1. Soothe your soles at Shoetopia
Considering we’re on them most of the time during the hustle and bustle of modern life, being friendly to your feet is something we should all promise ourselves to do. The Dubai Mall and DSF’s pop-up activation Shoetopia will give you the chance to put your best foot forward, and then have it encased in some of the trendiest trainers and must-have heels known to man. Globally renowned brands such as Jimmy Choo, adidas, Manolo Blahnik, Sergio Rossi and Nike will be taking part in this footwear frenzy, while fashion experts will be giving enlightening ‘Shoetopia Talks’ to ensure we can all strut our stuff in style. Want to customise your Claire Rayners? You can do that here, too. Plus, you can grab a natty new pair with the touchless claw machine or be first in the queue for exclusive fresh releases.
Jan 21-30. The Dubai Mall – Fashion Catwalk, visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar/shoetopia
2. Become a ‘millionaire’ with Al Tayer
One of the Middle East’s foremost retail groups is giving a little back to its band of loyal followers thanks to the DSF Amber Millionaire Weekend. If you already have one of Al Tayer Group’s Amber loyalty cards stored safely on your person (or on your phone) then you could be in with the chance of a big bonus by spending Dhs2,500 or more at participating stores. Classic members could win up to 5,000 extra points, Select members as much as 10,000 of them or Plus members some 15,000 points on the house. But wait, over this winning weekend Al Tayer will create ten Amber Millionaires, with their prizes being worth a fantastic Dhs10,000. The group has an amazing array of brands under its umbrella, including Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Diane von Furstenberg, so this is certainly not a promo to be sniffed at…
Jan 21-23. In stores across Dubai, altayer.com
3. Camp, chow down and chill with SALT
Kite Beach’s burger operation has become phenomenally popular over the years. Perhaps it’s the team’s love of fresh, seaside air that has helped them dream up this DSF collaboration whereby you can pitch a tent inland at DIFC, joyously savour one of their perfect patties before getting your sweet teeth into their new SUGAR dessert offerings. With workshops and interactive installations aplenty, alongside an on-site camp shop should you be short of a peg or two, there’ll never be a dull moment during your unique urban camping experience.
Until Jan 30. Open daily noon-midnight. DIFC, instagram.com/findsalt/ and sevenrooms.com/reservations/saltcamp
4. Delight at The Dubai Fountain
Arguably one of the most obvious but always awe-inspiring attractions our northern neighbours have to offer, you could just see the Fountain in full flow from the spots circling the Burj Khalifa lake like any other tourist. However, play it smart by booking one of the remarkable restaurants offering fine fare and fabulous vistas of this spectacular such as Serafina, The Meat Company, Thiptara or The Burj Club. With a soundtrack ranging from Michael Jackson to classical to K-Pop, this will always be a Thriller. Or, you could get even closer to the action by embarking on a new aquatic adventure or three on Burj Lake. Whether you choose to sail on a swan, pedal out on a water bike or paddle around in a kayak, you’re sure of smashing, splashing time.
Fountain show: Free. Daily, every half hour from 6pm-11pm. Aquatic activities: From Dhs55. Available daily noon-8.30pm. Downtown Dubai, visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/the-dubai-fountain and tickets.atthetop.ae/atthetop/en-us/booktickets
5. Get set for a battle royale of epic proportions
Living in lockdown gave many of us the chance to revive our former nerdy teen selves. We spent many an hour glued to our laptops playing all manner of online games with people we were never going to meet (and having thrashed their pants off and not exactly done so with grace, any potential entry on their Christmas card list had instantly vanished anyway). Such amateurish behaviour would never be accepted at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship, where professionals from across the planet will be competing for a staggering US$2million grand prize. For those of you who don’t know, PUBG (or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is one of the world’s biggest online games with more than 70million copies bought by PC and console users in 2020, along with an eye-watering 734million downloads on mobile devices. The final round of this ultimate battle royale is being played out at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena but you can watch all the action on PUBG Mobile’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitch accounts. Leaving the house is so 2019, right?
Free online. Jan 21-24, daily from 3pm. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar/pubg-mobile-global-championship
6. Witness a living legend play live
Since becoming an overnight sensation in the Sixties, Enrico Macias has continued to be a stalwart of the French music scene. The now 82 year old is much adored for his homages to his Algerian fatherland (see Adieu Mon Pays), tributes to the nation who embraced him with open arms (Paris, tu m’as pris dans tes bras) and heartfelt ditties dedicated to his family (especially Suzy, to his late wife, and Le violon de mon père, to his violinist father). See why this beloved performer has continued to rack up the hits as he makes his Dubai Opera debut with two nights that will surely tug at anyone’s heart strings.
Tickets from Dhs300. Jan 21 and 22, 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar/enrico-macias
7. Be warmed by the glow of a musical record breaker
The fact the entire Time Out team here in the UAE have a combined two Grade One Piano certificates between us means we’re particularly in awe of an artist such as Amr Diab. The Egyptian singer has a whopping SEVEN World Music Awards to his name and the minute he bursts into song it’s easy to see why. Certified five times Platinum, Diab has blazed a trail for North African music ever since he cut his first album, Ya Tareeq, back in 1983. Affectionately known as the ‘father of Mediterranean music’, the Port Said-born smoothie conjured up a worldwide hit with Nour El Ain (Glow In My Eyes) some 13 years later, while he topped the Billboard World Albums Charts with Shoft El Ayam in 2014, making him the first Middle Eastern singer to do so. Now that’s a CV worthy of exploring in anyone’s books and you can see him live at the Dubai International Stadium this Friday.
Tickets from Dhs525. Jan 22, 10pm. Dubai International Stadium, visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar/amr-diab
8. Make it a beast of a night thanks to Mr Dragone
Truly a live masterpiece of epic proportions, La Perle by Dragone has been enthralling audiences ever since it splashed down in Al Habtoor City in September 2017. This amazing aquatheatre is one of the most unique, immersive (yes, in water) experiences you will ever likely encounter. But while we’ve been back again and again purely for the amazing aquatic acrobatics, we’re also sure you’d be hooked by the idea of making a real night of it by enjoying a three-course set menu before or after the show at one of six neighbouring restaurants. Book a bronze, silver or gold ticket and you can dine at either South African steakhouse The City Grill, Mexican marvel Zoco, majestic Mediterranean eatery Babiole, splendid yet casual Middle Eastern venue Le Patio or the Chinese cracker Summer Place. Go platinum or VIP and you’ll be treated to some incredible Italian fare at Il Pastaio. The deals here are real Perle-ers.
From Dhs294 per person, or Dhs489 per person at Il Pastaio. Ongoing. Sun-Fri 6.30pm and 9.30pm, Sat 4pm and 7pm. Al Habtoor City, laperle.com
9. Travel back to the olden days
Ever since our great nation became officially united on December 2, 1971, there have been countless reasons to set the seven emirates’ historical differences aside. Although we love our laid-back lives down here in the capital, the draw of Dubai is undeniable (even if we say so through gritted teeth). But what you might not already appreciate is that our neighbours up the road did actually have a tale to tell before the city became paved with gold and its skyline dominated by a certain unfeasibly tall tower. For an insight into Dubai’s past, head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where the traditional windtowers and maze of meandering alleyways hark back to a simpler, less glitzy time. Seek out the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding as, among other things, it offers guided mosque visits, heritage tours and Arabic classes. And after a delightful day in Bur Dubai, hop on an abra and bag some bargains at the superb souks on the other side of the Creek.
Open daily 7am-8pm. Bur Dubai, visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood
10. Have a bite before hitting new heights
For several years, we Abu Dhabians might have been forgiven for driving up Sheikh Zayed Road, past Zabeel Park and wondering what on Earth was that seemingly random rectangular construction that was slowly but surely taking shape. We have, of course, since been enlightened and promised ourselves a day out to the Dubai Frame. At 150m tall, it offers an entirely new perspective on the city but if you’ve not yet got around to taking the lift up to the massive viewing gallery there then maybe a free breakfast could sweeten the deal. This DSF, you can grab a special ticket that includes a superb selection of pastries, coffee and fresh juices before you make your ascent, all courtesy of Yamanote Atelier.
Dhs50. Fri-Sat 6am-7.45am. Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park, dubaiframe.ae
11. Get on your dancing shoes
We’ve researched the world record for the quickest Moonwalk from Abu Dhabi to Dubai but alas have not found a definitive answer. But rather than try and set such a bizarre best yourselves, we’d kindly suggest you simply stick some MJ on the stereo as you drive up for a dance challenge with great rewards. DSF’s latest original song and dance ‘Ya Salam Ya Dubai’ has been choreographed by songwriter and record producer RedOne. Watch the video tutorial, practise hard and make sure you have someone to capture your remarkable rendition for posterity. Then get them to post it on Instagram tagging @dsfsocial, or TikTok with @discoverdubai. Doing so could instantly make you Dhs2,000 the richer as one of the five weekly winners. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube entries are also welcomed. As are the most decidedly desperate of ‘Dad dances’.
Until Feb 14. See visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/events-calendar/tiktok-ya-salam-ya-dubai for more information.
12. Win a prize that will leave your head spinning
It might seem a bit of a trek from our happy homes here in Abu Dhabi but a road trip to Dubai Festival City will be made all the more worthwhile should you win the keys to a brand-new Toyota 5.7L GXR Land Cruiser. That’s the top prize for both new and existing members of the Festival Rewards app who spend at least Dhs300 at the mall there during DSF. And that’s just one part of the Dhs1.5million of booty on offer when you chance your arm at the ‘Digital Spin Wheel’, with Dhs10,000 of gift cards to be won daily. Stays at the InterContinental or Holiday Inn at Dubai Festival City, BOUNCE-X passes, Novo Cinema tickets and brunch at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City are also up for grabs. Not bad for a day’s shopping, eh?
Until Jan 30. Dubai Festival City Mall, download the Festival Rewards app or visit dubaifestivalcitymall.com/home/whats-on/events/spendactivatewin
13. Make your ride a magnificent seven-seater with INFINITI
As if DSF hadn’t already provided almost unlimited ways with which to ensure your hard-earned dirhams travel further, along came INFINITI to give you extra incentive to spend just a little bit more. By making a purchase of a mere Dhs200 on non-fuel items at ENOC petrol stations across Dubai (or at selected locations within the city) you’ll be handed a ticket for the INFINITI Mega Raffle and a chance to win a brand-new and much-lauded QX60, or a share of the Dhs200,000 in daily prizes. There are 45 of these luxury SUVs being given away this DSF, with one lucky ticket holder set to become Dhs500,000 richer during the final prize draw. too. Owning such a superb seven-seater will surely mean you can’t be stingy when it comes to that office car pool any more. We’re calling ‘shotgun’…
Until Jan 30. Go to visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf/raffle and idealz.com/CR-00038.html for more information.
14. Travel the silk road with Hermès
The football fans among you might think of a scarf as having purely two-fold purposes. A: to show your true colours in support of those overpaid primadonnas who will invariably let you down, often weekly; or B: to mop up your tears when they actually do so. However, this pre-snood neck-warmer has always been a thing of fashion and thanks to the fantastique French fashion house you can discover it in a new light. The Hermès Carré Club has arrived at Dubai’s consummately cool Concrete on Alserkal Avenue, bringing with it the chance to meet the delightful designers who put their unique stamps on them, see live sets from some of the UAE’s top musical talent and even become part of the discussion yourselves. Get the message out to all the accessory aficionados you know, Hermès is heralding a new era of silk chic.
Free. Until Jan 20. Daily noon-10pm. Concrete, Alserkal Avenue, hermes.com/carreclub
15. Grab a golden ticket
Oh, so you thought last Christmas was cancelled and left your other half’s stocking sadly short of surprises? Now is the chance to redeem yourself thanks to the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group giveaway. Spend at least Dhs500 on some glorious gold this DSF and you’ll be entered into a draw to possibly win as much as 3kg of that glittering goodness. Plus, you can double your chances of winning that chance of redemption by buying them diamonds, pearls or watches of the same value or more with two raffle tickets in your back pocket. If you forgot your wedding anniversary was actually this month as well, you should probably purchase a piece from each of the 200 retailers taking part in this bonanza. There are 25kg of gratis gold up for grabs in total so keep your ring-finger crossed (not physically possible, we know) you can make it up to them.
Until January 30. Across the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, dubaicityofgold.ae
