6 fun ways to spend Boxing Day in Dubai this year

From a relaxing poolside BBQ to an all-you-can-eat brunch…

For some, Boxing Day has become just as much of a celebration as Christmas Day, so whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to aid a sore head or want to carry on the party with a pool day or brunch, here’s 6 awesome things to do in Dubai on Boxing Day.

1. Relax at a barbecue

A novelty of spending Christmas in Dubai is that we’ve still got balmy weather even in December, so why not make the most of it at an ultra-relaxed Boxing Day barbecue? Origin at Vida Emirates Hills are throwing a late one from 5pm to 9pm on December 26, which will take place on their outdoor terrace with prime golf course views rolling in the background. Kids under five eat free too.

Origins, Vida Emirates Hills, The Hills, Emirates Hills, Thursday December 26, 5pm to 9pm, Dhs250 soft, Dhs350 house, Dhs450 premium, Dhs125 kids aged 6 to 11. Tel: (04) 872 8888. vidahotels.com

2. Tuck into unlimited breakfast dishes

When you’re in need of a hearty breakfast to aid a sore head, the idea of unlimited trips to a breakfast buffet sounds ideal. Spend the morning out on the chilled terrace at Mina’s Kitchen as you tuck into endless plates of breakfast dishes from their huge buffet.

Mina’s Kitchen, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, Breakfast (Dhs105),6am to 10.30am, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 511 7373. facebook.com/minaskitchendubai

3. Relax with an all-you-can-eat roast

If you didn’t fill up enough on roast dinner on Christmas Day, you can return for a second attempt on Boxing Day at new JBR pub, Black Goose. For a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, dig into their unlimited roast dinner with all the trimmings for a wallet-friendly Dhs65.

Black Goose, Al Mamsha Road, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Thursday December 26, from 12.30pm, all-you-can-eat-roast Dhs65. Tel: (04) 315 3861. facebook.com/Blackgoosedubai

4. Catch some rays at a pool brunch

If you’ve got extra time off work over the Christmas break, there’s no point in wasting it. Spend the day catching some rays at popular Dubai beach club, Zero Gravity. If you’re still got some party left in you, opt to do their Overflow brunch, with four hours of unlimited drinks and food for just Dhs150 for ladies and Dhs250 for guys.

Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Overflow Thursdays every Thursday, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs150 girls, Dhs250 guys. Tel: (04) 399 0009. facebook.com/Zero.Gravity

5. Settle in for the day with an extended happy hour

If Boxing Day beers are one of your traditions, it’s helpful to know where to find the city’s best happy hours. Every Thursday, McGettigan’s serve up a nine hour happy hour from 12pm to 9pm with selected drinks from Dhs30.

McGettigan’s JLT, Next to Bonnington Towers, Cluster J, JLT, Dubai, happy hour 12pm to 9pm, Thursdays. Tel: (04) 356 0470. mcgettigans.com/jlt-dubai

6. Say “cheese” with a cheese and wine night

Is it even Christmas without cheese and wine? Take a trip to a cute french Alpine chalet without actually leaving Dubai at Publique in the Madinat Jumeirah. Cosy up to the (fake) fire and catch up over tartiflette for two for Dhs220, fondue for two priced at Dhs230, or a Raclette for two for Dhs290, all served with a complimentary carafe of wine.

Publique, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12pm onwards, daily, from Dhs220. Tel: (04) 430 8550. publique.ae

Images: Facebook/ Supplied