22 wonderful things to look forward to in Dubai this January

New year, fun new things to do…

2025 is here and if you’re looking to kick off the year in style, we’ve got all the coolest new things to do in Dubai this January, all in one handy guide. If you’re on a health kick, then a fun new fitness class or a competitive run should be in your calendar; if you’re looking for new restaurants, then we’ve got those too. Plus there’s big gigs, comedy stars, and ballet performances to look forward to.

Here are 22 things to look forward to in Dubai this January. 

January 1: Kick off 2025 with a New Year’s Day brunch

Celebrate the first day of the year in style at newly-opened beachhouse Casa Amor, where a seaside New Year’s Day Brunch awaits. Guests will indulge in a curated sharing menu, perfect for creating memorable moments with friends and family. The celebration is elevated with a selection of premium beverages and Champagne, accompanied by lively DJ beats and a bohemian-inspired atmosphere. It’s Dhs950 and runs from 1pm to 4pm. Check out our full New Year’s Day guide here.

Casa Amor, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, 1pm to 4pm, Jan 1, Dhs950 per person, inclusive of premium beverages and Champagne. 21 years and above only. Tel: (0)4 777 2223. @casaamordubai

From January 2: Check out a glamourous new dinner and a show

Known and loved in Barcelona for its incredible dinner shows inspired by the Great Gatsby, Gatsby is finally set to open on Palm Jumeirah this January. Welcoming reservations from Thursday January 2, Gatsby Dubai invites guests to enjoy a sultry dinner show experience, followed by dancing into the early hours in a club-like environment. So, dust off your feathers and get ready to don your sequins, as this is sure to be a fabulous roaring twenties party you won’t want to miss…

Gatsby, West Side, Nakheel Mall Rooftop, opening January 2. @gatsby_dxb

January 3 to 12: Shop up a storm at e& MOTB

The twelfth edition of e& MOTB, an independent, open-air shopping event, will run from January 3 to 12 at d3, bringing with it 10 days of unique fashion finds, fabulous brand pop-ups with plenty of freebies, hip entertainment, and the opportunity to sample your way around the flavours of some of Dubai’s most delicious – and viral – restaurants. This year’s theme is dedicated to the madness and joy of Gen Z culture. The Neo-Vintage theme sees the clashing of cutting edge trends with nostalgic charm, the new and old coming together to promise something for everyone. Coupled with never-before-seen immersive experience, and all the usual entertainment, it’s set to be an unforgettable edition of one of Dubai Shopping Festival’s best-loved experiences.

e& MOTB, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, Jan 3 to 12,4pm to 10pm Mon to Thurs, 4pm to 12am Fri, 12pm to 12am Sat and Sun, free entry. @dubaifestivals

January 7 to 9: Catch a classical ballet at Zabeel Theatre

If you’re looking to keep the festive feels going into January, Zabeel Theatre presents Peter Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, The Nutracker for two nights only. A tale of magic, bravery and festive joy, tickets start from Dhs330.

The Nutcracker, Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, 8pm Jan 7 to 9, from Dhs330. platinumlist.net

Thursdays in January: Start your day with a unique fitness class

Elevate your Thursday mornings with Super SUP Fit’s unique HIIT and yoga session, which takes place on a paddle board, over the calm waters of Be Beach’s swimming pool. Priced at Dhs150 per person, the 45-minute session takes place at 8am, with an optional Dhs125 upgrade to include a nourishing breakfast.

Be Beach, Dubai Harbour, 8am, Thursdays, Dhs150. @bebeachdxb

January 10 to 12: Get inspired with inspirational thought leaders

Mindvalley is the world’s premier transformation platform with a goal to empower individuals to unlock their greatest potential, and it’s coming to Dubai’s Expo City from January 10 to 12. Leading the talks will be bestselling authors Jay Shetty and Steven Bartlett.  Shetty and Bartlett will be joining over 20 other global thought leaders to deliver transformative keynotes, workshops, and insights for personal and professional growth. The program will equip guests with tools that will help them excel in their careers, boost their health, and accelerate their journey to an extraordinary life.

Until January 12: Be dazzled by the JBR drone show

The DSF drone show lights up the skies at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR every day until January 12 with not one, but two displays. Catch it at 8pm and 10pm each evening, telling stories of tradition and modernity through powerful visuals and innovative sounds.

From January: Challenge your mates to some crazy golf

First announced last summer, London’s popular crazy golf venue, Swingers, is opening on Bluewaters Island soon. Each Swingers venue is made to look and feel like an English country club, bringing nature indoors with plants and trees and windmill-themed golf courses. In Dubai, the super-sized 22,000 square foot venue will be set over two floors, and feature three fun-filled crazy golf courses. Each one will have a classic English theme: there will be a hot air balloon course, a waterwheel course and a clock tower course. So, get ready to challenge your mates over a bit of competitive fun. And new and exclusive to the Dubai venue will be a first-of-its-kind speakeasy, where you’ll be able to enjoy drinks in a private bar and a luxe crazy golf course, perfect for adding a VIP touch to a get-together with friends or private event.

Swingers Dubai, Bluewaters Island, opening January. @swingers_uae

January 12: Lace up for Dubai Marathon

The grand dame of scenic pavement pounding, the Dubai Marathon returns for another lap this January. The picturesque 42km run takes you along the Jumeirah coastline and past landmarks like Madinat Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. Lwss experienced runners can also partake in a 10km or 4km route. Entry is Dhs550.

Dubai Marathon 2025, start point opposite Madinat Jumeirah, 6am onwards, Dhs550. dubaimarathon.org

Until January 12: Take a walk on the wild side with a night safari

Dubai Safari Park has extended its opening hours over the winter, inviting residents to explore the park by night. Two night safaris at 6pm and 8pm are led by expert wildlife guides, where visitors can expect to catch a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species besides participating in interactive activities involving animals. The live performances include an African fire show and a neon show.

Dubai Safari, 6pm and 8pm, daily until January 12. @dubaisafari

Until January 12: Check out a desert pop-up

As part of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), The Uncommon has opened a new desert pop-up in Al Marmoon that invites you embrace the great outdoors, Arabic style. With beautiful lights, live music, and family-friendly fun, it’s running from December 20 until January 12. Acclaimed chef Sheikha Hesa Al Khalifa has curated a seasonal menu of treats, or you can enjoy your own BBQ Box as a limited edition special from December 31 to January 12. Snuggle up by the cosy firepit, enjoy an alfresco film on weekends, and enjoy enchanting oud performances after dark.

The Uncommon x DSF, Al Marmoon Desert, 4pm to 1am, daily until January 12, minimum spend of Dhs20. @theuncommon.ae

January 16 to 19: Check out some on-green action at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been kicking off Dubai’s annual sporting calendar for 35 years, and the 36th edition of the landmark golfing tournament promises endless thrills on and off the greens. Returning to Emirates Golf Club from January 16 to 19, you can look forward to a stellar line-up of superstar golfers, an all new F&B experience, and even a mini-festival that all ages will love. General admission tickets are free, but you must register via dubaidesertclassic.com. The Social on Sixteen tickets are Dhs695 with food and drink included, while Dallah Lounge Hospitality, with premium all-inclusive packages, start from Dhs2,000.

January 17: Head to a big night out at Ushuaia

Known for lacing an organic essence through its house music sets, Francis Mercier will bring Deep Root Tribe to Dubai for the first time in January 2025. Part label, part renowned party brand, Deep Root Tribe are famed for their grand stages, curated music and blockbuster-level production, all of which we can expect when the event makes its Dubai debut next month. Headlining will be founder and label boss, Francis Mercier, a Haitian DJ and producer that has toured the world with his melodic and high-energy explorations of house music. Tickets are available from Dhs150 via platinumlist.net.

Ushuaia, Dubai Harbour, 8pm, Friday January 17, from Dhs150. platinumlist.net

January 20: Enjoy some LOLs with Al Murray

He’s one of the most famous faces in British comedy and if you’re in need of a few laughs, you’ll want to bookmark Al Murray’s return to Dubai. Taking place on Monday January 20, the OG pub landlord invites you to banish the January blues as he brings his new show, ‘Guv Island’ to Dubai Opera. Tickets are on sale now, priced from Dhs195. The January 2025 gig marks Al Murray’s welcome return to Dubai after his Dubai Comedy Festival gig earlier this year was cancelled due to the bad weather. In January, the podcaster, stand-up comedian and all-round funnyman promises to present an evening of side-splitting belly laughs with his comedic satire.

From January: Tuck in at a brand new restaurant

Long-awaited Gerbou will debut this month in Nad Al Sheba. A sustainable, homegrown restaurant that celebrates Emirati cuisine and culture, Gerbou, which means welcome to my humble abode in Arabic, will see Atelier House Hospitality join forces with Tashkeel, a beloved beacon of arts and culture in the UAE. Housed in a renovated building from 1987, the aesthetic has been inspired by the colours and textures synonymous with Arab culture, and is set to be ‘a welcoming, soulful, experimental and an uplifting location and designed space.’ Dreamy.

Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba, opening January 2025. @gerbou

Get some belly laughs with Guz Khan

Comedian and star of BBC’s Man Like Mobeen, Guz Khan is taking centre stage at the Dubai Opera for a night of side-splitting comedy. Making a stop in Dubai as part of his comedy tour, he will be performing on January 20. This insanely hilarious comedy tour is being brought to Dubai after a surge of demand for his unique blend of wit, charm and sharp, observational, humour.

Guz Khan, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 9pm, Jan 20, from Dhs195. platinumlist.net

January 24: Glam up for Fashion Friday

The next major event in the Dubai Racing calendar will see the world’s best stallions put their best hooves forward during eight group races on Friday January 24. But there will be plenty of off-course action too, with the Meydan Racecourse welcoming the city’s fashionistas for an evening of gloriously grand headware and glitzy outfits. Gates open at 4pm, and tickets are priced from Dhs65.

Fashion Friday, Meydan Racecourse, 4pm, Friday January 24, from Dhs65. @racingdubai

From January: Stretch it out at a new Pilates studio

Set to open in early January is Strong, an Aussie born Pilates studio with over 50 global locations. For their Middle East debut, they’re opening at Triple 777 centre in Jumeirah 3, bringing their signature 45-minute workouts to a chic and sophisticated new studio space. Strong’s signature sessions blend pilates, strength training and low-impact cardio into a 45-minute, full body session, which takes place on Rowformers and Rideformers. Founding memberships start from Dhs1,050.

Strong, Triple 777, Wasl Road, Jumeirah, opening January. @strong_jumeirah

January 25: See a top DJ at Barasti

Dubai, get ready to hit the dancefloor as superstar DJ Steve Aoki is returning to city early next year. For the first time since 2022, Steve Aoki will bring his unmistakable high-energy sets to Dubai, spinning at Barasti on Saturday January 25. When Steve Aoki headlines on the sand of beloved beach club Barasti, early next year, fans can expect to hear some of his biggest hits including Pursuit of Happiness, Just Hold On and Mic Drop. We can also look forward to hearing him spin some of his biggest collab tracks. During the last decade in the DJ business, he’s worked with global superstars like BTS, Kid Cudi, and Louis Tomlinson.

Daily through January: Enjoy a winter escape in the heart of the desert

Bringing a taste of the cosy alps to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is The Nest by Sonara. Running until the end of February, The Winter Nest sees eight private chalets adorned in traditional alpine décor to create a gorgeous wintery pop-up. Think twinkling lights, an Alpine-inspired menu, and cosy chalet dining. It’s priced from Dhs450