Seafood platters, Caribbean puddings, fresh sushi… the weekend just became a lot more exciting.

01. Saturdaze brunch

Where: Vida Downtown Dubai
When: Saturday, 11am to 3pm

Its Friday alfresco brunch is one of the most popular in the city. Now, Vida has its sights on winning over the Saturday brunch crowd. Putting the breakfast element back into brunch, this New York-inspired deal includes an all-you-can eat breakfast buffet covering basics such as cereals, yoghurts and fresh fruit. You can also choose from the a la carte menu – we’ve got our eyes on the breakfast burrito and French toast. Make a day of it by sunning yourself in a poolside cabana and a dip in the pool for an extra Dhs100.

Vida Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dhs139. Tel: (04) 8883444. Taxi: Vida. vida-hotels.com

02. The Long Lunch

Where: McGettigan’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: Friday, noon until 5pm

Check out McGettigan’s waterside digs at the new Friday brunch. Running over five hours, guests can turn up whenever it suits them and enjoy three meals from the special gourmet gastro pub menu – highlights include spiced apple French toast and the confit duck leg – together with five house drinks. For an extra Dhs70, you can drink as much as you like.

Groung Level, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs279 with house drinks, Dhs349 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 4470219. Taxi: Souk Madinat. mcgettigans.com

03. Wanderlust Brunch

Where: Garden, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
When: Friday, 1pm to 4pm

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai opens its kitchens to diners at this mega brunch where 360 international dishes are served across ten live cooking stations. Continue the party after brunch with 20 per cent off drinks at Square bar.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

04. Firebird Diner Blues Brunch

When: Thursday, 7pm to 1am

Backcomb your beehive and shine up your blue suede shoes for a brand new brunch at this 1950s-style diner. Oh, and wear your stretchiest trousers, because Firebird Diner does not skimp on the calorific comfort food: think juicy burgers, New Orleans jambala and Kansas City lamb ribs. There’ll also be plenty of creative themed cocktails and mocktails, all set to the beat of a live swing band.

Four Seasons DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks and prosecco. Tel: (04) 5060100. Metro: Financial Centre. firebirddubai.com

05. Family Brunch

Where: Bread Street Kitchen, The Atlantis
When: Friday, 12.30pm to 4pm

There’s plenty of entertainment for little brunchers at the Friday feast from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. While the kids make pizzas and ice their own cupcakes, the grown-ups can relax while a host of tasty British dishes, including a classic roast, are brought straight to the table. Plus, the children’s brunch includes entry into the Lost Chambers.

The Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs225 with soft drinks, Dhs335 with house drinks, Dhs95 under-11s. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis. atlantisthepalm.com

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06. Versailles Decadence Brunch

Where: Brassiere Quartier
When: Friday, 12.30pm to 3.30pm

You may think you’ve already tried Dubai’s most extravagant brunches, but Brasserie Quartier takes decadence to a whole new level. From seafood platters groaning under piles of lobster, oysters, mussels and crabs to hosts wearing costumes inspired by the heyday of Louis XIV (think corsets, bustles and pompadours), this brunch is a feast worthy of French royalty. Along with the seafood, expect modern French dishes, plenty of posh cheeses and a dessert selection worthy of Marie Antoinette herself.

The St Regis, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs650 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 4355577. Taxi: St Regis. bqdubai.com

07. Feed Me

Where: Level Seven
When: Friday, 12.30 to 4pm

If you needed an excuse to check out the new W Dubai, then here it is. The casual party brunch uses super fresh ingredients at its wide Mediterranean buffet. Explore the seven live cooking stations that serve all sorts, from shellfish, ceviche and pastas to foie gras and meaty dishes. If you’ve got room afterwards, head to the lavish dessert room.

W Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs595 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 4366666. Taxi: W Dubai. wdubaialhabtoorcity.com

08. Family Fun’ch

Where: Ting Irie
When: Friday, 1pm to 4pm

Looking for a fun and friendly brunch? No problem, man. Round up your ‘bredrins’ and head to Ting Irie, the new Jamaican restaurant in Souk Al Manzil. It’s all about the sharing plates here, so tuck into some Caribbean flavours and be prepared to fight over their signature jerk chicken – the scotch bonnet pepper and pimento seeds are imported straight from Jamaica and make for a finger-licking, seriously tasty dish. Don’t forget to try the messy doughnut and ice cream delight that is the carnival funnel cake. There’s even a games table to keep ‘pickneys’ (children) entertained.

Souk Al Manzil, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dhs195, Dhs95 under-11s. Tel: (04) 5575601. Taxi: Manzil Downtown Dubai. tingirie.com

09. Arabesque

Where: Giardino, Palazzo Versace Dubai
When: Saturday, 1pm to 4pm

Alongside its revamped international Friday brunch, the swish Palazzo Versace Dubai has launched this new Arabic spread. A great choice for families looking for a quieter brunch, Arabesque is all about local hospitality and plenty of food. Choose from mezze, salads, freshly grilled meats and a variety of juices. After the feast, take it outside where you can chill out with a shisha on the terrace or enjoy the complimentary pool access.

Palazzo Versace Dubai, Culture Village, Dubai, Dhs285, Dhs145 under-12s. Tel: (04) 5568888. Metro: Al Jadaf. palazzoversace.ae

10. Red Sun Brunch

Where: Katana
When: Friday, 1pm to 4pm

Fresh from LA’s sunset strip, Katana introduces its new brunch complete with izakaya sharing plates, grilled meats from the live Robata station as well as sushi, mains and desserts. If that’s not enough to impress, the stunning views of Burj Khalifa from the terrace will convert you into a Katana devotee.

The Address roundabout, Downtown Dubai, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs495 with champagne. Tel: (04) 2778808. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. katana-Dubai.com

11. Un Brunch à la Marina

Where: Bistro Des Artes
When: Friday, 11am to 2pm

Make like a Parisian and ease into the weekend with a lazy breakfast. Think fresh juices, pastries, breads, cheeses and fruit from the buffet and follow it up with a choice of breakfast egg dishes; maybe a traditional croque monsieur or something from the ‘creperie’. Admire the marina views while sipping on good coffee (or something a little stronger). It’s family friendly too, as children are welcome and under-sixes eat for free.

Bistro Des Arts, Dubai Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs99 with soft drinks, Dhs199 with premium drinks, Dhs49 under-13s. Tel: (04) 5511576. Metro: Damac Properties. bistrodesarts.ae

12. El Carrito Brunch

Where: Zoco, W Dubai
When: Friday, 11am to 3pm

From October 21, Zoco will be hoping to make its mark on the brunch scene with its own fiesta. We hear it’ll be big on sharing dishes, brought to the table alongside quirky and custom-made cocktails.

The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs450 with premium drinks. Tel: (04) 4370044. Taxi: W Dubai. zocodubai.com

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