Unwrap the Holidays: A Gastronomic Festive Journey Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The festive season is upon us, and the UAE is radiating with celebrations that blend sophistication, indulgence, and heartwarming traditions.

From intimate dinners to opulent galas, this year’s offerings promise unforgettable moments for every kind of reveler. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant waterfront soirée or a lively family brunch, the region’s finest venues are pulling out all the stops. Here’s how you can celebrate in style.

In the heart of Dubai’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Sushiyaki has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for Japanese fine dining. This holiday season, the restaurant ups the ante with a carefully curated festive experience. Guests can savor an elevated New Year’s celebration (December 31) with waterfront tables (AED 600 per person) or terrace tables (AED 400 per person), featuring exclusive dishes and curated drink pairings. For Christmas, Sushiyaki offers a turkey feast complete with festive desserts and bespoke cocktails, setting the perfect tone for intimate holiday gatherings. Saturdays belong to their lively Matsuriyaki Brunch, running from 12 PM to 4 PM, with packages starting at AED 299 (non-alcoholic), AED 399 (house beverages), and AED 449 (sparkling).

A short distance away, Azure Beach and Ammos Greek Restaurant at Rixos Premium Dubai come alive with the “12 Days of Festive” extravaganza, running from December 1 to January 2. Transforming into a winter wonderland, these venues blend Greek flair and beachfront luxury. Azure’s Advent surprises and Ammos’s holiday-inspired menus make every day of December a celebration. Families can revel in Santa’s playful appearances (December 22, 26, and 29), while food lovers indulge in the festive Thalassa Brunch (December 20) priced between AED 295 and AED 395. New Year’s celebrations are a highlight, with Azure hosting "She by the Sea" on January 1 (AED 150 per person) and Ammos offering the Greek White Edition on January 2 with à la carte pricing or a special menu for AED 245 per person for groups of eight or more.

Meanwhile, in the serene marina setting of The Abu Dhabi EDITION, the festivities take on a more refined tone. Staycation packages are tailored for ultimate holiday indulgence, with the Christmas package (AED 2,450 per night, December 24–25) including breakfast, festive lunches, and a Mediterranean-inspired brunch. For New Year’s Eve (AED 2,750 per night, December 31), Alba Terrace transforms into the heart of the celebration, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with live entertainment. Dining at The EDITION is equally special, with Oak Room’s Festive Roast on Christmas Day (AED 595–795 per person) or New Year’s Eve dinner (AED 595–795 per person) and Alba Terrace’s New Year’s Day Brunch (AED 425–625 per person). To complement the celebrations, the EDITION Spa offers a Festive Radiance package for AED 900—three hours of pure relaxation.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, One&Only Royal Mirage presents a festive calendar steeped in elegance and tradition. At-home feasts are perfect for creating memories, with slow-roasted turkey (AED 850) or prime beef ribs (AED 950) accompanied by decadent desserts like Christmas pudding (AED 175) and mince pies (AED 150 for five). Afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, available from December 8 to January 8 (AED 195–390 per person), invites guests to unwind over seasonal delicacies, while the Brunch de Navidad at Beach Bar & Grill on December 25 (AED 550–950 per person) offers a festive buffet by the sea. New Year’s Eve at the One&Only is nothing short of magical. The Garden Gala (AED 3,500 per person) delivers a five-course gourmet journey under the stars, while the Jetty Lounge Coastal Celebration (AED 1,500 per person) pairs beachfront vibes with gourmet canapés and house beverages. For those who want to keep the party going, the Beach Bar & Grill After Party offers exclusive VIP packages, starting from AED 3,500 minimum spend.

Adding a unique touch to the festivities is The MAINE in Studio City, celebrating the holidays with flair and flavor. Their highly anticipated Christmas Brunch (December 25, 12 PM to 4 PM) features a three-course feast paired with free-flowing beverages. Early birds can book by November 30 for AED 490 per person, while regular pricing is AED 550 per person (non-alcoholic options available for AED 380–440). For those craving variety, their A La Carte Christmas Specials run from December 15 to January 5, with a festive menu available for larger groups starting at AED 380 per person. On December 25, Christmas carols performed by a local choir (12 PM–12:30 PM) add a melodic touch to the day. The MAINE also promises a stylish New Year’s Eve, offering two experiences: AED 490 for bar seating with an open bar, or AED 650 for a premium set menu with indulgent dishes like Spicy Shrimp Linguine and Chocolate Mousse. A communal DJ and views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks complete the evening.

Over at TATEL, located in Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Christmas becomes a full-day celebration infused with the vibrant spirit of Spain. Their Christmas Brunch (December 25, 1 PM–4 PM) promises an unforgettable experience with festive dishes and lively entertainment to keep the crowd on their feet. Packages include a soft beverage option for AED 425, house beverages for AED 495, premium beverages for AED 775, and a champagne package for AED 1,300. Children can enjoy a tailored menu for AED 245 with soft drinks. The celebration continues with an after-party from 4 PM to 7 PM, making TATEL the perfect spot to soak in the festive cheer. For reservations, email reservations.dubai@tatelrestaurant.ae or call 04 215 2121.

Finally, ROKA, the award-winning Japanese robatayaki restaurant, invites guests to welcome 2025 in style. Located in Business Bay, ROKA offers three distinct meal times on December 31 to suit different vibes. Guests can enjoy a luxurious à la carte lunch (12 PM to 2 PM), or choose between Early Dinner (6 PM to 9 PM, AED 500 per reservation) and Late Dinner (9:30 PM to close). The Late Dinner, starting at AED 800 per person (AED 1,200 for terrace seating), includes access to ROKA’s premium tasting menu, with the option to add a succulent T-bone steak. Live entertainment, including a saxophonist, percussionist, and DJ, will keep the celebration lively, while ROKA’s terrace offers an ideal view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks at midnight.

This festive season, the UAE’s finest venues invite you to immerse yourself in their unique charm. From festive culinary delights to world-class entertainment, each celebration is an opportunity to create memories that linger well into the new year. Whether you’re toasting with sparkling wine by the beach or indulging in a refined holiday roast, the UAE offers an unmatched blend of luxury, tradition, and joy. Here’s to a season filled with cheer, elegance, and unforgettable moments.

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