Fantastic things to do this weekend in the UAE

From action-packed fitness classes to Thai new year celebrations and paint & dine experiences, here are our recommendations to make the most of the weekend with your family and loved ones.

New menu at Carnival by Trèsind

The Michelin Guide featured Indian restaurant has introduced a brand new menu that promises to deliver an unparalleled dining experience by fusing modern Indian cuisine with avant-garde techniques, resulting in a carnival of flavours that will take your taste buds on a remarkable journey.

Carnival’s award-winning Chef, Chef Himanshu Saini, is responsible for the restaurant’s inventive menu that features delightful dishes such as Chicken Khurchan, an intriguing combination of chicken with salsa beans, black olives, and avocado cream; Maggie Trolley, a fresh spin on conventional Maggi presented in three different flavours and Carnival Chaat, a unique variation on the traditional ghewar topped with well-known sweet and sour Indian chutneys and garnishes.

Level P5, The Buildings by Daman. Call +9715 2242 4262 and visit the website or Instagram

SOPHIT Group Fitness Class at Ciel Spa

These action-packed sessions international fitness coach and personal trainer, SOPHIT, take place on the 69th floor terrace of Ciel Spa, overlooking Dubai’s sprawling skyline. The classes are specifically tailored to foster confidence, collaboration, and camaraderie amongst our female clients.

With an emphasis on women’s empowerment, the 45-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program is both interactive and engaging. Designed to get your heart pumping and your body sweating, this workout is guaranteed to challenge you throughout the entire session.

SLS Dubai. Until April 26 from 10:30-11:15am. AED150 per person. Reservations & prior booking required. Call +9715 6417 3887 and visit the website or Instagram

Paint & Dine at Emirates Golf Club

Experience an unforgettable evening at The Royal Majlis, Emirates Golf Club with their exclusive Paint & Dine Iftar event on April 15. Immerse yourself in the breath-taking views of the championship golf course and serene lake as you relax in the luxurious Majlis.

Upon arrival, you will receive a pre-sketched canvas, a full set of painting materials, and an array of vibrant paints to bring your Arabian-inspired masterpiece to life. As you paint, savour the exquisite flavours of their traditional Iftar dishes, meticulously prepared by the talented chefs. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and indulge in a feast for the senses.

April 15 from 7-10 pm. AED 399 (All Inclusive of Painting Materials, a Pre-Sketched Canvas, food & beverages). Call +9714 417 9999 or email emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com. Visit the website or Instagram

Afternoon Tea at Le Goûter du Fouquet

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Fouquet’s Dubai is a truly iconic and world-renowned Parisian brasserie that was originally conceived by Louis Fouquet in 1899. Indulge in an opulent afternoon tea, served in a luxurious red case that includes a selection of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, as well as mocktails or freshly squeezed juices. The experience is completed with perfectly baked plain and raisin scones, paired beautifully with clotted cream and Fouquet’s homemade jam.

Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai. Daily from 3-6pm. From AED250 per person. Call +9714 524 5301 or email reservations-dubai@fouquets.com. Visit the website or Instagram

Thai New Year at Streetery Food Hall

Experience the excitement of the Thai New Year and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Songkran at JLT’s Asian food hall, Streetery. This year, guests can enjoy a unique and delicious boodle fight feast in celebration of the water festival. Highlights from the menu include Thai chicken skewers, Korean chicken wings, steamed fish in soy sauce with ginger and scallions, green vegetable curry, and mango pudding.

To honour tradition, all dishes will be presented on banana leaves and served without cutlery, encouraging communal feasting and a true Thai dining experience. In the true spirit of Songkran, water squirters will be provided to guests to partake in a post-dinner water fight!

April 13 to 16. AED399 for four people. Pre-payment is required at the time of booking. Call +9714 587 3373 and visit the website or Instagram

Iftar & Suhoor at Asateer Tent, Atlantis the Palm

Celebrate Iftar and Suhoor in style at this spectacular space. The menu features an exquisite selection of Ramadan favourites like shawarma, Jordanian lamb mansaf, lamb ouzi, and a western carving station. To satisfy any sweet cravings, the tent offers different dessert stations, including a traditional live Arabic sweet-making station, popular treats like kunafa and osmaliya with ashta, an ice cream station, continental assorted pastries, and a chocolate fountain.

6pm onwards. From AED260 per person. AED180 minimum spend for Suhoor. Call +9714 426 2626 or email asateer@atlantisthepalm.com. Visit the website or Instagram

Launch of Love Vibe

The newest Instagrammable hotspot in Abu Dhabi, Love Vibe, will open this weekend. The all-day dining establishment, which offers visitors an enhanced menu in chic surroundings, is a more adult version of VIBE Café, Dubai’s original pink cafe. Tucked away in the centre of the city, it’s destined to become a haven for foodies and coffee connoisseurs. The ideal location for a leisurely long breakfast, a matcha latte on the go, a gossip-filled lunch with the girls, or a laid-back dinner with family.

The menu features traditional Emirati fare and modern European cuisine with signature dishes such as I Love You Shawarm’ch! (signature purple rice, sliced beef, creamy shawarma sauce, fried shallots, chives), Balaleet Eggs (flat chebab pancake, cheese omelet, sweet balaleet, saffron reduction, pistachio dust), Baby Don’t Herd Me (slow-cooked lamb shoulder, pepper & feta hummus, pickled onion, poached eggs, sumac) and Braise Yourself (slow braised wagyu beef, mushroom & pepper jus, crispy potato chimichurri).

Opening on April 14. Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Call and visit the website or Instagram