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

Nomad Day Bar

Every Sunday, Nomad Day Bar transforms its courtyard into a buzzing breakfast hotspot with Sunny Side Up, offering a delightful à la carte menu. The diverse spread includes hearty favourites such as the All-in Breakfast, featuring sunny-side-up eggs, sausages, and hash browns, or the indulgent Bacon & Egg Pancakes for a savoury treat. Families will enjoy the fun kids’ menu, with playful dishes like “I Don’t Know” (crispy waffles with fried chicken), “I Want to Go Home” (rigatoni in tomato sauce), and “I’m Not Hungry” (fluffy pancakes with hazelnut spread and berries) that cater to even the pickiest eaters. The atmosphere is lively with a live vinyl DJ creating the perfect vibe, and with a pet-friendly policy, you can bring your furry friends along for the fun, making it an ideal place for a relaxed, enjoyable weekend with loved ones.

11am-3pm. Visit website or Instagram.

Smoki Moto

AED120 for three drinks and a bar bite. Call +971 4 666 1430 (31). Visit website.

Cucina

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Cucina with a festive brunch featuring family-style starters and holiday favourites such as roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Enjoy antipasti, focaccia, pizzas, homemade pastas, and artisanal cheeses, along with interactive stations like the Gelateria for sweet treats. The Spritz Bar will offer refreshing beverages while a live jazz Italian trio creates a festive atmosphere, and Santa makes a special appearance. On Christmas Day, indulge in a festive feast with family-style starters, signature roasts, wood-fired pizzas, and freshly made pastas. The celebration continues with live cooking stations, a visit to the Gelateria for festive desserts, and activities for kids, ensuring a memorable holiday for all.

Christmas Eve: December 24, from 7:30pm-10:30pm. AED350 per person including buffet and soft beverages. AED450 per person including buffet with sparkling and house beverages. AED695 per person including buffet with house beverages and bubbly. AED180 for kids 6-12 years old, AED95 for kids 3-5 years old, and 0-2 years dine for free. Christmas Day Brunch: December 25, from 1:30-4:30pm. AED395 per person including buffet and soft beverages. AED495 per person including buffet with sparkling and house beverages. AED695 per person including buffet with house beverages and bubbly. AED180 for kids 6-12 years old, AED95 for kids 3-5 years old, 0-2 years dine for free.

Call +971 4 666 1408 or email reservations@cucinadubai.com.

Tandoor Tina

Tandoor Tina has introduced Curry Nights, inviting diners to explore an array of unlimited curries, rice, and naan, along with a complimentary glass of grape. Designed to offer a balanced blend of beloved classics and fresh tastes each week, the event showcases Tandoor Tina’s approach to both tradition and variety. Weekly staples, including Butter Chicken and Vegan Vegetable Curry, ensure familiar favourites, while the rotation of two other curries each week adds a dynamic twist for returning diners. The rotating dishes might include Kaafir Lime Shrimp, Seabass Curry, Paneer Jalfrezi, Lamb Korma, or Beef Rogan Josh, providing a blend of seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices to suit a range of tastes.

25hours Hotel One Central. Every Thursday, from 6pm-11pm. AED 140 per person, including unlimited curries, rice, naan, filtered water, and a glass of grape. Visit website.

Strawfire

The new venue introduces Warayaki, a traditional Japanese cooking method, to the UAE capital, combining the ancient technique with a modern dining experience. Warayaki, which originates from Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, involves cooking food over straw-fired flames, imparting a unique smokiness and depth of flavour to each dish. At Strawfire, Chef Shonhan will showcase a selection of dishes that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients, all prepared over an open flame. Strawfire will offer a varied menu, with options including à la carte dishes, a signature tasting menu, and a Chef’s Omakase experience. To accompany the food, the restaurant will feature live entertainment, with a DJ playing Jazzy House and NU Disco on weekdays and a live jazz band on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit website. Call +971 2 690 7999 or email moauh-restaurants@mohg.com.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

An exhilarating culinary experience awaits diners at Garage Restaurant. Perfectly timed to coincide with each Formula 1 race session, these brunches offer unbeatable views of the track, creating an ideal setting for celebrations. Diners can indulge in a diverse array of dishes from five distinct culinary hubs, featuring everything from succulent cuts of meat and vibrant Peruvian flavours to rich Middle Eastern aromas and bold Asian creations. The Sunday race day brunch highlights standout offerings like Poached Maine lobster with dashi hollandaise and a decadent Caviar station served with blinis. With live entertainment, DJs spinning electrifying beats, and eleven beverage taps offering a diverse selection of drinks, this brunch delivers an exhilarating blend of high-octane excitement and world-class cuisine—perfect for racing enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Packages from AED700. Available Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8, at varied times. Visit website or call +9712 656 0000.

Porterhouse Bar & Grill

Porterhouse Bar & Grill at Sofitel Dubai The Palm has unveiled a fresh look for the season, combining a stylish redesign with a refined menu. The revamped menu continues to embrace Porterhouse’s philosophy of balancing tradition with innovation. The selection of top-quality cuts includes Australian Westholme Wagyu Striploin MB 5 (260g), USDA Prime Omaha Tenderloin (300g), and Purebred Striploin MB 9+ (200g). For those looking to explore beyond steak, the Unexpected Classics section offers Veal Milanese, Chicken Fricassee, and Grilled Canadian Lobster, all prepared with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Call +9714 455 6677. Visit Instagram.

Tête-à-Tête

Be prepared to dine like you’re on the French Riviera at Tête-à-Tête, where an elegant dinner can effortlessly transition into an unforgettable party. The menu at Tête-à-Tête showcases classic French dishes, reimagined with a modern flair. For starters, guests can enjoy Escargots or a rich Foie Gras before diving into main courses like Grilled Lamb Chops served with aubergine caviar, goat cheese, and mint, or a succulent Roasted Duck paired with endive, clementine, and pistachio. The Lobster Thermidor and Dover Sole Grenobloise are highlights on the menu, along with the Poisson du Jour, perfect for sharing. The Char-grilled Australian Wagyu Rib Eye and Black Angus Beef Fillet, both dry-aged and cooked over charcoal, offer a unique depth of flavour.

Call +9714 455 9989 or email flh.dining@fivehotelsandresorts.com. Visit website.

W Dubai – The Palm

Kick off your weekend at SoBe’s Old School Sunset Sessions! Starting at 5pm, enjoy a selection of delicious bites and refreshing drinks before moving to the dance floor at 9pm, where you can enjoy live performances from Koogee, Joe Lang, Nana B, and resident DJs.

Visit website or Instagram.