The best places to dine, drink and dance in Dubai this week.
As we approach the last week of September, there's plenty of fun to be had. From sunset cocktails to pool parties and pop-ups, these are the FACT team's picks of where to dine, drink and dance in Dubai this week.
Monday 23 September
Indulge in a twilight tipple
Following the success of their renowned restaurants Avatara, Trèsind, and Trèsind Studio, Passion F&B have opened Viva La Goa at One&Only Royal Mirage. The new venue offers a fusion of Indian and Portuguese influences in a relaxed, social atmosphere, where you can enjoy a menu of flavorful bites and innovative drinks crafted by award-winning mixologist Shefali Singh. Signature cocktails include the Lisbon Daiquiri, which combines Cachaça, pear, Cointreau, and citrus for a zesty twist on the classic. Viva La Goa also offers cigar-pairing cocktails, such as the Rusty Maple, a rich mix of walnut bourbon, maple syrup, aromatic bitters, and caramelised walnuts. The venue is open daily from 5pm to midnight.
GO: Follow @vivalagoa.ae on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 24 September
Have dinner with Chef Daniel Boulud
Following a recent appearance on the hit television show The Bear, acclaimed Chef Daniel Boulud will host an exclusive five-course dinner at Brasserie Boulud this week. The evening will begin with a welcome drink and canapés before tucking into a menu featuring Flétan et Courgette and Duo de Boeuf aux Agrumes. Expect a culinary experience that celebrates high-quality ingredients elevated by seasonal flavours, all brought together by one of the world's most celebrated chefs. Available on 24 September, from 7:30pm to 10pm. AED 495 (soft beverages) and AED 895 (including a bottle of vintage red or white wine).
GO: Call 04 281 4111 for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 25 September
Try a South Korean tasting menu
Alba Restaurant has introduced a tasting menu dedicated to the vibrant and diverse flavours of South Korea. Curated by Chef Ted, this eight-course experience takes guests on a culinary adventure across Korea, celebrating the country's rich heritage and unique regional ingredients. The meal includes a Mandarin Tart from Jeju Island, Kimchi Hand Roll from Jeonnam, Ginseng Chicken Soup from Chungcheong and Alba's unique take on the iconic Shin Ramyeon from Seoul. The tasting menu is available for only eight guests per seating on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. AED 900 per person.
GO: Call 058 147 9888 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 26 September
Visit Rihanna's Fenty Beauty pop-up
Rihanna's Fenty Beauty is collaborating with Dubai's Caribbean restaurant, Miss Lily's. To celebrate the launch of the Soft'Lit foundation, it is hosting a pop-up in Dubai Design District, Building 1. Get there early, as the first 100 people will receive a complimentary cocktail and Coconut Cake Bites. DJ Lehash will be spinning the tracks so you can dance in Dubai while sipping on drinks and indulging in island-inspired food. Plus, it will include a shade-matching station where guests can explore the foundations and find their perfect match. 26 September from 8pm to midnight.
GO: Visit https://fentybeauty.com for more information.
Friday 27 September
Have dinner at a FACT award-winner
Jun's, the FACT award-winning dining destination in Downtown Dubai, is helmed by Chef Kelvin Cheung and known for its bold, globally-inspired dishes. The venue's new pre-theatre menu features starters such as Rainbow Heirloom Carrots, Salmon Carpaccio, Mapo Burrata, or Chilli Chicken. Choose between Tempura Veg and Garlic Noodles, Jalapeño Onion Wagyu Smash Burger with Fries, or Grilled Salmon for mains. Round off your meal with a choice of delightful desserts, including Mango Panna Cotta or Baked Alaska Tiramisu Mochi with Hot Chocolate Mocha. Available daily from 4pm to 7pm. AED 150 per person (two-course set menu).
GO: Call 04 457 6035 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 28 September
Experience a nostalgia-fuelled pool party
If you're looking to dance in Dubai this weekend, Bla Bla could just be the spot. Get ready to relive the 90s and 00s with the new Reboot 404 event at Bla Bla Dubai. The pool party offers a trip down memory lane with Bla Bla's resident DJs spinning the hottest hits from Y2K. Whether you're channelling Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake, revellers are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Think: bucket hats, tie-dye shirts, platform flip-flops, oversized sunglasses, and (if you're feeling brave) double denim. Available on Saturdays, from 10am until closing. AED 300 per person (fully redeemable on food and beverages).
GO: Visit www.blabladubai.ae for reservations and more information.
Sunday 29 September
Play Mario Kart IRL
If driving down Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road gets you frustrated, give Chaos Karts a spin. This real-life Mario Kart experience in Al Quoz uses state-of-the-art technology and augmented reality, which recreates a video game experience. Drivers ride around a projected track and battle it out to become the winner. Competitors gain points by collecting jewels or using power-ups ranging from a laser gun to a speed boost. New racetracks will transport players to extraordinary places, from the lively carnival of Venice to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo at midnight. Elsewhere, a fun-filled arcade zone called The Cube offers exhilarating games such as the Laser Maze, where you'll dodge beams in a web of lasers.
GO: Visit https://chaoskarts.ae for more information.
