It’s that time of year when we have free rein to eat, drink, and be merry. To kick things off, here’s where to spend Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi…

Kuzbara

Swing by Kuzbara with family and friends this Christmas Eve and treat your tastebuds to a festive feast.

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs163 food only, Dhs272 house drinks, Dhs82 children aged 6 to 11, under 6 free. Tel: (02) 304 7777. marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com

Roberto’s

Enjoy the cena di natale with a special four-course menu featuring calamarata pasta with shrimp and a selection of josper oven mixed grilled fish from chef Enrico Bartolini, set to the sounds of resident DJ Nikola.

The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs350 per person. Tel: (02) 627 9009. robertos.ae/abudhabi

Chamas

Look no further for your vespera de natal (that’s Portuguese for Christmas Eve) celebration than Abu Dhabi’s most popular churrascaria restaurant. Think 16 different cuts of eat continuously on offer, a turkey carving station and a sumptuous salad bar, with a live Latino band providing a soundtrack for the festivities.

Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to midnight, from Dhs385 with soft drinks. Tel: (800) 423 463. abudhabi.intercontinental.com/festiveseason

Coya

Mark the night before Christmas with special holiday-inspired additions to the famous Latin American menu at Coya. Guests can enjoy three festive dishes, including spit roast chicken, grilled flank steak, and beef fat roasted potatoes. There’s also a quirky twist on the popular yule log, this time with passionfruit, cherries and sorbet.

Coya Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 306 7000. coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi

Sayad

Transport yourself to an elegant under-the-sea world at Sayad, which means ‘fisherman’ in Arabic, and enjoy a five-course set menu featuring the finest in seafood. Book a table at the outdoor terrace for a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf.

Emirates Palace, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, from Dhs485 per person with soft drinks. Tel: (02) 660 9000. kempinski.com

Olea

Seafood is top of the menu this Christmas Eve at Olea, the gorgeous restaurant at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The festive buffet also offers carving and rotisserie stations and a stunning array of desserts.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 6.30pm to 11pm, from Dhs380 to Dhs695, Dhs180 children 6 to 12, under 6 free. Tel: (02) 498 8888. oleaabudhabi.com

Parmigiana

It’s a Festaggia di Natale at the Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Select your favourite antipasti, paired with a special set menu.

Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs245 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 813 7777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com

Dino’s Bistro Italiano

Abu Dhabi’s newest Italian joint is located at the Pearl Rotana and it’s hosting a Celebrazione festiva-  aka Christmas Eve dinner – featuring a set menu, with a la carte options available.

Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs170. Tel: (02) 307 5566. rotana.com

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