Happy Friday, Dubai!

The city is buzzing, and this weekend is stacked! From rooftop electronic nights and sunset beach sets to theatre shows, global artists touching down, and Dubai’s fitness season taking over every beach, park, and track, you’re in for a joy-packed experience.

Whether you want to dress up for a dinner-show, dance under the skyline, or jump into a sunrise challenge, this weekend has no shortage of “only in Dubai” moments.

Here’s your curated rundown of what to see, do, and experience over the next three days.

Gloria by Big Mamma Group – Dubai (Location TBA)
The cult-favourite Italian powerhouse behind Pink Mamma and Circolo Popolare arrives in Dubai this month. Expect maximalist interiors, over-the-top cheese pulls, XXL bowls of truffle pasta, and tableside theatrics. If Big Mamma’s European openings are anything to go by, Gloria is gearing up to be the hardest reservation of November.

Status: Opening Nov 2025
More info

Barrafina – DIFC
London’s Michelin-starred tapas institution makes its Dubai debut with counter dining, seasonal Spanish plates, and made-to-order classics like tortillas and carabineros. Barrafina has been one of the most anticipated arrivals on the DIFC tracker and is now listed for a November launch.

Where: DIFC
Status: Opening Nov 2025
Check out the restaurant

Samurai Dubai – Bluewaters (Grand Opening)
A new Japanese contemporary restaurant is landing on Bluewaters with robata specialties, a small omakase bar, and a stylish waterfront deck perfect for pre-sunset weekends.

Where: Bluewaters | Opening: This week
See info

Scott’s Mayfair – Dubai (Location TBA)
One of London’s most iconic seafood restaurants, famous for oysters, champagne, and white-tablecloth glamour, is finally opening its Dubai outpost. Expect caviar, Dover sole, rich sauces, and the refined Mayfair service style that’s built Scott’s global reputation.
Status: Opening Nov 2025
Find out more about this restaurant!

La Perle by Dragone - Al Habtoor City | Evening Shows

A breathtaking aqua-theatre experience: aerial stunts, high dives, immersive storytelling. Two daily shows (typically 18:30 & 21:00) - approx 90 minutes each, no intermission.

Book now
Tip: Arrive ~60 mins early for lobby access, photos and smooth seating.

Arabian Warrior - Dubai | Fight Night

A full evening of regional MMA-style bouts and heavyweight match-ups. Doors typically open early evening; first fight generally around 19:30.
View details

The Laughter Factory – Dubai Tour (Fri Show)

International comedic line-up bringing big laughs to a premium venue. Show starts at 20:00; arrive by 19:30 for pre-show drinks.
Book seats

Dubai Premier Padel P1 - Hamdan Sports Complex

Quarter-final day of the top-tier padel tournament; matches begin from 12:00-13:00 and continue through to evening sessions.
Get tickets

DIFC Art Nights - Gate Village | 17:00-22:00
Day-to-evening art festival: gallery pop-ups, murals, live performance pieces, and family-friendly installations on Saturday night.
Explore schedule
Tip: Arrive before 18:00 for the best light on outdoor pieces and smaller crowds.

DP World Tour Championship – Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates

Final competition day with finals tee-off around 14:00; fans zones open from 10:00. Great for a relaxed Sunday outside.
Event details

The Music Run – Meydan Racecourse (Sat Nov 15)
5KM fun run with music zones + night party finish.

17:30 - Gates open | 18:30 - Warm-up | 19:00 - 5km run starts | 20:00 - Finish-line festival | 21:30 - Event ends.

Register

We Walk – Dubai (Sun Nov 16, early morning)
Community walking event open to all levels! Perfect for a sunrise route and family outing. Time: 06:30 start (check registration).
Join here

AURA Skypool: Tri in the Sky (Nov 14–16)
Triathlon experience like no other: row + ride + 360° rooftop pool swim (210 m). Various waves across Fri–Sun! Check registration for your slot.
Register

Dubai Swim Challenge – Nov 16
Open-water swim event as part of the city’s fitness wave. Multiple categories (beginner to advanced). Start times: 07:00 / 08:00.
Sign up

SIRO One Za’abeel – Dubai (New Opening)
Dubai’s newest fitness-forward hotel concept is finally open, blending high-performance training, recovery suites, and guided wellness programming. If you’re into tech-led movement, elite-grade facilities, and recovery lounges designed like private labs — this one’s worth a weekend visit.
Where: One Za’abeel | Opened: This month
Learn more

The Guild – ICD Brookfield (New Spaces Launched)
Dubai’s much-loved European dining hall adds brand-new culinary corners and lounge spaces this month. Expect refined plates, live culinary counters, and a stylish ambiance for late-night dining (non-club vibe).

Where: DIFC | Updated: This week
Explore

Bohemia Presents: Vintage Culture - Dubai | Evening Show
Brazil’s melodic house icon brings a signature atmospheric set under the Dubai skyline.

Time: 20:00 onwards
Book now

Pure Pacha with HUGEL - Dubai
A globally loved Ibiza brand lands in Dubai for a high-energy night of house, dance, and rhythm-driven sets.
Time: 22:00 onwards
Reserve

Josh Baker Live - Soho Garden Meydan

UK minimal house favourite Josh Baker headlines a night of deep grooves and club-focused energy.

Time: From 22:00
Get tickets

Bedouin at Be Beach – Dubai | Sunset Set
Globally touring techno-house duo Bedouin return with a hypnotic sunset performance at one of Dubai’s chic beach venues.

Time: 17:00 onwards
Book entry

Tomorrowland Presents: Anfisa Letyago – Terra Solis Dubai

Techno powerhouse Anfisa Letyago brings high-voltage energy to Terra Solis for a Tomorrowland-curated night.

Time: 20:00 onwards
Get tickets

Okean Elzy – Live at The Agenda
The legendary Ukrainian band takes the Dubai stage with a powerful rock performance.

Time: Doors 19:00, show 20:30
Book now

Bohemia Presents – Dubai | Sunday Edition
A second night of melodic sets, stylish performances & open-air vibes.

Time: 20:00 onwards
More info

Maya Waked Live – Dubai Opera

Talented Lebanese singer-songwriter Maya Waked performs an intimate Arabic pop and soul show.

Time: 20:00
Book seats

Bassem Youssef Live – Comedy Special

Arab world’s best-known political comedian takes the stage for a fresh, sharp, and hilarious Dubai set.
Time: Doors 19:00, show 21:00
Book seats

(For subscribers who often travel for the weekend)

The Laughter Factory - Abu Dhabi Shows
Touring comedy lineup brings its UAE-wide stop to Abu Dhabi for a night of stand-up.
Time: 20:00
Book here

Shabab Al Ahli FC vs Al Nasr FC - ADIB Cup Quarter-Finals (Abu Dhabi)
A high-intensity evening match for UAE football fans.
Time: 20:30 kick-off
Get tickets

We Walk We Ride - Dubai Science Park (Abu Dhabi crossover edition)
A bigger, community-wide walking & cycling event taking place across the UAE, with Abu Dhabi activations included.
Time: From 07:00
Join the movement

Dubai is in full-swing celebration mode for its National Month, the city-wide programme running from 3 Nov through 2 Dec under the #ZayedAndRashid campaign. The weekend from Friday to Sunday brings a handful of especially accessible spots to soak up the patriotic spirit.

📍 Flag Garden – Jumeirah Beach
Visit the massive installation of over 11,000 UAE flags arranged into huge portraits of the Founding Fathers, set on Jumeirah Beach. It’s open daily, and this weekend is perfect to go during golden hour for photos.
Where: Jumeirah Beach | Daily until Jan 2026
Tip: Go just before sunset to capture the flags with soft light and fewer crowds.

🎇 Light-Art & Projection Shows
As part of the National Month guide, Dubai’s heritage districts (such as Al Shindagha & the Etihad Museum) are hosting 3D-light projections and evening installations celebrating the nation’s story.
This weekend: Aim for the early evening (~18:30–19:00) in landmark zones to catch the full effect before mainstream night programs begin.

🏛 Heritage & Cultural Districts Activation
Locations like Al Fahidi Historical District and Hatta Heritage Village are hosting Emirati-heritage workshops, traditional art displays, and storytelling sessions this weekend as part of the campaign.
What to do: Wander through alleys, join a free session (often 10:00 AM-4:00 PM), and stay for sunset ambience.

Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll be back after the weekend with the next Dubai Minute, packed with fresh openings, major events, and everything happening across the city.

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with someone who’s always asking, “What’s happening in Dubai?”

– Matthias