Life

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves discovering quietly beautiful spaces, lingering over coffee, and planning your days around light rather than time, this edit is for you.

From a hot air balloon dining experience to desert cafés that glow after sunset, Emirates Woman rounds up all the fabulous activities to do for your last weekend of 2025 – make it count!

Escape the city for a fun day trip to Hatta

If you’re craving cooler air and a change of scenery, Hatta Festival delivers exactly that. Think outdoor activities, cultural pop-ups, local food stalls, and views that feel worlds away from the city. It’s the kind of day trip that turns into an all-day affair, best enjoyed without rushing.

For more information, visit visithatta.com

Indulge in a festive menu and Grand Hotel fantasy

Sucre’s festive takeover, The Grand Sucre Hotel, runs from December 24–27, 2025, offering an all-day menu inspired by classic grand-hotel comfort — think Tuna Tartare, Rigatoni Sorrentina, and Basque Cheesecake, reimagined in Sucre’s signature style.

For reservations or more information, visit sucrerestaurant.com

Experience and dine in at a dreamy, bucketlist-worthy destination

Running from Tuesday to Sunday, this Balloons at the Palace experience at Jumeirah Al Qasr is as dreamy as it sounds. With sessions from 1 to 3PM and 3:30 to 5:30PM, it’s ideal for an indulgent afternoon that feels straight out of a storybook. Guests can enjoy tethered balloon dining with views of the Arabian Gulf — from afternoon tea to romantic dinners later in the evening.

For reservations or more information, visit jumeirah.com

Sign up for a silver jewellery workshop

This workshop at Silversoul in Ivy’s Secret Garden, Al Quoz, lets you design, shape, hammer, heat, file and polish your own 100% silver ring from scratch. It’s a beginner-friendly, fun activity whether you’re going solo, on a date or with friends. Expect a 1.5-2 hour journey, with prices starting from Dhs370, and opening hours from 12PM to 11PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

Head to the desert for a dreamy winter sip

Open from 3PM to 1AM daily, Hidden Dubai’s atmospheric desert cafe at Al Lesaily is worth the road trip for coffee sundowners and starry sips beyond the city lights.

Book an immersive and magical dinner

Imaginary Nutcracker is a limited-time immersive gastro-show happening at Krasota Dubai, where dining meets digital theatre. Running from December 24 through January 31, 2026, the seven-chapter experience pairs cinematic visuals and original music with exclusive dishes by Michelin-starred Chef Vladimir Mukhin.

For more information or reservations, visit krasota.art

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Images: Supplied & Featured Image: @amalie_gassmann and @nikkkkes