Long-distance friendships hit different. Whether it’s sending unhinged voice notes across time zones, telepathically sending love, or sharing a Pinterest fit inspo board, there’s a kind of soul-deep connection that distance has nothing over. This International Friendship Day, we’re raising an iced matcha (or hojicha) to the friends who hold us down despite borders.
Maybe your best friend lives in another city, country, or continent. You miss the spontaneous brunches, the impulsive girls-night out, and the tender hugs. But the truth is distance has the power to strengthen a relationship, even if the hugs are rare. And when you finally do reunite, it’s giving full bestie takeover.
If you’re planning that long-awaited trip together to Dubai, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated a mix of where to eat, where to dance (or “sit pretty”), and the chicest gift ideas to surprise your BFF. Here’s your OG Friendship Guide.
Bestie deserves a feast
Jamavar Dubai
Listed in the prestigious Gault & Millau Guide, Jamavar is the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty. It’s an elevated dining experience that transforms a catch-up with your bestie into a full-blown event, the kind you’ll want to dress up for and enjoy some remixed Indian flavours such as the Tandoori Prawns or the Gulab Jamun Tiramisu.
Reservations: +971 04 553 7852
TATEL Dubai
If your reunion calls for something effortlessly chic and indulgent, TATEL Dubai is the move. This Spanish fine-dining hotspot is known for its lively energy and a menu that feels like a culinary love letter to Spain. The endless small plates are for the girls who love family style feasting. The burrata will melt in your mouth the drinks are just as iconic. Sip on the Palomita, a tequila spritz with lychee and rosemary. Fair warning, it is hard to hear bestie when the live music band is playing.
Reservations: [email protected] |+971 50 437 2238 (WhatsApp)
Arrogante
For a midday catch-up with your bestie that feels straight out of an Italian summer, Arrogante is the ultimate vibe. Sip on rosé or a mocktail with Ms. Khalifa as your iconic view. Starters include La Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, a vibrant Italian salad with ricotta and kalamata olives, and a refreshing Salmon Carpaccio with dill dressing for the protein girlies.
Reservations: [email protected] |+971 04 570 3653
“She’s that girl” gift guide
The Dyson Limited-Edition Kanzan Pink Airwrap
Tell me about it your bestie wakes up flawless, always has her hair done (even for pilates), and might just be a beauty influencer in the making. Let’s be honest, gifting her the Dyson is basically BFF royalty behaviour. Her salon-level blowouts will thank you. 💁🏻♀️
Flowwow’s Flower Bag with Hydrangea and Rose
Celebrate Friendship Day in style with this chic floral handbag handcrafted with fresh, seasonal blooms of spray roses, hydrangea, and lisianthus.🌸 This is the new Birken, no?🤭
The Djerf Avenue Robe
For the bestie whose dream day starts with slow mornings, iced coffee, and 30 minutes of skincare. The iconic Djerf Avenue robe is cloud-soft, neutral-toned, and basically a hug.🎀 It’s minimalist, super viral, and screams clean girl aesthetic meets soft luxury. Who doesn’t want to wake up and lounge in an iconic robe?✨🧁
Ladies’ night is for the girls’ girls
Bar Du Port Dubai
Bar Du Port and L’Occitane are spoiling the ladies with glamorous beauty treats on July 30 at 7 PM. All you have to do is arrive early and be one of the first 30 ladies to receive a bottle of the viral Almond Shimmering Oil. Told you they’re generous.✨
Location: Bar Du Port Dubai, Dubai Harbour
Mina Seyahi
Craving that golden hour glow and unlimited sips? Mina Seyahi is giving everything the group chat needs. 💅🏼 Boho-chic poolside lounging, rooftop views that literally scream “post me”, and a menu worth posting twice about. Oh, and the ambiance? Don’t even get us started — Instagram will be begging you to post. Let’s just say your camera roll’s about to be booked and busy. 😌
Location: Ginger Moon at W Dubai
Glow up with your bestie
The 305 West Beach
Blended teams up with 305 to bring you the perfect midweek treat, name a better experience.💁♀️✨ Its a 60-minute hot-yoga class by the beach followed by a dinner under the stars! Oh and I heard that you will get some Benefit goodies.🎀✨I mean c’mon we’re all going.🤭
Cotton candy skies, stepping onto the sand, tell me this is isn’t the perfect way to spend Friendship Day with your bestie.💅🏼
Location: The 305 West Beach, Palm Jumeirah
Blended Wellness
Enjoy the ultimate reset from the inside out. Its all about recharging and relaxing, so you can have two massages for the price of one with bestie. Book here (we love BOGO deals).👭🏽🤭
Location: Blended Wellness, Dubai Marina
Check out this “missing bestie emotional support” article next.🥹