From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in August
Jardin Des Arts
Jardin Des Arts at Address Montgomerie will welcome award-winning Chef Tala Bashmi for a special collaboration this season. From 30 August to 1 November, guests can discover a three-part bistro menu where French classics are given a modern twist with Chef Tala’s signature style. Recognised across the region and beyond for her inventive approach to Khaleeji cuisine, Chef Tala now brings that same creativity to Dubai, offering diners a chance to experience her fresh take on French dining.
Call +9714 363 1220.
Cinemacity Fountain Views
Cinemacity Fountain Views in Downtown Dubai turns a night at the movies into a full-on dining and social experience. Start with drinks and small plates at the Art Deco-inspired Azul Lounge before heading into the theatre, where plush leather recliners and in-seat dining make it easy to relax. The menu goes far beyond popcorn, with everything from Wagyu Truffle Sliders and sushi platters to chocolate fondant and Lotus crepes, paired with classic and creative drinks.
Call +9714 770 0111.
Virgin Izakaya
Looking to try a new ladies’ night? Joshi Kai 2.0 at Virgin Izakaya on Bluewaters Island offers a chic setting, delicious Japanese bites, and three hours of unlimited drinks for AED150. Gather your friends and enjoy stunning marina views with live DJ beats every Wednesday from 7pm.
Visit website.
Seafood Market
Dubai’s beloved Seafood Market is serving two fresh-from-the-sea reasons to visit: every Monday, guests can enjoy 33% off the live seafood display, from premium prawns and line-caught fish to oysters and clams, all prepared to their taste with the signature freshness that has made the restaurant a favourite since 1992; and throughout August, diners can indulge in a dozen fresh Fine de Claire oysters with a 1+1 bubbly-by-the-glass offer at AED195, the perfect pairing for sundowners, date nights, or celebratory catch-ups.
Seafood Market, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Monday Market’s 33% off the live seafood display. Every Monday, all day. Shucking News – a dozen Fine de Claire oysters + 1+1 bubbly by the glass. Until August 30. For bookings, click here. For more information, call +9714 702 2455, WhatsApp +971 50 289 7728 or email restaurants.lmd@lemeridien.com.
Tandoor Tina
Every Thursday, Tandoor Tina is a must-visit spot for its renowned Curry Night. Tuck into unlimited curries, naan, and wine, with comforting staples such as Butter Chicken and Vegan Vegetable Curry always on the table, alongside a changing line-up that might feature Paneer Jalfrezi, Lamb Korma, Beef Rogan Josh, Seabass Curry, or Kaafir Lime Shrimps. To go with it, there’s a thoughtful grape selection spanning reds from France, Argentina, and Spain, and whites from Italy, South Africa, and Germany.
Every Thursday, from 6pm to 11pm. AED140 per person, including unlimited curries, rice, naan, filtered water, and a glass of grape. Visit website.
Fairmont The Palm
Fairmont The Palm has something for every kind of diner this summer. At Boldly Asian, weekends come alive with the Bold Night Brunch, where Pan-Asian dishes, creative drinks and nostalgic tunes set the tone for a fun night out. Seagrill Bistro keeps things relaxed with its TurnTable Brunch, a Sunday favourite that combines fresh Mediterranean flavours with stunning sea views. At Little Miss India, dining becomes a story, with Chef Mohammed Arif serving up tandoor classics and street food favourites in the colourful home of the fictional hostess, Mohini Singh, a character whose travels and love of spice inspire the concept.
Bold Night Brunch: Every Friday and Saturday, from 6-11pm. From AED250 per person. TurnTable Brunch: Every Sunday, from 1-4pm. From AED225 per person. Chef’s Table Experience: AED750 per person. Call +9714 457 3388.
Scoop Wholefoods
Scoop Wholefoods has now expanded its delivery service to reach every corner of the UAE. What started as a single store in The Springs Souk, founded by former Google colleagues and friends Iryna Nestsiarovich and Viktoria Pilinko, has grown into a movement that champions conscious living, zero-waste practices, and wellness without compromise. With its e-commerce site and UAE-wide delivery now in place, Scoop is bringing everything from organic pantry staples and premium chocolates to fermented foods, natural beauty, and eco-friendly household essentials straight to homes across all seven Emirates, all plastic-free and with bulk-buy options to make sustainable living simpler.
Visit website.
La Promenade
Experience the charm of French summer dining with a seasonal menu curated for relaxed afternoons and evenings. Set within the peaceful surroundings of Jumeirah Al Qasr, La Promenade offers a refined escape where classic French flavours meet the sunlit spirit of the season. Bathed in natural light and framed by tranquil pools and gently swaying palms, the setting invites you to slow down and savour every detail.
Call +971 800 323232.
Manão
Michelin-starred Manão has launched a new à la carte Sunday Lunch menu, bringing Thai flavours to a midday dining experience. Led by Michelin Young Chef of the Year 2025, Chef Abhiraj Khatwani, and Chef Mohamad Orfali of Orfali Bros, the menu includes dishes such as Sticky Rice Roti with Lion’s Mane Mushroom, BBQ Coconut Chicken Skewers, and Yellow Curry of Prawns. Guests can customise their lunch with light bites or heartier plates, ending on a sweet note with Mango Sticky Rice.
Call +9714 272 2389.
The Banc
Downtown Dubai’s newest dining spot has introduced The Mini Bancer, a new menu insert featuring scaled-down versions of its most popular dishes and concoctions, designed for guests with smaller appetites. Highlights include half-sized grilled sea bream, BBQ melt chicken, wagyu beef tartare, and baklava bites, alongside mini concoctions such as the El Pepino, The Fussy Cat, and Pretty Little Pink.
Call +9714 566 2262.
Blume
Blume in Dubai Marina has launched a Silk Road-inspired three-course summer set menu, offering a seasonal dining experience that blends freshness with global comfort. Available daily, the experience begins with a choice of cold or hot starters such as the refreshing Watermelon and Ezine Cheese Salad with pistachio and yuzu, Salmon Tartare with passion fruit and crispy skin, or warm options like Crispy Calamari with lemon and tartare sauce, and a bubbling Shrimp Casserole in olive oil and Uzbek tomato. Mains include comforting favourites such as Turkish Manti in yoghurt and spicy butter, Chicken TSO with sesame basmati rice, and the signature Timeless Cheeseburger stacked with cheddar and house relish. End on a sweet note with rich San Sebastian Cheesecake, delicate Profiteroles, or Kunafa with pistachios. Guests can also enjoy a drink from a selection of fresh juices, soft drinks or signature mocktails.
Blume Dubai Marina – District 8, Marina Promenade. Daily, from 12pm-8pm. AED175 per person. Call +9714 495 6888.
A Normal Day
A Normal Day is a homegrown bistro in Jumeirah’s Dar Wasl Mall that offers a laid-back take on elevated dining. Designed to feel like a lived-in home, the space is filled with collected art, mismatched tableware, and small personal touches. The menu blends creativity with comfort, with breakfast favourites such as Avo & Mango Toast and the richly spiced AND Shakshuka. In the evening, the setting becomes more intimate, with dishes such as the Striploin Steak MB6 and layered Honey Cake offering something special without the fuss. Don’t miss the Date Bonbons, made with Medjool dates, French butter and brioche – simple, rich, and memorable.
Visit website.
Coco Lounge
Looking for a chilled-out day in the city? Head to Coco Lounge at Media One Hotel, where AED99 gets you all-day pool access, fully redeemable on food and drinks. Want to fit in a workout too? Add gym access for just AED50. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, it’s a great spot to swim, unwind and enjoy a relaxed day.
Visit Instagram. For bookings, click here.
Jun’s
Experience Chef Kelvin Cheung’s refreshed menu, inspired by his multicultural upbringing and global travels. Highlights include Koji tomato burrata, nostalgic Street shumai from his childhood in Hong Kong, and slow-cooked lamb curry inspired by Kerala. The menu also features Dibba Bay oysters with Thai-style sauce, Bolognese tteokbokki, and inclusive options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly plates.
Visit website.
John Dory
John Dory Seafood Market is Dubai’s first head-to-tail seafood concept, bringing together a seafood bar, retail store and street food counter under one roof. From sourcing and processing to cooking and retail, every step of the seafood journey happens in-house. On the menu, expect everything from king crab croquettes and baked oysters to Galician-style octopus and dry-aged tuna steaks. Fresh oysters start at AED10, paired with kombucha-based drinks, while grab-and-go options include a tuna cheeseburger, bouillabaisse, fish and chips, and even an octopus hot dog.
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Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Just off Abu Dhabi’s coast, Sir Bani Yas Island offers a one-of-a-kind summer escape with its Cool Escapes & Island Rewards offer until 30 September. Guests can enjoy up to 35 per cent off stays across three Anantara resorts including the beachfront Al Yamm, the savannah-style Al Sahel and the family-friendly Desert Islands Resort & Spa. The offer includes spa credits, temperature-based savings on dining and activities, and access to experiences like Moonlit Wadi Walks, night kayaking and wildlife safaris.
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The Guild
The Guild in DIFC has launched Welly Wednesday, a midweek dining experience built around its signature Beef Wellington, available every Wednesday from 6pm. Priced at AED250 per person, the evening includes live music, a lively atmosphere and a refined take on the classic dish. The Guild’s Wellington features tender beef wrapped in mushroom duxelles and a spinach pancake, encased in golden pastry and served with braised Savoy cabbage, wood-fired carrots, tender broccoli, and creamy mash, all finished with a traditional bordelaise sauce.
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Gerbou
If you’re looking to order in, Gerbou delivers modern Emirati flavours with a Michelin-approved touch. Available across Dubai via Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem and their website, the menu features favourites like Chicken Machboos, Cheese and Honey Sambosa, and signature desserts like the Taste of Gerbou cake and Karak Biscuit Gelato. For a quick pick-up, the takeaway menu includes hearty wraps, Khubz-style pizzas, fresh salads and pastries.
Visit website.