A Mini Guide To What To Do In Dubai This November
November is one of my favourite months in Dubai – not only for obvious reasons (being outside without melting being the main one) but also because everyone comes out of their summer hibernation, the beaches are buzzing, outdoor brunches are back on the cards and we’re all excited about Christmas (or is that just me?!). From gorgeous new playspots and markets to fabulous new dining concepts, staycation deals for the long weekend to must-have swimwear plus loads more, Here’s a little of what I’m doing and loving this month.
There are 3 things about this brand which make it a must for anyone looking to update their swimwear. Number 1? Every swimsuit is produced from plastic and fishing nets collected from the ocean and recycled into luxurious Italian fabric (I mean, WOW!). Number 2, all of their one-piece swimsuits are beautifully cut and super flattering (perfect for mamas like me who have a little bit of a post-baby tum that just WILL NOT GO!) – and crafted from material that’s twice as resistant to chlorine, sun creams and oils plus keeps its shape – and number 3, OHOY has been designed by 2 Scandinavian girls in the desert and are made in a UAE factory that supports fair and friendly working conditions. LOVE!
I love a good market and this new one at one of my absolute favourite spots in Dubai is has made it to the top of my weekend plans list. With stalls selling everything from home accessories to fashion, plants to toys and lots more – plus a petting zoo, bouncy castle and arts and crafts activities for the kids – it’s a guaranteed winner. Oh and then there’s the Roseleaf Café to grab a delicious slice of homemade cake and a coffee afterwards.
Saturdays 10am – 2.30pm
www.dubaigardencentre.ae
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Ok, a brunch that’s set up to look like Brighton Beach – complete with colourful beach huts, fun games and a seaside experience on the lake including beach towels, inflatables, barbecue food and candy floss sounds like just the plan for this Friday! Reform Social is such an easy and relaxed place to take the kids – with a playground and plenty of grassy space to run around on, this new brunch is just the icing on the cake.
launching this Friday, 10 November 12.30pm – 4pm
AED 260 for non-alcoholic drinks
AED 360 with alcoholic drinks
AED 405 with sparkling wine
AED 150 for kids aged 6 and over (under 6’s go free)
www.reformsocialgrill.ae
Dubai’s latest indoor play space is now open and it is A-MA-ZING! OliOli (which means joy in Hawaiian) is just that – pure joy – a kids paradise that focuses on allowing kids to use their creativity, curiosity and imagination in a beautifully designed series of spaces. The kids adored every single bit – read all about it here.
The first phase of Jumeirah’s latest beach area is now open and I love it! Complete with boardwalk, shops and restaurants plus very cool design features including bucket showers, in-water hammocks, colourful beach huts and much more – read about why you should visit here.
Now here’s an event to sign your kids up for pronto! On November 17th, Kite Beach will be hosting the annual Junior Triathlon for little ones aged between 4 and 16 years. And don’t panic – this event is NOT about being ridiculously competitive and trying to push your kids out of their comfort zone – it’s about having fun and getting them to have a good go at a little swim/run/bike ride in a really encouraging, colourful environment that’s been specifically set up according to their ages. Got a little person who’s not confident in the water? No problem! Simply walk along the edge while they splash about. Ditto on the bike – if they have stabilizers or are just mastering a balance bike that’s ok too, the whole point of this brilliant event is to give your kids a sense of achievement and a huge dose of fun. Each little participant gets a medal and a pack too. The perfect way to round off the Dubai 30 x 30 challenge!
To register, visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/X3_Junior_Triathlon_2_3076#cats
Call it a midlife crisis (I am approaching 40-something after all…) but the idea of another piercing or two in my ears is rather appealing! Especially when combined with the cool experience of visiting The Piercing Annex, a popup piercing studio which will open its doors in Al Serkal Avenue for 3 days (November 9 – 11) this month. Founded by online boutique Lamb & Lu who sell gorgeous piercing jewellery, it’ll be cool and it’ll be busy!
www.lambandlu.com
Two evenings of lavish food, merriment and frolics await as Tom & Serg bring one of England’s best novelists to life together with the actors and actresses from The Courtyard Playhouse. If your hubby fancies himself as a bit of a Mr. Darcy then this could be the perfect date night experience!
November 23 and 24, Tom & Serg, Al Quoz
Contact hello@tomandserg.com or call +971 (0) 56 474 6812 to book
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A 70% discount on a family room (2 adults, 2 kids…with the option of adding another which is handy as I’ve got 3 little ones!) at the Atana Hotel, Musandam? Yes please!! This Groupon deal can be grabbed for 1 or 2 nights, starting at AED 350 and including breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, fruit basket and access to all of the hotel’s facilities plus the opportunity to book Musandam cruising etc. I’ve booked mine, hurry before the offer expires!
To book visit www.groupon.ae