1. See The Kid LAROI’s Dubai debut
You can see Australian rapper The Kid LAROI on Friday December 8 at Coca-Cola Arena. Famed for his links to US rapper Juice Wrld and for featuring on Justin Bieber’s track Stay, the 20-year-old, whose real name is Charlton Howard, has been releasing music since 2018 and is performing in Dubai for the first time.
2. Go the Rugby 7s
One of the most popular events on Dubai’s sporting and social calendars is the Dubai Rugby 7s. Not just for rugby fans, you can watch netball stars battle it out as well as cricket teams. There will also be entertainment from British duo DJ Luck & MC Neat, plus Artful Dodger. The kids will be kept busy with child-friendly pop-ups, while there will be plenty of food trucks, too.
3. Visit Dhaba Lane for thali
Punjabi restaurant Dhaba Lane serves up thali for Dhs52 as it honours the 52nd National UAE Day on Saturday December 2 with a National Day thali for Dhs52. Tuck into chaat, starters, main courses complemented by fragrant rice and pilaf and dessert.
4. Experience Avli by tashas Athenian lunch
Avli by tashas will bring a taste of Greece to Dubai on Saturday December 2. The Athenian lunch, priced at Dhs360, will bring friends and family together on Saturdays to experience the true essence of Greek hospitality and visitors can explore a mini market filled with locally produced and sourced fresh dairy, eggs, jams, preserves, and other Greek staples.
5. Check out a new Speakeasy Bar behind a Fridge Door
When it comes to speakeasies, we aren’t ones to gatekeep. Moonshine, a secret mixed drinks and bites bar located behind the Wise Guys sandwich shop in DIFC, is now officially open to the public. The intimate space is tucked away behind a green fridge door and serves mixed drinks inspired by disco with live music from DJs.
6. Have coffee at the new Zara Café
Zara in Mall of the Emirate closed back in July for renovations. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll have been eagerly waiting for it to reopen. Well, the good news is, it’s finally reopened its doors, and it’s got a brand-new look. Along with the new design, the Mall of the Emirates store is also now home to the world’s first-ever Zara café where you can sip hot drinks and dig into branded cakes.
7. See Russell Howard live
Fancy some pre-Xmas lols? It’s time to get along to Dubai Opera, as the Bristolian comedian will be taking to the stage this month. Heading to the UAE on a comedy roll, Howard has a new comedy show Russell Howard Live, has sold over 250,000 tickets to his UK gigs and amassed over one billion views on social. Get ready to giggle.
8. See The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet will be brought to life by the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan. Running from Friday December 15 to Sunday December 17. Ticket prices are yet to be announced.
9. Listen to Christmas classics at The Irish Village
A concert of Christmas classics, the evening event will take place on Sunday December 17 from 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at the branch in Garhoud. Tickets are Dhs100 for adults and free for children under 16 years old. You can book yours via 800tickets or on The Irish Village website. At the family-friendly concert, you can expect to hear all your favourite Christmas songs performed by an 18-piece band.
10. Check out new Slavic restaurant Babushka
A new two-storey restaurant bar has opened in JBR. Brought to you by the same team as Cipriani, Belcanto at the Dubai Opera and Artest. With an old-school country house vibe the ground floor is decked out in antique cupboards and souvenirs. While the menu serves traditional Slavic cuisine made using modern ingredients.
11. Book a Christmas brunch
Dubai is famous for its Christmas brunches, and if you haven’t booked one yet, you need to soon. The popular ones are already sold out, but luckily, we’ve rounded up all the best festive brunches in the city.
12. Ring in 2024
Dubai doesn’t do New Year’s Eve by halves. From stunning firework displays to night brunches, massive parties and more – the countdown to midnight is a huge one. Whether you’re heading to see the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks or living it up at an incredible nightclub, head to here to find out where to see in 2024 in style.
