From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in October
BŌTA Café
This October and November, BŌTA Café at Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates invites guests to dine with purpose. In collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation, 10% of proceeds from selected desserts and drinks will go towards cancer research and awareness for both women and men. The limited-edition menu includes the Berry Bloom vegan cheesecake, Cacao Glow protein brownie, and the Pink Matcha Latte. It’s a simple way to enjoy something delicious while supporting a cause that truly matters.
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A Normal Day
Located in Dar Al Wasl, Jumeirah, A Normal Day introduces a new menu that remains familiar while bringing new flavours from both home and abroad. Highlights include Turkish Eggs with tzatziki and citrus oil, Mushroom Toast with truffle provolone and macadamia, and a Sour Cherry Muffin served with raspberry butter. Small plates range from Foul Madames Dip and Tzatziki to Charcuterie Chips and Roasted Beetroot with smoked feta, while mains span Casarecce with Trapanese pesto, the Kimcheesburger, Chicken Schnitzel, and a focaccia sandwich layered with mortadella, figs, and stracciatella. To finish, the much-loved Date Pudding makes a return.
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CARBONE Dubai
Atlantis Dubai, in partnership with luxury hospitality company Major Food Group, will open the legendary New York Italian restaurant CARBONE at Atlantis The Royal on 6 October, marking the brand’s UAE debut and tenth global location. Since its Manhattan launch over a decade ago, CARBONE has become an icon of Italian-American dining, famed for dishes like Spicy Rigatoni, Veal Parmesan and Caesar alla ZZ, all of which will feature on the Dubai menu. The restaurant evokes 1950s New York glamour with chandeliers, jewel-toned banquettes, Venetian mirrors and an elongated bar, while a vast jellyfish tank forms a striking centrepiece. Guests can also enjoy alfresco dining overlooking the Skyblaze Fountain, a semi-private room for up to 40, and a grape collection of more than 450 labels, including rare vintages and Dubai exclusives.
Call +9714 426 0500.
Shangri-La Dubai
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This October, Shangri-La Dubai presents Taste of Shangri-La, a month-long celebration of Asian cuisine featuring two exceptional experiences. At Shang Palace, Chef Peter Lau offers a four-course menu blending Cantonese, Lu, and Hainanese traditions, with highlights like Coriander Squid with Salmon Roe and Braised Beef Rib in Satay Sauce. Meanwhile, Hoi An welcomes Guest Master Chef Tuyet Pham, MasterChef Vietnam finalist, with a five-course menu showcasing Vietnamese soul food, including Crispy Vietnamese Pancake, Fish Soup, and Chicken Quang Noodle.
Call +9714 405 2703.
MiMi Mei Fair Dubai
To celebrate its first Mid-Autumn Festival, MiMi Mei Fair Dubai introduces MiMi’s Gilded Mooncakes, a limited-edition collection of handcrafted delicacies. The Gilded Grande Mooncake, filled with white lotus and double egg yolk, is designed for sharing, while the Gilded Mini Mooncakes in rose and jasmine offer a refined assortment ideal for gifting or as a festive finale. Beautifully ribbon-wrapped boxes make them perfect presents, with the Grande available individually and the Minis in a set of six. Available for dining in, takeaway, or pre-order exclusively on Deliveroo, MiMi’s Gilded Mooncakes will be offered from 29 September to 12 October.
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Felicità
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Inspired by the spirit of Southern Italy, the newly-opened restaurant features colourful Sicilian-inspired interiors, a lush terrace perfect for aperitivo or late-night dinners, and a hidden speakeasy serving crafted beverages with live Italian music.
Flow Kitchen
Fairmont The Palm is bringing back its much-loved Golden Ticket Brunch at Flow Kitchen with a brand-new season. Happening every Saturday afternoon, this season comes with a playful Chocolate Factory twist, turning the restaurant into an immersive wonderland. Oompaa Loompas welcome you on arrival, handing out Golden Tickets and wristbands to begin the experience. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, and surprises throughout the afternoon. Children can enjoy the Wonderland Zone with chocolate painting, balloon art, and a Golden Ticket Hunt with sweet rewards, while adults can relax in their own golden corner with brunch stations. Think dim sum and sushi counters, seafood ravioli with bisque and scallops, prime rib, chocolate fountains, and show-stopping desserts, all set in a social atmosphere suitable for friends, couples, and families alike. A magical Saturday brunch awaits. Book your Golden Ticket now and enjoy the experience.
Saturday, from 1-4pm. 14 Carat Golden Ticket: AED295 for soft beverage package, 18 Carat Golden Ticket: AED395 for house beverage package, 22 Carat Golden Ticket: AED495 for premium beverage package, 24 Carat Golden Ticket: AED595 for bubbly beverage package, AED125 for kids aged 6-12 years old, and AED50 for kids aged 3-6 years old. Call +9714 457 3388 or email palm.dining@Fairmont.com. Visit Instagram.
Virgin Izakaya
The Karak returns with its next stop at Virgin Izakaya on Bluewaters Island. On Friday, October 3rd, Karak Sounds kicks off with Afro beats, a “Corporate Core” dress code, and a menu where guests can order à la carte with highlights such as Salmon Handroll, Salmon Tuna Tataki and Tuna Nigiri. Guests will be welcomed with a signature Karak beverage, with sets from NOTADJ, David Krec, Ali Chabaan and Ben Palace.
Entry is AED50 online or AED100 at the door.
Katei
Kokoro fans, there’s something new for you to try! Katei is their premium delivery concept launching with Deliveroo, bringing Japanese dining straight to your home. Look out for DIY handroll sets, poke bowls with Bluefin tuna and Japanese hamachi, fresh onigiri and mochi desserts, all packed in insulated bags to keep everything just as it should be.
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Sobremesa
Sobremesa is the newest spot in Downtown Dubai, opening soon in Souk Al Bahar. Inspired by the Latin tradition of staying at the table after a meal, the venue combines a laid-back, social atmosphere with Mexican-Spanish flavours. Chef Marco Ferreira, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, puts a modern twist on comfort classics like quesadillas and carnitas tacos, while Beverage Director Irina Golubeva offers a bold, agave-forward drinks menu.
Ernst Biergarten
Until 26 October 2025, Dubai’s renowned Bavarian party is back as Oktoberfest takes over Ernst Biergarten. Think six weeks of steins, sausages and songs, where hearty German favourites meet frothy hops and a line-up of bands that will have you clapping along until closing time. The menu is a feast in itself, featuring crispy non-halal meat knuckle, golden schnitzel, warm pretzels straight from the oven and hops towers that keep the cheer flowing. Saturdays bring a Bavarian brunch starting at AED300, while Sundays serve a proper roast with lamb shank and mash, non-halal meat belly with crackling or a whole roast chicken with fries. For pudding, don’t miss the apple strudel and berries.
Oktoberfest: Until 26 October. Thursdays to Sundays, from 5pm till late. Sundays, from 12pm to 7pm. Saturday Oktoberfest Brunch, from 12pm to 4pm. Sunday Roast, from 12pm to 4pm. Call +9714 210 2511 or email dubai@ernstbiergarten.com.
Brunch & Cake
Brunch & Cake, known for its philosophy of In Grandma We Trust, has opened its sixth location at Palm Jumeirah Mall. Spanning 206 square metres on Level 01, the restaurant welcomes up to 72 guests in a warm and thoughtfully designed space, featuring a striking mermaid tail installation that nods to the island’s seaside spirit. The menu combines Brunch & Cake favourites with all-day dining classics, freshly baked pastries, and a new beverage line focused on matcha and coconuts, while a dedicated retail corner and Kids Menu ensure there is something for everyone.
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Aura Bakery & Café
Aura Bakery & Café is the latest addition to Dubai’s café scene, offering a warm, modern space to enjoy artisanal pastries and expertly brewed coffee. Led by Italian Head Chef Manuel Balarini, the menu combines traditional and contemporary Italian flavours, from Pain Suisse Chocolate & Caramel and Mont Blanc to savoury croissants and freshly baked breads.
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