What's On Dubai

Chef-owner Jonathan Colin shares the can’t-miss plates (and pours) that keep the new taqueria El Primo buzzing in Dubai In industry circles, chef Jonathan Colin has been quietly revered for years, a chef whose precision and perspective were shaped in some of the world’s most exacting kitchens.

After the recent heavy rains, parts of the UAE are in for more unsettled weather this week, with high winds, blowing dust and a notable drop in temperature on the way Just when you thought the UAE was done with dramatic weather for a while, this week has a few more surprises in store – though thankfully, heavy rain isn’t one of them. Instead, it’s a mix of coastal mist, strengthening winds and a sharp mid-week temperature drop that’s worth planning around.

Make the most of this April with these outdoor restaurants in Dubai Few pleasures in life deliver quite as perfectly as a shady spring lunch on a terrace – or dinner beneath a canopy of stars – especially if you grew up under the unrelenting grey skies of Northern Europe. So where’s the best place to indulge in this seasonal alfresco magic before the summer sun takes over? We’ve got the reservations and recommendations for Dubai’s finest outdoor restaurants.

The Beam might just be Dubai’s most elegant Sunday lunch If you’re looking to swap loud brunches for something a little more refined, The Beam is quietly setting the tone. Think classic British charm, beautifully executed dishes, and a laidback, grown-up atmosphere that feels more countryside manor than city hotspot. It’s the kind of place where long lunches roll effortlessly into the afternoon, and everything from the setting to the service feels just right.

Sponsored: Time slows down at this all-suite beachfront retreat Looking to hit the pause button? Nestled within JA The Resort, Dubai, life moves at a gentler pace at beachfront retreat JA Palm Tree Court. Lush gardens paired with a golden shoreline create the perfect atmosphere to switch off and reconnect. Designed for those seeking a more relaxed rhythm, the resort blends privacy and comfort, along with the added benefit of generous resort credit, so you can truly leave your worries behind.

This quieter, resident-focused beachfront delivers a calmer, more understated counterpoint to the Palm’s typically high-octane scenes West Beach is known as the Palm’s glossy, high-energy show pony – all basslines, branded beach clubs and the occasional queue for a sun lounger – but Vista Mare is the calmer, better-adjusted sibling. Sitting on the east shoreline of the Palm’s trunk, this resident-leaning stretch has always had good bones, but lately the line-up feels particularly solid.

A seat at the counter, a plate of Spain, and a masterclass in why simple food, done properly, still wins First, a little backstory. The original Barrafina opened in London’s Soho in 2007 and promptly taught the city a new competitive sport: queuing. In 2016 it moved to Dean Street; today there are five in London, each still pulling lines before the doors are unlocked.

Sponsored: Discover Spring Moments at Al Khail Square with creative workshops, lifestyle pop-ups, live shows and a new Splash & Play zone If your weekends have been feeling a little same-same, this is the kind of reset you want. Al Khail Square is stepping into the new season with Spring Moments, a line-up of workshops, live entertainment and easy, family-friendly experiences that turn a casual visit into something more.

A firey new bistro in Alserkal Avenue that’s nailed it Great neighbourhood restaurants are magical little places. They’re the rooms you slip into when the outside world feels uncertain, and you need somewhere that promises warmth, good food and the quiet reassurance that things are broadly going to be alright. The best ones aren’t grand, they’re simply welcoming, softly lit, and run by people who seem genuinely pleased you’ve turned up.

Sponsored: That’s a lot of free hotel stays up for grabs If you’ve seen this and assumed it was a prank, think again. Media One Hotel is celebrating a major milestone this April — and marking the occasion with a seriously generous giveaway. To celebrate its 17th anniversary, the Dubai-born hotel is giving its community the chance to win complimentary stays every single day throughout April, alongside discounts across its popular dining spots.