Latest news with #Dhs29
What's On
a day ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Ultimate girl gang guide: things to do in Abu Dhabi with your girlies
Send this to the groupchat, grab your girls and head to any of these spots for a fun girlie day or night. Is there anything better than chats and catch ups with your besties? We think not. These things to do are perfect when you're needing something fun in Abu Dhabi. Be all fancy with some afternoon tea Head to Rosewood Abu Dhabi for their newest experience of afternoon tea at Majlis by Pierre Hermé. With several courses, and paired with rare teas and Geisha coffee, it's an elegant choice for your catch up with the girls. Location: Rosewood, Abu Dhabi Opening hours: daily 2pm to 6pm Cost: from Dhs345 @rosewoodabudhabi Visit a hidden speakeasy At What's On, we always love a speakeasy bar and Perlage in Abu Dhabi is a great choice for some cocktails. Deep red hues and signature speakeasy vibes welcome you to chic luxury like few other spots do. It's theatrical, it's sultry, and it's where you want to be. Location: Perlage, Al Maryah Island Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8pm to 3am @barperlageae Learn the art of focaccia Let your creativity rise in Seed & Bloom. In this hands-on experience, you'll decorate your very own focaccia with fresh herbs and seasonal veggies, turning simple dough into something beautiful. It's Dhs250 and you'll head home with your decorated creation to have for tea. Location: Seed and Bloom Cafe, Al Raha Gardens Opening hours: daily 7:30am to 10pm Cost: Dhs250 @seedandbloomcafe Enjoy some sundowners beside the sea It's never too hot for some sundowners, and Saadiyat Beach Club is the perfect place to look out across the white sands and blue seas of Saadiyat Island. Sundowners and yap. Selected drinks are only Dhs29. Location: Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island Times: Sunday to Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm @saadiyatbeachclub Head to Greece (kind of) Properly treat yourself and book in at the stunning Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat which, if you hadn't just driven there, you'd believe it was on the Greek isle itself. It's an adults-only luxury hotel so if you want peace and quiet while you're lying on the beach with your book, you'll get it here. Read our review of it here. Location: Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi Cost: from 1,911 per room per night @anantarasantorini Tone and chat The Reformr ladies-only reformer Pilates studio is a great choice whether you're a beginner or a pro. Classes are designed to improve posture, increase strength, prevent injuries, and sculpt the body through carefully crafted workouts. You may not have much energy left to yap afterwards though. Location: Al Reem Island Opening hours: 8:30am to 9:30pm Cost: Dhs145 for one class @the_reformr Do a more exhilarating ladies' day Every Friday, there's a day for only ladies in Yas Waterworld, it's complete privacy with all female staff, and it's from 1pm to 10pm so you can go during the day or when it's cooler in the evening. There's live music and DJs too to make the experience even better. Location: Yas Waterworld, Yas Island Opening hours: Fridays 1pm to 10pm Cost: from Dhs250 @yaswaterworldyasisland > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Employee wins Dhs99,567 in court after 3-month salary delay in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Primary Labour Court has ordered a company to pay Dhs99,567 to an employee who had been working under a fixed-term contract but was not paid his salaries and wages for approximately three months. The employee had filed a complaint with the Labour Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), but the department was unable to resolve the dispute and subsequently referred the case to the court. In his lawsuit, the employee requested that the court compel the company to pay the overdue wages for three months—totaling Dhs99,567—and cover legal fees and expenses. He stated that, according to his contract, he was entitled to a monthly basic salary of Dhs12,000 and a total salary of Dhs29,000. The court noted that while a representative of the company attended the hearing, no defense or supporting evidence was presented. Since the employee claimed unpaid wages and the burden of proof lies with the employer, who failed to provide payment evidence, the court ruled in the employee's favor. Taking into account the employee's total monthly salary, the court ordered the company to pay Dhs99,567 in unpaid dues.
Time Out Dubai
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Can't wait to get to the Mediterranean this summer? Elaia has you covered
It's that time of year when your Insta is flooded with friends basking in the sun somewhere between Mykonos and Mallorca. If you're after a Med getaway without catching a flight, make a beeline for Elaia at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina. The fresh-faced Mediterranean bistro gives proper holiday vibes with sun-soaked interiors and delicious food. Brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse Infini Concepts, Elaia is Dubai's answer to a European summer. It's all about golden olive oil drizzles, zesty seafood and sharing plates that feel like they belong on a terrace in Santorini. Whether you're here for a long lunch or an early dinner with the Dubai skyline sparkling behind you, the energy is easy and familiar, like a favourite holiday spot you keep going back to. Elaia has that elusive 'holiday-mode' feel down to an art. If the food doesn't make you feel like it, the breezy whitewashed walls and blue accents, to the buzz of conversation, will. And the best part is that the pricing will not burn a hole in your pocket. Dining offers to grab ASAP For weekday lunches, the Mediterranean Lunch Escape is an absolute steal. Running from Monday to Friday from noon to 3pm, it offers a starter, a main and a small bottle of water for Dhs99. You can tack on dessert for Dhs20 or a glass of grape for Dhs25 to Dhs30, if you're planning to ease into the afternoon. On Tuesday evenings, the Elaia's Ladies' Night offers two starters and two glasses of grape for Dhs99 from 6pm to 11pm – perfect for catching up with your favourite person over food you won't want to share. Then there's Pizza Between Us, where Sundays from 5pm to 8pm mean 50 percent off all pizzas. A great excuse to take it easy before the workweek kicks off. Sunset Hours make midweek Marina visits feel like a mini escape, running Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Expect mixed drinks for Dhs35, house beverages for Dhs29, and glasses of grape for Dhs29 too. And for those who love grape, there's an offer to check out on Fridays. From noon to 8pm, you can snag a glass or a bottle at discounted rates. Ready to enter a Mediterranean state of mind? You know we are. See what they're offering: @ElaiaDubai Open daily, noon-2am. Dubai Marina, (058 978 1000)
What's On
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: June 2 to 5
Things to do in Dubai: sorted… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? There's plenty, from a taco deal to a delicious business lunch, an art exhibition and more… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, June 2 Meat and Malt The Ninth Cut at Novotel Hotel, Al Barsha has introduced a new Monday offer for meat lovers: Meat and Malt Mondays. It includes a perfectly grilled 1.2kg Australian Black Angus MB 3 Tomahawk with mac and cheese, potato bravas, green salad and fries. As for your sauce, pick from bone marrow jus, smoked burnies, chimichurri and tamarind BBQ. A flight of three carefully selected whiskies will elevate your experience. All yours for Dhs1,200 for two. You can add on an additional flight for Dhs199. Cost: Dhs1,200 for two (additional flight for Dhs199) Timing: every Mon from 7pm Location: The Ninth Cut, Novotel Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai Contact: 052 872 1441 @theninthcut Lets get down to business Love a good business lunch deal? Check out Third Avenue who have introduced a curated weekday Business Lunch blending global flavours with Burj Khalifa views. For Dhs72, you can enjoy a two-course meal, and for an additional Dhs10, you can enjoy a three-course lunch. Dishes include Asian chicken skewers, crispy prawn tacos, a Margherita pizza and penna Arabiata. For dessert, your options are chocolate fondant, a bunny date pudding cake or crunchy millefeuille. Your lunch is served with a soft drink or still water. Love crisp apple notes in your sips? You surely must know that it's World Cider Day and you can enjoy a glass for just Dhs29 each at Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen. Tell your friends, and head on down to savour the refreshing sips for the perfect midweek pick-me-up. If you or one of your mates aren't big on cider, don't worry. The daily happy hour runs from 12pm to 7pm with drinks starting from just Dhs34. Cost: Dhs29 per glass Timing: June 3 Location: Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Contact: 058 599 4659 @mezzaninedubai Someone say tacos? It's Taco Tuesday at La Mezcaleria JBR every Tuesday from 7pm to 1am. You will enjoy unlimited tacos for just Dhs120 which includes unlimited chef's dinner selection and soft drinks. A soda not going to hit the spot? For Dhs220, you will get three margaritas or house wines and prosecco plus an unlimited dinner selection. Or… you can go all in and pay Dhs320 for unlimited selection of house spirits, margaritas, wine, beer and prosecco. PS. Wear those stretchy pants. Cost: Dhs120 with soft drinks, Dhs220 with house and prosecco, Dhs320 all-in Timing: every Tues, 7pm to 1am Location:Pavilion at The Beach, opposite JBR, Dubai Contact: 056 520 2020 Wednesday, June 4 Take a Midweek Wellness Escape Seeking a world of calm? Head to Senses Spa at Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai. From 11am to 5pm, you will enjoy a 60-minute massage which focuses on releasing muscle tension and quieting the mind. Following the treatment, you will be served a complimentary wellness beverage and a nourishing bite at Nai Restaurant – the hotel's modern Middle Eastern restaurant overlooking the pool and skyline. You will also get access to Senses Spa's luxurious facilities including the serene relaxation areas, a temperature-controlled pool and steam rooms. It is priced at Dhs750 per person. Cost: Dhs750 per person Timing: every Wed 11am to 5pm Location: Senses Spa, Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai, Downtown Dubai Contact: 04 438 8888 So artsy Want to add something artsy to your week? Zawyeh Gallery in Alserkal Avenue presents The Promise , an evocative exhibition by Palestinian artist Bashir Makhoul. Through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and tapestries, Makhoul explores themes of identity, exile, and the contradictions of home. Drawing on personal experience, his work weaves together symbols of loss and hope, using diverse materials to reflect the fragility and resilience of memory and belonging. The exhibition runs until June 30. Timing: Sun to Thurs, 10am to 6pm Location: Zawyeh Gallery, Alserkal Avenue Contact: 04 547 4118 @zawyeh Thursday, June 5 Shift your fitness into overdrive Move at FIVE at FIVE Jumeirah Village Hotel is inviting you to train like an athlete and perform like a pro its high-intensity HYROX sessions. Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.15am to 7pm, with drop-in classes priced at Dhs120. The classes are packed with high-octane workouts that are fused with strength, endurance, and functional movement, all turbocharged by heart-pounding cardio intervals. It is led by lite performance coaches who have got your back, so don't worry. Each class includes complimentary access to the gym's steam and sauna facilities. Cost: Dhs120 drop-in class, non-members can pay Dhs1,000 for 10 classes, members pay Dhs600 for 10 classes Timing: every Tues and Thurs 5.15am to 7pm Location: Move at FIVE at FIVE Jumeirah Village Hotel Contact: 058 101 2420 *The best new Pilates studios in Dubai* Bold, bold flavours Love food that packs a punch? This has to go on your to-do list this week. Chefs Rahul Rana of Revelry and Rita Soueidan of Maisan15 are collaborating this June showing off some dishes you don't want to miss. On June 5, the culinary showcase takes place at Revelry where Chef Rita will present dishes like miso baba ghanoush, lamb sfeeha, and grape leaves with shiitake mushrooms, paired with Maisan15's homemade iced teas. The experience starts from 7pm. To book, call the team on 052 143 2426. Timing: June 5 from 7pm Location: Revelry, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Park 1, Dubai Contact: 052 143 2426 Images: Supplied
Time Out Dubai
29-05-2025
- Time Out Dubai
50 cool things to do in Dubai for less than Dhs50
Who said Dubai has to be expensive? There's plenty of things to do in the city that won't break the bank, you just need to know where to find them. Whether it's seeing the sights, making the most of some great dining deals or getting active, being frugal can actually be pretty fun. If you're searching for a day out on a budget, here are our top for things to do for under Dhs50 . Attractions Admire Burj Khalifa Credit: Burj Khalifa It's the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and looms at 828 metres high. The observation deck – At The Top – and restaurant, are a little out of our Dhs50 budget for this one, but a pint of the 'tap of the month' at Tap House is only Dhs35, and the terrace comes with incredible views looking up at the Burj. Cost: Dhs38. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, The Tap House, Mon-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, (04 425 0009). Bike around Dubai Marina There are 7km of pathways to explore around Dubai Marina, and if you hire a Careem bike for Dhs29 a day, you can whizz around that pretty rapidly. It's an ideal place to people watch and the views are super by day or night. A top way to get some exercise, and you'll get a bit of a breeze as you cycle too – it's a win win. Cost: Dhs29 (day pass). Dubai Marina. Explore Waterfront Market (Credit: Supplied) If you're into cooking, shopping or just the whiff of fresh fish, Waterfront Market is a top spot to take a mosey along to. We could spend hours admiring the various catches. Plus it's free to browse around even if you're not shopping (and there's no charge for dinner inspiration, though you'll get that for sure). Cost: Free. Or market price for your catch. Open daily 24/7, Al Khaleej Road, (800 627 538). See the city from The Dubai Frame (Credit: Supplied) This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city's past, present and future in a one-hour tour, with unique views of 'old' and 'new' Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don't forget your camera phone as you'll want to capture the super views. And, our cover star comes in exactly on budget at Dhs50. Ta da. Cost: Dhs50. Open daily 9am-9pm, Zabeel Park, (800900). Stroll around Palm Jumeirah (Credit:Canva) Lace up the trainers, pack your water bottle and take a stroll around the boardwalk to enjoy the sights. Be a tourist and take a snap of Atlantis while you're there, too. Why not hop on the monorail and leave the car at home, too? It's Dhs30 for a round-trip and you'll get pretty views while you enjoy the ride. Cost: Dhs30. Palm Jumeirah, Stand under the Al Wasl Plaza projection show at Expo City (Credit: Supplied) You'll have surely seen this incredible dome on Instagram, but if you haven't witnessed it in person yet, the light show is a spectacular sight. The huge steel structure has the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world, and runs a light show every day from sunset until midnight. One of the most magical things to do for under Dhs50, take a stroll underneath swirling shapes and lights, take a few photos and enjoy the magic. Open daily, show runs from 5pm-midnight. Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai, (04 555 2030). Stroll along The Beach (Credit: Supplied) The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai's JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. Offering some gorgeous views of Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, there's some great spots to take a seat and chill out. People watching is prime here, plus there are loads of things to eat from ice cream to pizzas. Cost: Free. The Beach, JBR, (04 3173999). Take a snap of Dubai Opera (Credit: Supplied) Since opening in 2016 this stunning dhow-shaped building has been a hub for theatre, musicals, operas, ballet and comedians. Tickets fall out of budget, but it's worth heading along to admire the building, and having a wander around Burj Park while you're there. Cost: Free. Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, (04 440 8888). Try Topgolf (Credit:Topgolf) The entertainment venue at Emirates Golf Club is home to 90 climate-controlled hitting bays in a huge three-storey site. General play starts at Dhs140 per hour, per bay and you can have up to six in a bay – meaning that's around Dhs22 each. Your bay hire will include unlimited balls and the use of clubs, so you can have as many goes as you like to get it right, which is lucky if you have our skill level. Cost: Dhs24 (based on six splitting a Dhs140 bay). Open Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2. (04 371 9999). Walk across the bridge to Bluewaters This is a super stroll, and there's a top observation spot mid-way around too for that perfect shot of JBR, the Palm and Ain Dubai. Keep on going until you reach the other side and take a pic under the shadow of the world's largest ferris wheel, too. Cost: Free. Bluewaters Island, JBR. Watch the skiers at Ski Dubai (Credit: Supplied) Granted a lesson at Ski Dubai won't fall into this category, and nor will a trip to the Alps. However, you can head to the mall and take a seat at the Cheesecake Factory, as its windows look right out onto the slopes. Grab a slice of the Godiva chocolate cheesecake and cosy up in one of the window booths to get that wintery feeling for just over Dhs30. Cost: Dhs32.50 Open Mon-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1, (04 419 0497). Window shop at Dubai Mall The world's largest mall is housed in Dubai, and if you're yet to visit, well, get ready to get lost, but also to marvel at the sheer size of everything. You're on a budget, so avoid Dior, Chanel et al, but there's no harm in window shopping, right? Plus while you're there, you can take in the sights of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as one side of it is free to view. Stop off at one of the coffee shops while you're there and make sure you bag a place to see the free Fountain show. Cost: Free. Open Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am, Downtown Dubai, (800 382246255). Arts and culture Explore art at XVA Gallery Credit: XVA Gallery Specialising in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent, XVA has done more to champion both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could even dream of. Exhibitions are on regular rotation so you're bound to find something new. Head over at breakfast time and treat yourself to a paratha omelette with tomato, feta and parsley for Dhs40, too. Cost: Dhs37. Open daily 7am-10pm, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, (04 353 5383). Grab a bargain at the Textile Souk Credit: Supplied Across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters is the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, home to a myriad of traders selling wonderfully colourful fabrics along with all the accessories a fashion designer could want. There are plenty of trinkets too, so get ready to browse and find something cool to take home. Cost: Free . Open Mon-Sat 6am-2pm & 4pm-9pm,57 Ali Bin Abi Taleb St, Al Fahidi (050 768 8512). Go on a road trip to Sharjah Credit: Supplied Just down the road in the neighbouring Emirate there's absolutely heaps to explore when it comes to culture. Sharjah Art Foundation has loads of exhibitions and programmes to discover, most of which are free. And if you want to try something totally different visit the Rain Room, where you can splash around, without getting wet. It's just Dhs25 to visit, so you can treat a mate, too. Cost: Dhs25. Rain Room, open Sat-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri 4pm-9pm, Sharjah, (06 561 0095). Hop on an abra across the Creek You might think a boat ride is out of your budget, and you'd be right. Partying on a yacht is going to set you back a bit, but not this one. One of the best things to do for under Dhs50, hop aboard an abra across Dubai Creek and not only will you get to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Old Dubai, it's pocket-friendly too. For just Dhs2 you can cross the Creek and explore both sides of the water, from the souks to the museums. Cost: Dhs2. Deira / Bur Dubai, Learn something new at Jameel Arts Centre (Credit:Supplied) This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region like few other establishments. And you can too by popping along and immersing yourself in this cracking creative centre. Cost: Free. Open Mon 10am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, Jaddaf Waterfront , (04 873 9800). Get thinking at the Foundry Art Space (Credit: Supplied) The art space offers you an entire evening of activities that you don't need to spend a penny on. From thought-provoking open exhibitions to talks and film screenings, there are even cool elevated pods to curl up in with a good book. The displays change on a monthly rotation, so you can head along every few weeks if you want to see something different. Open daily, 10am-10pm. Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, (04 367 3696). Turn some pages at Mohammed bin Rashid Library (Credit: Supplied) Sometimes it's a treat to have a quieter day, but you don't have to be at home to do it. If you want to slow down the pace, why not spend a few hours browsing the books at Mohammed bin Rashid Library. Spread over seven floors, there's over 1 million books waiting to be read, from atlases and religious manuscripts to poetry and literature. Once you're done exploring, sit down, flick through a few pages and watch the evening disappear as you get lost in a story. While entry is free, you do have to book a timed entry slot before your visit. Free. Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, 2pm-9pm, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, (04 222 2025). See some art at Alserkal Avenue Arguably the hippest and artiest part of town, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai's Al Quoz is abundant with art galleries, performance spaces and some rather wonderful culinary delights. This former industrial estate has swapped engine oil for oil on canvas and is a permanent hive of artistic activity. There are loads of free things to do in this area of Dubai, from gallery exhibitions to browsing through shops. Why not treat yourself to breakfast while you're there at Nightjar? A stack of blueberry and ricotta pancakes will set you back Dhs48 and your stomach will thank you. Cost: Dhs48. Al Quoz, (04 333 3464). Nightjar, open daily 9am-10pm, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, (050 365 1120). Sightsee at Souk Madinat Jumeirah (Credit: Supplied) This modern souk is as tricky to find your way around as any old-school one, and it's a top place to take tourists. It's free to wander around and you'll be treated to super views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the sparkling Madinat Waterways. There are some perfect photo opps, plus in winter there are plenty of places to stop and grab a coffee or snack. Cost: Free. Open daily 10am-11pm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, (04 366 8888). Soak in the smells at the Spice Souk (Credit: Canva) We love this Old Dubai souk. It smells fantastic, the colours are phenomenal, and there are few places in Dubai that will make you feel quite like you're in the Middle East as much as this. You'll find the full gamut of Arabic spices for sale here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. It's fun to wander, and you have Dhs50 to burn. Cost: Free. Al Ras, Deira. Snap a pic of street art Credit: ITP images Art doesn't have to cost a fortune, you're not investing in a masterpiece for your mantelpiece, and when the city is a huge canvas you're in luck as there is vibrant art all over. From JBR to Karama, City Walk to Satwa, and La Mer to Jumeirah Beach Road, the city is awash with colourful creations from some truly great artists. Head to City Walk to see creations from famed artists like Bleck Le Rat. Cost: Free. Various locations across Dubai. Step into the past at Al Fahidi historical Neighbourhood (Credit: Canva) Take a wander round the historic neighbourhood to get an idea of what the city was like when it first set up. Right next to the Creek it used to be the city's commercial hub, and you'll feel a world away from the skyscrapers. Cost: Free. Bur Dubai, . Stroll around Al Seef (Credit:Supplied) This might be one of the newer 'historical' areas, but it has cracking views of the Creek and is just up the road from Al Fahidi. Some of it is super-modern, some of it is built to look old, but it's an interesting place to have a stroll around, and there are loads of coffee shops for a pit stop, too. Cost: Free. Al Seef, Bur Dubai, Take a trip around Hatta Heritage Village Hatta (Credit: Supplied) You'll have heard about the kayaking, but Hatta is a top place to visit if you're looking to escape the city. It's just 130km from town, but when you're breathing in that mountain air your 41st floor apartment or shiny office block will feel a world away. Amid all the lush scenery (those mountain views) and the Insta-worthy dam, there's also Hatta Heritage Village where you can explore watchtowers and more. Cost: Free. Hatta (04 852 1374). Take a tour around Jumeirah Mosque Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in town open to non-Muslims, and it's well worth immersing yourself in the city's culture and learning about Islam. You can join a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding every day at 10am bar Friday, and you can get a full mosque visit, where a guide will explain the wudu – cleansing process before prayers – with a tour of the mosque and Arabic coffee afterwards. There's a Q&A too. Cost: Dhs25. Open Sat-Thurs, tours at 10am & 2pm, Jumeirah, (04 353 6666). Wander around the Gold Souk (Credit: Canva) Whether you have visitors in town or simply fancy being a tourist yourself, a wander around the gold souk is a top way to spend an afternoon. Unless you have turbo-charged haggling skills you're unlikely to get much for under Dhs50, but window shopping is all the range this year. Cost: Free. Open daily 9am-9pm. Deira. Be bowled over by bargain arcade games Credit: Dubai Bowling Centre An old-school activity at an old-school price. That's right, every Monday at the Dubai Bowling Centre arcade games and rides cost you only Dhs1 per turn. So if you've got one game you're incredible at, that could be hours and hours of fun for the change weighing you down in your pocket. Cost: From Dhs1 Dhs1 per turn. Every Monday, 10am-1am Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Quoz, (04 339 1010). Visit Etihad Museum (Credit: Supplied) Learn about the history of the UAE at this museum in Jumeirah. Covering 25,000 sqm it's located in the same spot as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971, so it's steeped in history. Inside you can watch a documentary about the history of the UAE, see an interactive map and learn more about the founding fathers of the UAE. Cost: Dhs25. Open daily 10am-8pm, Jumeirah, (800 33222). Nature and outdoors Camp in the desert Should you struggle going really wild, a night camping at Al Qudra Lakes could be just the ticket. Clean and calm but chilly at night, make sure you build a camp fire before sundown and bring plenty of marshmallows to keep those energy levels up. Cost: Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra. Cycle Al Qudra Cycle Track Drive out past Dubai's Arabian Ranches and you'll see a cycling path running alongside the road to your left. Al Qudra cycling track is 86km with a 50km loop, that will put your biking (and endurance) skills to the test. You can rent a bike, helmet and lights at Trek UAE, and there's a Last Exit food truck park for a pit stop. Access to the bike track is free, and you'll enjoy views of the desert dunes (watch out for gazelles). All levels are welcome, but expect to spend up to three hours completing the track, which is popular on weekends. Cost: Free. Al Qudra Road (no number). Go bird watching at Ras Al Khor For those of you who know twitching doesn't only involve involuntary spasms, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be. This avian haven is home to many a feathered friend, and while the flamboyant flamingos top the bill you can also spot herons, cormorants and ospreys from the free-to-use hides. Cost: Free. Ras Al Khor, (04 606 6822). Have a romantic stroll at The Love Lakes (Credit: Supplied) Looking for the ultimate romantic spot? The 'Love Lakes' – two intertwined heart-shaped lakes set up near Al Qudra Lakes – is one for you. It can even be seen on Google Maps with the shape of the two hearts, right next to The Last Lake of Al Qudra. The best way of getting there is heading along the D63 route, past Last Exit and by turning right on the road that also leads to Al Qudra Lakes. Take a picnic and enjoy a quiet stroll at this serene spot. Cost: Free. Al Qudra. Go night swimming (Credit: Canva) Kite Beach beach is open after dark, and is completely free if you want to head down and take a dip. Floodlit by large lamps letting swimmers head out safely, you float underneath the moon and enjoy the warm waters for the evening. If you want to make a night of it, why not head down before sunset bringing a picnic from home, then watch sun dip behind Burj Al Arab before having a star-lit swim. Daily, from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. You might also like: The best (and most luxe) night swim spots in Dubai to try this summer Have a picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park (Credit: Supplied) For Dhs50 we reckon you can stump up a pretty good picnic. Bread, cheese, hummus, load your basket with as much as Dhs50 can afford you and head down to this chilled out park area to while away the afternoon. Cost: Free. Al Barsha (800 900). Hike Hatta (Credit: Supplied) New Year's resolution to up your step count? Hatta has five routes of varying difficulty, all set among the Hajar Mountains that you can do for free. This is Dubai's largest national park so go and explore. You might need that Dhs50 for blister pads, though. Cost: Free. Hatta, Jog along Kite Beach As much as we adore flying a kite (up to the highest height), when we're in the mood for something less leisurely then we can't resist the stretch of running track that snakes back and forth past this beautiful beach. The run's superb sights will send you soaring, too, on a trip to Dubai's Kite Beach. The best news? You don't have to pay for the pleasure. You can enjoy a pitstop at SALT and grab a slider for Dhs40 though, you earnt it after all that. Cost: Dhs40. SALT Burger, open 24/7, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, (600 555551). See sunset at Al Sufouh Beach (Credit: Supplied) Dubai Al Sufouh Beach is one of those unmissable experiences that money simply can't buy. And you don't need it either. Head along to this peaceful beach to watch the sunset with your gang. Take a blanket and some snacks and you'll be happy. Cost: Free. Open daily 24/7. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh. Take a snap of the Expo Lake (Credit:Supplied) While Expo 2020 Dubai has long-finished, you can still drive into the desert and see the incredible man-made lake that popped up was created by Dubai Municipality, forged using a lake, trees and sand to resemble the Expo 2020 logo. Cost: Free. Al Qudra Take a desert drive So this one will cost you petrol, but aside from that it's free. You'll need some decent driving skills and a 4×4, but with that in the bag it's time to check out the dunes. Cost: Free. Various locations on the outskirts of Dubai. Entertainment Dig into a proper Middle Eastern shawarma (Credit:Supplied) We recently revealed that you voted shawarma as the most iconic dish in Dubai. And the best news about the popular street snack? It's pocket-friendly. Visit Allo Beirut for a top one, where a small chicken version will set you back just Dhs13. Which leaves you enough for a side of chip. Pass the garlic sauce. Cost: Dhs13. Various locations including Hessa Street, Discover Indian street food in Karama This bustling area of the city is a haven for authentic street eats. One of the top picks is O'Pao for its innovative sliders – don't miss the O'Pao cheese burst version. Cost: Dhs17. Karama, Have an all-you-can-eat breakfast Hyperama's South African diner offers a special deal every Saturday morning. Order whatever you want as many times as you want from the breakfast menu for just Dhs45 per person. From eggs and sausages to much more. Be careful not to over-order, as they will charge you for any food left behind. Cost: Dhs45 Sat 8am-12.30pm. Al Quoz, (058 108 8786). Get cheap drinks at McGettigan's Credit: McGettigan's JLT In the mood for a bit of Irish craic and a tipple or two? From Sunday to Friday head down to Jumeirah Lake Towers to enjoy the venue's happy hour menu, with mixed drinks available for as little as Dhs35. Cost: Dhs35 Tue 6pm-9pm. JLT (04 346 0470). Have a pint of the black stuff at The Irish Village Credit: The Irish Village, Garhoud A Dubai institution, going strong for more than two decades, The Irish Village and its enduring presence continues to charm hordes of expats every week. The Irish Village's large garden and homely feel make it a wonderfully low-key favourite among residents. With live music, good food and a great vibe, don't miss it. Cost: Dhs44. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Garhoud, (04 282 4750). Listen to amazing talent at Time Out Market Dubai If you didn't already know, Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the best bites and beats. And almost every day of the week a raft of incredible live acts take to the stage to serenade you as you gorge on the Market's rockstar plates. Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, (054 375 2421). Visit The Ripe Market (Credit: Supplied) The outdoor market runs throughout the cooler months, so get ready to shop, eat and support some homegrown businesses. From train rides road safety lessons, trinkets and even a zipline, the Academy Park venue is gearing up for a great season, so don't miss out. Cost: Dhs5 (entry). Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Academy Park. (04 315 7000). Looking for things to do in Dubai? Where to get the viral Fix chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 54 absolutely brilliant outdoor activities to try in Dubai Let's take this outside 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs The best cheap eats in town – from noodles to shawarma and everything in between
