From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in December
Belcanto
Belcanto welcomes the season with thoughtful festive menus that bring together Italian comfort and holiday tradition. Early December offers a curated experience that begins with an amuse-bouche, followed by scallop crudo, eliche pasta with sea urchin, truffled ziti, and lamb loin in a crisp bread crust, finishing with classic panettone and soft vanilla cream. À la carte dishes are also available. On Christmas Eve and Day, the kitchen presents a special holiday menu with choices such as scampi crudo or Cappon magro, cappelletti in capon broth or almond ricotta cannelloni, and mains of wild seabass or truffle chicken. The meal closes with panettone or a Mont Blanc of chestnut and pear, a fitting end to a festive celebration.
Early December: AED449 (drinks excluded). December 24 and 25: AED499 (drinks excluded). Call +97150 928 9038.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is offering two distinct ways to celebrate the season. At W Lounge, New Year’s Eve takes shape in a silver-lit, neon-charged setting designed for big entrances, steady beats, and a midnight Silver Rain countdown that lifts the room as the year turns. Over at Garage Restaurant, Christmas Day becomes a full-on brunch across six kitchens featuring dumplings, bao, sushi, turkey, tacos, and festive desserts to enjoy while swaying to DJ Firas’ holiday sets. Reserve your spot now!
Christmas Brunch: 25 December, from 1-4pm. AED450 per person for soft beverages, AED590 per person for house beverages, and AED740 per person for sparkling beverages. New Year’s Eve: 31 December, from 10pm-2am. Beverage Package at AED290 and Bubbly Package at AED550. Call +9712 656 0000, WhatsApp 971 50 642 0893 or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com.
CÉ LA VI’s Luna Lounge
As the Formula 1® season finale takes over Abu Dhabi, CÉ LA VI brings the heat to Luna Lounge at Yas Marina Circuit for a weekend of high-energy music, fine dining, and skyline views. On Sunday, December 7, the celebration peaks with a live set from world-renowned DJ and producer Enoo Napa, known for his collaborations with Black Coffee and Mi Casa, as he delivers his signature deep-house sound against the backdrop of the circuit lights. From 8:30pm to 2am, guests can enjoy Afro house beats, MICHELIN-approved bites, and handcrafted beverages beneath the stars, with entry including a modern Asian à la carte menu and two complimentary drinks.
Luna Lounge, Yas Conference Center Rooftop, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. December 7, from 8:30pm-2am. AED295 (includes two complimentary drinks – choices of hops & grapes). Call +97152 935 7368 or email F1ad@celavi.com.
Coffeemania
Coffeemania, the award-winning fine-casual brand, is opening its first UAE location at Dubai Hills Mall, bringing 25 years of culinary expertise, specialty coffee, and signature hospitality to the city. Guests can enjoy signature dishes such as Beef Stroganoff, Pozharsky Cutlet, Olivier and Caesar salads, and desserts such as Honey Cake and Rake, alongside specialty coffee creations including Raf The Original, Raf Moss, and Latte Singapore.
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Iliana
Iliana, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s Greek restaurant, welcomes the open-air season with the launch of its rooftop on Friday, November 7, where the spirit of the Aegean meets Dubai’s shoreline. As the sun dips, guests can savour scallop sashimi, octopus, and carabinero skewers paired with coastal cocktails such as the Blueberry & Lime Sour or the tropical Eros. As night settles in, Iliana’s rooftop shifts into a lively scene of Mykonian beats from resident DJs playing from sunset until late, with premium shisha soon joining the menu.
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Cocina Tres
Cocina Tres, the new coastal Mexican restaurant and bar at Pullman Hotel in Business Bay, brings Latin hospitality to Dubai. Led by chefs from Mexico, the menu features handmade tortillas, fresh seafood, wood-fire grilled specials, and a dedicated ceviche bar, with highlight dishes such as Baja Fish Tacos, smoky Fideo Seco, and Pescado Zarandeado.
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Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Celebrate the UAE National Day long weekend at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, where you can enjoy up to 26% off stays with the Holiday Your Way offer and make the most of family-friendly activities, live performances, and rejuvenating wellness experiences.
29 November to 3 December. Call +9712 492 2222.
Saikindō
Saikindō, the new Hi-Fi cocktail bar at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, opens in November 2025 with a bold Japanese-inspired concept. Inspired by Japanese hospitality, visionary architecture, and the energy of Bosozoku culture, Saikindō combines vinyl takeovers, guest DJs, masterclasses, and carefully designed interiors to create a sensory experience.
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Nobu at Yas Marina
The world-renowned Japanese dining and hospitality brand Nobu is making an exclusive appearance at Yas Marina, offering a curated menu of signature dishes, premium beverages, and live DJ performances from December 1 to 7. The pop-up will provide an elegant indoor, outdoor, and private dining experience featuring Nobu’s signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Nobu Wagyu Sliders, alongside decadent desserts and curated beverage packages. Guests can also choose from three free-flowing beverage packages available from 12pm to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
December 1-December 7. Pre-booking is required. Visit website.