Feel that nip in the air? (Pretend you can, we know it’s still unseasonably hot). November is here and along with the promise of crisp, humidity-free winters, this cosy month is also flush with heaps of events, especially outdoor events. True, we don’t get snow but there’s an avalanche of things to do in Dubai this November. From night runs and winter pop-ups to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, Thanksgiving dinners and a glut of festive markets, November’s set to knock your socks off. Hopefully, we get socks-wearing weather soon!
1. Take a hike at Dubai’s first in-city hiking trail in Mushrif Park
Earlier this summer, a brand-new free-to-use hiking trail opened up in Mushrif National Park. Although it’s been open all year long, there’s no time like winter to actually test out this 10km trail’s length and breadth and enjoy a fresh walk in a ghaf tree forest. Find full details here
2. Race through the cool night air at Dubai Night Run
Dubai Fitness Challenge has whipped up the city into a fitness frenzy, which means running races season. If daytime sprints and marathons are not your cup of tea, then the annual Dubai Night Run is just what the doctor (or your trainer) ordered. Happening on November 22, participants get to pick a 3km, 5km or 10km route and dash across Dubai Harbour, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, JBR and Ain Dubai. There’ll be music pumping throughout the courses to keep racers motivated and it’s open to runners of all fitness levels. Sign up here, entry costs AED 125 per person.
3. Stroll through DIFC’s glitzy streets and enjoy the DIFC Art Nights
The 16th edition of the DIFC Arts Nights is kicking off on November 23. The two-day event will see the financial district transform into a vibrant arts hub. Inspired by the upcoming COP28 summit in Dubai later this month, the theme for this edition of the Arts Night is ‘Expressions for Sustainable Change. Visitors can look forward to fireside chats from reputed auction houses such as Christie’s, and Sotheby’s and witness a collection of art pieces by local and international artists that feature sustainability measures. More info here
4. Bounce away on the world’s largest outdoor bouncy castle
Jump X, the outdoor inflatable park that first blew up into existence at Dubai Parks and Resorts this February has now reopened after closing for the summer. Open to kids and adults alike, it’s this bouncy castle’s cutesy facade houses some serious GI Joe vibes that grown-ups will love and definitely counts as a workout. Read more here
5. Catch the first-ever game of professional baseball in Dubai
Now that the Cricket World Cup has wound up after a nailbiting month-and-half, here’s something to get you your sporting fix that also involves batters and bowlers. Okay, ‘pitchers’. The American sport of baseball is making its Middle East debut on November 24 and 25 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium with the Baseball United All-Star Showcase. Two All-Star teams – United East and United West – will be participating in the region’s inaugural baseball matches featuring eight prospects who are players from the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Ugandan, and Palestinian baseball national teams. Expect a lot of on-ground entertainment, including headline concerts on both nights.
Tickets from AED 79; get them here
6. Take a walk down the yellow brick lane at The Wizard Of Oz 360° Show
The Theatre of Digital Arts (TODA) has reinvented the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz into a breathtaking holographic adventure. The 360 degree experience will let you join Dorothy and Toto the dog virtually on their journey to the Emerald City. Along the way, you’ll also get to interact digitally with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witches. Get your tickets here
7. Fall down laughing at this stand-up comedy
Peals of laughter are set to ring across the Emirates International Theatre on November 25 as renowned Indian comedians Rohan Joshi (satirical news comedy show On Air with AIB, Amazon Prime special ‘Wake n Bake’) and Urooj Ashfaq (Edinburgh Fringe Festival show ‘Oh No!’) take to the stage for a special stand-up comedy show. The one-night-only show will see the comics known for their biting wit and confessional brand of comedy that’s tied in with social commentary to crack you up.
Tickets start from AED 100, more details here.
8. Check out the new SALT Winter Camp Pop-Up
Winter is pop-up season in Dubai and SALT doesn’t disappoint. The burger joint’s annual winter pop-up camp is back in full force for another season of outdoor fun. The iconic airstream trailer, campfire tents and camel’s traipsing around DIFC make a return but this year, the flamboyant pink colour scheme has been switched up for a soft green to complement the pop-up’s Japan. Japanese-inspired cuisine and entertainment will unfold at this outdoor spot opposite the Museum of the Future until March 9.
9. Rock out to a Candlelight Queen concert on the Queen Elizabeth II
You know who’s the champion of stunning instrumental tribute concerts? Candlelight. They’re back this month with a tribute to 80s rock royalty Queen at the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth II) floating hotel. Queen on Queen? Doesn’t get any more regal. The grand lounge at this historic cruise ship-turned-hotel in Mina Rashid will turn into a sea of candles on November 25, with two shows at 7pm and 9pm each. The Candelabra Quartet will bring anthems like We Will Rock You, Another One Bites The Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody and more to life. Get your tickets here.
10-13. Celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving at these restaurants
Call it Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or Turkey Day but the American holiday is one to rejoice in and relish hearty food. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 23 and an array of Dubai restaurants are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the occasion.
🦃 Swissôtel Al Ghurair is hosting a traditional Thanksgiving Brunch at their Liwan restaurant from 12:30pm to 4pm on November 26. Honey glazed turkey with all the trimmings, beef fajita steaks with nachos, peanut truffle and more are part of the menu for AED 179 per adult and AED 89 per child aged between 6 to 12 years.
Call 04 293 3270 or email dining.alghurair@swissotel.com
🥧 The Croft at Dubai Mariott Harbour is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on November 23 with an array of mouthwatering staples, from roasted turkey with cranberry sauce to beef stew, creamy mac& cheese and pumpkin pie.
From AED 199 per person; 7pm to 10pm. Call 04 319 4000 or emailing eatatharbour@marriott.com
🌽 Cleo, the Mediterranean eatery at Hyde Hotel Dubai is rolling out a Thanksgiving feast on November 23 where a stuffed turkey will hold pride of place, followed by a string of Mediterranean dishes, live stations and trad Thanksgiving desserts.
AED 150 per person, from 12:30pm to 4pm. WhatsApp +971 52 269 1661 or email cleo.mediterranean@hydedubai.com
🍗 Famous steakhouse chain Carna is breaking out the big guns for Thanksgiving at its Dubai outpost in SLS Dubai. The sky-high eatery perched on the 74th floor is serving a special menu on November 23 for AED 395 per person that includes the piece de resistance – roast turkey as well as all the sides and trimmings that complete it.
Contact carna.dubai@slshotels.com for bookings
14-15. Celebrate the Thai festival of Loy Krathong with these sumptuous meals
The annual Thai festival of lights and lanterns, Loy Krathong, falls on November 27 this year and while we may not be in Bangkok to witness the picturesque scenes of candles and lanterns being floated out on rivers and lakes to honour the harvest season, some of the best Thai restaurants in Dubai are recreating the experience here.
🏮 The Thai Kitchen at Park Hyatt is celebrating the festival traditionally with a release of floating baskets and lanterns at 6:30pm at the hotel’s The Lounge Terrace. Guests will be serenaded by traditional Thai melodies, entertained with cultural dances and then fed to a lavish feast featuring traditional dishes such as Panaeng Neua, Thung Thong Gai and more. On November 27 and 28.
AED 475 for 2; from 6pm to 12am.
🛕Tong Thai, the iconic Thai restaurant in JW Marriott Marquis is hosting a four-course set menu for Loy Krathong on November 27 and 28. Diners will find themselves tucking into mains such as Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Chicken Curry, Thai Eggplant, Baby Marrow, Chili, Sweet Basil), Nua Phad Prick Sod, Thai dessert Lod Chong Ruam Mit and more.
From AED 225 per person; 6pm-12am. Call 04 414 3000 or email jwmmrr@marriott.com
16. Eat free brownies and enjoy a free concert at Hard Rock Cafe’s 25th birthday
Dubai’s Hard Rock Cafe is marking its 25th anniversary this month and the way the rock n’roll-themed eatery is celebrating it is by giving away free brownies to 25 lucky people who post about the Hard Rock Cafe on their Instagram stories and mention why they want to visit. The celebrations reach a crescendo on November 23 with a big anniversary party that includes a free concert by well-known Emirati musician Abri.
Advance table bookings are required for the free concert; visit the Hard Rock Cafe Dubai website
17. Don’t miss all the fun at Global Village’s 28th season
Everyone’s favourite theme park made its 2023 comeback in October. The many pavilions, entertainment acts and dining experiences of Global Village will open its doors later this month. While details about what to expect for the entertainment park’s 28th edition have been scant, we’re sure it will be mind-blowing considering the 2022-2023 edition saw 27 pavilions highlight 90 cultures, over 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining options and 400 odd entertainment shows. More details here
18. Dazzle yourself with a breakfast at Tiffany’s first Dubai cafe
Break out that black dress and sunglasses and get ready to croon Moon River at this legendary jewellery brand that has launched its signature cafe in Dubai. The Middle East’s first Tiffany Blue Box Cafe in Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium earlier last month and they’re serving up a menu of delectable French-American breakfasts, afternoon teas and lunch and dinner options. Read more here.
19-20. Paint the town red at these nightlife events by The Spot
Let your hair down at one of these cool parties by The Spot. Dazzling brunches at one of Dubai’s most beautiful restaurants and Friday afternoon pool parties to drown away your work-week sorrows are all in place. Get more info and tickets below
🥂Soul Brunch Downtown at Papa Dubai
🤽♀️Out of Office Fridays: Pool Party
21. See the Christmas tree lights switch on at Studio One Hotel
On November 30, Studio One’s getting a headstart on their Christmas celebrations with a tree lighting ceremony in the hotel courtyard It includes live carolling by the GEMS Metropol Choir from 4:30pm to 7pm and the tree comes to life with twinkling lights at 7pm. Find details here about 18 other Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
From 4:30pm to 7:30pm; visit the website or call 800-STUDIO (788346)