A stunning new rooftop hotspot, festive markets, and a live performance from Boyz II Men…

If you’re staying in Dubai this December, we’re here to make sure you see out 2019 in style. From festive events to big gigs and exciting new openings, here are 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this December.

December 5 to 7: Don your best 70s gear for the Rugby Sevens

It’s a big cause for celebration at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this year, as the huge sporting event turns 50. And as well as the two major rugby tournaments, there’s set to be plenty of action off the pitch too. Of course, the entertainment highlight is set to be a live performance from Kylie Minogue on Friday December 6. Prepare to be Spinning Around to the pop songstresses best-loved hits including Can’t Get You Out of My Head, Locomotion and In Your Eyes. This year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is celebrating the 1970s with its fun retro theme. So, if you’re already thinking about your costume, perhaps we can encourage you to dig out your best 70s wear?

Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens, The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 7, tickets from Dhs300. dubairugby7s.com

December 5: Dine your way around a mega brunch

Why pick one restaurant when you could try nine? That’s exactly what Atlantis The Palm are offering with the return of their four-hour mega brunch experience, Cirque de Cuisine. Named ‘Cirque de Cuisine: The Frozen Edition’, the spectacular event will take place on Thursday December 5, from 7pm to 11pm, with early bird all-all-you-can-eat-and-drink tickets available from Dhs495 for adults (inclusive of bubbles) and Dhs295 for teens. The venue will be dressed up like a winter wonderland, complete with a carol-singing choir stationed under a huge wreath arch adorned with ribbons and bells. There’ll of course be Christmas trees, snow-capped street lamps and fairy lights lining The Avenues, sure to get you in the festive spirit.

Cirque de Cuisine: The Frozen Edition, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Thursday December 5, 7pm to 11pm, early bird tickets from Dhs495 adult and Dhs295 teens aged 12 to 20. Tel: (04) 426 1000. platinumlist.net

December 5 to 7: Get your kicks at Sole DXB

The region’s biggest culture festival Sole DXB is returning to Dubai Design District for three days from December 5. The cultural festival will run until December 8 and showcase top street culture names across art, food, music, sports and style.

Sole DXB, Dubai Design District, Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 7. soledxb.com/tickets

December 12 to 14: Party at the first FIVE Palm Jumeirah festival

Fresh from being crowned world’s best DJs by DJ Mag, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike are returning to Dubai. this December, headlining at LUVYA festival at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Taking place from Thursday December 12 to to Saturday December 14, the three-day festival promises an array of music, food, art and fashion experiences unlike anything seen before in Dubai. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike will headline on Friday December 13 on the main stage on FIVE Beach. Taking to the stage alongside them will be Craig David, performing a string of his best hits such as 7 Days, Walking Away and Fill Me In. Fans can also expect sets from Disciples and Madds.

LUVYA at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14, tickets from Dhs300. luvya.live

December 13: Say goodbye to a beloved beach club

It’s been a stalwart on Dubai’s beach club scene for over seven years, but this December, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is set to close its doors in Ghantoot. The beach club will be throwing one huge final party, aptly called The Last Dance, on Friday December 13. The Last Dance will take place on Friday December 13, and see a headline set from Jamie Jones and Brooklyn-based DJ duo, Bedouin.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ghantoot, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi, until Friday December 13. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

December 13 to 28: Experience a winter wonderland in Dubai

Get ready for some serious festive cheer as the ever-popular Fort Island festive market at Madinat Jumeirah returns for 16 days from Friday December 13. There’ll be traditional food, drink, live music and, of course, the place will be bedecked with Christmassy decorations and a stunning Christmas tree. The little ones will be kept entertained with a giant snow ball zone, play area, four-lane bungee jump and gingerbread house making station and you can even take the family in a festive Abra ride with Santa.

Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, 3pm to late Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm to late Thursday to Saturday, Friday December 13 to Saturday December 28. jumeirah.com

December 19: Belt out a ballad or two with Boyz II Men

Legendary 90s boyband Boyz II Men are set to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday December 19. Boyz II Men, currently made up of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris are famed for their emotional ballads and smooth a capella harmonies, and we can’t wait to hear them live in Dubai. Fans can expect to hear some of their most famous hits including End of the Road, I’ll Make Love To You and One Sweet Day.

Boyz II Men live, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Thursday December 19, from Dhs200. coca-cola-arena.com

December date TBC: Sip sundowners at a breathtaking new rooftop hotspot

Perched atop the soon-to-open Address Sky View, CÉ LA VI is a stunning, multi-tiered venue that promises unparalleled views across the city by day and by night. Set to become a space for every occasion, it’s home to a pool, restaurant, sky bar and club lounge, and will serve a playful interpretation of contemporary Asian cuisine.

CÉ LA VI, Level 54, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, opening December 2019. facebook.com/celavidubai

December 25: Tuck into a traditional festive feast

Enjoy a Christmas day deal with a view at The Scene by Simon Rimmer. The British restaurant is offering a five course meal and three hours of unlimited drinks, with prices starting from Dhs375 for soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks and Dhs650 with bubbles. Reserve a table on the terrace for the best views of Dubai Marina. 

The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, noon to 11pm, Dhs375 soft, Dhs550 house and Dhs650 bubbles. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com

December 31: Party into 2020

Looking to party your way into 2020? Look no further than Soho Beach, who will be throwing a huge Elrow festival to celebrate the final night of 2019. Not only will you be surrounded by an entire club full of colour, decorations and confetti, but also enjoy a stellar night of the best house music on offer. While the line-up is being kept tightly under-wraps for now, we expect that a huge announcement is on the way. Priced at Dhs799, tickets for Soho Beach will also gain you entrance to Soho Garden, where Dixon is headlining the New Year’s Eve bash.

Elrow, Soho Beach, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Dubai, Tuesday December 31, 9pm to 4am, Dhs799. Tel: (052) 388 8849. sohobeachdxb.com

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Images: Supplied