The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 22 to 24 December
Here are some of the most exciting ways to enjoy the Christmas weekend.
Christmas weekend is one of the most popular and festive times of the year. It is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate the holidays. There are many things to see and do during Christmas weekend, including visiting Christmas markets, decorating homes and going out to feast on festive favourites. So, if you’re looking for some seasonal inspiration, read on…
Friday 22 December
Enjoy a sky-high business lunch
SUSHISAMBA Dubai is famous for its fusion food, which combines Brazilian, Japanese, and Peruvian flavours. So much so that it has even won the FACT Dubai Dining Awards. Check out the Vivo Business Lunch if you’d like to try the lunch for less. The small plates include Crispy Cassava, Peruvian Corn Salad and Prawn Gyoza. The large plates include Black Cod, Crispy Mushroom Rice and Tiger Prawn. Running from Monday to Friday from midday to 3pm, it includes two courses for AED 159.
GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for reservations and more information.
Savour a chic Shanghai-inspired meal
Shanghai Me showcases the glamour and depth of Shanghai’s history and provides an idyllic location to enjoy a business lunch with friends and colleagues. The business lunch offers the choice of one soup, one starter and one main course, including Sesame Prawns on Toast or Wild Mushroom Dumplings to set the stage for the main course. Explore options like the Spicy Miso Chicken with Egg Fried Rice or the Yuzu Miso Silver Cod with Steamed Rice. Available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 2pm. AED 120 per person (one soup, one starter, and one main course).
GO: Call 04 564 0505 for reservations and more information.
Luxuriate for less with Bar Du Port’s sundowner offer
The stylish French restaurant and bar has made its mark on Dubai. With dreamy views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah from the terrace, it has a chilled and classy vibe. The BDP Sunset experience lets you luxuriate in it for less. Running from Sunday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm, drinks are reduced with beer and wines starting from AED 30, and classic cocktails starting from AED 40. The classic cocktails include an Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini and Negroni.
GO: Visit www.barduportdubai.com for more information.
Saturday 23 December
Try a FACT Award-winning brunch
Situated in the heart of the international financial centre, Zuma Dubai redefines the Japanese izakaya dining experience with a sophisticated twist. The contemporary Christmas menu, while authentic, deviates from tradition, presenting bold and intense flavours across dishes crafted in the restaurant’s three kitchens: the main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill. Saturday 23 December, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Prices from AED 595.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Bask in the sunshine at Le Brunch Sur Le Boulevard
Address Boulevard adds some chic to the city with its latest brunch. Le Brunch Sur Le Boulevard takes place at La Brasserie Sur Le Boulevard at The Restaurant. Chef Jean-Pascal is the mastermind behind the modern French food. Diners can dig into the live stations or the pasta trolly, which rolls up the table. The stations include salad, starters, cold cuts, fresh seafood and a cheese selection. Mains include Chicken Fricassée, Salmon Provencal and Brochettes, and Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon. Make sure you head to the terrace, which boasts Insta-fabulous views of the Burj Khalifa. Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 250 (soft beverages) and AED 375 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.addresshotels.com for more information.
Celebrate the season at Saadiyat Beach Club
Christmas weekend has arrived, and the FACT Award-winning Saadiyat Beach Club team has prepared a festive feast. Tuck into fresh seafood, grilled meats, and decadent desserts as DJ Regard spins the hottest tracks. Before hitting the pool or beach for some fun in the sun. Saturday, 23 December, from 8am to sunset, with brunch served between 1pm and 4pm. AED 570 (soft beverages), AED 670 (house beverages) and AED 770 (premium beverages).
GO: Visit www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae or call 02 656 3501 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 24 December
Take to the terrace at GAIA
GAIA, the FACT Award-winning Greek eatery, has unveiled its sophisticated new evening terrace. This stunning expansion radiates a warm and inviting ambience, extending gracefully across DIFC Gate Village. Drawing inspiration from the Greek affinity for outdoor living, the terrace exudes a charming and relaxed atmosphere, providing the perfect setting for guests to savour GAIA’s exquisite à la carte menu, meticulously curated by Chef Izu and his accomplished culinary team. Available daily, from 7pm to midnight.
GO: Email reservations@gaia-dubai.com or call 04 241 4242 for reservations and more information.
Spend Christmas Eve at City Social
Celebrate the night before Christmas at City Social, where you’ll enjoy a set menu curated by celebrity Chef Jason Atherton. Set against the backdrop of the Dubai Marina, indulge in contemporary European dishes with a touch of Japanese influence, including chicken and duck terrine, roast turkey breast, a seafood platter and truffle arancini. Sunday 24 December, from 7pm. AED 900 (house beverages and sparkling grape).
GO: Visit www.citysocialdubai.com for reservations and more information.
Dine underwater at Ossiano
Enjoy an exceptional Christmas dinner at FACT’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’, Ossiano. Set against The Ambassador Lagoon, where captivating ocean life unfolds, diners are invited on a progressive fine dining journey, showcasing the extraordinary creations of chef Grégoire Berger. The Ossiano Christmas Eve dinner experiences promise a sensorial odyssey with an exclusive 11-wave menu inspired by the festive season, complemented by a meticulously curated selection of wines and beverages. Sunday 24 December, from 6pm to 1am. AED 1,500 per person (excluding beverages).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
