From fusion-cuisine and free eats for kids to picnic pop-ups and meal kits, here’s our suggestions for an incredible weekend in the UAE

Dubai

Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Yacht Club

Located right on the water at the Dubai Creek Yacht Club, Boardwalk offers a late weekend breakfast featuring La Gamen oysters, avocado hummus with cheese croissants, shakshuka eggs, pineapple tarte tatin and freshly brewed coffee or tea. Make it a lazy afternoon as you unwind and sip on beverages that pack a punch.

Fridays-Saturdays from 11.30am-1pm. AED98 per person (inclusive of breakfast only) or AED196 per person (inclusive of creative concoctions). Call +9714 205 4647.

ILA Restaurant & Cafe

The contemporary Arabic restaurant at Al Seef has partnered with Just Vegan to offer an exclusive vegan menu featuring options such as chik’n mushroom soup, chik’n quinoa salad, avocado salad, chik’n spring rolls, vegan shawarma and more.

Weekends from 10-12:30am and weekdays from 10-12am. Visit Instagram.

LDC Kitchen + Coffee, DIFC

London Dairy Bistro in DIFC is hosting an urban picnic popup Habibi-Q, with Dubai’s first Arab pitmaster, Hattem Mattar. This Insta-worthy event will take over the DIFC terrace with an al fresco set up and tender smoked meats. The popup will also feature a cotton candy machine, pitchers of fresh lemonade and a Sugargram cupcake cart.

March 11-13 from 12-6pm. Call +97155 554 5968.

Bella, Grand Millennium Hotel

This rooftop Italian restaurant and lounge, with a fully retractable glass ceiling, is offering a three-course set lunch menu inspired by different regions of Italy. Dishes include pickled fried sea bass; risotto with saffron, bone marrow and veal jus; and poached salmon in brown butter, sage, roasted almonds and mashed potato. The menu also features sinful desserts such as frangipane tart and more.

Daily from 12-4pm. AED135 per person. Call +9714 873 3377.

Gudee Pizza & Cafe

From tikka, to truffle mac n’ cheese, and even a French fries pizza, this modern homegrown eatery aims to take diners on culinary journey combining Afghani classics with wood-fired oven pizzas. Diners can also tuck into authentic Afghani starters such as Afghan banjan (eggplant), manto and aushak (dumplings).

Daily from 12am-11:30pm. Call +97150 822 2329.

Miss Lily’s

Stay home and let this Caribbean hotspot satisfy your Jamaican food cravings with their fabulous newly launched meal boxes, #JamaicaInABox. Choose from a jerk chicken meal kit with mango chutney, cucumber escovitch, flavour-packed rice and peas, one of our favourite sides, jerk corn topped with moreish jerk mayo and sweet-toasted coconut flakes, and a decadent coconut cake to complete the at-home dining experience. Or opt for a lighter meal with a patties box of callaloo (veggie), beef or chicken. Spice up your meals with homemade Scotch bonnet and Picka Peppa condiments.

Visit Instagram.

Yummy Bakes

This family-owned bakery that specialises in custom cakes has launched a Sweet Tours campaign, recreating some of the world’s delectable desserts by adding a unique spin to them. Think sweet treats from destinations such as Russia, Ireland, Egypt, Argentina, Canada, Korea and Greece. This week, enjoy an apple tart from Netherlands.

WhatsApp +97150 492 2240 or visit Instagram.

Abu Dhabi

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

The mall has exceptional offers on for the month of March, where kids below 12 dine for free at 15 casual eateries and ice creameries, at a minimum order. The list of participating outlets includes Charleys Philly Steaks, Eat Greek Kouzina, P.F. Chang’s, Sushi Art, Taqado, Tortilla, La Brioche, Joga, Lemongrass, Coffee Hat, Loca, Maison Samira Maatouk, Royal Orchid, Asha’s and Bombay Canteen.

March 11 to 31 from Sunday-Wednesday at 10am-10pm and Thursday from 10-12am. (excluding public holidays).

Olea’s Terrace, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Olea has opened its terrace to host evenings with live grill stations, as well as tagine, tandoor and slider cooking corners. The menu includes dishes such as Chilean asado lamb belly roulade with pebre, African braai beef brisket, Iranian kabab koobideh, lamb shank tagine, blue cheese steak burgers, chicken tikka sliders and vegetarian hot dogs. Children under 12 years eat free.

Thursdays-Fridays from 4-11pm. AED220 onwards per person (for three hours). Call +9712 498 8888.

Sharjah

Maryam Island

The stunning waterfront destination invites guests to take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy family-friendly activities this March. Families can take the kids to Maryam Island’s beachfront to enjoy bouncy castles, a children’s play area and the waterfront food and beverage outlets.

March 1-31 from 4-9pm. Complimentary access.