Clear up your schedules folks, a new year is bringing around *brand new* things to do in January. Whether your resolutions include a whole lotta wellness, getting back in shape, or just going out more (because why not?) We’ve prepared the perf list for exciting events, activations, and days that you’ll deffo want to head to in the UAE.
Scroll down below to check out 21 things to do in January 2023 (right before the weather gets too hot again ☹️)
The Winter Garden at City Centre Al Zahia
City Centre Al Zahia’s award-winning Winter Garden has returned with a jam-packed lineup. The transformed outdoor plaza is back and bigger than ever until 5 March with plenty of F&B dining experiences, fun activities for the fam, and attractions that you can’t miss. Don’t forget to visit from 4 pm – 10 pm during weekdays and 3 pm – 12 am on weekends.
The Jazz Garden Series
Your fave community event is making a comeback. The Jazz Garden Series is launching a four-weekend series of jazz, blues, soul, and funk concerts. Held at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, plenty of bands and acts will get you in the ~groove~ for the weekend.
Click here for tickets and dates.
Complimentary yoga classes with L’Couture
On a wellness vibe this January? Grab your girlies and head to The Beach, JBR at L’Couture’s store for complimentary yoga classes. Every Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 9:15 am this month, L’Couture is offering a range of yoga classes from gentle morning flow to vinyasa flow to create a seamless yoga experience, preparing you for a long week ahead.
You should *deffo* check out their Serenity Seamless collection while your there for a lil’ shopping.
Contact [email protected] to reserve your spots as there are limited seats (!!)
The 4th Edition of Salt Camp
Back and better than ever, Salt Camps have partnered with the Museum of Future to launch their latest pop-up. Open from 12 pm-12 am daily until March 22nd, this food truck will be providing the best burgers, fun activities, and some instagrammable art installations.
Head to the Museum of Future this weekend to check it out.
Offers at Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton JBR
Hilton JBR is *not* disappointing this year. Their rooftop bar and restaurant Pure Sky Lounge has got ~plenty~ of offers on daily happy hour that starts at 7 pm and ends at 9 pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and even 80s-90s retro after parties every Saturday where you can purchase packages from Dhs325 to Dhs525.
To book for some delicious cocktails, click here.
Immersive Meditation at the Theatre of Digital Arts
If you’re on a wellness vibe, then why not try out this ~immersive~ journey at Dubai’s very own TODA. You’ll be guided by Elisabeth Bohler, a certified meditation facilitator, on breathwork alongside the most *amazing* space with light reflections, and sounds.
To learn more, click here.
Create your own DXB Time Capsule with The Box
One of the weirdest things to do in January is – Gift your 2038 self something. Although 2038 seems *way* too far away, wouldn’t it be fun to pre-plan a lil gift or letter to yourself in 8 years?
The Box Self Storage is inviting Dubai residents to freeze their memories in time to mark their 15th anniversary. You can drop by The Box’s 3-day-long event from 13-15 January to drop your memorabilia in the time capsule from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Click here for more info.
Flamingo Room by tashas South African Wine-Pairing Dinner
Experience a unique multisensory night with Flamingo Room by tashas where guests will be trying out the best South African wines, paired with the restaurant’s mouthwatering dishes. The three-course set menu and wine pairings include a 2018 MCC Brut, a 2018 Sauvignon Blanc “Metis”, and a 2018 Vin de Constance. 😍
This dinner will take place at tashas, Jumeirah Al-Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday, January 25th starting at 8 PM, and will be an exclusive offering for one night only for 35 guests at Dhs595/- per person.
Unplugged at Cove Beach
Your Mondays don’t have to be so gloomy anymore. Even though it’s not exactly ~ beach weather ~ anymore, Cove Beach at Bluewaters Island is relaunching its ‘Unplugged’ night. This is one of our fave things to do in January where you can see live musicians Layla May, Jay Abo, and Tac every Monday from 8 pm till late. Drinks even include an open bar (!!)
To book and find out prices, click here or call +971 50 454 6920.
Standup Comedy at The Selfdrive Laughter Factory
Your weekend is officially ✨sorted✨. Head to The Selfdrive Laughter Factory in Dubai to have an extra dose of serotonin with renowned comedians George Zach, Harry Stachini, and Ron Josol. These comics will hit the stage Friday 6 and 7 January at the Movenpick JBR.
If you can’t make those dates then worry not, there are ~plenty~ more standups happening in January. Click here for more information.
Glow in the Dark Painting by We Love Art
This is going to be fun! The first 5D painting experience with glow-in-the-dark paint to be offered in the UAE is being introduced by We Love Art and the region’s foremost digital museum, Infinity des Lumirés, to commemorate “Inspire Your Heart With Art Day” on Tuesday, January 31st.
Each participant will be given a 40x50cm canvas of the famous Dubai Skyline to paint, influenced by Paul Klee’s technique and guided by a We Love Art instructor. After the session, visitors will also have access to the current exhibition at Infinity des Lumires, “Raise Vibration,” which is included in the ticket.
The event takes place on the mezzanine floor of the ultimate immersive digital art exhibit in the Middle East, from 7 pm to 10 pm, and is available only to those 16 years and above.
Dhs390 per person (hot and soft drinks included). Click here for bookings.
Jazz sessions at The Nice Guy, Dubai
We’re going back to the retro era. The Nice Guy, Dubai’s most stylish hangout, offers the smoothest night of the week with its new Wednesday Jazz Night series, as well as enjoying dishes from a menu that highlights the restaurant’s culinary prowess, such as Margherita Pizza, Cacio e Pepe, and Lobster Pizza.
The reservation-only destination is sophisticated yet relaxed, cool yet classy. All those seeking to unwind are welcome to visit this cosy lounge and restaurant area every Wednesday from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm for an evening fueled by classic jazz tunes that further amplify the brand’s signature, palpable atmosphere.
For reservations: Call (04) 276 9888, message via Whatsapp 0528630254 or email at [email protected]
Reel Palestine at Cinema Akil
For some, it’s revisiting their roots, while for others, it’s a very surreal experience. The 9th edition of Reel Palestine is scheduled to take place at Cinema Akil, the first and only independent theatre in the UAE, for about 10 days starting on January 27th till February 5th. The 9th edition will feature the greatest of Palestinian art and films together with a cultural souk and workshops, celebrating cinematic classics from both award-winning and up-and-coming Palestinian filmmakers.
Since this Reel Palestine edition is the first to ever feature a homage, viewers from all over the region will have a unique opportunity to see 3 of Michel Khliefi’s masterpieces on the big screen at Cinema Akil.
Click here for bookings and more info.
Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at Address Beach Resort
New Year celebrations are not over yet! Starting on January 11, enjoy the Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea, in the luxurious setting of The Lounge and celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. The exquisite set menu, which contains sweet and savoury options specially made for the event, starts at Dhs288 per person.
For reservations contact +97148798866 or email: [email protected]
Monday Temptation at ZETA Seventy Seven, Adress Beach Resort
Monday evenings just became a whole lot more palatable. ZETA Seventy-Seven offers front-row seats to Dubai’s magnificent skyline illuminating at sunset. From January 2023, these spectacular views have the offer to match. From 6 pm to 9 pm every Monday, delicious ZETA signature snack platters are paired with unlimited selected cocktails, grape, and house spirits.
Dhs377 for ladies and Dhs477 for gents (Unlimited selected beverages and 1 snack platter per person)
For reservations call+971 4 879 8866, or email: [email protected]
Ladies Night at Andina
Mark your calendars ladies, and collect your squad for a night designed just for the señoras and señoritas. It’s time to get dolled up, gather the gals, and head to Andina Dubai since every Tuesday from 6 pm to 12 am it transforms into a wonderland of fun for all the ladies.
Offer: 2 courses + 3 drinks for Dhs150 per person; 3 courses + 4 drinks for Dhs200 per person
Click here for more info
LIMÓN Y SAL (latino night) at W Abu Dhabi -Yas Island
Arriba! Get your dancing shoes ready because the great DJ Polin will have you “bailando toda la noche” when he sets the Latin-inspired beat at the exquisite W Lounge on Wednesdays from 8 pm to late. A variety of thirst-quenching beverages, with “limón y sal” as the day’s special, as well as delicious snacks, can be expected. All of your cravings are answered, including hot churros, juicy ceviche, and steaming empanadas.
Deals: Dhs79 per person which includes beverages and snacks
For reservations call +971 2 656 0000 or click here for more info.
‘Gameboxes’ in Magic Planet at City Centre Mirdif, Dubai, and Centre Al Zahia, Sharjah
Dedicating this one to the gamers. The launch of seven fully interactive “Gameboxes” at Magic Planet – City Centre Mirdif in Dubai and Magic Planet City – Centre Al Zahia in Sharjah is something Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is thrilled to announce.
Beginning on January 20, the region’s first hyper-immersive gaming experience—in collaboration with top gaming company Immersive Gamebox (IGB, formerly known as Electric Gamebox)—will grant visitors access to an entirely new genre of social entertainment. Each ‘Gamebox’ can cater to groups of two to six players, making them the perfect new entertainment destination for dates, mates, and the whole family.
Click here for more info.
Sushi making masterclass
Are you a foodie seeking to develop your culinary skills? At the Sushi Making Masterclass, which begins on January 24 at Katsuya Hyde Dubai, Chef Pavel, a renowned sushi chef with years of experience in creating delicious and beautifully presented sushi dishes, will introduce you to the world of sushi flavours.
Every Sunday between 12 pm to 8 pm, for Dhs288 per person
Make your reservations at Katsuya, before the class gets full to 10 guests.
Coffee experience masterclass
Who’s not a coffee-love, amritie? Mokha 1450, which represents the “Heart of Coffee,” will conduct a number of Coffee Experience Masterclasses. At each of these sessions, guests will have the opportunity to try and compare the three different grades of coffee; C Grade Coffee, Specialty Grade Coffee, and Excellence Grade Coffee. MOKHA 1450’s team of award-winning baristas will brew the coffees while interacting with attendees, relaying general knowledge as well as tips and tricks in the process.
The one-hour class will cost Dhs145 per person.
To book reservations email: [email protected], or call 04 425 4067.
Joel Corry at FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Call your pals to FIVE Palm Jumeirah because I heard they’re having some 🔥 weekly events. Multi-BRIT Award-nominated, London-based DJ-producer Joel Corry just announced his residency at the hotel for the summer, renewing with Ibiza Rocks. The Brit will be performing at FIVE’s biggest weekly events on 27th January – Skyline Fridays, 2nd February – Secret ladies’ day at Praia, and 4th February – Bohemia, beach by FIVE.
International Croissant day at One Life
Bonjour! Did you know this iconic French pastry is celebrated on the 30th of January each year? And don’t worry, you can try them out at One Life in D3 or JVC, which sells a range of croissants, including Plain, Cheese, Almond, and Pain Au Chocolate, which are rolled and baked in-house each night and exhibited in-store each morning. If you’re looking for a more filling breakfast, then try one of the restaurants’ loaded croissants, such as The Morning After, a plain croissant filled with veal sausages, roasted red pepper, feta, and fried eggs. A vegetarian plain croissant filled with grilled halloumi, sliced tomato, and a fried egg is also available.
Josette at Dubai International Financial Center
Anyone else dying to try French cuisine after watching Emily in Paris? Yeah, us too. This newly opened French restaurant in Dubai, Josette, was inspired by a fictional character after Josette Day, a stunning French actress best known for performing Belle in the 1946 movie La Belle et la Bete. And just like the name that’s filled with culture and history, their exquisite menu of Parisian classics such as Foie Gras Terrine, Escargot, Ratatouille, and an indulgent Seafood Platter, from the hands of Chef Burcu Cracknell, is to die for! Let’s not forget the ~Instagrammable~ interiors that make this DIFC restaurant a must-visit.