Extraordinary things to do this weekend in Dubai

From King Charles III’s coronation celebrations to fantastic day-cations and fun painting classes for kids, here are our recommendations to make the most of the long weekend with your family and loved ones.

Kidz Love Art Paint & Grow at Couqley French Bistro & Bar

This summer, Couqley is bringing back its beloved painting experience created especially for kids at the beloved cafe located in JLT. Under the direction of a skilled art instructor from Kidz Love Art, children will have the ability to express their creativity as they recreate the “Magical Journey & Tiger Party.” During the 2-hour lesson, which will take place on May 7 from 3 to 5 pm, the little ones can also enjoy a snack and a soft beverage. The pre-sketched canvas, all painting supplies, a snack from Couqley, and the Paint & Grow session are all included for AED 245.

Mövenpick Hotel in JLT. Visit the website or Instagram

New Sunday family lunch at The Artisan

This charming venue has launched a new family-friendly lunch on Sundays. Enjoy classic dishes influenced by various regions of Italy while indulging in authentic Italian cuisine with your loved ones. Expect delicious dishes such as Bruschetta Caprese, featuring Altamura bread, basil pesto, buffalo mozzarella and Roma tomato, slow-cooked Brasato e polenta, succulent beef short ribs with polenta and parsley crumble, or the classic Spaghetti al Pomodoro featuring carpet clams, garlic, red chilli, fresh parsley and Sardinian fish roe.

Waldorf Astoria in DIFC. Every Sunday from 1-4pm. AED300 per adult. AED70 per child. Visit the website or Instagram

Torno Subito x Ferrari Dinner

Marriott International Hotel

Experience a unique event that promises to be a feast for the senses, mixing the finest Italian cuisine with the magnificent Italian sparkling grape of Ferrari. On May 5, you can enjoy the art of Italian living while being served a six-course set menu and accompanied by a Ferrari grape pairing. The Ferrari grapes were created in Trento’s finest vineyards and exhibit natural elegance and complexity.

W Dubai The Palm. May 5 from 7-10:30pm. AED650 per person; inclusive of six-course menu and Ferrari sparkling grape pairing. Visit the website or Instagram

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal for King Charles III’s coronation

A special Royal Cooking menu will be offered at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in the world, to honour the much anticipated historic occasion. The five-course tasting experience is based on dishes served at some of Britain’s most famous coronations, including those of King James II (1685), Elizabeth II (1953), the longest-reigning monarch in English history, and George IV (1821). The menu incorporates historical discoveries and fascinations into a fresh and developing contemporary dining experience.

Atlantis the Royal. 5-14 May from 6-11pm. 1,250 AED per person. Call +9714 426 2444 and visit the website or Instagram

Summer Day-cation at Wavebreaker

This summer, enjoy a fantastic day-cation at Wavebreaker Beach Club, a fully licensed private beach club at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. The package cost AED 129 per adult, it’s completely redeemable on food and beverages and includes access to the beach and pool. Indulge in delightful dishes on the restaurant’s outdoor dining terrace such as supersized burgers, healthy salads and a variety of vegan options.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Daily from 8am-7:30pm. AED129 per person for pool and beach access fully redeemable at Wavebreaker Beach and Grill, AED65 per child (age 6 – 12 years), free entrance for children under 5 years’ old. Call +9714 318 2319 and visit Instagram

Royalty at Little Venice Cake Company

This new cake shop will provide a variety of mouth-watering sweets as a tribute to the regal spectacle. Known for creating cakes for Buckingham Palace and Downton Abbey, Mich Turner MBE will be offering a variety of handcrafted Coronation Specials for guests to pick from. The Coronation Date Loaf, which was first intended as a confection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is certain to win. It is incredibly moist and has been enhanced and customised with Medjool dates, fresh Bramley apples, lemon, ginger and sultanas.

Additionally, you can savour the specially crafted Crown Cakes, which are ideal for sharing with family and friends for the grand royal event and feature a gold crown with red, white and blue hand-piped detail.

May 1-15 from 10am-8pm. A slice of cake or a cupcake start from 35AED, while cakes start from 360AED. Call +9714 426 2150 or visit the website or Instagram

Cinco de Mayo at Señor Pico

This renowned Mexican restaurant and bar located in Palm West Beach, will offer a lavish celebration for Cinco de Mayo. From Friday to Sunday, there will be ongoing celebrations with a variety of exciting deals, events and free beach access to visitors who spend a minimum of AED 200 per person. Expect tantalising dishes such as the Taco Trio, Barbacoa Taco Bowl and Señor Pico Burrit and the must-try dessert – Churros.

Palm West Beach. May 5-7. AED249 per person for set menu and house beverage. Beach access for a minimum spend of AED200. Buy one get one free on signature Margaritas. Visit the website or Instagram

Dubai Food Festival at Jaleo Dubai by José Andrés

Chef José Andrés’ creation, Jaleo, showcases the rich regional diversity of Spanish food by expertly reproducing some of his favourite childhood dishes. To commemorate Dubai Food Festival, this lavish venue is offering a special set menu that is suitable for both vegetarians and meat eaters and includes delectable tapas, robust paellas, the best cheeses from Spain and rich desserts.

Atlantis the Royal. Until May 7. AED 250 per person for 3-course dinner set menu. Visit the website or Instagram

New restaurant à la grecque

Chef Athanasios Kargatzidis, also known as Chef Tommy and a major chef personality in the Middle Eastern food scene because of his inventive Mediterranean cuisine and numerous accolades, has developed the new concept of à la grecque specifically for Time Out Market Dubai.

à la grecque will provide a distinctive, sumptuous, and delectable taste of Greece at Time Out Market Dubai using Chef Tommy’s original recipes and seasonal ingredients. This is the first time he has presented a concept specifically for the nation where he was born. A kitchen that celebrates the good life, where friends and family gather around tables to enjoy food, laughter, and clinking glasses, is what is meant by the French phrase “à la grecque,” which translates to “Greek style” and describes a way of cooking with Greek ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, and herbs.

Visit the website or Instagram

‘Four hands’ dinner at Asil

This May, a special visitor will be at the Asil restaurant at the Rixos Premium Dubai hotel in JBR. The location is getting ready to host Chef Osman Sezener from Turkey’s renowned “farm to table” restaurant OD Urla. Together with Asil’s own Chef Mohamad Ourad, he will offer a special menu that is influenced by the Aegean.

A special characteristic soup prepared from grape leaves from the vineyards of Urla will be served first on the menu. Then comes a classic Aegean dish of oven-baked celery with orange that is enhanced by the flavour of mandarin. The subsequent course is inspired by Chef Sezener’s childhood experiences… a dish made up of tomato sauce, wood-fired calamari and couscous.

May 5 and 6. 6:30 & 9:30pm. Visit the website or Instagram