Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on 7 January.
Orthodox Christmas is a holiday celebrated by approximately 260 million people worldwide, including Eastern European countries with majority Orthodox populations, such as Greece, and communities in Ethiopia and Egypt. Food plays a central role in Orthodox Christmas celebrations, and the specific traditions vary by region. Coptic Christians in Egypt break their fast with fattah, a dish of bread, rice, and meat, while Ethiopian Orthodox Christians eat wat, a stew often containing chicken and 12 eggs. Here is where you can enjoy Orthodox Christmas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this year.
Dubai
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
An elegant celebration of Orthodox Christmas, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Eastern Europe, arrives at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The menu blends authentic flavours with contemporary flair, served in a vibrant brasserie setting that suits both family gatherings and catch-ups with friends. Available on Sunday, 4 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 455.
GO: Email restaurants.dubaijb@fourseasons.com for more reservations.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas at The Bay with a Slavic feast by the shore. Begin with Herring Under a Fur Coat, a cheese selection and a seafood buffet of lobster, langoustines, crab and oysters. For mains, enjoy Beef Stroganoff, homemade pelmeni, kulebyaka and traditional cutlets, followed by a decadent dessert spread. Expect live music and an appearance by Ded Moroz and Snegurochka for children. Available on 7 January from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 480 (soft beverages), AED 650 (house beverages) or AED 950 (premium beverages).
GO: Call 04 777 2222 for more information.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Levantera offers a delicious spread of culinary classics for those celebrating Orthodox Christmas in Dubai. Enjoy a premium buffet inspired by Eastern European holiday classics, featuring Whole Baked Salmon, Smoked Duck, Beef Stroganoff, Olivier Salad, homemade Pierogi, and festive desserts. Dine indoors or al fresco with family and friends, and look out for a special visit from Santa. Available on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm or 6pm to 10:30pm. AED 295 per adult and AED 125 for children aged six to 11 years.
GO: Call 04 666 1430 for more information.
Nammos Dubai
This Orthodox Christmas, Nammos Dubai sets the scene for a sun-kissed celebration by the sea. The restaurant will serve an Orthodox Christmas set menu for both lunch and dinner, alongside its signature à la carte selection. The menu opens with Beetroot Carpaccio, Ebi & Unagi Maki, and Feta Saganaki. The main event is Lamb Orzo, a comfort-led centrepiece featuring slow-cooked lamb, tender orzo, and feta. To close, Vasilopita me Milo offers a modern take on the traditional cake for a symbolic finale. Adding to the atmosphere, a live Russian singer and vibrant music will carry the celebration from day into evening. Available on 7 January. AED 750 per person
GO: Call 058 121 0000 for more information.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Mark Orthodox Christmas with a buffet that celebrates cherished recipes. Candlelight and attentive service set the scene for Russian classics prepared with care, from rich borscht and Olivier salad to delicate pelmeni and festive fish dishes. It is a tribute to heritage and togetherness, delivered with the hospitality of One&Only Royal Mirage. Available on Wednesday, 7 January from 6:30pm to 11pm. Prices from AED 240 per person.
GO: Call 04 315 2414 for more information.
Ossiano
This Orthodox Christmas, Ossiano invites guests to experience its one-Michelin-star magic beneath the waves. Set within Atlantis, The Palm, the destination dining room is framed by the mesmerising Ambassador Lagoon, where marine life drifts past floor-to-ceiling windows as the evening unfolds. Diners can enjoy a special tasting menu created to reflect the calm, celebratory spirit of the season, delivered with Ossiano’s signature sense of theatre and refinement. Available on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, from 6pm to 11pm. AED 1,500 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Giardino will be given a festive twist for Orthodox Christmas, with live cooking stations featuring classic roasts, Indian favourites and Southeast Asian specials, plus a Kids’ Corner with pastas, sliders and sweet treats. Entertainment includes a resident DJ and a visit from Santa. Available on Wednesday, 7 January from 6:30pm to 11pm. AED 275 (food only) or AED 315 (food and soft beverages)
GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for more information.
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Le Jardin marks Orthodox Christmas with a brunch that blends tradition and indulgence. Expect a selection of festive dishes alongside international favourites, from carving stations and seafood to seasonal salads and classic sweets. Live entertainment lifts the mood, creating an elegant setting for families and friends to gather and celebrate. Available on Wednesday, 7 January from 1pm to 4pm. Packages start from AED 395 with soft beverages.
GO: Visit www.raffles.com for more information.
Saffron
Saffron at Atlantis, The Palm is turning Orthodox Christmas into a high-energy celebration, pairing big flavours with festive entertainment for the whole family. The evening spotlights a seafood-forward menu filled with traditional favourites. Expect Salmon Gravlax and the classic Salmon Coulibiac, a golden pastry packed with salmon, rice and herbs, followed by sweet finales like Russian zapekanka cheesecake. The party mood continues with a Russian DJ soundtracking the night, while younger guests will love a special visit from Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Slavic Father Frost and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden), bringing festive cheer and gifts. Available from Tuesday 6 January to Wednesday 7 January 2026, from 6pm to 10.30pm. AED 295 per person (soft beverages).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Signor Sassi
In celebration of Orthodox Christmas, Signor Sassi Dubai welcomes back Alessandro Ristori and his legendary band, The Portofino, for a one-night-only performance. Whether you are sipping a signature cocktail or sharing a special pasta created for the night, expect an evening that captures everything Signor Sassi is known for: passion, charm and timeless Italian style. Available on Wednesday, 7 January, from 9pm. A minimum spend of AED 2,000 per person is required.
GO: Call 04 278 4848 for more information.
Abu Dhabi
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas with a warm and welcoming dinner at Urban Kitchen. The culinary team presents a festive spread that celebrates tradition while offering international favourites, from hearty mains to sweet finishes. The menu is crafted for gathering, gratitude and good cheer, making it an ideal occasion for those observing the January festivities in Abu Dhabi. Available on 7 January from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 245 (soft beverages) and AED 405 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 698 8137 for more information.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
The season’s magic continues with an Orthodox Christmas Day Brunch at Turquoise. Celebrate with an outdoor spread of regional favourites, premium grills, hearty salads and festive desserts, accompanied by live entertainment that keeps spirits high. Children enjoy fun activities nearby, making it easy to celebrate as a family in the winter sun. Available on Wednesday, 7 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 895 per person.
GO: Call 02 492 2222 for more information.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Mark Orthodox Christmas with a four-course seaside lunch. The menu opens with starters, including Nordic crab salad and pan-fried dumplings, before a star main course of Patagonian toothfish. A classic honey cake brings the meal to a sweet conclusion. Views of the Arabian Gulf and the restaurant’s chic coastal setting make this a relaxed way to celebrate. Available on Wednesday, 7 January from 1pm to 4pm.AED 400 (soft beverages), AED (house beverages) or AED 850 (champagne).
GO: Call 02 694 4553 for more information.
