Exciting New Activities to Experience in Dubai

With the arrival of winter, Dubai comes alive after the hot summer months, as rooftop restaurants and bars reopen and beach life flourishes. The six-month Expo 2020 Dubai (running through March 31, 2022) has injected fresh energy into the city, making it an ideal time to visit the Gulf’s most vibrant destination.

Explore a Culinary Wonderland

Although Michelin hasn’t yet launched a guide for Dubai, a remarkable array of chefs with Michelin-star credentials have brought their culinary talents to the city. Next year’s debut of Atlantis the Royal will introduce an astonishing 18 new dining concepts from celebrated chefs like Heston Blumenthal from the U.K., Gastón Acurio from Peru, and Iranian American Ariana Bundy.

A fresh addition to the culinary scene is Orfali Bros Bistro, where the three Orfali brothers from Aleppo, Syria, are crafting some of the most inventive dishes in the city. Each plate delights with surprises, from the seemingly simple corn bomb that bursts with flavor and texture, to a pomelo salad enhanced with a hint of orange blossom water, and a bulgur tabbouleh featuring vibrant Aleppo chile paste and aromatic shiso leaves.

Dubai has a passion for burgers, and the local favorite Inkognito, which began as a pop-up in the vibrant Alserkal Avenue, now boasts a permanent location. The menu caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, featuring a smoked brisket burger alongside a vegan slow-cooked pulled jackfruit option.

A dining experience that is sure to impress right now is chef Himanshu Saini’s Trèsind Studio. Although this 20-seat restaurant focusing on modern Indian cuisine isn’t new, each menu change transforms the experience entirely. Diners can enjoy regularly updated tasting menus with both meat and plant-based options, allowing for delightful combinations. The current Spice Odyssey menu showcases flavors like preserved lemon, pink peppercorns, and raw mango chutney; delicate broths are prepared at the table, ghee-roasted crab is served inside a spiral of cinnamon bark, and a buttermilk curry ice cream accompanies a chile pepper garnished with microgreens, edible flowers, and butterfly-shaped crisps.

Don’t miss out on the beach lifestyle

While Dubai is famous for its expansive deserts, the beach scene here is vibrant. The emirate boasts a lengthy coastline, sun-kissed beaches, and warm waters ideal for swimming year-round. Well-kept public beaches are perfect for swimming, paddle tennis, and beach volleyball, all of which are gaining popularity in the city. Those looking to relax by the sea with a cocktail should visit a hotel or one of the numerous beach clubs. Some of these, like the polarizing Barasti, can be quite lively on weekends, so visiting during the week allows you to enjoy various specials without the crowds.

The adults-only Drift is one of the most picturesque beach clubs in the area, but the new Twiggy at the Park Hyatt is also making waves. Nestled along Dubai Creek and surrounded by lush greenery from the nearby golf course, Twiggy’s lagoon-side sunbeds and cabanas are highly sought after. While it’s not technically a beach, it offers a tranquil way to unwind, and the 330-foot infinity lagoon pool is perfect for cooling off while enjoying stunning sunsets.

Make sure to enjoy Friday brunch

With the weekend stretching from Friday to Saturday, the city’s legendary Friday brunches can turn into extravagant feasts filled with indulgent food, flowing drinks, and daytime dancing. The original hotspot is the adults-only Saffron brunch at Atlantis the Palm, featuring 20 live cooking stations, samba dancers, and magicians.

For a more laid-back brunch experience, the newly opened Clap has quickly become a favorite, boasting a unique design that includes a mobile of countless manga and anime characters. This restaurant serves a Japanese-inspired brunch at the table, featuring dishes like squid karaage, oysters with ponzu sauce, ceviches, and sushi.
For Mediterranean flavors, check out Myrra, a recent addition on the Palm Jumeirah trunk. Its beachside setting complements the Greek and Spanish dishes beautifully, and it offers an affordable Saturday brunch. Enjoy carpaccios and kataifi-wrapped feta with lemon jelly, thyme, and Cretan honey, and relax in the breezy terrace adorned with bougainvillea, all while soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

Explore These New Hotels

SLS Dubai

Offering some of the most stunning views in the city, the new SLS features a harmonious blend of dusky pinks and rose gold, illuminated by the clear desert light streaming through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The two infinity pools on the rooftop, located on the 75th floor, rank among the highest in the city, providing breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world). Meanwhile, the terrace at the women-led Italian restaurant Fi’lia, known for its burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wild mushroom risotto, has become one of the most sought-after dining spots in town.

St. Regis Dubai, The Palm

Located on Palm Jumeirah, the new art deco-inspired St. Regis shares the Palm Tower with the recently opened Aura Skypool, which boasts the title of the world’s highest 360-degree pool on its 50th floor. As expected, the views are nothing short of spectacular. St. Regis’s beach club will announce its opening date soon.

Must-Read Before You Visit

Dubai is often associated with the striking architecture that has put it on the global map. The debut of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in 1999 showcased the city’s creativity and boldness, followed by the Burj Khalifa in 2010, which established Dubai’s architectural prowess in steel and concrete. However, just 50 years ago, the landscape was primarily desert, palm trees, and a few low-rise homes. Architect and author Todd Reisz explores this fascinating transformation in his new book, Showpiece City—How Architecture Made Dubai, which details the journey from an early trading port to the remarkable skyline we see today.