Dubai's Weekender: Comedy, Art, Disney, and More!

Welcome, listeners, to Things to do in Dubai, brought to you on this sun-drenched Thursday, September 18, 2025! Oly Bennet here, Dubai’s quirkiest competition chaser, ready to catapult you into today’s whirlwind of adventure, culture, and, let’s be honest, a lot of “only in Dubai” moments.Dubai is soaking up the last blush of summer with temperatures dancing around a toasty 36°C. The city buzzes with excitement as the weekend approaches—there’s an electric hum of anticipation, the odd serenade from the metro, and just enough sand in the air to remind you you’re standing in the world’s most extravagant sandbox. Today sets the stage for wild entertainment, head-scratching art, and a pinch of delicious news.If you’re jonesing for live comedy, zip over to the 23rd Street Sports House at 8:30 PM for the Crazy Jokers Comedy Night, hosted by Comedy Cave Dubai. Expect punchlines punnier than a camel in sunglasses and a crowd that knows how to laugh off a desert traffic jam.Feeling a little Picasso? Dubai Knowledge Park, Block 7, Food Court is the place for “Figurative: Portrait of a Stranger,” starting at 8:30 PM. Whether your drawings look like stick figures or sophisticated aliens, this artsy gathering is all about letting your creativity wander, no judgment, just pure expressive joy—bring your own sketchbook, and prepare for the kind of right-brain fun that makes your math teacher weep tears of confusion.Families and Disney lovers, make a *beeline* for Coca-Cola Arena and witness Disney On Ice: Into the Magic. Think Elsa twirling, Moana paddling, and the kind of sparkly spectacle that can make even the most stoic dad belt out “Let It Go” (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me). It runs daily through September 28, so there’s plenty of time to feel the magic...or slip on it.If spectacular music gets your heart galloping faster than a sandboarding race, Dubai Opera unleashes Puccini’s La Bohème tonight, performed by the Hungarian State Opera. High drama, Parisian love, and vocal runs so wild they’d make your local football announcer jealous.Sports enthusiasts, you don’t have to wait for Messi to come to town—The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall lets you dive into interactive zones, relive legendary moments, and test your football skills. Messi himself might not be lurking behind a pillar, but his spirit is in every pixel.The city’s news scene is popping like hot popcorn! China Tang, the iconic Cantonese hotspot at Marasi Bay Marina, has rolled out a fresh seasonal à la carte menu. Try the Chao Zhou Style Raw Salmon Salad—prepared tableside for drama, and the Honey-Glazed Wagyu Char Siu—fancier than a gold-encrusted football boot. Azul Lounge at Cinemacity is shaking up cocktails with a cinema-twist—imagine sipping popcorn-infused drinks as you watch desert blockbusters.Lace up those sneakers: The Mall of the Emirates hosts ASICS’ pop-up, a paradise for runners (and those shopping for athleisure that says “I *might* run one day”). Enjoy wellness zones, exclusive gifts, and maybe test whether your trainers can handle a sprint to the nearest shawarma stand.Tips from your mate Oly: If you want to traverse Dubai like a pro, learn to master the metro! The front car offers the best city views (and occasional air-conditioning chills so strong you’ll rethink your choice of shorts). Fun fact—Dubai’s metro driverless system is one of the world’s longest, and, rumor has it, if you wave at the Burj Khalifa from the train, the building *just might wink back.*Tonight, check out the portrait sketching session if you crave something soul-stirring, or grab a table at Brunch & Cake at Palm Jumeirah Mall, Dubai’s new all-day spot serving coffee mornings so leisurely, the spoons practically fall asleep.Tomorrow’s forecast looks set for more festival fire—tease those dancing shoes for the Falguni Pathak...