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 spring arrives, Dubai comes alive. April is packed with excitement as the new month rolls in, featuring a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts and cultural events. Here are the best things to do in Dubai in April.
Wednesday 1 April
Dine in the kitchen at Kraken
Kraken introduces a dining concept designed to bring people together in more intimate and relaxed settings. The new Chef’s Counter Experience offers a more immersive way to dine. With limited seating, guests are invited to gather around the counter for a nine-course menu served at the heart of the kitchen. The experience is interactive, chef-led and communal, encouraging conversation and a slower, more personal approach to dining. Available Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 11pm. AED 625 per person.
GO: Visit www.krakendubai.com for more information.
Thursday 2 April
Experience the Mediterranean table at GAIA
At GAIA Dubai, the Mediterranean table is all about sharing, generosity and lingering over good food in good company. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant invites guests to enjoy its signature dishes in a setting shaped by warmth and effortless elegance, or at home through its new curated takeaway offering. Favourites include Sea Bream Carpaccio, Lobster Salad and Baked Feta Cheese, alongside heartier plates such as Black Truffle Pasta and Fileto Moshou Stifado. A standout remains GAIA’s Fish Market, where the day’s catch can be grilled, baked or steamed to preference, bringing a personalised touch to every meal.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for more information.
Friday 3 April
Retreat to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
There are regular hotel brands, and then there are those that set the standard for a lifestyle of luxury. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai delivers across accommodation, dining, and wellness. With 178 spacious rooms and 78 elegant suites making up the beautiful resort, you are truly spoilt for choice. The restaurants include the FACT award-winning Tasca by José Avillez and the Japanese steakhouse Netsu by Ross Shonhan. A Meaningful Pause is a new residents’ staycation offer that allows you to unwind in an elegant room or suite with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf or the Dubai skyline, while enjoying up to 20% off the Best Available Rate. The stay also includes breakfast for two at The Bay, access to the beach, and 20% off treatments at The Spa. Available for stays until 31 August 2026. Rates from AED 1,320.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Saturday 4 April
Have lunch at Leña
Leña, the FACT award-winning steakhouse from acclaimed chef Dani García, is opening its doors for a more family-friendly weekend lunch. Available every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, the offer invites guests to enjoy the restaurant’s Flavours of Leña menu in a laid-back daytime setting. While adults choose between a two-course menu for AED 135 or a three-course menu for AED 165, children under 12 can dine free from a dedicated kids’ menu. It’s an easy option for families looking to enjoy one of the city’s standout wood-fired dining destinations together.
GO: Call 04 595 3888 for more information.
Sunday 5 April
Hit the beach at Gigi Rigolatto Dubai
The FACT award-winning Gigi Rigolatto brings a dose of Italian Riviera glamour to J1 Beach, making it one of the city’s chicest spots for a sun-soaked day out. What makes it special is the blend of private beach access, a serene pool scene and the brand’s signature Bellini-led, dolce vita atmosphere. Current passes are fully redeemable on food and beverages throughout March, with beach sunbeds priced at AED 300 and pool sunbeds at AED 400. The beach pass includes access to the private beach and is kid-friendly, while the adults-only pool offers a more refined, laid-back escape from 10am until sunset.
GO: Visit https://gigi-restaurant.com for more information.
Monday 6 April
Dine at L’Avenue Dubai
L’Avenue, the Parisian brasserie born on Avenue Montaigne, made its way to Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, with front-row views of the Dubai Fountain. In Paris, L’Avenue has long been considered a power-lunch institution, famous for its clientele as much as its cuisine. The original has welcomed everyone from models and designers to A-listers, with names like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna reportedly spotted at the tables. Food-wise, L’Avenue in Dubai may be rooted in classic French brasserie tradition, but it’s far from predictable. Dishes are expected to span from spicy tuna tartare with avocado and porcini mushroom omelette to black truffle risotto, creamy morel rigatoni and foie gras.
GO: Follow @lavenuedubai for more information.
Tuesday 7 April
Enjoy a memorable meal at CARBONE
New York’s CARBONE has opened its doors in Dubai at Atlantis The Royal. The celebrity favourite takes over the space previously occupied by Resonance by Heston Blumenthal and boasts the world’s largest jellyfish tank. Fans can definitely look forward to indulging in Carbone’s signature Spicy Rigatoni. Other favourites such as Chicken Scarpariello, Linguini Vongole, Seafood Salad, and Veal Parmesan are also expected to grace the menu, along with more of the American-Italian cuisine that has made Carbone so famous.
GO: Follow @carbonedxb on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 8 April
Spend a tropical day at Andaliman
Escape to a Balinese-inspired oasis at Andaliman’s garden pool, where a laid-back day of sun, flavour and relaxation awaits in the heart of the city. Framed by lush greenery, this serene urban retreat channels an island feel, offering the ideal setting to stretch out on a lounger, cool off in the pool, or move between the water and the bar at a leisurely pace. Enjoy full-day access to the pool, along with a credit fully redeemable on Indonesian food and beverages. Available daily from 10am to 6pm. AED 150 per person (fully redeemable on food and beverages).
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for more information.
Thursday 9 April
Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark remains one of Dubai’s most thrilling family attractions, pairing big-ticket adrenaline with all-day resort appeal. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, the sprawling destination features more than 105 slides, attractions and experiences, from record-breaking rides and river rapids to a private beach and the Surf’s Up wave rider. It is equally suited to younger guests, thanks to dedicated splash zones and family-friendly play areas, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for all ages.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 10 April
Enjoy a staycation at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Where the beach meets the city, you’ll find the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The hotel boasts 237 rooms and suites, many with private balconies. Guests can choose from stunning sea or city views, making the most of the superb setting. Dining options are classy and varied, including COYA Dubai, Jou Jou Brasserie, Mimi Kakushi, Nammos, Scalini and Sea Fu. The FACT award-winning Pearl Spa and Wellness Jumeirah offers 10 treatment rooms and bespoke therapies, ensuring a truly indulgent experience. UAE nationals and residents can enjoy the Resident’s Key that unlocks a selection of resident-only privileges, including exclusive rates on rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, discounted access to beach cabanas, dining experiences and selected spa treatments, plus family-friendly perks such as complimentary stays for young guests.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Saturday 11 April
Tuck into the new brunch at Son of a Fish
The newly-opened Son of a Fish at Dubai Harbour serves a Saturday brunch inspired by the Athenian Riviera’s sun-soaked spirit. Expect shareable Greek mezedes, coastal mains like Chicken Souvlaki, Moussaka, Char-Grilled Tenderloin and Mediterranean Seabass, plus sweet finishes including Chocolate Mousse Millefeuille, Frozen Greek Yoghurt and Portokalopita. A resident DJ and live entertainment keep the mood rising from laid-back lunch beats to party-ready house. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm. AED 290 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages), or AED 660 (premium beverages).
GO: Call 04 832 6177 for more information.
Sunday 12 April
Top up your tan at Tagomago
Tagomago Dubai channels the spirit of Ibiza on Palm Jumeirah, pairing Balearic-inspired design, sea views and a bohemian social scene with a stylish pool-and-beach escape. What makes it special is the dual offering, featuring a family-friendly private beach for laid-back sun-soaking and an adults-only pool for a more leisurely day out. On weekdays, beach loungers are priced at AED 150 and pool loungers at AED 200, with both fully redeemable for food and drinks. Expect Spanish Mediterranean flavours, signature cocktails and a soundtrack that turns a simple sunbed session into a transportive coastal experience.
GO: Visit https://tagomago.ae for more information.
Monday 13 April
Have dinner at Le Trottoir de Paloma
Le Trottoir de Paloma at 25 Jump Street is positioned as a go-to for everything from after-work drinks and dinner with friends to an afternoon coffee. Paloma brings French-inspired bistro charm with a terrific terrace featuring greenery and skyline views. Inside, the mood shifts to softly lit, intimate comfort, with elegant textures. The menu offers shareable plates and crowd-pleasers, with highlights including Crab Rolls, Red Gamberoni Tiradito, and Tuna Ceviche. Classics arrive with a more indulgent edge, from MB6 Wagyu Ribeye to Sole Meunière finished with lemon and butter. Save room for dessert, whether it’s warm Chocolate Fondant with vanilla ice cream or a Light Pavlova topped with citrus and tropical fruits.
GO: Follow @trottoirdepalomadxb on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 14 April
Tee off at TopGolf
Let out your inner Daniel McIlroy. Topgolf Dubai has turned the traditional driving range into a high-energy social destination, making it just as appealing to first-timers as to seasoned players. Located at Emirates Golf Club, the venue features 96 climate-controlled hitting bays across three levels, alongside interactive games, food, drinks and striking views towards Dubai Marina. Guests can book bays by the hour, with up to six players sharing one bay, making it ideal for group outings, celebrations and casual nights out.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 15 April
Dine at the FACT award-winning Harummanis
Chef Akmal Anuar’s Harummanis has been reinvented for its second year in the city, bringing a new layer of fire-cooking to the FACT award-winning restaurant at Wasl 51. The name Harummanis nods to a beloved mango in Malay culture, but it also carries a more personal meaning: “sweet scent”, a phrase his mother used for their family’s hawker stall. That stall has fed Singaporeans for more than 32 years, and Harummanis Dubai is a natural extension of that lineage, translated into a cosy dining room that champions generosity, warmth, and food designed for sharing. Menu highlights include the Laksa Burrata with tomato and herbs, Adobo Mushroom and a rich, crowd-pleasing Rendang Bao with avocado. From the sea, the Jumbo Prawn with green curry and Cajun butter is a must-order, while starters such as Salmon Sashimi with ponzu, cucumber and ginger keep things bright.
GO: Follow @harummanis.51 on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 16 April
Sleep at Atlantis The Royal
For residents seeking a truly luxurious escape, Atlantis The Royal offers a staycation experience unlike any other in Dubai. The resort combines striking design with exceptional experiences at every turn. Highlights include the sky-high Cloud 22 pool, dressed in the iconic Dolce & Gabbana Carretto Siciliano print, and the mesmerising fire-and-water fountain show set to Diamond in the Desert by Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer. Choose from some of the city’s most impressive accommodation, from the Panoramic Suite with sweeping 360-degree views to the ultra-luxurious Sky Pool Villa. The culinary offering is equally impressive, with world-renowned restaurants such as celebrity favourite CARBONE and the FACT award-winning Dinner by Heston Blumenthal all under one roof. Enjoy a 25% discount on rooms, suites and penthouses if you book direct.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Friday 17 April
Try the House of Dim Sum at Yù & Mì
Set on the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, Yù & Mì brings together dramatic city views with a stylish dining room inspired by 1960s Hong Kong. The restaurant blends old-world glamour with a contemporary edge, and House of Dim Sum offers a selection served in a lively weekend setting, complemented by beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Available on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 10pm. AED 288 per person.
GO: Call 04 777 8895 for more information.
Saturday 18 April
Try the new brunch at Gloria
Gloria Osteria has launched a Saturday brunch, set across glamorous Milanese 70s-inspired interiors and an expansive outdoor terrace. Expect abundant buffet-style sharing plates, live culinary theatre, a roaming risotto trolley and a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the energy high. Highlights include Caprese XXL da Vacanza, Beef Carpaccio, Mafalda al Tartufo Estivo finished in a giant Parmigiano wheel, and Risotto XXL ai Frutti di Mare loaded with prawns, sea bass and clams. The grill turns out chargrilled Ribeye, Chicken Cacciatora Skewers, smoky Octopus with chimichurri and more, while free-flowing cocktails keep the terrace buzzing. Dessert goes big with Gloria’s XXL Tiramisù and a sweet spread of cakes, choux pastries and fresh fruit. Available on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. AED 400 (soft beverages), AED 550 (house beverages), and AED 800 (champagne).
GO: Follow @gloriaosteria.dxb on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 19 April
Hit the sand at Sirene by GAIA
Created by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, the FACT award-winning Sirene Beach by GAIA offers a luxurious yet laid-back coastal retreat at J1 Beach. Sirene is the world’s biggest beach club, with a 400-seat restaurant, 300 beachfront sunbeds, and exclusive private cabanas. Guests can unwind to curated beats from the resident DJ or dine on GAIA’s signature classics, such as Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yoghurt, alongside new creations like Rooster Pasta, Sirene Dakos, and a decadent Caviar & Oyster experience. As Dubai comes together in a spirit of unity and reflection, guests can enjoy beach beds for AED 200 (fully redeemable) and pool beds for AED 300 (fully redeemable).
GO: Visit www.sirenebeach.com for more information.
Monday 20 April
Feast on tapas at Barrafina
Barrafina brings the counter-led buzz that made the London original a cult favourite to DIFC. The venue features a marble-top counter and a tapas menu built for grazing, with Marcona Almonds, White Anchovy Tostada, Pan con Tomate, and Prawn Croquetas, followed by Tortillas. Seafood leans into Gambas Rojas, Clams with Salsa Verde and Octopus a la Gallega, while mains include Chicken Thigh with Romesco and Rubia Gallega Rib Eye. Finish with Santiago Tart or Piña Catalana. Pair it with chilled cava or sherry and settle in for a Spanish-style feast at one of the best new restaurants in Dubai.
GO: Follow @barrafinadubai on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 21 April
Take on the slopes at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai continues to stand out as one of the city’s most unusual attractions, bringing a winter-style escape to Mall of the Emirates. The indoor destination combines a Snow Park maintained at -4°C with skiing and snowboarding slopes for different skill levels. Guests can also book lessons through the Ski School or add a penguin encounter to the experience. Equal parts novelty and nostalgia, Ski Dubai remains a fun way to swap Dubai sunshine for snow, even if only for an afternoon.
GO: Visit www.skidxb.com for more information.
Wednesday 22 April
Try the omakase at KIGO
KIGO has opened at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, a refined Japanese restaurant from Chef Izu Ani, Head Chef Akinori “Aki” Tanigawa, and Sushi Head Chef Daihachiro Ebata. The menu centres on a counter-style omakase and an elegant kaiseki set, celebrating seasonality and restraint. The 44-seat room is minimalist and serene, anchored by an Aji stone sushi counter and Rimpa-inspired art. Japanese tableware and ikebana underscore the craft. Sip rare sakes, including Shigemasu 18 Junmai Daiginjo, seasonal cocktails, and ceremonial matcha to close.
GO: Visit www.kigodubai.com for more information.
Thursday 23 April
Have lunch at RARE Brasserie & Bar
Located in City Walk, RARE Brasserie and Bar has launched a new business lunch designed for those seeking comfort, quality and value. Enjoy dishes such as Bolognese Fritti, Chicken Thigh Skewers, Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet, Steak Frites and Smash Burger, followed by desserts including Affogato and Date & Ginger Pudding. Available daily, the menu is priced at AED 105 (two courses) or AED 135 (three courses) with still or sparkling water included for the table.
GO: Visit www.therare.ae for more information.
Friday 24 April
Book a stay at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
The latest addition to Jumeirah Group’s ultra-luxury portfolio sits in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. The venue emerges with quiet confidence, gliding onto Dubai’s glittering skyline like the very superyacht it’s designed to emulate. Designed by Shaun Killa, it is home to 386 rooms and suites, 82 serviced residences, and an 82-berth superyacht marina. Perfect for a digital detox, the lobby is a laptop-free zone, creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The dining truly anchors the hotel, with The Fore at its heart – an all-day dining venue that offers four restaurants in one. Plus, there are four outdoor pools to choose from, a swathe of private beach and a superb spa.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Saturday 25 April
Feast on dim sum at Shang Palace
Gather friends and family for a refined Saturday brunch at Shang Palace, the Michelin-recommended Chinese restaurant at Shangri-La Dubai. The Dim Sum Brunch pairs elegant surroundings with a menu of traditional dim sum and signature Chinese favourites. Expect delicately crafted bites such as Har Gow, Siu Mai and Steamed Dumplings, alongside a selection of classic specialities served in the restaurant’s sophisticated setting. Available on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. Prices start at AED 298, and the experience is even more appealing with a limited-time buy-one-get-one-free offer until 30 April 2026.
GO: Call 04 405 2703 for more information.
Sunday 26 April
Tuck into a two-for-one brunch
Buffalo Wings & Rings is giving weekends a boost with a buy-one, get-one offer on its MyBuffalo Premium Brunch. Available every Saturday and Sunday at the JLT and DIFC branches, the brunch includes unlimited wings, refreshing drinks and crowd-pleasing bites, all served in the brand’s lively, game-day setting. Ideal for casual catch-ups, celebrations or laid-back family meals, it delivers plenty of flavour and even better value. Available from 3pm to 6pm and 8pm to 11pm. The deal is priced at AED 249 for two.
GO: Visit https://dubai.bwr-intl.com for more information.
Monday 27 April
Treat yourself to a stay at The Lana – Dorchester Collection
Escape the city without leaving it at The Lana – Dorchester Collection, where a refined UAE resident staycation brings together skyline views, elegant design and elevated dining. Set on Marasi Bay Marina in Downtown Dubai, the hotel offers 20% off the best available rate, a guaranteed two-category room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, 25% off dining, plus early check-in and late check-out. Guests can unwind in serene rooms with views of Burj Khalifa and the marina, lounge by the rooftop pool at the FACT award-winning High Society, and enjoy dining at Veranda, The Gallery and Bonbon Café Angelo Musa. The offer is valid until 31 August 2026.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
Tuesday 28 April
Dine with the world’s first AI chef
Now open at Kempinski The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, WOOHOO is making global headlines for the world’s first artificial-intelligence chef. Developed by UMAI, Chef Aiman is no back-of-house algorithm. He’s designed to co-create in real time. Chef Aiman is wired to learn, evolve, and craft with nuance, drawing on global datasets to inform everything from seasonal flavour profiles to textural contrasts. Even the most advanced AI needs a human touch, so AI Chef Aiman will be joined by Chef Reif Othman, who is renowned for his inventive approach to Japanese and Asian cuisine. Expect sushi engineered for maximum umami, citrus-laced ceviche, and robata-grilled skewers.
GO: Visit https://woohoo.restaurant for more information.
Wednesday 29 April
Check out the tallow-fried chicken at Kew’s
Kew’s is the latest concept from the team behind Sticky Rice, the FACT award-winning restaurant that has built a loyal following for its soulful Thai cooking. Launching from Sticky Rice’s home in JVC, the new venue may focus on fantastic fried chicken, but it is not trying to replicate what is already out there. Instead, it is carving out its own identity with what it describes as the Middle East’s first fried chicken concept to use premium beef tallow exclusively. A traditional, all-natural cooking fat, beef tallow is prized for the richness and depth it brings, giving the chicken a fuller flavour and a crisp finish
GO: Follow @kewsfriedchicken on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 30 April
Book a stay at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is offering a UAE Resident Staycation designed for those seeking an easy city escape. Set within 15 hectares of landscaped gardens, the hotel delivers a resort-style experience that balances heritage, warmth and contemporary comfort. The staycation includes daily breakfast, 20% off food and beverages at participating outlets, late check-out until 4pm and 50% off spa treatments. With more than 15 restaurants and bars on-site, guests can enjoy a wide range of dining experiences, from casual bites to more refined meals. With rates starting from AED 300, the offer is ideal for guests looking to slow down, recharge and enjoy a more relaxed side of Dubai.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
