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DubaiEvents

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, July 29–August 4

28 Jul 2025

Photo: Kate Trysh

I know exactly what your plan was… clock out, post a quick story, order some food, and collapse in bed staring at the ceiling — or, if we are lucky, switch on yet another series. But we are here to shake things up a bit. Add a spark to your week, give you a gentle push to head out, stroll through exhibitions, and maybe even try a few sweet treats. Before I spoil what is ahead — here it is: your weekly calendar.

Tuesday, July 29. J.Lo is in the town

Where? Ethihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
The music queen herself is gracing the city — and we are more than ready for her. Bold, iconic, and effortlessly cool, Jennifer Lopez is the one who got you dancing (even if you have got two left feet) to "Let’s Get Loud", and singing "On the Floor" at the top of your lungs — maybe even louder than J.Lo herself.
It is shaping up to be the hottest night of July — and no, we aren't talking about the UAE sun. The tickets are still available, but if you are being savvy with your spending, no worries — fire up YouTube and turn your kitchen into a mini concert.
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Source: etihadarena.ae

Wednesday, July 30. The Dubai Dates Festival

Where? Qalaat Al Remaal, Dubai-Al Ain Road
If we had to crown the most essential dessert across Arabic countries, it would have to involve dates. You will find them everywhere — in puddings, pastries, even ice cream. They are served with coffee, offered at gatherings, and often kick off a buffet.
And the best place to try them all? The Dubai Dates Festival, of course — where you will find every type, taste, and take on this iconic fruit. Because if you are living in an Arab country, knowing your way around dates is practically a cultural skill — isn’t it?
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Source: visitdubai.com

Sticking to your diet and skipping anything sweet lately?
Then jump on board and make at least one of these special July offers.
The perfect excuse to try the “Flavours of Sayf” set menu — an ode to local cuisine.
A limited-time special blending Indian and French cuisines. A fusion worth tasting.
Sip a complimentary refreshing drink, vibe to Afro house and tech beats, and let the night carry you.

Thursday, July 31. Visit “People and the Library of Alexandria” exhibition

Where? Slash Design Studio, Erth, Abu Dhabi
Thursday kicks off the week’s cultural happenings — and to start, we have picked something truly special: The Library of Alexandria. The project began back in 1988 with support from UNESCO and later grew into what it is today thanks to a major donation from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
This isn’t just about ancient scripts carved in stone. Behind every piece are real human stories — archival photographs, video interviews, and personal accounts that show how the library has grown.
A tiny bit of bad news — you will need to drive to Abu Dhabi for this one. But I wouldn’t send you there just any day — the exhibition is only open twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So leave the office a little early, swing by Last Exit (great spot for a cheeky bite), and get ready for a late night. But hey — who cares if tomorrow is Friday?

Friday, August 1. Find the feeling of home through art

Where? Volery Gallery, Dubai
Until September 1, Volery Gallery is hosting an exhibition by Hawaiian artist Shingo Yamazaki, who explores themes of home and belonging through his work. And guess what? Tomorrow, The Sandy Times is dropping a special interview with him.
So here is a little suggestion: after you have danced your heart out at the J.Lo concert and treated yourself to a fresh box of dates, take a moment to slow down — grab a coffee, breathe, and explore Shingo’s world. Discover how he arrived at this theme in his life. What does “home” mean to him? And what actulally inspires him?
Now you are prepped, inspired — and ready to go.

Saturday, August 2. Run your 5 kilometres with the Crown Prince of Dubai

Where? Different malls across Dubai
Okay, yes — the headline might sound a bit clickbait-y… but it could actually be true!
Here is the story: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently launched Mallathon — a city-wide running initiative happening across seven major malls in Dubai. Starting from August 1, every day from 7 to 10 am, you can walk, jog, or run along dedicated 2,5 kilometres, 5 kilometres, or 10 kilometres routes — all in air-conditioned comfort.
And who knows… maybe the person running next to you really will be the Crown Prince himself.
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Source: dubaimallathon.ae

Sunday, August 3. Dive into the world of perfumes or dance while drinking matcha

Perfume workshop
Where? Warehouse 6, Al Qouz Industrial Area 4
Personal experience has taught me this: the longer you live in an Arab country, the more you start to genuinely love oud perfumes. The ones that once felt too strong, too heavy, too much… suddenly become intriguing. So why not take it a step further and master the art yourself?
Join a special workshop — hosted by (no surprise here) The Workshop Dubai — where you will explore the rich, heady world of oud. After two hours of sniffing, swirling, and blending, you will be able to tell one oud from another with just one whiff — and might even walk away with a signature scent of your own.
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Photo: Kier in Sight Archives

Matcha & coffee rave

Where? Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Not really in the mood for lectures — or just haven’t found your love for Arabic perfumes yet? Then head over to Canopy by Hilton for a house-beat-fueled matcha rave instead.
Sip your matcha, dance a little, and maybe even treat yourself to something new — there will be streetwear brands, cool gadgets, and artisanal finds all around. The perfect way to kick off your week with style (and a buzz).
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Monday, August 4. Exhale and get ready for the week

The busier your week, the less energy youve got left for the next one. So the best thing you can do? Just breathe out.
And maybe… go check how your building’s pool is doing without you (why not?).