Planning something interesting for the weekend? If not, we have a few suggestions – Dubai’s calendar for this week is full of remarkable events, great shows, and cultural meetings and sports championships. We have found the best things to do and see in Dubai this weekend, so follow our list to find a way to escape the monotony of every-day life.
The biggest event for this weekend in Dubai is no doubt, the concert of one of the most popular pop, soul and R&B artists of the past decade or so, Alicia Keys. She is coming for her second gig in Dubai as part of the Set the World on Fire Tour. The concert will be at the newly expanded Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, at exactly 9.00 am on Friday night. Keys is a 14-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and producer and amazingly for her age of 32 years, she is considered the most successful R&B artist of all time. In addition, R&B singer Jason Derulo will perform as Alicia Keys’ special guest at the concert. The show will also feature a VIP Lounge (AED 1295) with an exclusive “Ladies Lounge” which will provide luxury furnished area and special foods and beverages to all ladies. Of course, you’d better hurry if you still haven’t purchased your ticket – the venue may have a capacity of 14,000 people, but we’re talking about Alicia Keys, after all! Prices start from AED 295 for regular standing places. And remember to arrive early – the doors open at 6.00 pm.
At approximately the same time, music fans can also enjoy the other large event in Dubai, theis November’s edition of Sundance Festival, headlined by Jemiroquai. You can dance to the never-ending beats at Sundance beach, Atlantis The Palm on Friday, where organizers have a few more surprises – Basement Jaxx, Martin Solveig, David Graig, Richard Durand, Soulninja, Rudimental and more. And the other big name for the night is Nile Rogers, known for his collaboration with Daft Punk, who is coming to Dubai with his R&B and disco band Chic. Tickets are AED 295 (AED 350 if you pay at the door) and AED 500 for VIP passes.
At 9.00 pm on Friday night again, you can also visit the festival for underground culture in the region, Metal Asylum Festival. This year, it features regional bands – Carthagods ft. Marcel Coenen (Tunisia), Anarchy (Egypt), Persona (Tunisia/Serbia), Nightmare Overdose, Coat of Arms, Obselion, Blind Image and others. If you are ready for some head-banging, head to The Music Room at 9.00 pm. Entrance is AED 100.
Another must-see event this weekend, especially for those who prefer the more graceful, classic entertainment, is the high-end performance of the Moscow City Ballet. After its show Sleeping Beauty last year, the troupe is presenting Cinderella on three different nights. Founded by the former Bolshoi Ballet soloist and choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, today, The Moscow City Ballet is considered to be one of the most successful Russian and international touring ballet group. With talented classical dancers, stunning costumes and scenery, and the timeless score composed by Sergei Prokofiev, Cinderella is certainly the best ballet performance of the year. Shows will be at 4.30 pm. and 8.00 pm on the 14th, 15th, and 16th November. Tickets range from AED 250 to AED 350.
This week, sports fans and golfers in Dubai will have the opportunity to see the “greatest players on Earth” during the DP World Tour Championship. It will be held for four days, from Thursday till Sunday and will feature The European Tour’s top 60 golfers battling over The Race to Dubai Crown and the combined prize worth of $11.75 million! The final event of the season-long Race to Dubai will be held at the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates and will have a special Championship Village, live music, Trick Shot shows, and a dedicated Kids Zone. So, if you a fan of the most prestigious sport in the world don’t hesitate to take the whole family – there will be plenty of fun for everybody!
Unfortunately for professional gamers and game enthusiasts, the biggest electronic sports competition in the Middle East, Game Evolution 2013, was postponed. It was supposed to take place this weekend in Dubai, but its organizers have decided to postpone it for next year. The competition will feature LAN and console games, including League of Legends, Counter Strike, DOTA 2, FIFA 13 and Street Fighter 4. However, if you are a fan of cricket, visit the Pakistan vs. South Africa 2013 Bilateral Series, which will be held from Wednesday till Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For a traditional sport, wait until Sunday when the Al Marmoum Camel Racing Season is scheduled to start. It will continue for five days and will feature two races every day – at 7.00 am and 2.30 am. Admission is free.
If nothing is catching your attention, you can always visit some of the unique landmarks of the city, famous for its architectural and engineering miracles. The variety of restaurants, bars, and night clubs is also amazing, and for those who love spending money on luxury items, Dubai offers numerous shopping centers and malls, traditional souqs or expensive boutiques.
