From festive three-course dinners to beach brunches and stunning views, here’s where you should spend Christmas Eve in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Whit-washed, beach-chic exteriors at Noépe, Park Hyatt Dubai
NOÉPE
Spend Christmas Eve sipping bubbly beside the water in Noépe’s chic, coastal-inspired setting. Located at Park Hyatt Dubai, the laid-back venue is a picture-perfect scene of crisp white walls and natural wood, offset by tones of muted teal and surrounded by stunning views of the creek. For the festive occasion, the restaurant has rolled out a speciality lobster menu to rival the seafood shacks of Cape Cod. Delve into a selection of shellfish dishes; from whole Canadian lobster to Noépe’s signature lobster rolls and a luxe lobster cobb salad, all accompanied by a range of unlimited beverages. December 24 at 5pm to 11.30pm, from Dhs395 per person; Noepe.thepromenadedxb.com
Party on the sand at Key West’s Christmas Eve Jammin’ night at Nikki Beach Dubai
KEY WEST
For a carnival style Christmas Eve, head to Key West Bar & Grill located at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Pearl Jumeria. On December 24th, the waterfront restaurant will host the Christmas Eve Jammin’ event, a night filled with the finest island food at the Caribbean BBQ, followed by Latin-inspired live entertainment and traditional festive treats to finish. Sip on a mojito and dip your toes into the sand, before all-night-long dancing at Dubai’s popular beach club destination — for Christmas, with the flair of the Caribbean. December 24 at 7.30pm to 12pm, from Dhs265 per person; +971 4 376 6290
Burj Khalifa views from Tasca by José Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
TASCA BY JOSÉ AVILLEZ
Situated at the top of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Tasca by José Avillez is wrap-around restaurant with two spectacular views; one side overlooks a rooftop infinity pool blending into the horizon of the Arabian Gulf and the other displays the sparkling skyscrapers soaring from Sheikh Zayed Road. The food offers a feast of traditional Portuguese flavour, which will be in full flourish come Christmas Eve. On the 24th, the eatery will host Natal Na Tasca, a sharing-style festive menu inclusive of flowing drinks and indulgent desserts — expect classic codfish, roast turkey and all the trimmings. December 24 at 7pm to 1am, Dhs450 per person; Mandarinoriental.com
Gordon Ramsay’s famed Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
GORDON RAMSAY HELL’S KITCHEN DUBAI
Count on Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen to serve up show-stopping theatre and world-class cuisine this festive season. Located at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, the renowned restaurant will a throw a festive three-course dinner for Christmas Eve; where you can expect fine food and entertainment inspired by the multi-Michelin-star chef’s iconic TV show. From classic dishes like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding to festive favourites and traditional British fare, the menu offers the perfect-pre Christmas dinner. December 24 at 6pm to 10.30pm, Dhs450 for three-courses with a Bellini; Gordonramsayrestaurants.com
The newly opened Garage at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
GARAGE
Spending Christmas in the capital? Check in to Yas Island’s newly launched W Abu Dhabi and begin the festivities with a Christmas Eve brunch at Garage. Made for gourmet party goers, Garage offers a sharing style brunch full of signature plates like Tuna Tiradito, Szechuan Poached Chicken and Wok Fried Beef — offering a contemporary twist on classic dishes from around the world. Ensuring a Christmas Eve to remember, the brunch will feature live entertainment and unlimited drinks throughout the evening, whist you overlook the hotel’s iconic racetrack. December 24 at 6pm to 10pm, from Dhs395 per person; +971 2 656 0000
