From outdoor adventures in Al Ain to festive dining in Dubai, here’s your guide to making the most of the weekend
Looking for ways to spend your weekend in the UAE? Whether you’re planning a family day out, a festive Easter celebration, or a unique foodie experience, there’s plenty happening across the country. Here’s a curated roundup of the top things to do.
DAZ Festival Brings Outdoor Adventure to Al Ain
If you’re looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature, the DAZ Festival returns from April 3 to 12 at Al Jahili Park.
Organised by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the festival is designed as a family-friendly outdoor experience packed with adventure, entertainment and hands-on learning.
Visitors can dive into activities like The Jungle Escape, Into the Wild, and Zip the DAZ World, alongside obstacle courses, carnival rides and arcade games. Younger guests can enjoy interactive experiences including Wood Wizard Workshops, Fossil Workshops, arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and even a PAW Patrol-themed driving experience.
A major highlight is the animal encounters in partnership with Al Ain Zoo, where families can visit a petting zoo, meet reptiles and birds, and take part in wildlife workshops focused on responsible animal care.
The festival also features a Community Stage with daily live shows, roaming performers, and a rotating weekend programme—so no two visits are the same. Food lovers can explore a curated selection of local and international food concepts, from comfort bites to indulgent desserts and specialty coffee.
Set less than 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this is an ideal weekend road trip for families looking for a full day of outdoor fun.
Celebrate Easter with a Mexican Twist at Chalco’s Cantina
For a lively Easter celebration, head to Chalco’s Cantina for its Taco Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 5 from 1pm to 4pm.
Overlooking the Marina Walk, the restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican flavours and vibrant atmosphere. The brunch is priced at AED 250 per person and includes unlimited premium tacos and free-flowing house beverages, with a special “Pay for 2, Party for 3” offer—perfect for groups.
Expect a menu curated by Mexican chef Alonso, featuring favourites like Birria tacos, Baja shrimp tacos, and Arrachera tacos made with grilled skirt steak.
Families are well catered for, with a kids’ menu priced at AED 25 (including a chicken quesadilla, fries and juice), plus Easter-themed activities such as face painting to keep younger guests entertained.
Reservations: +971 52 112 8923
Website: www.chalcoscantina.ae
Indulge in a Limited-Edition Easter Dessert by SHI Hospitality
For something a little more refined, SHI Hospitality is offering a limited-edition Easter dessert, “Crack Into Spring”, available from April 2 to April 5 across its venues: SHI, MEI, and MOLI by SHI.
Priced at AED 140++, the dessert is designed as both a visual centrepiece and an indulgent treat. It features a soft marshmallow centre, layered with hazelnut praline sablé, and encased in a crisp shell of white and dark chocolate, offering a balance of textures and flavours.
Available for both dine-in and takeaway, the dessert requires pre-ordering 24 hours in advance, making it a thoughtful option for Easter gatherings at home or in-restaurant celebrations.
Easter Sunday Roasts & Family Fun at McGettigan’s
For a classic Easter celebration with a lively, family-friendly twist, McGettigan’s is hosting a series of Easter Sunday roast experiences across its Dubai venues.
At McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate, families can enjoy a festive roast paired with a quiz, live entertainment, and an Easter egg hunt for younger guests—making it one of the more interactive options this weekend. Prices start from AED 139 per person, with kids’ packages at AED 79 and a sharing roast for four at AED 499.
For a more relaxed vibe, McGettigan’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah and McGettigan’s Expo City will offer a laid-back Easter roast with a light festive touch, including egg hunts for children. This option is ideal for families looking to enjoy a quieter afternoon, with prices starting from AED 149 per person and AED 549 for a sharing roast.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to keep things traditional can head to McGettigan’s JLT or McGettigan’s DWTC, where the focus is on a classic Sunday roast with all the hearty favourites. Prices here start from AED 139 per person, with sharing options available.
Whether you’re planning a lively family day out or a relaxed meal with friends, McGettigan’s offers a range of Easter experiences to suit every mood this weekend.
Start Your Weekend with a Community Run at Marasi Bay
For those looking to begin the weekend on a more mindful note, The Uncommon Club has launched a new Saturday morning community run at Marasi Bay, offering a refreshing way to combine fitness, social connection and waterfront views.
Taking place every Saturday, the run starts from The Lana, Dorchester Collection and follows a scenic route along the Dubai Canal. Designed to be inclusive rather than competitive, the 45-minute guided run is split into multiple pace groups, making it accessible for beginners and experienced runners alike.
The experience begins with a 6:45am meet-up and a 7am start, and continues beyond the run itself. Participants are invited to wind down afterwards at Bonbon Café by Angelo Musa at The Lana Promenade, where coffee and conversation turn the session into a relaxed social ritual.
Open to all fitness levels, the run requires prior registration and is part of a broader vision to position Marasi Bay as a destination for wellness and community-led experiences. With its walkable waterfront, landscaped pathways and skyline views, the area is fast becoming a go-to spot for outdoor activity in the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking to start your weekend with intention, this new community run offers a laid-back, energising alternative to the usual Dubai routine.
