7 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: December 8 to 11
Your weekly guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi this week, from festive fun to food, art and live entertainment Abu Dhabi feels busy in the best way this week, with many things to do. The city is glowing with tree lightings, opera nights, art trails and a football clash that already has fans buzzing. Whether you want tacos by the bay, a roof walk above Yas Island or a night wrapped in festive cheer, there is something pulling you out the door. Think of it as your sign to explore a little. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Christmas
Read moreThe 10 best new restaurants to try in Dubai right now
From relaxed and refined seaside dining to renowned imports from New York, these are the Dubai restaurant reservations to make ASAP Dubai does lots of things well. Guinness World Records, glorious year-round sunshine, continually enhancing quality of life for its residents… and restaurants. Dubai’s burgeoning dining scene continues to level up with brilliant eateries – from homegrown smash-hits to imports by legendary brands. And if you’re looking for new restaurants in Dubai this December, here we bring you the 10 reservations you need to make. Cocina Tres From the creators of Honeycomb Hi-Fi comes Cocina Tres, the cool love letter
Read moreInside the energy of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
Step into the colour, noise and electric race day energy of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Today is the big day. It has been three packed days of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Yas Marina Circuit is living on pure adrenaline. From the moment you arrive you hear screeching tyres before you even see the cars. In the tunnels laughter carries across all the way to the fanzones. Then there are DJs keeping the beat steady. Smoke curls up from the grills while children run in every direction, playing, chasing, soaking up every second. Image: supplied Over at the
Read moreDubai Customs partners with Binance to shape the future of blockchain-driven customs services #Dubai
Dubai Customs has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Binance on the sidelines of Binance Blockchain Week 2025 in Dubai, which brought together global leaders in technology and the digital economy. The agreement reflects Dubai’s vision and global leadership in adopting advanced government technologies, strengthening public-private partnerships, and expanding the emirate’s position as a central global trade platform and a hub for the new economy and emerging tech startups. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, and Stephanie Emile, General Manager of
Read moreNo tickets to Abu Dhabi GP? Catch the finale here in Dubai
It’s on-track action you don’t want to miss. Will it be Lando, Max, or Piastri who takes the World Champion title? It’s Race Day – the final showdown of the season, and the championship battle couldn’t be hotter. After a year packed with wheel-to-wheel drama, surprise wins, and near-impossible comebacks, everything comes down to today. It’s not just about who crosses the finish line first. Every point matters, every pitstop, and every second on track could decide the title. Don’t have tickets to see it live in Abu Dhabi? Here are the top spots to catch all the Formula 1
Read moreRing in 2026 with fireworks and unforgettable memories at Tagomago
Sponsored: Say hello to 2026 with fireworks, food, and fun at Tagomago Tagomago is one of Dubai’s most stylish beachfront destinations, offering stunning views, a festive set menu, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to ring in 2026 in style. Enjoy delicious food, spectacular fireworks, and create unforgettable memories as you welcome the New Year at Tagomago. Breathtaking fireworks views Tagomago is perfectly positioned to offer some of the best views of Dubai’s famous fireworks displays. From the beachfront, guests can enjoy uninterrupted sights of both The Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Royal as they light up the
Read moreA leisurely lunch on the terrace at Maison Revka is the perfect way to spend a day
Sponsored: Maison Revka’s reopened terrace is a stunning spot for alfresco dining with a view Part refined beach club, part dazzling restaurant, Maison Revka is the place to see and be seen for sun-soaked days and romantically lit date nights. And now that outdoor season is back, it’s also the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch – as the terrace has reopened. The jewel in the culinary crown of Delano Dubai, Maison Revka provides a rich and regal gastronomic and aesthetic journey, inspired by the fictional residence of a Slavic bourgeois family, who relocated after the revolution to Paris
Read moreHoliday dinner ideas for the perfect night in Dubai
Holiday dinner ideas for when staying in is the vibe December in Dubai usually means beachy brunches and over-the-top festive dinners – the kind the city does best. Getting dolled up for an evening out is a vibe, but sometimes staying in feels… cosier. Whether you celebrate the season properly or just love an excuse to gather everyone at home, hosting a winter dinner in Dubai can be simple: a few thoughtful touches, great food (ordered or homemade – no judgment), and small details that make the evening feel warm and festive. If you’re planning a cosy night in this
Read moreCelebrate the season at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan
Sponsored: From tree lighting to New Year dinners, your festive season is sorted at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan If you’re looking for a place that takes the festive season seriously, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan has already set the scene. Think twinkly lights, carols that wrap around you like a warm hug, and a line-up of family friendly celebrations that carry you from Christmas straight into the New Year. Festive moments for the whole family Image: supplied The countdown starts on December 8 with the Christmas Tree Lighting in the Horizon Atrium from 5pm. There will be live carols, Santa surprises, a balloon
Read moreNew Year’s Eve gets a timeless Italian twist at Mamabella
Sponsored: Think glamour, sophistication, and quintessential Italian charm If you’re looking to welcome 2026 in true la dolce vita style, newly opened Mamabella is rolling out an elegant celebration where refined Italian traditions and cinematic glamour come together in the heart of Downtown. Inspired by the understated sophistication of Italy’s old-money estates, this exclusive NYE affair promises a celebration that feels both iconic and effortlessly stylish. From the moment guests arrive on December 31, Mamabella sets the tone with a scene straight out of a vintage Italian film: warm golden lighting, classic festive touches, and those signature Mamabella design notes
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