< PreviousPartner Feature 21STROLL AROUND AL QALA Gear up to shop your favourite items in this old town area as it's packed with local shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and spices. Remember to wear your walking shoes for hours of wandering. 22TRY SHADA MOUNTAIN PARK A must-see for nature-lovers. Hike through the scenic trails, take in breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys and cool off by the cascading waterfalls at this pretty mountain park. 23VISIT AL BAHA MUSEUM Get some insight into Al Baha through the lens of this well-curated museum. Explore showcases surrounding the region's history and culture through artefacts, exhibits and traditional clothing. 24WANDER AROUND AL-ZAYTOUNA FARM Unwind with an afternoon of fruit picking at Al-Zaytouna Farm, featuring 4,000 olive trees, a bird breeding garden and a horse stud. 25 ZIP THROUGH RAGHADAN FOREST PARK Sightsee while bike riding in this scenic park. You can admire beautiful valleys, mountains and greenery and grab a delicious bite to eat from a food stall. TAIF 26EXPLORE AL-HADA PARK Take in superb views of the city in this pretty park. It’s ideal for a family beeline to a rose farm. With 2,000 farms to pick from, there’s plenty of honey to try and roses for a picture-perfect backdrop. 30WITNESS THE MAJESTY OF AL-KAAKI PALACE Update your Insta with some charming photos from this beautiful palace. Expect to see exquisite architectural artistry, which combines juniper wood, granite stone and stained glass. ALULA 31REJUVENATE AT THURAYA WELLNESS Unwind and relax at this tranquil space at Habitas with spa treatment rooms, wellness experiences and more. 32SEE ELEPHANT ROCK UP CLOSE This AlUla icon is a must-visit, towering up 52m into the sky.It’s a popular camping place that’s ideal at sunset, with food and ice cream trucks to try. 33TAKE ON THE ALULA ZIPLINE Feeling adventurous? Soar across a 1.5m zipline at 120 km/h as you see magnificent canyons from high above. 34WANDER AROUND AL JADIDAH ART DISTRICT For an all-round experience, head to this vibrant hub. There are endless activities here, including artisanal coffee shops, workshops, exhibitions and galleries. 35VISIT ALULA OLD TOWN This beautiful city is well worth exploring as there’s so much to see and do with plenty of souvenir shops and brilliant restaurants and coffee shops. day out, with plenty to do for everyone. Rent a boat and paddle on the lake, have a picnic lunch or take a leisurely walk. 27HEAD TO AL-SHAREEF MUSEUM Learn about the rich history of Taif with an impressive collection of ancient artefacts and exhibits from different parts of the Arabian kingdom. 28SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT SAIYSAD NATIONAL PARK Get into nature here with a kids’ playground, picnic spots and seasonal streams. Remember to pack some snacks and bring drinks along for a full day out. 29VISIT A ROSE FARM Taif is renowned for its scented roses and rose honey, so make a Taif Baha TO DXB_606_xx_STA dps advertorial_13294735.indd 4TO DXB_606_xx_STA dps advertorial_13294735.indd 427/05/2024 18:0727/05/2024 18:07FREE THINGS TO DO timeoutdubai.com June 2024 35 40 brilliant ways to see the city this month without spending a single dirham 40 FUN FREEBIES C ity life can come at a cost, but, believe it or not, there are loads of free things to do in Dubai. Whether you’re after a pocket- friendly touristy day out, getting fit for free sightseeing for nada, we’ve rounded up the most fun, wallet-savvy things to do. It’s time to explore, for free. FREE ATTRACTIONS CHECK OUT BLUEWATERS DUBAI For a stunning combination of sea and city views head for a walk around Bluewaters Dubai. Situated just across the water from Dubai Marina, the artificial island is accessible via a pedestrian link bridge from JBR, and while it might be a little too hot to make the walk in the day, as night falls you can stroll across and take some super snaps. The vista is stunning and there are a couple of viewing platforms to catch your breath and get the best photos. Once you arrive, you’ll get a close-up view of Ain Dubai (the giant wheel). O Bluewaters Dubai (04 399 9039). EXPLORE CHINATOWN With Insta-worthy décor this is a top place for a stroll this summer, plus to escape the heat and enjoy some glorious A/C. Found on the first floor of Dubai Mall, opposite the Dubai Ice Rink, this vibrant area offers an authentic experience that you can wander around for free. Of course if you’re feeling flush you can stop in to the shops or grab some dim sum while you’re there, too. O Open daily 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com/chinatown. MARVEL AT THE DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO Fancy seeing the fish without spending a fortune? No trip to Dubai Mall is complete without some gratis gawping at a selection of the incredible marine life at the Aquarium. Thanks to the huge windows you don’t need to actually enter to get that shark selfie. O Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Sat 10am-1am. Dubai Mall, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382 246 255). SEE THE IMAGINE SHOW AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL Get ready to be awestruck, as you can see this multi-Guinness World Record holder at Festival Bay every night of the week – and it’s absolutely free. A fabulous feat of choreography, the show uses high-powered lasers, more than 70 searchlights, water screens, projections, music, flames and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 35TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 3524/05/2024 11:1424/05/2024 11:14FREE THINGS TO DO 36 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com fountains to wow the crowds. It will be a total hit with all the family. O Shows Mon-Thu 7pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 7pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall, (800 332). TAKE IN THE SIGHTS FROM THE VIEWING POINT Ready to see the city from another angle? Set off early and head to The Viewing Point, a 70-metre walkway at Dubai Creek. Sat 11-metres above sea level, walking along the deck, which juts out across the Creek, affords you stellar views of the Downtown Dubai skyline. Along with Burj Khalifa, you also get a unique vantage point of Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. O Open 24/7. Dubai Creek Harbour. VISIT DUBAI FOUNTAIN This is a bucket-list attraction in Dubai and it’s totally free to watch. Find your spot by Dubai Mall and marvel at the absolute wonder of this mega fountain, which shoots water 500ft into the air while blasting out pop, classical and movie soundtracks. O Daily every 30 minutes from 6pm-11pm. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (04 567 2030). The Dubai Fountain WINDOW SHOP AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES If you’re in the mood for window shopping there’s plenty to see here, and get your step count up, too. Not only are there loads of shops to explore – from Hamleys to Harvey Nichols – you can also head along to Ski Dubai to watch the skiers whizz down the slopes. Splash out on hot chocolate for all those après-ski vibes. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com. FREE NIGHTS OUT CATCH UP WITH YOUR PALS AT CARGO Keeping it old school (and by that, we mean keeping it totally free), Cargo’s ladies’ night sticks to the OG offering of three free drinks. The views across to the Marina are super and the vibe is cool, which makes those free drinks all the better. O Free. Tue & Sat from 5pm. Pier 7, Dubai Marina, cargo-dubai.com (04 361 8129). GET THREE FREE DRINKS AT LOCK, STOCK AND BARREL In the mood for a loud and lively night out? You’re in the right place. Ladies get three free drinks every Tuesday at this mega party bar. O Free. Tue 6pm-1am. Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk, JBR, lsbdubai.com (04 392 7120). ENJOY LADIES’ NIGHT AT CANARY CLUB This JLT hangout just so happens to have a great deal for ladies every Wednesday. Gather your savyy pals for free-flowing grape of all different hues when at the bar. O Free. Thu 8pm-midnight. Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com (04 584 5999). LAUGH AT A FREE IMPROV NIGHT AT THE COURTYARD PLAYHOUSE Laughter makes everything better, so it’s time to head along for a free evening of giggles at The Courtyard Playhouse. This cute theatre in Al Quoz has hilarious improv shows every Monday and Wednesday, as well as one-off shows here and there. And the best news is tickets are free – you just need to register. O Free. Mon & Wed, Courtyard Playhouse, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, courtyardplayhouse.com. LISTEN TO AMAZING TALENT AT TIME OUT MARKET DUBAI If you didn’t already know, Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the best bites and beats. And almost every day of the week a raft of incredible live acts take to the stage from DJs to bands. However, we can’t guarantee you’ll leave this one without spending a dirham, thanks to the sights and smells coming from the 17 brilliant kitchens. O Music from 8pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai. SIP FREE DRINKS AT NOBBY X TRUE IZAKAYA AT SOON IZAKAYA SOON Izakaya is one ladies’ night to get out of work on time for. Kicking off at 7pm, ladies get free drinks at the bar. With a hip vibe and cool beats, it’s Time Out Dubai’s current Best Ladies’ night with good reason. Don’t miss it. O Free. Tue 7pm-9pm. Cluster P, JLT, soondxb.com (055 434 0575). FREE PHOTO OPPS POSE IN FRONT OF BURJ AL ARAB If you haven’t got this on your Instagram yet, what have you been doing? If you Mohammed Bin Rashid Library TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 36TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 3624/05/2024 11:1424/05/2024 11:14FREE THINGS TO DO timeoutdubai.com June 2024 37 FREE POOL DAY! CHILL OUT AT BARASTI Summer’s here, it’s time to cool off in an icy pool. For those times when you don’t want to splash out (literally), Barasti is here to help. Popular among residents and tourists alike, this longstanding beach bar and club not only shows live sports and hosts cool bands, it’s also home to a temperature- controlled pool that’s totally free to dip into. Winning. O Free. Daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, @barastibeach (04 318 1313). Barasti want our advice, head over to the bridge at Souk Madinat after dark and you’ll get a spectacular view across the waterways of the Madinat with Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in the background. It’s even more spectacular at night (which is lucky as it’s cooler then, too). O Souk Madinat Jumeirah. TAKE A SELFIE AT BURJ KHALIFA Burj Khalifa is one of the most impressive feats of human engineering on the planet, and since opening to the public back in 2010 has relentlessly smashed world records at a canter. But if heights aren’t your thing there are plenty of opportunities to take a selfie in front of the iconic building, such as from Burj Plaza or from the Palace Downtown entrance as you come to Time Out Market Dubai. Go on, get snapping. O Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae. SAY CHEESE NEXT TO THE WINGS OF MEXICO The now iconic pair of wings, set against a backdrop of the world’s tallest tower, make for a stunning photo op, and though it won’t cost a thing, a snap here is worth its weight in gold when it comes to its value on the ’gram. If this particular frame isn’t on your grid yet, get yourself in gear, now. O Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai. FREE CULTURE ADMIRE THE JEWELLERY AT THE GOLD SOUK One of the biggest marketplaces for that glistening of precious metals, you might want to keep your sunnies on when you set foot inside the Gold Souk. Stall after stall sells shiny new jewellery and other fineries. One for any checklist, even if your haggling skills don’t dazzle, as you can wander around and enjoy all the sights of Old Dubai for free (especially if you can’t stretch to the price of actually shopping). Fork out an extra Dhs2 and you can hop on an abra too, for what will be the cheapest scenic boat trip you’ll encounter. O Open daily 9am-9pm. Deira. BROWSE THE BOOKS AT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY If you love to read and are counting the dirhams (buying all the latest books can get expensive), it’s time to head to Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf. The library is home to different genres of books; general use, young adults, children, information, maps and atlas, media and arts, business, emirates, periodicals and special collections, with more than 1.1 million printed and digital books in Arabic and foreign languages. The building itself is an impressive structure – shaped like a rehl, the traditional wooden book rest used to hold the Quran. It has seven floors with a garden and café, all nestled next to Dubai Creek. It’s free to enter for everyone over five years old, but you’ll need to reserve your time slot online. O Open Mon-Thu & Sat 9am-9pm, Fri 2pm-9pm. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (04 222 2025). CHECK OUT THE CATCH AT WATERFRONT MARKET This bargain-laden venue is a top place for budding chefs and could spend hours admiring the various catches. Free to browse around even if you’re not shopping (and there’s no charge for dinner inspiration). O Open 24/7 (except during deep cleaning). Deira Enrichment Project, Al Khaleej Road, waterfrontmarket.ae (800 627 538). CHILL AT XVA GALLERY Specialising in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent, XVA has done more to champion both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could even dream of. Exhibitions are on a regular rotation so you’re bound to find something new. O Open daily 7am-10pm. Bur Dubai, xvagallery.com (04 353 5383). TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 37TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 3724/05/2024 11:1424/05/2024 11:14FREE THINGS TO DO 38 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com ENJOY THE SMELLS AT THE SPICE SOUK This Old Dubai souk is brimming with culture, sights, sounds and smells. A trip to the Spice Souk is an absolute must for anyone handy in the kitchen. You’ll find the full gamut of Arabic spices here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. It’s fun to wander around and take in a bit of history. O Open Mon-Fri 7.30pm-9.55pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am- 11pm. Deira. EXPLORE THE TEXTILE SOUK Across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters is the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, home to heaps of traders selling wonderfully colourful fabrics, along with all the accessories a fashion designer could want. Why not splash out Dhs2 on an abra across the Creek while you’re there? O Open Sat-Thu 9am-2pm, 4pm-9pm. Bur Dubai. GET ARTY AT ALSERKAL AVENUE Arguably the hippest and artiest part of town, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai’s Al Quoz is abundant with art galleries, performance spaces and some rather wonderful coffee shops. This former industrial estate has swapped engine oil for oil on canvas and is a permanent hive of artistic activity. Check out the cool exhibition spaces and galleries – it’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in a bit of culture without spending any money (although there are plenty of places to grab an excellent coffee and a cake). Plus, there are loads of Insta-tastic spots dotted around for photo opps. O Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 333 3464). GO BACK IN TIME AT THE ANTIQUE MUSEUM Despite being a complete misnomer (it’s not a museum, more of a bizarre bazaar), this vast network of narrow passages is filled to the brim with antiques and knick-knacks from Asia and the Middle East. Just browsing through the mind-boggling array of goods is great fun, but you’ll have to hold back from buying that antique sideboard... O Open daily 9am-8.30pm. Al Quoz, antiquemuseum. com (04 347 9935). LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT JAMEEL ARTS CENTRE This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region and there are plenty of exhibitions, workshops and talks to see and enjoy, all for free. Pop along and immerse yourself in this creative centre. O Open Sat-Mon, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 873 9800) . ROAD TRIP TO HATTA HERITAGE VILLAGE Ever wondered what Dubai’s first villages looked like? Well, this preserved village is thought to be around 3,000 years old. See how the local rulers lived by having a gander at their house (Bait al Wali). The (air-conditioned) drive is scenic too. O Open Sat-Thu 7.30am-8.30pm, Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm. Hatta, visithatta.com (04 852 1374). SEE STREET ART Unless you spend your time walking around the city blindfolded, you’d know there is street art around plenty of corners, all of which you can admire for free. From JBR to Karama, City Walk to Satwa and Jumeirah Beach Road, the city is awash with colourful creations from some truly great artists that you don’t have to fork out for. O Various locations across Dubai. TRY THE COFFEE MUSEUM Need your morning cuppa before you can start your day? We hear you. This place is a celebration of all things caffeine-based. The ground floor showcases different roasting techniques and associated antiquities, while upstairs you can try a cup while reading up on why coffee makes us full of beans. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-5pm. Bur Dubai, coffeemuseum.ae (04 353 8777). VIEW CLASSIC CARS Massive classic car fan? Head along to this 10,000 sq ft showroom in Alserkal Avenue, where you’ll find an eye-popping vehicle collection at Nostalgia Classic Cars. Ogle at vintage models from Jeep, Ferrari, Bentley and more. O Open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, nostalgiaclassiccars.ae. VISIT THE MUSEUM OF THE POET AL OQAILI Ready for some serious culture? The vision of a pioneering poet, this structure remains an homage to the great man himself and gives visitors a real taste of what inspired his work. Some of his original, handwritten collections can be discovered here, along with his writing desk and the pens he so perfectly put to paper. O Open Mon-Thu 9am-2pm, Fri 9pm-noon. Deira, dubaiculture.gov.ae (04 515 5000). FREE FITNESS GRAB A FREE CLASSPASS Don’t know what sport you want to do, but know you want it to take place in an air- conditioned studio? We hear you. If you haven’t yet discovered sessions that suit you, then ClassPass lets you take on a free trial so you can have a go at something new before commiting to a whole new routine. Maybe you’ll be brilliant at boxing, a pro at Pilates, “Arguably the hippest part of town, you can explore the galleries of Alserkal Avenue for free” BIRTHDAY FREEBIES! AQUAVENTURE From exciting rides and slides to bobbing along on the lazy river, totally chilled out, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your birthday at Aquaventure. Sun, sea, slides, what better way to cool off on your birthday? O Open daily 9.45am-6.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, aquaventurebirthday.ae (04 426 2000). CARLUCCIO’S Want to celebrate with a plate of pasta? Get a two-course meal any time in your birthday month at this Italian spot. There are several locations around the city too, so there’s plenty of places to wolf down a garlic pizza bread, too. O Various locations including Arabian Ranches, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, carlucciosme.com. PAUL What’s a birthday without a slice of cake? Not so sweet, that’s for sure. The folk at Paul Arabia have solved that problem and are offering up a free cake on your birthday week – just download the app and tuck in. O Various locations including Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Arabian Ranches, paularabia.com. WILD WADI Sliding into another year? Wild Wadi is another water park in Dubai that offers free entry during your birthday month. As long as there are more than three of you, your ticket is on the house. Happy birthday, indeed. O Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, wildwadi.com (04 348 4444). TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 38TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 3824/05/2024 15:3824/05/2024 15:38FREE THINGS TO DO timeoutdubai.com June 2024 39 a hit at crossfit or a natural-born yogi. Whichever way, hopefully you’ll find a habit that isn’t temporary and a permanent class. Just remember your water. O Various times and locations. classpass.com. GO NIGHT SWIMMING IN JUMEIRAH Fancy a moonlight dip? You can head along to one of three beaches in Dubai for a night swim. Found along the Jumeirah coastline, three beaches are open for swimming at night – in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. These 800-metre beaches are equipped with lighting, so you will be able to see exactly where you’re swimming, plus they’re manned by lifeguards, and you can go for free anytime between sunset and sunrise. O Free. Daily from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. HIKE AROUND HATTA So you’ll have to set off early in the day for this one, but it’s a little cooler up in Hatta anyway. Hiking boots on and ready to go? Beat the heat and hit the trails for a spot of free fitness and sightseeing in one. Hatta has five routes of varying difficulty, all set among the Hajar Mountains that you can tackle. This is Dubai’s largest national park so go and explore, all for free. Blisters? What blisters? O Open daily 24/7. Hatta, visithatta.com. STROLL ALONG KITE BEACH Another one to get up before dawn for (or wait for a sweaty sunset stroll) Kite Beach has a fab strtech of running track that snakes back and forth past this beautiful shoreline. The path’s superb sights will be perfect for the ’gram too. The best news? You don’t have to pay for the pleasure, just maybe for a refreshing smoothie afterwards. O Open daily 24/7. Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim. WORK OUT AT FITNGLAM Ready to get your sweat on for free? Dubbed a ‘super club for women’ this is the place for, you guessed it, ladies only. Try a range of boutique classes, such as barre, yoga or boxing and many others, for free. Available for first-time visitors only, all you need to do is provide your name and the best number to reach you on, and one of the FitnGlam team members will respond within 24 hours to book you in for a free trial. O Open Mon-Fri, 6am-11pm, Sat-Sun, 7am-10pm. Various locations including Dubai Hills Mall, Mirdif and Al Quoz, fitnglam.ae (04 333 2215). Aquaventure TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 39TO DXB_606_35_39_Cover Feature_13185238.indd 3924/05/2024 11:1524/05/2024 11:1540 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com Josette TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 40TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 4024/05/2024 11:1624/05/2024 11:16BUBBL Y UNDER DHS100 timeoutdubai.com June 2024 41 T here’s nothing quite like entering a restaurant, being welcomed to your table by a friendly waiter and then being promptly offered a glass of bubbly while you peruse the menu. Generally, it’s a treat that comes at a price. But what is that price? We’ve done the research to find out where to get the best- value glass of bubbly in Dubai. You might be surprised to know you can order that flute of fizz for a mere Dhs78. With prices sourced from Dubai’s best restaurants (those named at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024), this is where to get a glass of bubbly and a brilliant meal – with no nasty surprises on the bill at the end. We’ve even found out what brands you can get your hands on, if you happen to have a particular preference. With this guide, you can plan that next dinner out and add an all-important bubbly pairing, essential surely for any celebration – birthday, anniversary, promotion, end of the week, middle of the week… JOSETTE Dhs78, Brut Reserve NV ‘Josette’, Aÿ This is where having your own bubbly label gives you a slight advantage. And Josette’s own custom Brut Reserve NV has flown out of the restaurant since it opened at the end of 2022, helped probably by the cute ‘Press for bubbly’ button on each of its booths. The only disadvantage is that it means the absolutely bargain priced bubbly is not always available. 12 super places in Dubai to get a glass of bubbly for under Dhs100 TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 41TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 4124/05/2024 11:1624/05/2024 11:16BUBBL Y UNDER DHS100 42 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com In these cases though, you’ll be offered a Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Cuvée for Dhs99, keeping Josette happily in the list of bubbly by the glass under Dhs100. It’s not only good for bubbles, of course. Pretty-as-a-picture, this French restaurant in DIFC is all marshmallow pinks and swathes of green velvet. It offers everything from brunch and afternoon tea to lunch and dinner, paired with a rather wonderful roaming caberet-style show, too. Perfect pairing: Escargots de Josette (Dhs110). A French classic with a twist – these snails are smothered in indulgent almond butter. O ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, josette.com (04 275 2522). CARNIVAL BY TRÈSIND, DIFC Dhs79, Vilmart Grand Reserve Keeping with its quirky, playful vibes, a glass of bubbly at Carnival by Trèsind comes in at under Dhs80. That means you can definitely have two, right? Enjoy this before (or during, or after) tucking into a wide-ranging fusion menu with everything from chaat to bao, dim sum, curries and more. The venue is vibrant, fun and perfect for a lively night. Perfect pairing: Grilled prawns (Dhs145). Keep things simple and delicious. O Burj Daman, DIFC, carnivalbytresind.com (052 242 4262). FIBBER MAGEE’S Dhs89, Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Mini If there wasn’t enough to love about Fibbers (which recently went smoke-free by the way), you can get a glass of bubbly for Dhs89. Actually, it’s a whole bottle, albeit a mini one, but all yours nonetheless. (And you’ll get a few sips more than the average glass this way, too.) So if you want bubbly somewhere that’s fun, down-to-earth and always entertaining, with some pretty banging pub food, Fibber Magee’s is where to head. Feeling a little like a close friend’s living room, the warm vibe, belly busting food and bargain deals will have you coming back time and again to what is undoubtedly one of the best pubs in Dubai. Perfect pairing: Pie and mash (Dhs70). Zhoosh up a pub classic. O Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road, fibbersdubai.com (04 332 2400). THE CROSSING Dhs89, Laurent Perrier Brut La Cuvée You might normally associate a curry with a pint, but all that cream and spice goes rather nicely with a glass of fizz, if you don’t mind. And with The Crossing the cheapest place to get a glass of Laurent Perrier in town, we’ll be happy to sample the restaurant’s creative takes on Indian classics after a few bubbles. The Guild TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 42TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 4224/05/2024 11:1624/05/2024 11:16BUBBL Y UNDER DHS100 timeoutdubai.com June 2024 43 Recipes come from across India, with nods to influences from the Caribbean, Portugal, France and Great Britain. Think kalimpong dumplings and truffle cheese kulcha through to classics like chicken biryani. Delicious. Perfect pairing: Butter chicken (Dhs124). Because it’s rather stupendous. O The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, the crossingrestaurant.com (04 491 9695). REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL Dhs95, Taittinger Brut Réserve Well, hello there. A glass of Taittinger for under Dhs95, and Dubai’s best pub garden in which to drink it. Whoever said pubs were just for pints was wrong. Pubs are for whatever mood you’re in, and if it’s a bubbly one, community pub Reform at The Lakes Club is an excellent shout. One of the most popular places around for hanging out with friends and family, Reform’s pub garden (or tented space in summer) is the perfect spot to grab a glass of bubbl. You can also pick off a vast menu with everything from chilli garlic prawns and steak tartare to our favourite, the barbecue baby back ribs slab. Perfect pairing: Full English Breakfast (Dhs105). Served all day, but a terrific start to any morning also. O The Lakes Club, The Lakes, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638). SPECIAL MENTION! TIME OUT MARKET DUBAI Dhs45, Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut A price like this can’t be available all day, every day. But if you’re looking for where to get the cheapest glass of champagne in Dubai full-stop, you need to head to Time Out Market Dubai at the weekends. From 10am until 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the Souk Al Bahar dining destination offers a breakfast extravaganza that not only includes signature, one-off dishes from the 17 vendors, but glasses of champagne priced at just Dhs45. Time Out Market is home to many Time Out Dubai Restaurant Award-winners so you can try excellent food from Dubai’s best restaurants at the same time as supping what we’re sure is the city’s best priced champagne. Thank us later. O Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai. TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 43TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 4324/05/2024 11:1624/05/2024 11:16Next >