A guide to what’s hot (and not) in Dubai this month…

This year has a lot in store for Dubai, so we’ve broken it down with a month-by-month guide to what’s trending and what’s not. From the dishes you should be eating to the places you should be staying, here is our monthly edit to see you through June…

What’s trending

The aperitivo

The perfect spot for after-work drinks, LPM’s iconic cinq a sept menu, featuring Dhs48 cocktails, has got one of the finest selections of bar bites. Do as the Parisians do and order vol-au-vents d’escargots and pissaladière with anchovies and olives washed down with the Elle cocktail. @lpmdubai

The restaurant

Rare is a new restaurant in City Walk that is fast becoming one of our favourite spots. The homegrown steakhouse is somewhere between a vibrant New York bar and an art deco Parisian brasserie with a stunning open kitchen, outdoor terrace, and a seductive bar. Everything on the menu is spectacular but you can’t leave without trying the fried olives, tuna crudo, Wagyu striploin, and crispy Brussel sprouts. @theraredxb

The stay 

For those seeking a unique Dubai stay with an intimate atmosphere and personalised level of service, the quaint Emirati-owned Arabian Boutique Hotel, located in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood just off Dubai Creek, will make you feel like you’re miles away from the busy city. @arabianboutique.hotel

The masterclass

Masterclasses are perfect for groups of friends or a fun date night idea. Every Friday, Attiko is hosting a cocktail masterclass in collaboration with Japanese whisky brand, Nikka. Priced at Dhs295 per person, guests will learn how to make three signature cocktails while nibbling on delicious canapes. @attikodubai

The workout

The city’s wellness scene just got even more exciting with the arrival of HWH Studio, a stunning new yoga haven nestled inside the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. Located 18-floors up, HWH Studio is led by world-renowned yogi Adrienne Everett. The gorgeous light-filled space boasts magical views over the Palm Jumeirah and the sparkling Arabian Gulf – the perfect backdrop for an immersive “in-the-zone” wellness experience. @hwhstudiodubai

The cake

Famous for its dreamy meringue cakes called merveilleux, French patisserie Aux Merveilleux de Fred is located inside Mall of the Emirates and available on Deliveroo.  Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving something sweet, the must-try dessert is made up of layered meringue with whipped cream and a generous coating of toppings, from white chocolate flakes to hazelnuts. @auxmerveilleux_dubai

What’s (not) trending

Overcharging for water

Dear restaurant owners, please stop marking up the price of water. In fact, I believe it should be a legal requirement for all restaurants to serve complimentary filtered water. Charging anything over Dhs30 for a bottle of water – whether it’s sourced from a glacial plateau in the majestic French Alps or not – is madness.

No vegan options

(Roast Cauliflower with Truffle Sauce, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal)

For some, plant-based eating isn’t just a January trend. That’s why I can never understand why some restaurants leave zero vegan options on their menu. Not only is the vegan friend missing out, but the meat-eaters in the group will also have to find a place that can accommodate everyone. It makes no sense. It’s 2024—shouldn’t we be a bit more inclusive by now?

Images: Social/Unsplash