Spring has officially sprung and as we welcome April with open arms, a new month calls for new things to do. Thankfully, for those in the Middle East, there’s no shortage of exciting happenings across the Gulf.

From exciting new restaurant openings and the best places for a much-needed R&R to the bustling festivals, the month of April offers plenty of options.

Like always, GRAZIA brings you ample inspiration of what to do throughout the month of April.

The Ultimate getaway in Riyadh

For those seeking to escape to Saudi Arabia for a quick R&R break, the Fairmonth Hotel Riyadh has curated an exclusive weekend getaway offer. Situated right in the heart of the city, you can enjoy world-class treatment whilst indulging in the hotel’s top offerings. From a 15 per cent discount for staycationers, a filling breakfast at The 365, lunch with Italian cuisine, and by sunset, a plethora of options to try out the award-winning spa and wellness, state-of-the-art fitness centre, or a quick dip in the indoor pool. Here, you can truly unwind and let loose.

A weekend with The Dubai Balloon

There’s nothing like a picturesque view of the Dubai skyline while indulging in a bit of art and family fun. The Dubai Balloon is setting a time where you can truly indulge in Dubai’s best spots. On April 19, 2025, as you soar through the skies (spot Atlantis on your way up, too) and watch the sun set, they invite you to whip up your own creative art masterpiece at The Dubai Balloon Café with complimentary drinks for just Dhs300 per person. Offering plenty of activities for residents, the Dubai Balloon will also host a family-friendly event with Easter Egg hunting from April 19 to 20, 2025, from 11am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm, surely perfect for a festive day out.

Visit The Frankie Shop’s First-Ever Pop-Up In Abu Dhabi

The Frankie Shop has finally arrived in the Middle East. It will debut with a much-anticipated pop-up in the MiZa district of Abu Dhabi from April 18, 2025, to May 1, 2025, marking the brand’s first-ever physical retail space in the region. The New York-based brand will feature 50 exclusive designs in the Emirate, from their best sellers to avant-première to their usual elevated essentials. Bringing more than just a pop-up, the cult-favourite brand will also bring a stellar list of speakers and stylists, such as Bettina Looney, for an immersive experience.

Shop 12 storeez spring/summer 2025 collection

12 STOREEZ has launched their SS25 collection titled Stillness In Bloom. Embracing the spirit of authenticity, co-founders Irina Golomazdina and Ivan Khoklov star in the collection’s campaign, where lightweight fabrics such as organic linen and fine silk take centre stage. Perfect for the spring season, the collection features an array of ensembles designed for timeless individuals. The comfort-first design is available at its branches in the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Marina Mall.

BMW Middle East will bring the Iconic Andy Warhol Art Car

Just in time for BMW Art Car Collection’s 50th anniversary, fans of the German car brand will get to see one of Andy Warhol’s most legendary car designs during Art Dubai, slated for April 16 to 20, 2025. The infamous BMW Art Car #4, created in 1979 by the American artist, will grace the arts festival at an exclusive showcase.

Soak up the sun in style

Soak up the sun in serious style at Nobu by the Beach located at Atlantis The Royal. It’s where laidback luxury meets iconic Nobu flair – think chic cabanas, signature cocktails, and a menu of Japanese-Peruvian bites and shareable plates that are almost too pretty to eat (almost). Whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch or a full day of poolside indulgence, this is your new go-to escape. The beach club is open daily from 10am to 7pm with sunbed prices starting from Dhs295 and the restaurant is open from 11.30am to 11.30pm.

A taste of France at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi

Champs-Elysées has never been closer. Nestled in Saadiyat Island, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi is where art, culture, and a refined taste of France blend together. Perfectly situated at the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, Fouquet’s brings the true flavours of France and the renowned 1899 bistro’s finesse right to your table. An exemplar of Parisian dining, Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire has curated a generous menu of flavourful dishes across the starters, main courses, and desserts.

Celebrate Easter at The Jou Jou Brasserie

This Easter, it’s best to hop in the celebrations at Jou Jou Brasserie located in the Four Seasons Resort Dubai. The Mediterranean restaurant is ringing in the festivity from April 19 to 20, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm, with an exceptional brunch menu. Just the perfect time to embrace the Spring weather in the UAE, Jou Jou Brasserie’s brunch experience is priced from Dhs485 to Dhs840 per person, where guests can take in the finest seasonal flavours with a buffet featuring a BBQ station with premium meats, spring salads, and an array of enticing mains.

A staycation at delano dubai

A staycation at Delano Dubai, located in Bluewaters Dubai, will be the perfect way to start the month of April. Just in time to mark the Eid Al Fitr festivities, Delano Dubai invites guests to experience its Dubai Retreat package, which includes a 20 per cent off for the staycation, paired with a complimentary breakfast and their signature five-star service. From breakfast at Tutto Pasta to lunch at Maison Revka, and a beach day at La Cantine, you can start the first long weekend here.

Wear the change you want to see with Esposa

For over 40 years, Esposa Group has been weaving love stories through elegance and grace across Lebanon, Dubai, and Riyadh. Now, the luxury bridal group is inviting you to be part of a love story that goes beyond fashion. Through the Dubai Cares x Esposa Group initiative, the group is auctioning exquisite evening gowns, with 100 per cent of the proceeds dedicated to supporting women and children in need in Lebanon. It first started on Women’s Day with bids aiming to provide essential aid – food, shelter, winter kits, and education – displaced families who need it most. Every gown tells a story, and with your support, that story becomes one of kindness and transformation, turning fashion into a force for good. For more information visit esposagroup.com/en/auctions.

Modest Fashion Week’s 10th edition

Modest Fashion Week is officially returning with its 10th edition at St. Regis Saadiyat Island. Set to take place on April 14 to 16, 2025, Abu Dhabi will host the season’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection with over 30 brands set to showcase their latest designs at the capital. This year’s theme, ‘Celebrate Modesty, Celebrate Diversity, Celebrate Yourself’, will have brands from all over the world show the true essence of modest fashion.

Pamper yourself at Blended Wellness

Everyone deserves a little pamper session, so why not do so at Blended Wellness? Perfect for a full 360 experience, Blended Wellness is the go-to spot for all your beauty and health treatments. From Pilates, Barre, to a dedicated space for your mani-pedis, this multi-faceted centre located in Dukes The Palm, Dubai, will sort out all your needs.

Sotheby’s will unveil the rarest blue coloured diamond in abu dhabi

This April 8, 2025, the UAE will get a first look at the rare $20 million (Dhs73 million) diamond, The Mediterranean Blue. Marking its first stop in the UAE, the diamond will be in Abu Dhabi’s Bassam Freiha Art Foundation at Saadiyat Island Cultural District for a global unveiling before it is auctioned in Geneva on May 13, 2025.

Slow Living at Banyan Tree Dubai

With the warmer weather slowly creeping in, it’s just the right time to book a luxurious escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city and soak up the sun. Marking the festivities, this beachside sanctuary at Bluewaters Island is offering 20 per cent off on stays to mark Eid Al Fitr, the R&R spa treatments, and their exclusive dining experiences for a truly curated retreat while celebrating the festivity. Needless to say, this five-star hotel covers all your must-dos in your Eid holiday checklist.

The creative scene at Art Dubai 2025

Art Dubai is set to make a gallant return this month from April 18 to 20, 2025. For its 18th edition, Art Dubai 2025 will take place at the iconic five-star hotel Madinat Jumeirah. Here, guests can expect an art fair that showcases four distinct art styles which are contemporary, modern, bawwaba, and digital, as well as an extensive list of new artists, performance and workshops.

The biggest music fest

One of the most exciting open-format music festivals in the UAE (and also the largest in the whole of the Middle East), OFFLIMITS, is where the adventurous and thrill seekers of the UAE come together for a refreshingly cool escape. Slated for April 26, 2025, this festival which highlights different genres and styles, guests can surely enjoy a plethora of regional and regional names set to take on the big stage. Notable names include GRAZIA cover star Zeyne, Kaiser Chiefs and others. Prices start from Dhs485, while for those looking for the exclusive experience, prices are at Dhs2,700.

a new j1 beach spot arrives

Set to open in April 2025, J1 Beach is opening yet another of its fiery culinary restaurants, INA. An innovative lifestyle dining fusion curated by Chef Glen Ballis, INA (which means fire in Nigerian Yoruba), is marking the city with its largest open fire-grill restaurant, which will feature a tantalising flame-grilled selection of mains. Naturally, excitement is abuzz for its rare selection of spirits, it’s elegant woodwork, as well as its warm ambience.

the Six Hands Dinner at Jumeirah Burj Al arab

For the true food connoisseurs, an exciting culinary journey is just over the horizon this coming April 7, 2025. Located in Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s infamous Al Muntaha, culinary industry leaders Chef Saverio Sbaragli, Himanshu Saini and Jason Atherton will present a curated nine-course menu blending French-Italian, Indian and Japanese flavours into one sitting. The exclusive dinner is priced at Dhs1,900 per person. For those who prefer to indulge with a hearty wine pair, guests can bask in the experience for an additional Dhs1,400 per person.

A blissful brunch at One&only

Sometimes brunch at Dubai’s One&Only The Palm is just the right answer to all your cravings. It’s no secret that this luxury beach resort knows how to blend a perfect staycation interenary while helping you indulge in some much-needed R&R. Those looking to relax by the beach or try out the Guerlain spa are in for a treat on April 20, 2025 as two-Michelin star STAY Yannik Alleno will offer a four-course Easter menu. Truly a day for elevated flavours, this memorable gourmet dining experience is priced at Dhs950 per person.