From Iftars with a twist and karak tea cakes to The Black Pearl cruise and wholesale markets, here’s our suggestions for an incredible weekend in the UAE

Dubai

Vietnamese Foodies

Break your fast with Vietnamese cuisine this Ramadan, with offers available for dine-in and delivery. The four-course menu features the eatery’s signature South Vietnamese dishes, including a starter, salad, soup and main. Look forward to chicken spring rolls, crispy coconut prawns, green papaya and prawn salad, beef brisket soup, vegan pho, tofu and eggplant claypot and more. The menu also includes dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo and vegan choices.

JLT and Downtown Dubai, dine-in from sunset onwards. Delivery from 5-10pm. Call +9714 565 6088 (JLT) or +9714 554 2090 (Downtown Dubai), order online or through Deliveroo.

OSH

La Mer’s contemporary Uzbek restaurant with Middle Eastern flavours is inviting diners to tuck into a scrumptious Uzbek-inspired Iftar spread. Break your fast with dates, before enjoying a hearty lentil or tomato soup; followed by two cold starters including hummus, moutabel or baba ghanoush and a light salad. Look forward to chicken shashlik, panko sea bass, or vegetable tempura for mains; along with a side of bread or fries; and a delightful milk cake or sorbet for a sweet ending.

May 6 from sunset onwards. AED149 per person. Call +97155 963 6756 or visit the website.

Mondoux and Tour Dubai

Begin your weekend with a wholesome breakfast, a hot beverage and juice at the stunning Mondoux, before strolling down the promenade to hop on board the exclusive Black Pearl as it sets sail through the Dubai Canal to the Burj Al Arab waters. Spend a laid-back afternoon aboard, enjoy a cool open-sea swim and tuck into the yummy buffet when peckish. All you have to carry is your swimwear and a towel.

Fridays from 8-11am (breakfast at Mondoux), 12-4pm (The Black Pearl experience). AED199 plus VAT per adult and child above four, complimentary for children below four. Book online or whatsapp +97150 142 0319.

The Pangolin, The Els Club

Make your way to this hidden gem in Dubai Sports City for a new Friday lazy lunch. Titled, ‘Lazy Afternoons with Betty’, which is the name given to the venue’s commercial smoker, diners can look forward to juicy beef and three veg skewers, open-fire roasted oysters, beef chorizo puff pastries, banana splits and black forest tortes. The three-course, sharing-style dishes are brought to the table and complemented by pitchers of punchy sips, hops, grapes and iced tea, for three consecutive hours.

Friday from 12-8pm. AED95 per child, AED250 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), AED350 per person (inclusive of house beverages), AED450 per person (inclusive of premium beverages). Call +97158 573 2594.

Manzoni Bistro & Bar, Pullman Dubai JLT

The Italian restaurant with a show kitchen, at the Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, invites diners to experience a limited-edition Risotto Festival. Choose from 10 risotto variations with both traditional flavours and a Manzoni twist. In addition, diners will receive a 30 per cent discount on their bill. Even better, groups of five or more can avail of a flat 50 per cent discount.

May 6 to 8. Call +9714 567 1159 or email dining.pullmanjlt@accor.com.

Spinneys and Chef Silvena Rowe

The supermarket chain, Spinneys, has collaborated with celebrated chef Silvena Rowe to launch a selection of six tempting desserts. Staying in this weekend? Treat yourself to an indulgent, multi-layered karak tea cake, Silvena’s tribute to the UAE’s most commonly consumed tea.

Visit Spinneys supermarkets.

Four Seasons Hotel, DIFC

The boutique-style urban hotel has launched its ‘Feel The Beat’ experience, which includes credit for use at Penrose Lounge, Mina Brasserie or The Pearl Spa and Wellness at the property. Take a dip in the glass-walled pool on the rooftop deck of the hotel; indulge in tempting bites at the restaurants around; avail of standout treatments at the spa; visit the Luna Terrace or the intimate terrace at Penrose Lounge with the Burj Khalifa as the backdrop; and more. The stay also grants access to the sister hotel at Jumeirah Beach.

May 5 onwards. Book two-nights minimum (receive AED300 hotel credit). Book online or call +9714 506 0088.

Abu Dhabi

Wholesale Market, The NRTC Group

Visit the Wholesale Market by The NRTC Group for a spot of weekend shopping of both imported and locally-sourced food, with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. The new concept, within a setting of almost 30,000 sq. ft. with a car park capacity of 200 cars, gives customers the choice to buy in bulk or in retail-sized packaging,

Al Rakb Street, Baniyas Island. Daily from 8-12am. Call +97152 731 5990.