15 spectacular things to do in the UAE in October

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

SLS Dubai

Dis-loyalty, an innovative travel and food membership programme, is inviting guests for a unique dining experience at SLS Dubai’s Carna. On October 25th and 26th, diners can enjoy a specially curated five-course menu that highlights acclaimed restaurants from Ennismore’s portfolio, featuring diverse dishes and previews of soon-to-open locations.

Carna, 74th Floor, SLS Dubai . October 25 and 26, from 6:30pm. AED600 per person for the tasting menu. Call +9714 607 0737.

Certo

Located within the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai Media City, Certo presents an authentic Italian dining experience. Every Friday, the restaurant hosts its Ladies’ Night, offering unlimited selected beverages alongside an array of Italian canapés, such as Stracciatella with tomatoes and basil pesto bruschetta, prosciutto and melon skewers, fried prawns, rustic chicken, saffron arancini, and a selection of pizzas.

Ladies’ Night at Certo: Every Friday, from 5pm-10pm. AED149 per person including unlimited selected beverages and Italian canapés. Visit website.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with ‘Nirvana Sessions,’ an electrifying DJ series showcasing international talent at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. On Saturday, October 26th, let DJ Yemanjo transport you with a fusion of organic house beats and traditional rhythms from Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Soak up the atmosphere while indulging in Pacific Rim cuisine and expertly crafted beverages, all set against the stunning Saadiyat Beach backdrop.

October 26, from 8pm. Call +9712 498 8443 or restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com. Visit website.

Eleven Green

Originally crafted as a one-day special for Burger Day, the El Reno Oklahoma-style smash burger has quickly earned its place as a permanent fixture on the Eleven Green menu, thanks to its overwhelming popularity. Featuring two Wagyu beef patties with thinly sliced onions smashed into the meat as they cook, this burger delivers a crispy, caramelised edge that’s hard to resist. Each patty is layered with melted American cheese and topped with house-made jalapeños for just the right amount of heat, all nestled in a sesame bun. A fresh twist on the classic, it’s a must-try!

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LA VI Dubai

CÉ LA VI Dubai is transforming into a “Frozen Wonderland” this Halloween, offering a magical winter-themed twist to the celebrations. Guests can enjoy à la carte dining, live performances, and DJ sets, all set against Dubai’s stunning skyline.

October 31, from 8pm. Call +9714 582 6111.

The 305

This beach club is teaming up with the Stanley Cup for an exclusive experience at The Club at Palm West Beach. From October 11th, guests can enjoy access to the stunning pool and beach, a delicious pizza, and a bottle of grape served in a giant Stanley Cup. Gather your friends and indulge in a Miami-inspired beach getaway!

Until November 10. AED495 per person. Visit website.

Shop for Halloween

Get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween! From frightfully fun chocolates to ghostly gummies, we’ve got the perfect treats to sweeten up your celebrations. Check out these treats from Spinneys and Marks and Spencer, and shop your Halloween faves now before they vanish.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City is unveiling exciting new experiences with Tamanya Goes Thai, Certo’s Ladies’ Nights, and Icon Sports Bar. Tamanya, now reimagined as “Tamanya Goes Thai”, reopens on October 18, offering authentic Thai dishes crafted by chefs from Little Bangkok against Dubai’s stunning skyline. Certo’s Fridays now feature a Ladies’ Night with unlimited drinks and Italian canapés, ideal for kicking off the evening in style. Sports lovers can also enjoy a refreshed menu of comfort food at Icon Sports Bar while watching live matches.

Tamanya Goes Thai – Rooftop Bar & Thai Cuisine: Starting October 18. Tuesday-Saturday, from 4pm-1am. Ladies’ Night at Certo: Every Friday, from 5pm-10pm. AED149 per person including unlimited selected beverages and Italian canapés. Icon Sports Bar: Available daily, from 12pm to 3am. Visit website.

Fairmont The Palm

Get ready for a spook-tacular experience as Mashrabiya Lounge at Fairmont The Palm rolls out its ghoulishly delightful Halloween Afternoon Tea from 30th October to 3rd November. Expect eerie bites such as Pumpkin tartine, Wicked truffle club, and Red velvet mummy eclairs, all perfectly paired with a selection of teas. Even the little ones won’t be left out, with treats including Cucumber and cream cheese coffins and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

12pm until 5pm. AED225 for adults and AED115 for kids. Call +9714 457 3457. 

Ernst Biergarten

Join the festivities at this celebration running until 27th October, where diners can savour traditional Bavarian bites and enjoy live music straight from Germany—no passport needed! Whether diners are in the mood for a Saturday brunch or a Sunday roast, there’s something to delight everyone. Throughout the six-week event, live German bands like Göt Net, TIM3LESS, and Die Vlierländer Musikanten will keep the energy high, ensuring an unforgettable atmosphere. For more information, read here.

Every Thursday till Sunday, until October 27. Every Thursday–Saturday, from 5pm till late and Sunday, from 12pm till 4pm; brunch every Saturday 12pm till 4pm and roast every Sunday 12pm till 4pm. Call +971 4 210 2511 or email dubai@ernstbiergarten.com. Visit website.

Waldorf Astoria DIFC

Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre launches its ‘Meet Me at the Clock’ afternoon tea, available from Sunday to Friday between 2-6pm. This unique experience combines fine Italian-inspired dining with live ballet performances, offering a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including wild-caught crab with caviar and free-range foie gras puff. The menu also features an array of sandwiches and a variety of teas, alongside indulgent desserts such as strawberry and rose cake. The ‘Ballet Edition’ will debut on Saturday, 28 September, showcasing acclaimed Russian ballerina Aliaksandra Rakouskaya, who will perform alongside a live pianist, enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the afternoon tea.

Signature afternoon tea is priced at AED225 per person. The ballet edition is priced at AED295 per person. Upgrade both experiences with a premium glass of bubbly for AED100. Call +9714 515 9888. Visit website.

L’Occitane Café

L’Occitane Café introduces a new Vegan Menu, featuring a delicious range of plant-based dishes such as Chickpeas Turmeric Omelette, Immune Salad, and Zoodles Provençal Pasta. The complete set menu, including a salad, main course, and dessert, is available for AED120, offering a nourishing and flavourful vegan dining experience.

Call +9714 346 1825.

Berenjak

Berenjak offers a Persian-inspired lunch for AED125 per person, featuring a selection of mezeh and kababs. Dishes include Panir Sabzi, black chickpea hummus, and Koobideh kabab, accompanied by traditional breads such as Taftoon and Sangak. This lunch deal is available Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 5pm at both Dubai and Sharjah branches.

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Casa Amor

The new bohemian-inspired restaurant is set to bring a vibrant touch to the city’s dining scene at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Known for its exclusivity on the French Riviera, this lively venue combines captivating music, an exclusive beach setting, and a menu that melds South of France flavours with subtle Latin influences, designed for sharing. The ambience channels the relaxed, creative spirit of Tulum, offering a vibrant and elegant atmosphere just steps from the sea. The highlight is the Casa Amor beach, where guests can enjoy a stunning sunset experience and premium drinks crafted by expert mixologists on Dubai’s iconic stretch of golden sand.

Visit website.

Jamavar Dubai

Situated at the Address Residences Opera District on The Boulevard, the destination offers a lavish dining experience inspired by the opulent Viceroy’s home in New Delhi. The venue features a glamorous dining room, a boutique cocktail bar, and a stylish outdoor terrace. The menu presents rich Northern and Southern Indian flavours, with new South Indian specialties featuring Andhra Lamb Uttapam and Hyderabadi Pathar Gosht. Exclusive additions include The Viceroy’s caviar selection and signature dishes such as Chandni Chowk ki Aloo Tikki and Old Delhi Butter Chicken.

Contact +9714 553 7852.

Two Birds One Stone

Situated on the rooftop of the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Dubai, this upscale casual neighbourhood destination offers an exquisite menu inspired by Australia’s social dining culture. By day, it serves as a serene retreat, while by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub. The restaurant features a modern Australian menu with clean, simple flavours using locally sourced ingredients, catering to breakfast, poolside dining, and bar bites. 

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Prime68

The acclaimed steakhouse on the 68th floor of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is now offering its business lunch five days a week. The expanded menu features a range of expertly crafted dishes, including signature starters, main courses, and desserts, all set against the stunning Dubai skyline. Highlights include starters like French Onion Soup and Maryland Crab Cake, main courses such as the Stanbroke Signature Black Angus Filet Mignon and Truffle Gnocchi, and indulgent desserts like Eton Mess and Chocolate Mousse.  

Every Monday to Friday, from 12pm–3:30pm. From AED125 per person. Contact +9714 414 3000.