Hurray! The first long weekend of the year has rolled in with the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr and what an action-packed weekend it’s set to be from April 20-23. From Eid brunches to celebrate with your friends and family to concerts and shows to attend there’s so much to do, you’re going to need another weekend to recover from the thrills of this one. Dubai’s bursting with so many activities this week, those who’re leaving on international trips over the Eid Al Fitr holidays are going to have serious FOMO.
1-9. Dine at one of these delicious Eid Al Fitr brunches and dinners
🥘 Gear up for an Eid dinner that wows at Address Fountain Views. Situated by its famed infinity pool, this family-style buffets boasts seafood, sushi & maki, a fried station, BBQ, and carving station, mouth-watering mains such as prawn machbous, dal makhani, grilled Nile perch, beef stroganoff, ice cream station, a white chocolate fountain and more. Mountains of food against one of the city’s most Instagrammed backdrops? Checks all the boxes
6:30pm-9pm on first day of Eid; AED 275 per person. Call 04 245 8888 or email dineatfountainviews@addresshotels.com
🍲 Cleo Dubai at the Hyde Hotel in Business Bay is serving up an Eid Brunch on the 2nd day of Eid that promises to be a Levantine feats. The elaborate buffet will feature live carving and BBQ stations such as BBQ, carving, and one dedicated entirely to cheesy, hot-off-the-pan kunafa.
Prefer a sit-down dinner with the family? There’s an Eid Dinner in the evenings on all three days of Eid, featuring a family-style menu.
Eid brunch from 1pm-5pm on April 22. AED 150 per person; Eid Dinner on April 21, 22 and 23 from 7pm-11pm. AED 125 per person. Call 04 871 1111
🍛 Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai has put together a 4-course set menu for Eid Al Fitr on April 21. Inspired by cuisines and dishes from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad’s Nizam dynasty, this meal is heavily influenced by the Silk Route’s rich ingredients and spics.
6pm-11:30pm; AED 225 per person. Call 04 438 3134 or email fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
🍣 ROKA at The Opus by Omniyat has an Eid Brunch on April 22 and 23. It is a Japanese feast featuring robata (grill) hits. Sharing sushi platters, gyuniku (beef teriyaki) and dumplings are accompanied by music from DJ Antonis Koutenakis who’s flying on all the way from Mykonos.
12pm-3pm; from AED 295 per person. Call 04 439 7171
🍖 Fine dining Mughlai restaurant Jehangirs in Mankhool has dropped a special menu for Eid Al Fitr. Highlights here are melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked mutton dishes such as Sikandari Raan (AED 110), a whole roasted lamb leg marinated in Indian spices; Raan Biryani (AED 175) and Haleem (AED 55), savoury meat porridge. This menu also includes Sheer Khurma (AED 25), a rich Mughlai dessert made of vermicelli, dates, milk, and nuts that’s a staple in Muslim households across the Indian subcontinent to celebrate Eid.
Until April 23; call 04 591 6167 or 050 580 8191
🍝 For a beachy Eid meal that takes a leaf out a Bali travelogue, Koko Bay at Palm West Beach in Palm Jumierah is your port of call. Their Koko Loko brunch coincides with the Eid long weekend, making it the perfect outing to clock in some Far Eastern fare mixed in with European elements. Norwegian salmon tartare, Hoisin pulled duck lettuce cups; Indonesian Nasi Goreng and Pisco Tres Leches Milk Cake are all on the menu.
12pm-4pm; from AED 300 per person. Call 04 5723444 or visit www.kokobay.co
🍤 Peruvian-Japanese eatery, Onze is celebrating the golden hour with its La Hora Dorada event on Sunday, April 23. Relish a breathtaking sunset set unfold over Dubai Creek as solo guitarist Danny Aridi’s dreamy tunes set the stage. Dig into feather-light lobster tempura, salmon tacos, citrus-tinged tuna tataki, or zesty ceviche.
5pm onwards; April 21. Call 04 250 6567 or email reservations@onzerestaurant.com
🫖 The Address Grand Creek Harbour Hotel is pouring something special this Eid – an Arabesque Delight Afternoon Tea. Sip on exquisite selections of teas and coffees brewed to your requirements as you nibble on smoked salmon, croissants, eclairs, pies, and scones on a terrace that opens out into drop-dead gorgeous views of the Dubai Creek.
Until April 30, from 3pm-6pm; AED 195 per person. Call 04 275 8888
🥙 Asil at the Rixos Premium Dubai in JBR is hosting an Eid Lunch on April 21 and 23, and an Eid Brunch on April 22. A live henna painting station at the venue will add some colour to the festivities and your hands. But before you get your hands occupied, dig into the extravagant dishes such as seafood Moghrabieh, Eid Maamoul, Citron Ashtaliye, Asil grill platter and more.
1pm-5pm lunch, AED 225 per person; 12:30pm-4:30pm brunch, from AED 350 per person. Call 04 520 0055 or WhatsApp 052 160 0333.
10. Get your final fix of Global Village’s splendid Eid events before it wraps up its 27th season
It’s last call for Global Village’s 27th season. The beloved thempark and tourist attraction will switch the lights off on April 30, before its winter return. Before that, it’s throwing one helluva last hurrah, starting with jaw-dropping Eid celebrations. Fireworks, of course, are part of the proceedings; explore Eid traditions of over 90 cultures at the 27 different pavilions; and keep an eye out for the Eid-based cultural shows on the Main Stage. Make sure to browse through the Eid Market located by Celebration Walk for scoops of authentic Arabic pistachio ice cream, paintings by local artists, and seasonal drinks. Later, sit back and unwind at the beautiful Majlis of the World equipped with food, entertainment, and board games. First day of Eid on April 21 is dedicated to families and women.
4pm-2am; entry is AED 20 per person
12. Dance away to Bollywood singer-actor Ayushman Khurrana’s concert on Sunday
The talented Indian celebrity will be performing in Dubai for the first time on April 23 at the Coca-Cola Arena. You’ll be singing along to hits such as Pani Da Rang, Naina Da Kya Kasoor and others.
Tickets from AED 125 available here.
12. Groove to DJ Bliss’ set at Bla Bla Dubai
Yes, the same DJ Bliss of Dubai Bling fame is set to get the party started at The Tent at Bla Bla. Before his reality tv stint, DJ Bliss has been a force to reckon with around Dubai’s local music scene and is the first-ever Emirati DJ to have headlined a concert at Coca-Cola Arena. He’ll be taking to the decks at this popular JBR nightlife venue on April 22.
Tickets are AED 200 per person, including 4 drinks; call 04 584 4111 or visit www.blabladubai.ae.
13. Savour sun, sand and shimmying to Robin Schulz at Beach By Five
It’s touted Dubai’s hottest house music beach party and Bohemia is rolling out international heavy hitters to justify that title. On April 22, Waves hitmaker and Grammy-nominated DJ Robin Schulz is performing at Bohemia with Gill Glaze, known for his track Honest. This weekend, chill out on one of the sun loungers or dip into the glass-lined pool at this beach club while listening to banger after banger.
1pm onwards; from AED 200 for ladies and AED 300 for men including 3 drinks. Book at www.palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
14. Lose yourself to the music at Third Eye Rising Trance Festival at Terra Solis Dubai
Terra Solis, the desert resort + glamping sport dreamed up by the Tomorrowland team are doing what they do best this weekend – throwing an electronic dance music festival of epic proportions on April 23. Third Eye Rising Trance Music Festival will see the who’s who of the trance and techno music scene rule the turntables this weekend. Astrix, Sajanka, Animato, and Frequent Flyers will create a trippy musical oasis in the midst of the desert for festivalgoers, creating some serious Coachella vibes.
Tickets from AED 149, buy here
15. Laugh till you cry at Indian comic Atul Khatri’s live show at Theatre by QE2
India standup comic Atul Khatri means business when it comes to cracking people up. The former businessman-turned-comedian has been a regular in Dubai’s comedy circuit and is returning to tickle the city’s funny bone on April 22. The Big Laughter Riot will see him belt out the wit and razor-sharp punchlines (in both English and Hindi) that have earned him the title of one of India’s Top 20 Comcis to Watch Out For.
Ticket from AED 100 at www.platinumlist.ae
16. Treat yourself to a bout in the ring with Boxica’s Eid discounts
After the punchlines if you fancy throwing some punches, community gym Boxica at Studio City offers an Eid discount of 25% when you buy a set of 20 classes. You can polish that uppercut at a boxing class or try an array of other fitness classes available: boot camps, Muay Thai, full body, rides and strength training are a handful of the many options here. The deal is available on April 22 and 23.
20 classes cost AED 1,275 and are valid for 8 months. Call 055 483 83 61
17. Finesse your sashimi skills at this Japanese masterclass at Virgin Izakaya
Long weekends are a great excuse to pick up a new skill. On April 21, Virgin Izakaya, the modern Japanese restaurant at Bluewaters Island is hosting a one-day on ‘Art of Cutting Fish’ event. You can pick up the techniques of cutting and slicing fish from the restaurant’s chefs and culinary experts. Meanwhile, guests also get to sample teh restaurant’s specially curated menu featuring dishes whipped up from freshly cut Bluefin Tuna, including sashimi, sushi, tataki, ceviche, open and hand rolls, as well as tuna tacos and tartare.
For price and timings call 04 589 8689 or visit www.virginizakaya.com.ua/dubai
18-21. Head to these spots in Dubai to catch spectacular Eid Al Fitr Fireworks
We’ve got down the timings and locations of 4 confirmed venues where dazzling Eid Al Fitr pyrotechnics will illuminate the skies. Click here for the full list.
22. Watch Arabic movies and gorge on a Hollywood-themed dinner at The Stage
For Eid, Paramount Hotel’s glamorous restaurant The Stage has planned an international-themed dinner buffet on the first day of Eid, April 21. Afterwards, kick back and relax at their private movie theatre called Screening Room. Arabic movies will be screened in celebration of Eid Al Fitr.
Dinner from 6:30pm-10:30pm; AED 140 per person. Movies will be screened from 7:30pm-11pm. Call 04 246 6777 or email www.paramounthotelsdubai.com
23. Immerse yourself in the workshops and live music events at DIFC this Eid Al Fitr
If you thought the financial hub of Dubai was all about stuffy suits, think again. DIFC is leaning heavily into its cultural side this Eid Al Fitr with a panoply of activities. The Zone B entrance to Gate Avenue will welcome you with complimentary dates and coffee, followed by live Arabic music by a Qanoon player. Performances take place every evening at 5pm, 6pm, 7:15pm and 8:30pm. Kids can participate in fun workshops being conducted by The Happy Box at Zone D, Gate Avenue from 2pm-10pm. When you spend AED 75 at any of DIFC’s restaurants or stores, your kid automatically gets entry into two Eid-themed workshops.
Entry is free; visit www.difc.ae/surprisinglydifc for details
25-26. Think inside the box and buy foodie friends and family these amazing Eid gift boxes
🍫 Amazónico, the flamboyant Latin American restaurant in DIFC has crafted an Eid gift box of Brigadeiros – a traditional Brazilian truffle. These limited edition truffles feature Middle Eastern and Levantine flavours of orange, saffron, pistachio and Halawa and come in a 16-piece gift box.
AED 160; available on Deliveroo
🍪 French chocolatiers Forrey & Galland have concocted gorgeous Eid-themed gift hampers and boxes. Choose from a selection of handmade Arabic sweets infused with pistachio, orange and date ma’amoul cookies, and banana-flavoured chocolates. These are lovingly encased in ornate packaging featuring intricate Arabesque motifs, gold foiling and lacquered wooden boxes. Some of them are shaped like lanterns and inspired by the structure of mosque domes.
The collection ranges from AED 21 to AED 1,460; www.forreyandgalland.com
27. Watch skies above Dubai Parks and Resorts glow up with a brand new light show
Dubai Parks and Resorts always knows how to bring it for the festive season. Eid Al Fitr gets the same enchanting treatment with a fresh light and sound show called ILLUMINATE. The show makes its debut on April 21 at the Hollywood Theatre. Spectators will be swept up into the tale of a down-in-the-dumps dancer whose abject sadness is transformed into glowing joy by a magical light.