Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of 2025. That’s a feat in itself, so why should you have to wait until festive season is physically knocking on your door to start celebrating? Consider this your cue to stretch out the last few pages of your 2025 planner with things that feel good, taste good, sound good and generally make December a little less “final sprint” and a lot more “earned soft landing.” Here are our top picks:
Lighter beachside plates sit alongside handmade pastas and signature MAINE favourites, from Crispy Fish Tacos and Lobster Rolls to Chargrilled Artichokes and Sticky Short Ribs, creating a menu designed for leisurely afternoons and convivial dinners by the water.
Check in at Sofitel The Obelisk
Staycations in the city just hit different, especially when you’re checked in at a 5-star address like Sofitel The Obelisk. Set along Sheikh Rashid Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, the hotel brings something special to the table with its chic hospitality and attention to detail with every service. That’s why checking in at this hotel makes total sense. Our recommendations? Book a one-bedroom suite for you and the fam to enjoy ample space. Brunch at Brasserie Boulud is a must, with everything from juicy steaks to a classic Cosmopolitan drink on the menu. And, of course, no stay is complete without a little R&R at the Sofitel SPA with L’OCCITANE. A one-hour body massage with facials? Consider this your sign. ✨
Where: Wafi City, Sheikh Rashid Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai.
When: Daily.
For reservations, click here.
Beachside dining at The MAINE Beach House
The MAINE Beach House is officially opening, located at Vista Mare on the Palm Jumeirah. We’re talking full beachside experience, from beach beds to beachside dining, all set directly along the shoreline. Guests arriving by sea can also dock by boat, making The MAINE Beach House a true coastal destination in every sense!
Where: Club Vista Mare, The Palm, Dubai.
When: Daily, 12 pm – 12 am
For reservations, call: +971 4 457 6719 and +971 52 354 4494 or email: [email protected]
Cala Vista lunch offer
Vista Lunch at Cala Vista is your go-to weekday lunch when you want something easy, delicious and a little bit special. Set right by the water at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, it’s all about relaxed Italian comfort food with a fresh, modern twist. The menu by Chef Luca Crostelli lets you mix and match from starters, mains, woodfired pizzas and desserts, plus there’s always a Salad of the Day and Pizza of the Day using seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re popping in for a quick two-course lunch or stretching it out with three, it’s the kind of place that makes a midweek break feel like a mini escape.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:30pm–4:00pm
Price: Dhs120 (two courses), Dhs150 (three courses), including a soft drink
Where: Cala Vista, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
Call +971 800 323232 or email [email protected] to reserve your table for Vista Lunch
Unlimited breakfast at Allo Beirut
Mornings are hard as it is, but when you’re with a friend and you’ve got a whole spread of a classic Lebanese breakfast in front of you, they get a lot better. At Allo Beirut, the city’s go-to for an authentic Lebanese experience, you can enjoy a bottomless breakfast off a set menu for just Dhs39. The set menu features all our faves, Foul Muddamas, Eggplant Fatteh, various egg dishes and of course the beloved Ka’ak with different toppings. Served between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM, it makes the perfect excuse to pull those mid-week catch ups and work meetings outside.
When: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Price: Dhs39 per person, offer only applicable for pairs and beyond
Where: Allo Beirut (various locations)
All aboard the Mirbad Express
This time returning for a festive edition, Mirabad is returning as the Mirbad Express, the home-grown pop-up bringing together over 140 local and international brands, exclusive winter collections, creative workshops, live performances, festive treats, and a whole lot of whimsy.
The pop-up is like a scene taken out of a movie. Abu Dhabi is transforming into a traditional winter village, complete with winter gondolas, cozy cabin rooms, picturesque snow effects and a glistening ice rink for all ages to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to shop small, snack (often), and soak up the magic of the season.
Where: Erth Abu Dhabi
When: 5–14 December 2025, 4 PM – 12 AM
Get your tickets at @by.mirbad.
Get “Lullaby” to Christmas No.1
If you’re like us and are still feeling the FOMO from the Together For Palestine concert at Wembley in September, here is your chance to play your part.
For less than Dhs10, you can purchase a version of the Palestinian Christmas folk song, “Lullaby”. This version will feature the sweet melodies of artists from around The UK and Palestine, including Brian Eno, Celeste, Leigh-Anne, Mabel, Neneh Cherry, Nai Barghouti, TYSON and dozens more.
Like the funds from the T4P concert, all funds raised go to Choose Love’s Together For Palestine Fund supporting Palestinian-led organisations on the ground.
Head to this website to get your copy, and set a reminder to download on 12/12/25.
Experience the AKS Bollywood Dance Festival 2025
We know your Spotify Wrapped shows you’re top 1% of Emraan Hashmi’s listeners, but we can’t prove it unless you’re at the Aks Dance Festival. Middle East’s biggest Bollywood music festival returns with their 2025 edition through a massive new beachfront takeover at Barasti Beach. Expect the city’s top DJs, powerful performances and immersive entertainment, all with that classic Aks atmosphere.
When: 1 and 2 December, 2025
Where: Barasati Beach, Dubai
Price: Dhs105 for adults (21+), kids under 12 go free
Book your tickets here.
Festive Brunch Weekends at Joe’s
As festive season picks up this month, Joe’s is the place to be if you prefer a more chill and laid-back hang but do not want to miss out on the season’s spirit either. For all of December, every Friday and Saturday, Joe’s offers you a stunning 360 skyline view, bask in the breeze as you enjoy a curated 3-course meal with holiday classics (read: a hearty roast) and a background soundtrack courtesy of a live DJ.
When: Every Friday & Saturday in December
Where: Joe’s Backyard, DFC, Dubai
For more information about Joe’s Backyard at Dubai Festival city, call 055 709 4509 or email [email protected]
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
It’s the most awaited season of the year, and if you haven’t been living under a rock, we’re sure you’ve caught the Formula 1 bug. The racing championship is making its way to Abu Dhabi and in true AE fashion, it doesn’t stop at the races. The Championship Finale takes place at the architectural marvel that is the Yas Marina Circuit, followed by the ultimate afterparty at Yasalam featuring Elyanna, Post Malone, Benson Boone, and Metallica, who are lined up for back-to-back performances.
When: 7 December
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
For booking tickets and performance schedule, check out abudhabigp.com
Hike the rocky trails of Jebel Hafit Desert Park
If you’re not outside in the month of December? Where are you?! Take a break from the glass and concrete and make a trip to the Jebel Hafit Desert Park. Pick your mode: take a hike, bring a cycle or book a ride through the trails. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, rent out traditional Bedouin tents and call it a night under the desert stars. If “glamping” is more your style, there are glam bubble domes for a luxe night rooted in nature.
Get more details at experienceabudhabi.com
Sole DXB
It’s Christmas but for the fashion girlies. Dubai’s much-awaited, very own homegrown festival is in town this month. There’s Tyla, Zeyne and Naika in a very star stacked line-up. Expect homegrown streetwear brands, food, talks, drops, and everything in between.
When: 12–14 December
Where: d3, Dubai Design District
Get details on the line up, tickets and more on their site sole.digital.
Ultra Trail Dubai
Pre-game your New Year’s resolutions. Ultra Trail Dubai is where runners, hikers and “I’ll start training tomorrow” enthusiasts gather for the region’s most scenic endurance race. Distances for all levels wind through Wadi Showka, Hajar Mountain ridges and desert terrain. Whether you run or cheer, it’s one of the most beautiful outdoor events of the winter.
When: 5- 7 December, 2025
Where: Hatta, UAE
Register yourself here.
Prepping for New Years? Here are our favourite planners.