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 9 New 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 10am-5pm. 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. AED 80 per person and AED 50 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. From 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 to mark the New Year. The celebratory vibes continue here with a DJ spinning tunes and live drummers and dancers. Packages from AED 375 per person. From 1pm-4pm, call 052 242 4262 for bookings.
4. Kick-off January 2024 with a bbq at The Coast
The beachside bistro at Taj Exotica, The Palm is hosting a special New Year’s Day brunch on January 1 from 1pm-14pm. Freshly grilled seafood, meats, salads and desserts are part of the spread. Call 04 275 4444 for bookings.
5. Get lucky with a Greek cake at Avli by Tasha’s
All diners at the Athenian restaurant in DIFC will be served a complimentary Vasilopita – a traditional pie-like Greek cake with a hidden coin inside it. Grecian New Year tradition believes that whoever finds the hidden surprise in their slice of the cake will receive all the luck in the new year. Visit the website.
6. Watch the first sunset of 2024 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 special Provençal-inspired menu by the poolside on January 1. As you dig into seasonal, fresh ingredients and treat your tastebuds, your ears will be treated to the chill beats of ALMA LOCA band until 7pm. Call 04 315 2200 for bookings.
7. Groove away at a New Year’s Day party featuring DJ Roger Sanchez
Haven’t had your fill of partying on December 31? W Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s new beach club BCH: CLB is set to make a song and dance about 2024 with a New Year’s Day bash headlined by Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Roger Sanchez. The hitmaker behind electronic music tracks such as Another Chance and Hella Good will be joined by Dubai’s only female DJ duo of Jenn Getz & Alfie, so you can let your hair down from 11am until sundown. Daybeds & loungers start from AED 350 minimum spend. Call 04 834 3803 or WhatsApp 058 575 0805.
8. Laze at a garden brunch at Habtoor Grand resort
Bask under the sun in the Garden Lawn at Luciano’s in Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection on January 1. A New Year’s Day brunch features a buffet spread of various starters, mains and desserts. From AED 250 per person; 12:30pm-4pm.
9. Attend A New Year’s Day party at Nikki Beach
Have a swimmingly good start to the year at the beach club in this resort and spa on Pearl Jumeira island. Performances by British singer-songwriter Youngr and a line-up of international DJs will ensure you embrace 2024 with some killer beats, plus signature cocktails to choose from and access to the private beach and pools. From 11am till late, WhatsApp 054 791 0049 for bookings.