing Padel One’s celebrity appeal.
Where: Padel One, 52 Street, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai
When: Open daily from 7am to 11pm
Contact: https://padelone.ae
Tuck into Orfali Bros OG Tasting Menu
The FACT award-winning Orfali Bros has unveiled its OG Tasting Menu, a nostalgic seven-course experience that shines a light on the dishes that helped turn the concept into one of Dubai’s most celebrated dining destinations. Rather than introducing new creations for the sake of novelty, Orfali Bros is revisiting the plates that built its reputation, offering guests a chance to experience the flavours that made the restaurant such a standout from the beginning. The menu brings together some of Orfali Bros’ best-known signatures, beginning with the much-loved Corn Bomb, which has become one of the restaurant’s defining dishes. Guests can also expect Guess What?, a carefully layered combination of lacto-fermented tomatoes, cucumber, purslane, sourdough and feta. Elsewhere, favourites including the Umami Eclair, Roots, the Aleppo Street Bun, Orfali Bayaldi and ORF Labaniyeh form part of the line-up, creating a tasting journey that feels both personal and familiar.
Where: Orfali Bros, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah, Dubai
When: Open Wednesday to Monday from 5:45pm to 11:30pm
Price: AED 350 per person
Contact: https://orfalibros.com