The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 4 to 6 October

Captivating concerts and sensational sporting events are on the way.

The first weekend in October is finally upon us and these are our top picks of the best things to see and do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to visit this weekend.

Friday 4 October

Visit Saadiyat Island’s NBA District

From 3 to 6 October, head to Manarat Al Saadiyat for an interactive fan extravaganza. Meet the stars – Derek Fisher, Muggsy Bogues and Shaquille O’Neal. Shoot some hoops on a full-size NBA court, catch the highlights, snap a photo with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, snag limited-edition NBA merchandise and much more. It’s going to be a hoop-lover’s paradise. NBA District tickets are priced at AED 55.

GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets and more information.

Try the night brunch at Fouquet’s Dubai

The new Friday evening event at Fouquet’s Dubai offers an indulgent spread of unlimited hot and cold starters, a choice of main course and delightful desserts, all set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy unlimited beverages and music from a live DJ to kick off your weekend in style. Available on Fridays from 8pm to 11pm. AED 350 per person.

GO: Visit www.fouquetsdubai.com for reservations and more information.

Party in the sky with Will.I.Am

This October, you can dance above the clouds with Will.I.Am at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences. The show forms part of the hotel’s annual Taste of SLS celebrations, where you can drink, dine and dance your way around the sky-high property. Will.i.am is also known for his solo career, with hits such as I Got It From My Mama, Scream & Shout and #thatPOWER. AED 300 (soft beverages), AED 499 (house beverages), AED 699 (premium beverages) and AED 3,000 (all venues with a VIP table at Privilege Club, a one-night stay, and breakfast the morning after).

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.

Saturday 5 October

Make time for tea

Christophe Devoille, Executive Pastry Chef at Atlantis The Royal, will join forces with renowned French chocolatier Nicolas Berger for an exclusive afternoon tea. Held at The Royal Tearoom, the afternoon will begin with a truffle smoked sunchoke with cocoa nib, followed by an array of savoury creations such as foie gras torchon with black cocoa and wagyu beef tartare with mushroom duxelles and cocoa. For dessert, the menu will feature an old-fashioned chocolate mousse with granola, cocoa nibs, and olive oil, as well as a collection of handcrafted mini cakes made with chocolate sourced from Cuba, Madagascar, Peru and Vietnam. Available on 5 and 6 October, from 1pm to 5pm. AED 680 for two people.

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.

See rapper 2 Chainz at NBA Fan Appreciation Day

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 are back in town, and they’re bringing a series of fan events to the capital. Watch a 3×3 basketball game where football legends Gerard Pique, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry battle it against Iker Casillas, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos, followed by a performance from 2 Chainz. The rapper isn’t the only star you’ll get to meet at the NBA Fan Appreciation Day. Get up close and personal with players from the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets or rub shoulders with WNBA legends Muggsy Bogues, Marcus Camby, Derek Fisher, Sylvia Fowles, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal and Mitch Richmond. You’ll also witness some skills challenges, three-point contests featuring your favourite players, and slam dunks from professional dunkers. 

GO: Visit www.etihadarena.ae for more information.

Witness the rebirth of Café del Mar Abu Dhabi

Café del Mar Abu Dhabi will relaunch with a new look and day-to-night event this weekend. The celebrations will commence with the famous Café del Mar Saturday brunch, offering a selection of international dishes and refreshing beverages. Plus, you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, and unwind to the beats of resident DJs. As night falls, you can expect the grand unveiling of 360 at Café del Mar Abu Dhabi, the city’s newest nightlife hotspot. Available on Saturday 5 October, from 1pm.

GO: Visit www.tablecheck.com for reservations and more information.

Sunday 6 October

Catch the NBA Abu Dhabi Games

Do you know your backboard from your brick? Well, get ready to dribble your way over to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024. Returning for the third time to the capital, the event will take place on 4 and 6 October 2024 and will see the Boston Celtics take on the reigning 2023 NBA Champions, Denver Nuggets. So far, we know the event will attract big names from the basketball world’s past and present. Taking place at Etihad Arena, it will also include fan experiences, such as a custom Nike shoe studio and behind-the-scenes tours.

GO: Visit www.etihadarena.ae for more information.

Enjoy a MICHELIN-starred meal

STAY by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm invites you to experience the two-MICHELIN-starred cuisine of one of the world’s finest chefs. Diners can embark on a five-course culinary journey with the Emotion Menu or immerse themselves in the luxurious seven-course Experience Menu, where the freshest seasonal ingredients create a remarkable dining experience. Highlight dishes include Blue Lobster “Civet” and Poached Turbot, while desserts such as “Monte Bianco” and Mango with Pollen Ice Cream provide a perfect finale. Available daily from 6:30pm to midnight. AED 950 (Emotion Menu), AED 1,250 (Experience Menu).

GO: Call 04 440 1010 for reservations and more information.

Enjoy an evening of comedy at Dubai Opera

Dubai, here’s some news that will make you smile. The British comedians Joanna Lumley and Paul Chowdhry are coming to the city. The pair are scheduled to perform at Dubai Opera on 6 October, and tickets are available now. On 6 October, Dubai Opera will host Joanne Lumley’s “Me & My Travels” show, where she will share eclectic adventures from around the globe, including never-before-heard stories. The evening will also feature actor and comedian Paul Chowdhry. The most successful British Indian stand-up comedian in history is known for his stand-up special “Live Innit”, which became a global sensation on Amazon Prime, reaching audiences in over 200 countries.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.