
January 1 is a date that brims with promise and crispness, a clean slate to write fresh chapters and get working on those resolutions. Even if you’re anti resolutions and choose to go with the flow in 2024, seizing the day by attending exciting events and making memories is a great non-resolution, isn’t it? Take your pick from one of these 10bNew Year’s Day activities – from hearty brunches to mop up last night’s hangover and more parties.
1. Dive into Veganuary with a Green Brunch at Emirates Bio Farm
Why wait until January 2 to start your Veganuary goals of eating healthy and organic? Emirates Bio Farm, the UAE’s largest organic farm, has a special New Year’s Day Green Brunch running from. A sustainably sourced, farm-fresh menu will see you chow down on delicious dishes and you have a reason to take a road trip to Al Ain, which is where the farm and its restaurant is located. The brunch includes access to the farm’s fields for scenic nature works, animal petting, clay pot painting workshop and more.
⏰: 10am-4pm
💵: AED 120 per adult and AED 80 for children under 12. Book here
2. New Year’s Day Detox Brunch at TJ’s
After last evening’s NYE shenanigans, a system reset might be in store for lots of us. A healthy brunch spread at TJ’s in Taj JLT will help you start the year on the right foot without compromising on taste.
⏰: 12pm-4pm
💵: AED 199 per person
📞: Call 058 857 3554
3. Carnival by Trèsind New Year Brunch
Gone to bed only at sun up? Carnival by Tresind’s late brunch starting at 1pm gives you enough time to catch some zzz’s after last night’s revelries and dig into a sumptuous meal of jackfruit taco, chapli kebaba, brisket burgers and king oyster charcoal and more to mark the New Year. The celebratory vibes continue here with a DJ spinning tunes and live drummers and dancers.
⏰: 1pm-4pm
💵: AED 275 per person for non alcholic package and alcoholic package from AED 300 per person
📞: Call 052 242 4262 for bookings
4. Nurse that head with a Hangover Brunch at McGettigan’s
Hair of the dog and more will help you cure the party penalty for going hard on New Year’s Eve. McGettigan’s Factory at The Palm is rolling out a lively brunch for the year’s 1st day that throws in refreshing cocktails, hearty brunch staples and good craic in typical Irish style.
⏰: 1pm-4pm
💵: AED 199 per person for house package and AED 239 for premium package
📞: Call 04 230 007
5. Watch the first sunset of 2025 at Drift Beach
The Dubai Harbour is perfect to catch stunning sunsets and snap some Instagrammable shots. This beachside restaurant in the Dubai Harbour hosting a musical day by the poolside on January 1. As you dig into seasonal, fresh ingredients and treat your tastebuds from their a la carte menu, your ears will be treated to the chill beats of DJs Ruben Moral and Manuel Moore
From 1pm onwards, call 04 315 2200 for bookings
6. Savour a hearty New Year’s Day breakfast at Bla Bla
After tearing it up the previous night with a disco-themed bash, Bla Bla Dubai will be up and running all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a New Year’s Day breakfast. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank. Choose from full English, Eggs Benedict or Avocado Toast with complimentary juice and tea or coffee, all for just AED 75 per person!
⏰: 12pm-6pm
💵: AED 75 per person
📞: Call 04 584 4111 or visit the website
7. Treat yourself to an elegant caviar-filled brunch
French-Russian dining spot Kaspia in DIFC is hosting a sumptuous and luxe New Year’s Day brunch replete with Grilled Australian Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Tortiglioni with Caviar Kaspia and a Pavlova Sphere and some live entertainment too. After, enjoy an after-party at Kiara cocktail bar.
⏰: 1pm-4pm
💵: AED 350 per person for soft packages, AED 550 per person for cocktail package
📞: WhatsApp 050 967 0605 for bookings
8. Sink into a sky-high brunch at Aura Skypool
Have a swimmingly good start to the year with a New Year’s Day brunch at the indoor lounge of the world’s highest infinity pool. Indulge in three hours of free-flowing champagne while DJs spinning tunes and live entertainment pump up the party vibes,
⏰: 1pm to 4pm
💵: AED 550 house package, AED 800 champagne package per person
📞: Call 04 275 1966 or visit Aura Skypool website
9. Treat yourself to a festive brunch at African Queen
Give 2025 the glam and gloss of the French Riviera without leaving Jumeirah limits – African Queen, the iconic eatery from Cote D’Azur has now opened up in J1 Beach. Feast on a festive brunch full of decadent dishes like Crudo Selection, Truffle Pizza, and more that ensure you’re kicking off 2025 with elevated tastes.
⏰: 1pm-4pm
💵: AED 400 for non-alcoholic package, AED 500 for house drinks and AED 800 for bubbly package per person
📞: Call o52 77 80 760 or visit the website
10. Live long like a King or Queen with this French patisserie
Homegrown Indo-French bakery Cocoa Et Chilli in Mina Rashid has created a luscious Galette De Rois – the traditional French puff pastry cake with a hidden lucky charm or fève inside it. Whoever finds this tiny trinket in a slice of their crumbly golden pastry is crowned finder King or Queen for the day on January 1 and receives luck throughout the year. This particular version of Galette de Rois is topped with scrumptious hazelnut praline and feuilletine and filled with lip-smacking Almond Frangipane cream. Available in three sizes.
💵: From AED 40, more info here