Restaurants, rappers and Ryan Reynolds – relive the year’s highlights.
As we say goodbye to one year and hello to another, we reveal FACT’s 2024 Year in Review.
We mourned together at the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. We came together during the April floods. And, we laughed together at actor Ryan Reynolds’ love for the capital as Yas Island Ambassador.
The UAE’s food industry continued to get the recognition it deserved. The MICHELIN inspectors awarded Abu Dhabi four MICHELIN Stars and Dubai with 19 MICHELIN Stars. And it’s fair to say, we made our mark as a culinary capital, as The Best Chef Awards 2024 made its debut in Dubai.
Can you call yourself a UAE resident if you didn’t complain about the traffic? Bonus points if got tickets to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024. If you managed not to take a photo of Dubai’s viral pistachio and kunafa chocolate bar, we salute you. Oh, and a golden visa will be coming your way if you finished Love is Blind, Habibi.
Bennifer broke up. Brat Summer was #trending. Half of the world’s population had elections. Brain rot was Oxford University Press’ Word of the Year. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande couldn’t stop crying in interviews for the film Wicked. And, we learnt to be very demure, very mindful.
Here’s our love letter to the last twelve months, and 24 things we loved in the UAE in 2024.
Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple
The UAE is home to a truly multicultural society with people from different faiths. As part of the country’s commitment to cultural diversity, religious harmony, and tolerance, Abu Dhabi welcomed the Hindu temple, BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi. The venue opened in February 2024 and is a majestic sight highlighting the country’s diversity.
Comedy in the UAE
The UAE knows how to put a smile on your face. Sure, there’s the Dubai Comedy Festival. Comedians from around the world came to the UAE. The British comedians included Frank Skinner, Michael McIntyre and Omid Djalil. The American comedians included Jo Koy, Kevin Hart and Trevor Noah.
Concerts in the UAE
The UAE hit the high notes as it welcomed world-class acts. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Nights welcomed the singing sensation Mariah Carey and opera singer Andrea Bocelli. Other acts included Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Wiz Khalifa. Plus, the Formula One line-up included Eminem, Maroon 5 and Muse.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. In 2024, it welcomed more than 68.6 million guests and is expected to break a world record for the number of guests. The top destinations for travellers include India, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Plus, London is a top city with 2.9 million guests.
Ed Sheeran
British star Ed Sheeran brought his Mathematics Tour to The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The show, which took place over two nights in January, was the biggest outdoor concert in Dubai. It brought together 60,000 fans and included FACT Magazine.
Eid Al Etihad
UAE National Day changed its name to Eid Al Etihad. In 2024, the country celebrated its 53rd year. Festivities took place across the seven emirates with food, fireworks and a whole lot of fun. Parades took place at City Walk, LEGOLAND Dubai and Yas Marina Circuit. Plus, Emirati restaurants showcased the very best of the country’s cuisine.
FACT Dining Awards
There ain’t no party like a FACT Dining Awards party. Taking place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh – and soon launching in London – it rewards the best restaurants in the region. The GCC events took place in autumn 2024 and welcomed the biggest chefs. NIRI Restaurant & Bar at Mamsha Al Saadiyat received Restaurant of the Year in Abu Dhabi, Trèsind Studio at St. Regis Gardens received Restaurant of the Year in Dubai, and Kuuru was awarded Restaurant of the Year in Riyadh.
First commercial brewery
We raised a glass of craft beer to the FACT Dining Award Abu Dhabi winner, Craft by Side Hustle. The brand made history and became the first company to brew alcohol legally in the UAE. The commercial beer brewery opened in The Galleria Al Maryah Island and was granted a license to sell beer on tap. The beer is brewed on-site, and the microbrewery can make approximately 25,000 pints a month.
Fix Dessert Chocolatier
Dubai knows how to go viral. So, it comes as no surprise that Fix Dessert Chocolatier became a social media sensation – we’re talking six million TikTok views and counting. Created by Sarah Hamouda, it’s more than just a chocolate bar. The bars and handmade, and covered in colourful painting-life designs. The fillings include biscuit, filo pastry, tea and vanilla custard.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an annual sports event that brings thrilling races to the capital. The championship races take place from 6 to 8 December. They will take place across 5,281 kilometres and 58 laps in Yas Marina. Catch the world’s biggest drivers and look out for A-list acts at the F1 Yasalam After-Race concerts.
Hamilton
We did not throw away our shot. The award-winning musical, Hamilton, made its debut in the UAE in January 2024. Running at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the game-changer musical was created by actor, singer, composer and all-round wunderkind Lin-Manuel Miranda. The show tells the story of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. What sets it apart is its combination of traditional costumes with a hip-hop-inspired soundtrack and diverse cast.
Hotel openings
The UAE was filled with exciting hotel openings. This year included Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, Delano Dubai, FIVE LUXE, SIRO One Za’abeel and The Lana Dorchester Collection. One&Only One Za’abeel opened with a star-studded ceremony, which included performances from Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ronson and Nancy Ajram. The opening party included Emma Raducanu, Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell and Vanessa Hudgens. Plus, the restaurants include La Dame De Pic, Sagestu and StreetXO.
J1 Beach
This year, we said goodbye to La Mer and hello to J1 Beach. The site formerly known as La Mer was rebranded, and replaced with 13 waterfront restauranrs and beachclubs. The upmarket, day-to-night hotspot is home to African Queen, Bâoli, Gigi Rigolatto, Gitano, Sakhalin and Sirene by Gaia.
Khorfakkan Waterfall in Sharjah
Sharjah rarely makes restaurant news. Habibi Beirut changed that due to its Insta-worthy location, which overlooked Khorfakkan Waterfall. The floor-to-ceiling windows are framed perfectly, and you can look out through the cascades and onto the spectacular seafront. Showcasing Lebanese cuisine, the menu includes hot and cold mezze, salads, sandwiches, soups, raw meat, fatteh, grills and manakish.
Law changes
Each year, the UAE amends its laws to improve life in the country. The age for getting a driving license was lowered to 17 years old. Single-use plastic bags were banned in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. E-scooters were banned on public transport. Plus, it became easier to secure a Golden Visa.
Love is Blind, Habibi
Do you believe in love at first sight? The Netflix series Love is Blind asks if love is truly blind. The reality show has had contestants from Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. In 2024, it made its debut in the Middle East, and saw couples being paired up in the UAE. Spoiler alert: three couples made it to the altar.
Megaprojects
The UAE has marvellous megaprojects, and we are expecting more to be announced in 2025. Developments include Sharjah’s Kalba Waterfront Project, which is scheduled to open in Sharjah’s Eastern Region. Dubai’s Las Vegas-inspired island, aptly titled The Island, signed a record-breaking development deal. Plus, Dubai Reefs aims to be the world’s largest ocean restoration megaproject.
Music festivals
Dubai welcomed its first mega festival, UNTOLD Dubai. Running in February 2024 at Expo City Dubai, it was a showstopping event. The headliners included Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren, American singer Bebe Rexha and British singer Ellie Goulding. Plus, Elrow XXL took place in April 2024, and Wireless Festival took place in November 2024.
Olympics
On your marks, get set, Olympics. The 2024 Paris Olympics took place from July to August. The event featured 206 countries and approximately 2,900 athletes. Team UAE included 14 athletes across athletics, cycling, equestrian, judo and swimming.
Real Madrid World
For footie fans, this one hit the back of the net. Dubai welcomed the world’s first Real Madrid theme park. The new experience celebrates the football club and includes a one-of-a-kind theme park, rides, shops and a museum. Plus, there are family-friendly Spanish-inspired restaurants.
Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi opened new restaurants, ranging from casual to classy. The highlights included Antonia Chic, Mika, Perlage, TOTÓ Abu Dhabi, Strawfire and SUSHISAMBA. Plus, Akmal Anuar opened Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori in the capital, and Punjab Grill moved to a location in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai is home to award-winning concepts, from FACT Dining Awards Dubai to MICHELIN Star winners. One&Only Za’abeel flexed its restaurant muscles with 12 celebrity-chef fronted venues to choose from, which included Anne Sophie-Pic, Dabiz Muñoz and Tetsuya Wakuda. Plus, other major openings included Adaline, Akabeko, FZN, Jamavar, Khadak and Sexy Fish.
Ryan Reynolds
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island went big with its brand ambassador. The new Chief Island Officer was the Hollywood actor, Ryan Reynolds – who starred in this year’s blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. Previous ambassadors include Jason Moma and Kevin Hart.
Surf Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi made waves with the opening of Surf Abu Dhabi. Located on Hudayriyat Island, the record-breaking site is home to the world’s largest surf park. The attraction boasts artificial waves, an urban park and a velodrome.
