2022 Dubai Summer Survival Guide
Before we were done blinking, the Dubai winter seems to have come and gone. And while travel is an option after all these years stuck in one place, the prices make it a bit of a deterrent for many. While many are headed to distant shores, there are many left terribly homesick and with a slight touch of cabin fever.
So here we are again to your rescue as we show you the best ways to survive the summer, indoors or out and about in this crazy and fun country we call home.
Start your day full of beans
A cold brew can be just the ticket to get the day started right! Use fresh ground coffee beans; for the best results Coffee Planet recommends medium to dark roast beans such as the Desert Rise Medium or Italian Dark. What is needed to make the perfect cold brew:
French Press, measuring tool or cup, 6 – 7 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee (medium to coarse grind), 4 cups of water (room temperature)
Steps:
- Fill your French Press with 4 cups of water and add your freshly ground coffee. You’ll need 6-7 tablespoons of ground coffee to 4 cups of water.
- Ensure the ground coffee is thoroughly wet through. Cover and let it steep for 12 to 14 hours refrigerated.
- Once brewed it’s time to strain with a coffee strainer or sieve and cloth and you’re done!
Finish off your long-awaited cold brew by adding ice for a refreshing summer drink or turn your new brew into coffee ice cubes to avoid watering down future cups. You can make it ahead of time and you’ll be set for the week so you can savour every sip! Pro tip: Add some slices of lemon or orange at the time of brewing for a uniquely fresh take (inspired by Bageri Form in Dubai Design District.)
Roll Away
RollDXB is a homegrown roller-skating concept born right here in Dubai! And the venue will create a bespoke interactive Stranger Things experience for all ages from Friday, July 8, to Sunday, July 10. The cult classic TV show will be making its latest appearance soon making this the most memorable event and the perfect start to the Eid al-Adha break.
The eerie evening will give you the experience of the entire series and the location is calling all guests and attendees to visit whilst portraying its many creative characters and uncovering supernatural bites and drinks that allude to the essence of the event.
The venue will be setup to make sure you don’t miss a thing while socializing with friends, turning everyone into a roller-skating enthusiast for three days. Early bird tickets begin at AED 95 or will be available under AED 120 for an exciting line-up of live dj’s, prizes, and more.
Expo lives again
Even though most of the site is dismantled, there is still a kind of charm at the old Expo site that is now going to be Expo City. The ROVE hotel has many summer offers for people who want a staycation that helps them remember their best Expo memories. They also have lots of meal options for those who just want to go in for a walk or a glimpse of the buildings that intend to stay for the new development.
For those interested in expo merch – take a look at the TVG warehouse in DIP for some amazing offers on t-shirts etc.
Pro tip: Take your expo passports for a special stamp issued by the ROVE hotel and the TVG warehouse!
Zipping away
Dubai’s Largest Zip line park, Aventura has lots more on offer besides ziplining for campers aged five to 16 years. Their Life Skills Camp is full of fun and lessons. Activities include exciting science experiments, arts and crafts, nature exploration, team building exercises, and more.
Prices that begin from AED 185 include activities, Adventure Park access, entry fee for Mushrif Park, snacks, and unlimited water. At an additional cost of Dhs40, your camper will get lunch, or they can bring their own. To keep the fun going, you can upgrade from the morning to a full day session for 115 AED per day. All campers will receive a certificate of participation.
Book this one for the little ones who love a good time outdoors, or for those looking to broaden their thrill threshold. The facilitators at a 1:10 to student ratio and there is also a 10% sibling discount.
Ugly-licious
Sign up for Eroego this summer and help out our planet. This concept collects food that’s perfectly fine but not pretty enough for markets and sends it out in packages across Dubai for a nominal rate. For prices as low as AED 61 per month, you can ask for a small box of veg and fruit.
While you may not know what you’re going to get every month, that’s a small price to pay for helping the environment and using this to teach a great new concept to your kids.
Not only does this make a significant difference to food wastage, for every box delivered, they provide meals for two people facing hunger to help fight inequality.
Use the code “HOMECLUBME” for 25% off your first three orders.
Get your Gordon Ramsay on
Head to Marina Social, the award-winning restaurant located at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, to check out a special masterclass where you can hone your Beef Wellington cooking skills. Guests will learn the necessary techniques to create their own delectable version using a classic British recipe, prime meat and fresh ingredients.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour at the end of this session alongwith special starters and delicious desserts. This experience is held every couple of weeks during the summer months and is priced at AED 500 per person for the masterclass, a welcome drink, Beef Wellington and desserts to share. The next masterclass is being held on the 29th of June, 2022 from 6:00 PM onward.
Drop off for a dose of excitement
The latest version of the super special OliOli’s Summer Blast Camps! Kids aged 4 – 10 will get to experience different themed blasts each week with prices beginning from AED 650. The camps are drop-off friendly, with special curated activities to keep the kids engaged and excited.
Jurassic Blast: A blast into the Jurassic past with RAWR-some adventures, full of active expeditions and hands-on activities that bring dinosaurs to life like never before.
Splash Blast: A blast full of splashes, sploshes and splishes! Experience what summer fun is all about as you use water in the coolest and most colourful ways possible.
Cosmic Blast: A blast into the intergalactic dimension with out-of-this-world challenges and space-tacular workshops that will launch you into a joyful week.
Powers Blast: A blast that lets the superhero in you shine as you practice impressive superpowers and complete thrilling quests in an action-packed week.
Paws at the Plaza
Festival Plaza will be home to plenty of fun for your furry friends this summer. The highlight is going to be the Petting Zoo where visitors can befriend bunnies, tortoises, hamsters, goats, reptiles, and birds, for which visitors only need to pay AED 20 anywhere in the mall. Mallgoers can also shop at The Market opposite the zoo that will feature great products from homegrown vendors.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring their pups along for Puppy Pilates every Saturday at 10am. Guests and their pups can connect over the exercise at the cost of AED 100 and enjoy a complimentary coffee and snack post-workout. 100% of its proceeds is donated to K9 Friends, a local animal shelter and adoption centre. Pre-registration is required, which will be available closer to the date on www.dubaifestivalplaza.com. Festival Plaza will also be arranging a donation box where visitors can drop off dry food, treats and pet supplies which will also be donated.
There’s more! A talented artist will sketch creative caricatures of pets for free so that pet parents can take home a special memento from their experience at Festival Plaza. The mall is also hosting pet adoption days on Sundays from 10am – 4pm with organisations like K9 Friends, Amanda’s Animal Rescue and other animal organisations. Families can come to meet and greet their possible new furry family members.
Titillate with Papillon
W Hotel at Mina Seyahi brings a provocative and daring show at Papillon. It is a unique multi-sensory dining affair with contemporary cabaret performances and more with local talent Layla Kardan and her creative team.
Every Wednesday, the Madame Butterfly package starts from AED 395 per person for a multi-sensory dining experience. The menu has been created and overseen by Chef Vinod Mani and offers a mix of sharing and a la carte courses. The 8pm to 11pm dinner and show package also comes complete with three hours of unlimited pour.
The intimate venue seats 80 guests which transforms into a lively nightlife venue with unforgettable cocktails for those wanting to carry on the party until the early hours.
More than Kid’s Play
Le Meredien’s Mina club has a lot of fun options on offer for your kids ages 4 to 14. Drop the kids off around 8 am from 4th July to 26th August, Monday to Friday, for AED 175 per day.
The kids get to experience team challenges, environmental awareness exercises, 3D experiences, chef activity, juggling, and float fit.
There are also special skilled training classes like First Aid training with advanced instructors; fitness classes with qualified personal trainers, ocean safety classes with certified water sports instructors
Special activities include football, swimming, basic group fitness, first aid skills, arts and crafts, jungle bay, waterpark and loads more.
Fancy Schmancy
Four weeks, four recipes and four incredible experiences are brought to you by the cult favourite Folly at Madinat Jumeirah. For some some tips & tricks around the kitchen get front-row seats to their cooking classes followed by a three-course lunch & flowing grape.
Every Tuesday from 5th July, 12pm to 3.30pm, this course will feature the following rounds:
Fresh from the Sea: Round, flat and oily – whatever type the fish may be – it will be explained and prepared straight from the sea by either cooking, curing and smoking.
For the Love of Steak: Get your roasting and resting right. Pan seared rib-eye steak with triple cooked chips and a fluffy Hollandaise sauce.
All things poultry: Legs, thighs, breasts and everything else. We show you how to cook the perfect, juicy chicken.
Signature Beef Wellington: The secret recipe behind Folly’s take on the classic beef wellington that started in kitchen of Gordon Ramsay.
What do you think of this list? Are you staying around? Travelling? Trying out anything new? Let us know in the comments or tag us on our social media handles. There’s always something more to discover or to explore here in the UAE. We’d love to know more about what you are looking to do this summer and what are you most looking forward to. Happy holidays homies!