With temperatures finally dropping, al fresco season is officially here. Whether you’re after a beach day, a long Sunday brunch or a relaxed evening on a terrace, here are 15 places to plan your weekend in Dubai and Abu Dhabi around. Prices and timings are as announced by the venues, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Beach and pool days
La Plage by La Maison Ani, Palm West Beach
A restaurant, beach, pool, cabanas and lounge in one, with French and Mediterranean dishes from Chef Izu such as Salad Niçoise, escargot in garlic butter and the Izu Burger. Open daily from 12pm.
Nammos Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach
New dishes from Head Chef Adil Ahmed and international DJs, including Manoukian on 14 and 15 November, Chris IDH on 22 November and Marasi on 29 November. Sunbeds from AED 300 (AED 150 for children 10 and under), cabanas AED 5,000 for up to eight guests with AED 3,000 redeemable.
Sirene Beach by GAIA, J1 Beach
A laid-back pool and beach day every Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. AED 200 for beach access or AED 300 for the pool (non-redeemable). Reservations: +971 4 570 4766.
Outdoor dining and terraces
Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba
Reimagined Emirati dishes such as Chicken Machboos, Lamb Thareed and Mansaf in an outdoor majlis. Try the Coconut, Pandan and Date Caramel Entremet, the latest Tashkeel Artist Special Dessert, available until 27 November. Open daily.
SOLENA by RASPOUTINE, DIFC
A new Mediterranean garden terrace with French influences, cocktails and music. Precinct Building 3, Level 2. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm.
25 Jump Street, One Central
Back for its second season next to 25hours Hotel Dubai, with live buskers and new spots including the speakeasy Lucy Lu and gastro bar BEATBAB.
Brunches and afternoon tea
Sunday Social Brunch, Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi
Three courses of Mediterranean sharing dishes and a resident DJ, every Sunday 12pm to 4pm at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. AED 400 (soft), AED 600 (house) or AED 800 (premium).
Layali Brunch at QD’s
An evening brunch with live entertainment every Friday, 7pm to 10pm. AED 99 food only, or AED 199 with a sharing menu and two hours of selected drinks.
Afternoon tea at Ginori Terrace, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai
Overlooking the Dubai Canal, daily from 2pm to 6pm. From AED 250 per person.
TABŪ, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai
Sharing-style dishes with two hours of selected drinks: AED 295 (soft) or AED 395 (premium).
Treats, workshops and wellness
- Golden Hour at Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi: cocktails at AED 45, daily from 12pm to 7pm
- 852 Bakery, Downtown Dubai: Hong Kong-style pineapple buns from chef Kelvin Cheung, inside Jun’s, daily 12pm to 11pm
- Sip & Paint at Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Resort: every Sunday 5pm to 7pm, AED 95 including a drink and all materials
- Nespresso Singles Day: buy 12 coffee sleeves and get a free cooler bag, 6 to 15 November, in boutiques and online
- The Bay Health Club, Al Barari: Pilates surrounded by greenery. Call +971 50 899 9643
Media contact
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