Dubai's calendar rarely slows down, and this week is no exception. Between star-studded concerts at Dubai World Trade Centre, a fresh banh mi collaboration in Al Barsha and a genuinely romantic new weekly ritual in Ibn Battuta Gate, there's something for every mood. Families can make the most of back to school offers and character meet and greets, while professionals can swap the desk for a proper business lunch instead of another sandwich at the screen.
Here's the round up of what's worth planning around this week.
Live music takes over Dubai World Trade Centre
Beat the Heat DXB Season 5 with Al Shami and Leen Hayek
One of the Arab world's most loved voices, Al Shami, headlines Dubai World Trade Centre on August 8, joined by rising Lebanese singer and former The Voice Kids winner Leen Hayek. Expect an evening built around emotional lyrics and fan favourite hits, alongside Hayek's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Doors open at 8:30pm and tickets start from AED 105, making it an easy pick for anyone craving a proper night of live Arabic music.
(Source: Seven Media)
A night of love and tears: Ramy Gamal and Wael Jassar live
Two heavyweights of Arabic music share a stage on August 8, as Ramy Gamal's heartfelt ballads meet Wael Jassar's celebrated tarab performances at Sheikh Rashid Hall. The pair promise a night of nostalgia and romance, backed by world class sound and lighting for a proper concert atmosphere. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets starting from AED 195. It's a solid choice for couples or longtime fans wanting an evening that feels genuinely special.
(Source: Seven Media)
Blue Symphony by Nandagovindam Connect
For something a little different, Blue Symphony brings the beauty of Indian music to Sheikh Rashid Hall on August 9. Presented by Nandagovindam Connect, known for captivating live shows across international stages, the evening blends powerful vocals with immersive visuals for a genuinely family friendly experience. Guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, and tickets start from AED 100. It's billed as a celebration of music as a universal language, and it delivers.
(Source: Seven Media)
Family days out and back to school fun
FREEJ Back to School activation at Arabian Center
Dubai's best loved animated characters come to life at Arabian Center from August 7 to 23, daily from 3pm to 10pm. Families can step inside the iconic FREEJ School Bus for photos, join a creative workshop to build a wooden bus craft, tackle the puzzle zone or play guess what's in the bag for a chance to win a plush toy. A passport mission ties it all together, with characters making live appearances every Friday and Saturday.
(Source: Catch Communications)
Back to School Carnival at Palm Jumeirah Mall
Dubai Summer Surprises brings two evenings of family entertainment to Palm Jumeirah Mall on August 7-8, running from 6pm to 10pm. Expect dance performances, magic shows, balloon acts and K-Pop showcases alongside youth performances and interactive entertainment throughout. Families can meet Modesh and Dana and enter competitions to win shopping vouchers. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it an easy addition to any family's evening plans.
LEGOLAND Hotel Dubai: Independence Day family offer
To mark India and Pakistan's Independence Days, LEGOLAND Hotel Dubai is offering Indian and Pakistani families, including mixed nationality households, kids go free plus an extra 10% off stays. Bookings made between August 1-30 cover stays until September 30, using code INPK26. Guests can enjoy themed LEGO rooms, in-room treasure hunts, character meet and greets and the hotel's family pool, all designed around children aged 2 to 12.
(Source: Sociate)
Lana Lusa Kids' Cooking Atelier
Every Tuesday at 4pm, young chefs can get hands on at Lana Lusa's Kids' Cooking Atelier, preparing a new recipe and picking up simple kitchen skills each week. It's a lovely way to build confidence and spark curiosity around food, while parents relax nearby. Sessions cost AED 95 per child, or AED 300 for a monthly package covering every session that month, a good option for regulars.
(Source: Seven Media)
Dining Highlights Worth Planning Around
The 1986 Banh Mi at Chôm Chôm
Chôm Chôm kicks off its new Chôm Chôm and Friends series this August with a collaboration alongside Chef Jorge Alvarez-Tostado of Los Angeles favourite Tacos 1986. The 1986 Banh Mi layers carne asada with creamy guacamole, pickled tomato and onion, finished with a smoky macha peanut salsa in Chôm Chôm's signature golden baguette. It's generous, messy and full of flavour, available throughout August only at Galleria Mall in Al Barsha.
Sur Dubai business lunch
Sur Dubai's Ethesus business lunch offers a proper midday reset for Uptown Dubai's professionals, with a starter and main course for AED 105 from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm. Signature dishes include the Amazon Roll, Seabass Shashlik and Butcher Kofta, all built around contemporary international flavours. Add a dessert for an extra AED 25 if the afternoon can wait a little longer.
(Source: Seven Media)
Lana Lusa business lunch and Casa Lusa Brunch
Lana Lusa covers both ends of the week nicely. Its business lunch runs weekdays from 12pm to 3pm with a three course Portuguese inspired menu for AED 99, ideal for client meetings. Come Saturday, Casa Lusa Brunch takes over from 1pm to 5pm with live entertainment and free flowing packages from AED 300 to AED 625, turning a long afternoon into a proper social occasion.
(Source: Seven Media)
Deals and Experiences Worth Making Time for
Rodeo Drive's Bringing Back the Old Romance
Every Monday from 7pm at Ibn Battuta Gate, Rodeo Drive dims the lights, slows the soundtrack and dresses every table with a personalised candle and rose for its weekly romance night. Couples choosing the 20% Challenge can lock their phones away for an hour and earn 20% off the bill for their trouble. Set menus run from AED 220 to AED 499 per couple, covering everything from live fire salmon to rib eye with cowboy butter.
(Source: Catch Communications)
Dubai Outlet Mall Run
Runners of all levels can take part in the Dubai Outlet Mall Indoor Run Series on August 9 from 7am, with 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km categories to choose from. The climate controlled setting keeps things comfortable even in August, while live music, aid stations and family friendly activities add to the atmosphere. Entry starts from AED 47.25, making it an accessible way to start the weekend on an active note.
(Source: Seven Media)
Lazuli Pool Day Pass
For a slower pace, the Lazuli Pool Day Pass at SO/ Uptown Dubai delivers sun, cocktails and poolside style from 7am, with food and drinks served between 11am and 7pm. Weekday passes cost AED 150 and weekend passes AED 200, covering a full day of easy indulgence. It's a reliable way to beat the August heat without leaving the comfort of a proper lounger.
(Source: Seven Media)
Whatever the mood this week, from concert nights to quiet poolside afternoons, Dubai has clearly not slowed down for summer.
