It’s a new year which means it’s a time for a refresh and revival for many – and this includes a packed calendar of things to do in the UAE.

With new launches spanning fashion, cuisines and things to experience both indoors and outdoors across the emirates, January 2025 is shaping up to be a busy one. 

From the season’s most coveted fashion releases to the latest beach club openings and It-girl approved dining spots, GRAZIA’s curated January guide is the ultimate checklist of unmissable events to experience.

An Exclusive Valentino Cinema Experience

It’s not often you can say the city of Rome comes to the UAE with an exclusive experience. But to mark the New Year in style, Maison Valentino, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Retail, brings the eternal allure of the magical Italian city and it’s cinematic landscape to the UAE’s capital to showcase the works of acclaimed director and five-time Oscar winner Federico Fellini.

Taking place over four nights at the 421 Art Campus, the works of Fellini will be showcased from January 13 to January 16, 2025. Fittingly so, as the Italian cinemascape was the inspiration for the Italian fashion house’s recent Avant Les Débuts campaign by creative director Alessandro Michele. Fellini’s works was a particular inspiration for Michele in his creative process. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonder of Maison Valentino and Federico Fellini this January.

JD Malat Gallery Opens in Dubai’s Opera District

The renowned Mayfair-based JD Malat Gallery is making its debut in the Middle East with a stunning 1,700-square-foot space in Dubai’s Downtown Opera District. Located near the iconic Burj Khalifa, the gallery will showcase its esteemed roster alongside emerging regional talents. Beyond exhibitions, JD Malat Gallery aims to contribute to the local art scene through public art and community initiatives, fostering global contemporary art dialogue.

Maison Repossi Expands Across the Middle East

Maison Repossi, the Place Vendôme jeweller, unveils its new boutique concept in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and a renovated flagship at Dubai Mall. Inspired by the shades of emerald green, the luxurious design invites clients into an intimate space reminiscent of a jewelry box, where every detail reflects the Maison’s artisanal heritage and every detail is a work of handcrafted art in itself. The store will feature Maison’s iconic collections such as Antifer, Serti sur Vide and Berbere, as well as a selection of exclusive High Jewellery pieces including iconic Blast and Brevis collections.

Shop the Louis Vuitton x Murakami Re-edition

Celebrating Louis Vuitton’s iconic collaboration with renowned artist, Takashi Murakami, the Maison makes a comeback of the infamous 2000s collection with a re-edition. Tapping into Murakami’s creative ingenuity, Louis Vuitton released 200 pieces with each item seamlessly combining the Maison’s timeless craftsmanship with Murakami’s distinctively vibrant aesthetic. With honourable nods to the rainbow-hued bags, the LV and floral motifs, you can now shop the collection which sprawls across fashion and accessories.

Discover the collection at Louis Vuitton’s website.

The Uncommon Desert Pop-Up Experience

Immersive like no other, The Uncommon has partnered with Dubai Shopping Festival for a new desert pop-up experience in Al Marmoon. As the winter season invites you al fresco, there’s no better way to experience Arabian nights than with the touch of a modern menu filled with delights by chef Sheikha Hessa Al Khalifa. Open till January 12, 2025, you can revel in the Arabian desert air

A new homegrown Emirati Bistro To try

Set to launch this month, Gerbou is your local farm-to-table restaurant that blends local culture with sustainability. Looking to set a new standard of traditional cuisine with modern interiors, Gerbou, a collaboration project between Atelier and the Tashkheel design community, is a renovated villa designed to reminisce Arab culture. The space will encompass indoor and alfresco dining.

R&R With Guerlain at one&only the palm

In line with the New Year, a little refresh and rejuvenation in the iconic Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm will bring your January to new heights with its rituals. Never underestimate a day dedicated to some downtime at this resorts spa, it comes fully packed with a three hour session of pure sophistication and zen time. Experience the January Ritual from January 1 to 14, 2025, for Dhs2,250 per person which features a cleansing body treatment, a full-body hot stone massage, and the masterpiece Guerlain-style facial treatment, the Black Orchid, for extra skin glow and youthfulness.

Michael Bublé live in Abu Dhabi

Grammy award-winning maestro, Michael Bublé, is bringing his charming voice to Abu Dhabi this January 16, 2025. As part of the infamous Saadiyat Nights line up, he’ll be performing his top-rated songs such as Home, Sway, and his rendition of Feeling Good. 

A Winter Desert Escape at Al Maha Resort

Winter season is in full swing in Dubai, and the best place to go to enjoy the Arabian air is none other than Al Maha Resort nestled in the lush greens and dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. For those looking to live the quiet life in 2025, Al Maha is home to a range of beautiful wildlife, holds luxurious tented suites, each with its own plunge pool, to bring guests an unforgettable experience of pure privacy and luxury.

Ain dubai

Nearly two years since its closure, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island’s iconic wheel, is officially back and reopened. Officially resuming its rotation, tourists and residents can make their way to Bluewater’s Island for yet another enchanting ride overlooking the Dubai skyline. Open on Tuesdays to Fridays, the Ain Dubai Wheel will be operating from 12pm to 9pm, while on Saturdays to Sundays, 11am to 9pm respectively, while Monday’s are closed. Four ticket types are available, ranging from regular tickets to more exclusive VIP experiences. Prices start from Dhs145 per adult.

Irresistible dishes at Duck & Waffle

Having recently opened its doors, Duck & Waffle, a UK-based dining sensation, is now officially located in the heart of DIFC district at Innovation One. This bistro is here to redefine the Dubai culinary scene with its British and American styled cuisines, where guests are invited to experience a swirl of innovative cocktails and mouth-watering comfort food. With an all-day dining vision, Duck & Waffle embraces the spirit of quality to raise the bar.

For reservations visit duckandwaffle.com

A new beach club arrives at j1

J1’s latest beach to join its roster welcomes Sirene by Gaia. The brainchild of pioneers behind iconic experiences, Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, collaborate once more, this time for an enthralling 9,000 square metre beach club and dining space. With sunbeds priced at Dhs400 per person and private cabanas at Dhs7,000, this Greek mythology-inspired beach club invites guests to revel in the laidback yet luxurious ambience. Of course, without a doubt, you will get to taste signature GAIA dishes such as the Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yogurt, alongside new whisks like the Sirene Dakos and the Caviar & Oyster.

An exclusive wine pairing dinner

It’s a tell-tale sign to indulge in the finest Italian dishes while drinking top-class vino this January 16, 2025. The always-excellent Isola Restaurant located in Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse invites guests for an exclusive dinner with the award-winning winery, Agriano Wines. While indulging in the taste of modern Italian dishes, expect to be drawn to the extensive wine selection as you bask in culinary perfection.

Indulge in II gattopardo’s Business Lunch

The recently opened restaurant, II Gattopardo, is introducing its latest Business Lunch menu of classic Italian dishes. The dining destination invites you to indulge in the curated three-course menu on the 51st floor of ICF Brookfield Place. Setting the tone for a time seeped in the spirit of La Dolce Vita, expect to wallow in the restaurant’s finest dishes from Antipasti, Secondi and Pasticceria. Priced at Dhs155 per person from 12pm to 3pm, II Gattopardo’s Business Lunch highlights the richly flavoured Ravioli with ricotta and spinach to the sweet delights of the Affo-Gatto with hazelnut praline.

Celebrate Chinese New Year At MiMi Mei Fair

This Chinese New Year, dine in one of Dubai’s latest culinary openings and celebrate tradition at the MiMi Mei Fair. With its first-ever Chinese New Year, MiMi Mei Fair is making the year of the Wood Snake with a special tasting menu, a bespoke celebratory cocktail, and to truly embrace tradition, a classic wishing tree from January 14 to February 12, 2025, priced at Dhs528 per person with an additional Dhs328 for an exquisite wine pairing. Among the stand-out dishes for the festivity, you can enjoy the Dim Sum Basket Of Wealth, which bursts the flavours of the prawn coriander, truffle edamame, and chicken chive dim sum to the Grilled Chilean Seabass that expertly blend in delicate touches of soy, scallion, and ginger.

New Balance Unveils Exclusive Collection With Sun & Sand Sports

A brand known for its performance and premier design, New Balance is set to launch its first-ever collection with UAE-born brand, Sun & Sand Sports (SSS). Exclusively arriving only at SSS stores around the seven Emirates on January 15, 2025, the collection will feature New Balance’s classic sihlouettes across shoes and athleisure in never-seen-before hues. Hghlighting the Fresh Foam x 1080v14, the always-versalitle shoe will dawn vibrant shades while providing the wearer it’s unrivalled support and breathability.