Get your calendars out – exhilarating adventures, brunch and culture await.
The first week in February has arrived, which means brunches, theme nights, dining experiences and epic events are all on the agenda for the week ahead.
Monday 2 February
Try the culinary delights at Chom Chom
Born in Hong Kong and inspired by the buzz of Hanoi, Chom Chom has arrived in Dubai with a playful, street-smart energy. The name nods to the rambutan fruit in Vietnamese, known for its “messy hair,” setting the tone for a concept that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The menu leans into Vietnamese favourites with a street-food twist. Start with Char-Grilled Squid or Lemongrass Beef Skewers for a hit of smoke and citrus. Soft-Shell Crab Rice Paper Rolls bring crunch and freshness in equal measure, while the VFC Wings are a crowd-pleaser made for repeat orders. Portions are designed for sharing, so come ready to pass plates and try a bit of everything.
GO: Visit www.chomchom.ae for more information.
Tuesday 3 February
Have a leisurely lunch at Maison Mer
True to its name, Maison Mer translates to “House of the Sea,” and its setting at Nikki Beach Dubai captures that coastal spirit with breezy views and Riviera-style ease. The kitchen is led by Corporate Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza, working alongside Dubai-based Head Chef Kavish Chimajee. Together, they focus on classic French technique, with seasonings that let quality ingredients shine while channelling the flavours of the Mediterranean coast. One to order is the signature Linguini aux Tomate cerise et Poisson Frais du Jour, featuring homemade pasta coated in a silky tomato coulis and topped with the market’s freshest catch.
GO: Visit maisonmerrestaurants.com for more information.
Wednesday 4 February
Dine at Lion In The Sun
Lion in the Sun has made its Dubai debut at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai. Perched at the top of the hotel, the venue plays on the idea of a “salotto in the sky” — a living room in the sky — bringing a relaxed, design-led mood to the skyline. Inspired by the original Kenyan retreat as envisioned by F1 entrepreneur Flavio Briatore, the concept translates its laid-back spirit to Dubai with effortless confidence. In the kitchen, Chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu leads with Mediterranean influences and an emphasis on open-fire cooking. Expect crisp seafood, flame-kissed meats and seasonal vegetables, built around smoke, texture and simplicity. There’s also a dedicated paella master on hand to deliver the Spanish signature with flair.
GO: Follow @lioninthesundubai on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 5 February
Get a taste of the emirates at BRIX
Continuing its mission to redefine dessert-led fine dining, Brix has launched The Voice of the Emirates, a four-course immersive dessert experience inspired by the flavours and cultural soul of the UAE. The new menu pairs four desserts with four non-alcoholic beverages, delving into local heritage through memory, texture and taste. Led by Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, expect inventive interpretations of Emirati staples including dates, salicornia, goat milk, sesame, Arabic spices, coffee culture and carob, which takes centre stage in the final course as a refined alternative to chocolate. Available Thursday to Sunday at 7:30pm.
GO: Visit https://brixdessert.com for more information.
Friday 6 February
Experience Taste of Dubai
Taste of Dubai returns with 16 of the region’s best restaurants, alongside established and emerging chefs. Make your way around the festival as each restaurant serves three to five sample-sized dishes, including at least one vegetarian option and one child-friendly dish. There’s also the Taste VIP Lounge for elevated experiences and the Kids Village for younger guests. This year’s line-up includes Akira Back, Demon Duck, Duck and Waffle, Khadak, Lowe and FACT award-winning Leña Dubai. Beyond the bites, visitors can get involved through interactive activations and hands-on sessions. Past editions have featured masterclasses on pasta, coffee and mixology, plus the first barbecue school, alongside workshops covering food styling and photography.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 7 February
See Mariah Carey at Saadiyat Nights
Saadiyat Nights is set to bring the vocals as Mariah Carey returns to Abu Dhabi. Across her career, the global superstar has sold more than 220 million records and delivered an enviable catalogue of hits, from “Always Be My Baby” and “Emotions” to “Fantasy” and “Hero.” Her festive soundtrack has become a seasonal staple, led by “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In September 2025, Mariah released Here for It All, her first studio album since 2018, featuring singles including “Type Dangerous,” which samples Eric B. & Rakim, and “Sugar Sweet,” featuring Kehlani and Shenseea. Expect a setlist built for big moments.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Sunday 8 February
Dare to dine on pufferfish
This February, KIGO unveils a nine-course Fugu (Pufferfish) Kaiseki Menu centred on one of Japan’s most storied delicacies. The limited-time experience is led by Head Chef Akinori “Aki” Tanigawa, one of the few chefs in the region formally licensed to prepare fugu. In Japan, certification requires years of rigorous apprenticeship, reflecting the discipline, technical mastery and tradition needed to handle the ingredient safely. Each course showcases a different part of the fish, using techniques designed to highlight its delicate character. Limited to 50 guests, the menu must be reserved at least one week in advance due to careful sourcing and the rarity of the ingredients. Available daily until 28 February. AED 3,000 per person.
GO: Call 04 506 0388 for more information.
