New year, new start!
Kick off 2025 in style with brunches, lazy lunches or perhaps a party. Here are the best options to spend New Year’s Day in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Dubai
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Celebrate New Year’s Day in Dubai with a bountiful brunch at Zala, where vibrant Mediterranean flavours, live entertainment, and a sumptuous spread await. Whether you’re toasting to new resolutions or enjoying the warmth of fresh beginnings, this brunch offers the perfect setting to start 2025 surrounded by family, friends, and the serene desert landscape. Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 399 (soft beverages), AED 599 (house beverages and sparkling grape) and AED 200 (children aged four to 11 years).
GO: Visit www.babalshams.com for reservations and more information.
Banyan Tree Dubai
Kick start New Year’s Day in Dubai with a festive brunch at Alizée Restaurant. With its elegant indoor and alfresco settings, this vibrant restaurant presents a menu of festive dishes with a French twist. Enjoy the joyful atmosphere with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Available on Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 520 (soft beverages) and AED 895 (house beverages and sparkling).
GO: Visit www.banyantree.com for reservations and more information.
Bistro Des Arts
Welcome 2025 with a Parisian-style brunch at Bistro Des Arts. Featuring a thoughtfully curated menu to ease into the new year, this brunch offers an authentic French bistro experience and a cosy ambience. Wednesday 1 January from 10am to 4pm. AED 210 (soft beverages) and AED 204 (house beverages).
GO: Email info@bistrodesarts.ae for reservations and more information.
Brasserie 2.0
Kick-off 2025 with a New Year’s Day brunch at Brasserie 2.0. Indulge in a luxurious spread with live entertainment and festive vibes, making it the perfect way to start the year. Wednesday 1 January from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. AED 475 (soft beverages) and AED 675 (house beverages and sparkling).
GO: Visit www.brasserie2point0.com for reservations and more information.
Jou Jou Brasserie
Begin 2025 with joy and celebration at the New Year’s Day Brunch at Jou Jou Brasserie inside Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Enjoy a delightful buffet spread and live music from an interactive band as you savour the first moments of the new year in good company. Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 455 (soft beverages) and AED 715 (champagne and house beverages).
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for reservations and more information.
Mama Shelter
Mama Restaurant at Mama Shelter Dubai is ready to welcome New Year’s Day in Dubai with style. With a French twist on international classics, this brunch features a sharing-style feast and refreshing drinks while the kids enjoy their La Boum de la Mama party with professional nannies. Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 249 (soft beverages), AED 349 (grapes and hops), AED 399 (cocktails, grapes and hopes) and AED 549 (champagne).
GO: Visit https://mamashelter.com for reservations and more information.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Ring in the New Year at The Mandarin Garden, where a bountiful buffet of vibrant Mediterranean flavours, live cooking stations, and exquisite desserts awaits by the sea. The family-friendly setting, complemented by live music and festive drinks, makes it an ideal celebration to create lasting memories. Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 650 (soft beverages) and AED 950 (premium beverages and bubbles).
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.
McGettigan’s Factory The Palm
Start 2025 on a high note with McGettigan’s lively New Year’s Day brunch. Shake off the night before and celebrate the first day of the year with a fun-filled brunch featuring a hearty spread of favourites, refreshing cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family. Available on Wednesday, 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 199 (house beverages) and AED 235 (premium beverages).
GO: Call 04 230 0073 for reservations and more information.
Mott 32
Celebrate New Year’s Day in Dubai with a beautiful brunch at the FACT award-winning Mott 32. Savour a carefully crafted menu that celebrates new beginnings, blending superb signature dishes with innovative culinary creations. Set the tone for the year ahead amidst beats from a live DJ, soulful performances by a roaming trumpet player, and captivating themed entertainers. Wednesday, 1 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 475 (soft beverages), AED 595 (house beverages) and AED 845 (champagne)
GO: Visit https://mott32dubai.com for reservations and more information.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Giardino invites you to enjoy a lavish New Year’s Day buffet that spans a variety of traditional Middle Eastern and global cuisines. With live cooking stations serving everything from kebabs to grilled meats, Giardino sets the stage for a memorable meal. Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 5pm. AED 400 (soft beverages), AED 500 (house beverages), AED 620 (sparkling wine) and AED 860 (champagne).
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for reservations and more information.
Señor Pico
Kick off the new year with a relaxing day at Palm West Beach. Enjoy beach access and laid-back vibes while indulging in the special “Vuelve a la Vida” menu at Señor Pico. Sip on free-flowing beverages as you relax on the beach while enjoying the soothing beats of a live DJ. With beach games and activities for children, this celebration is perfect for families. Available on Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 5pm. AED 220 per person (two hours of free-flowing beverages, a lunch platter, and beach access).
GO: Visit https://senorpico.com for reservations and more information.
Tasca by José Avillez
Celebrate 2025 with Portuguese flair at Tasca’s New Year’s Day brunch. The experience pays homage to Portuguese traditions with a set menu that features Wagyu Tartare Cone, Charcoal-Roasted Seabass, Seafood Rice, and Wagyu Picanha at the FACT Award-winning venue. Wednesday, 1 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 695 (premium beverages), and AED 795 (Champagne).
GO: Email modub-tasca@mohg.com for reservations and more information.
Zuma Dubai
Offering a sophisticated twist on the traditional izakaya style of informal eating, Zuma’s FACT award-winning Baikingu Brunch begins with a selection of starters, including Zuma’s signature shrimp tempura, crispy fried squid, and an assortment of sashimi, nigiri and maki. The offering also includes beef yakiniku from the live robata cooking station, followed by signature main courses such as miso-marinated black cod, jumbo tiger prawns, and grilled Australian wagyu ribeye. To end the brunch on a sweet note, guests can indulge in various desserts, including sorbets, ice creams, chocolates, and exotic fruits. Available on Wednesday 1 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. Prices from AED 595.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Abu Dhabi
Alba Terrace
Welcome the New Year with a vibrant brunch at Alba Terrace, featuring salads, appetisers, wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and Chef’s Signature dishes like Lobster Raviolone and Seafood Paella. Celebrate with Amalfi-inspired cocktails and revel in the Mediterranean spirit. Available on Wednesday 1 January from 1pm to 5pm. AED 425 (house beverages) and AED 625 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 208 0000 for reservations and more information.
AT25
Assemble your pool squad and brunch amidst stunning downtown views. Splash into 2025 with platters, free-flowing house beverages, pool access, and a live DJ soundtrack. Available on Wednesday, 1 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 200 (including food and 10 drinks).
GO: Visit www.marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com for reservations and more information.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Head to Saadiyat Island and start the New Year in style. Indulge in a lavish lazy breakfast spread featuring international delicacies and live cooking stations. Wednesday 31 December, from 7am to 12pm. AED 185 for adults and AED 93 for children (aded six to 12).
GO: Call 02 697 0000 for reservations and more information.
Zuma Abu Dhabi
Offering a sophisticated twist on the traditional izakaya style of informal eating, Zuma’s FACT award-winning Baikingu Brunch begins with a selection of starters, including Zuma’s signature shrimp tempura, crispy fried squid, and an assortment of sashimi, nigiri and maki. The offering also includes beef yakiniku from the live robata cooking station, followed by signature main courses such as miso-marinated black cod, jumbo tiger prawns, and grilled Australian wagyu ribeye. To end the brunch on a sweet note, guests can indulge in various desserts, including sorbets, ice creams, chocolates, and exotic fruits. Available on Wednesday 1 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. Prices from AED 495.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
