Things to do in Dubai this week: August 10 to 13

From brilliant dining deals to live music, pool days and unique experiences, there’s plenty to fill your diary

Looking for things to do in Dubai this week? We’ve done the digging for you. From a free rooftop sauna with Burj Khalifa views and a battle of the bands to pocket-friendly dining deals, pool days and a new pilates package, there’s plenty to add to your diary.

Try Novikov Café’s limited-edition Tomato Feast

Tomatoes take centre stage at Novikov Café this August with a seasonal menu built around the summer staple. Expect everything from tomato carpaccio and chilled gazpacho to linguine pomodoro Novikov, Mediterranean-style seabass and even a tomato-inspired dessert. Dishes can be ordered individually, or you can go all in with a full tomato-themed meal.

Where: Novikov Café, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Throughout August 2026
Cost: À la carte
Contact: @novikovcafedubai

Discover Dubai’s rising music talent at Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is back at Bla Bla by McGettigan’s, giving some of the UAE’s emerging musicians a chance to take to the stage. Heat 1 kicks off on Wednesday, August 12, with the competition returning every Wednesday for five weeks before the Grand Finale. Head down to cheer on the local talent, with the winning act scoring a trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Tennessee plus a professional recording session at a Nashville studio. If you’re a musician or are in a band – you still have time to register. Entry is free with no tickets needed, so you can simply walk in on the night, although booking a table in advance is recommended.

Where: Bla Bla by McGettigan’s, JBR, Dubai
When: Wednesday, August 12, 8pm to midnight; every Wednesday for five weeks – 8pm to 12am
Cost: Free entry, but table booking is recommended
Contact: @blablabymcgettigans

Spend the day poolside at Vida Emirates Hills

Slow things down with a laid-back pool day at Vida Emirates Hills, where Dhs99 gets you access to the infinity pool at Origins from morning until sunset. The best bit? The full amount is redeemable on food and drinks, so you can dip, lounge and refuel throughout the day, while kids can join in for free.

Where: Origins, Vida Emirates Hills, Dubai
When: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Cost: Dhs99 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages; kids go free
Contact: (04) 872 8888, @vidahotels

Tuck into a Dhs99 North Indian thali at Mausam

Make dinner plans at Mausam this August, where an early dinner thali brings together a generous spread of North Indian favourites for Dhs99. Choose from starters such as Lehsooni Murgh Tikka or Punjabi Paneer Tikka, followed by comforting mains including Murgh Makhani, Kadhai Mutton or Subz Handi Lazez. Dal Makhani, matar pulao, naan and roti round out the savoury spread, with gulab jamun for something sweet to finish.

Where: Mausam, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 8pm, until the end of August
Cost: Dhs99 per person
Contact: 04 438 4001 or @mausamdubai

Try Dubai’s first outdoor rooftop sauna for free

Dubai in August is already pretty steamy, but Rowley’s Steakhouse is taking things up another notch with what it says is the region’s first outdoor rooftop sauna. Set above the DIFC restaurant at Central Park Towers, the sauna is naturally heated by Dubai’s summer temperatures and can reach up to 57°C, all with Burj Khalifa and skyline views. The free experience also includes an ice bath, sun loungers, towels, water and homemade lemonade, plus ice cream afterwards to cool you back down. Advance reservations are required.

Where: Rooftop above Rowley’s Steakhouse, Central Park Towers, DIFC
When: Daily, 12pm to 4pm, throughout summer
Cost: Free, but advanced reservations required
Contact: @rowleys.uae

Sculpt and unwind with a summer Pilates package

ReFIVE Reformer Pilates Studio at FIVE Palm Jumeirah has launched a new Summer Sculpt package, offering six expert-led Reformer Pilates classes for Dhs600. Designed to help build strength, improve flexibility and tone, each session also comes with access to the ReFIVE Spa pool, so you can cool off and unwind afterwards. Looking for a little more? Other packages pair Pilates with everything from massages and ice baths to steam room and outdoor gym access.

Where: ReFIVE Reformer Pilates Studio, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily; classes run hourly during scheduled morning and evening sessions
Cost: Dhs600 for six classes, including spa pool access
Contact: @fivepalmjumeirah

Check out a new happy hour in DIFC

There’s a new post-work spot to add to your list in DIFC. Speakeasy-inspired executive lounge Bondz has launched a daily happy hour, with buy-one-get-one-free on all beverages throughout the week. Located in Emirates Financial Towers, the lounge is designed to take you from after-work catch-ups and casual meetings into evening drinks, with a menu of creative signature cocktails to work your way through.

Where: Bondz, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, Dubai
When: Daily, Sun to Thurs 4pm to 8pm, Fri and Sat until 9pm
Contact: @bondzdubai

Tuck into freshly rolled handrolls at SLRP

If Japanese is on the cards this weekend, head to SLRP at Dubai Mall for freshly made handrolls packed with everything from bluefin tuna and kimchi salmon to wagyu tahini and Japanese snow crab. Pair your picks with lighter bites, such as hamachi granita, served with mango granita and leche de tigre, or keep things fresh with a seaweed salad.

Where: SLRP, The District, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
When: Daily, 4pm to 11.30pm
Contact: @slrp.ramen

Images: Supplied