Festive family fun, new restaurants and a sweat session at a new studio…

Happy new week Dubai! With December in full swing, we’re bringing you festive events, plus there’s new restaurants, star chefs, sundowners and more.

Here’s all the best things to do in Dubai this week.

Monday December 5

Get all the festive feels with a trip to Ski Dubai

In classic Dubai fashion, you are able to have a white Christmas in the middle of the desert. Experience your own little winter wonderland at Ski Dubai from December 1 to 25. You can visit Santa in his grotto from 12pm to 2.30pm, 3.30 to 6pm and from 7pm to 9pm. You will also be able to enjoy a free hot chocolate on the snowy slopes. Check out the experiences and prices here.

Ski Dubai, Emirates Mall, 12pm until 9pm, prices from Dhs125. Tel: (0)6 005 9905, skidxb.com

Enjoy a taste of Ireland in Dubai

From December 5 to 11, Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, invites guests to explore a premium selection of Irish produce at participating dining venues in Dubai as part of the first Taste of Ireland event in Dubai. Four restaurants: The Maine, REIF Kushiyaki, McCafferty’s and The Meat Co. are celebrating quality Irish produce with exclusive menus that invite guests to indulge in the finest selection of sustainably produced Irish meat, dairy, seafood and beverages.  Chef Saradhi Dakara, group executive chef of The Maine, has curated bespoke special dishes using the finest Irish beef, seafood and cheeses.

Taste of Ireland 2022, The Maine JBR, Studio City and Business Bay, December 5 to 11. themaine.ae

Tuesday December 6

Check out a gorgeous new Italian restaurant

Dreaming of a slice of La Dolce Vita? Then check out Loren, a gorgeous new restaurant on the ever-popular Palm West Beach. Offering a more refined dining experience to the beach clubs elsewhere on the strip, the stylish restaurant is perched on the rooftop of The Club, fusing stunning sea views with delightful Italian dishes. a celebration of Italy where the beauty of Italian food and the stunning views of the sea go together like tomato and mozzarella. The flavour-packed menu will take guests on a journey, transporting them to a colourful and deliciously chic world: the epitome of la bella vita. Think authentic pizza, octopus, homemade pasta, fresh seafood, indulgent desserts, and more. Let’s just say, you’ll definitely want to go back for seconds.

Loren, The Club, Palm West Beach, The Palm, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 1am. Tel:(0)4 5578293. lorenristorantedubai.com / @ristorante.loren

Enjoy some family friendly fun at a new entertainment destination

Play DXB has opened a second location in Dubai Hills Mall, making for the perfect pit-stop between Christmas shopping stints. There’s endless hours of fun to be had on more than 30 rides and experiences for all ages, with immersive, educational journeys available across single and multiplayer games. Immerse yourself into a world of escapism, adrenaline-rushing action, horror, adventure, sports, leisure, education, and even more incredible adventures at this one-of-a-kind attraction. And if virtual reality isn’t your cup of tea, there are rides, a soft play area, classic arcade games, and even a carousel for guests to enjoy.

Play DXB, Dubai Hills Mall, 10am to 10pm Mon to Thurs, 10am to 12am Fri to Sun. @playdxbbyemaar/

Wednesday December 7

Catch up over a happy hour drink

Paris-born, celebrity-loved restaurant, bar and lounge, Barfly by Buddha-Bar is the latest addition to the impressive culinary array at Hilton Dubai The Palm. And its stunning rooftop location is the perfect new spot for sundowners. Their sunset sessions take place daily from 5pm to 7pm, with 30 per cent off the a la carte menu and a special cocktail menu that features fruity serves like Kumquat Mojito, Veracruz, Hugo & 75, and Esotica.

Barfly by Buddha Bar, Hilton Palm Jumeirah, 5pm to 7pm daily. Tel: (0)4 230 000, @barflybybuddhabar

Breakfast with a view

Have you ever wanted to eat breakfast while enjoying the view of Museum of The Future? Well, now you can. Leen’s in the Emirates Towers is the perfect location to enjoy all the classic breakfast items as well as some decadent pancake or French toast options, too.

Leen’s Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, weekdays 11.30am to 11pm Tel: (0)4 388 0558 leens.com @leens_dubai

Thursday December 8

Dine at the hands of a rising culinary star

This week just got tastier: Michelin Starred Torno Subito is welcoming the fourth edition of Massimo’s Friends’ this week on December 7 and 8, collaborating with chef Tomer Tal who will create a bespoke tasting menu alongside Torno Subito’s chef de cuisine, Alessio Pirozzi. Priced at Dhs549 per person, foodies will experience the culinary creativity from the chef duo with a menu that includes Zucca e Zafferano, a fragrant dish of pumpkin zafran foam; shrimp tartare, served with shrimp oil and tomato foam. Main dishes include white part of watermelon, served with tuna tartar, smoked tomato, and a tangy verde salsa; and Ravioli Di Ossobuco Alla Milanese – a braised veal shank raviolo in a traditional Milanese sauce.

Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, 7pm, Dec 7 and 8, Dhs549. Tel: (0)4 245 5800, @tornosubitodubai  

Work up a sweat at a cool new studio

On Thursday 8 December, 1Rebel celebrates the launch of its first Dubai studio with a day of free classes, live DJ sets and instrumentalists, open gym access, shakes, competitions, prizes and more. From 6am, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the 1Rebel’s  two famous and signature high-energy, full body workout classes, Ride and Reshape, as well as the brand’s first and only open gym floor. During the evening session, there will be post-gym make-overs with professional make-up artists by Apotheca Beauty and luxe-cosmetics brand Stila, for an after-work-out glow that ensures everyone leaves looking as rejuvenated as they feel.

1Rebel Dubai, Ground Floor, ICD Brookfield Tower, DIFC, 6am to 11pm, Thursday December 8. View the full schedule here.