Free – or nearly free – food and drink around Dubai this month…

January comes with a slew of special ‘food holidays’ that are wonderfully specific. This week it’s National Pie Day, while the following week is dedicated to celebrating croissants. Quite frankly we’re here for it, and if you’ve resolved to eat and drink cheaply in 2019, then you’re about to get off to a great start.

1. Free canapés and bubbly at The Loft at Opera

When: January 21 to 26
Why? The Loft is celebrating its opening at Dubai Opera
The deal: A couple of weeks ago, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera closed without warning. Well, The Loft at Opera has opened in its place, and the new owners are offering free bubbly and canapés on arrival all this week.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. Tel: (04) 3627312. facebook.com/theloftatopera

2. Free pint with Garden on 8

When: January 22
Why? It’s Hot Sauce Day
The deal: To celebrate Hot Sauce Day (who knew?!), Garden On 8 is hosting a spicy wings challenge. Pay Dhs59 for six wings (classed hot, hotter and hottest), and if you finish them, you’ll get a free pint to wash it all down with.
Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com/venues/garden-on-8

2. Free pie with McGettigan’s JBR

When: January 23
Why: It’s National Pie Day
The deal: Bet you didn’t know there was a such as thing as Pie Day did you? Well, it’s on January 23 and McGettigans JBR needs you! Sign up for the venue’s pie challenge where you’ll need to eat as many pies as possible in 10 minutes. Entry costs Dhs50 but the winner will not only be refunded their entry, they’ll also win a bucket of beer plus a free serving of Wagyu beef and Guinness Pie, in case you weren’t all pied out by then.
Mcgettigan’s JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Tel: (04) 3182580. facebook.com/McGettigansJBR

3. Dhs5 drinks at Nezzeaussi Grill Dubai Marina

When: January 26
Why? It’s the venue’s 2nd birthday
The deal: Every two hours Nezzeaussi is offering selected drinks at just Dhs5. Party on and enjoy 20 per cent off signature dishes from noon to midnight. Join the raffle competition and you could get your whole bill paid for.
Nezzeaussi Grill Dubai Marina, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 8883444. addresshotels.com

4. Free croissants with Deliveroo

When: January 30
Why: It’s National Croissant Day
The deal: The Deliveroo croissant – a pineapple-flavoured mini pastry, dipped in teal icing & flecked with gold can be ordered for breakfast from Common Grounds, Tom & Serg and The Sum of Us on National Croissant Day, January 30. The free pastries will be delivered until stocks last.
deliveroo.ae

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.