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28 March 2024

Dubai Diary: What to do this weekend?

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

Madness is the apt word to best describe the weekend diary that awaits, what with over 15 top international acts cruising into Dubai for our entertainment.
 
Residents spoilt for choice can hop between Sandance to catch Soul II Soul and Armand Van Helden at Sandance, while Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, Taio Cruz, Natasha Bedingfield, Skylar Gray and Jay Sean all kick it off at the Atelier Live – Dance Arena.
 
In between, if you do manage to catch your breath, it is the full moon so if you want to pack off the rest of the family then you won’t get a better event than Full Moon Drumming in the desert.
 
Hold on to your hats, as Emirates 24|7 rounds up the top billers this weekend.
 
Thursday
 
The Bride Show
 
Calling on all future brides, the biggest wedding and fashion exhibition returns to Dubai, celebrating 15 years of harmony and bliss.
 
The Bride Show, which runs until April 7, is expecting over 16,000 visitors, with over 350 exhibitors ready with a treasure trove of ideas to plan that perfect day.
 
Keep those diaries empty, as a host of fashion shows will have you rooted to your seats, as top class designers will showcase their latest collections.
 
In true Dubai style, a special VIP lounge and package (sponsored by Lily Pond) will offer each hopeful bride and tag alongs, enjoy mini massages, light refreshments, reserved VIP seating at the fashion shows and much more.
 
The Bride Show will be held at the Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3, Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 2.30pm until 10.30pm, with a 3.30pm start on Friday.
 
Tickets are priced at Dh10 or Dh100 for the VIP package. Children under 12 years old will not be permitted. Call: 04 407 2693
 
Jeremih Live at Chi Garden
 
Fans of hip-hop should cab it straight to Chi @ The Lodge this Thursday as American artist, Jeremih Felton, takes to the stage with his brand of music, style and attitude.
 
The young prodigy shot to fame under Def Jam Recordings, when his debut single, “Birthday Sex” rocketed to the number four on the Billboard Hot 100, while his debut album hit number six on the Billboard 200.
 
The two-album old star confessed in a statement once that Stevie Wonder, R Kelly and Michael Jackson have all influenced his music greatly; the statement is supported when you pop in the CD to tune into “All About You.”
 
Catch this up and coming artist live from 9pm onwards, when gates open, with tickets costing Dh150, Dh200 and Dh250. Call: 04 337 9470
 
The Laughter Factory
 
It’s time to bring a cup of cheer into your life as Factory Productions whips up a hilarious line-up for this month, with the UK’s Michael Fabbri sharing stage with Andy Robinson, Dominic Holland.
 
Thursday evening’s performance will see Fabbri at what he does best, conjuring up an eclectic act from his bag of tricks that reiterates why he’s one of the best top billers around.
 
Meanwhile, a former band member of the The Carpetsweepers, Robinson has been performing comedy for five years and in his bio, has said that he will continue to do so until he marries into royalty.
 
Holland, meanwhile, is a veteran in comparison, performing stand-up since 1991 to packed houses across the UK. His brand of comedy is more life-based and largely inoffensive that has also earned him accolades in the corporate circuit.
 
To catch the trio live and to share a few laughs in the bargain, head down to the Melrose Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai on Thursday from 9pm, with tickets priced at Dh130. Call: 04 355 1862
 
Friday
 
Full Moon Desert Drumming
 
Get your groove on this Friday, as the full moon beckons to let down your hair and drum away your stresses on a night to remember.
 
The Dubai Drums association has once again teamed up with the Gulf Ventures Desert Camp to give you a night of live drumming, great music for dancing, chilling and simply having fun.
 
Free for children under five years, tickets are otherwise priced at Dh100 until year 14 and Dh200 for those aged above.
 
From 6.30pm onwards, call Dubai Drums on: 056 744 2129
 
Sandance 
 
After the Snow Patrol madness, Sandance returns with a more scaled down, but just as entertaining beach party with some of the world’s top most acts to take centrestage.
 
On the playbill for the night are Kaiser Chiefs, Armand Van Helden, Soul II Soul, Rizzle Kicks, Zane Lowe and many more.
 
The party will kick off as early as 2pm until the wee hours of 2am on Nasimi Beach at Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah.
 
Tickets are priced at Dh250 and Dh400. Call: 055 200 4321
 
Atelier Live – Dance Arena
 
It really doesn’t get bigger than this, with not one, not two but a whopping nine international artists performing on a single stage in a single day with the Atelier Live – Dance Arena this Friday.
 
Presneted by the Alchemy Project, Dubai Sport City and Riva Entertainment bring Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, Taio Cruz, Natasha Bedingfield, Skylar Gray and Jay Sean. 
 
And that’s not all; the international DJ line up includes Edward Maya, Amelle (Sugababes) and Nibs.
 
Phew. Open to all ages, the fun and games kick off from 2pm until 3am, with tickets priced at Dh250, Dh450 and Dh650.
 
Plus, complimentary unlimited house beverages for all before 6pm at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City.
 
Saturday
 
Dragon Boat Festival 
 
Thrill-seekers can celebrate in the fun of the fifth year of the popular Dubai Festival City Dragon Boat Festival, which will bring all the action to Dubai Festival City.
 
Kicking of this Friday, do not miss Saturday’s action-packed conclusion at an event, which brings together corporate, university, school and community groups from across the UAE.
 
Hosted by the Festival Centre, the UAE Dragon Boat Association, Siren Events, UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, in association with Mourjan Marinas IGY, there is fun for the whole family in store.
 
Meanwhile, marking World Health Day on Saturday, the Welcare Medical Clinic will also be offering health checkups.
 
Jason Mackenzie, Technical Director of the UAE Dragon Boat Association, said in a statement: “This is our fifth year and it is becoming more popular year after year. It is a fantastic sport that brings the whole family together for a day of excitement. We encourage everyone to come join us for a great couple of days at one of Dubai’s favourite water sports events.”
 
A Belgian Garden Cafe will also be organised by the Belgian Beer Cafe at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City during the two days of the festival, with premium Belgian beverages and delicious hearty food on offer.
 
For more information call 04 453 4620