The best things to do in the UAE this week: 15 to 21 May
Read on for our picks of the week.
Will you enjoy a secret speakeasy, a tempting tasting menu or a private island escape this week?
Monday 15 May
Party at a stunning speakeasy
Upscale speakeasy Bund will host a meal of exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine and captivating live entertainment during its weekly Gong Dinner Party. Here, guests can enjoy Shanghai Me’s FACT Award-winning à la carte menu, with a selection of signature cocktails, sake, and wines. The immersive live entertainment includes a troupe of dancers, while the sound of the Gong marks the start of a decadent party that pays tribute to Shanghai’s indulgent 1930s era. Mondays from 9:30pm.
GO: Call 04 564 0505 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 16 May
Have a leisurely lunch at Alaya
Chef Izu Ani’s Alaya invites guests to indulge in a lunch menu of modern Middle Eastern specialities. Expect appealing options, such as the zesty Green Harissa Prawns, invigorating Spiced Carrot Salad, and the indulgent Cheese Borek, topped with fresh truffle shavings. For the main course, guests can choose from meat, poultry, seafood, and pasta options. We’d recommend the Shish Wagyu or Shish Chicken, while the Salt Crust Turbot is a seafood lover’s dream. Available daily, from 12pm to 3:45pm.
GO: Call 04 570 6289 for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 17 May
Tuck into a tempting tasting menu
Raspoutine offers diners and night owls a secretive environment where decadent dining and nights of revelry turn into a unique dinner party experience. The popular DIFC venue has launched a new tasting menu featuring Royal Oscietra Caviar, Green Beans and Mushroom Salad with Black Truffle, caramelised Lobster with Endive and Gremolata, Wagyu Beef Sirloin, and a sweet finale of Berries and Chocolate. Available Wednesday to Saturday, from 8pm. AED 650 per person.
GO: Email reservations@raspoutine-dubai.com or call 04 272 5373 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 18 May
Unleash your wild side
Nightlife hotspot Blind Tiger is now home to a weekly jazz night. Reminiscent of the speakeasy era, the musical stylings of Claudia Patrice and Angus Newman perfectly complement the venue’s selection of cocktails and bar bites. Expect signature libations such as the BT Boulevard (whiskey, shiitake mushrooms, sweet vermouth, and sherry) or the Hakura (Japanese whiskey with plum and soda). Elsewhere, the food menu includes Corn Croquets, Crispy Calamari, Lobster Rolls, Truffle Pizzetta with burrata, and Wagyu Beef Skewers. Available Thursdays, from 9pm.
GO: Email reservations@jumeirah.com or call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.
Friday 19 May
Join a culinary collab
Hakkasan Dubai will continue its culinary collaborations with Chef Zor Tan from Born Restaurant this May. Born, which debuted on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at No. 36 this year, is known for its contemporary French and Chinese cuisines. Chef Zor will join Hakkasan’s chef Andy Toh to create a special seven-course menu featuring a mix of signature and unexpected dishes, such as ‘Friendship’, a king crab mooli dumpling with truffle cornfed chicken bao, stir-fried A5 Saroma tenderloin, and Japanese abalone with burnt chilli pesto. The chefs will also present a collaborative dish of jasmine-smoked roasted duck. Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May, from 6pm to 11:30pm. AED 998 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 20 May
Embark on The Ultimate Brunchcation
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr provides guests with the perfect opportunity to enjoy its popular Saturday Fairmont Brunch while taking advantage of the pool and beach against the backdrop of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The brunch promises an exciting culinary journey with over 145 dishes and more than eighteen live stations featuring Asian, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean dishes. After brunch, guests can soak up the sun poolside. Available on Saturdays until the end of June, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 295 (soft beverages), AED 420 (house beverages) and AED 595 (French bubbles)
GO: Email dining.bab@fairmont.com or call 02 654 3333 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 21 May
Travel to Monaco (without leaving Dubai)
Côte d’Azur Monaco, an adults-only resort on The World Islands now offers day passes. Plunge into the property’s Grand Azur Pool, one of the largest pools in the Middle East, while enjoying chic vibes, stunning views, and a party atmosphere. With various food and beverage options available, from light bites to indulgent cocktails, there’s something for taste and craving. While on the island, visit Côte d’Azur Monaco’s Raining Street. Available daily. AED 300 per person (fully redeemable on F&B).
GO: Email restaurants.monaco@thoe-hotels.com for reservations and more information.
