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

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.

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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.

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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.

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