August has arrived, and Dubai has responded in the only way it knows how: with new coffee stops, late-night runs, old films and at least one good reason to escape the city for the sea.

This week can begin with a drive-through V60 somewhere along the road to Abu Dhabi and end around a shared table, making paper by hand. In between, you can disappear into the darkness of Cinema Akil, run five kilometres for freshly made onigiri or learn more about the animals waiting for homes at Dubai’s new pet shelter.

Where? Julith Coffee, Last Exit

After opening its original roastery and brew lounge in Al Quoz, the homegrown coffee brand has introduced a more compact version of itself at Last Exit on the Dubai–Abu Dhabi route. The new drive-through serves espresso, V60, matcha and iced drinks alongside pastries, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

You do not necessarily need to be driving to Abu Dhabi to stop by — although coffee generally tastes more exciting when there is an open road and at least the illusion of a journey ahead.

Where? Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi

And since you have already taken the road to Abu Dhabi, you might as well stay a little longer. Swap the drive-through window for white sand, warm water and a pool that makes the journey feel much more like a mini-holiday.

Arrive later in the afternoon, when the sun begins to soften, and the sea finally starts looking inviting rather than intimidating. The pool area stays open until 9:30 pm, so a late lunch can easily stretch into dinner, with a swim or a beach nap somewhere in between.

There is also a gym on-site for anyone determined to maintain the appearance of discipline during this otherwise very relaxed escape.

P.S. If you need to work, you can grab your laptop and work there.

Where? Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue

Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs returns to the big screen at Cinema Akil as part of its annual Summer of Classics programme. The screening begins at 9:30 pm, giving you enough time to have dinner first — although eating immediately before spending two hours with Hannibal Lecter is a decision you will have to make for yourself.

Where? FRAME, Dubai Design District

Running five kilometres outdoors in August may not immediately sound like a Friday-night plan. Add a later start, freshly made onigiri and the launch of a new performance collection, however, and the idea becomes considerably more convincing.

ONIGI-RUN begins at FRAME at 7 pm with a warm-up, followed by an easy 5K social run along the Dubai Design District canal. There is no race pressure: the group will return to FRAME for food, hydration and a first look at Atlas Collectif’s latest performance line.

There will also be a raffle for three complete Atlas sets. Registration is available through the link in the @atlascollectif bio, and spaces are limited.

Where? Birds and Pets Market, Warsan

Dubai has recently opened a new integrated pet shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan, creating a dedicated space for stray and loose companion animals in need of care — and, eventually, a home.

The shelter provides veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and temporary accommodation, while a new digital platform allows potential adopters to learn more about each animal’s health and behaviour before arranging a visit.

If you have been seriously considering adopting a cat or dog, it is an important new place to know about. Start online, take your time and remember that the goal is not just to choose the cutest face, but to find an animal whose needs and personality genuinely fit your home.

Where? Alserkal Arts Foundation, WH51, Alserkal Avenue

A Subhiye is not the kind of breakfast you eat quickly while checking your phone. Rooted in the Arabic word sabāh, meaning morning, it is a ritual of lingering over coffee, food and conversation with neighbours, friends and family.

For the next edition of The Kitchen As Studio, the memo club and Ahlan Club are translating this Levantine morning ritual into papermaking. Participants will work with handmade paper and collage, exploring the memories, gestures and cultural exchanges that gather around a shared table.

The programme runs from 12 pm to 4 pm and attendance is available through confirmed RSVP only.