Brand-new brunches, destination dining, and a visit to a winter wonderland are just some of the fun things you can do in the UAE this weekend.
It’s almost Christmas, which means we have plenty of festive inspiration for you. So start planning your weekend of destination dining, nightlife and entertainment across Dubai and Abu Dhabi – you can thank us later.
Friday 15 December
Savour superb sushi
Since opening at The Dubai EDITION earlier this year, Sumosan has made a mark on the Dubai dining scene. The Japanese juggernaut is enticing diners with its new bento box lunch offer. Guests can start with a mixed baby leaf salad or the Albemarle Roll, followed by main course options of 24-hour miso-marinated black cod, grilled boneless chicken thighs with yakitori sauce, or Black Angus fillet with yakiniku sauce. The meal ends with a matcha brownie with chocolate ice cream or the deconstructed miso cheesecake with green tea ice cream. Available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 3pm. AED 140 per person.
GO: Visit www.sumosan.com for reservations and more information.
Immerse yourself in the world of Wonka
With the eagerly awaited Wonka movie set to make its regional debut on 14 December, Warner Bros. has unveiled a captivating activation in Expo City in Dubai. Coinciding with the inaugural week of the Winter City festivities, attendees who secure tickets to the winter wonderland are invited to partake in the whimsically crafted Wonka-themed installation. Here, they can relish complimentary hot chocolate served in exclusive Wonka-branded cups. For evening visitors, a magical projection show on Al Wasl Plaza awaits.
GO: Visit www.expocitydubai.com for more information.
Try a new night brunch
Envision a setting featuring live barbecues, contemporary Middle Eastern flavours, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa at Cabana, located in Address Dubai Mall. Embark on a night of enchantment, where a live DJ, tabla player, and belly dancer contribute to the lively ambience. Guests can also relish flavourful shisha options and choose between an elegant indoor setting or an al fresco destination dining experience. Fridays, from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 210 (soft beverages), AED 310 (house beverages) and AED 410 (premium bubbly).
GO: Email dineatdubaimall@addresshotels.com or call 04 438 8666 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 16 December
Shop the Carolina Herrera Beauty Christmas collection
Celebrate the festive season in style with Carolina Herrera Beauty’s Holiday Podium at Dubai Mall, featuring a magnificent 10-meter Christmas Tree as its centrepiece. Step into the enchanting world of Carolina Herrera Beauty and explore a diverse selection of the brand’s fragrances while the makeup collection showcases show-stopping lip, eye, and face products that effortlessly transition from day to night. Available daily until 28 December, with ornament painting workshops on 20 and 21 December.
GO: Visit www.carolinaherrera.com for more information.
Dine at a FACT Award winning restaurant
Winner of ‘Favourite North American and Caribbean restaurant’ at the recent FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2023, Tamoka beckons guests to immerse themselves in an unforgettable exploration of the vibrant Caribbean culture. Celebrated for its spirited homage to the Antillean islands, Tamoka invites diners to enjoy the beachfront dining destination through its new “Wine & Dine Lunch. The menu includes a starter, a main course and free-flowing rosé wine. Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. AED 395 per person.
GO: Email reservations@tamokadubai.com for reservations and more information.
See Gunna live in Dubai
Now in its fourth edition, American rapper Gunna will be headlining AFROWORLD at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Gunna, real name Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, was born in Georgia, United States. In 2018, he rose to fame with his mixtape Drip Season 3 and Drip Harder. In 2019, he released his debut album Drip or Drown 2. His songs include Drip Too Hard with Lil Baby, Lemonade with Nav and Power with Drake. Over his career, he has also been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
GO: Visit coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Sunday 17 December
Experience an unexpected collab
Moe’s on the 5th and PLAYA Beach Dubai collaborate to present the exclusive event: Moe’s on PLAYA. Brace yourself for an extraordinary experience as the renowned duo, Parallelle, showcase their mastery of multiple instruments with the Palm Jumeirah sunset as a backdrop.Parallelle gained international acclaim for performing at festivals and clubs worldwide, including DGTL, Robot Heart, and The Gardens of Babylon. Sunday 17 December, from 4pm.
GO: Call 04 333 3055 for reservations and more information.
Tuck into Torno Subito’s truffle menu
Torno Subito, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant at W Dubai – The Palm, has introduced a new truffle-inspired menu. Under the guidance of renowned chef and restaurateur Massimo Bottura, the menu encapsulates the essence of Italian gastronomy. Dishes include Parmigiano Reggiano sauce with aromatic herbs and the Agnolloto Del Plin, a raviolo pasta filled with veal shank accompanied by veal jus reduction. This is followed by the Baccala’e Zucca with seared cod fish, pumpkin in two ways, and champagne sauce, and the Filetto Rossini showcasing roasted beef tenderloin, spinach, potato rosti, beef sauce, and foie gras reduction. The culinary journey concludes with the Montebianco, a dessert featuring chestnut mousse, meringue, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream. Available daily, from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 895 per person.
GO: Email wpalmdining@whotelsworldwide.com or call 04 245 5800 for reservations and more information.
Be entranced by The Nutcracker
You have probably watched The Nutcracker plenty of times and now’s your chance again. The Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan invites you to relive the magic at the Dubai Opera. So snag your tickets now and follow the journey of Clara as her nutcracker comes alive this Christmas. Available from 15 to 17 December. Tickets from AED 300 per person.
GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.
