A Weekend in Dubai: Where to Go, What to Eat, How to Look Good Doing It

 If you’ve only got 48 hours in Dubai, don’t panic — you can still live the luxe life, soak up skyline views, dine in style, and leave with a camera roll full of memories and outfit pics. This city knows how to do weekends right. Whether you’re here for a quick escape, a stopover, or staying in one of the many chic vacation rentals Dubai has to offer, here’s your guide to making it iconic — and looking good while you’re at it.

Friday morning: Elevated brunch

Start your weekend the Dubai way — with brunch. But forget scrambled eggs and a side of toast. Here, brunch is a scene.

Go here:

● CE LA VI — Address Sky View
For sky-high views of the Burj Khalifa and a menu that’s as photogenic as the setting. Dress to impress.
● The Maine Land Brasserie — Business Bay
Classy, vibey, and perfect for a slightly more low-key (but still fabulous) start to your day.

What to wear:

Tailored shorts or a linen co-ord set for daytime glam. Add statement sunglasses and barely-there makeup for that “I woke up like this” energy.

Friday afternoon: Poolside pause or cultural catch-up

Depending on your mood (or your brunch hangover), choose your Friday afternoon vibe.

Option A — Chill:

● Drift Beach Club — laid-back luxury, sun beds, and a beautiful lunch menu.
● Twiggy by La Cantine — pool meets private lagoon, with Riviera-style energy.

Option B — Explore:

● Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — wander the wind towers, galleries, and cafés.
● Museum of the Future — if you’re in the mood for something a little more out-of-this-world.

What to wear:

For beach clubs, a stunning swimsuit, wide-brim hat, and breezy kaftan. For cultural outings, flowy midi dress or lightweight trousers + sleeveless blouse = chic and respectful.

Friday night: Rooftop drinks & dinner with a view

Time to get dressed up and chase the skyline.

Go here:

● ZETA Seventy Seven — Address Beach Resort
Perched at 310m above the ground, it’s all infinity pool views and cocktails.
● Amazonico — DIFC
Jungle-inspired interiors, Latin American cuisine, and that see-and-be-seen atmosphere.

What to wear:

This is where you bring out the satin, the heels, the gold jewellery. Think “summer wedding guest in Milan” — but make it Dubai.

Saturday morning: Coffee & concept stores

Start slow. Wander. Browse. Sip.

Go here:

● Comptoir 102 — Jumeirah
Organic breakfast, dreamy interiors, and curated fashion finds.
● % Arabica — City Walk or Dubai Mall
Minimalist heaven and consistently great coffee.

What to wear:

Floaty maxi dress or co-ord set with trainers. Hair in a claw clip. Tote bag in hand. Main character mode: activated.

Saturday afternoon: Desert or Design District?

Option A — Get out of the city:

● Book a desert safari (morning dune bashing + lunch at a luxury camp = ideal end to your trip)

Option B — Stay urban:

● Dubai Design District (D3)
Art installations, homegrown fashion, and independent cafés. Great for a stroll and stylish people-watching.

What to wear:

For the desert: linen trousers, tank top, scarf for dust, and closed shoes. For D3: anything architectural, monochrome, or a touch edgy.

Saturday evening: Sunset & that one last dinner

Don’t leave without one last golden hour moment.

Go here:

● Shimmers — Madinat Jumeirah
Beachfront Greek restaurant with toes-in-the-sand dining and Burj Al Arab views.
● Ninive — Emirates Towers
Arabian nights meet a chic supper club under the stars.

What to wear:

Neutral tones, breezy silhouettes, soft textures. Dubai is all about elegance without effort — let your final look say, “Yes, I’ll be back.”

Bonus tips:

● Book in advance. Everything gets busy — especially brunch.
● Carry a shawl or scarf for modesty in older areas or air-conditioned interiors.
● Hydrate. Between sun, cocktails, and shopping marathons, your skin will thank you.
● Leave a little space in your suitcase — you’ll shop, trust us.

Your weekend, upgraded

Dubai weekends are anything but ordinary — even on a tight schedule. With a little planning and a good outfit or two, you’ll not only experience the city, you’ll inhabit it. And who knows? Two days might be all you need to fall in love.