March marks a month to celebrate all things female, with the arrival of both International Women's Day and Mother's Day. And there's plenty of other things to do in between… read on for how to spend your time in Dubai.
Listen to a Lebanese superstar
Billionaire Mansion's terrace will be transformed into Lebanese club, Trainstation, for Ragheb Alama's appearance. The TV talent show judge is set to perform hits including "Bokra Beyobrom Dolabik" and "Good Stuff".
March 1, Billionaire Mansion
Go bonkers with bingo
The numbers game gets a grown-up twist with music, drinking games and prizes at Dubai's nostalgic nightclub. Tie breaker rounds will include lip sync and chopstick battles!
Wednesdays, Societe Dubai
Hear the smooth sounds of ChoirFestME
Annual event, ChoirFestME, returns to Dubai with the choirs from Jordan, Afghanistan, Morocco and the UAE performing ahead of the Choir of the Year competition.
Until March 4, Al Bayt, Alserkal Avenue
Plan a gorgeous wedding
A series of exclusive fashion shows, make-up masterclasses, and beauty demonstrations will take place, while renowned global brands and a host of leading local vendors, including wedding venue representatives from The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City and the upcoming The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club come together for the Dubai Wedding Collection.
March 2-4, Al Habtoor City
Feel a real belly laugh
Kenny Sebastian's "Don't be that guy" show comes to town as part of "Laugh-a-thon," a new indian comedy series. Tickets cost AED150 (Silver/Balcony), AED250 (Gold), AED375 (Platinum) and AED500 (VIP boxes). Buy them on ductac.org, platinumlist.net and at UAE exchange branches. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm.
March 9, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates
Celebrate International Women's Day
The International Women Photographers Award, organized by Antidote art and design in collaboration with the International Women Photographers Association and Alliance Française Dubai, takes place for the first time in Dubai. The exhibition will showcase photographs taken by women from all across the world, with a focus on the Middle East. There were over 800 submissions from more than 70 countries around the world both professional and amateur.
March 8, La Galerie
Taste the magic of Four Hands
Nobu combines its Peruvian/Japanese-inspired cuisine with the seafood of Ossiano, for a dinner set to the backdrop of the Ambassador Lagoon. Chefs Herve Courtot of Nobu and Grégoire Berger of Ossiano combine their services for a tasting menu costing AED1,250 per person.
March 10, Atlantis The Palm
Get a Taste of Dubai
Experience the likes of Ramusake, Weslodge, Big Easy Bar and Grill, Aubaine, Burger and Lobster, Catch, J&G Steakhouse and Lucky Voice all for as little as AED15 per plate. The 10th anniversary of the festival will see celebrity chef appearances including Gary Rhodes and Aldo Zilli, plus Billy Ocean performs.
Tickets are on sale via tasteofdubaifestival.com or platinumlist.net. Standard tickets start from AED49.50, VIP tickets start from AED199.50 and kids under 12 can enter for free.
March 9-11, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Dance in circles
After teaming up with record label, Soul Heaven, 360 Dubai has three international DJs and one local (Natasha Kitty Kat Probert, Horse Meat Disco and Sandy Riviera) entertaining bar-goers in front of the Burj Al Arab this month. Natasha kicks things off with a post-brunch party.
March 3, 360 Dubai
Grab an Asian bite
Dubai Food Festival takes place with many of the Emirate's favorite restaurants providing great dining deals. Don't miss Toko's Sushi and Shakedown, with the Chinese and Japanese street food venue inviting diners to sample their food from 7.30pm onwards.
March 11, Toko, Vida Hotel
Dance along to the Gipsy Kings
"Bamboleo" and "Volare" hitmakers Andre Reyes from the Gipsy Kings, performs with is band while guest dine on food from Wafi's award-winning restaurants. Tickets cost AED150 and include two drinks. The performance starts at 9pm, doors open at 8pm and advance pre-payment is required. For further details visit pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com.
March 16, Wafi Rooftop Gardens
Get in the St Patrick's Day spirit
International artists Gavin James, Walking on Cars, The Coronas and The Stars Of The Commitments will perform throughout the day for the McGettigan's Paddy's Day Party. Tickets cost AED150 plus a free drink. Kids under five go free, 5-16-year-olds pay AED75. Brunch tickets (including unlimited food and drinks) cost AED395. Buy tickets from McGettigan's outlets or Platinumlist.net.
March 17, Media City Amphitheatre
Join a book club
This month Neither here Nor There, a hilarious novel by Bill Bryson is the topic of discussion at Urban Bistro's book club. In the book he retraces his travels as a student twenty years before, shouldering his backpack, keeping a tight hold on his wallet, and journeying from Hammerfest, the northernmost town in Europe, to Istanbul on the cusp of Asia. Eiléen Lee-Connor, founder of beauty/fashion/culture blog EileenEdit.com, hosts.
March 18, Urban Bistro
Treat your mom
To celebrate Mother's Day, British restaurant Marina Social has a special deal for AED295 per person with a personalized cake and card and a glass of bubbly for Mom. The UAE holiday falls March 25 and the UK celebrates the occasion March 26.
March 21, 25 and 26, Marina Social
Check out the trendsetters
The bi-annual Fashion Forward Dubai returns for Season 9, showcasing a carefully edited selection of the Middle East's most coveted ready-to-wear, couture, accessory and jewelry designers.
March 23-25, Dubai Design District
Catch the World's Richest Horse race
The Dubai World Cup returns with singing and songwriting superstar, Sia, headlining the finishing concert. Meydan racecourse sees women and men dress their best each year to compet in Jaguar's best dressed competition. Don't forget your hat!
March 25, Meydan Racecourse
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Enjoy festive outfits, live entertainment and French cuisine such as confit gizzards and smoked duck breast, Coq Au Vin and Bagatelle's signature St. Honore cake for dessert. Mariah Carey visited the venue in February so if it's good enough for the diva...
March 28, Bistro Bagatelle
Get involved in the food truck scene
Kite Beach's newest food truck, Sir Loin & Sons, is a gourmet 'meatery' from the Food Truck Co. Enjoy smoked dishes, including the eight-hour slow cooked pulled brisket sandwich, BBQ ribs marinated in signature spices and smoked with cherry and apple woodchips, or smoked oxtail stew with carrots, leeks and spices.
Ongoing, Kite Beach
Escape Reality
Interactive and immersive real-life escape game experience, Escape Reality, has made its way from the UK to UAE. Founded in 2015, its the fourth venue for the brand to open and only adds more fuel to the escape room trend in Dubai.
Ongoing, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Experience the Italian Riviera in the heart of DIFC
Roberto's Andiamo Brunch serves up a mix of buffet and à la Carte options to the sounds of an up-tempo DJ. Enjoy views of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa with great food and company. AED350 (Non-alcoholic), AED450 (House beverages), AED550 (Italian bubbles), Additional AED80 with champagne.
Fridays, Roberto's DIFC
Party in an igloo
The Sub Zero Rave Cave is the place to chill out this season. At -18 degrees, it's completely made of ice, plus has laser light shows, smoke machines and a frosted DJ booth that pumps out House tunes. To get in all you have to do is buy two Jagermeister drinks for access for you and a friend.
Ongoing, Barasti