TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2026 3 Inside Looking for things to do in Dubai? Turn to page 31 for the best of the city Your essential guide to Have a brew From flat whites to espressos, lattes, capuccinos and more, we bring you the very best places to get your daily cup of coffee in DXB this month Page 10 Seasonal treats New product alert. Head to Fortnum & Mason for some fresh picks Page 18 Halloween on the horizon Explore the spooky snacks on offer this October across the airport Page 19 Saddle4 OCTOBER 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM October is when Dubai starts feeling like itself again. The temperature drops, plans move outside and everyone remembers why we put up with summer in the first place. This is the month for long walks, spontaneous dinners, discovering new enclaves in the city or finally trying out a new sport. Of course, October might also mean travelling somewhere cool. And at DXB, waiting around doesn’t have to mean watching the clock. It can mean grabbing a great coffee, fitting in a little self-care or turning an hour between gates into some ‘me time’. This issue is packed with reasons to make more of the city, from free ladies’ nights every day of the week to art you can actually be part of and neighbourhoods worth exploring properly. Consider October the month we fling the doors open and (gently) shove you through them. There are plans to make, places to discover and plenty to tempt you away from the sofa. Catch me outside, how about that? facebook.com/timeoutdubai youtube.com/timeoutgcc timeoutdubai timeoutdubai timeoutdubai Ed’s pick Yousra Zaki Group Food Editor Why settle for looking at art when you can be part of it (p58) Hello Published by ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC © 2026 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK. Time Out Dubai PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Managing Director Martin Chambers Deputy Managing Director Holly Sands Time Out Dubai Editorial Editor at Large Amy Mathieson +971 4 444 3696 | amy.mathieson@os.itp.com Group Food Editor Yousra Zaki +971 4 444 3255 | yousra.zaki@itp.com Features Editor Sian Traynor +971 4 444 3396 | sian.traynor@itp.com Digital Editor Aimee Jakes +971 4 444 3487 | aimee.jakes@itp.com News Editor Findlay Mair +971 4 444 3893 | findlay.mair@itp.com Senior Social Media Editor Wyanet Vaz +971 4 444 3307 | wyanet.vaz@itp.com Social Media Executive Marion Colaco +971 4 444 3569 | marion.colaco@itp.com Social Media Creator (Partner Content) Nancy Lova +971 4 444 3305 | nancy.lova@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño +971 4 444 3591 | jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad +971 4 444 3657 | rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Events, Marketing & Brand Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Senior Events Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Gavin Moeketski Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Coordinator Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga email: events@itp.com Art Head of Creative Oliver Hazelwood Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Design Intern Shanice D'sa Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Production, Distribution & Circulation Senior Production & Distribution Manager Balasubramanian P +971 4 444 3871 | balasubramanian.p@itp.com Production Manager Anand Sundaram +971 4 444 3424 | anand.sundaram@itp.com Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira +971 4 444 3669 | avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai +971 4 444 3236 | rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Officer Sally Whittam +971 4 444 3348/+971 56 104 0567 | sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director David Wurie +971 52 576 2162 | david.wurie@itp.com Senior Advertising Manager Keenan Cunningham +971 4 444 3533 | keenan.cunningham@itp.com Commercial Manager Tim Quick +971 4 444 3351| tim.quick@itp.com Commercial Admin Executive Celine Magpoc +971 4 444 3345| celine.magpoc@itp.com The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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The name and logo of Time Out are used under .licence of Time Out Group Limited London UK Zaki oodTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2026 5 Hot listHot list Chic and on time The Breguet Reine de Naples Phase de Lune is distinguished by a densified bezel setting and central lug snow-set with diamonds, combining horological complication with refined jewellery craftsmanship. O Dhs319,905. Dubai Duty Free, dubaidutyfree.com. Support Pinktober You can shop the limited- edition Pinktober collection at Rock Shop, including T-shirts and tumblers. A portion of the proceeds go to Hard Rock’s charity partner Al Jalila Foundation. O Terminal 3, Concourse B, near GateB25 and Concourse C, near GateC22. Ready for an upgrade? If you’re all about the latest tech, listen up. Meet the iPhone 18 Pro. Power that pushes boundaries. Cameras that capture every detail. A design made to stand out. And performance built for whatever comes next. O Dhs5,159. Dubai Duty Free, dubaidutyfree.com. New eats Looking for something new in DXB? West Side Bar and Kitchen is now open Terminal 3, offering global flavours, freshly prepared dishes and creative mixed drinks. From breakfasts to bar bites, salads, sandwiches and plenty of Asian flavours, there’s heaps of choice. Whether you’re after a full meal or quick bite, you’ll find it at this stylish new space in Concourse A. O Terminal 3, Concourse A, near GateA6 and A7. Please note that some outlets’ operation availabilities may vary across Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (arrivals and departures). Do your part for the environment Looking for an eco-conscious fashion brand while you travel? Stop by the PANGAIA pop-up in Terminal 3, Concourse B for clothing, accessories and more. O Terminal 3, Concourse B, near GateB8.Things to do in DXB 6 OCTOBER 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Level-up Level-up Totally awesome stuff that you can do in DXB your your layover layover adidasThings to do in DXB TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2026 7 W e’re about to let you in on a little secret. A layover at DXB is so much more than sitting around waiting for take-off. If you’ve got a few hours to kill, then believe us, you’ve landed in the right place. Because a layover can be whatever you want it to be, and this issue, we’re turning it into some well-earned ‘me-time’. If you’re travelling long haul, this is the time to refresh, recharge and take a few hours to yourself when all you have to do is have fun. Whether it’s a locked-in gaming session, a well-earned shopping spree, a quick spa treatment or even a full night’s kip that springs to mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite activities across DXB to make your layover just a little more meaningful. And with so much to see and do, you might even find yourself wishing your connection was a little longer. So, before you head for the departure gate, take a look at our guide to making the most of your time at DXB. Your next few hours just got a whole lot more interesting. Be entertained Beat your high score Game Space is the ideal place if you want to escape through your controller for a few hours. The space is set up with heaps of monitors boasting all the top title games to ensure you can take on all your favourite challenges. Open 24/7, it doesn’t matter if you’re stopping by at 3am or 3pm, there’s high-speed internet and a digital world waiting for you. If you get a little peckish (gaming is hungry work), order a snack or two straight to your seat. O Terminal 3, Concourse B, near GateB27. Browse for a souvenir What’s a layover without a little retail therapy? And we don’t just mean a quick dash to pick up some snacks for the flight. This is your sign to treat yourself or Game Space CandyliciousThings to do in DXB 8 OCTOBER 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM someone at home to a little souvenir from Dubai. Take home a traditional gift from the Emirati District between Concourses B and C, or pick up a special set from the world’s largest airport LEGO Store near GateB25. But if it really is snacks you’re after, head to Candylicious by GateB28. O Multiple locations. Check out a wildlife photography exhibition Your layover just got cultured. Stretch your legs a little and stroll to Arabian Corridor between Concourses B and C, where you can reach the furthest corners of the globe without leaving Terminal 3. Showcasing some of wildlife photographer Chris Fallows’ finest snaps, you’ll feel like you’re deep in the oceans, or even out on safari. Our favourite pics to ogle at? The Final Act, which is the last ever photography of the False Bay great white sharks, and After the Fall, the Rise, which depicts an incredible 15ft humpback whale tail. O Between Concourse B and Concourse C, Terminal 3. Tuck in at a lounge Dubai International Airport has plenty of private areas that you can pay to use. So, swerve the snacks on this occasion and head to a luxe lounge where comfy seats, food and drink on tap and welcoming hospitality come as standard. Whether you’re flying economy or first class, check into one of the Marhaba lounges located in every terminal, or treat yourself to some luxe additions at the Ahlan First Class Lounge in Terminal 1 and 3. Pick a comfortable spot, grab a magazine, plug in your headphones and those hours will fly by. O Multiple locations. Grab a bite Food Village Explore a wide range of global dining options at Food Village, bringing together everything from quick bites to more filling meals in one convenient space. Whether you’re after something savoury, sweet or refreshing, there’s plenty to choose from, making it an easy stop. O Terminal 3, Concourse C, near GateC11. L’Éclair de Génie Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss a visit to this luxury patisserie from chef Christophe Adam. With macarons, cookies and more, they all taste as good as they look. O Terminal 3, Concourse B, near GateB15. Shake Shack Looking for a real American burger before take-off? Try this much-loved New York chain. Expect the usual assortment of burgers, hot dogs and more. The crinkle-cut fries are legendary. O Terminal 3, Concourse A, near GateA9. Rest and recharge Chill in your own hotel room No need to sit at the gate for hours. Check yourself into a room, or even a suite, at Dubai International Hotel, which is quite literally inside the airport itself. Accessed through Terminal 3, you can enjoy your own room and ensuite for up to three hours, meaning you can get a few hours of shut eye on some perfectly fluffed pillows, take a shower or just unwind in your own space. There are some cute freebies to make the most of too, from robes and slippers, tea and coffee and even ear plugs if you’re ready for a five-star snooze. If you fancy a swim, you’ll have complimentary use of the hotel’s health club, kitted out with a gym, heated pool and a hot tub. O From Dhs438 (three hours). Terminal 3, Concourse A, B, C. Arabian Corridor Dubai International Hotel Things to do in DXB TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2026 9 Nap in your own pod If you didn’t manage to sleep on the flight, a quick pit stop for a nap is the definition of me-time. Rest easy at Sleepover’s private sleep spaces, with single, double and family options. Whether it’s a quick nap or a full night’s sleep, showers are available too so you can freshen up for your next leg of the journey. O Terminal 3, Concourse C. Stop in for a manicure Didn’t manage to fit in a nail appointment before you jetted off? You’re in luck. There are multiple Be Relax salons at DXB, so this is the perfect time to take some time for a little self-care. If it’s just a quick trim and file, opt for the 15-minute express manicure or for something more luxurious, the classic mani or pedicure will sort out your cuticles, buff all your worries away and wrap it all up with a fresh coat of polish in under 45 minutes. If you want to pick up some goodies for the next part of your journey, purchase up a Be Relax Memory Foam Pillow and receive a complimentary warming Dream Steam Eye Mask until the end of October. Don’t miss out on this one. O Various locations, including Terminal 1, Concourse D, near GateD9; Terminal 3, Concourse A, near GateA1 and A23; Concourse B, near GateB10, B13, B18 and B23. Treat yourself at the spa Now this is really maxing out your layover. The Timeless Spa is located inside the Dubai International Hotel, but you can book in just for a treatment (or two). Depending on your flight time, you can choose from a selection of packages from a quick beard trim to a full pamper. If you want a recommendation, the Time-Out package starts out with a revitalising body massage and your choice of either scrub or facial, plus it even comes with some calming freebies for you to take home so you can continue the pampering. O Treatment prices vary. Terminal 3, Concourse A, B, C. Timeless Spa SleepoverNext >