It’s back to school szn and while we’re not impressed with the back-to-normal traffic, September has a bunch of new activations in the UAE for you to look forward to. From art exhibitions to a 100-day countdown to Christmas (yep, you’ve read that right), here’s your things-to-do list for the month.

Prom Night at Hyde Dubai

Hyde Dubai’s ballroom is getting its own makeover for this season’s ‘That Slow Jam Party: Prom Night’ with a jungle disco wonderland. On September 30th, get ready to see giant disco balls, neon signage, and more while you tune into slow jams by DJs Crown Prince, Lissa Monet, and Jester. To know more, click here.

Brazilian Carnival at SUSHISAMBA

Celebrate Brazil National Day with SUSHISAMBA’s three-day carnival featuring DJ performances, SAMBA dancers, and live performances from September 29th until October 1st. For reservations, contact [email protected].

Pizza & Spritz at Fi’lia

Every Monday, Fi’ila is offering a choice of freshly baked artisan pizzas and beverages at just Dhs99. Pick your fave from its extensive menu which features Margherita, Jerusalem Artichoke, Bresaola and Burrata, and more. For reservations, contact +971 4 607 0770.

Dave’s Hot Chicken at JBR, The Walk

Drake’s favourite hot fried chicken joint is here (!!!) Fried chicken lovers are in for a host of different choices of hot chicken tenders and sliders, with seven different spice levels to choose from. We’re going in for the Reaper.

Mocktail Mondays at KRIS KROS

Say buh-bye to the Monday blues with Mocktail Monday featuring a two-for-one mocktail deal with a wide selection of choices that include Thai Lemonade, Coconut Island, Lemongrass Fizz, Virgin Ginger Mai Tai, Pina Colada, and more. For more information, contact +971 4 458 1543.

Beauty Festival at Nakheel Mall

Nakheel Mall has unveiled an all-new beauty festival ‘Beauty Unbound’ that’ll be showcasing the world’s top skincare, haircare and wellness brands, as well as immersive experiences and expert masterclasses from 16 September to 16 October. For more information, click here.

Offset at Soho Garden Meydan

American rapper Offset will be performing live at Soho Garden on Wednesday, September 21st. For more information, contact +971 52 388 8849.

Little Havana at Cove Beach Abu Dhabi

Starting from September 21st, Cove Beach Abu Dhabi is hosting Havana night every Wednesday featuring unlimited beverages, gorg ocean views, and tunes by DJ Crazy Joe and Singer Claudia from 8 pm to 11 pm. For reservations, email [email protected]

BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS at Burjuman Mall

Only for a limited time, this pop-up store is bringing exclusive merchandise (400 product categories FYI), BTS-themed photo zones, and more for K-pop fans to experience. The BTS collections from their hit songs Black Swan, ON, Butter, and Dynamite will also be available to purchase in-store. Run, do not walk.

Oktober Fest at Barasti Beach Bar

From 18th September until 1st October, Barasti Beach Bar is hosting its annual Bavarian tradition featuring wursts, pretzels, steins, Löwenbräus, live oompah band performances, and more. For reservations, contact +971 4 318 1313.

Fridge Concert Series at Alserkal Avenue

The Fridge Concert Series is back with new headliners scheduled to perform from September 13 to October 4 for Season 38. From pop to alternative metal and rap, the line-up has something for everyone. To know more, click here.

The Roast by Bubbalicious

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is hosting a lavish Sunday roast from 1 pm to 4 pm featuring popular dishes from across the globe. Whether it’s the roasted rib of beef and Yorkshire pudding or chicken tikka masala and a range of desserts, there’s *a lot* to indulge in. For reservations, contact +971 4 511 7373.

Watch Where the Crawdads Sing at Reel Cinemas

Based on the novel with the same title, this mystery thriller film is about an abandoned girl, Kya, who raises herself in the marshlands of North Carolina. If you’re thinking about whether or not it’s worth the watch, Daisy Edgar-Jones (who plays the lead role) is your reason to make your way to the nearest cinema.

FitnGlam x Platform SuperClub at Dubai Hills Mall

FitnGlam and The Platform Studios are set to open a one-of-a-kind superclub at Dubai Hills, which features a HIIT arena with over 75 seats, a laser-light show, a projector screen, and an indoor cycling studio with 55+ bikes. The FitnGlam space has a dedicated yoga studio, ladies-only gym, Mindbody and Reformer studios, and much more.

Try Out The Street Week Menu at YAVA

YAVA is hosting its very first ‘Street Week’, which features Palestinian/Mediterranean dishes such as Babka Nutella, Babka Fig, YAVA Burger, Zataar Fatayer, Falafel sandwich, and more. The limited-edition menu is only available until the 12th of September so don’t forget to try it out.

Barry’s AD

Barry’s studio is opening its first Abu Dhabi-based studio featuring both the Red Room *and* the Flex Lounge. Sign up for a class on any day of the week and choose from a range of sessions that include ladies-only classes, themed classes, live DJ classes, challenges, and much more. For more information, contact [email protected].

September

Art Exhibitions at Foundry

Located at Downtown Dubai, Foundry is hosting four diverse exhibitions on 12 September. The event will showcase the works of photographers Stuart Lawson and Baber Afzal as well as artists Debjani Bhardwaj and Studio Lenca. For more information, click here.

Bongo’s Bingo at Atlantis The Palm

Bongo’s Bingo is returning on 2nd September with exciting new events, top prizes, live performances by the 90s band Five, and bingo night. Spoiler alert: It’s not your typical game of bingo. For bookings, click here.

Boxica at Dubai Studio City

This community-based gym offers a diverse schedule of classes to choose from and welcomes people from all fitness levels. Whether it’s technique-based boxing rounds or indoor cycling, pick your classes with packages starting at just Dhs149. For more information, contact +971 55 483 8361.

Fat Uncle at Jumeirah

This Emirati-founded spot has newly opened on Al Wasl Road and hosts a range of unique Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its extensive menu features Scallops Gratin, Lobster Thermidor, Beef Tartar, and the A5 Grade Hokkaido Wagyu. Make sure to try out the signature non-alcoholic beverages while you’re there! For reservations, contact +971 4 324 4416.

50 Cent at Coca-Cola Arena

What’s the best way to bid September farewell? We’ve got the answer. 50 Cent is set to perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on the 30th of September so it’s time to mark your calendars ASAP. Get your tickets here.

Christmas Countdown Brunch at Hillhouse Brasserie

FYI: 16th September marks exactly 100 days from Christmas Day. To begin the celebrations early, Hillhouse Brasserie is inviting you to celebrate a family feast on the 16th and 17th with a special menu featuring Duck Liver Pâté with Toasted Sourdough, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Roast Turkey, with a selection of desserts that include Christmas Pudding, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Fudge Artic Roll and Mince Pies. For reservations, contact 800 323 232 or +971 4 337 1000.