Chinese New Year is a 16 day-long festival with the first day of the New Year falling on 29 January. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, an animal that is reportedly a symbol of good fortune, wisdom and creativity, and represents opportunities for rebirth and transformation. Usher in a prosperous year at these UAE eateries, from the palatial grounds of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi to Dubai's Michelin-starred Hakkasan.
Demon Duck, Banyan Tree Bluewaters Island
Welcome the Year of the Snake with a celebratory set menu of traditional dishes, including stir-fried Long Life Noodles, a symbol of health and longevity, and Chef Alvin Leung’s signature slow-roasted, 14-day-aged demon duck. In addition, the restaurant will be transformed through festive decor and guests dining on 28 and 29 January will be treated to an electrifying lion dance. 27 January to 2 February. Book now
Hakkasan Dubai, Atlantis The Palm
Atlantis The Palm’s award-winning Cantonese restaurant marks Chinese New Year with a limited-edition nine-course menu curated by Executive Chefs from Hakkasan restaurants across the globe. Infused with delicate ingredients and tradition, the menu includes Yuan Bao, baked dim sum with king crab and caviar, to represent wealth and prosperity; Thai snake fruit salad, symbolic of harmony and renewal; and Hongbao, a whimsical dessert that pays homage to the tradition of gifting red envelopes. In addition to the meal, there will be a lion dance on 29 January to usher in the New Year. 28 January to 12 February. Book now
Hutong, DIFC
Sizzling wagyu beef in truffle sauce, pan-fried turbot with pickled red chilli and lobster lo hei make up the exclusive Chinese New Year dishes available at Hutong this festive season. The award-winning Northern Chinese restaurant invites guests to savour a specially curated à la carte menu while indulging in commemorative cocktails and mocktails. What’s more, if you attend Hutong’s Imperial Brunch on 1 February you’ll be treated to live noodle-pulling performances. 27 January to 2 February. Book now
Mott 32, Address Beach Resort
Perched on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, Mott 32 is marking the occasion with three separate celebrations and a week-long menu. On the eve of Chinese New Year, the award-winning restaurant transforms into a late-night spot with live entertainment, while 1 February sees a Chinese New Year-themed brunch complete with performances and limited-edition dishes - think crab roe Shanghainese soup dumplings and stir-fried spicy lobster.
As for the day itself, Mott 32 is partnering with Penfolds, a luxury grape brand, for a ticketed event. The event includes a five-course menu and a grape pairing led by Penfolds’ brand ambassador. 27 January to 2 February. Book now
Ling Ling, Atlantis The Royal
With breathtaking views and haute cuisine, Ling Ling has won the hearts (and stomachs) of the city’s foodies. To commemorate Chinese New Year, diners can indulge in a special selection of dishes including crispy chow mein with sliced smoked duck breast and a short-rib bao, alongside festive cocktails and a snake-inspired dessert. After dinner, shimmy over to the Ling Ling Ultra Lounge for a celebration that lasts well into the early hours. 28 January to 7 February. Book now
Zheng He’s, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
The award-winning Chinese restaurant celebrates the Year of the Snake with a curation of traditional dishes and limited-edition cakes from the renowned Margaux pastry boutique, all enjoyed with the breathtaking backdrop of winding waterways and the Burj Al Arab. 20 January to 9 February. Book now
Anwā, Bab Al Shams
Watch the sun dip behind the dunes and be surrounded by the glow of traditional red lanterns while enjoying an evening of festivities at Anwā. A sharing-style menu of pan-asian flavours ranging from rolls to robata is teamed with Year of the Snake-themed mocktails and cocktails. 25 January to 2 February. Book now
Lah Lah, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens
Casual pan-asian eatery Lah Lah welcomes the Year of the Snake with an innovative menu of Chinese fare including wagyu foie-gras rolls and roasted Beijing duck, complemented by exotic concoctions. The exclusive menu is only available for one day, so get your bookings in quick to avoid missing out. 29 January. Book now
Episodes, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is offering an afternoon steeped in tradition at Episodes this Chinese New Year. Nestled within the property’s palatial lobby and surrounded by cherry blossoms, guests can enjoy a serene tea ceremony before receiving a hang bao - a red envelope symbolising good fortune. For the full experience, visit on 29 January and witness a performance by traditional dancers. Book now
