The FACT UAE guide to the week ahead: 19 to 25 February 

Whether you’re dining, drinking or dancing, FACT has you covered this week.

Brand-new dining destinations, four-hands dinners and all-night parties are just some of the fun things you can experience in the UAE this week. 

Monday 19 February

Fuel up at DIFC’s new coffee spot

WAQŪD is a brand-new coffee shop where convenience meets sophistication on the ground floor of Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Derived from the Arabic word meaning “fuel,” WAQŪD combines top-tier beans with a gourmet menu. From the signature red velvet cake to a burrata bliss tomato melt or salmon poke bowl, it’s the ideal setting for a casual snack or a leisurely lunch.

GO: Call 04 515 9999 for reservations and more information.

Tuesday 20 February

Savour signature sips

World-renowned bartender Shingo Gokan will collaborate with Mimi Kakushi for an evening of marvellous mixology. Visiting the UAE from The SG Club in Tokyo, Shingo Gokan has earned prestigious titles such as International Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2017 and the Altos Bartenders award in 2019. Guests can anticipate an immersive journey through expertly crafted cocktails that blend tradition and innovation, accompanied by in-house entertainment featuring selections from the Kikuchi vinyl cocktail menu. The signature sips include the Tokyo (Rémy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, Yuzu and Shiso) and the NYC (The Botanist Gin, Pear, Celeriac andTelmont Réserve Brut Champagne). Available on Tuesday, 20 February, from 6pm to 10pm.

GO: Call 04 379 4811 for reservations and more information.

Wednesday 21 February

Dine out at F.R.N.D.S. Grand Café

F.R.N.D.S. Grand Café will host a four-hands dinner this week featuring the culinary talents of Chef Matthis Grosjean and Chef Ian Baiocchi. Know for his innovative take on French cuisine, Chef Matthis Grosjean brings his expertise and passion to creations that offer a harmonious marriage of tradition and innovation. Joining him is Chef Ian Baiocchi, celebrated as one of Brazil’s most promising culinary talents, known for his work at IZ Restaurante. Available on 21 February. AED 499 per person.

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

Thursday 22 February

Jog on over to Jun’s

Prepare for a memorable meal as Chef Kelvin Cheung and Chef Begoña Rodrigo unite for a four-hands dinner. For one night only, diners in the UAE can enjoy an eleven-course meal, showcasing elements from both chefs as part of the Dubai World Cuisine movement. The one-off menu features innovative creations such as Coconut with konbu-cured sea bream, Pani Puri with butter-poached Canadian lobster and Wagyu Mapo Short Ribs. Thursday, 22 February, with seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm. AChef’s per person.

GO: Call 050 938 9099 for reservations and more information.

Friday 23 February

Jazz up your weekend

Head to ME Dubai Hotel to experience a night of live Jazz at Central Restaurant. The evening of soul-stirring melodies from Raena Lashae blends gospel with soul, jazz improvisation, Motown classics, and Disco beats. While listening to the music, you can enjoy a selection of Spanish delicacies and handcrafted cocktails that will transport you to the golden age of jazz. Available on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.

GO: Call 04 525 2500 for reservations and more information.

Saturday 24 February

Party in the dunes

Experience enchantment in the UAE desert as Terra Solis by Tomorrowland presents an electrifying performance featuring the Belgian-Greek duo, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, accompanied by the sensational sounds of Viktor & Quilliam. Expect a fusion of timeless tracks and cutting-edge mixes set against the dunes. Saturday, 24 February from 8pm. AED 150 per person.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for reservations and more information.

Sunday 25 February

Tuck into a thali

Indulge in the flavours of India at Indigo in Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. The restaurant’s new thali specials will take diners on a culinary adventure through the vibrant ingredients of Indian cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali options. Each meal is accompanied by a refreshing lassi. Available daily from 12pm to 3:30pm. AED 100 (vegetarian thali) and AED 130 (non-vegetarian thali).

GO: Email fbres.beach@rotana.com or call 02 697 9186 for reservations and more information.