16 spectacular things to do in the UAE in April

From ultimate spots to celebrate Dubai Food Festival to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in April

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai

Award-winning fine dining venue Varq invites you to experience its first exclusive Chef’s Table experience by Executive Chef Sonu Koithara of Varq and Michelin Star Chef Sriram Aylur of London-based Quilon, as part of the Dubai Food Festival. Tantalize your tastebuds with a range of contemporary-meets-traditional Indian delicacies including the succulent Murgh siya mirch (Chicken thigh with hung yogurt, cardamom, fenugreek, and black pepper), Bharwan gucchi (Lotus stem stuffing with mild saffron sauce), tender Sandalwood smoked lamb chops (Barbecued New Zealand lamb chops with onion red chili sauce and aam papad fennel jam), and signature Varqui Lobster (Rock lobster with tandoori shrimp, crisp filo sheet, and beaten gold). For mains, expect the Jerusalem artichoke roast (Malabar spices), Clove smoked moong daal; and Thalasseri chicken or vegetable biryani, followed by delectable desserts for a delightful end to the unforgettable experience.

April 28 and 29. AED395 per person. Call +9714 275 4444 or email varq.exoticadubai@tajhotels.com.

Gallery 7/40

Diners can avail the set menu for lunch or dinner during Dubai Food Festival at Gallery 7/40, featuring dishes such as Melitzanosalata (Greek smoked eggplant dip with parsley, olive oil, and garlic), Smoked eggplant soup, Charred vegetables, The Greek salad, Chicken souvlaki, and “Candy” ravioli.

21 April to 7 May. Contact +97158 550 0740. Visit website.

Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar

Dubai Food Festival

Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar brings forward a tranquil, upscale dining atmosphere to relish in Levantine cuisine, inspired by the fresh Mediterranean shores. During Dubai Food Festival, enjoy beachfront dining and explore a sharing-style menu, which includes a choice of one hot or cold starter, one salad, and one main course with selected side dishes.

21 April to 7 May. AED150 per person (minimum 2 people) for a choice of one starter, one salad, and one sharing main course. Email reservations@riarestaurantbar.com. Visit website.

Clap Dubai

Nestled within DIFC, the Japanese fine dining rooftop restaurant welcomes you to embark on a culinary voyage across Tokyo with an authentic Omakase dining experience by renowned Chef Mamoru Hashimoto. The limited-time-only two-hour dining experience will feature an expansive 18-course food menu, expertly curated by Chef Mamoru, and a five-course premium beverage pairing. With only two seatings available per day, don’t miss the chance to savour one-of-a-kind flavours at the restaurant.

April 25 until April 29. 6pm-8pm and 9pm-11pm. 10 guests per seating. AED 2,500 per seat including premium beverage pairing from the in-house sommelier. Call +9714 569 3820.

Pitfire Pizza

In honour of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Dubai’s renowned local pizzeria Pitfire Pizza has unveiled a brand-new, limited-time-only Chicken Shawarma pizza. The delectable pizza skilfully combines the zesty and savoury essence of the shawarma with Pitfire Pizza’s award-winning sourdough crust and a spiced shawarma gravy base topped with chicken, roasted potatoes, chopped Arabic pickles, and garlic sauce.

AED58. Call 800-748-3473. Visit website.

Seven Paintings

Don’t miss Seven Paintings at Shangri-La Dubai for a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensorial experience featuring a classic story-telling concept re-imagined with stunning visuals, immersive soundscapes, a seven-course dinner, creative beverages, and impeccable flavours. The unforgettable culinary voyage is designed to showcase the unique blend of art and gastronomy, with each course inspired by icons such as Michelangelo, Banksy, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Vincent van Gogh.

7pm onwards. AED390 per person. Contact +9714 405 2703. Visit website.

Bacchanal

Nestled within Caesars Palace Dubai, the renowned Bacchanal welcomes you to a tranquil, laid-back atmosphere for a hearty Sunday carvery menu to experience with loved ones. Look forward to the best of the beloved tradition with The Great British Carvery hosted at the vibrant dining venue. Discerning diners can relish in a decadent choice of succulent meat cuts of chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey, topped with fresh homemade lashings of gravy, a large selection of vegetable dishes, and a side of traditional favourites such as Yorkshire pudding. Conclude your meal on a sweet note with a lip-smacking dessert display of Apple crumble and custard, Sticky toffee pudding, and Treacle tarts. In addition, you can amp up the fine dining experience with a stellar beverage package accompanied by live music and fun-filled outdoor games such as Connect Four and Jenga.

Every Sunday from 1pm-4pm. AED350 per adult including Carvery buffet, Dessert buffet, and house beverage. AED250 per adult including Carvery buffet, Dessert buffet, soft drinks, and water. AED100 per child (above 4) including Carvery buffet, Dessert buffet, soft drinks, and water. Children below 4 dine for free. Call +9714 5566466 or email dine@caesarsdubai.ae. Visit website.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

The resort’s signature restaurant Moorish will be hosting an Iftar gathering throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, welcoming diners to a serene and traditional setting with a family-style sharing menu brimming with Ramadan favourites.

AED250 per person. Email rc.rktrw.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com. Visit website.

Yamanote

Looking for a special gift to surprise your loved ones with or planning to host an Iftar gathering in the comfort of your home? Look no further than Yamanote’s latest culinary offerings featuring four delectable sharing boxes and oriental beverages, suitable for every palate. The renowned Dubai-based Japanese bakery’s curated Ramadan boxes include the Labneh with black garlic bites, Falafel balls, Yamanote rose croissant minis, Kunafa croissant minis, and plenty more.

Until April 23, 2023. Available to order from any of Yamanote’s locations across Dubai. Visit website or Instagram. For more information on the offerings, click here.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Gather loved ones for a special Iftar at Beach Deck featuring a four-course set menu and a selection of Ramadan juices, premium dates, and laban. Indulge in authentic flavours including mezze, soup, main courses, and desserts accompanied by stunning views of the beach. Diners can also explore Shore House for a humble and satisfying Suhoor with a variety of mezze, omelettes, juices and grilled meats served at The Shore House daily or in the comfort of your villas for in-house guests. The venue also offers a sumptuous Iftar feast, ideal for families.

Beach Deck. AED220 per person. AED295 per person with single-flavour shisha. Call +9717 204 8888 or email rc.rktrz.ivd@ritzcarlton.com. Visit website.

Shore House. AED120 per person for Suhoor. AED 220 with single-flavour shisha for Suhoor. AED220 per person for Iftar. AED295 per person with single-flavour shisha for Iftar. Call +9717 204 8888 or email rc.rktrz.ivd@ritzcarlton.com. Visit website.

Planet Terra

Dubai’s latest vegan café brings forth an all-vegan and organic menu, made from ethically-sourced ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, no refined sugars and no GMOs. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, whet your appetite at the artisanal eatery with Avocado bruschetta, Tofish and Chips, Kimchi pad Thai, and King oyster vurger. Expect a laid-back, vibrant setting with intricate interiors and earthy hues offering a sense of calm.

Contact +9714 578 2000.

talabat

things to do in the UAE in April

The region’s leading online food delivery and q-commerce platform has opened its first talabat Kitchen featuring a two-storey dine-in concept, which was first unveiled at Expo 2020 Dubai. Incorporating the company’s vision for the future of cloud kitchens, the talabat Kitchen offers an interactive user journey with 19 brands by KR&CO including Poke & Co, Healthy & Co and Chick’n Co. Customers can place their orders through ‘SmartDine’, talabat’s proprietary ‘Scan, Order & Pay’ dining solution, and pick up their meals from contactless smart lockers through unique QR codes. Don’t miss the ‘Everyday Roastery’ coffee bar for your favourite coffee, smoothies, and a variety of delectable pastries.

Building #6 at City Walk. Every day from 8am-10pm. Visit website.

Farzi Dubai

things to do in the UAE in April

Embark on a refreshing Indian high-tea experience with Farzi’s special menu at City Walk. The curated menu features a flavoursome array of sweet and savoury treats such as Dahl sev puri, Bombay bhel, traditional tea cake, and the signature Karak chai. End on a sweet note with the warm Carrot and walnut tea cake topped with caramel sauce, the traditional Kaju katli, Rasmalai, and Gulab jamun rabri.

Available daily from 4-7pm. AED149 for two. Contact +97152 689 2012.

Neat Burger

The sustainable plant-based burger joint backed by Lewis Hamilton has launched an array of Ramadan offers including the launch of two new milkshakes – Dates and Rose. If you’re looking to order in, the Ramadan chicken meal includes two juicy Neat chickn burgers, crispy fries, and Neat nuggets (5pcs) and the Ramadan Neat meal features a Neat burger, a Neat smokestack burger, crispy fries, and Neat nuggets (5pcs). Enjoy both meals with two complimentary Rose and Dates milkshakes!

AED99 for Ramadan chicken meal and AED120 for Ramadan Neat meal. Available at the Neat Burger restaurant in Dubai Mall and on Deliveroo. Visit Instagram.

bartartine

With 10 outlets across the world, bartartine is bringing its creative dishes, prepared using traditional techniques and premium ingredients, to the UAE. From authentic artisanal offerings and renowned tartines to healthy breakfast delights and internationally inspired dishes and desserts, bartartine’s menu highlights include savoury Eggs hollandaise, the flavorful Tartine club, delectable Seared tuna wasabi, and the irresistible Artichoke spinach dip.

Dubai Hills Mall. Visit Instagram.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

With Easter just around the corner, gather your friends and family to experience the festive spirit with a Marvellous Outdoor Easter Sunday Brunch at La Brise, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. Boasting unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai, the beachfront venue brings together splendid activities for kids and a lavish Easter-themed brunch spread for guests to tuck into. Relish in the season’s authentic delicacies and a wide assortment of delectable, themed desserts alongside live carving stations featuring freshly-prepared dishes. Little ones can make a beeline to activities such as face painting, live magician shows, a large bouncy castle, and plenty more. Don’t miss the appearance of an Easter bunny and the much-anticipated egg hunt adventure across the resort gardens for a fun-filled experience.

La Brise Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. April 9. AED595 per person including signature mocktails, fresh juices and soft beverages. AED750 per person including signature concoctions, hops, house beverages, spirits and bubbly. AED895 per person including signature concoctions, hops, house beverages, spirits and premium French bubbly. AED245 per child from 5 to 12 years old and under 5 dine for free. Call +9714 318 6150 or email dine.dubai@ritzcarlton.com. Visit the website or Instagram.

Joe & The Juice

The iconic Danish concept has announced its much-anticipated launch at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy freshly prepared coffee, shakes, juices, wholesome breakfast and salad bowls, sandwiches, and a variety of plant-based options. Menu highlights include Joe’s club (chicken, avocado, and vegan pesto), Spicy tuna (tuna mousse, jalapenos, and vegan pesto), Pick me up smoothie (strawberries, apple and bananas), and the Powershake (vanilla milk, strawberries, banana), to name a few.

Visit website.