Dubai Diary: What to do this weekend

Yes, summer is here and we are getting a tad hard pressed for exciting concerts and other events to come knocking on out door.
 
But all is not lost, with the Dubai Summer Surprises 2011 kicking off already and a massive Hollywood family blockbusters playing in a cinema near you.
 
So sit back and buckle up for a fun weekend ahead with Emirates 24|7.
 
Superstar Lighting McQueen at Dubai Festival City

June 23
 
Toys “R” Us is celebrating the movie release of Disney’s “Cars 2” on Thursday by giving children and kids at heart a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take pictures with Superstar Lighting McQueen – the lead character of the movie.
 
Lighting McQueen has raced around the world, wowed thousands of young and old fans and is now set to make an appearance at Dubai Festival City on June 23 from 10am onwards.
 
Bring your camera along and take pictures alongside the real-life size car, which will be on display at the South Court near Toys “R” Us till June 29.
 
In addition, the “Cars 2” range of products will be available for purchase from Toys “R” Us including exclusive product lines, die cast replicas of “Cars” characters including superstar Lightning McQueen and Mater, remote control vehicles, construction sets, play-sets, plush, ride-ons and games.
 
Also, until June 29, the Toys “R” Us store at Dubai Festival City will host the “Cars 2” PlayStation pod where children can play the racing game.
 
Race times will be recorded and those with the fastest times will win prizes including PS3 “Cars 2” games and “Cars 2” t-shirts. The competition is open on weekdays from 5pm to 9pm and on Thursday to Saturday from 6pm to 10pm. Call: 04 206 6552
 
And if you really want to turn this into a full family day, then after the photo ops, head to the cinemas to catch the Walt Disney Pictures release.
 
Directed by Brad Lewis, Owen Wilson reprises his role as star racecar Lighting McQueen, who, with the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), heads overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix.
 
Mater, meanwhile, gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.
 
Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.
 
Available in 3D, the film also sees Bonnie Hunt return as Sally Carrera.
  
Comedy Darbar at Taj Palace Hotel

June 24
 
With a tagline that states, ‘Laughter is the best medicine, consume at your own risk’, you are never quite sure what to expect.
 
Anyways, those of you who are starved for some entertainment can make way to catch these Asian comics in action. We would love to give you some names, however, the organisers haven’t been that forthcoming.
 
It’s free seating and open to children too, at the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai on Friday. Show kicks off at 8pm with tickets priced at Dh50, Dh150 and Dh300 (including dinner).
 
Lose to Gain at BurJuman Centre

June 25
 
Lose to Gain, a weight-loss fundraising initiative by Al Manzil School, has put together an energetic event lined up for Saturday, at Burjuman. The event will see Lose to Gain, and their partners, set up informative booths set up that will provide the general public with tips and tricks to stay healthy and in shape.
 
A stage will also be set up where performers will invite the general public to join the fitness festivities.
 
Activities will include a fitness challenge by Hayya where six rowing machines will be set up and the public will be invited to challenge one another to see who can row the furthest in a one-minute span.
 
Moreover a Zumba dancing performance will be held when instructors will teach the general public the basics of the new dancing crave that is sweeping the UAE. Zumba dancing is a mixture of hip-hop, salsa and belly dancing where a 20-minute routine can have you dripping in sweat.
 
Sandi Saxena, spokesperson for Lose to Gain, said: “Considering everybody is running away from the heat outside, we thought the event at Burjuman would be a great place for people to beat the heat but also stay fit.
 
“We’ve got some amazing stuff lined up, from informative booths to energetic activities, this truly is a great way to learn about weight loss and raise money for a good cause. We’d like to invite everybody to come down to the event as it’s going to be heaps of fun!”
 
Everybody who participates in the activities will get free goodies from Manzil and their partners. The event takes place from 11am to 9pm at the old part of Burjuman, next to Paris Gallery. Events, performances and demonstrations will start from 5pm onwards, with Al Manzil students putting on a special performance at 6pm.
 
EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo at The Dubai Mall

June 23-24
 
EPIC Dubai is the Middle East’s first consumer show designed to bring together thousands of savvy shoppers and smart business operators to launch new products and inspire sustainable consumer behaviour.
 
Visitors can witness a visually enticing experience, through exhibits that demonstrate human ingenuity and brilliance in tackling the challenges of climate change.
 
Influential local leaders will be on hand to speak, teach and inspire attendees on how to live a sustainable lifestyle. The main stage will feature a dynamic group of speakers sharing their views on the future of technology, transport, and fashion to name a few.
 
And things will not only be all serious. Local and international music talents will offer a fresh, stylish vibe throughout the weekend, along with a host of fashion shows and cooking demonstrations.
 
From 10am to 10pm at The Dubai Mall, as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.