The FACT UAE guide to the week ahead: 12 to 18 February

Hate it or love it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching

The FACT team have hand-picked the best dining, nightlife and wellness deals across Dubai, from V-Day dinner dates to live music and more.

Monday 12 February

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Burj

The exquisite Skyview Lounge at Burj Al Arab is home to a new afternoon tea crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Tom Coll and Chef Saverio Sbaragli. The savoury offerings feature Cheese Canelé, King Crab Tartelette and Zucchini Petals. The Pâtisserie selections range from the Hazelnut Lemon Swirl to the Mango Flower Roll and Rhubarb Tonka Tartelette. Diners can also expect traditional Scones served with an assortment of jams paired with a selection of teas and Champagne. Available daily, from 1pm to 5pm. AED 490 or AED 590 (with a glass of Champagne).

GO: Call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.

Tuesday 13 February

Visit the world’s first Nobu-branded beach club

Immerse yourself in a daily sunset special at Nobu by the Beach in Atlantis The Royal. Set against the backdrop of the setting sun and accompanied by a hypnotic deep house soundtrack, discover the essence of Japanese ‘ikigai’ amidst the chic ambience of Nobu by the Beach’s stylish bar. Here, diners can enjoy two signature dishes paired with a carafe of Japanese sake. Available from Tuesday to Thursday, from 5pm to 7pm. AED 380 per couple.

GO: Visit www.nobubythebeach.com for reservations and more information.

Wednesday 14 February

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day

Celebrate love at Zuma with a Valentine’s tasting menu meticulously curated for an intimate experience with your loved one. Guests can anticipate a premium selection of sushi and sashimi, expertly crafted to showcase the finest flavours of Japanese cuisine. Concluding this romantic meal, a Valentine’s dessert platter will be presented to the table, featuring a chef’s selection of sweet treats. There’s a reason this modern Japanese izakaya proudly holds the most accolades in the history of the FACT Dining Awards.

GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.

Thursday 15 February

Eat your heart out

Prepare for a Valentine’s experience like no other at Hawkerboi’s inaugural celebration of love. The Supper Club menu promises unexpected delights, featuring unique dishes like Dibba Bay Oysters and Banana Hearts Salad. For the main course, choose between a Grilled Ox Heart Skewer, a Grilled Prawn Skewer or the Pad Ka Prao of Chicken Heart with chicken thigh, hot basil, and a fried egg. The grand finale, a heart-shaped dessert named ‘Take My Heart,’ is a white Chocolate Mousse with raspberry coulis. Available on 14 and 15 February. AED 235 per person.

GO: Email whois@hawkerboi.com for reservations and more information.

Friday 16 February

Visit to a FACT Award winner for lunch

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the boundary-breaking Jun’s has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant has recently launched a revamped business lunch menu featuring the Fermented Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and the Wagyu Pastrami Toastie. Drawing inspiration from a fusion of culinary traditions, Jun’s eclectic menu reflects Chef Kelvin Cheung’s global travels and his penchant for inventive culinary combinations. Available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 3:30pm. AED 110 (two courses) and AED 130 (three courses).

GO: Call 04 457 6035 for reservations and more information.

Saturday 17 February

Party at Dubai’s first mega-music festival

Grab your glowsticks and prepare for an epic weekend because UNTOLD Festival is taking over Expo City Dubai from 15 to 18 February. Brace yourselves for four days of non-stop raving as UNTOLD Dubai becomes a playground for the biggest names in the music business. With over 100 artists bringing the beats, revellers can expect performances from Armin van Buuren, Bebe Rexha, Ellie Goulding, G-Eazy, Hardwell, Major Lazer and PSY. 

GO: Visit https://untold.ae for more information.

Sunday 18 February

Treat yourself

LDC Kitchen + Coffee has joined forces with Chef Nadia Parekh from the FACT Award winning Mélange to launch a new dessert collection full of whimsical creations. Delight in the Carrot Crumble Cake (AED 38), Five-Layer Berry Lemon Trifle (AED 38), Nadia’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie (AED 18), the Strawberry Tart (AED 25) or the White Lotus Sundae (AED 35). The LDC Kitchen + Coffee x Nadia Parekh Dessert Collection is available at LDC locations across the city and online via Deliveroo and Talabat. 

GO: Visit https://ldckitchen.com for reservations and more information.