February 5, 2019 marks the Chinese Lunar New Year (CNY). Here’s where to celebrate in Dubai.

Whether your interest in Chinese culture extends to the ancient Qing dynasty or simple admiration for dim sum, this is a celebration not to be missed. Here are 16 deals to choose from…

Hakkasan

There’s no need to travel to China to celebrate the Spring Festival, let Hakkasan take your taste buds on a tour of Asia with a special a la carte menu including Peking duck, wok-fried lobster and chicken with sticky rice. This specially created Chinese New Year Menu is Dhs498 per person including one Liáo Liáo welcome drink, which comprises of ketel one, rosella, oloroso sherry, lemon, kumquat sherbet and plum bitters.
Until February 24 (excluding Feb 14)
Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, daily 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs498. Tel: (04) 426 2626. hakkasan.com

Shang Palace

Festivities in the hotel include a traditional lion dance at 10.08am on February 5, and a dim sum making class on February 6 and 7. From February 4 to 19, Shang Palace Chinese restaurant is also offering a set menu featuring dishes such as Hong Kong-style barbecue duck, dim sum platters and traditional rice balls with sesame paste. Plus, any guest who dines at Shang Palace during this time can enter the chance to win a stay at Kerry Hotel, Beijing.
February 4 to 19
Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to midnight, Dhs358. Tel: (04) 405 2703.  shangri-la.com/dubai

Beefbar Dubai

Beefbar Dubai has created a special five-course set menu, which showcases dishes from the Michelin star Beefbar in Hong Kong. For Dhs400, guests can enjoy world class meat cooked to perfection, the same way the restaurant serves it in the famous China based restaurant. The restaurant will be given a stylish CNY makeover, with lanterns hanging from the ceiling and lucky red cards, which are said to bring energy, luck and happiness.
February 7 and 8
Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dhs400. Tel: (056) 115 1724. dubai.beefbar.com

Saffron

Festivities at Atlantis, The Palm include a traditional lion dance at 7.30pm on February 4, 5 and 6, plus a fireworks display on February 4. Meanwhile at Saffron, guests can choose from an array of Cantonese, Szechuan, Shandong and Anhui dishes, as well as steamed dim sum and the Peking duck station from February 4 to 10.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs265 excluding drinks. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com

Maiden Shanghai

Chef Luo Bing presents a contemporary set menu prepared at the luxurious Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai resort. Expect fortune cookies and other festive surprises.
February 5 to 7
Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Dhs488 with tea and soft drinks, Dhs588 with selected house drinks. Tel: (04) 455 9989. maidenshanghai.com

BA

Celebrate the New Year with an authentic three-course Chinese speciality menu paired with a selection of Chinese tea. Dishes include wagyu beef tartare with yuzu and togarashi, and crispy duck buns with kimchi for starters. Main courses include black pepper beef, sweet and sour prawns with pineapple, kung pao chicken with chilli and steamed jasmine rice.
February 4 to 11
Fairmont The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm, Dhs288. Tel: (04) 457 3457. palmdining.com

Address Dubai Marina

All-day dining restaurant Mazina transforms into a red and gold palace to celebrate Chinese New Year. The dinner buffet will serve traditional favourites, such as dumplings, Peking duck and other specialities. Plus, the Friday brunch on February 8 will be dedicated to CNY.
February 5 to 8
Address Dubai Marina, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs179 with soft drinks. Fri brunch noon to 3pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks. 50 per cent off for children aged 6 to 11. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com

Afternoon tea at Address Boulevard

Experience a traditional Chinese New Year afternoon tea at the Address Boulevard with savory treats such as mini burrata and exotic sandwiches, plus a range of Chinese sweets. A selection of herbal tea or coffee is also served.
February 5 to 9
The Lounge, Address Boulevard, Dhs189 for two people. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com

Long Yin

Long Yin is hosting a Chinese New Year celebration with a set menu of steamed scallops, dumplings, sautéed tiger prawns and other Chinese delicacies along with traditional Chinese desserts. You will end the evening by receiving a traditional red envelope to wish you good fortune in the new year.
February 4 to 6
Le Meridien Dubai, Dhs191 for two people. Tel: (04) 702 2447. lemeridien-dubai.com

Bab Al Shams

Why not celebrate this Chinese new year at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa in the Al Forsan Restaurant? The professional culinary team will be cooking traditional Cantonese and Szechuan meals including crispy duck and fried banana.
Until February 13
Bab Al Shams, Dubai, Dhs195 per person. Tel: (04) 809 6194. babalshams.com

Zhen Wei

Enjoy a six-course Chinese New Year meal at the recently opened Zhen Wei this year. The menu features dishes such as kung pao prawns, seafood dumplings and peking duck. In between courses families are welcome to create their own pot of gold chocolate coins.
27th January – 9th February 2019
Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Dubai. Open daily 6pm to 10.30pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 556 6666. caesars.com/dubai

Mekong

The signature Asian restaurant, Mekong at Anantara The Palm is hosting big celebrations this Chinese New Year. Guests will be welcomed by baskets filled with a large array of dim sum, dumplings, deep fried chicken pocket and duck jiaozi.
3rd, 4th, 5th February 2019
Mekong, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. 6pm to 11.30pm. Dhs168. Tel: (04) 567 8304. anantara.com

Pure Sky Lounge

The highest lounge in JBR will be offering a special Chinese menu during this year’s Chinese New Year festival. The offer includes everything from the classic yee sang salad to a varied dumpling selection. As well as this you will get some brilliant views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Guests can order individual dishes from Dhs40, or opt for the Chinese sharing platter for Dhs135. Feel free to enjoy sundowners up there too!
5th-19th February 2019
Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai the Walk, 5pm to 2am, Dhs40 to Dhs135. Tel: (04) 374 7888. hilton.com

Ewaan

This year, Palace Downtown are offering a Chinese seafood buffet along with Lunar New Year puddings and noodles and dim sum. But it’s not just about the food, you will also get the chance to watch a Chinese dragon dance which was traditionally used as a way to scare off evil spirits.
2nd-10th February 2019
Ewaan, Palace Downtown Dubai. 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs188 to Dhs388. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com 

Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

Al Maryah’s waterfront promenade will be transformed this Chinese New Year into a series of Oriental themed activities, workshops, events and performances. One thing you don’t want to miss is the Chinese New Year fireworks lighting up the Abu Dhabi skyline on February 1st.
January 31st – February 1st
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, free. almaryahisland.ae

Lapita

Lapita hotel will be hosting a Chinese New Year’s evening gala dinner at the resorts Kalea Garden. It will include a selection of traditional Chinese dishes with four specially prepared set menus to choose from.
February 4th
Kalea Garden, Lapita Hotel Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 810 9999. marriott.com 

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