The city is turning up the heat in the best way possible! With Dubai Summer Surprises in full swing and school holidays on going, families can dive into a weekend filled with music, theatre, art, and shopping thrills.
If you plan on venturing out for some seasonal excitement in the first weekend of July, Dubai has something great to offer, for every age and interest. Here is Connector's highlights to help get your plans started.
Beat The Heat DXB: TUL8TE And Almas
When: 4 July
Where: Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre
Beat the Heat DXB returns with a fresh and exciting new season of indoor music festivals, kicking off on 4 July with Egypt’s genre-blending masked star TUL8TE and UAE pop trailblazer Almas. Expect an electrifying night of hip-hop, indie-pop, Khaleeji fusion, and viral hits like 'Layalina' and 'Shousaawi Bih'. From introspective lines to stadium anthems, these artists promise high-energy performances and bold new sounds. Tickets start from Dhs 105.
Beat The Heat DXB
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Exhibition By Reza Derakshani
When: 4 To 6 July
Where: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Celebrate the return of Iranian artist Reza Derakshani with his first solo exhibition in five years, 'I Paint Your Grace, I Paint Your Pain, I Paint Love'. Hosted at Leila Heller Gallery in Alserkal Avenue, this powerful showcase features new works from his iconic series 'The Hunt', 'Day and Night', and 'Migration'. Fusing Persian visual heritage with poetic and political themes, Derakshani’s art offers a rich reflection on memory, identity and change. Entry is free.
Alserkal Avenue
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Howl’s Moving Castle
When: 4 To 6 July
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Introduce your children to the magic of Studio Ghibli with 'Howl’s Moving Castle', screening at Cinema Akil. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, playing in Japanese with English subtitles, this beloved anime film blends fantasy, humanism, and subtle anti-war themes in a visually rich tale. Follow a young woman cursed with an elderly body as she finds refuge in a walking castle and the company of a troubled wizard. Catch this timeless story of courage, compassion, and identity. Tickets available for Dhs 56.70.
Cinema Akil
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Dubai Summer Surprises Sales
When: 4 To 6 July
Where: Shopping Malls Across Dubai
Get ready for unbeatable deals as Dubai Summer Surprises is in full swing with mega sales across the city’s top shopping destinations. From fashion and electronics to home décor and lifestyle buys, enjoy deep discounts and limited-time offers on leading brands. With raffle draws, loyalty rewards and cool in-mall entertainment, this is your chance to shop, save and celebrate summer in style. Participating venues include Mercato Mall, all Majid Al Futtaim malls including Mall of the Emirates, along with Dubai Festival City Mall and more.
Dubai Summer Sales
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Choir Connect: Words Meet Harmonies
When: 5 July
Where: The Fridge Warehouse, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Celebrate stories of identity and belonging through music and verse at Choir Connect's 'Words Meet Harmonies'. Directed by Fermel Fuentes, Yuliana Kireyeva and Arne Lubasan, the evening features stirring choral performances alongside original and powerful poetry by Danabelle Gutierrez. With piano accompaniment by Maysel Joy Adap, the concert weaves harmonies and spoken word in a moving performance, featuring songs from multiple traditions. Tickets priced at Dhs 80.
The Fridge
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Beat The Heat DXB: Sharmoofers, Aziz Maraka And Ghaliaa
When: 5 July
Where: Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre
Beat the Heat DXB continues with a thrilling evening of music on Saturday. Egyptian favourites Sharmoofers take the stage with their upbeat fusion of reggae, funk and Arabic pop, delivering crowd-pleasers like 'Zambahola' and 'Arosty'. They will be joined by Aziz Maraka, the Jordanian-Lebanese artist blending Arabic rock and jazz in hits such as 'Ahla Wahda' and 'Mafi Mennik'. Rounding off the night is UAE-based Syrian talent Ghaliaa, whose genre-bending tracks infuse indie pop, RnB and hip-hop. Tickets available from Dhs 105 onwards.
Beat The Heat DXB
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Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride
When: 5 July
Where: Al Qudra Cycling Track, Dubai
Join fellow cycling enthusiasts for the Bikeera Saturday Community Ride at Al Qudra. Part of the Bikeera On The Saddle (BOTS) series, this 86km group ride kicks off at 6am, offering spectacular sunrise views and the chance to spot Arabian wildlife. With pace groups at 37kph and 34kph, it's ideal for riders seeking endurance training in a welcoming community setting.
MyDubai Communities
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Arabic Improv Night
When: 5 July
Where: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Get ready for a hilarious night of spontaneity with 'We Honestly Didn’t Prepare Anything', a fully improvised Arabic comedy show. Powered by audience suggestions, each sketch and scene is made up live on the spot. Expect unrehearsed, unpredictable, and completely interactive comedy. Whether you sit back or jump in, you're part of the fun. Expect laughter, surprises, and a uniquely entertaining experience. Tickets start from Dhs 80.
@junctiondubai
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The Candle
When: 5 And 6 July
Where: Sima Performing Arts, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Step into an intimate world of memory and regret with The Candle, a poignant one-man play written and directed by Ahmed Abdulla Rashed. Performed by Abdulla Masoud, this international award-winning production follows a writer haunted by loss and longing as a past love reappears, igniting a night of emotional reckoning. With a single candle as his companion, he confronts solitude, sorrow, and buried truths. Tickets priced at Dhs 95.
@simaperformingarts
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The Ripe Market At Town Centre Jumeirah
When: 5 And 6 July
Where: Town Centre Jumeirah
Spend your weekend browsing home-grown brands and handmade goods at the Ripe Market in Town Centre Jumeirah. Held indoors on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 10pm, this vibrant market features fashion, accessories, gourmet treats and artisan crafts in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. Perfect for a casual stroll, shopping spree or fun outing with loved ones.
Ripe Events
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RX Summer Run 2025
When: 6 July
Where: City Centre Mirdif, Dubai
Lace up for the RX Summer Run 2025 this Sunday, a fun, family-friendly indoor race open to all fitness levels. The run is supported by Dubai Sports Council and managed by Peleton Events. Choose between the 850m walk, 3km or 5km run, all held on the mall’s ground level. Expect a lively atmosphere, with every participant receiving a medal, certificate, and refreshments. Winners can also look forward to cash prizes and gift vouchers. Registration prices start from Dhs 47.25 onwards.
@pelotonevents.ae
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The Ripe Market At Times Square Centre
When: 6 July
Where: Times Square Centre, Al Quoz
Spend your Sunday in style as Times Square Centre in Al Quoz hosts the Ripe Market pop-up from 10am to 7pm. Set within the elegant indoor setting of Times Square Centre, this vibrant market offers a curated selection of artisan stalls featuring locally-produced goods, including fashion, jewellery, home accessories, arts and crafts and more. You can discover the best of products for yourself or for you children while the atmosphere buzzes with joy and community spirit. Don't miss this perfect weekend outing for families, friends, and lovers of unique finds.
Ripe Events
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Once Upon A Fairytale: Two Princesses
When: 6 July
Where: TODA, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
TODA’s beloved family concert returns with a magical new twist. Featuring vocalist Daryna and pianist Paulina, this heartwarming musical journey brings classic Disney and Broadway tunes to life inside TODA’s stunning 360-degree immersive space. From children's musicals like 'How Far I’ll Go' to 'Defying Gravity' and 'Colours of the Wind', expect enchanting visuals, sparkles, castles, and timeless melodies. Perfect for children and nostalgic adults alike. Dress up and let the fairytale begin. Tickets start from Dhs 125.
TODA