18 spectacular things to do in the UAE in August

From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in August

Novikov Café

Set in the heart of Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Novikov Café Dubai offers a chic, minimalist setting bathed in warm lighting. Diners are also treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The dessert selection here is particularly noteworthy, featuring indulgent options like the San Sebastian Cheesecake with various compote and sauce choices, the Novikov Giant Mille-Feuille with vanilla and mixed berries compote, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Novikov Tiramisu, and Vanilla Crème Brûlée.

Call +97156 6863144. Visit website.

Lola Taberna Española

Sundays at Lola are now more vibrant with the La Festa Do Pulpo Brunch, inspired by Galicia’s Octopus Festival. Enjoy a set menu featuring traditional octopus dishes such as Gilda de Pulpo, Pulpo a la Gallega, and Octopus Paella, all while being entertained by a lively flamenco performance.

Until August 25. Every Sunday, from 1-4pm. From AED199 per person. Call +9714 247 6688.

PLAYA Dubai

Discover Neighbours’ Lunch at PLAYA Dubai, a refined 3-course business lunch featuring a curated selection of cold and hot starters, along with exclusive mains. Begin with PLAYA classico ceviche, Caesar salad, Acevichado roll with fried calamari, or Tuna taco with crispy shells and tuna tartare. Hot starters up the ante with Chicken anticucho skewers, Lomo empanadas filled with Peruvian-style beef, or Chicken and Beef sliders with a special house sauce, while mains highlight sumptuous dishes such as Salmon & ocopa rice, Baby chicken, and Spaghetti & prawns. Beyond the set menu, guests can also indulge in big format platters that are perfect for sharing. These special off-menu dishes include Jalea, a traditional Peruvian fried fish and seafood platter served with yucca fries and salsa criolla; Anticucho Whole Fish, marinated and grilled with wok vegetables and yucca fries; and the Arroz con Mariscos, a signature seafood rice platter.

Neighbours’ Lunch: AED110 per person. Visit website.

Luigia

Luigia at Rixos Premium JBR offers a vibrant Saturday brunch featuring live entertainment and a set menu of expertly prepared dishes, including the classic Margherita and Truffaiola with fresh black truffle. Guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere while savouring delicious specialties, and families can take advantage of the dedicated kids’ play area.

Every Saturday, from 1-4pm. From AED249 per person. Visit Instagram.

Le Bistro by Salmontini

Le Bistro by Salmontini is shaking up dining with its “Digital Dining Detox,” inviting guests to ditch their screens and enjoy real conversations while their phones are safely stored away. In exchange for unplugging, diners will enjoy a decadent shared dessert!

Until September 30. Visit website.

Nobu Dubai

Nobu Dubai at Atlantis The Palm is offering an elevated weekend lunch experience. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of The Palm and the Arabian Gulf while indulging in a specially curated two-course menu designed by Executive Chef Damien Duviau, featuring Nobu’s renowned classics. Priced at AED165 per person, the menu includes a choice of two starters from fourteen options and a main course from nine dishes, with additional selections available for an extra AED50, and a variety of desserts from the à la carte menu.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 12:30-3:30pm. Call +9714 426 0760.

City Social

Experience the ultimate brunch at City Social, where breathtaking city views and exquisite dishes such as The Social Lasagna and Aged Beef Tartare await. Priced from AED395, indulge in decadent treats like Strawberry Trifle, while enjoying panoramic views, great music, and a vibrant atmosphere—perfect for celebrating birthdays with a complimentary bubbly package for groups of six or more. Afterwards, continue the fun at 7 Tales to keep the party alive!

Call +9714 402 2222.

Black Sheep Coffee

Black Sheep Coffee introduces a new business lunch offer across their UAE locations, featuring made-to-order salads and sandwiches paired with specialty coffee beverages. Guests can choose from various combos, including options like Tuna Twist, Brisket Blaze, Chicken Revival, and Halloumi sandwiches, or Mexi Chicken salad, and Truffle Green salads, with an iced latte or iced filter brew.

Monday-Friday, from 12-3pm. Visit Instagram.

Ting Irie Dubai

On 6th August, Ting Irie will host a buffet-style party from 8pm to 12am in honour of Jamaican Independence Day. The buffet includes a special menu for vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians. Guests can enjoy appetisers such as Flamin’ Wings, crispy Cauliflower Popcorn, and traditional Jamaican Patties. Main course options feature the national dish, Ackee & Salt Fish, along with Jerk Chicken, Rasta Pasta, Vegetable Curry, and more. The meal concludes with the unique dessert, Yard Man Potato Pudding.

Call +9714 557 5601.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Prepare to celebrate World Oyster Day in style at Jumeirah Golf Estates. On August 5th, indulge in the finest oysters at Crafty Fox and Bussola, where you can enjoy four exquisite oysters—either baked or fresh—paired with a crisp glass of sparkling grape for AED95.

August 5. Visit website.

Rx Coffee Apothecary

Rx Coffee Apothecary invites you to enjoy their renowned Parklane cheesecakes, available in regular and mini sizes, praised for their creamy texture, buttery crust, and raspberry puree topping. Perfect for dessert lovers, this indulgent treat pairs beautifully with a cup of exquisite Fulgen coffee sourced from Oslo and Tokyo.

Visit website.

Tonton

Tonton, a new urban bakehouse in Wasl 51, blends Italian and French baking traditions to offer an array of delectable pastries, including the signature TonTail, a modern twist on the classic sfogliatella. Named after the French term for ‘Uncle,’ Tonton provides a cosy spot for pastry enthusiasts and coffee lovers with its inviting ambience and all-day offerings.

Visit Instagram.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City

Experience the best of Italian cuisine with two delightful brunch options at Certo. On Friday evenings, guests can indulge in La Dolce Vita, featuring an array of Italian delicacies served to the table with free-flowing beverages. Alternatively, enjoy a family-friendly afternoon at the award-winning restaurant, where diners can savour homemade Italian dishes from the buffet-style salad and live pasta stations, while children make their own pizza and play in the dedicated area.

Friday brunch: 7:30-10:30pm. Saturday brunch: 12:30-3:30pm. AED159 per person including soft beverages and AED199 per person including house beverages. Call +9714 366 9187.

The Cove Rotana Resort

Guests can enjoy a summer adventure at The Cove Rotana Resort with a 15% discount on their stay. They can relax on the 600-meter beach, dive into infinity pools, or enjoy water sports like jet skiing and kayaking. Additionally, accommodations include airy rooms with sea or garden views and spacious villas with private plunge pools and terraces. Dining options feature Mediterranean flavours at Basilico, international cuisines at Cinnamon Restaurant, and drinks at the pool and beach bars.

Visit website.

Señor Pico

Señor Pico offers a beach club getaway with a fully redeemable beach pass for adults, children, and pets. Guests can enjoy fresh Mexican and Californian specialties, a vibrant ambience, outdoor games, and live DJ tunes. Moreover, pets are welcome too!

Every Thursday, from 8-10pm. From AED99 per person. Contact +9714 666 1434.

Zenon

The luxurious outdoor terrace at Kempinski Central Avenue offers a stylish escape from the summer heat. The à la carte menu features Mediterranean and Asian delights, such as Usuzukuri in soy yuzu sauce and Wagyu beef tartare with smoked egg yolk and black truffle.

Daily, from 12pm-3am. Contact +9714 837 7222. 

Penrose Lounge 

Penrose Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre unveils its new Summer Afternoon Tea, expertly crafted to capture the essence of summer with a delightful mix of sweet and savoury treats made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. Highlights of the Summer Afternoon Tea at Penrose Lounge include a Strawberry & vanilla tart with vanilla Chantilly cream and strawberry compote, a Coconut citrus baba with mango, pineapple, and coconut mousse, alongside savoury options like Heirloom tomato tart and Avocado & cucumber sandwich.

Served daily, from 2-5pm. Contact +9714 506 0000.

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

Switch up the brunch routine and travel to The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah for a rejuvenating break. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch at Vinesse restaurant, then relax by the pool, in spacious accommodations, or with personalised spa treatments. The experience also includes Sunday breakfast and a 15% savings on select spa therapies.

Until September 30. Visit website.

Rove Trade Centre

Rove Hotels offers a thrilling Murder Mystery Game at Rove Trade Centre, perfect for true crime fans. Partnering with Unwind Speciality Boardgame Cafe, this experience immerses guests in a quest to solve a murder mystery. Each game session ends with a dinner buffet at The Daily restaurant, with light snacks and refreshments included.

Until August 24. Monday and Wednesday. AED149. Call +9714 328 4030.