The FACT UAE guide to the week ahead: 7 to 13 October

For food and fun across Dubai, FACT has you covered. 

As we venture into the second week of October, big plans are afoot. Here are the events, experiences, restaurants, and exciting things to do this week as recommended by the FACT editorial team.

Monday 7 October

Laugh out loud with Nigel Ng

Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, will bring his Haiyya World Tour to Dubai. The comedian shot to fame in 2020 with Uncle Roger, a character he played in his videos. Uncle Roger was presented as a middle-aged Asian man who reviews cooking videos with a mix of humour and critique. Beyond videos, Nigel also hosts the popular podcast Rice To Meet You, which discusses Asian culture. He’s currently working with Gordon Ramsay’s studio for a feature film and an animation series based on his famed character, Uncle Roger. Plus, with over 250 million views on YouTube, Nigel Ng is a comedic force to be reckoned with. Tickets are available on Platinumlist and start at AED 195.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.

Tuesday 8 October

Sip on the Nobu Dubai x Bar Ran collab

The bar team at Nobu Dubai will welcome Ran Van Ongevalle and Matthis Verhaeghe of Belgium’s Bar Ran for a one-night-only collaboration. Sip on Bar Ran’s signature cocktails, including the bold Dragon’s Blood, which features a blend of Herradura Plata, strawberry sake, Tepextate, and Habanero vinegar. Another standout is their Vintage Sherry Cobbler, a mix of Diplomático Reserva, Creme d’Abricot, sherry, orange, and China vermouth. Nobu Dubai’s bar will offer equally colourful creations, such as the Green Hawaiian, an innovative fusion of Woodford Reserve, Jamaican rum, Tepache, coconut yoghurt, and a surprising twist of BBQ sauce. Available on 8 October, from 9pm to midnight. Signature cocktails will be available from AED 75.

GO: Visit nobudubai.com for reservations and more information.

Wednesday 9 October

Sample Sichuan cuisine with Chef Benson Peng

Indulge in the rich heritage of Chinese culinary artistry at Shang Palace Dubai. This October, try a curated tasting menu and journey through the vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine with Chef Benson Peng, Head Chef of Sichuan Cuisine at Shangri-La Chengdu. Trained by the legendary Sichuan master, Zhang Zhongyou, Chef Peng masterfully balances the seven signature flavours of Sichuan—sweet, sour, numbing, spicy, bitter, fragrant, and salty. Available daily from 9 to 13 October. AED 238 per person. Cooking classes are also available to do on 10 and 11 October.

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com or call 04 405 2703 for reservations and more information.

Thursday 10 October

Experience Dining Duets

Dining Duets is a new limited series designed to showcase the region’s top chefs through a collaboratively curated menu. Things kick off with a one-night-only collaboration between Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen of Vietnamese Foodies and Chef Reif Othman of Hoe Lee Kow. Together, they will merge their culinary expertise to create an eight-course dining experience. Chef Reif will serve Seafood Yukhoe, Duck Tataki, Baked Black Cod and Mango Chili Fondant. Chef Lily will prepare Trio Rice Paper Rolls, Grilled Duck Sausages in Lemongrass, Wagyu Beef Pho Noodle Soup, and Che Khuc Bach. Available on 10 October at Hoe Lee Kow with seating from 7pm to 9pm, 8pm to 10pm and 9pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 04 255 5142 for reservations and more information.

Friday 11 October

Tuck into an extraordinary culinary collaboration

Tong Thai at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai will collaborate with Chef Alexander Stumpf of BB Social Dining for another Four Hands Dinner. For one night only, Chef Alexander will reunite with Tong Thai’s Chef Rittiyos Hayatapan for a five-course menu. The dishes include Big Eye Tuna Tartare, Aromatic Massaman Broth, BB’s Duck Floss Phad Thai, Thai Beef Tenderloin and Thai Tiramisu. Friday 11 October from 6pm. AED 245 per person (food only).

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

Saturday 12 October

Dine with the penguins at Ski Dubai

If there’s one thing to do this week, you must have dinner with penguins. At Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, this unique experience doesn’t just serve up delicious dishes, it comes with the coolest dining companions — penguins. Once you’re geared up, you’ll be led to your table inside a cosy cave, where you’ll start with a welcome drink before meeting the Gentoo penguins, the third-largest penguin species in the world. Watch them as they show off their tricks. After that, the King Penguins make their grand entrance. These creatures are half as tall as an average human. Get up close and personal with them and enjoy your main course, followed by a sweet dessert and a hot drink to round off the night. Available daily at 7pm.

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

Sunday 13 October

Try the Sunday roast at Three Cuts

The newly opened Three Cuts Steakhouse and Bar on Palm Jumeirah brings the best of British tradition to Dubai with the launch of its new Sunday roast. The menu features three classic options: Beef Rump with beef gravy, Lamb Shoulder with lamb gravy or Roast Chicken with chicken gravy, all served with Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, green beans, roasted potatoes, stuffing, and Yorkshire pudding. It’s one of the best new things to do in Dubai this weekend. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. AED 145 per person.

GO: Call 04 420 1113 for reservations and more information.