Christmas shopping and dining deals in UAE

‘Tis the time to be jolly! The festive season is back. Celebrate the festive season throughout the month of December with a host of shopping and dining deals listed below.

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

The Madinat Jumeirah has once again transformed into an enchanting 1750 sqm winter wonderland, welcoming guests from 16^th – 30^th December. Visitors can expect a 36-foot Christmas tree and festive activities for the young and young at heart – from a snow fight zone to bungee jumping, food stalls to gingerbread house decorating. There will also be a North Pole Train and Venetian carousel as well as a live band belting out classic holiday tunes and the chance to take a scenic abra ride with Santa along the winding waterways.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Drone Light Show

Back by popular demand, the second edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Drone Light Show has returned to Bluewaters, The Beach opposite JBR and the newly opened global attraction, Ain Dubai.  Running daily at 7:00pm and 9:30pm, the Middle East’s longest running Drone Light Show is an unmissable highlight of the season and this year will be complemented by the spectacular lighting show on Ain Dubai.

Shop and Win at the Dubai Shopping Festival opening Weekend

The  Dubai Shopping Festival opening Weekend will also bring the start of hotel flash sales; immersive pop-up fashion experiences by global brands such as SHEIN with its unique VIP YOU TOPIA pop-up concept ‘Express your Wonderful’ at Ain Dubai; popular DSF Markets including Etisalat Market OTB in Burj Park and the DSF Market at Al Seef, unique food experiences at Global Village, and festive cheer at Ibn Battuta Mall, the Nakheel Mall Rooftop Festival and celebrations at La Mer. There’s also a special Thai Festival at the waterfront setting of Souk Al Marfa, running from 16-18 December and featuring cultural and culinary delights.

The mega raffle fun has already begun and DSF lucky winners will get the chance to win big with the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group Raffle, Dubai Shopping Malls Group Raffle, Idealz Raffles and Infiniti and Nissan Mega Raffle Draws. During the DSF opening weekend, shoppers who buy at Amber participating stores can earn double Amber points on full priced merchandise, and stand a chance to win 1 million Amber points when spending more than AED5,000 AED at Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and other participating stores during the DSF Amber Millionaire weekend from 16-18 December.

Festive Barasti campaign at Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi

Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi’s popular community mall is exciting shoppers this holiday season with their Festive Barasti campaign running from 16 December – 5 January. The popular community mall is exciting shoppers this holiday season with their Festive Barasti campaign running from 16 December – 5 January. Mall-goers are invited to immerse themselves in a visit to the traditional barasti that comprises a souq filled with confectionery, perfumes, oud, cheeses, authentic clothing and more from 4pm – 10pm every day. A thrilling VR gaming experience will enable shoppers to decorate a Christmas tree through simulation, as the ornaments on each level of ‘Tippy Tree’ become heavier, visitors must be careful not topple it over. Digital face painting and more 3D photo opportunities will also be available for the whole family. Shopping incentives continue to run with the opportunity to win a GAC GS4 car worth AED 120,000 when they spend AED 200 at any of the mall’s outlets or AED 500 at Carrefour until 29 December.

Food & Beverages Offers:

UAE’s homegrown Japanese restaurant Yamanote Atelier is all set to sweeten your Christmas plans this festive season. End your year with delicious Christmas offerings of 6 kinds of bakeries, 4 kinds of Christmas Cakes, different types of cookies and one Christmas drink perfect for entertaining or sending edible treats to loved ones.

Celebrate Family Friendly Christmas at SAUCE, a new homegrown retro 50s American diner in Dubai. An almost month-long event will be celebrated in true American fashion, as SAUCE will be decorating the place with Christmas ornaments, trees, and lights. While the most exciting one is where all the diners can watch their favorite festive movies on a big screen which will be set up on their alfresco terrace. Guests will also be able to enjoy a selection of different popcorn flavors based on the sauces for only 10AED along with complimentary Christmas cookies to end the evening.  The movie screening will be live from the 6^th of December to the 26^th of December. SAUCE will play the movie three times a night at 18:00, 20:00.

Known for serving tempting pan Asian flavours, China Bistro brings a special Duck & Turkey Festive Menu Feast this Christmas and New Year. Available from 20th December to 2nd January. This festive special menu brings a grand feast like never before featuring flavours from the different regions of Korea, Malaysia and Cantonese region together. The lavish menu has been put together by expert chefs at the restaurant and offers a wide range of finger licking duck and turkey delicacies like cilantro Duck Pancake, Roasted Turkey with vegetables and Pok Choi, and many more oriental flavours. There is West Lake Duck Meat for soup, Cilantro Duck Pan Cake, Turkey Tod Prik Pon and Korean Style Turkey With Gochujang for starters and Clay Pot Roasted Duck In Ranbutan Curry and Roasted Turkey With Vegetable & Pok Choi for mains.

This festive season, Dubai’s oldest sizzler house, Yoko Sizzlers has launched a menu with tempting new Turkey flavours to elevate your festive celebrations . Available till 1st January, the new limited period flavours at Yoko Sizzlers include Turkey Sizzlers (AED 75), Turkey Exotica (AED 85) and Yoko Special Turkey (AED 82). Enjoy the festive spread with Yoko’s signature Sauces. Turkey with boiled vegetables & french fries or mashed potato. Enjoy the festive spread flavoured with Yoko’S Signature Sauces: Garlic/Pepper /Mushroom/Asparagus/Oyster/Ginger.

Celebrate Christmas at the American sports bar and club, 49er’s in Abu dhabi over a traditional Turkey main course with all the trimmings and Xmas pudding . Two course menus start from AED 99. Menu is available as Ala carte or as a set menu. 

Argentina Grill  in La Mer is bringing some South American flare to Dubai this Christmas but keeping things traditional by offering complimentary turkey and chocolate yule log slices to all guests that dine on the 25 & 26 December. Offering stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and The Pointe, guests are advised to book from 4-7pm to enjoy sunset views!

For the festive season this year, Cipriani Dubai has curated a special set menu with traditional Italian delicacies available from 24th to 26th December 2021. The delectable lunch and dinner menu include a three-course meal with a choice of one appetizer, starter and dessert ensuring there is something for everyone. Presented in chic, sophisticated style, blending the very best of traditional Italian flavours with the outstanding Cipriani hospitality, the all-Italian culinary team regales diners with a selection of fine appetisers, rich main courses and irresistible desserts, all prepared to enhance the festive mood.

Grosvenor House Dubai

Enjoy a festive feast of international food served buffet style at Sloane’s extra special Christmas Eve Friday Brunch. Gather friends and family and enjoy a wide selection of international delicacies, great drinks packages and live festive entertainment to enjoy the build up to the big day.

A delicious Latin American-themed celebration is awaiting families and friends looking for a good time this Christmas Eve, with a fun Friday Brunch at Toro. The award-winning restaurant will welcome you to explore traditional dishes from across Latin America as well as great festive classics, all served alongside a range of drinks and live music.

Enjoy an alfresco Christmas Eve celebration with Siddharta Lounge’s fun and stylish Friday Brunch. The ideal way to begin the festive season of celebration, the afternoon brunch will serve up a delicious selection of Asian and Mediterranean dishes. You can look forward to stunning sea and Dubai Marina views, great drinks and live entertainment during a fun-packed three hours.

The very best culinary traditions of British cooking will be offered as part of a specially created Christmas Eve a la carte menu at Rhodes W1. You can expect famous dishes from across the British Isles, expertly prepared and brought to the table by the restaurant’s highly trained team of associates. A sophisticated way to enjoy Christmas Eve, the a la carte fine dining experience at Rhodes W1 is a treat for foodies of all ages.

Offering a fun-filled alternative to the traditional Christmas Day celebration, Buddha Bar will welcome you to a special festive edition of its famous Seventh Heaven Brunch. Serving a mix of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, Buddha-Bar’s Christmas Day Brunch will delight diners with three hours of unlimited servings of starters, mains and desserts, accompanied by free- flowing selected beverages and a great soundtrack of live music and entertainment.

Jumeirah Al Qasr

Vintage Festive Pop-Up Brunch | Located on the ground floor of the palatial retreat across The Hide and Arboretum. | Every Friday | 1PM – 4:30PM | AED 420 soft beverages, AED 550 cocktails and prosecco, AED 720 bubbly and AED 250 for kids between 5-11 years old 

Pierchic | A delicious four-course Italian sharing brunch with free-flowing beverages and live vibrant beats | Every Friday| 1PM – 4PM | AED 490 soft beverages, AED 590 house beverages, AED 990 bubbly and AED 250 for kids between 6-12years old 

French Riviera | Be transported to the glamourous Cote d’Azur with a four-course French inspired sharing brunch | Every Friday and Saturday |12:30PM – 4PM | AED 490 soft beverages, AED 590 house beverages and AED 250 for kids between 8 – 14 years old  

Pai Thai | Experience the perfect blend of Thai flavours in a spectacular waterside setting | Every Friday | 12:30PM – 4PM | AED 325 soft beverages, AED 495 house beverages and bubbly and AED 150 for kids between 4 – 12 years old  

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Tortuga | Enjoy a sharing style brunch paired with sizzling Mariachi sounds and Mexican drinks | Every Friday | 12:30PM – 4PM | AED 215 soft beverages, AED 360 house beverages, AED 460 bubbly and AED 150 for kids between 4 – 10 years old  

Zheng He’s | A traditional yum cha brunch on the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah | Every Friday | 12:30PM – 4PM | AED 325 soft beverages, AED 425 house beverages and AED 160 for kids between 4 – 12 years old  

Jumeirah Al Naseem

Kayto | Serving a blend of Peruvian-Nikkei flavours, Japanese-inspired mixed drinks and live upbeat DJ sets | Every Friday | 1PM – 3:30PM | AED 495 soft beverages, AED 695 house beverages and AED 895 bubbly and fine wine 

Rockfish | Mediterranean classics, fresh seafood and mouth-watering signature dishes | Every Friday | 1PM – 4PM | AED 495 soft beverages, AED695 house beverages and AED 895 bubbly and fine wine