Travel & Living

Dubai Weekend Guide: New Menus, Festive Feasts and Exclusive Experiences

The onset of winter brings the most vibrant time of the year in the Middle East. There’s always reason to celebrate in Dubai, and there’s plenty to choose from; whether you long for those winter beachfront brunches, or immersive experiences, or are already planning your New year’s Eve party, here are some options, which are quintessentially Dubai!

Bâoli Dubai: RISE into 2026

For New Year’s Eve 2025, Bâoli Dubai unveils its most glamorous celebration yet: RISE, an immersive journey of sound and ascension, headlined by DJ Pablo Fierro. The Afro-house artist will bring his signature rhythm and energy to J1 Beach as the venue transforms into a golden spectacle complete with a rising sun installation, dancers, light projections and the traditional celebratory drink rituals that carry guests from dinner to dawn. Expect nothing less than Bâoli’s signature fusion of haute cuisine, music and pure magic under the stars.

@baoli.dubai | www.baolidubai.com

Riva Beach Club: Celebrate by the Sea

Palm Jumeirah’s Riva Beach Club sets the tone for the season with Mediterranean-inspired dining and glittering festivities. Highlights include a Christmas Day Brunch, a dazzling New Year’s Eve party under the stars, and early bird offers available until 10 November 2025. A Dubai favourite for relaxed luxury and seaside charm.

@rivabeachdxb | www.riva-beach.com

voco Bonnington Dubai: Festivities in Style

Celebrate the season at voco Bonnington Dubai, where lavish Christmas brunches, glamorous New Year’s Eve dinners, and gourmet takeaway feasts await. Enjoy 20% off festive orders before 10 December. Whether at The Cavendish Restaurant itself, or from the comfort of your home, diners can expect a celebration with style.

@vocobonnington | www.vocobonningtontower.com

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort: Discover Bakalis

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort has unveiled Bakalis by ENVY, a new Greek-inspired, toes-in-the-sand dining spot on Palm Jumeirah. Serving authentic Aegean flavours with sunset views, the menu features Mediterranean favourites such as tzatziki, dolmades, grilled squid, souvlaki and whole sea bass, cooked over open-flame cast-iron grills. Dessert highlights include Loukoumades and pistachio baklava. With its romantic beachfront setting and relaxed coastal mood, Bakalis offers a true taste of Greece for date nights, intimate gatherings and seaside escapes.

@th8palm | www.th8palmdubai.com

Tour Dubai: Experiences by Land and Sea


One of Dubai’s longest-standing tourism brands, Tour Dubai adds two distinctive new experiences this season. The Indian Dinner Cruise sets sail from Dubai Harbour Marina for a two-hour voyage of authentic Indian cuisine, live performances and stunning skyline views. Meanwhile, the Sahara Desert Fortress expands its offerings to host weddings and corporate gatherings, blending desert heritage with modern luxury under the stars.

@tourdubai | www.tour-dubai.com

PizzaExpress UAE: A Fresh Spin on Classics


A huge fan favourite, PizzaExpress UAE launches a new menu that elevates beloved favourites with global flavours. Pizza lovers can expect signature creations such as Carbonara and Paneer Tikka pizzas, along with indulgent desserts like Mango Glazed Cheesecake,  a reflection of the brand’s 60-year legacy of handcrafted recipes and warm hospitality.

@pizzaexpressuae | www.pizzaexpress.ae

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Dubai: The Taste of New York Arrives


Pizza lovers can look forward to a taste of the iconic New York pizzas with Brooklyn’s legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria landing in Dubai, with over a century of coal-fired pizza mastery to Silicon Central Mall. Guests can enjoy authentic hand-tossed pizzas made with premium ingredients, served in a relaxed, family-friendly setting that captures the soul of New York.

@grimaldispizzeriauae | www.grimaldispizzeria.ae