As the year comes to a close, Dubai transforms into an enchanting wonderland filled with adventure, festivities, and exceptional weather. It’s an ideal destination for travellers, with pleasant temperatures and a city bustling with cultural and sporting events, dining options, and festive celebrations throughout December. Looking for a magical place to welcome the new year? Dubai’s famous New Year celebrations feature the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks, brunches, and parties.
Mojeh selects some of the most exciting events and activities that make Dubai a must-visit destination in December.
1) National UAE Day Celebration at Dhaba Lane
Celebrating the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) 52nd National Day, Dhaba Lane, a restaurant known for its traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine, has curated a special thali (a platter of various dishes) priced at Dhs52. This offer is a homage to the 52 years of the UAE’s formation and provides a culinary journey through Indian flavours.
Date: December 1-3
Location: Karama, Garhoud, JLT, Al Nahda
Website: dhaba-lane.com
2) Dubai Rugby 7s: A Sporting Fest
The Dubai Rugby 7s is a highlight on the city’s sporting calendar. It’s not just about rugby; you can enjoy netball, and cricket matches too. Entertainment includes performances by British musicians DJ Luck & MC Neat and Artful Dodger.
Alongside sports, tournaments and musical acts, families will also find entertainment for kids to enjoy from 9 am to 7 pm. Scheduled attractions for 2023 include a soft play area, arts and crafts, bumper cars, face painting, mascot meet-and-greets, inflatable play zones, and masterclasses in rugby, cricket, and fitness.
Date: December 1-3
Location: The Sevens Stadium
Ticket Info: tickets.dubairugby7s.com
3) Athenian Lunch at Avli by Tashas
Experience the authentic flavors of Greece in Dubai with Avli by tashas’ Athenian lunch. This bi-weekly event is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant gathering for friends and family, including a curated mini-market featuring an array of Greek staples like jams, preserves, spices, and herbs.
Spearheaded by Avli’s Head Chef Vlassia Anagnostou and the renowned Greek Nomad Chef Andreas Lagos, the Athenian Lunch is a festive culinary collaboration that brings the celebratory taste of Greece right to Dubai. Guests can indulge in a diverse selection of dishes, available both as a buffet and à la carte, capturing the true essence of Greek hospitality. The experience is further enriched with live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Date: Athenian Lunch on 2nd December is from 1 to 5 pm.
Location: DIFC, Ground Floor, Gate Village Building 9.
4) Maisan15
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Barsha, Maisan15, an Emirati-owned cafe, blends rustic charm with a cozy art studio atmosphere. This quaint spot features DIY furniture and walls lined with local art, creating a welcoming ambiance. The cafe excels in its culinary offerings, with must-tries including hummus with freshly baked bread and indulgent churros served with a caramel chocolate dip. The eclectic menu, a fusion of Antipodean and Arabic flavors, features unique dishes like chicken shawarma pizza and Yemeni shakshouka. The blend of mismatched garden furniture, an open kitchen, and vinyl records playing in the background culminate in a delightfully pleasant dining experience. Maisan15
Address: Al Barsha, Al Barsha South
5) Zara Café at Mall of the Emirates
Visit the newly renovated Zara store, now featuring the world’s first Zara café, where you can enjoy hot drinks and branded cakes.
Date: Ongoing Location: Mall of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd
6) Slava’s SnowShow at Dubai Opera
Enjoy this classic winter show, a multisensory experience with clowns, snow, and audience interaction. Slava’s SnowShow is a universally acclaimed theatrical spectacle since 1993, captivating audiences of all ages by transporting adults back to their childhood and mesmerizing children.
Date: December 8-10
Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Tickets: From Dhs225 at dubaiopera.com
7) Beauty and the Beast at Fairmont The Palm
The Dubai Panto group is proud to present their production of Beauty and the Beast, which promises to be the perfect family-friendly holiday entertainment. The show features lively music, dance, and audience interaction and is suitable for all ages. The 2-hour performance (including a 15-minute interval) will be in English.
Date: December 14-26 Location: Fairmont – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Tickets: From Dhs75 at dubai.platinumlist.net
8) The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera
Experience Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet is performed by the Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan.
Date: December 15-17
Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
9) Babushka: A New Slavic Dining Experience
Explore traditional Slavic cuisine in a two-storey restaurant bar with an old-school country house vibe.
Date: Ongoing Location: JBR, Babushka’s Pavilion at The Beach.
Photo by Mo on Unsplash
10) Ring in 2024 with Fireworks and Parties
Date: December 31
Details: Experience Dubai’s extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebrations, including the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks, night brunches, and parties.
Bonus Experience: Ski Dubai
Location: Mall of the Emirates
Details: For a winter wonderland experience, visit Ski Dubai for ice skiing, snow tubing, sledging, and encounters with Arctic penguins.
More info: Ski Dubai
