13 relaxing things to plan in the UAE for next week's long weekend

A long weekend is coming soon, which means more time to do the things you've been putting off. If you're a culture crawler, art enthusiast or just generally want a relaxed, slow weekend. there is no shortage of experiences across the UAE. Take your pick. For the art aficionados Catch an art exhibition at The Third Line
Sunrise At The Vortex, the second solo exhibition by artist Nima Nabavi on display at The Third Line, features a selection of new works made by the artist between 2022 and 2025. The pieces are rooted in his travels to sites across the world considered to be energy centers by different communities.
Offer: Free entry
Location: The Third Line, Alserkal Avenue
Times: Until July 27, daily, 11am to 7pm
Contact: ( 0) 4 341 1367
@thethirdlinedxb Discover stunning art for less at The Louvre
Louvre Abu Dhabi is welcoming visitors for less this summer season. UAE residents can get a 30% discount on tickets for the summer season when booking online. Valid until September 30. One ticket gives you access to the museum galleries, exhibitions, outdoor plazas underneath the dome, museum café, Fouquet's Abu Dhabi and boutique. Book your spot here.
Offer: Residents get 30% off
Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Timings: Until September 30
Contact: (600) 565566
@louvreabudhabi Do a pottery workshop at The Workshop
The Workshop is hosting a coil pottery workshop, hosted by Shahid Malik. At the workshop, you'll learn everything it is you need to know about making coil pots, one of the oldest forms of pottery dating back 10,000 years. All materials to be provided by the workshop.
Offer: Dhs294 per person
Location: The Workshop Dubai, Jumeirah
Timings: Sunday, June 29, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Contact: (0) 4 341 2595
@louvreabudhabi For the culture crawlers Discover the Silk Road at Bait Elowal
Bait Elowal in Sharjah is a cultural hotspot, if there ever was one. The restaurant cum concept store cum library marries the rich trading legacy of Sharjah with the colourful past of the Silk Road, a concept awakened with Emirati identity, values and customs. Read all about it here.
Location: Bait Elowal, Al Marija, Sharjah
Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 11pm, Friday, 8am to 12pm, 1pm to 11pm
Contact: (0) 6 509 0666
@baitelowal Explore a heritage village at Al Jazeera Al Hamra
This stunning heritage village is the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region; the rest were demolished with the discovery of oil. The neighbourhood is incredibly quintessential, with all the elements like a fort and watchtowers, mosque, souq and extensive courtyard houses of various designs.
Location: Jazeera Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: @visitrasalkhaimah Get lost in a library at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
This is one structure you won't miss when you drive by it. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is located by the Al Jaddaf Waterfront and is designed to look like a book on a giant rehl, which is the wooden stand that holds the Quran when it is read– quite appropriate for a library.
Location: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Jaddaf
Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm, Friday, 7pm to 9pm, closed on Sundays
Contact: ( 800) 627523
@mbrlae For the beach babies Do a night swim at DRIFT Beach
For the first time ever, guests can take a dip in the stunning infinity pool and stroll the beach after dark. Running every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight, this elegant evening experience comes with chilled beats, upscale vibes, and a fully redeemable Dhs200 entry on food and drinks.
Offer: Dhs200
Location: DRIFT Beach, Dubai Marina
Timings: Friday and Saturday, 7pm to 12am
Contact: (0) 4 315 2200
@driftbeachdubai Go boundless swimming at Nessnass Beach
Jumeirah Public Beach, also lovingly known by locals as Nessnass Beach, is a serene stretch of sand and pristine waters, and the hotspot for watersports in Dubai. It's one of the few beaches in the city that allows night swimming, with powerful floodlights and lifeguards watching out at all times making this possible. Do an ice bath workshop at AURA Skypool
AURA Skypool is hosting an ice bath workshop every Saturday morning, perfect to relax and recharge. Immerse yourself in the power of breathwork and meditation to cultivate inner calm and clarity followed by a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
Offer: Dhs475 per person
Location: AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower
Timings: Saturdays, 7.45am to 9am
Contact: (0) 4 566 2121
@auraskypool.dubai For the wellness fiends Have a dreamy spa day at Talise Spa
Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah is offering a weekend spa day pass – think a 60-minute bespoke aromatherapy massage and complimentary access to all spa facilities including sauna, steam room, warm and cold plunge pools and adult only spa swimming pool. For that much needed TLC.
Offer: Dhs980 per person
Location: Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah
Timings: Saturdays and Sundays
Contact: (0) 4 366 6818
@talisespa Take a sound healing class at SOHUM Wellness
SOHUM Wellness is offering Pyramid Sound Healing and Journaling classes for those who want to try something new and connect with their deepest chakras. Inside the pyramid, crystal frequencies and guided meditation will help guests realign their chakras, while deep journaling uncovers the emotional layers within.
Offer: Dhs210 per person
Location: SOHUM Wellness, Al Quoz
Timings: Saturdays
Contact: (0) 4 397 0271
@sohumwellness.ae For the movie and theatre buffs Catch a movie at Cinema Akil
Everyone's favourite independent arthouse cinema and the go-to spot for alternative watching is bringing a curation that's hot like the summer we're in right now – big, bold and bizarre films that will make you feel more deeply than you ever have, from heady trips to moody flicks and a mind-bending, mind-boggling sci-fi flick.
Offer: Dhs56.70 per ticket
Location: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue
Timings: Find the schedule here
Contact: (0) 56 995 1225
@cinemaakil Catch a play at The Junction
Nikolai Gogol's The Government Inspector is a razor-sharp satire that skewers corruption, exposes absurdity, and delivers laughs in every scene. The plot follows a case of mistaken identity and a town full of corrupt, greedy officials. Comedy and satire combined – what more do you need.
Offer: Dhs120 per ticket
Location: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue
Timings: June 27 to 29, 7pm to 10pm
Contact: (0) 4 338 8525
@cinemaakil
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