The best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

It’s that time of year when we don our Lederhosen, sip on hops and indulge in Bavarian delicacies.

Things have changed somewhat since the original Oktoberfest which celebrated the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria back in 1810. However, Oktoberfest festivities still remain strong over 200 years later. This is how to celebrate the world’s largest folk festival known as Oktoberfest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai

Barasti

Prepare yourself for the most exuberant Oktoberfest celebration in town at Barasti. A huge tent will be home to long communal tables, festive bunting, Bavarian-inspired cuisine, German beer and live Oompah bands. The culinary offering includes Obatzda & Pretzel, Currywurst, Bratwurst, Wienerwurst and Apfel Strudel. Available daily from 21 September to 1 October.

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

Dukes The Palm

The Great British Restaurant at Dukes The Palm will embark on a month-long Oktoberfest extravaganza. Expect rustic decor, traditional melodies curated by a live DJ, and an inviting ambience. Celebrants can raise their glasses with German and craft beers and dishes like schnitzels, sausages, pretzels and sauerkraut. Available daily from 14 September to 15 October. Beverages from AED 45, dishes from AED 35 and combos from AED 69.

GO: Email dukesthepalm.dining@royalhideaway.com or call 04 455 1101 for reservations and more information.

Ernst

Prepare your Lederhosen and Dirndls because Oktoberfest is making a triumphant return to Ernst Biergarten at 25hours Hotel One Central this month. The expansive restaurant is pulling out all the stops to ensure every guest enjoys a Bavarian experience, with botanical arrangements adorning the venue to create a garden-like atmosphere. Those seeking the perfect German snapshot can pose on the Instagrmmable swing and receive a complimentary Polaroid picture taken by the Ernst team as a keepsake. Elsewhere, live streams of the Munich Oktoberfest celebrations will be broadcast on the screens scattered throughout the venue. Diners can also enjoy specially brewed and imported Paulaner beers from AED 49. Available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 15 October.

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

Grand Hyatt Dubai

The city’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration is back in town, celebrating 15 years of epic fun. Prepare to be transported to the lively streets of Bavaria with a delectable spread that includes pretzels, bratwursts, schnitzels, and frikadellen. Pair these German delights with one-litre steins of beer, bottles of fine grape, and an array of house beverages. Raise your glasses and toast ‘prost’ with friends and family as you create unforgettable memories at the Grand Oktoberfest Tent. Oktoberfest Nights run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 7pm to 2am. AED 169 per person for entrance and an all-you-can-eat Bavarian buffet. Beverages are charged upon consumption.

GO: Email reservations.grandhyattdubai@hyatt.com or call 04 317 2222 for reservations and more information.

Ribs & Brews

Experience the authentic spirit of Oktoberfest at Ribs & Brews at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, where an impressive selection of beverages pays homage to Germany’s rich brewing heritage. Guests can enjoy a live Bavarian BBQ area featuring Bratwurst, Käseknacker and Wiesen Hendl or engage in friendly competition with games like Beer Pong, Connect 4 and Jenga. Available from 16 September to 3 October.

GO: Visit www.alhabtoorcity.com or call 04 435 5577 for reservations and more information.

Saffron

Winner of Best Party Brunch at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2023, Saffron inside Atlantis, The Palm will hold a massive Oktoberfest celebration. Plates will overflow with German delights such as hähnchenschnitzel with sunny-side-up eggs, sauerbraten and tarte flambée. The beverage stations will also get a Bavarian makeover with beers on tap, frozen drinks, house wine and spirits. With music live DJs, brunch-goers can also enjoy round-the-clock entertainment, including Bavarian-inspired dancers and performers. Saturday 7 October, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 595 per person (house beverages and sparkling wine).

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

Wavehouse

Oktoberfest at Wavehouse offers a culinary journey filled with Bavarian-inspired dishes and beverages to ensure a festive atmosphere. This family-friendly celebration is brimming with Oktoberfest-inspired entertainment, including artists and lively competitions like stein-holding contests and pretzel-eating challenges. The menu includes apple strudel, German potato salad, pretzels, schweinshaxe, and schweineschnitzel. Adding to the festivities, a live acoustic performance by a German Oompah band will have you on your feet. 16 September to 2 October, from 12pm to 1am. Dishes and beverages from AED 55.

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

Abu Dhabi

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

Immerse yourself in the splendour of Oktoberfest at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s Skydome. Known as “Prost in the Park,” this family-friendly event reimagines the traditional Oktoberfest celebration within a picnic setting, complete with live entertainment and an array of food stalls offering a range of Bavarian specialities. Here, guests can enjoy Bratwurst with onion gravy, German potato salad, Pretzels with cheese dip, schnitzel and the renowned kirsch torte. The event also offers engaging children’s activities and a beer voucher for adults, which can be redeemed at Mcgettigan’s Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. AED 95 per person (fully redeemable on food and beverages).

GO: Email reservation.table@dusit.com or call 02 698 8137 for reservations and more information.

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

Head to Appaloosa Sports Bar at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi for a true Bavarian celebration. On weekdays, diners can tuck into a menu of traditional Oktoberfest fare, while Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will feature a live BBQ station and entertainment from a Bavarian band. Throughout the month, an Oktoberfest beverage menu will also be available. 

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

Yas Plaza Hotels

Get ready to don your lederhosen and dirndls because Stills at Crowne Plaza Yas Island is celebrating Oktoberfest with a German band and a menu prepared by the hotel’s German chef. Expect traditional live entertainment, the finest German hops, and hearty Bavarian delicacies such as Pretzels, Leberkäs (Bavarian Meatloaf), Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) and Weiss Wurst. Available 13 to 15 October, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 159 (German-themed buffet and soft beverages) and AED 259 (German-themed buffet and German beers). An à la carte menu is also available.

GO: Email stills@yasplazahotels.com or call 050 667 5815 for reservations and more information.