Get your calendars out – exhilarating adventures, brunch and culture await.
It’s a new year, which means it’s a chance to try new things. Dubai is filled with concerts, new dining destinations, and plenty of entertainment options. Here are the best things to do in Dubai this week.
Monday 29 December
Experience the Maldives in Ras Al Khaimah
If you’ve been daydreaming about a trip to the Maldives, you can now experience exotic island life a little closer to home. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort has 174 guest rooms, suites, and several swoon-worthy overwater villas. Featuring its own sunken bar, the resort’s large outdoor pool is just steps from the beach, while motorised water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking are available. Come dining, Mekong is home to Southeast Asian cuisine, while Beach House serves grilled fish and seafood.
GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.
Tuesday 30 December
Party like a celebrity at Miss Lily’s
Make like Kanye West or FACT’s editor-in-chief and head to the Jamaican hotspot Miss Lily’s for dinner and drinks. The FACT award-winning restaurant exudes a lively, colourful vibe that transports diners to the sunny Caribbean islands. Expect pumping tunes encompassing the best of Afro, Caribbean, Hip-Hop, and R&B alongside signature dishes like Curry Goat Stew and Jerk Chicken. If it’s good enough for the likes of Chris Brown and Tion Wayne, it’s good enough for us.
GO: Visit www.misslilys.com for more information.
Wednesday 31 December
Ring in the new year with Maroon 5
New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a big deal. The city celebrates the occasion with iconic, world-famous fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and across various landmarks. As always, Atlantis, The Palm is pulling out all the stops with a stellar act for the night — Maroon 5 will take centre stage. The event takes place on a custom-built open-air deck, offering views of the Palm and the Dubai skyline. Expect canapés, a 30-piece live band, free-flowing champagne, lobster, caviar, sushi, live cooking stations, and much more. This year also sees the return of VIP Sky Suites, with 22 private pods offering front-row views, butler service, and a personalised menu from Atlantis’s top restaurants.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 1 January
Have lunch at Lazy Cat
The cat is out of the bag – there’s a new FACT award-winning café in Dubai. Kuwait’s queue-worthy Lazy Cat has opened in Al Quoz Pond Park. Boasting a beautiful outdoor area, it is a superb spot to soak up the cooler weather. The Dubai menu features Lazy Cat’s signature dishes, including Fluffy Japanese Pancakes, the indulgent Lazy Egg Pastrami, Jammy Eggs on Toast, and refreshing smoothies. So, if you like breakfast, brunch and beverages, you’ll be the cat that got the cortado.
GO: Visit www.eatlazycat.com for more information.
Friday 2 January
Set your wellness goals
Samadhi Wellness is a sanctuary that prioritises your well-being with a holistic approach, providing transformative experiences to restore life balance and foster self-love. Located in Jumeirah, it’s designed with meticulous attention to the four elements of nature. With classes featuring infrared heaters, a garden extension, access to a sauna, ice bath, and private pool, you’re in for a zen escape. You can also indulge in healthy delights at the onsite cafe and experience hair therapy treatments, completing Samadhi’s holistic well-being offerings.
GO: Visit https://samadhi-wellness.com for more information.
Saturday 3 January
Visit the world’s biggest beach club
Conceived by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, Sirene Beach by Gaia invites you to indulge in a relaxed coastal experience right in the heart of Dubai. Inspired by Greek mythology, Sirene embodies the allure of the legendary Sirenes—enchanting figures known for their beauty and mesmerising voices. With seating for 400 in the restaurant, a beachfront boasting 300 sunbeds, luxurious private cabanas, and a terraced flow from dining spaces to the beach, the FACT award-winning Sirene creates a seamless experience where guests can relax and unwind, accompanied by curated beats from the resident DJ throughout the day.
GO: Follow @sirene_dxb on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 4 January
Dine in the dunes at Zuma Ras Al Khaimah
Zuma can be found around the world in Madrid, the Maldives and Mykonos. Now, the multiple FACT award-winner has opened a pop-up in the desert at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, giving you a chance to enjoy modern Japanese izakaya-style cuisine with breathtaking views of the dunes. Expect the likes of Zuma’s signature Miso-marinated Black Cod and Rib-eye with Wafu Sauce, or watch the chefs at work on the sushi counter and robata grill.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
