Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. From new dining destinations to theatre and sporting events – we have something exciting for you every day of this leap year month.
Thursday 1 February
See the Avengers assemble
For the first time in a live arena experience, the Guardians of the Galaxy will join forces with The Avengers. Together, they will embark on a grand adventure to battle Loki and recover an artefact with potent mystical forces that can rule or annihilate the entire universe. With 42 performers and over 100 costumes, audiences will be transported from the bustling streets of New York City to the far reaches of the galaxy. This journey unfolds through expansive projection mapping, dazzling pyrotechnics, state-of-the-art special effects, and awe-inspiring stunts at Coca-Cola Arena. The show runs daily until 4 February. Tickets start from AED 165.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for tickets and more information.
Friday 2 February
Attend the All Africa Festival
The All Africa Festival is coming to the capital. Taking place in Etihad Park, it will bring together entertainment from international musicians and local DJs to celebrate African culture. Having taken the Afrobeats scene by storm, Omah Lay will headline the event. His hit tracks include Bad Influence, Holy Ghost, I’m A Mess and Attention, a collaboration with Justin Bieber. He will be joined on the night by Majoos, Stonebwoy, Vegedream and Emirati rapper Freek.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 3 February
See Sting sing
Abu Dhabi, this one’s for you. The legendary British singer, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, is coming to the UAE capital – aka Sting. The hitmaker will perform at the Saadiyat Nights concert series on 3 February. The show is expected to feature songs from his career, which spans five decades and includes Fields of Gold, Shape of My Heart, Roxanne, Englishman In New York, Every Breath You Take and Message in a Bottle.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets and more information.
Sunday 4 February
Experience a culinary collab at TakaHisa
TakaHisa at Banyan Tree Dubai will team up with the Michelin-starred Sushi Kibatani from Japan for an exclusive culinary collaboration. This event unites Chefs Taka and Hisa from TakaHisa with the chef-owner Mitsuhiro Kibatani from Sushi Kibatani. The dinner will showcase a multi-course omakase menu highlighting traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on seafood while paying homage to Kanazawa, a historic town on Japan’s west coast known for classical architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens. Chef Mitsuhiro Kibatani’s expertise in fish ageing techniques will add depth and complexity to the dining experience. Available from 2 to 4 February at 1pm, 6pm and 9pm. AED 3,000 per person.
GO: Visit https://takahisa.ae for reservations and more information.
Monday 5 February
Check out Cloud 22’s Dolce&Gabbana collab
Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal is taking its sky pool to new heights. Located on Palm Jumeirah, the FACT award winning venue has collaborated with Dolce&Gabbana and Ounass, decking out the venue in a dazzling design, which draws its inspiration from Italy. Dolce&Gabbana’s blue majolica prints can be found across the sun loungers, umbrellas and even beach balls. Plus, there is a special Dolce&Gabbana menu with dishes including Bruschetta with Oscietra Caviar, Gillardeau Oysters drizzled with Amalfi lemon and balsamico sauce, and Steak Tartare with truffle.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Tuesday 6 February
Take a dip in the UAE’s longest infinity pool
The UAE is raising the bar again. Located in One&Only One Za’abeel, the country’s longest infinity pool stretches 120 metres long and boasts Insta-worthy views of the city’s skyline. The Tapasake pool sits atop The Link, a futuristic boulevard that defies gravity as the world’s longest cantilever, which is placed between One Za’abeel’s two towers. The Japanese meets Peruvian concept serves creative cuisine and cocktails. Tapasake has an adults-only policy, and visitors must be aged 21 years old and above. The pool is open from 10am to 9pm.
GO: Follow @tapasakedubai on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 7 February
Experience Turquoise Wednesdays
Immerse yourself in an Anatolian culinary journey with the all-new Turquoise Wednesdays at Rüya Dubai. Guests can savour a selection of Anatolian delicacies like Adana Kebap, Börek, Grilled Sea Bass, Isli Patlican, Muhammara, Sis Tavuk Kebap and Two Cheese Pide. Conclude the evening on a sweet note by indulging in a delectable dessert selection that includes Kazandibi, Hazelnut Baklava, or Furn Sütlaç. Wednesdays, from 7pm. AED 275 (food only) or AED 365 (food and two glasses of wine).
GO: Visit www.ruyarestaurants.com for reservations and more information.
Thursday 8 February
Visit the Sharjah Light Festival
Add some light to your life courtesy of the Sharjah Light Festival. Now in its 13th year, the gorgeous, gram-worthy festival is back. Taking place from 7 to 18 February, it casts the whole of Sharjah in a brand-new light, as it combines light displays, projections and music with dramatic results. This year’s Sharjah Light Festival brings together a lineup of local and international artists to craft 15 spectacular light shows, unfolding over 12 consecutive days at 12 key locations, including three new additions — the General Directorate of Sharjah Police, the General Souq – Al Hamriyah, and Kalba Waterfront.
GO: Visit www.sharjahlightfestival.ae for more information.
Friday 9 February
Stay in Ras Al Khamah’s first over water villas
If you’ve been daydreaming about a trip to the Maldives, you can now experience exotic island life a little closer to home. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort has 174 guest rooms, suites and several swoon-worthy overwater villas. The new resort features a sunken bar, a large outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of water sports to keep the family entertained. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is also home to the first overwater villas in the emirate, offering a terrace with sweeping views of the lagoon, sea or surrounding landscapes and a private pool.
GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.
Saturday 10 February
Tuck into a heritage dining experience
Ras Al Khaimah Art will collaborate with Antica Australis to present a cultural heritage dining experience from Australia. Run by the husband-and-wife team, Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi, the lunch and dinner events will feature a four-course set menu by Paolo, accompanied by storytelling from Kelly between courses. Dishes include a pistachio risotto with fried local organic dates, an ‘ethereal’ tiramisu with pomegranate and Sidr jelly, and a medieval milk pudding made with camel milk infused with saffron. The events will be held on 3, 10 and 17 February at 1pm and 7pm. AED 400 (inclusive of two soft beverages) and AED 500 (inclusive of two grape beverages):
GO: Visit https://www.rakart.ae for reservations and more information.
Sunday 11 February
Watch the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final
Sports fans, listen up – the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will return to the capital from 3 to 11 February. Set against the backdrop of Zayed Sports City, the second edition of the competition promises to be a spectacular showcase featuring 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Competing players include current top-ten player Ons Jabeur, WTA number 11-ranked player Beatriz Haddad Maia, Grand Slam winners Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, and Saudi tennis star Yara Alhogbani. Tennis enthusiasts can secure the best available seats at the International Tennis Centre by visiting Platinumlist.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.netfor more information.
Monday 12 February
Stay at Dubai’s first fitness and recovery hotel
If you love to start (and end) the day with a workout, sprint over to SIRO One Za’abeel. Set to welcome guests from 12 February, the new offering aims to break the hospitality mould and create an immersive lifestyle and fitness hotel. Each of SIRO One Za’abeel’s 132 room and suites provide a haven of well-being, fully soundproof and equipped with amenities, a dedicated stretching bar, an in-room refuel bar with healthy bites, personalised modular dining, and access to virtual classes on the 2.5m television. Elsewhere, the two-storey Fitness and Recovery Lab features dedicated pilates, spin, and yoga studios, an expansive HIIT area, hydrotherapy facilities and treatments ranging from compression therapy and cryotherapy to dry needling and IV therapy.
GO: Visit www.sirohotels.com for more information.
Tuesday 13 February
Embark on a travel themed adventure
Would you like to visit bars from around the world? At the newly opened Globar in DIFC, you can. As the name suggests, the bar draws its inspiration from around the globe. Each month, the theme changes and focuses on drinks as well as dishes from a different country. The Italian experience serves pizza, pasta and fine wines. The venue uses state-of-the-art technology and brings to life the countries. Projections of the world’s most famous sights, from the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower, will make you feel like you’re in the cities.
GO: Visit https://globardubai.com for more information.
Wednesday 14 February
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at LPM
LPM Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a new dessert for Valentine’s Day – the Tarte Tropézienne à la Fleur d’Oranger (AED 95). This limited edition sweet treat is a contemporary interpretation of one of the French Riviera’s beloved delicacies, the Tarte Tropézienne, originally inspired by the iconic Brigitte Bardot. This delectable creation consists of a buttery brioche filled with Orange Blossom Diplomat Cream, crowned with Craquelin and Pink Pralines. To complement the dessert, LPM introduces the Cognac & Champagne Colada (AED 69), which is exclusively on the beverage list for Valentine’s Day.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.
Thursday 15 February
Caffeinate at Café Kitsuné
Dubai, a touch of chic has arrived in the city, courtesy of Café Kitsuné which has landed in H Residence in Al Wasl. Café Kitsuné boasts a minimalist design with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. In Japanese, kitsune means fox and refers to the animals in traditional folklore that are believed to have supernatural powers. The brand has gained a reputation for its speciality coffee, and the drinks are famous for being full-bodied and flavoursome. It’s all about the smooth and syrupy textures, and the notes ranging from chocolate to grilled hazelnuts.
GO: Follow @cafekitsune.uae on Instagram for more information.
Friday 16 February
Visit Duba’s mega music festival
Dubai is welcoming a brand-new music festival. The world-renowned UNTOLD will take place at Expo City Dubai. Scheduled for February 2024, UNTOLD Dubai will boast a stellar lineup of international live acts and DJs, including DJ Armin van Buuren, Bebe Rexha, Ellie Goulding, G-Eazy, Hardwell, Major Lazer, Sebastian Ingrosso and Tiësto. UNTOLD Dubai has been created in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai. The festival aims to revolutionise entertainment and welcome big-name acts to the city. Plus, it will include lights, fireworks, laser shows and a record-breaking event.
GO: Visit https://untold.ae for more information.
Saturday 17 February
See Alicia Keys sparkle at Saadiyat Nights
Saadiyat Nights is proving to be a star-studded affair where music fans find themselves immersed in a sea of melodies under the moonlit sky. Now, Alicia Keys will take to the stage in the capital on 17 February. The singer and songwriter began playing the piano at the age of seven. She made her debut in 2001 with the album Songs in A Minor which sold over 12 million copies worldwide and earned her five Grammy Awards. Since then, Keys has released several successful albums and has become known for her soulful voice and powerful ballads such as Girl On Fire, Fallin’, If I Ain’t Got You, No One and Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets and more information.
Sunday 18 February
Try the Reggae Roast at Ting Irie
Experience the ultimate fusion of Caribbean cuisine, vibrant music, and lively vibes at Ting Irie’s Reggae Roast. Indulge in authentic Jamaican flavours with a feast of roasted meats, seafood dishes, and Jamaican-inspired cocktails. The offering includes jerk tiger shrimp, lamb chops, roast chicken, and steaks, complemented by enticing side dishes like candied carrots, coconut rice, roasted plantain, and Yorkshire pudding. Sundays, from 1pm to 6pm. AED 195 (one main course, two side dishes, one dessert and three beverages).
GO: Visit www.tingirie.com for reservations and more information.
Monday 19 February
Retreat to the beach
Señor Pico, the Mexican Californian restaurant on Palm West Beach, has transformed into an outdoor oasis featuring a terrace extension, an upgraded beach, a games area, and a new food and beverage menu. A fully redeemable beach pass allows families to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and partake in outdoor games, including the beach volleyball court AED 150 for adults and AED 75 for children (from Monday to Wednesday) and AED 250 for adults and AED 125 for children (from Thursday to Sunday).
GO: Follow @senorpico.thepalmdxb on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 20 February
Try a new business lunch
Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia has introduced its business lunch menu, providing guests with an opportunity to savour the rich and diverse flavours of India. The menu features a tempting array of starters, including Bohri Beef Samosa, Chicken Malai Tikka, Kadhi, and Shakarkandi Sweet & Sour. For the main course, guests can indulge in Butter Chicken, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Lucchi and Naan. The meal concludes with a selection of desserts, including Chenna Payesh and Filter Coffee Caramel Custard. Available on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm.
GO: Call 055 168 0802 for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 21 February
Dine at Acquasale by Cucina
Located in Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah on Palm West Beach, Acquasale by Cucina brings neighbourhood vibes to the city. Acquasale by Cucina is not just an extension of the FACT award winning Cucina. The venue describes itself as the little sister to Cucina, and aims to create its own unique experience. The menu includes a selection of pizzas in one size. Classic options include the Buratta Mainara, Cacio e Pepe and Diavola. Creative options include the Apulia with wild broccoli, burrata cheese, anchovies and garlic, and the Tonno with smoked scarmorza, tuna belly, black olive paste, lemon zest and chives.
GO: Visit www.cucinadubai.com for more information.
Dance the night away at Raspoutine
At Raspoutine’s new Folie-Piano nights, guests can embark on an exquisite culinary journey tailored around music from French talents such as the chanteur pianist Mathieu Duval. Here, diners can choose one starter, one main course with a side dish, and a delightful dessert to conclude the dinner while being captivated by mesmerising renditions of popular songs. Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9pm. AED 450 (regular menu) and AED 650 (premium menu).
GO: Email reservations@raspoutine-dubai.com or call 04 272 5373 for reservations and more information.
Watch world-famous musical The Phantom of the Opera
Chandeliers don’t get more famous than The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical will be showing at Dubai Opera this month. Based on Gaston Leroux’s classic novel of the same name, the show brings music, passion and mystery to the stage. Set in 1930s Paris, it follows the Phantom who lurks in the shadows of the Paris Opera House and falls for the soprano Christine. Tickets are available now via Platinumlist.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 23 February
Explore Taste of Dubai
Taste of Dubai is back, and taking place at Skydive Dubai from 23 to 25 February 2023. The culinary extravaganza will include chefs, restaurants, masterclasses, live music and entertainment. Eat your way around the festival, as each restaurant will offer three to five sample-sized dishes, including at least one vegetarian option and one child-friendly dish. Participating restaurants include Akira Back, Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Hutong, Indya by Vineet, Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval, Rhodes W1, Sumosan, Tàn Chá, Torno Subito, the soon-to-open Osteria Funkcoolio, and the FACT Award winning City Social and Jun’s. On your marks, get set, eat.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 24 February
Head on over to the Open Fire Food Festival
Prepare for a culinary explosion at the world’s first Open Fire Food Festival, hosted by the charismatic Steve Harvey. Head to Abu Dhabi Hill in the centre of Yas Marina Circuit and immerse yourself in the tantalising art of open-flame cooking. The lineup boasts celebrity chefs like Melissa Cookston, Moe Cason, and Steven Raichlen, promising a sizzling experience.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 25 February
Experience a new supper club
Gerbou Supper Club is a collaboration between Atelier House Hospitality and Tashkeel. The event brings together ten guests each evening and acts as a prelude to the restaurant opening, which will take place later in the year. The menu blends together traditional influences and aims to celebrate Emirati culture. Head Chef Ionel Catau has previously worked around the world and in MICHELIN Starred kitchens. Chef Sahar Parham joins the team and is behind the beautiful desserts and pastries. The pair draw their inspiration from traditional Emirati flavours and dishes while adding a modern twist. Gerbou Supper Club takes place every weekend. The event starts from 8pm, and costs AED 450 per person.
GO: Follow @gerbou on Instagram for more information.
Monday 26 February
Treat yourself
Immerse yourself in the allure of winter beauty through the latest treatment at The SPA at Palazzo Versace Dubai. The Winter Glow Spacation features a 25-minute body brush and dry scrub, a relaxing 30-minute back massage, a 20-minute face cleansing and toning session, and a Babor Tightening Cream Mask. The treatment concludes with a classic shape and polish for both your hands and feet. Plus, unlimited access to the hotel’s outdoor pool and spa facilities. Available daily from 11am to 10pm. AED 750 (two-hour treatment).
GO: Email spa@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8750 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 27 February
See Simple Minds live in Dubai
Rockers, unite. The Scottish rock band Simple Minds are bringing their world tour to Dubai. The concert takes place at Coca-Cola Arena on 27 February 2024, Simple Minds released their first album Life in a Day in 1979. Their hit songs include Alive and Kicking, All The Things She Said, Glittering Prize, Promised You A Miracle, Someone Somewhere In Summertime and Waterfront. Over their career, they have sold more than 60 million records worldwide and achieved number-one singles and albums across the world. Plus, they have received the Q Awards Lifetime Achievement. Tickets are available via Platinumlist and start at AED 195.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 28 February
Laugh out loud with Trevor Noah
Emmy Award-winning comedian and writer Trevor Noah will bring his unique brand of humour to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Wednesday, 28 February 2024. The South African-born entertainer has seen meteoric success, with his witty commentary resonating with audiences worldwide. Noah’s popularity has extended to sold-out stand-up comedy shows on five continents and hosting duties at the Grammy Awards in 2021 and 2022. He last performed in the UAE in October 2022 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Noah’s upcoming performance in the capital forms part of his Off The Record World Tour, which features a new comedic set showcasing Noah’s unique personal stories from a global perspective.
GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.
Thursday 29 February
Witness the wonder of AP Dhillon
AP Dhillon straddles Punjabi roots and Western influences, fusing hip-hop, pop, and R&B into a uniquely soulful sound. His breakthrough came with the release of the chart-topping single Brown Munde in 2020, shooting him straight into stardom. Since then, AP Dhillon has been on a roll, churning out hits like Excuses, With You and many more. With over five billion streams across all platforms, it’s safe to say that Dhillon’s music has become a global phenomenon. The upcoming concert at Coca-Cola Arena isn’t Dhillon’s first stint in Dubai. He graced the Expo 2020 stage in 2022, so expect an even bigger crowd this time around.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for more information.
