Few things in life are as irritating as hearing everyone around you discussing their travel plans for the upcoming long weekend – especially if leaving the city is not an option for you. Luckily, there are plenty of events taking place around town between November 30th and December 3rd, ten of which we’re particularly looking forward to. Read on to see what they are.
Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Tasting Workshops
If You're a Chocoholic
Two hour-long sessions will be hosted by artisanal chocolate factory Mirzam on December 2nd, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the different flavor notes of single-origin chocolate and the production process from bean to bar. These free, one-of-a-kind tasting experiences will take place in Building 3 of Dubai Design District, with the first session kicking off at 3 p.m. To learn more and book your spot, click here.
Global Village
If You're Itching to Travel – But Can't
Impulse purchases, street-food kiosks, cultural acts, arcade games, extreme rides, bi-weekly fireworks displays, and 30 pavilions representing over 75 countries from around the world – if it’s old-fashioned fun you’re after, Global Village is where it’s at. The 22nd edition spans 1.6 million square meters, 23 dining outlets, and more than 12,000 entertainment shows. The long weekend will feature stunt shows, a Chinese circus, a show by Shaolin Monks, special concerts, and plenty more. To see the complete line-up of events, click here.
Celestial Art at The Dubai Mall
If You're into Astronomy
If you’re one to obsessively track the moon cycle, there’s a full moon on the horizon awaiting you – but not the kind you’d expect. This particular one is a touring installation entitled Museum of the Moon by British artist Luke Jerram, with each centimeter representing five kilometers of the actual moon. It has been created using NASA imagery and will be revealed on Friday, November 30th in the Souk Atrium of The Dubai Mall.
Ripe Market at Zabeel Park
If You Have the Urge to Splurge
Meandering around an interesting al fresco market with the luxury of time and decent weather is the stuff of Dubai dreams – enter: Ripe Market. The city’s favorite market recently moved to Zabeel Park, so you can spend your time leisurely browsing fashion, jewelry, and craft stalls and picking up fresh, organic, and locally sourced fruits and vegetables amidst acres and acres of lush greenery. It runs every Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, which means your plans for December 1st are sorted!
'Hedda Gabler' at Courtyard Playhouse
If You're on a Culture Quest
“Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs to be free…” – so begins the National Theatre production of Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. Directed by Tony Award winner Ivo van Hove, this modern take stars Ruth Wilson of Jane Eyre fame in the title role. It follows the determined Hedda as she attempts to control everyone around her, having just returned from her honeymoon and already feeling trapped in a meaningless marriage. Screening at Courtyard Playhouse from November 30th to December 1st, this one’s not to be missed. To book your tickets, click here.
Dubai Rugby Sevens
If You're a Sports Fanatic
277 rugby teams. 689 rugby matches. 4,500 players from across the globe. Fast-paced sports action and over 100,000 fun-loving fans come together at the annual Dubai Rugby Sevens to form a party atmosphere like no other. Taking place from November 30th to December 2nd at The Sevens Stadium, the immensely popular event will also feature competitions, giveaways, entertainment activities, live music, and more. To book your tickets, click here.
Full-Moon Yoga at Fairmont The Palm
If You Need a Time-Out
To celebrate the December full moon – and Dubai’s blissful weather – join resident yoga teacher Melanie of Desert Swan on December 2nd as she guides you through your practice on the beach of Fairmont The Palm hotel. Starting at 8 p.m., the 90-minute session costs AED 75 and will entail an hour of yoga followed by 30 minutes of meditation. Space are limited, so book a spot by sending an e-mail to elmira.gazizova@fairmont.c
'Amazing Dubai' at Madinat Theatre
If You're Feeling Patriotic
Chronicling Dubai’s incredible transformation from a fishing community in the 1800s to the vibrant metropolis it is today, Amazing Dubai is an hour-long musical that appeals to both residents and tourists alike. As entertaining as it is educational, it depicts an Emirati family to tell the story of the city’s history, heritage, and culture. Unable to make it this weekend? The production will run plenty more shows at Madinat Theatre during the month of December. Tickets start at AED 120 and can be purchased here.
Urban Outdoor Cinema
If You're in the Mood for a Laugh
Yet to watch 90s comedies Mrs. Doubtfire and Four Weddings and a Funeral? Well, you now have a reason to make your way to Habtoor Grand Resort. Hosted by Urban Outdoor Cinema, both must-see flicks will screen over the long weekend. There are plenty of menu options and adult beverages to choose from, with the JBR skyline in the backdrop serving as the proverbial cherry on top. Tickets cost AED 75 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Offbeat Dubai Desert Safari
If You're Craving Nature
A trip to the pristine sands of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is always a yes, particularly when guided-tour company Unseen Trails is involved. As the first nature-focused desert drive of its kind in Dubai, the seven-hour ‘Offbeat Dubai Desert Safari’ features an exclusive route through the reserve jointly led by food tourism company Frying Pan Adventures and the falconers from Royal Shaheen.
You’ll be given the opportunity to meet the DDCR rangers, photograph falcons, plant the national tree from Goumbook’s Give a Ghaf program to give back to the reserve, and dine on a wholesome picnic basket curated by Baker & Spice. The next trail will be held on December 2nd, and can be booked here.
