The FACT UAE guide to the week ahead: 30 September to 6 October

There’s plenty to enjoy this October.

As we venture into the first week of October, cooler weather brings brunches, memorable dining experiences, and live music to the country. Read on for our picks of the best things to do in the UAE this week.

Monday 30 September

See Dubai in full bloom

Walk into a blossoming euphoria of colour and elegance at Dubai Miracle Garden. More than 50 million natural flowers have been arranged into impressive displays featuring aeroplanes, elephants, horses, and more. For the new season, this family-friendly attraction includes a large waterwheel, floral tunnels, innovative 3D water, and lighting installations.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.

Tuesday 1 October

Celebrate Golden Week at Mott 32

Mott 32 Dubai will celebrate China’s National Day with a special Golden Week menu. The culinary extravaganza begins with a selection of starters, including Assorted Chinese Vegetable Salad, Black Garlic and Mustard Prawns, and Hong Kong Honey Chicken Puff. Main courses highlight classic favourites such as Kung Pao Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Spiced BBQ Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, and Mott 32’s famous Gold Medal Olive and Egg Fried Rice. To complete the meal, diners can indulge in a decadent Cheesecake with Caramelised Apple. Available from 1 to 7 October. AED 399 per person (minimum of two guests).

GO: Visit www.mott32.com for reservations and more information.

Wednesday 2 October

Tuck into the business lunch at Berenjak

Escape the office and enjoy a lunch menu of moreish mazeh and kababs and Berenjak in Dar Wasl. The mazeh selection includes Berenjak’s Panir Sabzi, their famous Black Chickpea Hummus, Black Truffle Olivieh, and Kashk-e Bademjoon. For the mains, tuck into the Koobideh Kabab, Jujeh Kabab, Jujeh Kabab Tond, Barreh Kabab Tond, and Ghaimeh Bademjoon, all served with house rice. This Persian feast is available Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 5pm. AED 125 per person.

GO: Visit www.berenjakuae.com for reservations and more information.

Thursday 3 October

Have dinner with Akira Back and Vineet Bhatia

The Luminary Set has announced its inaugural Four-Hands Dinner in the Middle East, bringing together acclaimed chefs Akira Back and Vineet Bhatia for an eight-course menu at W Dubai – The Palm. You can indulge in creations from both chefs, including Akira’s Hamachi Tiradito, Wagyu and Shrooms, and Chocolate Mille-Feuille, or Vineet’s Sambhar Prawns, Arabica Kapi Lamb and Daulati Kheer Rasmalai. Available on Thursday, 3 October from 8pm. AED 599 per person (food only) with an optional beverage pairing for an additional AED 300.

GO: Visit theluminaryset.com for reservations and more information.

Friday 4 October

Party with DJ Caiiro

Ling Ling Ultra Lounge at Atlantis The Royal is reopening its doors for the winter season this weekend. The evening includes an electrifying performance by renowned DJ Caiiro. Known for his signature Afro house and deep tech sounds, Caiiro blends his cultural heritage into his music. He has collaborated with top artists like Pixie L, Xoli M, and Black Motion, and his hit track Your Voice has earned him global recognition. With only ten tables available, each seating up to ten guests, reservations are highly recommended. Friday 4 October, from 11pm to 3am. AED 3,000 minimum spend per table.

GO: Visit www.linglingdubai.com for reservations and more information.

Saturday 5 October

Visit a fashion-forward collab

Harvey Nichols and Maison de la Plage are coming together for an extraordinary beachside event, promising an evening of fashion, luxury, and seaside elegance. This one-night-only experience will blend high fashion, live entertainment, and coastal sophistication. The centrepiece of the evening will be an exclusive fashion show curated by Harvey Nichols, showcasing the latest collections from renowned designers such as Jacquemus, Alaïa, Missoni, Oséree, Paco Rabanne, and more. Available on Saturday, 5 October.

GO: Email reservations@maisondelaplage.com for reservations and more information.

Sunday 6 October

Dine al fresco at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Sand & Koal at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental offers a picturesque seaside setting for a memorable meal centred around the art of open-fire cooking. The culinary experience evolves throughout the day, blending the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean with the irresistible charm of an open flame. The menu serves the finest quality meats, freshly caught fish, and vibrant salads, all prepared over an open grill and enhanced by the refreshing sea breeze.

GO: Email moauh-restaurants@mohg.com or call 02 690 7999 for reservations and more information.