Newsfeed
Entering the New Year in full swing, there’s always something going on, to do, and to see across the UAE.
As January ushers in a renewed sense of energy, the UAE sets the tone for the months ahead with a calendar packed with exciting moments. From concerts to pop-ups and new dining spots to try, GRAZIA rounds up what to do in the UAE this January.
High Fashion Meets High Tea
Forget ordinary afternoon tea – this January, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is serving a lesson in edible couture. From 13–26 January, Episodes transforms into a runway for An Afternoon Tea with Oscar de la Renta, a mouth-watering experience inspired by the house’s Pre-Spring 2026 garden reverie. Executive Pastry Chef Alexandre Thabard has translated the collection’s botanical prints and cascading lace into delicious creations: think lobster crowned with Krystal caviar, hibiscus salmon rosettes, and pâté en croûte from the pastry trolley. And the desserts? They’re almost too beautiful to eat – from jasmine-peach choux and exotic pavlova to tonka cheesecake, all enjoyed within the palace’s famously lavish interiors.
Press Reset
If the festive season left you feeling a little sluggish, puffy, or just plain out of sync, we’ve found your reset button. Head to Studio14 in Jumeirah – one of our favourite Pilates studios – and book their new Infrared Roller Shaper sessions. Imagine the deepest, most satisfying massage you’ve ever had, combined with a powerful infrared technology that works deep into your lymphatic system to reduce water retention, ease muscle tension, and boost circulation. The result? Legs that feel lighter, smoother, and energised from the inside out, with a noticeable reduction in puffiness and cellulite. It’s the perfect rest-day treat that blends serious detox with a side of relaxation.
Visit the new ulta beauty store
Calling all beauty lovers, the long-awaited opening of the UAE’s first Ulta Beauty store is set for January 29, 2026. In November, 2025, the beauty giant announced they were heading to the region, opening their first store in Bahrain earlier last month. This January, Dubai beauty enthusiasts will finally be able to get their hands on all of their cult-favourite beauty brands at Ulta Beauty located at Mall of the Emirates.
Watch tom odell live in Dubai
Mark your calendars, the award-winning singer and songwriter, Tom Odell, is heading to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on January 24, 2026. Bringing his Wonderful Life tour to the city, the pop-star behind the hit song Another Love, promises a night of heartfelt ballads, pure lyricism, and tunes that will give you the chills.
Indulge at the Fix Pop-Up
Up for a little mystery this January? Dubai’s favourite chocolatier and the cretor of the original Dubai Chocolate, FIX, is brining its signature sense of intrigue to the Museum of the Future with a limited-time pop-up. Running everyday from 9am to 9pm from January 2 to 11, 2026, viral creations and funky flavours (potentially a new one?) are sure to make an appearance. The future is never certain, but when it comes to FIX, its sure to be delicious.
Immerse yourself at the Quoz Arts Fest
The city’s artistic and cultural heart, Alserkal, is hosting one of Dubai’s most anticipated art events of the year, Quoz Arts Fest. Bringing the curious together annually, the festival takes place on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2026. Expect emerging artists, live music, and standout food concepts that transform Alserkal Avenue into an expressive celebration of creativity.
Nobu One Za’abeel
Just as 2026 starts, Dubai’s dining scene is set for another major moment with the opening of the city’s third Nobu location. Located on the 24th floor of the Link at One Za’abeel, expect elevated design, cuisine and atmosphere. Although the fan-favourite restaurant will keep its signature Japanese dishes, a new dimension is being added to the Nobu experience. Namely, the venue will introduce live performances, blending high-end dining with high-end entertainment for the perfect Friday night plan.
Shop til you drop at Dubai’s Shopping Festival
At GRAZIA, we think every day is a shopping day, but Dubai’s annual Shopping Festival, gives us even more of a reason for a little retail therapy. Having kicked off earlier in December, 2025, the city-wide celebrations run until January 11, 2026. Grab your friends and a matcha, and explore the unbeatable discounts, pop-ups and activations across Dubai’s many malls and stores.
Witness an icon love story in abu dhabi
This January, you can experience Shakespeare’s most iconic love story, Romeo and Juliet, live in Abu Dhabi. Taking place on January 9, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, the Russian State Ballet Mari El brings the tragic masterpiece to the centre stage. A story which has touched millions of hearts around the world, it’s a performance full of beauty and passion that you won’t want to miss.
Villa Em Sherif
Not much has been disclosed about the opening of Villa Em Sherif at Huna on Al Wasl, but one thing is certain: it’s going to be tasty, and it’s going to be stylish. Lebanon’s favourite Deli, Em Sherif, opened their first Dubai location earlier this year and their second Dubai location in December, 2025. We can’t wait for more of Em Sherif’s Levantine flair in the heart of the city.
Josette’s le pique-nique Brunch
Launching January 10, 2026, Josette’s new Saturday brunch, Le Piquie-Nique is coming to life. Created in collaboration with Jo Malone and Moët & Chandon, this garden-inspired brunch is where Paris meets Dubai in the heart of DIFC. Expect picnic-style French favourites, with a twist: from buttery viennoiseries to a roaming Bloody Mary trolley, and of course their signature Quiche Lorraine, because no picnic is complete without it.
Jara by Martín Berasategui’s San Sebastián Day
Located on the 18th floor at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, chef Martín Berasategui invites you to an elevated dining date this January 20, 2026, at his restaurant Jara by Martín Berasategui. For a one-night-only event, celebrate San Sebastián Day with a special menu that savours Spanish flavours. Think charcoal-grilled seafood, premium meat cuts and classic pinchos to share. A celebration that brings you right to Spain’s Basque coast.
Rent Bouguessa’s unarchived Collection on Cloudset For Any event this Weekend
In need of a last-minute outfit for your weekend night out? Then rent Bouguessa’s collection on Cloudset, the region’s contemporary fashion-sharing platform, making fashion more circular. The collaboration “Unarchived by Bouguessa” with Cloudset brings the label’s unarchived pieces, garments that are no longer available to the public, into the hands of fashion lovers. If there’s a Bouguessa piece you’ve had your eye on for a while, but is no longer available, you might find your hidden gem on Cloudset. What makes this even better: every piece you rent comes with complimentary dry cleaning, expert mending and delivery straight to your doorstep.
