If you’re feeling a bit stir-crazy from staying inside your home the past few weeks, look no further for your weekend inspiration.
This might be the time to engage in fun adventures outside the same four walls now that lockdown restrictions have eased during daytime while still practicing the nationally-enforced safety measures. From relaxing beachside at one of the UAE’s private escapes to treating yourself to a self-care day, schedule in one (or all) of these boredom-busting activities on your weekend checklist or start planning ahead for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday weekend.
Exercise outdoors at a park
Public parks reopen across Dubai from May 13.
Although a steady supply of virtual workouts has kept fitness enthusiasts busy at home while gyms remain closed, there’s nothing like breaking a sweat outdoors and feeling the quarantine calories burn away with each jump, step, or pedal. With public parks reopening across Dubai from May 13 onwards, sports and recreational activities are now permitted in open spaces for groups of a maximum of five people, including cycling, water sports, and skydiving.
Relax beachside
Photo: Instagram/@fsdubai
If you’ve been dreaming of a sun-kissed holiday on an idyllic beach, curb your wanderlust and indulge in a local staycation for a slice of paradise in your own backyard. Check-in to one of these top luxury resorts in the UAE for a destination getaway rivaling one in the tropics with endless beach shorelines and private pool-equipped villas to bask in the infamous desert sunshine while still abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Book a salon day
José Eber’s LaLoge salon in Address Montgomerie includes a swanky hair & beauty salon
After weeks (or potentially months) without a hint of professional beauty upkeep due to the nationwide lockdown, treat yourself to a well-deserved self-care day at your go-to salon now that many doors have reopened in accordance with government guidelines to help support these local businesses. Shake away the stress and watch as the experts breathe new life into your skin, nails, and hair once again. However, make sure you understand the strict precautionary procedures in place while booking an appointment to ensure the safety of both you and the technicians, such as mandatory masks, temperature checks upon entry, frequent hand and equipment sanitization, client declaration forms, and social distancing requirements.
Check out a local art space
Cafe Ceramique in Jumeirah is open for a creative day out of pottery painting. Photo: Instagram/@cafeceramiquetc
Take your DIY crafting to the next level and get your creative juices flowing at one of the various local art spaces around Dubai. Choose from a wide selection of pottery pieces to paint and decorate in order to create a memorable keepsake for yourself or a loved one at Cafe Ceramique in Jumeirah. Dubai’s bustling community arts district, Alserkal Avenue, is home to an array of studios including thejamjar. Although the neighborhood studio hasn’t restarted their revolving schedule of workshops and classes just yet, check out their fully-equipped painting kits and create your next masterpiece elsewhere.
Create a movie-going experience after returning home at night
Photo: Instagram/@voxcinemas
If you’re exhausted from all the outdoor activities and it’s time for the sterilization drive to start, head home for a movie night — order your favorite movie theater treats and recreate the vintage cinema experience from the comfort of your couch. Mix and match various popcorn flavors in a bottomless tub, munch on a tray of nachos, or savor a milkshake from the Vox or Reel Cinemas’ food counters on Deliveroo, Zomato, or Talabat while the latest big-screen blockbusters play through your chosen streaming platform. Depending on your location, special limited-time snack offers may also be available to enjoy this weekend, including buy one, get one free deals, exclusive hot food selections, and family combo meals. For viewing recommendations, check out these new releases on Netflix this month or the most binge-worthy series on Amazon Prime.
