12 spectacular things to do in the UAE in July

From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in July

Saddle

Saddle invites you on an extraordinary summer adventure to Valencia, Spain, bringing the vibrant flavours of Valencian markets to the UAE. The seasonal menu celebrates the essence of peaches, offering delights such as Peach Gelato and Valencia Sparkles. Saddle’s venues across the UAE, including its flagship store in Al Wasl, have been transformed to reflect Valencia’s charm so don’t miss it!

Visit website.

AURA SKYPOOL

The Rise with AURA and Night Swim at AURA SKYPOOL offer guests unparalleled experiences amidst Dubai’s iconic landmarks. ‘Rise with AURA’ grants exclusive early-morning access to the pool deck, where guests can unwind on luxurious daybeds or sofas, accompanied by soulful music and breathtaking views from 210 meters high. In addition, the Night Swim provides a refreshing evening escape in the temperature-controlled pool, showcasing panoramic views complemented by signature drinks and an exquisite Pan-Asian menu, offering an ideal way to beat the heat this season.

Rise with AURA: 6-9am. AED150 per person. Night Swim: 8-11pm. AED150 per person (non-redeemable on food and drinks). Visit website.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Indulge in a blissful 30-minute massage, unwind with full access to the luxurious resort spa, beach, and pool facilities, and enjoy AED150 redeemable towards scrumptious food and drinks. Treat yourself to a day of relaxation with the summer day pass – book now!

AED550 per person. Call +9714 818 2222.

Places 

Finding the perfect dining spot in Dubai just got easier with the Places app. Whether you’re searching for a new cafe in Al Quoz, a date night spot, or a kid-friendly restaurant with a dog-friendly area, Places offers a seamless solution. It’s the world’s first app to index an entire city’s menus, giving you access to over 10,000 places in Dubai. With its smart search capabilities, you can effortlessly find exactly what you’re looking for, from specific dishes to price ranges.

Visit website.

Aprons and Hammers Beach House

At Aprons and Hammers’ Beach House on Palm Jumeirah, Wednesdays are a highlight for its celebrated A&H paella nights. Against a backdrop of modern coastal decor and serene beachside views, indulge in a generous serving of its signature paella, bursting with rich flavours. Accompanied by a carafe of grape, these evenings offer a quintessential seaside escape.

Every Wednesday, from 6pm till late. AED199 for two persons. Visit website.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

Butcher & Still Steakhouse at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi is celebrating American Independence Day with a special Fourth of July menu. The menu features classic American dishes such as Crab Louie, deep-dish pepperoni pizza, mini corn dogs, Josper barbecue veal ribs, brisket sliders, butter-poached sweet corn, and onion rings. The meal concludes with a decadent Pecan Caramel Pie, ensuring a memorable celebration for all guests.

Call +9712 333 2444.

Akabeko

Akabeko has officially opened its doors in West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, bringing the first Japanese A5 Wagyu-focused “Yakiniku” experience to the city. Head to the all-new contemporary Japanese steakhouse Akabeko offering guests a hands-on experience grilling A5 Wagyu on tabletop grills guided by expert grillmasters. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Akabeko’s philosophy with the “nose-to-tail” approach ensuring every part of the prized Wagyu cattle is honoured. Expert guidance is on hand to navigate the diverse cuts, each prepared to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The menu boasts up to 12 unique Wagyu selections, some exclusive to Akabeko. 

Visit website.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken has introduced Dave’s Bites, a new menu item featuring miniature, flavourful chicken pieces. Now available in KSA, Qatar, and the UAE, these bites come in solo portions, combos with fries, or a 40-bite hot box, with spice levels from no spice to hot, catering to all taste preferences.

Visit website.

Penrose Lounge

Penrose Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre unveils its new Summer Afternoon Tea, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Rami Nasser and Pastry Chef Gianmarco Stifani. This seasonal delight captures the essence of summer with a menu featuring Strawberry & Vanilla Tart filled with vanilla Chantilly cream and strawberry compote, and the Coconut Citrus Baba adorned with mango, pineapple, and coconut mousse. Savoury options such as the Heirloom Tomato Tart and Avocado & Cucumber Sandwich complement the experience. 

Daily, from 2-5pm. Call +9714 506 0000.

Bonbon Café Angelo Musa

Bonbon Café Angelo Musa at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, is hosting a masterclass with World Pastry Champion Chef Angelo Musa on 4th July, specialising in French pâtisseries. The intimate event will accommodate ten participants, beginning with a briefing, canapés, and drinks, followed by a demonstration of dessert making. Guests will then create their own desserts and enjoy a taste test, concluding with a photo opportunity with Chef Angelo.

Thursday, 3pm and 5pm. Call +9714 547 7755.

Tania’s Teahouse

Dubai Hills welcomes Tania’s Teahouse, a new flagship eatery promising a fresh and enhanced dining experience. The venue features expanded dine-in facilities and three versatile event spaces accommodating up to 135 guests. A hidden Tea Room adds a speakeasy vibe with intimate lighting and rich jewel-tone decor, serving a revamped drinks menu that includes innovative cocktails with functional mushrooms for wellness benefits. The menu offers a range of breakfast, salad, snack, and main options with protein add-ons and gluten-free choices.

Call +9714 282 4606.