The GRAZIA Guide On What To Do In The UAE This September

As life resumes in the UAE after a much-needed summer reset, it’s easy to forget how good spending time on yourself feels. We’re here to remind you.

As always, the nation is filled with things to do, places to go, and experiences that will leave memories to last a lifetime. So from indoor rooftop delights to dinnertime shows, GRAZIA brings you the best ways to spend your September in the UAE.

Gastronomy at Atlantis The Royal has put together a thoughtful intercontinental breakfast to start your day off right. For the most important meal of the day, why choose? Indulge in freshly baked goods, eggs benedict, dim sum, waffles and more. Stop by a live cooking station to customise your meal or simply enjoy the refined buffet. Sample a range of soft beverages and experiment with the coffee roastery, all bundled into a cozy ambience. There’s complimentary valet parking at the resort for diners too.

At 25 Jump Street, Le Trottoir de Paloma refuses to succumb to the dessert’s relentless heat. The bistro and cocktail bar has transformed its rooftop into an enclosed sanctuary, complete with air-conditioning and glass walls so you won’t miss out on the view or the ambience. Head to the dynamic spot for sea bass a la plancha, berry and vanilla meringues, tiramisu-inspired cocktails and more.

Overlooking South Ridge Park in Downtown Dubai, Le Guilan is set to open its doors this month. The spot will focus on Persian flavours made with French cooking techniques. Highlights of the menu include saffron French toast, short ribs with chocolate jus and a fermented black garlic butter. The interiors are designed to mimic a modern Persian manor house with a botanical terrace.

The sustainability pavilion at Expo City is running a guided wellness morning on September 5 from 8:30am to 12:45pm. Titled ‘The Art Of Stillness’, the event blends movement, mindfulness and creativity in a series of workshops and classes. Highlights include sound healing and breathwork with Purva Kaushai, pilates with YOFIT Hot Studios and a vision board workshop with Zen Art. The experience will leave your senses rejuvenated, reduce stress and restore your body’s natural balance.

The iconic Saturday Rio Brunch is making its long-awaited comeback to SUSHISAMBA this month. Expect a live DJ, Samba dancers, live performances, bold flavours and panoramic views. The celebrations run well into golden hour at SAMBAROOM with an afterparty full of vibrant beats and handcrafted cocktails. Regular tables are available at Dhs649 per person with house beverages while window tables are priced at Dhs699, although they can be upgraded to the Champagne package.

At Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR, diners at Al Sama Pool Bar will get to enhance their experience with complimentary pool and beach access. There’s a minimum spend per head on food and beverages of Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs200 on weekends to activate the offer and beat the heat. At the bar, dedicated beverage promotions mean you can cool down while soaking up the sun.

Every Friday and Saturday in September, Lexx at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences will host a sophisticated social evening complete with simple pleasures. Guests will be treated to free-flowing wine, a signature selection of cheese and cured meats on a handpicked charcuterie board with artisanal breads and seasonal accompaniments, and a social table. Graze, sip and savour, all while making new connections.

Enrich Your Dining Experience at Dream

Located at the Address Beach Resort in JBR, this elegant Mediterranean menu with customisable drinks sits in perfect juxtaposition to its flamboyant dinnertime show. The DREAM experience runs from 8pm to 3am every Wednesday to Saturday in September. Expect dazzling choreography, acrobatic stunts, extravagant costumes and a curated range of acts designed to maintain the vibe all night. The last two hours even see the venue transform into an immersive after-party complete with a live DJ.

American designer Kelly Wearstler is launching a flagship collection with H&M HOME, featuring the brand’s first ever furniture line. The interior collection is complemented by a capsule fashion wardrobe featuring eight limited-edition signature styles. Rooted in her bold aesthetic, the catalogue uses materials like metal, marble and tactile fabrics on its pieces. Think sculptural armchairs, sleek carafes, wool and cashmere throw blankets, slip dresses, leather jackets and a host of other stylish delights.

London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Gymkhana is opening in Dubai in September for dinner service, with lunch to follow in October. Reservations are now open for the newest dining destination at DIFC Gate Village. Led by executive chef Rahul Rana, the menu mimics its parent spot to draw from the rich culinary traditions of North India. Try their signature dishes like the Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops with Walnut Chutney, Makhmali King Crab and Malai Pyaaz, Wagyu Beef Sukka with Bone Marrow and countless others for layered tapestries of taste. For dessert, opt for the Emirati Qishta for a localised delight.

On Sunday, September 27, from 4 to 6pm, Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar is hosting a Sip & Paint evening. The unlimited beverages and live DJ are sure to spark your creative juices, but there will also be dedicated professionals from a local studio to help. After, make sure to grab a meal at one of the homegrown culinary delights in the vicinity to conclude the evening with a treat for your tastebuds. Through the month, you can also indulge in Jazz Mondays and Latin Tuesdays at the venue.