From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in December
Zerofat
Zerofat has opened a new location at Dubai Marina, offering a unique dining experience with stunning outdoor terrace views. Positioned as a health-conscious dining destination, the restaurant introduces a new menu with dishes such as Eggs Benedict, Texas Twist Salad, Lemon Shrimp Tacos, Fajita Sandwich, and Chicken Truffle Pizza.
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SAL
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Nestled within the renowned Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, SAL beckons guests with its private dining cabana experience. Presenting the finest Southern Mediterranean cuisine, guests can relish an unforgettable dining soiree, all within the embrace of the exclusive private cabana. Enhanced by uninterrupted vistas of the sparkling Arabian Gulf, guests can anticipate a personalised cabana experience featuring unique decor and luxurious poolside ambience. Curated by talented chef Paolo Manis, the meticulously crafted menu pays tribute to the Iberian Peninsula, transporting the authentic flavours of Spain and Portugal to the vibrant heart of Dubai. With the option of utilising an AED5,000 F&B credit towards either the à la carte selection or a specially curated set menu, diners can savour the authentic flavours of Spain and Portugal.
Daily, from 8pm-12am. AED8,000 for four people including AED5,000 F&B credit redeemable from the à la carte menu with specials or signature set menu. Not available on 24th, 25th, 31st December and 14th February. Call +97155 500 9020 or email salguestrelations@jumeirah.com. Visit website.
Love Vibe
Love Vibe Restaurant & Bar unveils its enchanting winter menu, a symphony of flavours designed to captivate the senses and infuse the festive season. This holiday, immerse yourself in an enticing array of drinks and decadent desserts including the Merry Merry Bellini blending non-alcoholic prosecco with strawberry puree and a hint of rosemary. For a nostalgic sweet treat, pre-order the heartwarming fruit pies – choose between the luscious Strawberry Tart or the comforting Apple Crumble.
Call 800 8423.
La Niña
Embark on a festive culinary journey this Christmas, as the Christmas Brunch Special at La Niña, set against an elegant and charming backdrop, offers an enchanting experience. Upon entering La Niña, guests are greeted with the sight of graceful Christmas trees adorned with dazzling lights, while the soft melodies from the live band enrich the gathering, promising a day filled with joyful encounters. The thoughtfully designed menu reflects La Niña’s commitment to exceptional dining, featuring heartwarming favourites and newly inspired selections, with standout desserts like the Brazo Gitano, a delightful sponge cake layered with cream and jam, rolled with artful finesse. Following the Christmas Brunch, the next grand celebration is on the night of December 31st, where La Niña will feature a Special Menu complemented by the vibrant rhythms of a Cuban band.
December 24, from 2-7pm. December 31, from 7pm. Call +9714 395 1300. Visit website.
The Lounge, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Gather your friends and relish limitless selected beverages at The Lounge with a special ladies’ night offer, complemented by an additional 20% discount on food.
Thursday, from 7-11pm. AED 79. Visit website.
Offside Gastropub
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Guests are invited to partake in the daily celebrations of Happy Hours, where a delightful array of drinks and a lively atmosphere come together. Sip on expertly crafted beverages within a vibrant ambience for an unforgettable experience with loved ones.
Weekdays, from 5-8pm. Weekends, from 1-5pm. Call +9712 811 4342. Visit website.
Sal’s Bistro
Sal’s Bistro, situated against the serene backdrop of the Jumeirah Islands Pavilion lake, reopens its terrace, embodying an easy-going French Bistro concept. Sal’s Bistro offers a diverse menu, including the Award-Winning “Le Fumoir by Joe Bassili” smoked salmon. From daily breakfast specials and laid-back business lunches to Open Sushi Tuesdays and Mussels and Fries Fridays, the bistro provides a unique and exciting dining experience for all occasions.
Call +9714 576 0333.
Avli by tashas
Avli by tashas introduces The Athenian Lunch, a culinary journey curated by Head Chef Vlassia Anagnostou and Chef Andreas Lagos. Featuring recipes from their childhoods and authentic Athenian dishes, the experience captures the warmth of a traditional Greek family lunch. The buffet showcases homemade Greek products, complemented by an à la carte menu with 12 options, including Trahanas eggs and Carabineros. The decadent Avgofetes, a Greek-style French toast, adds a sweet touch.
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The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Savour a decadent Christmas Eve dinner at Shore House, where an authentic roast turkey and delightful sides create a gourmet festive atmosphere against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. Alternatively, the Christmas Seafood Fiesta at Shore House Restaurant offers a family-style brunch on Christmas Day, featuring a diverse menu from land and sea, including a seafood platter, turkey with trimmings, and a spiced chocolate cake slice. Welcome the New Year in style with an exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Shore House and The Beach Deck, beginning with drinks at The Beach Deck and continuing with a gala dinner buffet at Shore House, featuring lobster, caviar, oysters, and live cooking stations. The al-fresco celebration concludes with live entertainment and fireworks, marking the joyful arrival of 2024.
Christmas Eve dinner: December 24, from 6:30-10:30pm. AED250 per person. Christmas: December 25, from 1-3:30pm. From AED300 per person and AED150 for kids aged 6-12 years old. New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Shore House and The Beach Deck: December 31, from 7:30pm. From AED990 per person. Visit website.
Sand
Sand reimagines the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea with a global array of flavours inspired by the Middle East and beyond, offering carefully crafted pastries and tea selections. Sand transforms tea into a shared adventure, a relaxing escape that fosters cherished moments, inviting guests to explore with loved ones.
Call +97152 566 9658 or email sand.sharjah@bulldozer-uae.com. Visit Instagram.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
On Christmas Eve, enjoy an authentic Arabian feast at Kan Zaman with a belly dancer performance and live Oud music, featuring a buffet of fresh organic ingredients, seafood, roasts, and traditional Christmas sweets. Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive culinary journey at the resort’s award-winning restaurants, offering a menu of wholesome winter dishes and hand-crafted beverages at Kaheela. Ring in the New Year at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, with gala dinner celebrations at Kan Zaman and Farmhouse, each offering a unique experience with scrumptious Arabic delicacies and a special 5-course set menu. Experience the magic of the season with a blend of exquisite cuisine, live music, and a mesmerising desert backdrop.
Kaheela: December 23, from 1-4pm. From AED325 per person and 50% for kids aged 6-12 years old. Kan Zaman: December 24, from 6:30-10:30pm. From AED360 per person. New Year’s Eve Gala Dinners: December 31, from 8pm. From AED900 per person at Kan Zaman. From AED1,200 per person and AED600 for kids aged 6-12 years old at Farmhouse. Visit website.
Ida Bakery & Bistro
Ida Bakery and Bistro unveils a thrilling weekday pizza night where diners can relish two pizzas along with a refillable homemade soft drink, complemented by Ida’s handcrafted Cola, Lemon soda, and Hibiscus soda, all offered with unlimited refills. The diverse pizza selection includes classics like Margherita and BBQ Chicken, along with unique options like Nablusi and Pesto, catering to various taste preferences. For plant-based choices, the Vegan Shawarma Pizza offers a flavorful and ethical alternative. Rooted in Ida’s expertise in sourdough and artisanal breads, all pizza bases boast a gentle-on-the-stomach, perfectly kneaded crust.
Tuesday to Thursday, from 6-11pm. AED95.
Roadster Diner
With a cosy industrial aesthetic and classic booths, the Lebanese brand offers an ideal space for diners to enjoy classic American favourites, including juicy burgers, sticky chicken wings, crispy fries, and a variety of other delights. The new location in Mirdif aims to provide a no-fuss dining experience, serving a diverse menu featuring BBQ/Buffalo chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, salads, and indulgent desserts like the Cheesecake sundae explosion and Marbled mud pie.
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Shvili
Shvili, the renowned Georgian restaurant in the UAE, has expanded with a second location in Nakheel Mall, featuring family-friendly dining, an interactive kids’ den, and environmentally conscious workshops, mirroring its offerings at the Dubai Hills Mall branch. The cosy interiors, adorned with live plants and dark wood, provide a homely Georgian ambience. Head Chef Lea Mardaleishvili introduces new menu additions such as Khachapuri, Mama Khinkali, and health-conscious options like chicken cutlet with green vegetables. The restaurant aims to offer a delightful and educational experience for all ages, with daily cooking classes and nature-based activities for children.
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Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, introduces its new Garden Lawn, a sprawling 4285 sqm oasis within the resort’s opulent grounds, offering a picturesque venue for weddings, pre-dinner drinks, and special events with stunning views of the Dubai Eye. Guests can celebrate the festive season at the inaugural Festive Winter Market on December 1st, featuring a variety of F&B stalls and a Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Garden Lawn is now available for private event bookings, promising a memorable backdrop for occasions, complemented by the resort’s luxurious accommodations, dining options, and wellness facilities.
Call +9714 399 5000.
Flowwow
Offering an array of divine treats, these desserts effortlessly bring the enchantment of the season to your table, eliminating kitchen chaos. Elevate your loved ones’ holiday gatherings with delightful Christmas cakes from Flowwow to make this season a truly memorable one.
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Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre presents limited edition cakesicles inspired by the seven Emirates’ flag, available for purchase from November 28 to December 2. Crafted by award-winning cake artist Beth Lauren, these visually captivating treats not only appeal to taste buds but also narrate the rich heritage of the UAE. The Cake Boutique, known for its commitment to excellence, offers these special UAE National Day cakesicles in eight signature flavours.
AED250. Visit website.
Lola Taberna Española
Lola Taberna at TRYP by Wyndham Hotel elevates its authentic Spanish dining experience with a new menu curated by Head Chef Daniel Delgado. The vibrant concept infuses the best flavours of Spain, featuring a variety of additions expertly prepared with the finest ingredients. Highlights include freshly baked flatbread options, Flambé Bread with various toppings, and standout dishes like Glazed Oxtail, Brazed Oxtail with seasoned baked potatoes, and grilled Iberian fresh-cut dishes. The dessert menu introduces the Millefoglie cake, a delightful conclusion with nougat, and homemade coffee ice cream.
Call +9714 247 6688.
MARINI
MARINI, located in Dubai Media City, is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant curated under the culinary expertise of globally acclaimed Chef Monserrato Marini. MARINI’s menu boasts authentic Neapolitan Pizza, homemade fresh pasta, an array of seafood, and premium meat cuts. The restaurant’s ambience, featuring lush greenery and a live Neapolitan pizza oven, transports diners on a captivating Mediterranean journey.
Call +97155 226 2960.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Celebrate the spirit of December at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah with a dynamic array of festive events. Embrace the season with a traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and indulge in the Festive Afternoon Tea, available at AED210 per person. Embrace the festive spirit with the Christmas Beach Picnic featuring a delightful basket starting from AED495, while Santa’s reception and special dinners unfold on Christmas Eve across various restaurants. On Christmas Day, explore brunches and a refined 5-course Italian dinner starting at AED550. The spa beckons with holiday treatments commencing at AED600 per person. To ring in the New Year, join the grand New York Grand Gala Dinner featuring a buffet, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display, starting from AED1,900.
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Mina’s Market
This vibrant British Brasserie emulates the atmosphere of London’s Borough Market, featuring market-style stalls offering an array of British culinary delights. From traditional pies at the London Pie Shop to freshly baked goods at The Bakery, and a Modern Butcher’s and Fresh Fish Market providing an extensive selection of meats and seafood, the experience is a true homage to the Borough Market inspiration. Mina’s British Balti House offers aromatic spice-infused dishes, while the London Levant Kebab Shop serves up grilled lamb doner kebabs. The venue’s classic British-style shop fronts, fresh flower stalls, and vibrant displays of fruits and veggies create a sensory journey through the diverse and delicious offerings, making Mina’s Market a culinary haven reminiscent of British springtime.
Every Wednesday, from 6:30pm-10:30pm. From AED250 per person. Call +9714 511 7373.
Torno Subito
Torno Subito, the Michelin-star Italian restaurant at W Dubai – The Palm, has unveiled two new menus: The Classic Set Menu and The Evolution Set Menu. The Classic Set Menu offers a traditional Italian culinary experience with seven courses that pay homage to time-honoured Italian recipes, featuring dishes like Tagliatelle Al Ragù and Agnello, concluding with their signature Tiramisubito! The Evolution Set Menu, on the other hand, presents a modern twist on Italian cuisine with nine courses, including innovative dishes like Fusillo Al Finocchietto and Astice lobster ‘scapece’ style sauce. These menus, overseen by renowned chef Massimo Bottura, offer a unique and extraordinary dining experience, whether you prefer traditional or contemporary Italian flavours.
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The Cove Rotana Resort
Embrace the winter season with a luxurious staycation at The Cove Rotana Resort, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The resort offers spacious and contemporary rooms equipped with modern amenities, catering to family getaways, staycations with friends, or romantic retreats. Enjoy a diverse culinary experience at our award-winning restaurants, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pools, and immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment. Seize the opportunity to create lasting memories by booking your winter getaway and embarking on a journey of luxury, relaxation, and adventure.
Call + 9717 206 6000 or email res1.cove@thecoverak.com. Visit website.
Ferns N Petals
FNP.ae introduces its ‘Finest Belgian Chocolate’ collection, a globally renowned addition to the gifting landscape. The assortment encompasses a rich variety of milk, dark, ivory, truffle, and sugar-free chocolates, each adorned with luxurious fillings like coffee, salted caramel, Nutella hazelnut, pistachio, lotus, and more.
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