Your UAE Weekend Guide: 20 to 22 January

The best parties, brunches and dining deals this weekend.

The third weekend of 2023 is a big one, but for those not attending the invite-only Beyonce concert at Atlantis, The Royal, there is still plenty to keep you occupied across Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend.

Friday 20 January 2023

Party with Akon

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Akon will perform a one-night-only concert at Privilege on the 75th floor of SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences this weekend. The show will feature Akon’s chart-topping hits such as Right Now (Na Na Na), Lonely, and Don’t Matter. Friday 20 January, from 11pm. AED 300 per person (including one drink voucher).

GO: Call 04 607 0654 for reservations and more information.

Get your glow on

Orange Feels at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown will host a neon painting party this weekend. Enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks as you create a glowing masterpiece under the guidance of artists Fosca Garcia and Motaz Khalil. Orange Feels offers views of the Dubai skyline, a 25-meter infinity pool, Aperol-inspired cocktails and shisha. Friday 20 January, from 7pm to 10pm. AED 250 per person.

GO: Visit www.hotelindigodubai.com or call 056 422 7120 for reservations and more information.

Try a new cheese and wine night

The Foundry at Southern Sun Abu Dhabi is an intimate and celebratory restaurant that has recently launched a new cheese and wine night. Here, guests can enjoy two hours of unlimited wines from around the world, paired with a cheese and cold cuts platter, a main course, and a dessert platter to share. Fridays, from 7pm to 9pm. AED 189 per person. 

GO: Email abudhabi.dine@southernsun.com or call 02 818 4888 for reservations and more information. 

Saturday 21 January 2023

Sample Balkan Cuisine

The FACT Award-winning Balkan bistro 21grams is celebrating its fifth anniversary this weekend. To mark the milestone, 21grams has launched a limited-time OG Menu as an ode to some of the restaurant’s early superstar dishes. The limited-time menu features a selection of current menu favourites and eight original dishes. The OG Menu includes dishes such as Bouyourdi, Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Salad, Spring Salad, Orange and Balsamic Marinated Octopus, Pasticada, Breaded Chicken Sando and desserts Tufahija and Palachinka. Available daily until Sunday, 22 January. 

GO: Call 050 841 5021 for reservations and more information.

Brunch at a FACT Award-winner

COYA Dubai is bringing Peru’s annual Anniversary of Lima celebration to the UAE. The themed party brunch will feature Peruvian dishes, refreshing cocktails and live music from COYA MUSIC’s resident DJs. The brunch menu will include appetisers such as ceviche, maki rolls, and beef tartare, as well as main dishes like beef ribs, corn-fed baby chicken, and miso salmon. The celebration will conclude with a selection of desserts, including churros, lime cheesecake, and chocolates. Saturday 21 January, from 12.30pm to 4pm. AED 409 (soft beverages), AED 609 (house beverages) and AED 779 (premium package).

GO: Visit https://coyarestaurant.com for reservations and more information. 

Indulge in a sophisticated British brunch

Those with a taste for the finer things in life will be thrilled to hear that Nahaam’s FACT Award-winning brunch at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is back with a British twist. The new ‘Pardon My Brunch’ experience features refreshing cocktails, upbeat tunes and staff dressed as Britain’s Royal Horse Guards. The menu features British classics such as beef, salmon and lamb Wellingtons, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips and chicken tikka masala. Elsewhere, the spectacular ‘King of the Dessert’ station offers Bakewell tart, jam roly-poly, Dorset apple cake, Eton mess and knickerbocker glory sundaes. Saturdays, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 375 (soft beverages), AED 495 (house beverages) and AED 765 (premium beverages).

GO: Visit http://sevn.ly/xzv9I1w6 for reservations and more information. 

Sunday 22 January 2023

Experience a taste of Mexico

Maiz Tacos will host a pop-up at Nomad Day Bar at 25hours Hotel One Central this weekend. The culinary extravaganza will feature an authentic five-course menu of Maiz’s signature creations, live beats from DJ Shefcodes, and a bar serving Palomas, Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Sunday January 22nd, from 12pm. AED 175 per person.

GO: Visit https://hl-food-dmcc.paymennt.shop/en/buy/maiz-25h-sunday for reservations and more information. 

Swim in the sky

The FACT Award-winning AURA Skypool Lounge invites guests to start their day with a leisurely swim in the 360-degree temperature-controlled pool whilst enjoying the sunrise views over Dubai’s iconic landmarks. Guests can relax on a daybed or sofa on the pool deck or opt to fuel up for the day with a selection of dishes from AURA’s breakfast menu, crafted by Executive Chef Craig Best. Sundays, from 6am to 9am. Prices from AED 200.

GO: Visit https://auraskypool.com for reservations and more information.

Try a new Sunday roast

Bedrock, in the heart of Dubai Marina is a venue that offers a unique blend of high-tech golf, sports screens, and dart games. On Sundays, the restaurant elevates the classic British roast dinner with a hearty menu featuring beef paired with Yorkshire pudding, honey-roasted carrots, broccolini, buttered green beans and homemade stuffing. Sundays, from 12pm to 8pm. AED 145 per person.

GO: Email bookings@bedrockdxb.ae or call 04 578 1668 for reservations and more information.