The Weekender: The Island Family Event, My Pregnancy Arabia, Al Gaffal 60ft Dhow Race and More

Welcome back to the weekend, mama! There’s a shed load to do this time round including a special family-friendly island party, an open day, dhow races, improv comedy and a parenting bazaar. Don’t forget to kick back and relax with a few special offers as well…

The Island Family Event

This super cool private island is opening its doors to families for their very first kiddo-friendly event! Nip over in a free speedboat over to their awesome outdoor space for a little getaway for the fam. With bouncy castles, slides, kayaking and more activities on hand, you’ll be able to go for a dip in their gorgeous swimming pool or splash around in the Arabian Gulf. Da Sendri and their resident DJ Rebecca Taylor will be around to entertain as well – did we mention under 5s get to go free?

When: 23 May, 8am – 6pm
Where: The Island, Dubai. Speedboat departure point located at Jumeirah One Fishing Harbour nearby Four Seasons and Mercato Mall.
How much: Adult tickets are AED 125+, kids tickets (6-16 years old) are AED 75 and under 5s go free. Grab tickets through Platinum List.

A bazaar for bumps
Got a bun in the oven, mama? Head over to Zabeel Ladies Club and check out this awesome pregnancy bazaar held in collaboration with Mom Souq. You’ll be able to meet with experts to ask them questions about the path you’re on, make friends with other mamas-to-be as well as shop some great local brands out to make your journey a little easier. Bumps at the ready!

When: 23 May
Where: Zabeel Ladies Club, Za’abeel, Dubai

Ahoy, mateys!
Time for a cultural excursion, mama! In order to honour the pearl divers of the past, traditional 60 foot dhows will be facing off for the title again this year at the Al Gaffal 60ft Dhow Race. (It’s been called the most beautiful race in the world by The Daily Mail – you won’t wanna miss it.) You can either watch from ashore or grab the Dubai Ferry at Dubai Marina Mall Station – remember to ring them up to reserve a spot though!

When: 23 May
Where: Begins in Sir Abu Nu’ayr Island and ends at Mina Seyahi, grab the ferry from Dubai Marina Mall Station
How to book Dubai Ferry tickets: Ring 022 2686 6882 for more information and to make a booking.

Inspiring education
It’s always difficult finding the perfect nursery for your little (seriously, how many school brochures can one mama sift through?). We love Inspire Children’s Nursery and they’re luckily holding an open day so you can check out their facilities and talk to your kiddo’s potential teachers about any questions you may have. Expect fun activities for the tots as well as a chance to win free summer camp for your tot!

When: 23 May
Where: Inspire Children’s Nursery, Villa 8, Street 16a, Al Safa 2, Jumeirah, Dubai

Funny people
Get ready for laughs, mama! Madinat Theatre’s hosting the fantastic improv comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway, where a number of talented comedians go through a set of challenges – much to our enjoyment. Definitely an awesome date night. (Did we mention Father Ted’s going to be there as well?)

When: 20-23 May
Where: Madinat Theatre, Al Sufouh, Dubai
How to book: Head over to their website here

Never smile at a crocodile
The King and Queen Croc over at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo have just given birth to adorable babies! Kaya checked it out with her kiddos to see the happy family here and they’re having a baby shower to celebrate, so head over and get involved! Isn’t a bit of indoor fun always nice, mama?

When: Throughout May
Where: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall, Dubai

Special Offers

An early rise
With the small humans its always easy to be up early and Sofitel Dubai The Palm & Resort Spa caters for that need with their gorgeous So Late Breakfast. It provides all the breakfast brunch offerings with the usual delicious french flair that Sofitel are known for. It’s family friendly and only AED145 for adults and the over 12’s, 6-11year olds 50% discount, under 6’s are free. For the later arrivals there is even live music from 12.30pm to entertain you.

Where: Sofitel Dubai The Palm & Resort Spa, East Crescent, The Palm
When: Fridays, 6.30am-3pm
How to book: (+971) (0)4 455 6677

An R&R treat
Give yourself a 5 star day off and an escape to the So Sofitel Spa, which is a paradise in the middle of the city and has great views of the Burj Khalifa to boot. They are giving everyone a special treat with 25% discount on all their 90 minute packages through May. Just pick your treatment and receive 25% off, and bonus you get to use all the pool and spa facilities while you’re there too.

Where: So Sofitel Spa, Sofitel Downtown, next to Burj Dubai/Dubai Mall Metro station
When: Every day in May
How to book: (+971) (0)4 503 66

Grab the girls for a groovy night out
A ladies night on the weekend? Yes, it can be done! Q43 is offering three free drinks for the ladies, a fantastic DJ playing all the tunes you know with 80’s and 90’s music for you to hit the dance floor with. Have your camera ready, the venue has got great views too.

Where: Q43, Level 43, Media One Hotel, Media City
When: Every Saturday 8pm-1am
How to book: (+971) (0)56 102 4298

Our weekend offers are put together with the help of Citi Spi – a fab resource that enables ladies to socialise smarter with the inside scoop on deals and promotions around Dubai. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter!

Got an event you’d like us to feature in The Weekender, or have a top tip for us? Email us the details at megan@sassymediagroup.com.