31 fantastic things to do in the UAE this March
Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
From Ramadan dining to concerts and sporting events – we have something exciting for you every day this month.
Wednesday 1 March
Celebrate Sakura season
To welcome the spring season, Dubai-born Japanese bakery Yamanote Atelier have introduced a selection of fragrant Sakura treats that include baked goods and pastries such as the Sakura Cherry Tart, Sakura Mac, Sakura Cone, Sakura Danish and beverages like Sakura Lychee Fizz, Sakura Latte, & Blossom Milkshake. Available daily until 20 March at all Yamanote Atelier outlets across the UAE.
GO: Visit https://order.radyes.co/yamanote_atelier for more orders and more information.
Thursday 2 March
Enjoy a zero-waste meal
Torno Subito goes green this March with its first zero-waste menu. Featuring creative spins on Chef Massimo Bottura’s Italian favourites, the fully sustainable five-course menu is made of upcycled and local ingredients. Torno Subito’s chef Alessio Pirozzi will present an innovative menu featuring Pappa Al Pomodoro, Zuppa Fredda, Pasta Mista and Tutto meatballs. Guests can cap off the evening with the sweet Il Pane è Oro, made from the remaining bread from the evening, sweetened with coffee, milk and sugar. Thursday 2 March, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 350 per person.
GO: Email wpalmdining@whotelsworldwide.com or call 04 245 5800 for reservations and more information.
Friday 3 March
Experience a four-hands dinner
Let Sofitel Dubai The Palm spice up your week with a four-hands dinner to showcase Latin American cuisine. Jacob Nava Villarreal, chef de cuisine at Moana Seafood Restaurant, will team up with Manoella Buffara, recently named Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022. Feast on a six or nine-course menu featuring Kobe wagyu nigiri teriyaki. Available from 28 February to 4 March, from 6:30pm. AED 399 per person (six courses) and AED 599 per person (nine courses).
GO: Visit www.sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com or call 04 455 6677 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 4 March
Party with Black Coffee
DJ, record producer and songwriter Black Coffee will take to the WHITE Beach stage for an evening of “Afropolitan house” music. With multiple awards under his belt, including his recent Grammy win for Best Dance Album, the celebrated DJ will bring his tough deep house style and infectious DJ sets to the beachfront at Atlantis The Palm. Saturday 4 March, from 6pm to late. Tickets from AED 200.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sunday 5 March
Rave at Ultra Abu Dhabi
Ultra Abu Dhabi takes over the capital with performances from Afrojack, Calvin Harris and Skrillex. Ultra Abu Dhabi was initially scheduled to take place in 2020. After a long wait, it is finally making its Middle East debut. Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March. AED 315 (one-day ticket) and AED 420 (two-day ticket).
GO: Visit https://ultraabudhabi.com for more information.
Monday 6 March
Start the week with steak frites
Couqley French Brasserie at Pullman Downtown invites customers to live like a true Francophile with their Steak Frites Mondays. Indulge in a premium cut of steak served with fries, salad and a sharing dessert. Elevate your Mondays with a touch of Parisian sophistication whilst enjoying the view of Dubai’s skyline from the al fresco terrace. Mondays from 12pm to 11:30pm. AED 349 for two people.
GO: Call 04 514 9339 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 7 March
Immerse yourself in a world of self-reflection
UK-raised self-taught Zimbabwean artist Charmaine Chanakira will launch “Who Else is Here?” as part of the Alserkal Lates at Mestaria Gallery. With a pop-art-inspired style, Charmaine’s work fosters a conversation on the intricacies of the human mind and showcases art’s capacity to inspire and promote healing. Colours, drawings and doodles come alive in a stunning fusion of neo-expressionism and spirituality, offering a glimpse into the artist’s deepest thoughts and feelings. Available daily until 21 March, from 10am to 7pm.
GO: Visit https://mestaria.art for more information.
Wednesday 8 March
Enjoy an Off The Wall ladies’ night
Dress to impress every Wednesday at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown’s urban cocktail bar. The venue pays homage to the bright lights and bustling streets of Dubai’s Satwa neighbourhood whilst the mixologists are ready to serve imaginative beverages. On ladies’ night, you can enjoy two complimentary beverages when spending AED 60 on food or three house beverages and unlimited oysters for AED 159. Wednesdays, from 9pm.
GO: Visit www.hotelindigodubai.com or call 04 210 2222 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 9 March
Experience BOCA’s Kitchen Takeover
The FACT Award-winning wine bar has announced that it will welcome seven chefs in seven weeks for an all-female kitchen takeover. This week it’s the turn of Dubai-based chef Penelope Diaz who is behind Fusion Ceviche in JLT. The five-course Peruvian menu features fresh and authentic ingredients from her homeland in dishes such as classic ceviche, pulpo anticuchero and Peruvian passion fruit cheesecake. Available from Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 March, from 7:30pm. AED 545 per person (four courses including Estrella Damm, GinRaw, Lyre’s cocktails and S.Pellegrino).
GO: Visit https://boca.ae for more information.
Friday 10 March
Participate in a drama class
If you’re an artist with a penchant for creativity, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the filmmaker and stage performer Nicolas Naim Zaboura. Join his Tipsy Improv Acting Class at Melrose Bar and Lounge at Paramount Hotel Midtown, where you can enjoy free-flowing drinks and some bar bites while honing your acting skills. This evening promises to be a delightful mix of comedy, music and laughter as you learn the basics of acting in a relaxed environment. Fridays, from 8pm to 11pm. AED 275 per person.
GO: Email fbadmin.midtown@paramounthotelsdubai.com or call 058 826 5729 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 11 March
Party with Travis Scott
Wireless Festival will make its inaugural bow in the Middle East with an exciting lineup of local and international talent. Expect performances from Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, M.I.A., Wegz, Raja Kumari, Black Sherif, Ali Gatie, $kinny, K-Trap, King, Divine, Dizzytooskinny, Dafencii, Casa Vince and Young Stunners across two stages. There will also be plenty of food and beverage options and several big-name brand activations. Saturday 11 March. AED 295 (General Admission) and AED 795 (Golden Circle).
GO: Visit www.wirelessfestival.me for more information.
Sunday 12 March
Tuck into a weekend roast
Zabeel Social at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah is the ideal destination for those seeking a homemade roast dinner. Tuck into Australian leg of lamb with mint sauce or a beetroot and butternut squash Wellingtondish with spinach, aubergine, red pepper and onion. Traditional accompaniments will also be served alongside refreshing beverages. Saturdays and Sundays, from 4pm to 11pm. AED 230 per person.
GO: Email jzsreservations@jumeirah.com or call 04 453 0444 for reservations and more information.
Monday 13 March
Visit a library with a difference
A new chapter will begin at Library Bar inside The Abu Dhabi EDITION with the introduction of Negroni Sessions. Sip and savour incredible mixes of the famous Florentine drink including The Seaside Negroni, The Boulevardier and the Tropical Sbagliato Blanco, while soaking up chilled vibes within a venue inspired by literary greats. Available Monday to Thursday from 5pm Price from AED 60 or two Negronis for AED 100.
GO: Email restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com or call 02 208 0000 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 14 March
Meat Me at the Grill
Palm Avenue, situated in the centre of Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s graceful premises, is a poolside haven that provides a sophisticated setting for diners to enjoy Californian-inspired cuisine during the day. The venue’s new “Meat the Grill” event encourages guests to spend an evening on the beach enjoying prime cuts and seafood barbecues backed by live entertainment. Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 7pm to 10:30pm. AED 315 per person (soft beverages) and AED 495 (house beverages).
GO: Email dxbpd.fbreservation@waldorfastoria.com or call 04 818 2222 for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 15 March
Get your groove on at Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain
Penelope’s at Yas Marina pays homage to the golden age of Jazz whilst paying tribute to the French Riviera’s history of festivities through food and music. Jazz trio Gaston Joya, Rodney Barreto and Samuel Gasparyan are now headlining Penelope’s exciting musical offering. With Havana beats as their influence, Grammy Award-winning bassist Gaston and drummer Rodney set the show’s tempo whilst pianist Samuel delivers ringing chords and a confident blues stride. Head to the venue on Wednesdays to see them play with restauranteur Layla Kardan.
GO: Visit www.penelopes.ae or call 052 221 0097 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 16 March
Enjoy a sensory dinner
Roberto’s and Italian fragrance house Maison Acqua di Parma have joined forces to create an unforgettable culinary adventure. For one night only, Roberto’s will be transformed into a celebration of the Italian lifestyle as Acqua di Parma takes over the venue, providing guests an exquisite blend of Italian cuisine and fragrance. The three-course menu blends Acqua di Parma’s signature fragrance with Italian cuisine in dishes such as risotto carnaroli al lemongrass, ricciola, salsa allo zafferano, barba di frate and zuppetta di ciliege e rabarbaro, rosa. Thursday 16 March. AED 500 per person.
GO: Call 04 386 0066 for reservations and more information.
Friday 17 March
Visit The Jazz Garden
On Friday nights, a new live music event takes over Phileas Fogg at Montgomerie Golf Club. Showcasing Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz and Hard Bop, revellers can expect weekly performances from Chinua Hawk, Tracey Preston and DJ Max. Fridays, from 8pm to 3am. AED 95 per person (general admission), AED 125 per person (table for four) and AED 150 per person (lounge table for ten).
GO: Visit https://feverup.com for tickets and more information.
Saturday 18 March
Witness Demi Lovato’s Dubai debut
American singer Demi Lovato will perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this month. We’re hoping she sings her hit songs including Heart Attack, Skyscraper, Sorry Not Sorry and Tell Me You Love Me. This is your chance to catch her high-energy shows and impressive vocal range – it spans four octaves, no less. Saturday 18 March, AED 195 (bronze), AED 275 (silver tickets), AED 299 (standing tickets), AED 399 (gold tickets), and AED 499 (golden circle tickets).
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for tickets and more information.
Sunday 19 March
Make a splash with a Latin American pool day
Embrace the UAE’s cooler climate at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The family-friendly Yas Island hotel have launched the ultimate Sunday offering, allowing guests to chill poolside and vibe out to live music whilst enjoying food and drinks at Capila – Pool Bar & Grill. Make a splash, bask in the winter sun and enjoy Latin American dishes such as anticuchos prepared at the live BBQ station. Sundays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 210 (soft beverages) and AED 295 (house beverages).
GO: Email dineatcapila@hilton.com or call 02 208 6900 for reservations and more information.
Monday 20 March
Enjoy a waterfront business lunch
Em Sherif Sea Café in Abu Dhabi offers a new Business Lunch menu for those looking for a break from their workday. The Lebanese-inspired meal begins with either fattoush or tabbouleh salad, paired with Lebanese mezze and dishes such as siyyadiyeh, shawarma samak and marinated baby chicken. A chef’s special dessert is also included to end the lunch on a sweet note. Available daily from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. AED 160 (one mezze or salad, one main course and soft serve) or AED 190 one mezze, one salad, one main course and soft serve).
GO: Email info@emsherif-seacafe.com or call 056 880 5333 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 21 March
Celebrate Nowruz
Celebrate the arrival of spring and the first day of the Persian calendar at Palazzo Versace Dubai. To commemorate this occasion, the hotel has curated a selection of dishes to showcase Persian flavours, complemented by a live performance from Iranian pop-sensations, Ahllam and Sasy. Palazzo Versace Dubai’s central pool will be transformed into a concert stage for the evening, modelled after the Allahverdi Khan Bridge, the largest of Persia’s historic bridges. Tuesday 21 March, from 7:30pm to 11pm. Packages range from AED 500 per person to AED 35,000 for a table of ten.
GO: Email enigma@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8830 for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 22 March
Head to Iris for sushi and live music
Wednesday nights will see Tracey Preston serenading guests at the Median venue whilst they enjoy unlimited sushi. Preston has gained a reputation as a vocal powerhouse, having toured with Vivian Green, Jessica Reedy and Joshua Rodgers. Guests can indulge in an unlimited selection of salads, edamame, sashimi, nigiri, and Iris’ signature Uramaki rolls such as the ‘Spicy Tuna’ and ‘Iris Special’. Wednesdays, from 8pm to 11pm. AED 290 (sushi and wine) and AED 380 (sushi, house spirits and wine).
GO: Call 056 951 1442 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 23 March
Indulge in a Ramadan afternoon tea
Spend your Ramadan afternoons at leisure with an Arabic-inspired afternoon tea selection at Address Fountain Views. Beyond the classic scones and jams, this venue offers a tempting range of traditional sweet and savoury treats to satisfy your cravings, perfectly paired with tea or coffee.
GO: Email dineatfountainviews@addresshotels.com or call 04 245 8888 for reservations and more information.
Friday 24 March
Experience Iftar beneath the Burj
Armani/Pavilion is the setting for a contemporary Ramadan experience beneath the Burj Khalifa. Break your fast al fresco with a cross-cultural culinary celebration of seasonal favourites and signature flavours from across Armani Hotel Dubai’s selection of restaurants. Available daily, from sunset to 9pm. AED 365 for adults and AED 185 for children.
GO: Email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com or call 04 888 3601 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 25 March
Visit an immersive entertainment park
If you thought Avatar was impressive, get ready to be wowed by a new digital experience. Aya, an immersive, experiential entertainment park in Wafi Mall, combines art with state-of-the-art technology. It features 12 zones spread across 40,000 square feet. Experiences include observatories packed with a million stars, gardens of blooming light, and a river of colour that generates storms and pools. AED 99 per person.
GO: Visit www.aya-universe.com for more information.
Sunday 26 March
Be inspired at the Abrahamic Family House
While Abu Dhabi has no shortage of new and exciting megaprojects, few feel as revolutionary as the Abrahamic Family House. Reflecting the country’s diversity and rooted in its values of bringing different cultures together, the centre is dedicated to the practice of faith, encompassing a mosque, a church and a synagogue. The three houses of worship are not only of equal stature but also respect the architectural codes and individualism of the faith they represent. Each takes the form of a cube that is 30 metres deep, 30 metres wide, and 30 metres tall. A fourth space – not affiliated with any specific religion – is an educational centre devoted to mutual understanding and peace.
GO: Visit www.forhumanfraternity.org for more information.
Monday 27 March
Head inside Burj Al Arab
UMA Bar & Lounge, situated on the deck of the renowned Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, offers a range of ultra-stylish outdoor seating areas, such as beautiful cabanas, a spacious sunset lounge and cocktail tables, all of which offer uninterrupted sea views. Guests can take their UMA experience up a notch by selecting from several Inside Burj Al Arab premium luxury tours. Inside Burj Al Arab is not your typical tourist experience. It offers exclusive tours and a stunning view of the all-suite hotel known for its boundary-pushing architecture, innovative design, and opulent interiors. Available daily. AED 629 per person (90-minute Inside Burj Al Arab tour and a two-course meal from the UMA Bar & Lounge à la carte menu)
GO: Visit https://insideburjalarab.com for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 28 March
Check out MENA’s biggest cinema screen
Meet Roxy Xtreme, the biggest screen in the MENA region. Measuring 28 metres by 15.1 metres, and spanning 423 square metres, its screen is a whopping 60 percent bigger than a tennis court. Combine that with state-of-the-art laser projection, DOLBY ATMOS surround sound technology and absurdly comfortable seats, and you’re looking at every cinephile’s dream destination. Oh, and standing in queue for candy and popcorn isn’t a prerequisite – waiters are also on hand with a range of food and beverage services.
GO: Visit www.theroxycinemas.com for more information.
Wednesday 29 March
Enjoy an unforgettable performance at La Perle
La Perle is an immersive live performance and the first permanent show in the region. Located in Al Habtoor City, the show takes place in a unique purpose-built aqua theatre that holds 2.7 million litres of water. Get set for an evening packed with inspiring stunts, stunning artistic displays, special effects and dazzling imagery.
GO: Visit www.laperle.com for more information.
Thursday 30 March
Celebrate Ramadan at Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai’s Hai Ramadan runs for 50 days and kicks off on the weekend before Haq Al Laila. As for the name, Hai means ‘neighbourhood’ and ‘welcome’ in Arabic, which highlights how everyone is welcome. At the heart of the family-friendly festival is food. If you’re looking for somewhere to break your fast or for Suhoor, then put this on your radar. The festival showcases regional and international cuisine, from street food to sharing concepts. Plus, a night market sells gifts ranging from perfumes to tailormade clothes. On-site, a dedicated mosque will host prayers, including Isha, Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. After the Taraweeh prayer, listen to storytellers share tales on adventure, culture, religion and morality.
GO: Visit www.expocitydubai.com for more information.
Friday 31 March
Take the kids to Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi
Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi focuses on indigenous marine life in the Gulf and includes facilities to support regional as well as global conservation. Spanning 8,602 square metres, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi includes state-of-the-art equipment. The site is home to three dry laboratories and a wet laboratory; a veterinary hospital for triage of animals in critical conditions; rescue vehicles, which include two custom-made rescue boats; and 25 rescue pools, which include two pools with lifting floors. Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi is open to the public, but visits are by appointment or invite only.
GO: Visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com for more information.
