Your day-by-day guide to enjoying this weekend in Dubai

School’s out for half-term! So ensure that you make the most of your time off this weekend with our day-by-day compilation of fun activities that the whole family is sure to enjoy. From outdoor cinemas and picnic brunches, to a three kilometre charity walk, there’s something for everyone – happy weekend mums!

Thursday

Enjoy a taste of Arabia at this Middle Eastern buffet

Kick-off the weekend by embracing the authentic Middle Eastern charm at the Arabian Delights themed evening at Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights. Taking place every Thursday from 7pm to midnight at the property’s Day & Night Restaurant, indulge in an endless buffet of Arabic treats including homemade Hummus, lamb with vine leaf Mahashi, delicious Batata Harra, tender Chicken Tagine and much more.

Prices start from AED 120 per person for the soft drinks package, or upgrade from AED 175 per person for the soft drinks and shisha package. Children under the age of 12 will be AED 60 and children younger under 6 years old will eat for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Details: To book, email Mercuredubaibarshaheights.dining@accor.com or call 04 381 88 88.

Watch a movie under the stars

Whether you just want to unwind after a long day at work with cheerful tunes or make it a movie night with the kids, there’s something for everyone at ‘Outdoors’ at City Centre Me’aisem. Visitors can hum and sway to the upbeat music by a DJ or live entertainment, while teenagers can challenge friends at arcade and carnival games in the Magic Planet zone daily. The mall has also created a movie screening area with bean bags and cushions for movie buffs and kids to watch popular animations and family favourites – this Thursday, catch Hotel Transylvania at 6pm and The Boss Baby at 8pm!

Details: Outdoors will run at City Centre Me’aisem until March 25.

Friday:

Tuck into Italian favourites at this family-friendly brunch

Spread between the cozy indoor area and lush outdoor garden, Il Brunch Italiano at BiCE Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is set to be the perfect Friday afternoon activity for the winter months. Guests will be offered a selection of antipasti brought to the table to start – perfect for sharing. The plates include the traditional burrata, panzanella, arancini stuffed with cheese and bolognese sauce, slices of pizza and home-made, fresh, Italian breads. Guests can also enjoy two types of hand-made pastas. Outside in the garden, alongside the live saxophonist, the chefs will be heating up the Italian la griglia to serve succulent meats, including lamb, chicken and beef. Seafood lovers can savour jumbo prawns, salmon and seabass fillet. To finish off the experience on a high, guests can indulge in the extensive dessert buffet, featuring favourites such as Cannoli Sicilian, a chocolate fountain, mini cupcakes, fruits and a selection of Italian pastries.

Prices start at AED 250 per person inclusive of soft beverages; children under 6 dine for free.

Details: 12:30pm-4pm every Friday at BiCE Ristorante Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. For bookings, email bicerest.jumeirah@hilton.com or call +971 4 318 2520.

Walk 3km for charity

To mark its 10^th anniversary of its annual Walk for Education, Dubai Cares invites members of the UAE community to join family, friends and colleagues to walk 4,000 steps (3km) in solidarity with millions of children in developing countries who walk long distances every day to go to school.

The carnival themed event will be complemented by a family-friendly line-up of pre- and post-walk entertainment inside the park, including face painting, hair braiding, carnival games, music and traditional dance in addition to a fun-filled program of entertainment activities including, hula hoop, bouncy castles and arts and crafts stations.

Details: AED 30 registration fee (a donation to Dubai Cares), free entry for children under five. Participants can register online through Virgin Megastore Tickets or on the day. Arrive at Dubai Creek Park at 7:30am for a 9am start.

Saturday

Get active at these free family-friendly fitness sessions

Gather your family and friends and head over to Golden Mile Galleria on Palm Jumeirah to be part of its free, first-of-its-kind, Run & Flo fitness event on Saturday, 16 February.

Held on the terraces of Golden Mile Galleria Building 8, adjacent to Al Ittihad Park, the event features Family Run (2.6km sprint) and Yoga Flow sessions, offering the benefits of cardio and mobility-based workouts using traditional and modern techniques to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle through a combination of vigorous exercise and soothing meditation.

The warm up for the Family run will kick off at 4pm, and 5:30pm for Yoga Flow. Participants must bring a personal yoga mat, a beach towel and a water bottle to the sessions.

Details: For more information on participation, visit goldenmilegalleria.com.

Enjoy a picnic-style brunch with friends and family

A new ‘picnic style’ brunch has launched at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, marking the perfect family and friends’ day’s out with exquisite buffet, interactive cooking stations, live tunes and fun kids’ activities – all in one place!

As soon as guests arrive to Al Forsan restaurant, they will be escorted to their dedicated picnic spot in the spacious garden, where a picnic blanket, comfortable cochins and a traditional picnic hamper await them, filled with delicious appetizers featuring a variety of salads, bread, cold cuts, cheese and pastries to start this culinary journey. To satisfy every taste, special live cooking stations are spread in the garden, including a burger station offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian burgers as well as an Italian station with tasty pizzas.

The brunch takes place every Saturday from 1pm – 4pm at Al Forsan garden, and is priced at AED 190 per person inclusive of soft beverages. Children up to 4 years enjoy complimentary brunch, 50% discount for children aged 5 years up to 12 years old.

Details: To book, please e-mail BAS.Restaurants@meydanhotels.com or call +971 4 8096194