From rooftop skyline pools to laid-back beach clubs, these are the 10 Dubai pool days worth booking this October, with passes and dining offers. 10 Dubai Pool Days to Book This October From rooftop skyline pools to laid-back beach clubs, these are the 10 Dubai pool days worth booking this October, with passes and dining offers. by Layla Hassan 3 Oct 2026 October changes the rhythm of Dubai. The days are still warm enough for a swim, but the promise of cooler afternoons and longer evenings makes spending a full day by the water considerably more appealing. Across the city, hotels and beach clubs are leaning into the season with pool passes, redeemable dining offers, beach access and a few poolside events worth planning around. Whether you want a straightforward daycation, a family-friendly pool day, somewhere to settle in for the afternoon or a Sunday with music by the water, these are the Dubai spots to have on your radar this month. 1. Vida Emirates Hills For a quieter pool day away from the beach-club crowds, Vida Emirates Hills keeps things simple. The setting at Origins lends itself to an unhurried afternoon, with the pool pass covering your food and beverage spend rather than simply charging for access. It is also one of the more family-friendly options on this list, with children able to join without an additional entry fee. Details Price: AED 99 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages; kids go free When: Daily, 9am–6pm Where: Origins, Vida Emirates Hills Reservations: +971 4 872 8888 | hithere.hills@vidahotels.com 2. Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club If your ideal pool day comes with a marina backdrop, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club offers a straightforward day pass that lets you settle in for the afternoon without keeping an eye on the clock. The AED 99 entry is fully redeemable on food and beverages, while families can bring the kids along at no extra entry cost. Reservations are required, so this is one to organise ahead rather than leave to chance. Details Price: AED 99 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages; kids go free When: Daily, 11am–7pm Where: Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club Reservations: Prior reservation required | +971 4 550 8888 | hithere.marina@vidahotels.com 3. Burj View Pool Days at Flo, Vida Dubai Mall A rooftop pool day with a view of the Dubai skyline is the draw at Flo Pool Bar. The pass gives you access to the rooftop pool while the full amount can be put towards food and drinks, making it an easy option when you want your daycation to feel more like a city escape than a traditional hotel pool afternoon. Details Price: AED 99 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages; kids go free When: Daily, 12pm–9pm Where: Flo Pool Bar, Vida Dubai Mall Reservations: +971 4 549 8888 | hithere.dubaimall@vidahotels.com 4. Vida Creek Beach At Vida Creek Beach, the pool day comes with a more laid-back, lagoon-side setting. Guests can spend the day between the water and Lagoon Beach Lounge, with the entry fee redeemable on food and beverages. It is a useful option for anyone looking for something relaxed and family-friendly, particularly as kids go free. Details Price: AED 99 per person on weekdays; AED 140 on weekends, fully redeemable on food and beverages; kids go free When: Daily, 10am–7pm; food from 12:30pm Where: Lagoon Beach Lounge, Vida Creek Beach Reservations: +971 4 542 8888 | hithere.creekbeach@vidahotels.com 5. Soleil Pool & Lounge, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk For a more polished hotel pool day, Soleil Pool & Lounge at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers access to both adult and children’s pools alongside credit to spend on Mediterranean-inspired food and drinks. The option to upgrade to a private cabana also makes this one to consider for a longer day by the pool or a group gathering. Details Weekdays: AED 225 per adult, including AED 100 F&B credit; AED 135 for children aged 6–12, including AED 50 F&B credit Weekends & public holidays: AED 275 per adult; AED 175 for children aged 6–12; children under five go free Cabana: From AED 300, fully redeemable on food and beverages When: Daily, 8am–8pm Where: Soleil Pool & Lounge, 6th floor, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Bookings: +971 4 324 9999 | dine.dubaitheobelisk@sofitel.com 6. Riva Beach Club Riva Beach Club is leaning into Dubai’s cooler season with a line-up that makes the pool and beach equally appealing. The weekday pass is geared towards a midweek reset, while the weekend option comes with a larger dining credit. There are also additional offers throughout the week, including the club’s Sip & Splash package on Fridays and Saturdays, making this one for those who want their pool day to extend well beyond a few hours in the sun. Details Weekday Vibes: AED 99 per adult, including AED 89 F&B credit; Monday–Thursday Weekend Treat: AED 175 per adult, including AED 150 F&B credit; Friday–Sunday Where: Riva Beach Club, The Shoreline Palm, Building 8, Palm Jumeirah Contact: +971 58 278 4024 Website: riva-beach.com 7. La Plage by La Maison Ani La Plage by La Maison Ani returns to The Club at West Beach on October 1, bringing Chef Izu Ani’s beachside concept back to Palm Jumeirah for another season. More than simply a pool destination, the venue brings together a restaurant, beach, pool, cabanas and lounge, so the idea is to make a full day of it rather than simply stop by for a swim. The menu combines La Maison Ani favourites with dishes created specifically for the beach setting. Details When: From October 1 Where: The Club, West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Pool/beach access: Visit Website Bookings: Email at reservations@maisondelaplage.com 8. Ten64 Rooftop Pool Bar Ten64 is a newer addition to Dubai’s Deira pool scene, bringing a rooftop pool and bar to ibis Styles Dubai Deira. The venue is designed for an afternoon that can carry into golden hour, with food and drinks served alongside the rooftop setting. While the current material does not specify a dedicated pool-day price, it is worth keeping on the list for anyone looking to discover a newer poolside spot in the area. Details When: Daily, 12pm–10:30pm Where: Ten64 Rooftop Pool Bar, ibis Styles Dubai Deira Reservations: 056 992 0241 | 04 492 9999 More info: website 9. One&Only Royal Mirage One&Only Royal Mirage reopens pool and beach access to non-residents from October 5, bringing another more elevated option to the October daycation line-up. The experience is centred around the resort’s pool and beach, with a portion of the entry fee redeemable on food and beverages. The resort has also specified complimentary access for children aged four to 11 under its stated conditions, with additional children charged separately on a redeemable basis. Details Weekday price: AED 250 per adult, including AED 200 redeemable on food and beverages When: From October 5 Where: One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Children: Ages 4–11 complimentary under stated conditions; additional children AED 100, fully redeemable on F&B Reservations: restaurants@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae | +971 4 315 2414 10. WET Deck Winter Series at W Dubai – The Palm If you would rather pair your pool day with music, WET Deck’s Winter Series returns on Sunday, October 4 with DJ Maryo. The afternoon runs from 1pm to 4pm, with entry fully redeemable on food and beverages. The series continues later in the month and into November and December, so the October 4 date is just the start of a longer run of Sunday poolside sessions at W Dubai – The Palm. Details Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026 Time: 1 pm–4 pm Price: AED 150 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages Where: WET Deck, W Dubai – The Palm Booking: SevenRooms Reservations: wetdeckdubai@whotels.com | +971 4 245 5800 Opening hours: Daily, 10am–9pm Website: wetdeckdubai.com You might also like Top Things to Do Across the UAE This October 2026 The Afternoon Tea Edit: Where to Linger Over Tea, Pastries & More

Coldplay announced an exclusive Abu Dhabi show at Zayed Sports City Stadium on 11 January 2025, their only Middle East date on the Music of the Spheres tour. Coldplay Announces Exclusive Abu Dhabi Show for Record-Breaking "Music of the Spheres" World Tour Coldplay announced an exclusive Abu Dhabi show at Zayed Sports City Stadium on 11 January 2025, their only Middle East date on the Music of the Spheres tour. by Rave Staff 20 Sep 2024 In an exciting update for Coldplay fans across the Middle East, the band has just announced an exclusive performance in Abu Dhabi as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour. This will be Coldplay’s only concert in the Middle East, and it’s set to be a monumental show at the iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium on January 11th, 2025 . This is a long-awaited return, marking the band’s first performance in the UAE since 2016. This one-night-only event is part of Coldplay’s historic tour, which has already sold out across Europe in 2024 and added multiple dates in the UK. With their renowned blend of chart-topping hits and jaw-dropping performances, Coldplay promises a night of unforgettable magic in Abu Dhabi. Presented by Live Nation, the concert will feature their biggest hits from Music of the Spheres , along with classics like "Yellow," "The Scientist," "Clocks," "Fix You," and "Viva La Vida." Expect spectacular visual displays with lasers, fireworks, and LED wristbands, transforming the Zayed Sports City Stadium into a dreamscape for all attendees. Ticket Information: Tickets for this highly anticipated concert will be available on Live Nation Middle East . Fans eager to secure their spots can sign up for the Coldplay presale at Coldplay.com , which begins on September 25, 2024 at 12 PM. The Live Nation presale will open on September 26, 2024 at 12 PM, followed by the General On-Sale on September 27, 2024 , also at 12 PM. Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour has already sold over 10 million tickets worldwide, making it the most attended tour by a group in history. As the tour continues its journey across the globe, with stops in cities like Mumbai, Seoul, and Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tour Dates & More Information: For the full list of Coldplay’s upcoming tour dates, visit Coldplay's official tour page .

TATTU Dubai opens at Ciel Dubai Marina, the world's tallest hotel, with three levels of dining, leisure and nightlife. Here's what to expect inside. TATTU Dubai Opens Its Doors Ahead of Launch TATTU Dubai opens at Ciel Dubai Marina, the world's tallest hotel, with three levels of dining, leisure and nightlife. Here's what to expect inside. by Layla Hassan 17 Sep 2025 Dubai’s skyline is about to welcome a game-changer. TATTU, the London-born concept celebrated for its striking interiors and boundary-pushing culinary experiences, is setting its sights on the UAE with the launch of its first international flagship at Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel. This isn’t just another restaurant opening. It’s a three-level journey, dining, leisure, and nightlife seamlessly woven together, each space offering its own rhythm and mood, yet connected by a shared spirit of modern elegance. The Preview Period For those who can’t wait, TATTU is offering an exclusive preview from 29th September to 8th October, with bookings now open. Guests will enjoy 50% off during this soft launch a rare invitation to step inside before the grand reveal on 10th October. T hree Levels, Three Stories Level 74 – TATTU Restaurant & Bar Here’s where the TATTU Dubai story begins. Step onto the 74th floor and you’re immediately immersed in a world where mythology collides with modern design, opulent interiors, dramatic detailing, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Marina and The Palm. On the menu, expect the brand’s evolution of Modern Chinese and Japanese cuisine, refined à la carte selections, curated tasting journeys, and a two-course business lunch starting at AED 149. Level 76 – TATTU Sky Pool If leisure had an address, this would be it. The world’s highest infinity pool is set against open-air views and lined with 50 plush daybeds. Mornings begin gently with breakfast, afternoons stretch into sun-soaked lunches (AED 149 for two courses), and evenings take on a new energy with live DJs and poolside Japanese-inspired plates. Level 81 – TATTU Sky Lounge & Terrace The crescendo of the TATTU experience rests on the 81st floor. This is the world’s highest fully air-conditioned terrace, offering a 360° perspective of Dubai. By day, there’s Afternoon Tea from AED 175. By golden hour, the Sunset Experience (AED 195) pairs two drinks with a Chef’s Platter against cinematic views. And by night, the lounge transforms into a high-energy sanctuary where music and the city’s skyline converge. Reservations are now live for the preview and beyond, but availability is limited. For details, follow @tattudubai .

From Bijou's pink vault to At.mosphere on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa, these are the Dubai and Abu Dhabi afternoon teas worth lingering over. The Afternoon Tea Edit: Where to Linger Over Tea, Pastries & More From Bijou's pink vault to At.mosphere on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa, these are the Dubai and Abu Dhabi afternoon teas worth lingering over. by Yara Basima 1 Oct 2026 Afternoon tea has moved well beyond the traditional cucumber sandwich and cup of Earl Grey. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the ritual now comes with French pastries, skyline views, waterfront settings, royal British references and, in some cases, a little champagne. Whether you’re planning a slow afternoon with friends, a birthday catch-up or simply looking for an excuse to dress up and sit somewhere beautiful for a couple of hours, these are some of the afternoon tea experiences to know about right now. Le Goûter Vault at Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Hidden inside Bijou Patisserie’s signature pink vault, Le Goûter puts a French spin on the classic afternoon tea. Expect a selection of French pastries and savoury bites, alongside unlimited tea, coffee and homemade lemonade, with the current AED 195 experience also including a choice of speciality matcha or a glass of sparkling. Served daily from 2 pm to 6 pm, it’s a slightly more playful take on afternoon tea, with the pink vault adding plenty of personality to the setting. The experience is currently priced from AED 195 per person. When: Daily, 2 pm–6 pm Price: From AED 195 per person Where: Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Reservations: +971 4 281 4111 Afternoon Tea at Al Bayt, Palace Downtown For something closer to the classic afternoon tea ritual, Al Bayt at Palace Downtown keeps things elegant and understated. The afternoon tea brings together delicate pastries, savoury bites and tea, served in the intimate surroundings of the lounge. It runs daily from 2 pm to 6 pm at AED 120 per person, making it one of the more accessible ways to settle into a traditional afternoon tea setting in Downtown Dubai. When: Daily, 2 pm–6 pm Price: AED 120 per person Where: Al Bayt Lounge, Palace Downtown Reservations: +971 4 428 7961 | DineAtPalaceDowntown@addresshotels.com In Full Bloom at Address Creek Harbour If you prefer your afternoon tea with a view, head towards the Creek. Address Creek Harbour’s In Full Bloom is created in collaboration with TWG Tea, pairing a selection of premium teas with pastries and savoury creations. Served at The Patisserie from 3 pm to 7 pm daily, the experience is designed around the slower pace of an afternoon by the water. At AED 195 per person, it works equally well for a catch-up or a special occasion. When: Daily, 3 pm–7 pm Price: AED 195 per person Where: The Patisserie, Address Creek Harbour Reservations: +971 4 275 8833 | dineatcreek@addresshotels.com The Patisserie at Address Dubai Mall Not every afternoon tea needs a three-tier stand. At The Patisserie at Address Dubai Mall, the experience is pared back to a simple pastry-and-coffee-or-tea pairing. The AED 55 offering includes a curated selection of signature pastries with your choice of coffee or tea. Available daily from 11 am to 7 pm, it’s an easy option for an afternoon pause in the middle of Downtown. When: Daily, 11 am–7 pm Price: AED 55 per person Where: The Patisserie, Address Dubai Mall Reservations: +971 4 245 8888 | dineatadm@addresshotels.com The Royal Afternoon Tea at The Lana At The Gallery, The Lana has taken its afternoon tea cues from British royal tradition. The menu comes with its own history lesson, with storytelling cards introducing the people and rituals that shaped afternoon tea. On the stand, expect finger sandwiches, warm raisin and tea-infused scones and British-inspired pastries by world pastry champion Angelo Musa. Highlights include coronation chicken, smoked Scottish salmon, a Victoria sponge-inspired creation, Bakewell tart, chocolate truffle and rose and raspberry religieuse. Served daily from noon to 6 pm, the traditional tea pairing is AED 400 per person, with non-alcoholic sparkling wine at AED 480 and a Pol Roger Champagne pairing at AED 499. When: Daily, 12 pm–6 pm Price: AED 400 per person; AED 480 with non-alcoholic sparkling; AED 499 with Pol Roger Champagne Where: The Gallery, The Lana, Dorchester Collection Reservations: Restaurants.LAN@dorchestercollection.com | +971 4 541 7755 Afternoon Tea at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa For an afternoon tea with serious altitude, At.mosphere takes the ritual to Level 122 of Burj Khalifa, 442 metres above Dubai. The menu covers the expected afternoon tea favourites — mini sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes and pastries — served alongside hot and refreshing beverages. There are three experiences to choose from: La Gourmandise at AED 350 per person, Sparkling High Tea at AED 550 with two glasses of Prosecco, and Luxurious High Tea at AED 850, which includes a bottle of Champagne for two, a main course and the full afternoon tea selection. When: Daily, 12:30pm–4:30pm Price: AED 350 / AED 550 / AED 850 per person Where: At.mosphere Lounge, Burj Khalifa Reservations: +971 4 888 3828 | reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com Afternoon Tea at Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi Over in Abu Dhabi, Isabel Mayfair’s afternoon tea is designed for two. The spread leans towards European pâtisserie, with treats including chocolate ganache brownie, lemon meringue tartlet, Paris-Brest, pistachio madeleine, a white chocolate and Timut pepper macaron, and a peach verbena candy roll. Each guest can also choose one beverage from the selection of coffees, teas and mocktails. Served daily from 3pm to 6pm, the set is AED 200 for two guests. When: Daily, 3pm–6pm Price: AED 200 per set for two Where: Isabel Mayfair, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Website: isabelabudhabi.com Afternoon Tea at Hawksbill, Saadiyat Island For a quieter Abu Dhabi afternoon, Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has introduced a new afternoon tea overlooking the golf course and surrounding landscape. The traditional tiered stand comes with both sweet and savoury options, including scones, macarons, caramel tarts and churros, alongside smoked salmon blinis, soft-shell tacos and baked garlic aioli. Each guest can choose tea, coffee or a soft drink. Available Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm, the experience is AED 120 per person. When: Monday–Thursday, 1 pm–4 pm Price: AED 120 per person Where: Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Reservations: +971 56 660 8780 | dining.sbgc@viyagolf.com Pinktober Afternoon Tea at Ginori Terrace, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai October brings a more meaningful reason to book afternoon tea at Ginori Terrace. Throughout the month, its Pinktober Afternoon Tea pays tribute to remarkable women, with each sweet and savoury creation named after a woman whose story continues to inspire. The menu moves from The Caroline , a raspberry and rose creation inspired by Mrs. Caroline Astor, through savoury bites named for figures including Marie Curie, Audrey Hepburn, Josephine Baker, Frida Kahlo and Jane Goodall. The sweet selection continues the theme with creations inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, Coco Chanel, Princess Diana, Serena Williams and Maya Angelou. Served on Ginori 1735 porcelain against the backdrop of the Dubai Water Canal, the afternoon tea is also tied to a charitable initiative: a contribution from each afternoon tea during October goes towards Al Jalila Foundation’s #PINKtober campaign, supporting breast cancer research and treatment in the UAE. When: October 1–31, 2026, daily 2 pm–6 pm Price: AED 295 per person, including coffee and tea Where: Ginori Terrace, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai Reservations: +971 4 512 5555 You might also like The Best Hot Chocolate Spots in Dubai for Chilly Days 10 Dubai Pool Days to Book This October

Here are 15 new restaurants, launches and experiences across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah worth knowing about. 15 New Openings, Launches and Experiences to Know This September Here are 15 new restaurants, launches and experiences across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah worth knowing about. by Layla Hasan 15 Sep 2026 There are quiet months, and then there’s this one. September has landed in the UAE with barely room to breathe: a sky-high restaurant back in business, a Lebanese deli that doesn’t bother closing, a Persian debut in the shadow of the Burj, and a run of beauty launches already making their case for space on your bathroom shelf. Consider this your shortlist — the 16 new openings, launches and experiences worth your attention this month, sorted so you know what to book tonight and what to pencil in for later. Dining and Lifestyle Tattu Dubai Tattu is back, and it’s gone higher. The modern-Asian favourite has reopened inside Ciel Dubai Marina — yes, the tallest hotel in the world — across two floors that each make their own case. Level 74 is the theatrical one: the suspended cherry blossom tree, the Black Dragon dining room, plates of modern Chinese and Japanese done with real intent. Level 81 is where you’ll actually want to end up — the highest open-air terrace in the city, a pink onyx bar glowing at its centre, the Marina spread out beneath you. Come for the business lunch, stay until the DJ takes over. Price: AED 148 (Business Lunch) · AED 145 (Sunset Offering) When: Now open, daily Time: Level 74, 12pm–12am (to 1am Fri–Sun) · Level 81, 5pm–late Location: Levels 74 & 81, Ciel Dubai Marina More: Tattu Dubai Bayroot Deli Sheikh Zayed Road gets a Lebanese deli that keeps proper hours — 11am to 6am, seven days a week. Bayroot is a partnership between Fadi Almahaini and his mother, built on family recipes and ingredients sent over from their farms in Lebanon, right down to the olive oil, thyme and sumac. The premise is simple and hard to argue with: familiar Lebanese food, done well. Come for charcoal-grilled meats and fresh mezze, or the Mlukhiyeh Bil Zeit lifted straight from his mother’s kitchen. Dine in across two floors, take it to the office, or have it sent to your door. When: Now open, daily Time: 11am–6am Location: Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai More: @ bayrootdeli.ae Le Guilan Downtown is getting a Persian restaurant with real intent behind it. Le Guilan takes its name from Gilan, the green province along Iran’s Caspian coast, and pairs traditional Persian recipes with classical European technique. The setting matches the ambition: interiors modelled on early twentieth-century Persian manor houses and a botanical terrace pointed straight at the Burj Khalifa. Details are still landing ahead of the September opening, but the idea — food, music, art and hospitality treated as one experience — is clear enough to keep an eye on. When: Opening September 2026 Location: DAMAC Maison Distinction, Downtown Dubai (overlooking South Ridge Park) More: @leguilan.dxb Pierre Hermé The man Vanity Fair once ranked among the most influential French personalities alive — the “Picasso of Pastry” — is opening his first standalone boutique in the UAE. Pierre Hermé arrives at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi this month with an all-day destination: the signature Ispahan, Infiniment Vanille and 2000 Feuilles alongside a full savoury menu that runs from breakfast through dinner. The macaron boxes alone justify the trip. An exact opening date is still to come, but this is the one to plan an Abu Dhabi day around. When: Opening September 2026 Location: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi More: Pierre Hermé Vida Aljada Vida makes its Sharjah debut, and it’s a considered one. Set in the middle of Aljada, Arada’s fast-growing community, the five-star Vida Aljada brings 175 rooms and suites plus serviced apartments and residences, three minutes from University City and about fifteen from Dubai’s airport. Four dining concepts cover the day — all-day plates at Origins, coffee at Stage2, pizza at True Slice and poolside bites at Flo — alongside a spa, a 24/7 gym and a kids’ club. A smart, low-key base for a weekend in the northern emirates. When: Now open Location: Aljada, Sharjah More: Vida Aljada PLUMA – Circus Spectacular The circus grows up at Dubai Festival City. PLUMA – Circus Spectacular by Cirque du Liban takes over the Circus Tent from 30 September, trading clowns for something more theatrical: aerial acrobatics, live performance, elaborate costume and proper visual effects, all under the banner “A World Where We All Fly.” It’s genuinely all-ages, and an easy call for a family outing or a different sort of night out. Tickets are through Platinumlist, and the good seats will go. When: From 30 September 2026 Time: Wed 7pm · Thu 5pm & 8pm · Fri 5pm & 7pm · Sun 4pm Location: Circus Tent, Dubai Festival City Mall Tickets: Platinumlist More: Cirque du Liban BEAUTY SOHL SKIN A new Dubai skincare name worth knowing. SOHL SKIN — pronounced “soul,” and drawn from founder Samuel Pohlner’s own name — launches with four twist-stick face masks that do away with the brush, the mess and the guesswork. Green Tea, Rose, Turmeric and Volcanic Mud each target a different concern and glide straight onto clean skin in seconds. At AED 79 they’re an easy addition to the routine, whether at home or thrown into a weekend bag. Online now, or in person at NAIL(ED) Boutique in Dubai Hills. Price: AED 79 each When: Available now Where: NAIL(ED) Boutique, Dubai Hills Mall More: SOHL SKIN Shark FacialPro Glow Shark Beauty is making a serious case for the at-home facial. The new FacialPro Glow folds hydro-powered exfoliation, two dermatologist-tested formulas and hot-and-cold contrast therapy into a single device, with a gua sha-inspired Depuffi attachment for the finishing massage. It’s been clinically tested to clear pores and lift hydration from the first use, with the full routine landing in about ten minutes. At AED 1,499 it’s an investment — but a reasonable one if the bathroom shelf is where you unwind. Price: AED 1,499 When: Launched 7 September Where: sharkninja.ae More: Shark Beauty KAYALI Yum Lip & Body KAYALI steps beyond the bottle. Mona Kattan’s fragrance house has launched its first-ever Yum Lip & Body Collection, reworking two cult scents — Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81 and Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 — into Silk Soufflé body creams and Cashmere Kiss lip balms. The thinking is layering: a scented base on skin and lips before the final spritz, each body cream built around the brand’s Dream Elixir blend. It’s a natural extension of everything KAYALI already does well, and the gourmand faithful will want the full set. When: Available now FASHION & RETAIL Victoria’s Secret Victoria’s Secret has upsized at The Beach, JBR. The new store replaces the old one with a bigger, brighter space and a more relaxed, beachside feel — easier to move through, and stocked right across lingerie, sleepwear, swim and the brand’s beauty and fragrance lines. The real draw is the service: complimentary bra fittings with no appointment, plus embroidery and fragrance engraving if you want something made personal. A genuine upgrade for the neighbourhood. When: Now open Location: The Beach, JBR, Dubai More: @victoriassecretmena HOFFMAN Watches GCC Collection A love letter to the region, done with restraint. American microbrand HOFFMAN follows last year's Pine GCC edition with three new limited-edition chronographs — Dune, Graphite and Marine — nodding to the desert, the skyline and the sea in turn. The detailing is where it earns its keep. Eastern Arabic numerals on the bezel and sub-dials, a grained dual-layer dial, a sapphire bezel and a hand-wound Seagull movement you can watch tick through the exhibition caseback. There are just 200 numbered pieces per reference, and at under AED 3,000 it's a rare bit of mechanical romance that won't need a payment plan. Each watch also comes with a spare black rubber strap. If one of the three speaks to you, commit early — limited runs like this don't linger. Price: AED 2,806 (USD 749) On sale: Thursday, 24 September 2026 Available at: HOFFMAN website LIMÉ Man LIMÉ is widening its reach. The fashion label rolls out LIMÉ Man — a full menswear wardrobe of clean-lined suiting, cotton essentials, outerwear and leather footwear — while pulling its Woman, Man and Kids lines together in a new UAE app. The app is the genuinely useful part: stylist-curated looks, a wishlist, and an AI Size Assistant to settle the fit before you buy. New arrivals land weekly, so it rewards a regular scroll. When: Available now Where: UAE stores, ae.lime-shop.com , and the new UAE app More: LIMÉ TECH Huawei Watch GT 7 Series Huawei’s headline wearable gets a proper upgrade. Unveiled in Munich, the Watch GT 7 Series leans hard into sport and health: wrist-based turn and G-force detection, cycling route planning with slope and sharp-turn alerts, and health tracking that now flags coronary heart disease and diabetes risk, alongside a new physical-readiness score. The GT 7 Pro adds a nano-ceramic bezel and titanium frame for the ones who’ll actually take it up a mountain. Battery life, as ever with Huawei, is the quiet selling point. More: Huawei Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 × Instax A neat one for anyone who still likes a photo they can hold. Samsung and Fujifilm Instax have teamed up for the first time across the UAE, pairing the Galaxy Z Fold8 with the Instax Mini Link 3 printer so a shot goes from capture to print in seconds. It’s as much about the look as the function — the phone’s Lavender, Cream and Pistachio finishes were made to sit beside the printer’s soft pastels. Shoot on the big folding screen, edit, print, stick it on the fridge. “Twice the joy,” as they’re calling it. When: now available in UAE More: Samsung TCL 98" C7L SQD-Mini LED TV For the serious living room, TCL’s 98-inch C7L makes its case. This is a television built to anchor the big UAE living rooms — SQD-Mini LED backlighting, 2,176 dimming zones, HDR brightness up to 3,000 nits and colour that holds up even with floor-to-ceiling windows letting the sun in. At 98 inches it’s a genuine centrepiece, slim enough to sit cleanly against the wall, and it pairs with TCL’s soundbars for the cinema half of the equation. Design and performance, without being asked to choose between them. When: Available now (UAE) More: TCL

The UAE's September 2026 diary is full — from Comic Con and a K-pop arena night to Sunday roasts, wellness resets and new openings across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Top Things to Do Across the UAE This September 2026 The UAE's September 2026 diary is full — from Comic Con and a K-pop arena night to Sunday roasts, wellness resets and new openings across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. by Layla Hassan 11 Sep 2026 The first week of term is behind us, and the UAE's September diary has quietly filled right up. This month runs from Comic Con and a K-pop arena night to a zoo that glows after dark, a European basketball final and more Sunday roasts than any one weekend needs — with a packed few days kicking off right now. Here are the twenty things worth your time across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond this September, starting with this weekend. This Weekend (Fri 11–Sun 13 September) Dance to ABBA Aboard the QE2 at Queens Grill, Port Rashid A retro ocean liner and a floor full of ABBA is a hard combination to argue with — and there's a neat hook: September marks the anniversary of the QE2's 1967 launch. The ship's Saturday Afternoon Party Series takes over Queens Grill from 2–5 pm with live performers and food. ABBA-Esque lands on the 12th, followed by a School Days disco throwback on the 26th. It's a grown-up singalong, not a family afternoon. When: Saturday 12 September, 2–5pm (School Days party 26 September) Location: Queens Grill, Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai For more information, visit The QE2 Celebrate Rodeo Drive's First Birthday at Ibn Battuta, Dubai One year in, Dubai's all-American diner-and-hangout is throwing itself a proper party — a weekend-long birthday festival of live music, dancing, food, and wholesome family entertainment at Ibn Battuta. It's the kind of low-commitment, high-energy afternoon that works whether you bring the kids or a group of friends, and the anniversary framing gives it a reason to exist beyond the usual weekend rotation. Go for the atmosphere; stay for the fact that there's rarely a bad time to eat American in Dubai. When: 11th–13th September Location: Rodeo Drive, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Go Full Fandom at Middle East Film & Comic Con, ADNEC Abu Dhabi The region's biggest pop-culture weekend is back, and this year Crunchyroll brings its first-ever UAE fan experience to the floor — cosplay, screenings, artist alley and the usual happy chaos across three days at ADNEC. It's the one weekend where dressing as your favourite character is the point, and it lands right now. Tickets are moving fast: VIP and the Saturday day-pass have already sold out, so if you want in, the three-day pass or a Friday/Sunday single is the ticket to grab today rather than at the door. When: 11–13 September; Fri 3–11pm, Sat & Sun 12–11pm Location: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi Price: Standard tickets on sale (VIP and Saturday day-pass sold out); confirm current price For more information, visit Middle East Film & Comic Con Dated September Events (Book Ahead) Mark Mexican Independence Day at Chalco's Cantina, Dubai For a night that isn't another brunch, Chalco's Cantina is marking Mexican Independence Day with a proper fiesta — authentic plates and the sort of loud, celebratory energy the occasion is built for. It's a tidy mid-September fixture for anyone who'd rather mark the date with tacos and mezcal than another rooftop. Round up a group, and go hungry. When: 15- 16 September Location: Chalco's Cantina, Dubai Atelier Rebul at Bloomingdale’s A little of Istanbul lands at Dubai Mall. The 130-year-old fragrance house Atelier Rebul opens a pop-up at Bloomingdale’s from 17 September to 26 October, led by İstanbul Golden Hour — a scent built with perfumer Pascal Gaurin around the city’s sunset light, all pear and neroli giving way to warmer, toasted notes. Opening week (17–25 September) sweetens things with complimentary Turkish Delight, engraving, charms and gifting. Worth the detour on your next mall run, even just to sample. Where: Bloomingdale’s, First Floor, Dubai Mall When: 17 September – 26 October 2026 Opening week: Complimentary Turkish Delight, 17–25 September What to expect: Fragrance discovery, sampling, charms, engraving opportunities and exclusive customer gifting Entry: Open to the public during Bloomingdale’s opening hours Watch a World Brewers Cup Champion at Work at Kairos, Al Quoz For coffee obsessives, a rare one: Kairos Coffee Assembly hosts Nas Jaafar, the Malaysian barista crowned 2026 World Brewers Cup Champion, for an afternoon devoted entirely to the pour — a live Poursteady demonstration, a guided tasting and an unhurried Q&A on making one cup as good as the last. Presented by Brewing Gadgets and set in Kairos's Al Quoz roastery-café, it's a ticketed, first-come sitting with one of the industry's most-watched brewers. At AED 150 with limited seats, book ahead if speciality coffee is your thing. When: Friday 18 September, 2–5pm Location: Kairos Coffee Assembly, 4B Street, Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai Price: AED 150 per person (first-come, first-served) For more information, visit Kairos Coffee Assembly Book a Complimentary Human Identity Signature™ Reading With Liberate Me™ A different sort of September treat, and one with a longer shelf life than a spa day: while Emirati Women’s Month fills up with panels and pledges, Liberate Me™ — the identity methodology Anita Ghosal has built over two decades of one-to-one work — is giving every Emirati woman a complimentary Human Identity Signature™ reading. It’s a bespoke, private session that reads the patterns already shaping your relationships, leadership and purpose, then asks the more interesting question: after everything you’ve already achieved, what comes next? Book it while it’s on — the offer closes at the end of the month. Price: Complimentary — open to Emirati women only. When: Throughout September 2026. Location: A private one-to-one reading, booked online. For more information, visit Liberate Me™ . Sing Along to BTS and BLACKPINK at K-Pop Fever, Etihad Arena The K-pop wave shows no sign of breaking, and this full-scale live show rides it hard — a cast of twelve singers and dancers running through fan favourites from BTS, BLACKPINK, KATSEYE and the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack. It's a Saturday night with broad youth-and-family appeal, and the entry price keeps it accessible rather than aspirational. A safe, high-energy bet if you've a house full of teenagers to entertain — just confirm the tier before you buy. When: Saturday 26 September Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Price: From AED 95 For more information, visit Etihad Arena All Month & Recurring Reset at Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, Dubai September in Dubai rarely arrives gently — diaries fill the moment the holidays end. Sohum Wellness Sanctuary is built as the antidote: traditional Ayurvedic rituals like Abhyanga and Shirodhara, yoga, meditation, sound sessions, creative workshops and a plant-based café, dipped into for a single morning class or a whole slow day. The month's highlight is Symphony of Healers on 27 September (2–7pm), an immersive afternoon of wellness modalities, alongside new- and full-moon gatherings, cacao experiences and candle-making through the month. A calmer way into the city's busiest season. When: Symphony of Healers, 27 September, 2–7 pm; classes and gatherings throughout the month Location: Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, Dubai Price: Varies by class/session For more information, visit Sohum Wellness Sanctuary Catch an Immersive Show at the Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah TODA is the reliable pick when you want a night out that isn't just dinner. Its 360-degree space reprogrammes itself by the day — chamber-jazz reworkings of Sinatra and Ella one evening, a children's classic set to live trumpet and piano the next morning — and its sister studio runs hands-on craft workshops nearby. Three very different moods from one venue; check the current week's schedule and pick the one that suits. When: Rotating weekly programme through September (check current schedule) Location: Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai For more information, visit Theatre of Digital Art Fill a Weekend at Time Out Market Dubai The dependable, budget-friendly catch-all when nothing single-event stands out. Time Out Market's rolling weekend programme takes in a resident DJ line-up, weekend breakfasts and Sunday family activities — enough variety that couples and families can both make an afternoon of it without a plan. Not the flashiest entry on this list, but the one you'll actually end up at. When: Weekends throughout September Location: Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai Price: Many activities free to attend; varies by session For more information, visit Time Out Market Dubai Hunt for Homeware Bargains at HushDay's First HOME EDIT, Al Quoz HushDay made its name on fashion flash sales, so its first home edition is worth a look for the line-up alone: 23 international brands — Lalique crystal, LSA glassware, de Buyer cookware, Peugeot mills, Dr Vranjes fragrance — at up to 90% off. It's treasure-hunt shopping, three days only with no restocks, so what's gone is gone. There are crêpes and valet parking to soften the Al Quoz trek. Time it for the September move-in season and go early on day one for the crystal. Price: Free to attend; registration required at hushday.com When: 18–20 September 2026, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM Location: Area 57, Al Quoz, Dubai Gather a Team for quizbiz™ Quiz Nights Across Dubai With routines back and the social calendar restarting, a good pub quiz is an easy, low-cost way to get everyone out midweek. quizbiz is rolling a fresh line-up of quiz nights across Dubai venues all month — the sort of relaxed, competitive evening that needs no dressing up and no big spend. Round up four or five, pick your venue and go defend your general knowledge. When: Various nights through September Location: Rotating Dubai venues For more information, visit quizbiz Be First to Brass Monkey's New Bar and Bowling at Motor City Freshly opened this month, Brass Monkey pairs a bar with bowling lanes — an easy, group-and-family-friendly spot to claim before everyone else does. Weekend hours run late, so it works for a lazy lunch that drifts into the evening or a proper night of strikes and food. Location: Brass Monkey, Motor City, Dubai Price: Walk-in; à la carte Book the Rio Carnival Brunch at Barbossa, Yas Bay Back after a two-month break, Barbossa's Rio Carnival Brunch returns to Yas Bay every Saturday with the volume right up — feijoada, flame-grilled picanha with chimichurri and a coconut fish bake to start, Caipirinhas and Caipiroskas flowing, and a Latin crowd that treats 1–5pm as a warm-up. It's colour-rich, high-energy and photographs beautifully. And if Saturday's taken, Barbossa runs something most nights — AED 10 Taco Tuesdays included. When: Every Saturday, 1–5pm Location: Barbossa, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi For more information, visit Barbossa Join the Community Poetry Night at the Dubai International Writers' Centre, Al Safa For a weekend that isn't loud, the Dubai International Writers' Centre has one evening properly worth clearing: a free Community Poetry Night on 18 September, run with Medina Creatives around the theme “The Art of Connection” — live music, featured performers and fresh, multilingual voices. It sits inside a fuller September of free book launches — Jay Palfrey's The Soul That Wandered East on the 19th, Luca Allam's Talk Human on the 25th — with paid workshops if one night leaves you wanting more. A rare, unhurried, screen-free night out. When: Community Poetry Night, Friday 18 September, 7–9pm (programme runs all month) Location: Emirates Literature Foundation, Al Safa, Dubai Price: Free (book launches also free; workshops from AED 55) For more information, visit Emirates Literature Foundation Learn to Salsa for Free on Thursdays at Lucky Voice, Dubai A no-cost way to fill a Thursday and pick up a skill while you're at it: Lucky Voice runs free Salsa and Bachata lessons every week with Project Baila, a Dubai Latin-dance community. Lessons run 7–9pm and are open to everyone — complete beginners included, no partner required — before the night rolls into social dancing so you can actually use what you've just learned. Turn up alone or bring a group; either way it's a livelier Thursday than another dinner, and it won't cost you a thing. When: Every Thursday, lessons 7–9pm, social dancing after Location: Lucky Voice, Dubai Price: Free For more information, visit Lucky Voice Make Mondays 'Family Mondays' at The Barrel, Dubai Creek Harbour A smart antidote to the back-to-school Monday slump: The Barrel at Dubai Creek Harbour turns the week's least-loved night into Family Mondays, with one kids' meal free for every adult main ordered à la carte. The pull for younger diners is the “Little Chef” burger session — ingredients arrive deconstructed to build and personalise their own, and they leave in a name-printed chef's hat with a Polaroid keepsake. Grown-ups without kids in tow get a buy-one-get-one on mains all day. Easy, good value, and a rare reason to look forward to a Monday. When: Every Monday, all day Location: The Barrel, Vida Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour Price: One kids' meal free per adult a la carte main; BOGO on adult mains (offers cannot be combined) For more information, visit The Barrel Share the Sky-High 'All In' Roast at The Spaniel, Bluewaters The roast, but make it a group sport. The Spaniel on Bluewaters has launched an 'All In' sharing roast built for a minimum of four — a generous, stacked take on the British Sunday classic, with more than one meat and no interest in sensible portions. It's the counterpoint to a solo plate: bring the whole table, order once and settle in. For big groups who'd rather share than each order their own, it's the better call. When: Every Sunday Location: The Spaniel, Bluewaters Island, Dubai Price: AED 170 per person Try Chef Reif Othman's New Menus at CLAP Dubai, DIFC CLAP, perched on the highest terrace in DIFC, has opened the first phase of a culinary reboot with new chef partner Reif Othman, one of the region's most respected names. There are two ways in: HIRU GOZEN, a weekday business lunch of salmon tataki, seared Angus beef and itame ramen at AED 140; and an evening CLAP x Reif specials menu running to premium tartare with otoro and caviar, oven-baked wagyu short ribs and a matcha pillow. The full à la carte lands in November — this is the early look. Book lunch for value; go at night for the terrace. When: Business lunch (HIRU GOZEN) Mon–Fri, 12–5 pm; CLAP x Reif specials daily from 5 pm (Sat from 7 pm) Location: CLAP Dubai, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai Price: Business lunch AED 140 per person; evening specials à la carte For more information, visit CLAP Dubai Work Through the 'Roni Revolution' at Pizza Di Rocco September's easiest, greediest challenge: Pizza Di Rocco is giving pepperoni four limited-time spins all month. Keep it classic with the double-pepperoni Roni Roni (AED 59), go loaded with the Italian Stallion (AED 65), or take the sweet-heat route via the Hot Honey Ricotta (AED 55) and the tomato-free Pesto Roni (AED 65). Can't choose? The Four Ronis deal gets all four for AED 199 to share around. It's delivery-friendly across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, and they'll even bring a wood-fired oven to your party — order before the revolution wraps on 30 September. When: 1–30 September Location: Pizza Di Rocco — Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & Dubai (dine-in & delivery) Price: Ronis AED 55–65; the Four Ronis deal AED 199 For more information, visit Pizza Di Rocco Collect the Hello Kitty x Bachir Ice Cream Collab, Dubai & Sharjah A limited-edition sugar hit with collectable bragging rights: Lebanese institution Bachir Ice Cream has teamed up with Hello Kitty for co-branded packaging and merch until the end of October. Order the signature Ashta scoop rolled in pistachios, or build a Mshakkal cone layering up to eight flavours, and it arrives in Hello Kitty x Bachir packaging made for photographing. Fans can also pick up tote bags, tees, keychains and stickers. It's at Bachir's Dubai and Sharjah branches, with delivery across the UAE — one for the Hello Kitty crowd and anyone who treats dessert as a day out. When: 7 September–31 October 2026 Location: Bachir — City Walk, City Centre Mirdif & Galleria Mall (Dubai); AlJada (Sharjah). Delivery across Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah Price: Varies (scoops, cones, tubs & merchandise) For more information, visit Bachir Ice Cream . Escape for 'Romance by the Cove' at The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah Just far enough to feel like a getaway: The Cove Rotana has added Romance by the Cove, a private beachfront dinner for two on the shoreline — a choice of Arabic, Fusion or Seafood three-course menus, each with a bottle of sparkling, from AED 899 a couple. Build a weekend around it with a pool villa (from AED 1,199 half-board, children under 12 stay and dine free), a Saturday Coastal Brunch at Basilico or the AED 99 Sunday Roast. It's close enough for a Friday escape and quiet enough to switch off — book the villa and make a proper weekend of it. When: Romance by the Cove — daily, on reservation (offers run through September) Location: The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah Price: Romance by the Cove from AED 899 per couple; pool villa from AED 1,199 per night (half board) For more information, visit The Cove Rotana Resort

From alpine lakes to storybook villages, discover why Graubünden is Switzerland's most underrated summer getaway for a slower, more scenic escape Why Graubünden Should Be Your Next Swiss Getaway From alpine lakes to storybook villages, discover why Graubünden is Switzerland's most underrated summer getaway for a slower, more scenic escape by Sarah Ellison 30 Jul 2026 Looking for a summer escape where cool mountain air replaces soaring temperatures? Switzerland’s largest canton, Graubünden, offers GCC travellers the perfect seasonal retreat, combining dramatic alpine landscapes, turquoise lakes, wellness experiences, outdoor adventures, and authentic Swiss hospitality. From peaceful mountain villages and scenic rail journeys to luxury hotels and family-friendly activities, Graubünden invites travellers to slow down and reconnect with nature. A Summer Stay at Hotel Adula, Flims Set against the spectacular mountain scenery of Flims, Hotel Adula provides an ideal base for exploring one of Graubünden’s most beautiful regions. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sardona region, the hotel captures the essence of alpine living with a blend of relaxed luxury and wellbeing. During summer, guests can enjoy seasonal experiences including the Adula Garden Matinée, Social Fridays, Cocktail Saturdays, Weekend Beats, and Rosé Wine O’Clock gatherings — perfect for embracing the region’s laid-back atmosphere. For those seeking relaxation, La Mira Spa offers a peaceful retreat with holistic treatments and wellness experiences designed to restore balance after a day spent exploring the mountains. Summer Experiences Not to Miss in Graubünden Swim in the Turquoise Waters of Lake Cauma Hidden within a forest near Flims, Lake Cauma is one of Switzerland’s most photogenic natural attractions. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, the lake is perfect for swimming, unwinding by the shore, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Explore Switzerland’s “Little Grand Canyon” The Rhine Gorge, often referred to as Switzerland’s “Little Grand Canyon”, showcases dramatic cliffs, winding trails, and spectacular viewpoints. Whether explored on foot or admired from scenic overlooks, it offers one of the region’s most memorable landscapes. Hike and Cycle Through Alpine Landscapes With hundreds of kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails, Graubünden is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Flims-Laax region is especially popular during summer, offering routes through alpine meadows, forests, and panoramic mountain viewpoints — all while enjoying cooler temperatures away from the summer heat. Take a Scenic Swiss Railway Journey A trip to Graubünden is incomplete without experiencing its legendary railway routes. The Bernina Express and Rhaetian Railway take travellers through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery, crossing valleys, mountains, and historic bridges along the way. Discover Switzerland’s Only National Park Nature lovers can explore the Swiss National Park, home to more than 80 kilometres of marked trails through untouched alpine landscapes. The park offers opportunities to spot wildlife, experience peaceful hikes, and discover one of Europe’s oldest protected natural areas. Stay in Style: Graubünden’s Exceptional Hotels Beyond Hotel Adula, Graubünden offers a diverse collection of luxury stays catering to different travel styles. Design lovers can experience the contemporary mountain aesthetic of rocksresort Laax, while wellness seekers can retreat to 7132 Hotel Vals, known for its iconic thermal baths. Luxury travellers can enjoy the refined atmosphere of Tschuggen Grand Hotel Arosa and AlpenGold Hotel Davos. In the Engadin region, visitors can discover iconic properties including Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Art Boutique Hotel Monopol, Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, and Cresta Palace Celerina. For a more authentic mountain experience in eastern Graubünden, Hotel Belvédère Scuol and GuardaVal Scuol combine traditional hospitality with exceptional wellness offerings. Your Next Cool-Weather Escape Awaits With refreshing alpine temperatures, unforgettable scenery, and experiences ranging from adventure and wellness to gastronomy and relaxation, Graubünden offers GCC travellers a refreshing alternative to traditional summer holidays. Whether you’re swimming in turquoise lakes, exploring mountain trails, discovering Switzerland by train, or relaxing in a luxury alpine retreat, Graubünden delivers a summer escape filled with nature, tranquillity, and unforgettable moments. For more inspiration, visit visitgraubunden.com . You Might Also Like Maldives Resorts to Add to Your Summer Travel List The Best Private Pool Villas and Luxury Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah Why Georgia Should Be Your Next Spring Escape

Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August. RAVE’s edit rounds up the gifts, jewellery, dining and stays that celebrate the women shaping the UAE. What to Gift, Where to Go: RAVE’s Emirati Women’s Day Edit Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August. RAVE’s edit rounds up the gifts, jewellery, dining and stays that celebrate the women shaping the UAE. by Layla Hassan 26 Aug 2026 Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August, but the celebration stretches well beyond a single day. This year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” feels like a fitting reminder of the women shaping the UAE — through what they create, what they build and how they bring people together. From jewellery and fashion to wellness, dining, art and experiences, here is RAVE’s edit of what to gift, where to go and who to know this Emirati Women’s Day. The Gifts 1. Piece of You — heritage you can wear every day There’s something particularly fitting about gifting jewellery made by an Emirati woman, for Emirati women. Amreen Iqbal’s four-piece edit turns heritage into something you can wear every day: a UAE Heritage Full Diamond Necklace, Falcon Enamel Necklace, Trio Waves Diamond Earcuff and Timeless Essentials Cross Ring. Choose it for the woman who wants her heritage close. Shop: pieceofyou.ae 2. Buccellati — hand-engraved, quietly gran For the woman who likes her jewellery to feel like it already has a story, Buccellati’s hand-engraved pieces have the heirloom quality to match. The Macri Classica bracelet, finished with the Maison’s signature rigato and ornato engraving, sits alongside the floral Opera pendant in yellow, white or rose gold. Choose it when the gift is meant to last well beyond the occasion. Shop: at Buccellati boutiques 3. Mouawad — the symbolism of forever Mouawad’s Flower of Eternity is built around three heart-shaped petals — past, present and future — which makes it a natural fit for a day about legacy. The EWD edit runs from a UAE-toned trio in malachite, mother-of-pearl and red agate to diamond and sapphire versions. Choose it for a milestone — or simply for someone you want to give a piece of the future to. Shop: Flower of Eternity collection 4. MARLI New York — for the minimalist If heritage feels too weighty for her taste, MARLI keeps it clean and architectural. For the occasion, it pairs its icon, the flexible Cleo Collection, along with its timepieces, in a curated edit built around self-expression and confident everyday style. Choose it for the woman whose jewellery is a signature, not an event. Shop: MARLI New York boutiques 5. Abadia — modern femininity, homegrown For a gift beyond the jewellery box, Abadia’s EWD edit draws from its Pre-Fall 2026 collection — a silk Scarf Drape Shirt with matching satin trousers, a berry Layered Volume Shirt Dress, and a cream yoryu kaftan that reimagines a regional silhouette. Fluid and considered, these are pieces designed to be worn well beyond the month they launch in. Shop: EWD edit 6. Hamac x Hadia Ghaleb — confidence, sun’s-out Not every tribute needs to be solemn. Hamac’s collaboration with Hadia Ghaleb redefines modest beachwear with fashion-forward burkinis, coordinated swimwear and easy cover-ups in vibrant, flattering cuts. Choose it for the woman refreshing her holiday wardrobe — the gift that carries straight into her next escape. Shop: Hadia Ghaleb collection 8. Nespresso — the gift for every budget Reliable needn’t mean dull. Nespresso’s Emirati Women’s Month guide spans the playful Vertuo Pop Pink machine (AED 1,099) down to a floral French Lavender & Vanilla decaf (AED 58), a Yuzu Vanilla Over Ice blend (AED 55) and pretty accessories like the Lavender Tumbler (AED 128). Choose it when you want a considered gift at any price point — coffee she’ll actually use. Shop: Nespresso 9. Rashtions — homegrown, with a backstory For a gift that starts a conversation, Rashtions — founded by Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash — folds dates, camel milk and ghee into clean, high-protein truffles (up to 20g protein per serving, no added sugar). Date, Cocoa, Brazilian Coffee and Date Original, giftable solo or as a set. Choose it for the health-conscious woman who likes to back a UAE name. Shop: From ADNOC, Union Coop, Noon & rashtions.ae Where to Celebrate 10. DARLING x Vera Wellness — self-care, made social The K-beauty label DARLING* and Vera Wellness turn gifting into a whole afternoon: a two-day event (29–30 August) pairing Mat Pilates or sound healing with two DARLING masks, a drink from Page N Café and a chance to win a curated DARLING gift box. Choose it for the friend who’d rather be given an experience than another candle. Details: 29–30 Aug; Pilates 2–5 pm / sound healing 5–8 pm 11. ME by Meliá Dubai — art, then pure switch-off Start with meaning and end with indulgence. Emirati artist Fatma Lootah takes over the hotel’s Zaha Hadid-designed gallery with three works on femininity and memory (20 Aug–30 Sept), while Wellness by ME adds 30 complimentary minutes to every treatment (from AED 350), and women booking a stay over the weekend get a room upgrade and matcha at breakfast. Choose it for the woman who wants her day to mean something and feel like a treat. 12. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi — a dessert with a grandmother’s name This is heritage on a plate. Award-winning Emirati chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi reimagines the Italian Torta della Nonna as “Torta’t Mama”, laced with cardamom, saffron and rose, served at Café Ginori overlooking Saadiyat’s shoreline for one month from the day. Choose it for a leisurely, meaningful celebration — Italian craft meeting Emirati memory. Details: From 28 Aug at Café Ginori, one month For more info call +971 2 498 8443 \ restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com 13. Villa Sélène, Yas Links — Abu Dhabi — candlelight on the water For a celebration that glows, Villa Sélène’s new Friday concept, Oumsia, sets Mediterranean sharing plates to live piano and candlelit waterfront views. Choose it for the girls’ dinner you want to feel like an occasion — the kind that runs long past dessert. Details: Friday, 28 August 2026, from 6pm to 9pm For more info call +971 54 990 4246 14. Gerbou, Dubai — a taste of home To celebrate over the real thing, Gerbou reimagines Emirati cuisine in a beautifully restored 1987 building in Nad Al Sheba — Balaleet, Lamb Harees, Chicken Machboos and Logaimat among Sadu-inspired woodwork and camel-leather sofas. Choose it for a day that is, at heart, about the UAE’s own table. Details: Open daily 7am–11pm For more info : gerbou.com 15. Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah — self-care, times two Book one, gift one: across the month, every select 90-minute facial at Talise comes with a complimentary second treatment, so she can bring a companion — plus 30% off selected retail. Choose it for the woman who’d never book the spa for herself, and the friend she’ll bring along. Details: 28 Aug–28 Sept (Emirates ID) For more info : +971 4 366 6818 / mjtalise@jumeirah.com 16. Wellbeings x Rayya Wellness — a whole month of Mondays For deep switch-off, Wellbeings and Rayya offer 50% off 90-minute treatments on 28 August and every Monday to 27 September, each visit finished with a face mask, a signature ritual and a peach iced-tea mocktail. Choose it for the woman running on empty — recharge framed as her due, at spas across the UAE. Details: 28 Aug to 27 Sept, 50% off For more info WhatsApp 056 615 0286 / wellbeings.ae 17. Novikov Café, Dubai Mall — build-your-own keepsake On 28 August only, Novikov hosts The Charmerie for a charm bar where she picks a bracelet and the charms that mean something to her (from AED 35), with a Plinko game guaranteeing up to 35% off — and every lady dining leaves with a velvet box of sweets and a rose. Choose it for a personal, low-key celebration with a keepsake to take home. Details: 28 Aug, 9am–1am For more info novikov-cafe.com 18. Coffeemania — life in pink Coffeemania turns the occasion rosy with two elegant new creations on the menu introducing two elegant creations inspired by the spirit of the day: a Strawberry Matcha, layered with ceremonial-grade matcha, lactose-free milk and strawberry purée, and a beautifully handcrafted Pink Éclair, filled with Bourbon vanilla custard and finished with a pink glaze and hand-piped sugar blossoms.Choose it for a pretty, easy way to mark the day over coffee and something sweet. Details: from 28 Aug for one month, at Coffeemania 21. MEI — Dumpling Divas — women, supporting women This Emirati Women’s Day, MEI hosts Dumpling Divas, an intimate evening celebrating women in business, art, beauty, and hospitality. Inspired by the theme “We Emerge Better and Stronger,” the event features a conversation with Noora Sharafi, Aysha Al Shamsi, Faeza Mohamed, Layla Hajjaj, and Diana Rysbaeva. They will discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, reinvention, confidence, and the importance of women supporting women. Choose it for the woman who’d rather celebrate in good company than a gift bag. Details: 28 Aug Price: AED 150 per person Bookings: Here

What happens when a chocolate brand asks a whole city how it feels? FIX collected the answers at Kite Beach — and made them something to hold, gift and taste. The Chocolate Box Made of Strangers' Words What happens when a chocolate brand asks a whole city how it feels? FIX collected the answers at Kite Beach — and made them something to hold, gift and taste. by Layla Hassan 25 Aug 2026 Back in May, FIX Dessert Chocolatier set up at Kite Beach and asked people a simple question: how do you feel about Dubai? Over two days, more than 6,500 people stopped to write something down. We covered it at the time ; now, those messages have found a second life. Those messages have now become part of FIX's new From Dubai, With Love Hero Box. One hundred of them have been printed across the box in six languages, turning something that began as a public conversation into something people can take home. It's the latest move from the brand behind The Original Dubai Chocolate — the Can't Get Knafeh Of It bar that started the whole viral Dubai chocolate craze. "FIX was born in Dubai, and this community has been part of our story from the very beginning," says co-founder Sarah Hamouda, who started the brand in 2021 with Yezen Alani. "When thousands of people shared their words with us at Kite Beach, we knew we wanted to do something special with them. This box is our love letter back to Dubai and the community. Wherever these words go next, we hope they take a little piece of Dubai with them." The messages themselves are the best part. Here are a few that made it onto the box: "Be grateful for the small things, big things, and everything in between." "May the kindness you give come back to you." "Vive la vida y no dejes que la vida te viva." — Live life, and don't let life live you. What stands out is what people chose to write. For a city so often described through its tallest buildings, biggest ambitions and fastest growth, the messages were surprisingly simple. It was about kindness. "Small acts, big impact." "Be humble, believe in yourself, and have the care of the world in your heart." One message, in Arabic, just said: through thick and thin, we're together. Another, in Spanish, told whoever read it to actually go and live. In a city made up of people from all over the world, that became the common thread: look after each other. Six languages, thousands of contributors and countless different stories later, the messages still seemed to arrive at the same place. The From Dubai, With Love Hero Box lets you choose six flavours from FIX's line-up, including Can't Get Knafeh Of It , Pick Up A Pretzel , Mind Your Own Biscuit and Jam Or Go Nuts . It's priced at AED 395.25 and is available exclusively through Careem in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It's a good gift, obviously. But it's an unusual one too. Most boxes of chocolate don't come covered in the handwriting of a hundred strangers who happen to love the same city you do. And if you were at Kite Beach in May, there's another reason to look twice: your message might be on there.