20 fantastic new things to do in Dubai this January

Balloons at the Palace, Jumeirah Al Qasr, afternoon tea served 1.30pm to 5.30pm, dinner served from 7pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Tel: (800) 323232. jumeirah.com

Dine at a desert oasis with lakeside charm

Escape the city’s buzz at Limited, a picturesque cafe nestled in Al Marmoom Desert. With tranquil lakeside views, an Instagrammable menu featuring truffle burgers, guac and chips, and inverted cheesecake, this spot is a must-visit. Open daily from 4pm to 11pm, it’s perfect for sunset vibes or dining under a blanket of stars. Dubai never ceases to amaze, and this January proves the city’s magic knows no bounds. Where will you start?

Limited, Al Marmoon desert, Al Qudra Lake Road, Dubai, 4pm to 11pm daily, no reservations required. @limited.dubai

Jato, Level 43, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, daily 5pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 557 4820. @jatodxb

Enjoy some family-friendly fun at an interactive museum

The world’s first Museum of Candy opened in Dubai in November. This sweet new attraction promises to be an immersive and interactive experience spread over 15 rooms. The first-of-its kind museum promises to fuse facts and fun, inviting visitors to unleash their inner child as they go from room to room. A cotton candy bath, a gummy bear pool and a thrill and chill ice cream room are just a handful of the Instagrammable highlights. And what would a candy museum be without being able to sample some sweet treats? Visitors can look forward to unique candy milkshakes, ice cream – and of course candies – at the museum cafe. Tickets are priced from Dhs109 for adults and Dhs89 for children.

Check-in for a luxe new staycation

Delano Dubai, Bluewaters’ luxe new hotel, is officially open. Set to reposition Bluewaters as a luxurious lifestyle destination, the 251-room Delano Dubai is marked by attention to detail and personalised experiences, designed to make every guest feel special. The culinary and mixology concepts promise something for everyone. These include the Rose Bar, a picture of elite Hollywood glamour and musical greatness;  Tutto Passa, an amber-hued Italian restaurant and terrace; and Maison Revka, a glamourous, slavic-inspired restaurant and beach club. Aside from the impressive culinary array, the heart of the resort features the Delano Pool, with sunken furniture in the shallows and a social ledge for guests to see and be seen. A wellness studio in collaboration with founder of HWH Studio, Adrienne Everett, completes the leisure line-up, promising two treatment suites, a fully equipped gym and cutting-edge health innovations.

Soak up the sun at a chic new destination

J1 Beach is here – and it brings with it a dozen restaurants and beach clubs to experience. Big splashy beach clubs with international acclaim including St Tropez hotspot Gigi Rigolatto, where there’s a pool, golden beach, bellini bar, and a beautifully landscaped restaurant serving up refined Italian flavours; Baoli, the Cannes export complete with a pool lined with gorgeous day beds, two lounges, a restaurant and a Prada retail store; and Gitano, the Tulum-born beach club and restaurant bringing a tropical-luxe feel to Jumeirah. On the restaurant front, head to African Queen for the flavours of St Tropez; Sakhalin brings elevated dishes by acclaimed chef Vladimir Mukhin, and Lunico promises high-octane Spanish fare.

J1 Beach, Jumeirah. @j1beachdubai

Ride the world’s tallest wheel for skyline views

The world’s largest observation wheel has reopened, and it’s better than ever. Ain Dubai now offers elevated ticket options, from standard shared cabins starting at Dhs145 to premium experiences with mocktails, cocktails, or bubbly. Upgrade your visit with VIP cabins, perfect for special occasions or group gatherings, or opt for the Ain Dubai Views Plus package for interactive displays and photo-worthy moments. Timings vary, but sunset rides between 4pm and 6:30pm offer unbeatable views – worth the small surcharge.

Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island, 12pm to 9pm, Tues to Sun, from Dhs145. Tel: (0)4 442 80411. Book via aindubai.com

Gather the girls for an alternative ladies’ night

Five Iron is an emporium of all things golf and entertainment at The Westin Mina Seyahi. And on Wednesdays and Fridays, ladies are invited to enjoy a wallet-friendly night out, with unlimited drinks plus a main dish priced at Dhs150. Drinks include spirits, wines and a selection of cocktails (including everyone’s favourite Aperol), and there’s special deals on the golf simulators too.

Five Iron, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, 7pm to 11pm, Weds and Fri, Dhs150. @fiveirongolf.uae

Catch Blockbusters outdoors at Roxy Galleria Mall

Roxy Cinemas has reopened its outdoor screening experience at Galleria Mall Barsha for the 2024/25 season, blending the magic of movies with open-air charm. Relax on plush teal couches or cozy up on a couple’s couch as you catch the latest blockbusters under the stars. With Dolby surround sound delivering a full cinematic punch, you can order your favourite snacks before the show or straight to your seat. Tickets start at AED 50 for bean bags, AED 80 for a single couch, and AED 160 for couples.

Roxy Cinemas, Galleria Mall, Al Barsha. theroxycinemas.com

Enjoy an evening in the desert at a brand new camp

If you’ve got visitors in town, a desert safari is a must-try experience. And if you’re looking for a new one then Noble Adventures is one to bookmark. This new desert experience offers a luxurious take on the traditional desert safari, and promises a memorable evening out amongst the desert dunes. You’ll get picked up in one of their luxurious 4×4 vehicles and then be taken to the beautifully boho camp just in time for sunset. From there, there’s entertainment like camel rides, sand boarding and falconry, then the option to enjoy either a four-course dinner or gourmet BBQ buffet and drinks.

Noble Adventure, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, 5pm onwards, daily, from Dhs395. noble.adventure.uae

Check out a London-loved restaurant, now in DIFC

The London-born, 24/7 restaurant Duck and Waffle is now bringing its playful take on comfort food, inventive cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, to a sprawling 10,000 square-foot space overlooking the Burj Khalifa, redefining all-day dining in the heart of the city. Inside, the restaurant features an open kitchen and a 360-degree bar, but it’s out on the terrace where you’ll want to snap up a seat, where a perforated metal tree and lush greenery frame stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant’s signature dish is–of course–duck and waffle – a decadent combination of crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup. With over two million plates served globally, this dish is sure to win over the hearts (and palates) of foodies in Dubai. Other notable dishes include the foie gras crème brûlée, spicy ox cheek doughnut, and the popular whole roasted chicken with ratte potatoes and truffle. Initially, the restaurant is open from 12pm to 1am, serving up lunch, dinner and all-day delights. But from early next year, you can expect to dine 24/7 at Duck and Waffle, meaning sunrise breakfasts, late-night tipples, and a special after-hours menu.

Duck & Waffle, Innovation One, Concourse Level, DIFC, daily 12pm to 1am. Tel:(0)56 981 6655. @duckandwaffledubai

Score big at Dubai’s first indoor paintball arena

Looking for action-packed fun away from the brunch circuit? Singo Paintball at Wafi Mall offers the UAE’s first indoor paintball experience, complete with air-conditioned arenas and 86 collapsing targets. Whether you’re planning a team-building day or a playful outing with friends, the expertly designed spaces promise adrenaline-fueled excitement. For younger adventurers, Gelly Ball offers a low-impact version of paintball, making it perfect for family outings. After the action, recharge at Reload Cafe with tasty bites and cool drinks while cheering on your team from the viewing area.

Singo Paintball, Wafi Mall, Dubai, Tel: (04) 575 2333. @singopaintball

Take the little ones to a super-sized play space

A colourful wonderland for children of all ages, Boo Boo Laand is the new soft play centre at The Dubai Mall. A sprawling 25,000 metre space of family-fun, this magical destination features an array of attractions, like the super slide, football stadium, princess area, and a little crawlers destination for young children.

Boo Boo Laand, Chinatown, Dubai Mall, 10am to 12am Mon to Thurs, 10am to 1am Fri to Sun, from Dhs190. booboolaand.com

Find your zen at a new wellness space

The industrial area of Al Quoz might not seem like the most typical location for a serene wellness space, but Sohum is anything but typical. A sanctuary of zen-inducing treatments and therapies in the heart of the city, it offers a curated program designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit. The space has been designed to offer maximum relaxation and rejuvenation, and as such classes include yoga, meditation and breathwork, plus there’s an array of rituals, healing therapies, unique ceremonies, massages and facials. It’s a one-stop-shop for all things wellness.

Sohum Wellness, Al Quoz 1, daily 9am to 9pm. @sohumwellness.ae

Enjoy a Sunday roast at a brand new pub

A quintessential British brasserie, The Spaniel is a new addition to Bluewaters, and bringing a new flavour to the mix. Think the finest English sensibilities of lords and ladies and country clubs, translated into dark wood decor, cosy and nostalgic, and reflecting classic British architecture with iconic sporting moments. The menu honours the rich culinary traditions of an era bygone, with age-old recipes and craft cocktails that will evoke the spirit of Old England. English charm, done right. Bookmark this for your next Sunday roast.

The Spaniel, Bluewaters, 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (0)4 554 3728. @thespanieldxb