Welcome, welcome, welcome to Things to Do in Dubai! I'm your host Ollie Bennett, and boy oh boy, do I have a lineup for you today, Friday, November 28th, 2025!
Right now, Dubai is absolutely electric because it's Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's 54th National Day celebration, and let me tell you, this emirate does not do things halfway. The weather is absolutely perfect—that gorgeous November breeze that makes you forget about the scorching summer. The entire city has transformed into this vibrant celebration of Emirati heritage, and honestly, the energy is contagious!
So what's happening today? First up, if you're a rugby fanatic like yours truly, the Emirates Dubai 7s at The Sevens Stadium is in full swing through November 30th. This is literally the Middle East's biggest sports and entertainment festival, featuring world-class rugby action in the HSBC SVNS Series. We're talking top international teams going head-to-head, plus amateur rugby, netball, cricket, and fitness competitions. It's absolutely bonkers in the best way possible!
But wait, there's more cultural goodness happening! Over at GEMS Wellington International School, Utsavam 2025—the 17th edition of the UAE's iconic celebration of Kerala's classical performing arts—kicks off today through November 30th. We're talking Kathakali, Koodiyattam, traditional music, and some seriously talented female artists like Dr Kalamandalam Krishnendu and rising star Rahitha Krishnadas. If you want to experience something authentically beautiful and totally different, this is your spot.
Music lovers, WhoMadeWho is headlining at FIVE LUXE in JBR tonight with their signature hybrid DJ set. Picture deep grooves, melodic highs, and hypnotic vocals—basically the soundtrack to an absolutely legendary night.
Now here's the local scoop: Dubai Festival City Mall is going full 24-hour madness on November 28th with massive discounts and brand activations everywhere. It's absolute shopping mayhem in the best possible way. Plus, Global Village has transformed into this incredible multicultural celebration running through December 3rd, where you can explore traditional Emirati craftsmanship, modern fashion, and world-class entertainment all in one spot.
My must-do recommendations? Definitely hit up Global Village for that authentic National Day vibe—it's where heritage meets innovation. Grab some authentic Emirati cuisine at Gerbou, which is serving Turkish eggs, date and burrata, prawn zaatar, mansf—basically reimagined local dishes that'll make your taste buds dance. And if you want the ultimate wellness experience, Abu Dhabi's Kai Beach is hosting Kai Beach Rituals with yoga sessions from Lululemon's Wanna Pilates team and breathwork sessions. Just a quick drive and you've got total zen mode activated.
Here's a fun local fact: the UAE Flag Garden is currently set up at Umm Suqeim Beach—thousands of flags creating iconic images visible from the sky. It's been a beloved National Day tradition for 12 years now, and the views with the Burj Al Arab in the background are absolutely unreal. Definitely snap a photo there!
Tomorrow, things are getting even crazier with more sporting action, continued cultural performances, and the city just keeps building momentum toward the main parade celebrations. You're not going to want to miss what's coming up!
Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.
For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt
For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
