What’s On previews Christmas in Dubai with Christmas Day brunch deals in Dubai at some best restaurants in Dubai and best bars in Dubai.


DUBAI MARINA/JBR/JLT/MADINAT/MEDIA CITY/ THE PALM

Bubbalicious
A special festive version of one of Dubai’s most popular brunches, expect international cuisine, live music and a party atmosphere.

Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs590. Tel: (04) 5117139. Metro: Nakheel. westinminaseyahi.com


Stay by Yannick Alleno

Tuck into a five-course Christmas dinner at this uber romantic spot.
One & Only The Palm, Palm West Crescent,  Dubai, Dhs510 (excluding drinks). Tel: (04) 4401010. thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com


Rhodes W1
This Christmas Day, sit back, relax and book yourself and your loved ones in for a sumptuous four-course festive set menu at Gary Rhodes’ recently opened Rhodes W1. Savour Christmas Dinner with a difference and indulge in wholesome British cuisine, with a causal yet chic dining experience based around great British classics.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs450 (with soft drinks), Dhs580 (with house drinks). Tel: (04) 3176000. rw1-dubai.com


Seagrill on 25° Restaurant & Lounge
Tuck into Mediterranean specialities such as Organic Tomato & Tuna Salad with Kalamata olives and raspberry vinaigrette and the signature Seagrill Luxury Sharing Platter, which includes king prawns, octopus, diver scallops, lobster and black bream.

Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 11.30pm, Dhs380. Tel: (04) 4573388. fairmont.com 


C.taste
No chance of empty tummies at C.taste where roast turkey with all the trimmings are on offer together with a pasta & risotto station, live Tandoori chicken station as well as homemade crepes and waffles.

Centro Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs135 (soft drinks), Dhs205 (house drinks), kids are half price, under 5s eat free. Tel: (04) 7940000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. rotana.com/centrobarsha


D&A
Head to the British-inspired gastropub inside Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a traditional Christmas lunch on the big day.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs625. Tel: (04) 4068729. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. jumeirah.com


Geales
Spoil yourself with a bit of posh nosh British style and celebrate the festive season with succulent turkey and all the trimmings with a selection of the freshest sea food too.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs400 (soft drinks), Dhs500 (with house drinks). Tel: (04) 3165550. geales-dubai.com


Nosh
Since the weather’s perfect, this hearty family brunch on the refreshing al-fresco terrace overlooking the lakes could be a great option for a Christmas brunch or dinner. Think live stations, eggnog, mince pies, puddings as well as traditional turkey carvings and tempting sweets.

Moevenpick, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm or 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs190 (soft drinks), Dhs340 (house beverages), Dhs640 (bubbles). Tel: (04) 4380000. Metro: Jumeirah Lakes Towers. moevenpick-hotels.com


Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge
Life not complete without a bit of guacamole? Us too. Celebrate Christmas with a difference, by the beach with a Mexican-themed festive brunch menu, created by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs350 (with soft drinks), Dhs450 (with house drinks). Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. maya-dubai.com


Rivington Grill
It’s a suitably British affair at Dubai’s London-inspired Rivi restaurants this festive season. Kicking off with a Christmas cocktail and ending with mince pies and coffee – with the small matter of traditional roast turkey in between – the four-course feast includes all your favourites.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666464. Taxi: Souk Madinat Jumeirah. rivingtongrill.ae

Rivington Grill Dubai


Meydan Beach
Forget the winter wonderland, embrace the sunshine and celebrate Christmas on the sand at Meydan Beach. Azure Bleu and Sur Mer are joining forces for a festive beach brunch to the sounds of live music and lapping water.

The Walk, JBR, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 4333777. Taxi: Meydan Beach. meydanbeach.com


McGettigan’s JLT
The Irish bar’s giant Christmas tree will take pride of place in the centre of the garden, while inside you can enjoy a festive three-course Christmas lunch.

Bonnington Hotel, Cluster J, JLT, noon to 4pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: JLT. mcgettigans.ie


Flow Kitchen
Who’s wants one meat when you can have a selection of roasts? Head to Flow Kitchen where you can scarf a whole smoked salmon and Christmas turkey with stuffing. Little guests will be spoilt for choice too and there’s even a surprise visit from Santa.

Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 3.3pm, Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house drinks). Tel: (04) 4573388. Taxi: Palm Jumeirah. fairmont.com


El Sur
Fancy your Christmas dinner with a hint of Mediterranean flair? Well El Sur Spanish restaurant at West Mina Seyahi has created a meal packed full of Iberian influence, including charcuterie selection, Tiradito of sea bream, roasted lamb shank and more.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 3997700. Taxi: The Westin. westinminaseyahi.com


M’s
It’s all about over-indulgence at this time of year, and M’s has lined up a family-friendly day of unlimited food and beverages to mark the occasion.

Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs215. Metro: Nakheel. dubaigolf.com


Trader Vic’s
There’s no chance of snow when you spend Christmas in Dubai, so embrace the sunshine with a tropical celebration at Trader Vic’s. You can feast on beef perkedel or scallop and crab salad in addition to traditional turkey.

Al Fattan Tower, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, Dhs290. Tel: (04) 3865646. Taxi: Al Fattan Tower. tradervics.com


Jazz@PizzaExpress
The restaurant has sprinkled a little festive sparkle over its menu of classics. Look out for pizza toppings like roast turkey and dried cranberry, plus ‘snowball’ dough balls for dessert.

Cluster A, JLT, Dubai, noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4416342. Metro: JLT. pizzaexpressuae.com

Jazz@Pizza Express - Christmas in Dubai


Talk & Soul Restaurants

Indulge in the emporium style buffet, live carving stations and delicious desserts, while enjoying live entertainment including a Jazz singer and a saxophonist.  There’s also plenty on offer for the young ones, with a visit jolly visit from Santa, Christmas carols and a kid’s corner.

Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs299 (incl soft drinks), Dhs399 (incl house drinks), kids from 6 to 12 years get 50% discount and kids under 6 are free. Taxi: JBR. moevenpick.com


MJ’s Steakhouse
A festive feast at MJ’s Steakhouse has to be at the top of any Dubai meat lover’s Christmas list.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs775. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: MJ’s Steakhouse. jumeirah.com


Sanabel
If you take the view that this is a day designed for guilt-free consumption, then a brunch with a dedicated chocolate room is well worth a visit. There’ll also be stolen, gingerbread and mince pies.

Sheraton Dubai, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 3772353. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. sheraton.com


Madinat Amphitheatre Festive Brunch:
Tuck into a full festive meal, as well as a range of other international dishes, live cooking stations, and a full range of beverages to the soundtrack of a five-piece band. You’ll also get exclusive access to the festive market before it opens to the public at 5pm. In addition, children can enjoy an ice skating rink, snow fight zone, horizontal bungee, North Pole train, snow globe house, reindeer rodeo, gyrobike and face-painting.

Souk Madinat, Dubai, noon to 5pm, Dhs850. Tel: (04) 3668888. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com


Fish Bazaar And Salamar
A bouncy castle and a balloon artist will keep kids entertained while the grown-ups celebrate the season with an al fresco spread.

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs299. Tel: (04) 4084257. Taxi: Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa. habtoorhotels.com


DOWNTOWN/DIFC/BUSINESS BAY/AND BEYOND

Center Cut
The White Christmas Brunch at Center Cut steakhouse will feature sushi, oysters and Wagyu beef as well as turkey, with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.

Ritz-Carlton DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs290. Tel: (04) 3722323. Metro: Financial Centre. ritzcarlton.com


Mint Leaf of London
Add a touch of spice to your celebrations with a three-course festive menu overlooking Downtown. Expect fine Indian flavours such as Lamb Boti Kebab – diced leg of lamb marinated and cooked in tandoor, Prawn Balchao – Black tiger prawns in tangy, tomato chili sauce and soft nut and Coconut rum pudding.

15 floor, Emirates Financial Towers, South Tower, DIFC, Dhs249. Tel: (04) 7060900. mintleafgroup.com


Benjarong, PAX and The Californian
Indulge in a medley of culinary treasures perfect for festive celebrations bursting with rich spices and distinct flavors to choose from.  call +971 4 317 4515

Dusit Thani, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Dhs375. Tel: (04) 3174515. Taxi: Dusit Thani. dusit.com


The Act
No need to dread any lull in conversation when you spend Christmas at The Act, which is planning a spectacular festive-themed show for December 25. Turkey’s on the menu, but with a special Peruvian twist.

Shangri La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 3551116. Metro: Financial Centre. theactdubai.com

The Act Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai


Clé
Christmas Day is a good chance to check out this DIFC newcomer, which opened to much fanfare in October. The Hilton sisters probably won’t be in attendance this time, but when the whole organic roast turkey with Lebanese rice arrives, you won’t care.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3525150. Metro: Financial Centre. cle-dubai.com


Nine7One
The tapas-style brunch at Nine7One will feature everything from traditional roast turkey to salt-crusted sea bass and beef Wellington.

The Oberoi Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, 12.45pm to 4pm, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 4441407. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com

The Oberoi, Business Bay - Christmas in Dubai


Roberto’s
Expect perfectly prepared seafood and sharing dishes at the Christmas Day brunch in this elegant Italian restaurant.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs380. Tel: (04) 3860066. Metro: Financial Centre. robertos.ae


Cave
The cosy hideaway inside the Conrad will be hosting seasonal celebrations with its signature French twist. Choose from the a la carte menu, or you can opt for the group menu if you’re dining with a party of ten or more.

Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 2am, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 4447448. Metro: World Trade Centre. conraddubai.com


Boca
Mediterranean-inspired flavours dominate the festive menu at this new DIFC venue. Think baked aubergine with marinated goat cheese and suckling lamb porchetta style. The package is available through the day in four-hour sittings.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 1pm to 10.30pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3231833. Metro: Financial Centre. boca.ae


The Irish Village
For a taste of Christmas in the Emerald Isle here in the desert, head to The Irish Village’s festive buffet laden with turkey and all the trimmings. Rumour has it Santa himself will make an appearance at this family-friendly celebration.

Garhoud, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs185. Tel: (04) 2824750. Metro: GGICO. theirishvillage.com

The Irish Village - Christmas in Dubai


Zuma
The classy Japanese restaurant is hosting a Christmas Day brunch, with soft drinks, prosecco and wine, or champagne and sake packages available. Santa Claus will be dropping by with a little something for little ones.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs345. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Emirates Towers. zumarestaurant.com


The Ivy
There’ll be three sittings at The Ivy on Christmas Day, where chefs will be whipping up a festive feast incorporating the traditional (turkey and trimmings) and the unexpected (char-gilled halibut). There will be live music throughout the day, with Paul Bester taking over from Ciaran Fox once the sun goes down.

Emirates Towers, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs599. Tel: (04) 319767. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

The Ivy - Christmas in Dubai


Nomad
In addition to a festive buffet featuring dishes from around the world, guests can expect a visit from a certain resident of the North Pole on the big day.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs330. Tel: (04) 2308571. Taxi: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. jumeirah.com


Picante
The festive buffet brunch at Picante has a Mediterranean twist thanks to the free-flowing sangria.

Four Points By Sheraton, Bur Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3977444. Taxi: Four Points By Sheraton. picantedubai.com


Prime 68
There’s no danger of going hungry at this boutique steakhouse, which is offering a six-course festive menu.

JW Marriott Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dhs750. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. marriott.com


Choices, Blue Elephant & Benihana
Three restaurants are better than one, right? Well, Al Bustan Rotana Dubai’s three signature restaurants bring together a Global Christmas Brunch for everyone to enjoy. With the festive setting extended to the lobby, the Christmas Day buffet features countless dishes from all over the world complete with live cooking stations. Santa will also be paying a visit.

Al Bustan Rotana, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs345 for adults, Dhs150 for kids. Tel: (04) 2820000. Taxi: Al Bustan Rotana. rotana.com