Dubai's Dazzling Delights: Sizzling Summers, Stylish Pops, and Culinary Masterpieces

Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in Dubai”—Oly Bennet here on this globe-spinning Friday, September 19, 2025. Out the window today, Dubai’s saying goodbye to summer with temperatures cruising in the mid-30s, perfect for those who love that sun-drenched sparkle but also want the option of literally chilling at an air-conditioned hotspot. You can practically feel the buzz as the city charges into the weekend with brand-new venues, foodie adventures, and dazzling events at every turn. For the style-savvy and sneakerheads among us, the Mall of the Emirates has transformed into Tokyo—well, sort of. ASICS is serving its first-ever regional pop-up and this thing is next-level: a sensory running experience meets wellness zone, complete with a trial space for the latest kicks, post-run fuel-ups, and a bundle of exclusive gifts. Try their Trial Zone and snag a free mini kit for extra bragging rights. Meanwhile, fashionistas and comfort-queens should zip to the “I AM Active Studio” pop-up in DIFC Gate Avenue, a three-month staple for minimalist, versatile athleisure with a focus on movement and comfort. Calling all food explorers—China Tang at Marasi Bay Marina has dropped its new seasonal menu. Imagine Chao Zhou Style Raw Salmon Salad whipped up tableside, honey-glazed Wagyu Char Siu, or their legendary Beijing Duck, slow-roasted with the kind of care usually reserved for priceless antiques. Across town, Brunch & Cake is opening at Palm Jumeirah Mall. Pop in for slow coffee mornings with dishes that practically demand to be Instagrammed. And if desserts are your love language, Ines Chatti Patisserie just launched five dreamy autumn and winter creations, including “The Blackberry” and “The Jasmine”—order online for doorstep happiness.Culture vultures, Dubai Opera’s grand ninth season is launching in style. Rolling out the best of ballet, opera, and musicals, this year’s highlights include Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” For fans of orchestras, Dubai Opera will feature the debut of the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and piano superstar Yuja Wang later this season. This place really is setting the global cultural bar.And, for those plotting their nightlife, Cinemacity’s Azul Lounge has flipped the script—say hello to a cocktail menu inspired entirely by cinema snacks. Fancy a cocktail with actual popcorn, or a “Green Screen” themed drink? It’s all here, and it’s the blockbuster of Dubai’s bar scene. If shopping is your sport, the city’s autumn-winter retail launches are everywhere, and with Global Village opening soon, the city’s gearing up for its world-famous international street food stalls, cultural shows, and wild carnival rides.Dubai is a city that never slams the brakes on newness, so here are today’s must-dos: stroll the Boulevard and see the Burj Khalifa light show, join locals for a classic karak tea in old-town Al Fahidi, or lose yourself in Kite Beach’s salty breezes. And don’t forget, Fridays here mean brunch—grab your crew and sample those fresh menus.Local tip of the day: always download Careem or RTA Smart Taxi to zip around hassle-free, and if the metro’s your thing, check their social for off-peak promos and new route launches. One more classic Dubai fact: did you know there are more gold shops than ATMs in the city? Bling is basically a local language.Don’t head for bed just yet though—tomorrow, the city is turning up the excitement dial with everything from pop-up art fairs to river paddle adventures along Dubai Creek. Stick around, there’s plenty more fun where this came from.Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/and make...