The best things to do in the UAE this week: 28 November to 4 December
For adventures across the emirates, FACT have you covered.
As we venture into the final week of November, these dining and spa experiences will help ease you into the upcoming festive season. Read on for our picks of the week.
Monday 28 November
Experience a date night with a difference
Located on Bluewaters Dubai, SHI offers the perfect date night solution with a set menu and grape paring for two. The four-course menu features an array of authentic Chinese dishes, including sea salt or spicy edamame, a selection of dim sum, wok-fried Mongolian beef and lobster, and SHI’s popular chocolate forest for dessert. Paired with grapes and views of Ain Dubai and the JBR skyline, SHI is a contender for one of the most romantic dining destinations in Dubai. Available daily from 6pm. AED 900 per couple (four-course set menu with grape pairing)
GO: Email reservations@shirestaurant.com or call 04 393 9990 for reservations and more information.


Tuesday 29 November
Visit a new Nikkei rooftop
Residing on the 27th floor of the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills, the newly opened Issei serves up colourful dishes complemented by majestic views of the golfing greens. With chefs flying in from Peru to lead the kitchen in Dubai, diners can experience an authentic confluence of flavour combinations on the menu with yakitori skewers, crispy octopus with a roccoto-chilli sauce and yuca fries. Apart from an excellently curated menu of signature Nikkei dishes, guests should not miss the equally inventive cocktails. Open daily from 5pm to midnight (closed on Mondays)
GO: Call 04 879 1111 for reservations and more information.


Wednesday 30 November
Savour sunset sessions
Paris-born, celebrity-loved restaurant, bar and lounge, Barfly by Buddha-Bar, have launched Sunset Sessions. This post-work happy hour offers a 30% discount on the à la carte menu and a special cocktail selection. Indulge in kumquat mojitos, Barfly crab salad, lobster gyoza, wagyu beef robata, maki rolls and more. Available daily from 5pm and 7pm.
GO: Visit https://barflydubai.ae or call 04 230 0000 for reservations and more information.


Thursday 1 December
Delight in an exquisite afternoon tea
With its mezzanine seating and outdoor terrace, Majlis at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort is the ideal spot for afternoon tea overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Elegantly served in a tiered jewellery box, each compartment reveals shareable treasures with the choice of either Arabian flavours or classic Western delicacies. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm. AED 195 per person (Western afternoon tea), AED 318 per couple (Arabic sweet afternoon tea) and AED 338 per couple (Arabic savoury afternoon tea).
GO: Email jsirestaurants@jumeirah.com or call 02 811 4342 for reservations and more information.


Friday 2 December
Enjoy a desert island brunch
The FACT Award-winning Nasma Beachfront Bar at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas hosts an exciting Latin American beachfront brunch on Friday evenings. Expect relaxed Latino vibes, curated cocktails and a buffet of ceviche, tacos and churrascaria. Fridays, from 8pm to 11pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 475 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 697 0000 for reservations and more information.


Saturday 3 December
Hit the spa
Discover a relaxing haven at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, where Lum’a Spa offers an experience designed to restore energy and uncover radiance. Blending expertise and top-quality products, guests can expect a seamless spa experience with a bespoke menu featuring invigorating body scrubs, luxurious body polishes, reflexology, anti-ageing facials and massages. Guests can book a consultation session with a wellness expert for a program tailored to their needs. Stretching across an entire floor, the wellness facilities include 11 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, an ice fountain and sensory experience showers.
GO: Call 02 510 1215 for reservations and more information.


Sunday 4 December
Combine cars with cookies
Flat12 in Dubai Maritime City have launched Cars & Cookies, a weekly event that’s perfect for car enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out. The event will be held at the back of the restaurant, showcasing up to 300 cars, from classic models to modern hypercars. The restaurant will be serving Breakfast Buns MK1 and Breakfast Burritos, whilst cookies will also be freshly baked and available to all guests attending the event. Sundays, from 8am to 12pm.
GO Call 04 228 7123 for reservations and more information.

