Kick off 2018 the right way with one of these parties, brunches or dinners…

With so much hype around New Year’s Eve (by the way, if you haven’t made plans, here’s where you should be going), it’s easy to forget New Year’s Day.

But fear not, because there’s plenty going on across the city to keep you occupied and help you kick off 2018 right.

Whether it’s a recovery-style brunch, or an elegant dinner with those who missed out the night before, we’ve rounded up 10 New Year’s Day events to consider.

Nikki Beach

Whether you want to keep the party going or recover from the night before, Nikki Beach is throwing a recovery-style party brunch from 2pm to 5pm on New Year’s Day. There’s a soft and alcohol package, alongside globally-inspired bites from the signature menu.

Nikki Beach Club, Pearl Jumeira, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs295 soft, Dhs460 house. Tel: (04) 376 6162. More info on website

Azure Beach

After all the festivities over the Christmas season, most of us just want to relax on New Year’s Day, so Azure Beach is offering a ‘Recovery by the Pool’ package of unlimited drinks from 12pm to 4pm. It features selected drinks for Dhs200, or upgrade to the champagne option for Dhs600. There’s a la carte food and a DJ to bring in 2018 with a beat.

Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs200 house, Dhs600 premium. Tel: (04) 520 0000. More info on website 

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera

Our favourite newcomer restaurant, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, will be offering a New Year’s Day edition of their Garden Brunch. From 12pm to 4pm, you can enjoy Downtown views from the Dubai Opera rooftop, a menu of oysters, sharing starters and choice of mains, with an option of a soft or alcohol package inclusive of champagne.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs380 soft, Dhs580 premium. Tel: (04) 362 7312, Dubai Opera Tel: (04) 440 8888. More info on website

BQ at St Regis Dubai

For a fancier affair, head to BQ at the stunning St Regis for a brunch feast inclusive of an oyster and salmon bar, a live carving station of slow-cooked cuts of meat, an array of international salads, cold and hot dishes and a dessert room Willy Wonka himself would be proud of.

The St Regis, Al Habtoor City, Downtown Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs350 soft, Dhs550 house, Dhs650 premium. Tel: (04) 435 5577. More info on website 

Bab Al Shams

Desert resort Bab Al Shams will be offering an international buffet brunch at their Al Forsan restaurant on New Year’s Day. There will be a sushi bar, an authentic Middle Eastern corner, European delicacies and Indian flavoured dishes, plus activities for the kids including arts & crafts, face painting, coloring, a bouncy castle and pony rides.

Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs345 soft, Dhs515 house. Tel: (04) 809 6194. More info on website

The Restaurant at The Address Boulevard

Start the New Year at The Restaurant at Address Boulevard with a three-course set menu that includes a variety of festive dishes like Terrine de Foie Gras and a dessert counter of the season’s delights, from yule logs to stollen. Plus, there’ll be live music to keep up the festive feelings.

The Restaurant, Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs325 soft, Dhs425 house, Dhs525 premium. Tel: (04) 888 3444. More info on website

McGettigan’s JBR

McGettigan’s JBR will be serving an all-day New Year’s Day breakfast until 6 pm to help you start the New Year as you mean to go on. Tuck into an Irish breakfast and Bloody Mary for Dhs99 per person while watching the world’s sporting action on the pub’s 10 screens.

McGettigans JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, 8am to 6pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 318 2580. More info on website

Reform

Make the most of the winter weather and keep the kids entertained at Reform’s family BBQ on New Year’s Day. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting station, soft play area and a petting zoo for the kids, while adults can dine al fresco from the BBQ with a choice of hot dogs, chicken wings, burgers, steak and skewers.

Reform Social and Grill, The Lakes, 2pm to 6pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 454 2638. More info on website

Le Petit Belge

Both the JLT branch and soon to-open Business Bay branch of Le Petit Belge will be showing the live Premiership football, with a drink on the house at kick-off of every match.

Le Petit Belge, Pullman JLT, Cluster T, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 12pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 242 7794. lepetitbelge.com, also Doubletree Hilton Business Bay, Bay Square. 

Belgian Beer Cafe

For those who need a lie in after a big New Year’s Eve, Belgian Beer Cafe in the Souk Madinat will be pushing back their brunch so it kicks in at 3pm. The three-hour package will also have a special make-your-own Bloody Mary station, for those needing extra recovery.

Belgian Beer Cafe, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 3pm to 6pm, Dhs199 soft, Dhs350 house. Tel: (04) 447 0227. More info on website

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