Sand-sational entertainment
Most of us enjoy a weekend by the beach, but instead of just laying out, we think these two events are the perfect way to kick back. Enjoy some of the best Indian beats at Nasimi Beach at Atlantis the Palm (www.atlantisthepalm.com). Red Bull Music teams up with Nucleya – one of India's most successful DJs – to put on a cool audio-visual show at this beach party. Entry Dh100, from 7pm. And it's no shoes, no worries at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa's Jammin' at Key West, where you can enjoy the Caribbean, Floridian and Latin food stations and live entertainment from the comfort of your beachside bean bag. Tickets from Dh250 (www.nikkibeachhotels.com)
Bonza events for Aussie Day
The Aussies in the region will likely be celebrating their country's national day this weekend, and for those that are still looking for somewhere to go, there's plenty on the menu. Le Meridien Dubai is hosting an Australian Walkabout Weekend packed with food and entertainment today (www.yalumbadubai.com) from Dh159. If you're looking for something more low-key, Jones the Grocer is paying tribute to the land Down Under by offering a special menu packed with Aussie produce until Wednesday. Sink your teeth into the great Aussie Wagyu burger and a mixed berry pavlova. For more go to www.jonesthegrocer.com
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Read more:
[ Is Instagram 'sucking the life and soul' out of travel? ]
[ Five places to celebrate Australia Day in the UAE ]
[ Yas Family Fitness Festival: how to make fitness fun for the entire family ]
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Zip into Aventura for the celebrations
Get the family back to nature this weekend – high ropes and zip-style – and join Aventura Nature Park in Dubai on Saturday as it celebrates its first birthday. When you're done with the physical park adventures, stick around and enjoy the free shows. Take the opportunity to wow the kids with the aerial, Kharsha drums, face-painting, balloon art and competitions. The party starts from 2.30pm and continues until 7pm. For more, go to www.aventuraparks.com
The right flavour
There's a quirky bakery in Abu Dhabi you just have to check out if you haven't already. Keki is a Japanese-style cafe/bakery that has all the uniqueness you'd expect, from the decor to the crazy flavours. The dessert selection includes fluffy Japanese cheesecake in original flavour and chocolate. The menu also includes traditional specialties such as egg tarts, mochi and matcha rolls. Drinks-wise you can get Keki Matcha in latte and iced versions. Keki Bakery (www.facebook.com/kekijapanesebakery) has a main branch in Al Bateen Park and also has a kiosk at Aldar HQ at Al Raha beach.
Focus on wellness
The time we have away from work is the best for personal revival and mindfulness. For those seeking some "me-time" this weekend there are a couple of places worth checking out – the new O Spa by L'Occitane (www.spa.loccitane.com) at InterContinental Fujairah Resort (the second L'Occitane spa in the region) and Waldorf Astoria's Wellness Weekend programme at Dubai Palm Jumeirah (www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com).
