10 things to look forward to in Dubai this January
Black Eyed Peas, James Blunt and Jack Dee perform, a Broadway hit rolls into town and we’ve got the inside scoop on the restaurants and hotels to hit up this month…
Welcome to 2022, Dubai. If you’re planning on packing the first month of the year with fun stuff, you’re in the right place. Whether a comedy gig or concert, Broadway musical or superb new sundowner spot, we’ve got the best new things to do in Dubai all rounded up in one handy edit.
These are the best new things to do in Dubai this January.
January 5 to 15: See an award-winning Broadway musical
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is making its way to Dubai this January for a 10-night run from January 5 to 15. The musical has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy and is one musical you need to see. The musical is set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s. It follows the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she decides to dupe the public, media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly. She does this by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. From Jan 5 to 15, 2022. Ticket prices start from Dhs345. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
January 7 to 9: Dine at the hands of a duo of culinary masters
What’s On’s 2021 Chef of the Year, Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio, and Chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s Quintonil restaurant, are joining forces this month for a series of intimate collaborative dinners from January 7 to 9. Diners will be treated to a selection of signature dishes from the much-lauded Vallejo, alongside a curated selection of new dishes by Saini. These ongoing collaborative dinners between Chef Saini and acclaimed chefs from around the world have fast become one of the main highlights on the city’s gastronomic calendar. Diners can book their seat at this unique dining event for Dhs995 per person (food only) with 6.30pm and 9.30pm seatings available.
Trèsind Studio, January 7 to 9, 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Tel: (056) 4209754. tresindstudio.com
Throughout January: Check in for a top city staycay
Looking for a sleek new staycation this January? Say hello to the five-star Hyde Hotel Dubai, an ultra-cool US export bringing cosmopolitan vibes to Business Bay. Brought to you by the same people behind the recently-opened SLS Dubai hotel, and 25Hours Hotel One Central, Hyde Hotel Dubai is turning the average staycation on its head. This is a place you come to for the socials, the restaurants, the pool and spa, and then lay your head at night in one of the many luxe rooms or suites that are available, suitable for the everyone from traveling nomads to the modern businessman. The ground floor is home to Cleo, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that takes you from day to night with Levantine cuisine and an extensive wine list. On the fourth floor, you’ll find an outpost of popular Hollywood-based Japanese restaurant, Katsuya, and cool speakeasy bar Hudson Tavern.
Hyde Hotel Dubai, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, open now, rates start from Dhs640 per night. sbe.com
January 19: Laugh along as a famous funnyman takes to the stage
Star of top comedy shows such as Live at the Apollo, The Jack Dee Show, ITV’s Saturday Night and BBC’s Happy Hour, Jack Dee is returning to the UAE this month for a one-off performance. The stand-up comedian last visited Dubai in 2014, and is finally set to return on Wednesday January 19, 2022. Taking the stage at Dubai Opera, Jack Dee will deliver his classic ‘grumpy’ persona with some hysterical one-liners as part of his ‘Off The Telly’ international tour.
Jack Dee Off the Telly, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wednesday January 19 2022, 7.30pm onwards, from Dhs195. dubai.platinumlist.net
January 25: Head to Expo for a huge concert
Following a huge inaugural event with Alicia Keys, Expo 2020 Dubai’s Infinite Nights is back with another huge name artist. This time, the one and only Black Eyed Peas will take to the stage on January 25. The American band are behind hits such as Where Is The Love?, Boom Boom Pow, Pump It, Don’t Lie, I Gotta Feeling and many more. Fans will be able to enjoy a string of their biggest hits live, as well as new music from their album ‘Translation’. Taking place on Tuesday January 25, the concert will take place in Al Wasl Plaza and is open to Expo 2020 Dubai ticket holders. The event will also be live-streamed to millions of viewers around the world, and available to watch online afterwards in case you miss the show.
Infinite Nights presents Black Eyed Peas, Expo Dubai 2020, Tuesday January 25, 10pm onwards. expo2020dubai.com
Throughout January: Dine at a pretty new beachfront restaurant
Inspired by the Antilles, Latin America and the Caribbean, this sprawling venue boasts a beautiful restaurant, outdoor terrace and a beach bar. Tamoka‘s interiors are striking, with a boho-chic island vibe throughout. As you enter, you’re wowed by a huge tree stretching up through the central bar which is adorned with whimsical glowing lights. There’s also an open kitchen and a ceviche counter so you can watch the skilled chefs at work.
Tamoka and Cana by Tamoka, Al Mamsha Street, on the beach of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR. @tamokadubai
January 27 to 30: Watch some golfing legends showcase their swing
A legacy sporting event in Dubai, the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic celebrates its 33rd edition this month. to mark the occasion, the region’s longest-running golf tournament has, for the first time in its history, been elevated to Rolex Series status, becoming part of the DP World tour’s premium series of event. with major attractions on the course at Emirates golf Club, and off it at the family-friendly tournament town, there’s plenty to attract both sports fans and casual observers from January 27 to 30. Among those taking to the greens are two-time champion Rory McIlroy, DP World Rankings winner Collin Morikawa and defending champion Paul Casey.
Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, January 27 to 30, free. slyncdubaidesertclassic.com
January 27 to 30: Cure the January blues
Dubai’s got a brand new festival, and it’s launching at a totally new venue this January. The Square @ ISD Dubai, which can be found in Dubai Sports City, will play host to Dubai Blues Festival, which is set to take place on January 27, 28 and 29, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Audiences can be taken away to yesteryear with the soulful sounds of blues, serenaded to them by some of the genre’s best-known singers of the time. While tickets are free, you’ll need to book outdoor tables online.
The Square @ ISD, Dubai Sports City, Fri Jan 27 to Sun Jan 30, free. thesquaredubai.com
January 29: Sing along as a Brit star performs in Dubai
As part of his The Stars Beneath My Feet greatest hits tour, James Blunt will entertain concert goers at the Coca-Cola Arena on the final weekend of Dubai Shopping Festival, performing a compilation of the musician’s biggest tunes from his 17-year career, including the likes of “You’re Beautiful” and “Cold.”
Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, 6pm onwards, Saturday January 29, from Dhs150. platinumlist.net
Saturdays throughout January: Saturdays are the new Fridays for Dubai’s legendary brunches
Secret Parties are behind some of the city’s biggest brunch bonanza’s, and as Saturday becomes the new Friday in the UAE, they’re shifting their all-singing, all-dancing Friday feasts to Saturday sessions. Among the options to choose from, step back in time to the dazzling Great Gatsby era at Secret Brunch at The Ritz in Ritz-Carlton DIFC, or enjoy a trip to Italy without leaving Dubai at Secret Palazzo Versace Brunch, held at the hotel’s Vanita’s restaurant, or take a walk on the wild side at Dubai Marina’s Mama Zonia for Secret Jungle Brunch.
Various locations, Saturdays from January 8, from Dhs299. secret-parties.com