Here’s where to celebrate Chinese New Year in the UAE

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit on Sunday, 22 January.

In Chinese culture, the Year of the Rabbit symbolises longevity, peace, and prosperity, whilst those born in a Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious. With that in mind, these are the best places to celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates. 

BA – Boldly Asian

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with a culinary experience inspired by the streets of China at BA – Boldly Asian. Tuck into a three-course family-style menu featuring Spicy Wontons, Wok Fried Noodles, Steamed Seabass and Black Pepper Beef. Available Friday, 20 January and Saturday, 21 January, from 6pm to 11pm. AED 250 AED per person.

GO: Email palmdubai@fairmont.com or call 04 457 3388 for reservations and more information.

Dai Pai Dong

Celebrate Chinese New Year amidst an authentic Cantonese setting with a special celebration curated by Chef Dong at the FACT Award-winning Dai Pai Dong. Designed to be shared and savoured with friends and loved ones, the eight-course Chinese New Year family-style set menu takes guests on a journey through China’s most enrapturing spices, flavours and ingredients. Available from Monday, 23 January, to Saturday, 4 February. AED 298 per person.

GO: Email abudhabi.daipaidong@rosewoodhotels.com or call 02 813 5588 for reservations and more information.

Demon Duck

Demon Duck at Caesars Palace Dubai is offering a special tasting menu to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Celebrity chef Alvin Leung will put a creative twist on Asian classics, such as Laksa Wagyu Beef Tartare, Spicy Scallop Siu Mai, Duck Breast A L’Orange, and the restaurant’s signature Slow Roasted Demon Duck. To add to the celebrations, guests ordering the signature Demon Duck will be gifted gold envelopes that offer a variety of complimentary chef selections on their next visit. Available Friday 20 to Sunday 22 January. AED 520 per person.

GO: Visit www.caesars.com or call 04 556 6666 for reservations or more information.

Hakkasan Dubai

The FACT Award-winning Hakkasan offers a special edition set menu to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Diners can enjoy a selection of eight dishes believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit. The menu includes an octopus salad, dim sum, cherrywood smoked roasted duck, steamed John Dory, stir-fried Wagyu beef, Cornish handpicked crab and beetroot fragrant rice, and a dessert called “The Lucky Rabbit.” Available Tuesday, 21 January to Sunday, 5 February. AED 598.

GO: Call 04 426 2626 for reservations and more information.

Hutong

Hop into the Year of the Rabbit at the Northern Chinese restaurant Hutong. The menu showcases a wide range of dishes, including dim sum, seafood and the restaurant’s signature dish Peking Duck, expertly prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven. For Chinese New Year, Hutong will introduce a Festive Dim Sum Platter (AED 198), Lobster Lao Hei (AED 398), Crispy Chili Lobster with Rice Crackers (AED 428) and a special cocktail named “HePing” (meaning “peace” in Mandarin). Guests can also enjoy dragon dances during their visit. Available Friday 20 to Monday 23 January. 

GO: Visit www.hutong-dubai.com for reservations and more information.

Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with a Chinese New Year Evening Brunch at Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island. Guests can enjoy a five-course set menu featuring sushi rolls, Beijing duck, Hangzhou sea bass and a special beef bao bun with 12-hour braised wagyu beef. The evening will also feature live Chinese dance performances and stunning beach views from the terrace. Saturday 21 January, from 7pm to 10pm. AED 199 (soft beverages) and AED 299 (house beverages).

GO: Visit www.karmakaferak.com for reservations and more information.

Lao

Lao at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is hosting a weekend of celebrations for the Lunar New Year. The celebration includes a four-course menu of Southeast Asian cuisine featuring Guangdong Stuffed Youtiao, Pelmeni Chicken Dumpling, Guay Tiaw Ped (noodle soup with grilled duck breast), salmon wrapped in lotus and Sum-Sum Klepon with Lapis priced at AED 299 per person and AED499 with wine pairing. On Saturday, 21 January, guests can enjoy a traditional lion dance from 6pm to 6:30pm. Available Friday, 20 to Sunday, 22 January. 

GO: Call 04 818 2222 for reservations and more information.

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha

All-day dining outlet 365 at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha is offering a special Lunar New Year dinner to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration promises a festive atmosphere, with tempting drinks and delicious Chinese dishes such as Cha Siu Kebab, Prawns with Cashews, and Moon Cake. Saturday 21 January, from 7pm to 11:30pm.

GO: Call 056 999 4822 for reservations and more information.

Shanghai Me

Shanghai Me is celebrating the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year with exquisite cuisine and mesmerising entertainment. Throughout the celebrations, guests can indulge in a specially curated menu that perfectly blends tradition and symbolism with culinary excellence. Highlights include Lobster & Enoki Mushroom Soup, Steamed Rabbit Prawn Dumplings, Chinese Style Salmon Sashimi, Crispy Chilli Beef, Whole Lobster, and Fried Roast Duck. The meal will be completed with a traditional delicacy of Roasted Pineapple Cake, designed to ignite sweet beginnings and an abundance of joy ahead. Available Thursday 19 to Tuesday 31 January.

GO: Call 04 564 0505 for reservations and more information.

SHI

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, SHI on Bluewaters Island will offer a limited-edition menu for lunch and dinner. The menu features an assortment of Dim Sum, followed by a sushi platter, and a selection of main courses such as Kung-fu Angus Beef, Spicy Crispy Chilean Seabass, and Braised Abalone with yam. The meal concludes with a delicious dessert, and all guests will receive a fortune cookie and a special surprise gift box. Available from From Friday, 20 January to Friday, 27 January. AED 550 per person.

GO: Email reservations@shirestaurant.com or call 04 393 9990 for reservations and more information.

Teatro Abu Dhabi

The FACT Award-winning Teatro at Park Rotana in Abu Dhabi invites guests to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special a la carte menu. The restaurant’s master chefs have created traditional Chinese dishes such as Dumpling Baskets, Pan-seared King Prawns, and Roast Herbed Spring Chicken. Dessert options include the traditional Sesame Seed Ball with purple yam filling, ice cream, lychee, and fresh mango. Guests who order the three-course dinner set menu will receive a complimentary beverage pairing, including wine and Chinese cocktails. Available Saturday 21 to Friday 27 January.

GO: Visit rotanatimes.com/parkrotana or call 02 657 3317 for reservations and more information.