Photo: Instagram @dianashex

Kicking off December, Dubai & Abu Dhabi are offering a weekend filled with music, festivities and winter escapes, not to mention the Formula 1 which marks one of the biggest events in the UAE calendar.

Whether you’re looking to experience the holiday spirit or a chic night out, here’s a roundup of the city’s offerings this weekend.

Experience the Abu Dhabi F1 with Coya

Photo: Supplied

Set to be the most exclusive party this race weekend, Garden on Yas by  COYA will take over the stunning garden terrace of the W Hotel Abu Dhabi for the first time, from December 6 to 8. With COYA’s renowned party vibes and delicious Peruvian cuisine blended with unbeatable racetrack views, free-flowing beverages, live entertainment, and access to all the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Garden on Yas is set to be an experience of a lifetime. Get your tickets here

Dance Under the Stars at Be Beach

Photo: Instagram @carlita

Every Saturday, Be Beach transforms into a party paradise, with international DJs bringing their best sounds to the sands of Dubai. This beachfront destination has become a go-to for music lovers who want to dance the night away under the stars. On December 7th, Turkish DJ and producer Carlita will be bringing her beats to the beach, guaranteed to carry you throughout the early hours of the morning.

Experience a Winter Wonderland

Photo: Madinat Jumeirah

The festive spirit is officially here with the annual Christmas Market at Madinat Jumeirah returning from December 6 to 31. This beloved market spans 1,750 square meters, with a 36-foot Christmas tree covered with glittering baubles and candy canes. Traditional festive foods and drinks, plus activities like snow fights, bungee jumping and North Pole train rides will be available for all. You can even decorate a gingerbread house to take home or meet Santa!

Drone Show Extravaganza

Photo: Instagram @f8dubai

As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which runs from December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025, the skies above Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR will light up every single night with a stunning drone show. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s show promises to be a must-see spectacle and be unforgettable with its two nightly displays. 

A Home Away from Home at Wayfarer

Photo: Wayfarer

Discover Wayfarer, a new urban café nestled in the Ritz Carlton DIFC, designed as the perfect “third place” in Dubai. This welcoming café is more than just a dining spot; it’s a place where people can feel connected, whether for a business meeting, a casual coffee, or an evening out with friends. Wayfarer provides premium comfort food, warm service, and a cozy atmosphere, embodying the concept of a home away from home. 

A Night Out at Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Photo: Supplied

Experience a night out at Honeycomb Hi-Fi, the Middle East’s first listening bar, located in the Pullman Hotel Downtown, Business Bay. Since its opening, Honeycomb has been a hotspot in Dubai’s nightlife scene. To complement the music, the menu by award-winning chef Matt Abergel features a blend of traditional and modern izakaya dishes, while the bar serves a range of delicious Japanese cocktails, craft beers, sake and shochu, set to carry you through your night out.

Sweet Moments at Tashas

Photo: Supplied

For those with a sweet tooth, Tashas is the spot to go. The staple café in Dubai offers a variety of sweet treats, from tangy Cherry Galettes to nostalgic Knickerbocker Glories. Perfectly portioned for sharing, these desserts promise to satisfy your cravings while enjoying  moments with friends and family over the weekend.

Sip in French Elegance at Le Bar by La Dame de Pic  

Photo: Supplied

Elevate your evening at Le Bar located within the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic Dubai at One Za’abeel. This exclusive new cocktail experience, ‘Do You Drink French Fluently,’ offers an immersive journey into the art of French mixology. Available from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 PM to 12 AM, guests can enjoy a sophisticated evening with expertly made cocktails, Champagne, rosé, and an array of dishes, including crispy aubergine and pistachio cuttlefish.