From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in January 2025
Above Eleven Dubai
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The new Yunza 11 Brunch brings bold Peruvian-Japanese flavours to the table, accompanied by signature drinks and electrifying live music from DJ Taya, joined by a percussionist, flautist, and drummer. Stay on for the Let’s Get Pisco’d after-party, where personalised drink infusions and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline from the open-air terrace set the scene. With DJ Taya keeping the Latin beats alive well into the night, it’s a Saturday experience you won’t forget.
Saturday, from 1-4pm. AED295 for soft beverages, AED395 for house beverages, AED650 for bubbly. Let’s Get Pisco’d after-party: 4pm till late. AED150 for brunch-goers, and AED199 for diners joining at 4pm. Call +9714 666 1420 or email reservations@aboveelevendubai.com. Visit website.
Varq
Varq, the award-winning Indian fine dining destination, kicks off 2025 with an exhilarating new menu that reimagines India’s culinary traditions with bold, contemporary twists. From the Southern Seared Scallop in tangy Alleppey curry to the Hyderabadi Haleem, slow-cooked to perfection, and the indulgent Kathal Kofta in a rich Mughlai-inspired sauce, the menu transports diners on a flavourful journey through India’s diverse regions. On Republic Day, 26th January, Varq adds a festive touch with an exclusive sweet surprise, making it the perfect time to savour the experience.
January 26, 12pm-3pm and 6pm – 12am. Call +9714 275 4444.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Mark your calendar for January 25 as Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island gets set to host the Flavours of 50 Best Evening Brunch at Graphos Social Kitchen. Diners will have the chance to see these culinary stars in action as they demonstrate their craft and share the stories behind their dishes. Prepare for an impressive line-up of chefs and mixologists. Eduard Xatruch, the creative mind behind Barcelona’s Disfrutar, currently ranked as The World’s Best Restaurant, will present one of his iconic dishes, giving guests a taste of his imaginative approach to cooking. Gaggan Anand, the maverick chef who put his Bangkok restaurant on the map as Asia’s Best Restaurant four times, will host a live cooking session and share insights into his journey and unique style. Louisa Lim, the pastry mastermind at Odette and crowned Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2023, will round off the meal with one of her signature desserts, while Raminta Ambroževičiūtė, the talented bartender from LPM Dubai, will shake things up with concoctions expertly tailored to match the evening’s menu.
January 25, from 6-10pm. AED595 per person including premium beverages. Reserve your spot here or call +9712 208 6888.
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare
This Italian restaurant is shifting gears with the appointment of Chef Alessandro Salvatico as its new Head Chef and the unveiling of an exciting new menu. Start with the Vitello Tonnato, a beautifully presented dish of tender, slow-cooked veal, served with a silky tuna sauce and topped with briny capers, followed by the Frittura di Mare, a crispy seafood platter featuring golden calamari, succulent prawns, and delicate soft-shell crab. For mains, indulge in the Risotto ai Funghi di Stagione, a creamy Acquerello rice dish infused with seasonal mushrooms and finished with parmesan. End your meal on a high note with the Delizia al Cioccolato, a rich 70% chocolate dessert complemented by refreshing coconut sorbet, a hint of Tonka bean, and a sprinkling of salt flakes.
Visit website.
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Watch the sunset over the Burj Khalifa at FireLake, where a carefully crafted menu meets stunning views. Enjoy dishes such as smoked lamb ribs, buttermilk fried chicken, burrata, padron peppers, and freshly baked pizzas, paired with your choice of hops, grapes, or spirits for a relaxed yet memorable dining experience.
Daily, from 4-7pm. From AED30 for selected beverages. 25% off on small plates and pizzas. Visit website.
Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman
Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC unveils a new chapter with Chef Patron Marc Hardiman, focusing on sustainable, innovative European cuisine inspired by his personal experiences. Signature dishes such as the Humble Potato and Crab Sandwich tell stories of nostalgia and sustainability, while three menu options cater to different preferences: the balanced Omnivore Menu, the plant-focused Herbivore Menu, and the fully customised Explore Menu.
Prices range from AED295 for three courses to AED1,200 for the full 17-course experience. Email bullandbear@waldorfastoria.com.
Coco Grill & Lounge
Located in Downtown Dubai, Coco Grill & Lounge brings its London roots to the city with a globally inspired menu featuring dishes such as the 24k Tomahawk, Lamb Shank, and creative seafood options. Alongside its culinary offerings, Coco introduces the Redemption Bar, a non-alcoholic bar featuring a selection of mocktails.
Visit website.
Besar
Drawing inspiration from the rich history of Moorish Spain, the new restaurant blends traditional flavours with contemporary creativity, serving dishes such as Tuna Tartar with Arabic spices and Lamb Shoulder infused with smoky saffron. The elegant setting, complete with warm terracotta tones and intricate Moorish patterns, extends to an intimate outdoor space with stunning skyline views.
Call +97152 566 9199.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier
Deliveroo and FIX Dessert Chocolatier are marking the brand’s Abu Dhabi debut with a unique edible billboard activation at Marina Mall on January 11th. Visitors can sample FIX’s signature flavours, including Mind Your Own Buiscoff and Can’t Get Knafeh Of It, directly from the billboard. This interactive one-day event offers a fun and creative way for the local community to explore FIX’s exclusive chocolates, available only on Deliveroo.
Zala
Start the year right with a relaxed New Year’s Day brunch at Zala. Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean spread, live entertainment, and stunning desert views, all while spending quality time with friends and family.
January 1, from 1-4pm. From AED399 adult and AED200 per child aged 4-11 years old. Kids under 3 dine for free. Visit website.
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat by Minor Hotels is set to dazzle with its first-ever Michelin-star dining event, bringing the culinary brilliance of Chef Louis Anjos to the capital. From January 12 to 14, Thalassa will transform into a gastronomic setting, where Greek-inspired dining meets the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Over three curated evenings, guests will savour an exclusive five-course menu that reimagines Portuguese cuisine through a modern lens. Menu highlights include the Caviar-Kissed Tuna & Oyster, adorned with Oscietra caviar and cucumber, and the decadent Lobster Royale, infused with green apple and galanga—a true showcase of Chef Louis Anjos’ signature flair for blending tradition with innovation. His passion for Portuguese heritage and mastery of seasonal ingredients shines through every dish.
Seating is available in two time slots each evening: 6:00 pm–8:00 pm and 8:30 pm–10:30 pm. From AED2,500 per couple for the food-only menu, with the option to upgrade and choose from a curated selection of wine pairings. Advance reservation is required. Call +9712 817 0000 or email santorini@anantara.com.
OKKU
OKKU introduces MUSOU by OKKU, an exceptional Teppanyaki experience that combines the precision of omakase with the artistry of Teppanyaki. Offering an exclusive ten-course journey, MUSOU sets a new standard in Japanese cuisine. The name “MUSOU”, meaning “peerless” in Japanese, reflects the unique nature of this experience, available to just 10 guests in an intimate Teppanyaki room. Here, master chefs create culinary theatre, preparing each course with expert skill to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Thursday to Sunday, only 2 seatings, at 6:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. From AED599 per person. Contact +9714 666 1566.
Ninive Beach
Looking for your next beachside escape? Ninive Beach at J1 Beach is the perfect spot to unwind with its stunning Moroccan-inspired pool, cosy cabanas, and breathtaking ocean views. Savour flavours from Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, and Morocco at the restaurant, or simply lounge by the pool with a drink in hand.
Call +9714 498 4200 or book@ninivebeach.ae.
Arrogante
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas at Arrogante with a luxurious three-course Italian feast in Downtown Dubai, complete with stunning Burj Khalifa views. The festive menu features highlights such as Norwegian King Salmon Carpaccio, Veal Cotoletta with Pomodoro and Fior di Latte mozzarella, and the indulgent Semifreddo al Caffé, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
January 7, from 7pm. AED350 per adult and AED175 for children 12 and below. Call +9714 570 3653.
Kaspia Dubai
DIFC, Gate Village Building 2. À la carte.