Thrills, Flavours, and Fine Dining: Top Experiences to Try - Living Gulf
Thrills, Flavours, and Fine Dining Top Experiences Food

Thrills, Flavours, and Fine Dining: Top Experiences to Try This Weekend in the UAE

From high-octane motorsport adventures to immersive culinary journeys, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are offering an exciting mix of experiences for the weekend. Here’s how to make the most of your days off.

Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit is rolling out limited-time offers across its most popular driving and motorsport experiences. From karting and simulators to high-performance driving, there’s something for thrill-seekers of all ages.

A standout offer is the Yas Young Driver Experience, now available at AED 850 (down from AED 1,450) until 30 April 2026. Participants aged 14 and above can take the wheel of a real Caterham, no driving licence required.

Other experiences include:

  • Kartzone Buy 1 Get 1 Free
  • Caterham Seven Driving Experience from AED 550
  • Drift Taxi Passenger Experience from AED 250
  • Wolf Tornado Passenger Experience from AED 390
  • YMC Venue Tour from AED 90 and VIP Tour from AED 500
  • Yas Speed Signature Tour at AED 700
  • Kartzone & SimYAS Family Package from AED 220

Whether you’re after high-speed thrills or behind-the-scenes insights, Yas Marina Circuit makes for an action-packed weekend destination.
For more information and bookings: Yas Marina Circuit

Fire, Flavour, and Community at Grill & Groove

Grill & Groove

Dubai’s CarniStore is teaming up with Chef Halawa for Grill & Groove, a one-day culinary event on April 4, 3 PM to 7 PM, designed around fire, flavour, and shared experiences.

The menu features bold, grill-led dishes meant to be enjoyed together, including:

  • Signature burgers and ribeye steaks finished with red chimichurri
  • Gochujang pineapple lamb chops straight off the grill
  • Charred leeks with tahini and labaneh, musakhan rolls, and fattet betenjan
  • Fresh fennel citrus salad
  • Chef Halawa’s signature knafeh nabulsiyeh for dessert

This pop-up focuses on quality produce, community, and the joy of gathering around the grill. The experience is curated and served as is, creating a relaxed, authentic vibe.

Reservations can be made via CarniStore or Chef Halawa’s Instagram.

An Immersive Vegetarian Culinary Journey at Avatara

Avatara Vegetarian Culinary

For a more refined weekend indulgence, Avatara, Dubai Hills’ MICHELIN-starred vegetarian restaurant, offers a 17-course seasonal tasting menu at AED 375 per person, available until April 15.

The menu showcases an ingredient-led philosophy, with each course thoughtfully composed to highlight balance, technique, and storytelling. Guests can expect:

  • Layered seasonal creations
  • Expressive vegetable-forward dishes
  • Intricate small plates and signature compositions that reimagine familiar ingredients
  • Curated pairings to complement the flavors while remaining fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly

Avatara’s seasonal offering transforms dining into an immersive experience, blending creativity, precision, and thoughtful presentation — perfect for a weekend culinary adventure.

Leisurely Family Dining at MOLI by SHI

Easter Dessert by SHI Hospitality

For those looking to slow down and enjoy a relaxed weekend meal, MOLI by SHI in Dubai Hills invites guests to its newly launched Family Lunch, a leisurely dining experience set in the restaurant’s elegant, design-led space.

Taking place every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the three-hour experience features a menu that balances signature flavours with comforting favourites:

Starters:

  • Crispy Duck Bao Buns
  • Crispy Tiger Prawn with Wasabi Sauce
  • Yun Nan Wild Mushroom Salad
  • Assorted Dim Sum Basket

Mains:

  • Wok Ginkgo Tiger Prawn
  • Squirrel Sea Bass
  • Kung Pao Corn-Fed Chicken
  • Beef Ribs with Black Pepper Sauce
  • Vegetarian option: Tofu Eggplant Hot Pot

Sides:

  • Wok-Stirred Rice with Vegetables
  • Udon Noodles with Vegetables
  • Pok Choi with Oyster Sauce

Guests can elevate their meal with MOLI’s signature duck options, including Peking Duck and Cantonese Crispy Duck, and finish with a curated dessert selection.

Packages:

  • Soft Package (non-alcoholic): AED 275 per person
  • House Package (includes wines, spirits, and signature cocktails): AED 395 per person

Children under 12 dine complimentary, making this a perfect setting for family weekend gatherings.

Fact Box:

  • When: Every Saturday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Where: MOLI by SHI, Dubai Hills Business Park
  • Packages: Soft AED 275 | House AED 395 (Valid for 3 hours | Municipality fee applies)

Whether you’re chasing speed on the track, enjoying community-driven fireside flavours, indulging in a Michelin-starred vegetarian tasting menu, or sharing a leisurely family lunch, this weekend promises a rich blend of thrills, taste, and memorable experiences across the UAE.