Is Palm Sugar brunch a sweet surprise or a sour slip-up?

For around 98 per cent of the year, you can expect guaranteed sunshine in the UAE. But for the remaining seven days, the skies open to allow the rain pour down, and in true Dubai fashion, more is more. Ironically enough, the day of our visit to Wet Deck, is one of those times.

As the old saying goes, the show must go on, and Wet Deck doesn’t allow a little extra water to rain on their parade. Upon arrival at the alfresco poolside party we’re lead to our sun beds, where we’re swiftly provided with extra parasols to help shield us from the rain.

Also guarded by parasols is the buffet, which stretches along the length of the poolside, brimming with stations of lamb chops, beef brisket, colourful burgers, tender ribs and super-stretched hot dogs – it’s a meat-lover’s dream. There’s also a nacho station with guac made fresh in front of you, towers of tortilla chips and gooey melted cheese.

The seafood station is a favourite, with giant grilled prawns and moreish curls of fresh squid. There’s a summer barbecue in the garden sort of feel running throughout, as the charred avocado and sticks of corn on the cob making refreshing side dishes.

Drinks include large jars of refreshing fruity cocktails, sparkling is included as standard, and cheerful waiters distribute bottles of beer directly to the beds. Frozen fruit pops are also offered, although the drop in weather temperature refrains us from testing them out.

The dessert selection is expansive and as tempting as the fun doughnut inflatables floating in the large infinity pool. The raspberry macaroon cheesecakes are delightful and dangerously easy to enjoy one after the other. There’s plenty of pastries and chocolate-dipped fresh fruit to satisfy those with a less sweet-inclined tooth.

Music is supplied by DJ Shef Codes and W Dubai’s own music curator Smokingroove. Alongside a live violinist, there’s a mix of commercial house and R&B tunes to get you in the party spirit, come rain or shine.

Despite the gloomy skies, the atmosphere didn’t drop throughout the four-hour brunch and we’re looking forward to returning as soon as the storm has passed.

Palm Sugar Pool Brunch, The WET Deck, W the Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeriah, Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 245 5555. facebook.com

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Images: Supplied