UAE: Top things to do in the country from April 11-13

The weekend is here, so is our guide to the best events and activities happening around the UAE. Here's the list:

A new multi-sensory adventure

SENSAS, the globally popular multi-sensory adventure from France, has arrived in Dubai, offering a unique 2-hour group experience that challenges all five senses through immersive, often darkened workshops. Ideal for families, friends, and team-building, participants solve tactile puzzles, taste mystery flavours, and navigate laser rooms, all while collecting sensory tokens that support a charitable cause for people with disabilities. Partnered with Fever, SENSAS makes its Dubai debut as a one-of-a-kind experience designed to surprise, connect, and entertain guests of all ages.

Celebrate Songkran Festival in Dubai

Toshi at the Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai is celebrating Thailand’s vibrant Songkran Festival on Sunday, April 13, from 6.30pm to 11pm with a festive evening featuring authentic Thai cuisine. Guests can enjoy a special Thai buffet and à la carte menu featuring live cooking stations serving classics like Tom Yum soup, Papaya Salad, Pad Thai, and traditional desserts. The celebration will also include raffle draws with exciting gift vouchers, all set in Toshi’s warm and inviting ambiance. Reservations are required.

Stick around and find out

Heinz is launching the world’s first ad interrupted by a movie, rewarding moviegoers who stay through the end credits with free limited-edition merch and exclusive deals. Until April 11 at Dubai Mall Reel Cinemas, attendees watching Mickey 17, or The Amateur can unlock these giveaways by sticking around after the film ends — making the wait as worth it as their iconic ketchup.

No stage, just sets

Black Book by FIVE is an underground sonic experience where raw hip-hop, smooth R&B, and the pulse of hip-house come together in a speakeasy-style setting—no stage, just pure sound. It’s a curated archive of rhythm and beats, stripped-back and intimate, where DJ sets blur the lines between old-school vibes and modern edge. From Thursday to Saturday, 10pm till late, the after-dark energy unfolds at @paradisodubai.

Art nights

DIFC Art Nights returns for its 19th edition, transforming Gate Village into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and creativity until April 13. Running daily from 5pm to 10pm, the free event features live performances, public art installations, and engaging panel discussions, including a focus on women in art on opening night and talks by Christie’s and Dubai Culture on April 11. With contributions from leading voices like Dr Dena Assaf and Arne Everwijn, plus a showcase of everything from pottery to AI-generated art, this four-day cultural extravaganza cements DIFC’s role as a significant artistic hub in the UAE.

Bollywood night

Dubai’s iconic Bollywood brand AKS is celebrating 15 years with a one-night-only anniversary party at the stunning O Beach Dubai on Saturday, April 12, from 9pm to 3am. Known for its award-winning events, AKS promises a night of high-energy Bollywood, commercial, and house beats with DJs Ace, Buddha, Ktonikk, and Yogmusiic. Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the event blends beachside luxury with Desi glamour at one of Dubai’s newest hotspots. Entry starts at Dh150 per couple, with VIP tables, cabanas, and backstage access available. Call 056 777 1194 or 052 779 9914 to book.

Egyptian-American artist Felukah to perform

Dubai gets a chic new addition with the grand opening of GABA on April 12 in Dubai Marina. A serene tea room by day and a vintage glamour speakeasy by night, GABA blends heritage, luxury, and mystery. Its debut will feature a one-night-only live performance by Egyptian-American artist Felukah, known for her genre-blending sound and viral hit Al Wad Kadab. Guests can expect curated Asian teas, GABA-infused wellness blends, crafted beverages, rotating pop-art exhibits, and exclusive events. Entry starts at Dh150 and details will be revealed upon booking. Follow @gaba.dubai for updates.

Relax and rejuvenate

The Recovery Retreat at Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah offers a luxurious three-hour wellness experience designed to restore and recharge body and mind. Priced at Dh1,600, the retreat includes a 45-minute Reformer Pilates session, 45-minute Detox Dome Therapy using infrared and light technology, and a 90-minute deep-tissue Muscle Recovery Massage. Ideal for those facing stress, fatigue, or an active lifestyle, the retreat takes place in the serene surroundings of Jumeirah Al Qasr. To book, contact or call 04 366 6818.