A mini guide to what to do in Dubai this August
Another glorious month of school hols, mamas! And whether you’re facing the heat or you’ve escaped to cooler climes, this month is all about making sure that the kiddos (and you!) are as happy, as busy and as cool as you need to be. August is also about preparing for the next school year, cramming in a little sales shopping (nothing makes me happier than a bargain) and booking staycations for the long weekends we have coming up in September. And for me, these hotter months are also for cosying up at home and sorting my living space – as difficult as that can be with kids climbing the walls at the same time! From play spaces to mama treats, these are the things I’m loving and doing in August.
Playing
At the BurJuman indoor beach, just one of the activities on offer at Summer Fun at BurJuman – a free play space with sand, swings, slides and an arts & crafts area that’s open daily from 4pm for kids aged 3 to 12 years. My plan? To shop/eat in the mall, which has almost every brand you need and is lovely and quiet – and then go for a play. Hurry though, it’s only on until 12th of this month!
Winning
A holiday to Bali with Tips & Toes – or trying very hard to be in with a chance anyway! Until August 26th, if you spend AED 500 or more on your beauty treatments (that’s a mani/pedi and some waxing threading services – easy peasy!) then you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a 3 night stay for 2 in Ubud, flights included. (Manicured) fingers crossed!
Chocolate Tasting
At the Mirzam Factory in Al Serkal Avenue, the most magical little space which produces the UAE’s only bean to chocolate bars in the most delicious flavours. Designed for the production process to be transparent, you can experience every aspect of chocolate making, from roasting the cocoa beans to hand wrapping each bar in stunning wrappers that are worthy of a frame! Mirzam Factory holds complimentary tasting workshops every Friday during the summer – just book via their website and prepare yourself for a treat. Kids very welcome too! Bookings Required.
Getting Excited About
The brand new standalone Marks and Spencer food hall in Dubai Marina – set to open any day! I’ve been known to dive to Marks and Spencer in Ibn Battuta just to purchase one of their inimitable prawn mayo sandwiches (really, you have to try them…). And now, there’ll be sandwiches, freshly baked goods, dairy products, ready meals and more to load our baskets up with at Dubai Marina Mall. SO EXCITED!
Watching
The incredible circus acts at Mercato Mall, as part of Dubai Summer Surprises. The mall is putting on a whole heap of fun family-oriented events that include Circo Latino, The Beijing Chinese Circus, Roaming Acts and Kids Circus Workshops until August 20th. The stage shows themselves are totally worth a visit – usually taking place in the late afternoons, they’re free to watch and are completely spectacular, the kids had a ball!
Accessorising My Home
With Maisey natural soy candles. Here’s the thing – you know when you find the perfect scented candle and it’s just so gorgeous that you don’t want to burn it!? That’s where I am with Maisey candles which have been created by four generations of women who have loved all things beautiful in life. The ‘Mini Maisey Tropical Collection’ which is a cute package of 3 deliciously summery fragrances – Cocos Tropikos, Vanilla & Cocoa and Zest & Zingiber for instant holiday vibes without having to leave your home! Made with love, in memory of great grandma Maisey who spent hours perfecting her candle creations before handing her recipes down, I just love the story and the products. Available at Comptoir 102, Georges of Dubai and O’de Rose.
Eating Out
With the fam at Cafe Confetti, a brand new dining space that has everything from the most delicious sounding menu to a dedicated kids space complete with toys, books, colouring and more. We love supporting mama businesses and this one is no exception – well done you guys!
Image #3 by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash