Eat, Sip, Relax: Z7’s Guide to the Ultimate Weekend
Venues
7 Editor’s Picks
Cities
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Season
Summer 2026
Best For
The Whole Weekend
From creekside Mediterranean dining and chilled pool days to afternoon tea, iced summer coffees and bite-sized cakes — the seven picks worth planning your weekend around.
The Round-Up ↓
No. 01 · Creekside Mediterranean Dining
Boardwalk
Nestled along the shores of Dubai Creek at Dubai Creek Resort, Boardwalk offers a relaxed waterfront dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean. Even as temperatures rise, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s bright indoor ambience overlooking the marina and Dubai Creek while savouring fresh seafood, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and classic Mediterranean dishes.
Complete the experience with a selection of classic desserts and hand-curated beverages, making Boardwalk an ideal destination from midday through to evening.
Where Dubai Creek Resort, Port Saeed, Dubai
When Daily, 12pm – 12am (last order 11:30pm)
Reservations +971 4 602 1583
Website dubaicreekresort.com/boardwalk
No. 02 · A Summer Menu with Emirati Soul
Gerbou
Gerbou — one of the city’s most beloved homegrown dining destinations — invites guests to savour the flavours of summer with a refreshing collection of seasonal beverages and indulgent desserts. Highlights include the nostalgic Awar Qalb fruit cocktail, delicate Lychee Rose Iced Tea, Mango Falooda and the traditional Booza Ashta.
Whether catching up with friends, enjoying a leisurely family meal or planning a weekend gathering, Gerbou offers an inviting setting where every visit feels like a celebration of the season — accompanied by warm Emirati hospitality.
Where Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba
When Daily, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Reservations +971 4 222 6888
Website gerbou.com
No. 03 · A Chilled Pool Escape at J1
Sirene Beach by GAIA
For those looking to unwind during summer days, Sirene by GAIA’s chilled pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat. Guests can relax poolside while enjoying Sirene’s signature food and beverages — an effortless blend of leisure and al fresco dining, framed by the venue’s Aegean-inspired ambience.
Enjoy a day by the water while making the most of Sirene’s dining offering.
Where Sirene Beach by GAIA, J1 Beach, Dubai
When Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Price AED 200 beach access · AED 300 pool access (non-redeemable)
Reservations +971 4 570 4766
Website sirenebeach.com
No. 04 · A Wellness Day in Al Barari
The Bay Health Club
Home to one of the longest pools in Dubai, The Bay Health Club offers the ultimate setting for a leisurely weekend by the water. Swim a few laps, soak up the sunshine or simply unwind — the club combines premium wellness facilities with elevated leisure experiences and thoughtfully designed social spaces.
Open to both members and day guests, it’s the perfect destination to recharge and embrace a slower pace this weekend.
Where Al Barari, Dubai
When Mon – Fri: 6AM – 10PM · Sat – Sun: 7AM – 9PM
Reservations +971 50 899 9643 · info@thebayhealthclub.com
Website thebayhealthclub.com
No. 05 · An Afternoon Tea for Two
Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi
Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi has introduced ‘The Afternoon Tea’, a sweet experience designed for two. Available daily, guests can enjoy a selection of desserts including Lemon Meringue Tartlets, Paris Brest, Pistachio Madeleines, Macarons and Candy Rolls, paired with one beverage per guest from a choice of coffees, teas and signature mocktails.
Set within the elegant surroundings of Isabel Mayfair, it’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends or family.
Where Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
When Daily, 3pm – 6pm (last reservation 5:30pm)
Price AED 200 per set, serving two guests
Website isabelabudhabi.com
No. 06 · Iced Summer Coffees at Home
Nespresso UAE
Cool down this July with Nespresso’s latest iced coffee collection, inspired by the carefree spirit of the Summer of ’86. Discover refreshing new flavours including the zesty Yuzu Vanilla Over Ice, the soothing French Lavender & Vanilla Decaffeinato, and the returning favourite Coconut Vanilla Over Ice.
Complete with stylish seasonal accessories and the new Vertuo Up machine, the collection makes it easy to create refreshing iced coffee moments at home all summer long.
Available Nespresso UAE
Yuzu Vanilla Over Ice AED 55 per Sleeve
Coconut Vanilla Over Ice AED 59 per Sleeve
French Lavender & Vanilla Decaf AED 58 per Sleeve
No. 07 · Chef Kelvin’s Rotating Little Cakes
Jun’s
Every weekend throughout July, Jun’s will showcase its rotating Little Cakes collection — miniature versions of Chef Kelvin Cheung’s beloved signature cakes. Perfect bite-sized indulgences, ideal for satisfying a sweet craving, discovering new flavours or treating yourself after a long week.
Entirely gluten-free, this weekend’s flavour is Chocolate Dulce: moist chocolate sponge layered with dulce diplomat, vanilla mousse, almond praline, sea salt caramel and burnt milk crumbs. Debuting new flavours every weekend, there’s always a reason to come back.
Where Jun’s · Delivery via Liu by Jun’s on Deliveroo
When Friday – Sunday
Price AED 50
To Book +971 (04) 457 6035 · WhatsApp +971 50 938 9099
Make It a Weekend
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