BOOK A DIY FAMILY PAINTING SESSION AT THE JAMJAR IN DUBAI – Come paint. The jamjar community art space in Al Serkal Avenue supplies the easels, paints and other art supplies. You pay according to the canvas you choose. Rates start from Dh115.50 for a two-hour session if opt to work on a 20 by 20 centimeter canvas. There are also guided DIY sessions on Thursday mornings from 10am to 11am and Saturday afternoons from 4pm to 5pm.
CHECK OUT THE NEW BARRY’S BOOTCAMP IN DUBAI MARINA – Now there are two locations to try the this self-proclaimed “best workout in the world.” This celebrity favorite, which offers bursts of activity, cardio and strength training in one hour-long session, is now open at Trident Grand Mall (the first Barry’s is in Central Park Towers in DIFC). But like many gyms and fitness studios in Dubai, this bootcamp doesn’t come cheap: While the first hour-long class is Dh84, regular sessions are Dh126, with one-month, 12-class memberships costing Dh1,250.
SCORE A SPA DEAL – Take advantage of all the spas, hotels and salons that are offering deep discounts to lure in customers this summer season. Tips & Toes, for example, is selling vouchers for 50 percent off treatments that can be used until the end of September.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP TO LEARN YOGA MASSAGE IN ABU DHABI – Skip pricey spa sessions and learn how to work out those kinks yourself at The Hot House Studio in Al Zeina. Sign up for their Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Massage session, held on Saturday, August 16 from 6pm to 8pm. Singles, pairs and couples are welcome. Dh220 per person; Dh400 per pair. Thehothouseuae.com
SHOP FOR ECO-FRIENDLY BACK TO SCHOOL ITEMS – Use this season as an opportunity to cut down on the amount of chemicals that go into the school supplies your children use on a daily basis. For example, choose lunch boxes that are free of Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, while opting for bamboo utensils, stainless steel water bottles, backpacks made of organic materials, non-toxic markers and organic, wholesome snacks. Turn to websites including Mumzworld, Ripe, The Change Initiative and The Green Eco Store for inspiration.
TRY THE LATEST FITNESS TREND OF DEEP STRETCHING – Stretching classes are popping up all over the UAE, filling the gap for athletes who need them but just aren’t that into yoga. YogaOne studio in Mangrove One in Abu Dhabi offers a Tuesday morning deep-stretching class from 10.30am to 11.30am.
CHECK OUT A “RUN” CLASS FOR FREE AT THE WAREHOUSE GYM IN DUBAI – The treadmill trend shows no signs of slowing down, and as a non-member you can try it for free at the new The Warehouse Gym in Dubai Design District. The catch on this interval-based workout? The instructor can manage the speed through a remote control.
