Another year over, a new one (almost) begun…

Kicking off 2018 with a bang, there’s plenty to pack into January (aside from all those resolutions you’re trying to stick to). There’s theatre and gigs for culture vultures, then there’s also an outdoor market, new restaurants galore and a desert obstacle course.

So whatever your New Year’s resolution is, make sure to get these 10 things on your January bucket list…

January 1: Kickstart the year with a New Year’s Day brunch

It’s an all-day, family style brunch on offer at Flamingo Room by tashas, found in the picturesque Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel. The day-long affair will be hosted by renowned restauranteur, Natasha Sideris and will include sharing style starters, mains, desserts and snacks with free flowing soft or house beverage (which includes bubbly) served up to live entertainment.

Flamingo Room by tashas, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah, 11am to 7pm, Dhs450 soft, Dhs750 house. Tel: (04) 244 7278. flamingoroombytashas.com

From January 4: Breakfast at a DIFC hotspot

You might know BB for its delicious dinner menu, but from January 4, the cosy DIFC social dining spot is going to be opening its doors for breakfast too. Available every Friday and Saturday from 8am until noon, the menu will feature a la carte options such as a rainbow stack of pancakes and a four cheese spinach pretzel, with dishes available from Dhs30.

BB Social Dining, Gate Village Building 8, DIFC, Dubai, 8am to 12pm, Fridays and Saturdays, from Dhs30. Tel: (04) 407 4444. thisisbb.com

January date TBC: Check in at a brand new hotel

The hotly anticipated W hotel is set to open on the Palm in January. Guests can bask in Arabian Gulf or Dubai skyline views from the extensive terrace of one of the resort’s 350 guest rooms, including 58 suites. There will be a big leisure and spa focus here, with the region’s first AWAY Spa which combines a lively atmosphere with the ultimate pampering experience, a wet deck that sets the scene for poolside play, two celebrity chef led restaurants and a state-of-the-art gym.

W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, opening soon. Tel: (052) 366 7768. marriott.com

From January 11: Tuck in at a new al fresco brunch

Launching on Friday January 11 is Secret Brunch, a new Friday party at stunning al fresco spot, Flair No 5. Running from 1pm to 5pm each week, expect four hours of international sharing plates, free-flowing drinks and live entertainent.

Secret Brunch at Flair No 5, Ritz Cartlon, DIFC, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays from January 11, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs499 premium. Tel: (04) 4372 2323. Facebook.com/Flairno5

January 22: Test your strength with an obstacle course in the desert

Adrenaline junkies get ready, the original Dubai obstacle course, Desert Warrior Challenge, is back but at a brand new location: Al Marmoon AKA Al Qudra Lakes. There are three courses: Ultimate Warriors will take on 20+ obstacles over 10km, Fearless Warriors will be smashing through 12+ obstacles over 5km. Children aged six and over will also get the chance to take part in a 1-2km Junior Warrior course, with eight obstacles to conquer.

Desert Warrior Challenge, Al Marmoon at Al Qudra, Dubai, 7am to 4pm, Friday January 11, from Dhs470. desertwarriorchallenge.com

January 22: See a Brit popstar live

George Ezra is set to bring his soulful vocals to Dubai for the very first time this January. The English singer-songwriter, best known for hits like Budapest and Blame It On Me, will take to the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre on January 22.

George Ezra at Dubai World Trade Centre, 9pm, Tuesday January 22, Dhs295. ticketmaster.ae

January date TBC: Dine sea-side at a stunning new seafood spot

From the team behind the double What’s On award-winning Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, licensed seafood restaurant Alici is set to open its doors in January 2019. Inspired by Southern Italy and the Amalfi coast, the split level, 230-seater restaurant promises elevated Italian dishes, sustainably sourced seafood and spectacular Arabian Gulf views. Dishes will vary according to the season and the sea availability, with head chef Domenico Santagada creating his menus according to what the fishermen bring in every day.

Alici, Bluewaters Island, off JBR, opening January 2019. alici.com

January 24 to February 2: Grab a bargain at an outdoor market

This cool pop-up market will return to Burj Park for the sixth year from January 24 to February 2. Expect roaming entertainment, street-style food vendors and kids’ play areas, as well as plenty of unique homegrown brands and local designers.

Burj Park, near Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Sun to Thur 4pm to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 10pm, free entry. Tel: (04) 2010598. mydsf.ae

January 31: See a Shakespearean hit at Dubai Opera

The tragic tale of Othello will be the first ever play to be staged at the stunning Dubai Opera venue when it lands in town this January. They’ve picked a pretty significant one to be the first. Written by William Shakespeare, Othello was first performed in 1604. There have since been so many different interpretations of the play that it’s clear the story transcends the time in which it was written. And what a story it is – Othello encompasses themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy. In fact, Othello is where the phrase “green-eyed monster” came from.

Othello, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, January 31 to February 2, from Dhs150. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

January date TBC: Show off your surfing skills at a new entertainment destination

Wavehouse is on track to open its doors at the end of January. The new entertainment venue will overlook Aquaventure water park at Atlantis The Palm and promises a family-friendly restaurant, adults-only bar, bowling alley, retro gaming zone and even a wave machine.

Wavehouse, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, opening soon. atlantisthepalm/wavehouse

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