For festive fun in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, look no further.
As we begin the countdown to Christmas, there are plenty of ways to enjoy festive fun in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From holiday feasts to late-night treats, read on for our picks of the week.
Monday 18 December
Stay and play
Discover the ultimate getaway at Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, with exclusive Yas Island Theme Parks packages. Nestled in the World Trade Center complex, this hotel blends vibrant city life with thrilling adventures. Wake up in contemporary comfort, embark on adrenaline-pumping rides at Yas Island’s Theme Parks, and return to tranquillity. Tailored for all, from thrill-seekers to families, each package grants access to either Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, or Seaworld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle from Friday to Sunday for seamless transitions.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 19 December
Dig into Bombay Bungalow’s new menu
Created in Dubai and located in JBR, Bombay Bungalow showcases modern Indian flavours. The latest menu is filled with moreish dishes across the soups, salads, street food, biriyani bowls, mains and desserts. The kebabs and tikkas are cooked in a wood-fired tandoor, which showcases the smoky flavours. The chef’s specials range from a Burrata Butter Chicken to Tandoori Lamb Chops. The unexpected dishes range from the Amritsari Softshell Crab to Mustard Jumbo Prawns. Don’t forget to order a chai, which is served the old-fashioned way – a bell is rung to summon the chaiwalla, and it’s poured from up high.
GO: Visit www.bombaybungalowdxb.com for more information.
Wednesday 20 December
Tuck into a festive business lunch
Indulge in the festive business lunch menu at Fouquet’s Dubai, which provides the perfect excuse to catch up with friends and colleagues in the lead-up to Christmas. The lunch menu showcases seasonal delights such as whole baked camembert, duck leg confit, and Tart Mont Blanc with chestnut and blackberry. Available on weekdays in December, from 12pm to 3pm. AED 130 (two courses) and AED 150 (three courses).
GO: Visit www.hotelsbarriere.com for more information.
Thursday 21 December
Party with 50 Cent
The rapper 50 Cent – real name Curtis Jackson III – is performing at Etihad Arena on Yas Island and at SKY2.0 in Dubai. So get ready to sing along to his hits ranging from In Da Club to Candy Shop. The New York rapper rose to fame back in 2002, as he was discovered by Eminem and signed to Shady Records. His first album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ sold more than 30 million copies and received numerous awards and accolades. Tickets are available via Platinumlist, from AED 225.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Friday 22 December
See Chris Brown live in Dubai
Following a headline performance at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 and a scheduled show at MDLBeast Soundstorm 2023 in Riyadh, Chris Brown’s Middle Eastern stint is far from over. The R&B superstar has just announced a one-off show on Friday, 22 December, at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. is hit songs include Beautiful People, Kiss Kiss, Look At Me Now, Loyal and Under the Influence. He has collaborated with artists including Busta Ryhmes, Lil’ Wayne and T-Pain. He won a Grammy Award for his album, F.A.M.E, in addition to 19 BET Awards, five American Music Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards.
GO: Visit www.coca-cola-arena.com for tickets and more information.
Saturday 23 December
Enjoy a festive feast
Journey into the heart of Christmas at Kaheela Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and enjoy a festive feast featuring oysters, shrimp, roast turkey, beef Wellington, Christmas pudding, and yule log. Revel in an enchanting festive atmosphere filled with live saxophone melodies and surprise visits from the resort’s Christmas pony and Santa, with an opportunity for kids to enjoy face painting on the terrace. Saturday 23 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 470 (house beverages), AED 550 (premium beverages) and AED 165 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email rc.rktrw.festive.concierge@ritzcarlton.com or call 07 206 7777 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 24 December
Visit Santa’s Secret Island
Experience festive fun in Dubai at Santa’s Secret Island at Bluewaters, where the island’s avenues will be adorned with light installations, themed decorations, and roaming entertainment. The highlight of the spectacle is the grand display of 800 drones illuminating the night sky to celebrate the Dubai Shopping Festival. One show traces Dubai’s evolution from the past to the present, while the other offers a glimpse into the emirate’s unseen future. Available daily until 30 December, from 5pm to 10pm.
GO: Visit https://bluewatersdubai.ae for more information.
