Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As the New Year arrives, Dubai comes alive with an incredible lineup of brunches, concerts, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for moments of zen or high-energy activities, here are the best things to do in Dubai this January.
Thursday 1 January
Celebrate New Year’s Day at Nammos
Nammos Dubai is kicking off 2026 in style with an exclusive New Year’s Day performance from British DJ and producer PAWSA. Known for his inventive, groove-led take on tech house, he will take over the beachfront for an afternoon of high-energy beats and laid-back luxury. Available on Thursday, 1 January, from 4pm. Prices start at AED 10,000 with a minimum spend (up to 10 guests).
GO: Call 058 121 0000 for more information.
Friday 2 January
See DYSTYNCT at MOTB
Belgian-Moroccan singer Dystinct will perform at the 13th edition of e& MOTB (Market Outside the Box) on Thursday, 2 January. For those unversed, Dystinct’s real name is Iliass Mansouri. He is known for blending Arabic, French, Dutch, and global sounds. He shot to fame with hits like “Ghazali,” “Tek Tek,” “Business,” and “Yama,” gaining millions of streams worldwide. Dystinct has won the Trace Awards Best North African Artist and the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, and has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30. Now, he’s back in Dubai to turn up the crowd.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.
Saturday 3 January
Catch Jonas Blue at Bohemia
Bohemia Beach Club at FIVE Palm Jumeirah kicks off 2026 with Jonas Blue on Saturday, 3 January, from 6pm until late. Expect sunset grooves and hands-in-the-air choruses as the UK hitmaker runs through Fast Car, Perfect Strangers, Rise and Mama on the sand. Sam Oui and Anrey warm up the decks, keeping the energy high from golden hour to after dark. Tickets start from AED 100.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 4 January
Have a Japanese breakfast at KUMO
Set inside a restored 1980s villa on Al Wasl Road, Kumo is named after the Japanese word for “cloud.” The restaurant channels a calm, minimalist mood, with warm wood finishes, a matcha bar, and a sushi counter that feels more like a Japanese home than a typical restaurant. Breakfast is the new draw. Served daily, the morning menu spotlights Japanese-style sandos, freshly baked pastries and a matcha programme that covers everything from classics to modern creations.
GO: Follow @kumo.uae on Instagram for more information.
Monday 5 January
Shop until you drop at Global Village
Since opening in 1997, Global Village has grown into a citywide staple, welcoming a record 10.5 million visitors last season. With its culture-rich pavilions, numerous dining options, and daily entertainment, it remains a fun day out. Families can also look forward to The Dragon Kingdom, an immersive quest made up of eleven individually themed rooms. Over at Carnaval, a new attraction called The Little Wonderers features obstacle courses, climbing structures, slides, ball pits, tunnels and playful challenges. Elsewhere, a brand-new Gardens of the World area showcases exotic blooms and floral replicas of global landmarks. Food lovers will find even more to sample. Fiesta Street is expanding to support over 200 dining options across the village, featuring a range of casual street eats and refined bites.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Tuesday 6 January
Catch a Lord of the Rings concert
Dubai is about to trade its skyline for Middle-earth. On 6 January 2026, Zabeel Theatre at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray will host an epic evening of live orchestral music as the Ukrainian Symphonic Orchestra presents a Lord of the Rings concert, performing Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack from the trilogy. Set across a two-hour concert, this symphonic showcase promises a journey through the films’ most recognisable musical moments. Expect the warmth and whimsy of Shire melodies, the luminous themes of Rivendell, and the darker, thunderous tension that signals Mordor. Tickets start at AED 350.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 7 January
Ride the world’s tallest observation wheel
Towering 250 metres above Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest observation wheel. Each of its 48 high-tech cabins offers a cool, comfortable vantage point for taking in sweeping views of the skyline, from the Palm Jumeirah to the Burj Khalifa. The full rotation takes around 38 minutes, making it the ultimate slow spin through Dubai’s ever-evolving cityscape. For locals and tourists alike, it’s a ride worth repeating.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 8 January
Prepare for sensory overload at Dopamine Land
Dopamine Land has arrived in Dubai, bringing a burst of happiness to Oasis Mall. Designed as a multisensory playground, the journey features Colortopia, a neon kaleidoscope that resets the senses with saturated hues and hypnotic visual patterns. The tempo rises at Cushion Clash, where playful pillow fights deliver a stress-busting release, and at Euphoria Grove, which moves guests through all four seasons in one space. Neon Nebula surrounds visitors with colourful balloons that billow and shimmer as you move, while Scribblescape hands you the freedom to doodle and draw on surfaces, turning the environment into a living artwork.
GO: Visit https://dopaminelandexperience.com for more information.
Friday 9 January
See Diana Ross and Seal at Saadiyat Nights
Abu Dhabi’s premier open-air concert series has announced a landmark double bill, with soul superstar Diana Ross and global icon Seal set to perform on the same evening. Diana Ross, recipient of a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award, remains one of the most important figures in contemporary music and popular culture. Her biggest hits include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Chain Reaction,” “I’m Coming Out” and “Endless Love” with Lionel Richie. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, Seal is recognised as one of contemporary music’s most versatile artists. His unmistakable vocals power global hits such as “Killer” and “Crazy,” while “Kiss From A Rose” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned GRAMMY® Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Saturday 10 January
Watch Ludovico Einaudi live in the capital
Acclaimed pianist Ludovico Einaudi to bring his soulful melodies to the Saadiyat Nights concert series. Born in Turin, Einaudi’s musical journey began under his mother’s guidance, who introduced him to the piano at a young age. His early experimentation with music eventually led him to pursue formal training in Milan, where he honed his composition skills. He later went on to compose music for theatre, TV, and film, including This Is England, The Intouchables, and Nomadland. Einaudi’s music draws inspiration from minimalism and contemporary pop. Some of his most famous works include “Experience,” “Nuvole Bianche,” and “I Giorni.”
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Sunday 11 January
Sample the roast at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Sunday lunch gets the Heston treatment at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Atlantis The Royal. Begin with signatures such as Meat Fruit (c.1500), or newer additions like Smoked Salmon Tartare (c.1847) and Roast Beetroot Salad (c.1830). Mains feature Black Angus Sirloin with ox cheek-filled Yorkshire pudding, Roast Chicken with morel and brioche stuffing, and Truffle Roast Cauliflower. Desserts include a classic Trifle, Bakewell Tart, or the indulgent Chocolate Bar, with the playful Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Trolley as a finale. Available Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm. AED 345 per adult and AED 195 per child.
GO: Visit www.dinnerbyhbdubai.com for more information.
Monday 12 January
Tuck into the business lunch at Zuma
Whether visiting for dinner, drinks, brunch, or a business lunch, a trip to the FACT award-winning Zuma is always a pleasurable experience. Their popular business lunch, also known as the Ebisu menu, features one miso soup, a choice of two starters and one main course from a special menu of signature dishes. Don’t miss the Beef Tataki with Truffle Ponzu, Grilled Australian Wagyu Sirloin with Truffle Sauce, Grilled Chilean Seabass with Red Yuzu Pepper, Miso-Marinated Black Cod Don Buri, Prawn and Black Cod Gyoza, or Spicy Tuna Maki with Yuzu Tobiko. Available Monday to Thursday, from 12pm to 3pm. AED 159 (miso soup, two starters and one main course).
GO: Call 04 425 5660 for more information.
Tuesday 13 January
Explore the Zayed National Museum
The long-awaited Zayed National Museum is set to open its doors on 3 December in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the structure takes inspiration from the wings of a falcon — a nod to a cherished Emirati tradition — and will serve as the national museum of the United Arab Emirates. Created in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the landmark institution charts the history of the land from deep prehistory to the present day, blending archaeological artefacts and historic objects with audiovisual storytelling, sensory experiences and contemporary installations.
GO: Visit https://zayednationalmuseum.ae for more information.
Wednesday 14 January
Visit The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District is now home to a new museum and scientific research centre, showcasing natural history spanning 13.8 billion years. Covering an area of over 35,000 square metres, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is the largest of its kind in the region. Inside, the narrative begins in the atrium amidst a herd of sauropods before spanning 13.8 billion years, from the Big Bang and the formation of the solar system to the rise of biodiversity across land and sea. Star exhibits include Stan, the famed Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that ruled Earth 67 million years ago. Elsewhere, a 25-metre-long female blue whale specimen illustrates the evolution of the largest animal ever to live.
GO: Follow @nhm_abudhabi on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 15 January
Have dinner at a FACT award winner
Orfali Bros has been hitting the headlines and winning awards for its creative cuisine. Now, the three brothers from Syria have created a new FACT award-winning concept, Three Bros. The playful 22-seat diner that channels their culinary heritage with a dash of nostalgia. Highlights include Croquettes enriched with 18-month Comté and truffle mayo, Beef Cecina atop pan con tomate, a marvellous Morel Chawanmushi, and buttery slices of Otoro tuna on toasted sourdough. The OB cheeseburger, featuring a Wagyu patty inside a soft Hokkaido bun, is already a signature.
GO: Follow @threebros_kitchen on Instagram for more information.
Friday 16 January
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
The FACT award-winning La Petite Maison has elevated its Business Lunch menu, crafting dishes that showcase the freshness of European produce. The lunchtime menu rotates periodically to reflect the ebb and flow of seasons. Dishes currently include Duck Confit, Grilled Sirloin, Quinoa Salad, Roasted Cod, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio and Warm Prawns. A tomato is set at each table, allowing diners to customise their tomato salad alongside their meal. It is available Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm. AED 135 per person (one starter and one main course) and AED 180 per person (one starter, one main course and one dessert).
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Saturday 17 January
Sing along to the hits of Lewis Capaldi
Abu Dhabi is hitting the high notes. Saadiyat Nights has announced that Lewis Capaldi will be heading to the capital. The Scottish superstar is scheduled to perform on Saturday, 17 January 2026, and tickets are selling fast. In 2019, he released his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, which spent six weeks at the top of the UK Albums Chart. Lewis’ debut song, “Bruises,” was so successful that it racked up twenty-five million streams on Spotify. The crowd-pleaser “Someone You Loved” reached number one on the American charts. The song earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Song of the Year.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Sunday 18 January
Have Sunday brunch at The Beam
Sundays just got an upgrade at The Beam by Nick Alvis, tucked away within the lush gardens of Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. The restaurant’s newly launched Sunday brunch in Dubai invites families and friends to indulge in live acoustic entertainment and a menu of elevated European comfort food, featuring dishes such as Buttermilk Squid, Grilled Sea Bass, and Wagyu Sirloin. Available on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. AED 295 (soft beverage package) or AED 395 (house and pitcher package).
GO: Call 04 316 5555 for more information.
Monday 19 January
Dine at FZN by Björn Frantzén
Recently awarded three MICHELIN stars, FZN at Atlantis, The Palm offers a 27-seat fine dining experience. This space includes 13 seats around the open kitchen and a view of the chefs at work. The restaurant from acclaimed chef Björn Frantzén features a modern European tasting menu with Japanese and Nordic influences. Highlight dishes include Chawanmushi with smoked beef broth, Duck BBQ with yuzu, and Kampot Pepper with foie gras. Plus, the soundtrack features 300 songs curated by Björn himself, ranging from Guns N’ Roses to The Smiths.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for more information.
Tuesday 20 January
Rock out with Linkin Park
Rock band Linkin Park will take over Etihad Arena on Yas Island for a high-octane show that promises the kind of cathartic sing-alongs. Expect a set packed with era-defining anthems such as “In the End,” alongside new material from the band’s latest album, From Zero. Air guitars will be out, heads will be banging, and voices will be hoarse the morning after. The Abu Dhabi date forms part of the From Zero World Tour and marks the band’s first UAE performance since 2010.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
Wednesday 21 January
Laugh out loud with Zakir Khan
The UAE continues to attract some of the biggest names in comedy, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout year. Leading the charge is Zakir Khan, who is set to return to Dubai with his trademark blend of warmth, wit and emotional storytelling. Presented by Live Nation, with FACT Magazine as an official media partner, the show will see Zakir bring his much-loved on-stage persona back to the emirate. Known for turning everyday experiences into hilarious and often moving narratives, he has built a devoted following that spans continents.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
Thursday 22 January
Have a laugh with Rob Beckett
Fresh from sold-out dates in the UK, Rob Beckett returns to Dubai Opera with his new tour, Giraffe. The Bromley-born comic brings his high-energy storytelling, quick-fire punchlines and riffs on family life, travel mishaps and the perils of late-night takeaways. The show blends sharp observations with the affable charm that has made him a fixture on television, podcasts and sell-out arenas.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 23 January
Catch LANY on their world tour
LANY will bring its Soft World Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in early 2026. For those unversed, LANY is an American alt-pop sensation. Pronounced Lay-nee, the band hails from Los Angeles and first came together in 2014. The band is fronted by Paul Klein, whose vocals and honest songwriting have become their signature. Les Priest joins him on guitar and Jake Goss on drums. LANY shot to fame with hits like “ILYSB,” “Malibu Nights,” and “Super Far,” quickly building a global fan base. The band’s sound promises a blend of nostalgic pop and modern alt-rock, earning them critical acclaim.
GO: Visit https://coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
Saturday 24 January
Let Tom Odell serenade you
Known for his emotional songwriting and piano-driven performances, Tom Odell’s upcoming Dubai performance promises an evening that’ll hit you right in the feels. For those unversed, Tom Odell was born in Chichester, England, and started writing songs in his teens before catching the world’s attention with his debut album, Long Way Down, in 2013. It included the hit song “Another Love,” which went viral years later, introducing his music to an entirely new generation of fans. Over the years, Tom Odell has established a reputation as one of the UK’s most popular artists, with hits such as “Can’t Pretend,” “Heal,” “Magnetised, “”I Know,” and many more.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 25 January
Paint the town at Quoz Arts Fest
Now in its fourteenth edition, Quoz Arts Fest celebrates the region’s arts and culture. The weekend brings together homegrown and international talent through experimental installations, live music, performances, exhibitions, workshops, food experiences and community-led encounters for all ages. The 2026 music programme gathers some of the region’s most inventive and boundary-pushing artists. Palestinian hip-hop collective DAM and Lebanese singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan lead the bill, bringing powerful, career-defining sets shaped by their deep-rooted artistic legacies. They are joined by TootArd and Gayathri Krishnan, who weave Levantine rhythms, desert blues and soulful South Asian influences into genre-bending performances.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 26 January
Dine with fire at INÁ
Dubai’s dining scene is heating up! The FACT award-winning INÁ, which means “fire” and “flame” in Nigerian Yoruba, boasts the largest open-fire grill in Dubai. The restaurant in J1 Beach features open-fire cooking, transitions seamlessly from dining to dancing and aims to embody the values of warmth and unity. Under the expert guidance of Chef Glen Ballis, the menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sustainably and locally sourced. Diners can indulge in a masterfully crafted selection of flame-grilled fish, meats, and vegetables. Don’t miss the Japanese Tuna Toro or Westholme Beef Tartare.
GO: Follow @ina.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 27 January
Visit Dubai Miracle Garden
Walk into a blossoming euphoria of colour and elegance at Dubai Miracle Garden. Here, more than 50 million natural flowers are arranged into impressive displays, including horses, aeroplanes, elephants and more. The new season at this family-friendly attraction introduces a large waterwheel, floral tunnels, innovative 3D water and lighting installations and more blooms at the ‘Smurfs Mushroom Village’.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 28 January
Watch Wicked The Musical at Dubai Opera
Wicked The Musical is flying into Dubai for the first time, and Dubai Opera is rolling out the green carpet. The celebrated production will take over the venue with a limited 20-day season, marking the show’s long-awaited UAE debut. First performed in New York in 2003, Wicked has grown into a global theatre phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences with beloved musical numbers “Popular”, “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”. Fans can also look forward to a dramatic aerial sequence in which a witch takes flight above the audience.
GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.
Thursday 29 January
Make a splash at Grand Hyatt Dubai
Adding a fresh chapter to the hotel’s 22-year story, Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark spans 20,000 square metres within the property’s 37-acre estate near Downtown Dubai. Guests can drift along a lazy river, take on two slide towers or settle into the rhythm of the wave pool with its sand beach. The headline attraction is the Middle East’s first FlowRider® Triple surf simulator, built for side-by-side rides and all-levels coaching. Between thrills, guests can retreat to private luxury cabanas with plunge pools, while little ones make a splash in the dedicated family zone with shaded loungers and playful water features.
GO: Visit www.hyatt.com for more information.
Friday 30 January
Party on the sand with Central Cee
British rapper Central Cee has had an epic year. In January, he dropped his debut album “Can’t Rush Greatness,” a chart-topping set that stormed to number one in the UK and crashed the Billboard 200 top ten, powered by singles like “GBP” with 21 Savage and “Guilt Trippin.” He spent spring and summer on the Can’t Rush Greatness World Tour, packing arenas from London to Sydney and lighting up huge festivals, including Coachella and Primavera Sound. MOBO wins and a year-closing single “Booga” finally sealed his status as UK rap’s global frontman. Central Cee will start 2026 in spectacular style with a one-off show at Bohemia Dubai on Friday, 30 January 2026.
GO: Visit www.bohemiadubai.com for more information.
Saturday 31 January
Dance the night away at Ministry of Sound
London’s most storied dance institution is heading East. To mark 35 years at the heart of club culture, Ministry of Sound is taking its anniversary world tour to Dubai, touching down at Ain Dubai on Saturday, 31 January 2026. It is the first time the brand has staged its full experience in the UAE, and the plan is for a takeover that runs from daylight to after dark beneath the Ain Dubai skyline. Heading up the lineup are New York house legends Dennis Ferrer and Armand Van Helden, joined by DJ Tennis and HoneyLuv. The lineup also features Caiiro, Da Capo, and Enoo Napa, alongside Brazilian talent Aline Rocha and Dubai-based deep house duo Arcade 82.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
