The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 12 to 14 January 2024
Al fresco dining, a stunning staycation and plenty of live entertainment await this weekend.
The second weekend of 2024 brings brunches, concerts and plenty of opportunities for dining in Dubai. So start planning your weekend of nightlife and entertainment – you can thank us later.
Friday 12 January
Stay at Dubai’s new vertical resort
One&Only One Za’abeel has officially opened its doors. Dubai’s vertical resort is all about the wow factor, with two bold skyscrapers connected by The Link, a futuristic boulevard that defies gravity as the world’s longest cantilever. The Link’s floating boulevard boasts nine culinary concepts from Michelin-lauded chefs, including the UAE’s longest-suspended infinity pool. Denniston Architects has designed the chic city property, which features 229 rooms and stunning suites.
GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for more information.
Shop until you drop at MOTB
From unique retail finds to a Fenty Beauty Drive-In, dance competitions, and hourly entertainment, MOTB will host a series of out-of-the-box experiences until 14 January. Engage in E-gaming at the dedicated zone, witness the Emarat SlamJam for basketball fans, or show off your best moves at the Dance Battle. MOTB immerses you in unique fashion finds, experiential brand activations, and the trendiest entertainment in town. Discover Instagram-worthy treasures from over a dozen local and regional brands as well. You can also elevate your streetwear style and indulge in luxury accessories.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.
Try a trendy new restaurant
If you’re looking for a dining experience with a difference, put Tamada on your radar. The new restaurant in SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences showcases Georgian cuisine. In Georgian, Tamada refers to a toastmaster at a feast or a wedding. Eastern Europe and Western Asia influence the menu, which features dishes ranging from caviar to meat. Tamada has been created by 7 Management, the team behind The FACT Award-winning February 30, Lucias, Seven Sisters and The Theater.
GO: Visit https://book.ennismore.com for more information.
Saturday 13 January
Dine in the Samba Room
Returning due to overwhelming demand, SUSHISAMBA’s Rio Brunch offers a culinary journey that seamlessly blends Brazilian, Japanese, and Peruvian influences. The menu features SUSHISAMBA signatures, including Australian Angus Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass Anticucho, Peruvian Corn Salad, Salmon Tiradito and Sushi Moriawase. Channeling the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro, expect sensational samba dancers and high-energy DJ sets. Saturday, 13 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. Prices from AED 699 (house beverages).
GO: Email reservations@sushisambadubai.com or call 04 278 4888 for reservations and more information.
Laugh out loud with Michael McIntyre
We’ve got some news that will put a smile on your face. The British comedian Michael McIntyre has announced that he is coming to the UAE with his Macnificent World Tour. Michael hails from London, England and is best known for his British wit, conservative style and floppy hair. In 2009, he performed for approximately 500,000 people in a record-breaking six nights at Wembley Arena and four at The O2 Arena in London, UK. In 2012, he became one of the world’s biggest-selling comedians. The Macnificent tour is visiting countries around the world and includes dates in Australia, Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore. Judging by clips from the tour, it contains jokes on everything from Brexit to the cost-of-living crisis.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
See Take That live in Abu Dhabi
Take That is set to turn up the heat at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix. Initially formed in 1989, the band enjoyed immediate success and global domination with their album, Nobody Else. After a hiatus in 1996, the band made an epic comeback in 2005, sparking one of the greatest comebacks in British music history. Their latest album, This Life, recently soared to the top of the UK charts — making it the biggest-selling album from a UK artist in 2023. Known for their chart-topping hits like Shine, Relight My Fire, and Rule The World, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen (no Robbie Williams) will bring their infectious energy to Mina Zayed.
GO: Visit visit sailgp.com/abudhabi for tickets and more information.
Sunday 14 January
Have lunch at a FACT Award-winning restaurant
Nestled within the St. Regis Gardens of Palm Jumeirah, Chez Wam is a vibrant culinary destination that blends community, food and music under the guidance of Chef Hadrien Villedieu. The FACT Award-winning dining destination is now open for weekend lunch, serving a menu of Fried Camembert, Prawn Spring Rolls and Wagyu Beef Tartare. Main courses include Seabass à la Plancha and Veal Chop Milanese or savouring the exquisite Seabass à la Plancha, while the dessert offering features Deconstructed Tarte au Citron and Red Fruits Pavlova. Lunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12pm to 4pm.
GO: Visit www.chezwam.ae for reservations and more information.
Tuck into a traditional Sunday roast
Enhance your Sundays at The Guild with a hearty roast. Chef Paul Gajewski ensures a delightful dining experience featuring carefully chosen cuts, wood-oven roast potatoes, and all the traditional trimmings for a laid-back Sunday feast. Start with creamy Italian Burrata with pure harvest tomatoes and cold-pressed olive oil, Beef Carpaccio with Grana Padano and rocket, or a Caesar Salad with slow-roasted chicken breast. The main event offers a variety of roast dinner options, including roasted USDA beef striploin, Lemon thyme-marinated corn-fed chicken, and Slow-roasted lamb shoulder. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert options include Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, Bread and Butter Pudding, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Sundays, from 12pm to 4pm. AED 135 (for a main course) or AED 250 (for a mini-three-course banquet).
GO: Visit www.theguilddubai.com for more information.
Prepare for a K-Pop Overdose
The K-Pop stars Chanyeol, Chen and Xiumin will headline KPOP OVERDOSE at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Chanyeol, Chen and Xiumin are part of the South Korean boyband EXO. The members will put on a spectacular show, which includes singing and dancing. In 2012, the group launched with twelve members, and the line-up has changed over the years. KPOP OVERDOSE’s opening acts include DJ Bliss and DJ Raiden. DJ Bliss has also hosted Dubai One’s That’s Entertainment and appears on the Netflix reality TV show, Dubai Bling.
GO: Visit https://coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
