Expect elevated nightlife, rooftop festivities and one of the world’s best bars
How time flies! With just two weeks to go until Christmas, we are well and truly in the swing of the festive season. To ensure you have a dashing week in the run-up to the big day, be sure to check out our top picks this week.
Sprawl out on the sand
Feel like some sun, sea and sand are in order this week? Want to make the most of the glorious winter weather? If so then grab your beach bag and get yourself over to the Mandarin Oriental for one of the best beach boltholes to be enjoyed in Dubai. For Dhs600, you can enjoy an all-day beach pass, with Dhs200 redeemable dining credit. Want to upgrade your experience? For Dhs1,000 per person you’ll also enjoy a welcome drink, exotic fruit platter, a three-course menu by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez and an array of beverages including a mixed drink of your choice at sundown.
Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, mandarinoriental.com/dubai/jumeira-beach (04 777 2222).
Discover the Rooftop Festive Village
Take to the rooftop of Nakheel Mall for some festive fun at its Rooftop Festive Village. There’s free fun for all the family in the form of live music and entertainment, a festive market, ice rink, a huge festive tree and a designated kids play area complete with toy factory workshops. Be sure not to miss out for your festive fix.
4pm-10pm daily until Jan 2. Center of Palm, Al Hilali, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, nakheelmall.ae (800 6254335).
Jamil Jabbour live at Time Out Market Dubai
In the market for some post-work fun with friends? If so then Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go. On Tuesday December 14, , Jamil Jabbour will be taking to the Time Out Market Dubai stage to deliver a soulful solo set. Great up for an evening of smooth vocals paired with skillful impressive acoustic guitar skills. What’s more, you can fill your boots with the epic eats to be had at Time Out Market Dubai. Haven’t tried the soft shell crab toasted bao with watercress and wasabi dressing? You’re missing out.
Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Festive fun at Expo 2020
Now that we are almost halfway through December, don’t delay if you’ve not already got your mitts on a Festive Pass for Expo 2020. If you’re not yet feeling well and truly festive then a trip to Expo 2020’s Wonderland is a must as it’s guaranteed to get you in the merry mood. There are a whole host of festive-themed activities taking place throughout the month, including live carols and seasonal tunes, fireworks, visits from Santa, Christmas decorations and a dusting of snow. Yes, it really does seem as though Expo 2020 Dubai is the gift that just keeps on giving.
Dhs95. expo2020dubai.com
Dine at one of the world’s best bars
Whether you are a Zuma Dubai regular or have yet to give it a go, there’s no better excuse to get yourself down to Zuma Dubai this week as it has just bagged the title for the world’s 17th best bar. Having always been a highly regarded Dubai destination, if there wasn’t already a good reason to get down to Zuma, there certainly is now. With its menu of modern Japanese dishes, expect best in class fusion favourites such as miso black cod, dynamite spider rolls with soft shell crab and Chilean sea bass with ginger dressing.
Gate Village 6, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660).
Soak in the season
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the festivities and need a little R&R? If so, the recently-opened Aura Skypool is just the ticket. Likened to an island in the sky, Aura Skypool takes pool days to a whole other level with its jaw-dropping panoramic views. Sitting pretty on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, it boasts the world’s highest new 360-degree infinity pool. Be it a morning session, evening session or all-day session, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, recharged and ready to throw yourself headlong into the festivities once again.
Morning sessions from Dhs 170 (Orange Zone), Dhs 200 (Green Zone), Dhs 275 (VIP Island). Evening sessions from Dhs 200 (Orange Zone), Dhs 250 (Green Zone), Dhs 325 (VIP Island). Full-day sessions from Dhs 370 (Orange Zone), Dhs 450 (Green Zone), Dhs 600 (VIP Island). Nakheel Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, auraskypool.com.
Spot Santa and his elves
Yet to spot Santa this festive season, if so then you are in luck as he and his entourage of elves will be around for a meet and greet at The Beach, opposite to JBR. Kids and big kids alike can get that all-important Santa selfie along and visit the grotto.
10-11, 16-18, 23-25 Dec, 4pm-10pm. The Beach, opposite JBR, tthebeach.ae/en, (04 590 5090).
Feast on Italian faves
If you’ve already had more than your fill of festive foods and fancy something different this week then we have a great new place for you to check out. If you’re after a slice of some Italian then Duomo at the Edition Hotel in Downtown Dubai is the place for you. Expect elegant Italian signature dishes such a homemade pasta, elegant meat and fish dishes and authentic pizzas, in an equally elegant setting.
Open daily noon-1am. The Dubai Edition, Dubai Fountain Street. [email protected] (04 602 3399).
Watch cool Christmas films
If you didn’t already know, white Christmases in Dubai are in fact a thing. If you want to cool it down this Chritsmas then take to the slopes at Ski Dubai where you can watch your favourite Christmas films in the open-air cinema. Prepare for one cosy experience that is guaranteed to get you in the merry mood. Wrap up under layers of blankets, pop on a pair of wireless headphones and sit back with hot choc and popcorn and let the festive films roll.
From Dhs200 for two. Until January 15. skidxb.com/snow-cinema
Enjoy some elevated nightlife
Dubai has an exciting new addition to add to its nightlife repertoire and if you have yet to check it out, this week is the time to do it. Newly-opened Privilege, at SLS Dubai is one of the world’s highest bars. Well-positioned at 325 metres up on the 75th floor of the hotel, you can enjoy a night on the tiles over some of the best views of Dubai’s skyline.
Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai. sbe.com/hotels/sls-hotels/dubai (0549918120).
Indulge in some seasonal sensuality
All the festive fun leaving you feeling like you need a recharge? Not to worry, the Conrad Hotel has just the remedy with its Christmas spa treatments. Whether you need a bit of solo rejuvenation or you would like to share the experience with your significant other, the Conrad Hotel has you covered. For solo spa-goers there’s a Dhs640 Festive Package, comprising a 30-minute full-body exfoliation and 60-minute relaxing candle massage, using seasonal aromatic massage oils of orange and cinnamon. Significant other in tow? Opt for the Holiday Glam for 2 package for Dhs990, which includes a relaxing couples massage, hydrating sheet rose mask plus lush bath with aromatherapy oils to top it all off.
Conrad Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 444 7440).
