So, can we please get a quick round of applause for the government? Because they absolutely understood the assignment this week.Well, here’s the tea: thanks to the Islamic New Year, we officially have a day off. Now, the holiday technically falls on a Tuesday, but the authorities very kindly slid it right over to Monday. Why? So every single one of us can secure a glorious 3-day long weekend. We love a thoughtful calendar tweak!
I know, I know…it’s June in Dubai and the sun is absolutely ablaze outside. The humidity is real, and stepping outdoors feels a bit like opening a hot dishwasher. But c’mon! That is no excuse to stay glued to your couch scrolling TikTok for 72 hours straight. Dubai is still giving major main-character energy indoors and by the water, and there are plenty of ways to beat the heat.
Pack your sunnies and your credit card, because here are 7 epic things you need to add to your long weekend itinerary.
1. Get Cultured (and Caffeinated) This Long Weekend at the Coffee Museum
If you physically cannot function without your morning brew, this place is an absolute must-visit. Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Coffee Museum is a total hidden gem. Darwin (the mastermind here) has literally gathered every piece of coffee lore in existence – we’re talking its ancient Ethiopian origins, different bean varieties, vintage brewing equipment, and global import paths. Plus, there’s a cute retail shop to buy gourmet beans.
- The Vibe: You are welcomed at the door with traditional Arabic coffee and dates, followed by a cup of authentic Ethiopian coffee. Then, you get to explore all the cozy, air-conditioned rooms.
- The Damage: Literal pocket change. It’s only AED 10 per person to enter.
2. Score Free Sunbeds at Koko Bay
Yes, you read that right. Free. Sunbeds. On the Palm. Koko Bay (that gorgeous Bali-vibe beach club on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah) is running an ongoing deal where you can snap up their sunbeds for absolutely zero dirhams all day from Monday to Friday.
- The Bonus: They also have a 2-for-1 deal on selected beverages from noon until midnight (Monday to Thursday). Pop down on Monday, grab a free bed, catch the sea breeze, and stay hydrated.
- Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-1am (Fri-Sat stays open till 2am).
3. Feed Your Inner Child This Long Weekend at the Museum of Candy
Need to upgrade your Instagram grid? Head straight to Oud Metha. The Museum of Candy is a literal pastel dreamland for anyone with a massive sweet tooth. It’s an interactive, highly photogenic hotspot that spans eight distinct zones and 15 immersive exhibits. They even have a “Candy Lab” where you can channel your inner chef and make your own sugary snacks. It’s colorful, air-conditioned, and incredibly fun.
4. Literally Chill Out at the Chillout Ice Lounge
When the June sun gets to be too much, you can quite literally freeze time at the Middle East’s very first ice lounge. Set at a nippy -6°C, everything in this place – from the chairs you sit on to the gorgeous sculptures surrounding you – is made entirely of solid ice. Don’t worry, they give you thermal gear at the door! You can sit in your winter coat, sip hot chocolate, and nibble on desserts in a literal frozen wonderland.
- Where: Times Square Center, SZR
- The Damage: AED 70 for an Adult Pass, AED 35 for kids (keep an eye out for UAE resident discounts on their site!).
5. Say Goodbye to Barasti Beach (One Last Time)
After literally three decades of sun-soaked afternoons and legendary beach parties, Barasti is hitting the pause button. The Mina Seyahi icon is temporarily closing its doors on June 21st for a massive, multi-year redevelopment (they aren’t coming back until 2027 as a fully reimagined luxury destination!). Before they close up shop, they are throwing a massive farewell bash. Go get one last core memory before an era officially ends.
6. Have a Sunset Picnic at Kite Beach This Long Weekend
Hear me out: when you are sitting right at the edge of the shore staring at the open sea, the temperature honestly doesn’t even bother you. Kite Beach is easily one of Dubai’s coolest hangouts because the atmosphere is always immaculate. If it’s too hot for beach volleyball or paddleboarding, just wait until around 6:00 PM when the sun dips. Swing by SALT, grab one of their legendary cookie cup softies, lay a towel on the sand, and have a beautiful, low-key evening picnic.
7. Go on a 36-Hour Staycation with Rove Hotels
If you just want to escape your apartment without breaking the bank, Rove Hotels is dropping an absolute banger of a summer offer. You pay for just 1 night, but you get to check in early and check out late, giving you a full 36 hours of vacation mode.
- The Damage: Rates start from an insane AED 119 (excluding taxes) and top out around AED 400 depending on how fancy you want the location to be.
- Where to book: You have to book directly on rovehotels.com. Hit up Rove Downtown, Rove Dubai Marina, Rove La Mer Beach, or Rove City Walk to get that pool day sorted.
The Verdict: The long weekend is officially secured. Whether you’re freezing at -6°C or catching the sunset with a soft-serve ice cream, make sure you live it up!