15 spectacular things to do in the UAE in September

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

Paradiso Dubai

If you’re in the mood for a great ladies’ night, Queen of Hearts at Paradiso Dubai is the perfect Thursday escape. Expect signature drinks, tasty bites, and an electric vibe that guarantees a fun and stylish night out!

Thursday, from 7pm-12am. AED200 including 3 tapas and 4 drinks for ladies. Visit website.

Hamleys

Hamleys has unveiled an exciting new interactive play zone at Dubai Hills Mall, featuring an indoor adventure playground with soft play, rides, slides, climbing walls, and themed areas such as the Music Land and Green House. The multi-sensory space is designed for children aged 0-8, perfect for birthday parties, family fun, or supervised play by Hamleys’ Play Pals. Activities include dress-up, arts and crafts, storytelling, and visits from whimsical characters.

From September 27. Visit Instagram.

Fairmont The Palm

Fairmont The Palm has launched its Golden Afternoon Tea, offering a luxurious selection of savoury and sweet delights presented with a lavish golden touch. Inspired by the region’s cultural heritage, the afternoon tea features exquisite dishes such as foie gras with golden brioche and smoked salmon with caviar, alongside impressive sweet treats including salted caramel éclair and raspberry vanilla cheesecake.

Daily, from 12pm-5pm. AED225 per person. Call +9714 457 3457.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Immerse in an unforgettable evening at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi with DJ Just:Greg, a house music maestro with over a decade of experience performing at top clubs and events worldwide. Kick off the outdoor season with his signature high-energy beats, set against the stunning beachfront backdrop, where vibrant music meets the laid-back atmosphere.

September 21, 8pm onwards. Call +971 2 498 8443 or email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com. Visit website.

CÉ LA VI Dubai

Diners can indulge in an award-winning three-course meal while soaking up the city’s stunning views. Whether catching up with friends, enjoying a family get-together, or celebrating a special occasion, the venue offers the perfect atmosphere.

Monday-Friday, from 12pm-3pm. Call +9714 582 6111.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Garage, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has introduced an all-new dining experience ‘Taste The Race,’ a culinary journey inspired by iconic racetracks around the world. As a lead-up to the Formula 1 season, indulge in dishes such as Salmon Teriyaki Donburi and Tuna Tataki at the Japanese-themed Nikkei House, or savour smoky BBQ short ribs and Cajun fried chicken from the Circuit of The Americas. Don’t miss the rich Coconut Noodle Laksa Soup from Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit or the sweet specials from Italy’s Monza Circuit, including Cannoli and Tiramisu. This thrilling gastronomic preview will be the perfect warm-up for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix!

Until September 30. Sunday-Friday, from 12:30-10:30pm. Lunch and Dinner. AED99 for three-course tasting menu and AED125 for five-course tasting menu. Call +9712 656 0000.

Smoki Moto

Smoki Moto is gearing up for a Chuseok celebration from the 16th to the 18th of September! Enjoy complimentary Korean bites and a delightful cookie, plus a special gift to remember the occasion. Chuseok, Korea’s harvest festival, is all about unity, gratitude, and family fun—celebrating the year’s bounty and honouring traditions under the full moon.

Call +9714 666 1430 (31).

Hikina Restaurant

This modern Asian restaurant is back with a fresh menu, offering exciting dishes such as Volcano Crab Maki Rolls, Indonesian Grilled Chicken, and Glazed Salmon. For dessert, take on the Mystery Scoop challenge and turn ice cream into an adventurous quest—guess the flavours correctly and score a free treat!

Call +9714 810 9425.

Takahisa

This September, a unique collaboration between Takahisa, renowned for its luxurious Japanese Omakase experience, and San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, a JLT favourite for authentic Northern Chinese street food, brings together high-end and street cuisines in an exciting fusion. Featuring innovative dishes such as Kobe Beef Gyoza and Biang Biang Noodles with a Japanese twist, Takahisa will offer an exclusive Omakase menu on the 7th of September, while San Wan will present a special à la carte selection from the 9th to the 16th of September, showcasing the dynamic and diverse spirit of Dubai’s food culture.

Call +9714 556 6688.

Yalumba

 

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Gather the family for the Yalumba Sunday Family Brunch on 29th September, featuring a fun ‘Back to School’ theme with a best-dressed competition for kids and adults dressed as their favourite characters. The brunch offers endless entertainment for children, including face-painting, pizza-making, magic shows, and a special buffet with kid-friendly dishes. While the kids are entertained, adults can indulge in a variety of meats, seafood, sushi, and more, with drinks and live music from the resident DJ.

September 29, from 1-4pm. From AED225 per person. AED75 for kids between 6-12 years old. Kids under 6 dine for free. Call +9714 702 2455.

Ana restaurant

Ana offers a unique dining experience at Dubai Mall, blending deep-rooted Emirati traditions with contemporary culinary creativity. Signature dishes include the Arabian Blend Salad, Grilled Eggplant Delight, and Saffron Grilled Chicken, each reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of the UAE. The restaurant provides a multisensory journey where traditional Arabic cuisine meets contemporary techniques in an inviting atmosphere.

Call +9714 261 1415.

Em Sherif Café

Em Sherif Café, with locations in Abu Dhabi and Downtown Dubai, is the perfect spot for a refreshing escape and delicious Lebanese cuisine. Step into this bright, welcoming space with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you enjoy the vibrant city while you savour mouthwatering dishes like creamy hummus, sizzling soujouk with shakshuka, and smoky kafta.

Visit Instagram.

VNYL Hi-Fi

Get ready to groove as VNYL Hi-Fi opens its doors on September 1st at Bluewaters Island. This spot is more than just a hi-fi bar—it’s a vibrant mashup of retro vibes, a killer vinyl collection, and a secret bar with beats that’ll keep you dancing till dawn. Add in some mouth-watering Asian fusion bites and beverages inspired by music legends, and you’ve got the perfect place to connect with fellow music lovers!

Call +9714 553 8109.

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort 

Celebrate brunch in style at the Mekong, where you’ll embark on a flavourful adventure through Asia with classic dishes given a modern twist and served on sharing platters. Soak up the stunning views from the terrace or chill out in the floating pods for a delicious meal. Top it off with exotic concoctions, and sip on a fantastic selection of grapes, spirits, and teas.

Sunday, from 12.30pm-3.30pm. From AED250 per person. Children aged 6-12 enjoy a 50% discount and children below six dine complimentary. Call +9717 204 2222.

Ula

Indulge in Ula’s exquisite 3-course sharing brunch menu, complete with unlimited drinks, all for AED300 per person. Enjoy pool access until 10 pm and live entertainment, offering a refreshing and memorable Saturday experience at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan RAK.

Visit website.

The Croft

Experience the warmth of British hospitality at the city’s newly acclaimed British eatery, where you can enjoy hearty, expertly crafted dishes in an inviting setting beside the open kitchen. The Croft offers a range of weekly specials, including the authentic British curry night on Mondays, and a classic Sunday Roast, complete with all the trimmings, that brings the comfort of home to your table. The Croft’s lively events continue with Wings Wednesday, where you can indulge in unlimited chicken wings paired with free-flowing drinks, and Quiz Night every Thursday, starting from September 5.

For reservations, contact +9714 319 4000 or email eatatharbour@marriott.com. Visit website.

Signor Sassi

Kick off the new season with the vibrant Evviva Brunch at Signor Sassi on Sunday, 29th September, starting at 1pm. This lively event captures the essence of a Sicilian party, with electrifying DJ beats, live entertainment, and traditional Italian dishes perfect for sharing among friends.

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.