At this time of year, Dubai can be exhausting; it’s the same routine over and over, just trying to survive the summer heat. Matcha drive-thru, the same three restaurants on repeat, and rotting at home in the AC.
The main thing is, you don’t just want the beginner’s guide to Dubai anymore; you need to know what’s new.
Good for you though, Cosmo ME knows the gist. We’ve rounded up Dubai’s most exciting events, pop-ups, openings, food spots, and more to keep you busy during this summer month.
Bachchan: Back to the Beginning
Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue is hosting a movie marathon of films by one of India’s enduring cinematic icons: Amitabh Bachchan. The opening night begins with a listening session of music that shaped Bachchan’s cinematic journey, followed by SHOLAY, a movie that solidified his place in cinema history, and ends with a Talk to Strangers session that encourages conversation about the movie, different perspectives and offers a chance to connect with others.
📍 Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.
📆 July 3 to July 9, 2026.
Book at cinemaakil.com.
Experience the return of Urban Market Concept
Urban Market Concept is one of the UAE’s most loved recurring markets, and this month it’s back, and it’s in Abu Dhabi! Live DJ-ing with a collection of vendors that will have you obsessed with all things thrifting, sustainable, and unique.
📍 Madinat Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
📆 July 3, 2026, from 5pm to 10pm and July 4 to July 5, 2026, from 3pm to 10pm.
Register at urbanmarketconcept.com.
Join Féminité Dubai
Féminité Dubai is an exclusive community for women who value genuine connections in a city that feels like it’s moving at 100km/h. They bring like-minded people together through an invitation-only membership after you apply to join, ensuring all events are intimate and exceptional. This month, they are hosting a sip-and-connect event on July 11th for an evening of laughter, chatting, connecting with new women, and a drink on them. And on July 18th, girls will learn new skills and start adapting to a changing world. Finally, our personal favourite, a ceramic morning on July 25th to unleash your creativity as you create something beautiful and connect with others.
📍 Sign up to find out!
📆 July 11, July 18, and July 25, 2026.
Join at feminitedubai.com.
Enjoy a sweeter summer at Café du Port
During the month of July, Café du Port is not just offering you great coffee and treats with a view, they’re adding on a complimentary soft serve with every visit. You might be going for a healthy bowl, omelette, or homemade juice, but who doesn’t love a cheeky sweet treat after a meal? Choose between a cool, creamy soft serve crowned with pistachio, or a lighter 0% sugar Riz au Lait. Both refreshing, both tasty, both perfect choices for Dubai’s summer heat.
📍 Bar du Port, Bay Marina, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Marina, Dubai.
📆 July 2026 from 7am to 8pm.
Available for dine-in and takeaway orders only.
Get creative with Perfectly Minted by Resh
Trying to plan a girls’ day out, a date, a solo activity, or a bonding moment? Perfectly Minted by Resh has curated experiences that give you all of that without the trouble of finding it. Paint N Unwind on July 4th for a relaxing but creative afternoon, or join in on a matcha candle-making workshop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to channel your matcha addiction into something that won’t be finished in a minute. Seriously, where else would you find these activities?
📍 Dishtrict, Al Wasl 51, Dubai.
📍 Art Market – Yas Bay Abu Dhabi
📍 Dishtrict, Al Wasl 51, Dubai.
📆 July 4, July 12, and July 19, 2026.
Book at linktr.ee/perfectlymintedresh.
Shop Scarlett Poppies Summer Pre-Fall Collection
Scarlett Poppies just introduced their Summer Pre-Fall 2026 collection, Florals Framed by Time, and we are beyond obsessed. We haven’t stopped picturing ourselves in different outfits from their lookbook since it dropped. It’s inspired by the faded floral facades of Jaipur, the Pink City, and the heirloom linens passed down through generations in her family. The attention to detail, embroidery, and craftsmanship are unique and lasting, transforming your go-to jeans and a tank into an outfit to remember.
Shop at scarlettpoppies.com.
Shop till you drop at Season 2 Summer
Following the successful Summer Pop-up in June, season 2 is now happening in July. Summer shopping from a curated selection of independent brands creates an environment filled with fun, unique finds and everything you need to make this summer extra special. And if you enjoyed June’s edition, you can expect that July will be unreal!
📍 Mirdif Avenue Mall, Dubai.
📆 24 July to 26 July, 2026 from 11am to 11pm.
Watch the World Cup at The Penthouse Dubai
The World Cup is arguably the most exciting event of 2026, and where better to enjoy it than at one of Dubai’s most exciting rooftop destinations? Multi-screen football viewing, the Dubai skyline, luxury hospitality, and the energy of the FIVE. The best part about it is not just that they’re screening every game, but you can expect the full Penthouse experience from DJ sets to curated drinks and dining, vibrant light shows, and so much more. Definitely the place to be RN.
📍 The Penthouse Dubai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
📆 11 June to 19 July, 2026.
Explore at palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com.
Experience your favourite artist live with Beat The Heat DXB
Dystinct, Issam Najjar, Talal Sam, Sultan Al Murshed, Rasha Rizk, Cairokee, all at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 11th of July to the 22nd of August to bring you entertainment while giving you a break from the heat. And this isn’t just any event with a lineup of a few small artists, no, they are bringing big names, high energy, and the MENA artists that are taking the world by storm.
📍 Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.
📆 11 July to 22 August, 2026.
Book at beattheheatdxb.ae.
Enjoy GITANO Dubai Signature Summer Experience
A full week of experiences, starting on June 30th, brings you bohemian energy and spirit. Expect relaxing, luxurious beach days during the week, plus a special Las Reinas Ladies’ Night on Thursday with a vibrant atmosphere and complimentary drinks. Friday brings you Las Gitanas Ladies’ Day for a relaxed afternoon by the beach, while Saturday offers two signature experiences: Day Fiesta, an afternoon brunch, followed by CEREMONIA Night Brunch for modern Mexican cuisine and live entertainment that transforms the evening.
📍GITANO Dubai, J1 Beach, La Mer Jumeirah, Dubai.
📆 June 30 to July 7, 2026.
Reserve at gitano.com.
Party at The Edit Vol. 03
A night of non-commercial house music at Tyler’s Tavern for 100Dhs and two free drinks? I think yes! After Vol. 02 of The Edit’s insane response and success, they’re bringing it back, only this time they’re doubling down and keeping it as a night full of house music only. The nightlife scene in Dubai is just getting started, but The Edit is already two steps ahead.
📍 Tyler’s Tavern, Madinat Dubai, Port Rashid, Dubai.
📆 18 July, 2026 from 9pm.
Book for Dhs100 per person at tylerstavern.com.
Book GAIA’s Summer Table
Not just one immersive dining experience, but two? We’re getting spoiled this summer as GAIA Dubai brings us Masimeriano and Deípno, two experiences inspired by the traditions of the Greek summer table. With a lighter, more summery approach to the warmer-weather dining table and the Mediterranean generosity, simplicity, and connection, there’s nothing more we could ask for. Masimeriano for lunch to enjoy a lighter version of GAIA’s beloved dishes, and Deípno for a Greek coastline and island produce-inspired dinner.
Masimeriano Summer Lunch Table: Starter & Main OR Main & Dessert, with a bottle of water: Dhs125 per person
Deípno Summer Dinner Table: Starter, Main & Dessert, with a bottle of water: Dhs260 per person
📍GAIA, Podium Level, Gate Village 4, DIFC, Dubai.
📆 July 2026.
Reserve at gaia-restaurants.com.
Discover Jun’s Little Cakes Collection
Jun’s is dropping two new flavours to its Little Cakes collection, and we didn’t know we needed more until now. Best part is, they are entirely gluten-free. Taste the Chocolate Dulce, a soft sponge layered with dulce diplomat, almond praline, vanilla mousse, sea salt caramel and burnt milk crumbs, then try out Sprinkles, a vanilla sprinkle sponge with brown butter cream, sprinkle frosting, and a crunchy sprinkle crumble. Chef Kelvin got us covered this summer.
📍Jun’s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai or through Liu by Jun’s on Deliveroo.
📆 July 3 to July 5, 2026.
Call +971 (04) 457 6035 or WhatsApp +971 50 938 9099 to reserve.
Taste La Famiglia’s Summery Croissant Addition
Italian fine dining restaurant La Famiglia has officially introduced the Croissant Al Lampone as a permanent addition to its breakfast menu. Buttery laminated dough, filled with homemade raspberry confit, golden and layered, with a rich raspberry centre – these croissants are not your average pastry.
📍 La Famigilia, Dubai Sports City, Dubai.
📆 July 2026.
For more, visit lafamigliadubai.ae.
Next, check out your much-needed boujee-to-budget London guide!