6 fantastic things to do in Dubai this week: Jan 2 to 4

Hello 2024… 

Looking for things to do this week? It might be January but Dubai is showing no signs of slowing down. From wellness days to new restaurants, here’s our list of 6 fantastic things to keep you entertained during the dreaded first week back. What January Blues?

Tuesday, January 2

Keep up the festivities at Expo City

The straight-from-a-snowglobe Christmas market at Expo City has been a huge success this season and for those still clinging on to Christmas, you can still visit the festive extravaganza until January 7. Entry into Expo City, the winter wonderland, and Santa’s Grotto is Dhs20. Inside, there’s snow, fairground games, a letter-to-Santa station, roaming entertainment, a toy factory, Mrs Claus’ bakery, and the chance to meet Santa.

Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza. Friday, December 15 to January 7. Dhs20 entry. Pet-friendly. expocitydubai.com

Check out a stunning new restaurant in the desert

Ninive has long been a favourite on Dubai’s Middle Eastern dining scene thanks to its leafy alfresco terrace, gorgeous grand Majlis feel, and bold Levantine flavours. And now, you can check it out at a new location, as the brand has opened a desert iteration within the resort of Bab Al Shams. A stunning spot for sunset dining amongst the dunes, the restaurant will open daily from 4pm. Guests will be able to dine on a fusion of dishes from the Middle East and North Africa, laced with Iranian, Iraqi, Turkish, and Moroccan influences. There will also be a beverage and shisha menu to pair with the dishes.

Ninive Bab Al Shams, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Al Qudra Road, 4pm to 12am Sun to Thurs, 4pm to 2am Fri and Sat. Tel: (0)4 809 6203. @ninivebabalshams

Wednesday, January 3

Start how you mean to go on

Dive straight into those resolutions with a wellness day at Palm Jumeirah’s Blended Wellness. Taking place every Wednesday at 8am, the wellness morning includes poolside pilates followed by all-day pool and beach access and lunch and two drinks at the dreamy new beach club, The 305, for Dhs250 per person.

Blended Wellness x The 305, Dukes The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Wednesdays at 8am. Dhs250 per person. blendedwellness.com

Watch the new Wonka movie, Dubai-style

‘Tis the season for open-air cinema-ing! The stunning outdoor cinema, Vox Moonlight, recently reopened on the rooftop of the Galleria Mall with a new look, featuring a jazzy revamp of the space. This Wednesday, catch the latest Wonka movie from the comfort of the private cabanas – perfect for couples for that ultra-luxe vibe, or comfortable loungers – another equally great option for pairs. To be more relaxed, the bean bags with footrests are the choice.

VOX Moonlight, Galleria Mall, Dubai, uae.voxcinemas.com

Thursday, January 4

Catch up with the girls over Valentino pink hot chocolate

Atlantis The Royal and Valentino have joined forces to bring an iconic pop-up café, the Valentino Cafe, to Dubai this festive season. The pop-up is open to the public until Wednesday, January 10 so this is the final week to sample an irresistible array of Valentino pink hot chocolate beverages with a range of sweet pastries in collaboration with The Royal Tearoom with Christophe Devoille.

Valentino Cafe, Atlantis The Royal, until January 10, 2024, daily, 2pm to 6pm, @atlantistheroyal 

Take a stroll around the avenue

Brimming with art, music, food, and wellness experiences, you’ll find inspiration on every corner of Alserkal Avenue. Take time to explore the lanes with art galleries, coffee shops, fitness studios, and homegrown street food pop-ups including father-and-son-owned manakishery, Akhu Manoushe,  juicy burgers from JT Burgers, Asian street food from Phat, washed down with delicious matcha from Blu Matcha.

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. @alserkalavenue

Images: Provided/Social