< PreviousNEW IN 2025 10 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com 25 FOR 2025 Carbone 25 FOR 2025NEW IN 2025 timeoutdubai.com January 2025 11 W ell hello there 2025, pleased to make your acquaintance. It might have crept up on us (seriously, where did 2024 go?), but there’s no time to look back now, only forwards. And you’ll be pleased to know, the year ahead is looking very (very) good. From one of the most talked-about concerts in the UAE’s history to new sky-high hotels, world-famous restaurant launches (and a fitness challenge or two), Dubai’s bringing its A-game this year. Here are 25 things to get on your radar for 2025 in the UAE. We’ll be right there with you. MUST-EAT-AT RESTAURANTS CARBONE The iconic New York Italian restaurant is coming to Dubai in 2025, after first opening over a decade ago in Manhattan. Picking up an impressive reputation in the US with celebs and the public alike, Carbone has hosted everyone from Rihanna to Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber and Drake – and you could well be next. Showcasing tuxedo-clad waiters, linguine alle vongole and a dining room decorated in the style of 1950s New York City, this new hot spot is set to open in Atlantis The Royal close to the start of the year. Is there an elegant way to eat linguine? Watch this space. O Opening 2025. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, @carbonedxb. COCO GRILL & LOUNGE After becoming a London hot spot, the restaurant is now landing in Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa views and a botanical look based on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Serving up dishes from flame-grilled steak to sizzling seafood, inside you’ll also find the Redemption Bar, offering soft drinks and serving some incredible mocktails to sip on while you watch the extravagant in-house shows. We can’t wait. O Coming soon. Downtown Dubai, coco-restaurants.ae. FOLLY BRASSERIE CORE MEMORY folly, a multiple winner at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards, closed its doors in April 2024 at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, but has now made its dearly awaited return. Launching in January at Address Montgomerie in Emirates Hills, expect a chic evening out with some top- notch European plates. O Opening January. Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills, folly.ae. FROU FROU Frou Frou Dubai aims to bring the glamour of early 20th-century Paris to the city. This is the third venue under the Frou Frou brand, with another opening planned in Marbella, Spain. If you thought last year was sweet, you ain’t seen nothing yet. By Sian TraynorNEW IN 2025 12 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com The restaurant, led by chef Leonid Ivanov, offers a modern take on French classics. Expect foie gras, truffle and caviar paired with fresh seafood at this swanky spot when it opens in The Lana, Dorchester Collection. O Coming soon. The Lana – Dorchest Collection Dubai, Business Bay, froufroudxb.com. GATSBY BARCELONA Ready to party on the Palm? Listen up. The soon-to-open dinner-show concept Gatsby Barcelona is set to be a cracker. Due to launch on the Nakheel Mall rooftop on Palm Jumeirah, the Spanish restaurant offers a glamorous and unique experience to enjoy a live show while you dine on everything from sole roulades to fresh lobster. O Coming soon. Palm Jumeirah, gatsbydubai.com. UPCOMING BARS BREWDOG One of Scotland’s most famous exports is (finally) coming to Dubai, and soon you’ll be able to try a whopping eight different venues planned for the city. Known for its quirky brand and craft hops, drinks have been inspired by everything from Elvis Presley to Willy Wonka, so keep an eye out for the new bars arriving on Dubai’s sandy shores. We don’t know where it will open yet, but keep close to timeoutdubai.com for all the latest news. O Coming soon. brewdog.com. J1 BEACH The new Jumeirah destination has just come to life after replacing La Mer beach and we can’t wait to spend the weekends here. From the cool Tulum-inspired terrace at Gitano to chic pool days on the sunbeds at Gigi Rigolatto, the stretch of sand is packed with 12 shiny new venues to try out – we’ll see you there as it’s now open in all its glory. O Jumeirah 1, j1beach.com. LITT Coming from the team at CLAP, this new bar will be nestled inside the KIRA restaurant in the eagerly-awaited Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. You’re going to want to snap a few photos in here, as everything from the bar to the ceiling will be worth an Insta. Also set to feature some big-name DJs and cool mixed drinks, look out for the opening in 2025. O Coming soon. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com. SWINGERS CORE MEMORY Ready to practise your putting and then refuel with a refreshing beverage? This new spot is set to offer some fun rounds of crazy golf, with a special new mixed-drink bar at the end. Swingers was initially due to open in summer 2024, but will now be an arrival to try in 2025. Letting you stop in at The 10th Hole Bar for a glass of something cold, you can also take your drinks around the course while you attempt to get a hole in one. O Coming soon. Bluewaters, swingerscrazygolf.ae. CHECK-IN TIME CIEL HOTEL The world’s tallest hotel is getting closer to completion by the day, and we can’t wait to get inside. Towering over the Marina at a staggering 365 metres tall, the curved tower will also boast a rooftop infinity pool and bar overlooking Palm Jumeirah. If the breathtakingly high views aren’t enough to wow you we’re sure the 360-degree glass observation deck, all-day dining or state-of-the-art gym will also impress. Set for completion in 2025, we’ll catch you floating in the clouds very soon. O Coming soon. Dubai Marina, thefirstgroup.com. JUMEIRAH MARSA AL ARAB This long-awaited hotel boasts a design inspired by a super-yacht, stunning Burj Al Arab views and some upcoming dining spots you don’t want to miss. A total of 408 rooms have been created inside and the hotel also has its own stretch of private beach to relax on. Dressed head-to-toe in glamour, this hotel needs to be considered for your next luxury staycay. O Coming soon. Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com. MAMA SHELTER The Parisian hotel has been long- awaited in Dubai, after opening branches in London and Prague. Known for its Insta-worthy décor and funky rooms, the new Dubai site will have 197 rooms and is welcoming its first guests on Wednesday January 15. Inside the Business Bay spot you’ll find an all-day restaurant, a speakeasy and even a pizza parlour to enjoy. We also can’t wait to try out the new pool deck and rooftop skyline bar, which is expected to have some glittering vistas over the city. O Opening January 2025. Business Bay, mamashelter.com/dubai. Frou FrouNEW IN 2025 timeoutdubai.com January 2025 13 Jumeirah Marsa Al ArabNEW IN 2025 14 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com 1920 Want a sky-high drink? The 52nd-floor bar ‘1920’ features an Art Deco design and seats 78. Offering stunning city views, evening entertainment and a sophisticated drinks menu with creative mixed drinks and vintage bubbly, it might be the after-dinner place to be in DIFC. Inspired by the Manhattan skyscrapers of the 1920s, the bar is expected to open by January, so get this one on your to-visit list for 2025. O Coming soon. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, 1920.ae. GIGS TO GROOVE AT BOYZ II MEN Get ready to sing under the stars – Boyz II Men are coming to the UAE capital. The legendary vocal harmony group will headline the Saadiyat Nights in Abu Dhabi in January, so grab your tickets quick. Serenading the crowd with their timeless hits, you can expect the likes of End of the Road and One Sweet Day at this incredible concert. Road trip? We’re already in the car. O From Dhs225. Sat Jan 25, from 5pm. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, ticketmaster.ae. CAS Bounding onto the stage on Friday January 31 is none other than indie-rock legends CAS. Specialising in a blend of dream pop and rock, the band will play at Coca-Cola Arena so get ready to scream-along from the audience. With more than one billion streams on Spotify, you’ll be treated to tracks including Apocalypse and Sunsetz in the one-night-only performance. O From Dhs195. Fri Jan 31. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, livenation.me (800 223 388). REWIND FEST DXB Get ready to catch disco fever, because REWIND FEST DXB is coming back to Dubai. Set to arrive on Saturday February 22, the line-up is bringing some ’80s icons to the stage for some serious throwbacks. If you’re here for a bit of nostalgia then you’re in luck, as the likes of Tony Hadley will be performing classic hits like True and Gold, followed by artists including Midge Ure and The Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey. Hosted at Bla Bla in JBR, other confirmed performers include Tunde (voice of the Lighthouse Family), The Christians and Disco Inferno. O From Dhs395. Sat Feb 22, from noon. Bla Bla, JBR, rewindfestdxb.com (04 584 4111). COLDPLAY CORE MEMORY The stress of getting tickets is now a thing of the past (if you were lucky), and it’s time to get excited for the big days. The British band NEW IN 2025 timeoutdubai.com January 2025 15 will play the gigs at Abu Dhabi’s 45,000-seater Zayed Sports City Stadium on Friday January 9, Saturday January 11, Sunday January 12 and Tuesday January 14. Only an hour’s drive from Dubai, get ready to see a Sky Full of Stars in what are set to be some of the biggest gigs the UAE has ever seen. O Prices vary. Fri Jan 9, Sat Jan 11, Sun Jan 12, Tue Jan 14. Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, livenation.me. GREEN DAY Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Green Day will be performing for the first time ever in the Middle East when they take to the stage at Dubai’s Expo City. With a decades-long history as one of the most iconic bands in punk rock, Green Day will be playing a selection of their biggest hits including American Idiot, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, and Wake Me Up When September Ends off their eight-time platinum-certified album American Idiot, along with cuts from their ten-time platinum diamond-certified album Dookie and their most recently released studio album Saviors. O From Dhs445. Mon Jan 25, from 5pm. Dubai Expo City, greendaydxb.com. EVENTS TO BOOK AL QUOZ ARTS FEST Mark the festival in your diary for Saturday January 25 and get ready for a weekend of live-performances, pop-up shops, new food trucks and some incredible film screenings. Created by Alserkal, the Al Quoz fest is open to all, letting you have a look inside Dubai’s most creative neighbourhood. O From Dhs63. Sat Jan 25-Sun Jan 26, 10am-11pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, dubai.platinumlist.net. DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES Keeping us all excited over summer, this initiative brings some incredible events and pop-ups to Dubai for the hotter months. Get ready to experience everything from flash sales to pop-up slides, concerts and fun fairs and a whole load more – you won’t even notice the temperatures outside. The exact line-up for 2025 is, well, a surprise, so stay tuned to timeoutdubai.com to find out what’s in store for this year’s warmer season. Can’t wait that long? Check out the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival for deals, gigs, raffles, fireworks and more – but be quick as it all wraps up on Sunday January 12. O Summer 2025. visitdubai.com. JACK WHITEHALL (AND HIS DAD) If you’ve enjoyed their hilarious antics in the Netflix series Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father, you’re in for a real treat. This exclusive live show promises to be a rollercoaster of laughs as the famous father- son pair share their wild adventures and personal stories. With Hilary (aka Mum) on standby as the ultimate referee, you can expect family secrets, epic tantrums and maybe a few playful jabs that only family can dish out. O From Dhs350. Fri Feb 14. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, dubai.platinumlist.net (800 223 388). TASTE OF DUBAI Feeling peckish? Kicking off from Friday February 14 until Sunday February 16, this is the food festival of all food festivals if you weren’t already in the know. Taking over Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, word is 25,000 visitors are predicted to experience its impressive schedule brimming with celebrity-lead workshops, free food samples and live entertainment over three days, with restaurants including Leña, Osteria Funkcoolio and City Social. Whether you want to pick up some top tips in the kitchen, chill out with “Get ready for flash sales and pop-up slides, concerts, fun fairs and a whole load more” Taste of Dubai Boyz II MenNEW IN 2025 16 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com the fam in the winter sun or tuck into some extraordinarily good grub, this is for you. O From Dhs55. Fri Feb 14-Sun Feb 16, from noon. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, tasteofdubaifestival.com. WATERBOMB CORE MEMORY Load up that water gun because the South Korean festival is making its Dubai return in summer 2025 (and we can’t wait). Soaking crowds from head-to-toe, some of the biggest names in K-pop including Jessi and TripleS made appearances last year, so we have high hopes about the line-up for WATERBOMB – the sequel. An official date is yet to be confirmed but keep your eyes peeled. O Prices and date TBC. waterbombdubai.com. ACE ATTRACTIONS TO KEEP AN EYE ON AIN DUBAI The world’s largest observation wheel reopened in December after being closed for more than two years for maintenance. Standing at 250m high, Ain Dubai looks out over JBR, Dubai Marina and beyond. Be sure to check it out during 2025. O From Dhs145 (aged 12 and above), from Dhs115 (kids aged three-12), free (kids under three). Open Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am- 9pm. Bluewaters Dubai, aindubai.com. MUSEUM OF CANDY CORE MEMORY This is every sweet toothed candy fan’s dream and it touched down in Dubai right at the end of 2024. Packed with a life- size lollipop forest, cotton candy clouds and some cool interactive surprises, your sugar cravings will definitely be satisfied here. If you haven’t visited the Louvre of lollies yet, then this is your sign to go. O Dhs109 (adults), Dhs99 (kids). Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Umm Hurair Road, Oud Metha, themuseumofcandy.com (04 591 0088). THE FORT LISAILI This brand-new desert experience is located next to the Hidden Café and is offering a series of open-air lounges. With the appearance of an old historic fort, you can sip a mixed drink in the sundowner lounge, ride a camel or zoom around on a quad bike, before tucking into a tasty barbecue dinner. O From Dhs100. Open Tue-Sun 4pm-10pm. The Fort-Lisaili, arabian-adventures.com (04 274 8803). Emirates 7sNEW IN 2025 timeoutdubai.com January 2025 17 SPORTS EVENTS TO WARM UP FOR DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE It touches down every year in October and we can’t wait to be greeted with a month of free fitness across the city. From group spin classes on the beach to running races, yoga sessions and more, get ready to set yourself some goals and smash them in the 30-day challenge. You have ten months to prep. O October 2025. dubaifitnesschallenge.com. DUBAI MARATHON CORE MEMORY The Middle East’s first and oldest international marathon is returning to the streets of Dubai in early 2025. Taking place on Sunday January 12, this is a highlight of the Middle East’s sporting calendar. If the distance puts you off, never fear, because this event features three race distances – a full marathon (42.195km), a 10km race and a 4km fun run, so either get registered or line the streets to support the runners. O Dhs184 (4km), Dhs312 (10km), Dhs551 (marathon). Sun Jan 12, from 7am. Starting at Umm Suqeim Road, dubaimarathon.org. EMIRATES 7S Bringing some serious sport to the city, the yearly tournament not only revolves around rugby games, but also includes everything from family-friendly activities to a huge live concert. In recent years, headliners have included Stormzy and the Sugababes, so expect some serious talent to be entertaining at the 2025 event (which usually falls in December). Fancy dress at the ready. O December 2025. The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road, emiratesdubai7s.com. HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC The oldest golf event in the Middle East will return in January 2025 and, once again, is set to feature a star-studded line-up of some of the world’s best golfers. The 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be held between Thursday January 16 and Sunday January 19. Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy is the reigning champion, having won the tournament for a fourth time in 2024 and he’ll be back once again to defend his crown, so keep an eye out for the star on the course. O Free. Thu Jan 16-Sun Jan 19, 10am-11pm. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, dubaidesertclassic.com. SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE It’s time to ride. The pedalling challenge kicks off on Sunday February 23 for its 15th anniversary, transforming Expo City into a cycling hub for all the family. As well as the (very) big race (92km, in fact) for the grown- ups, the little ones can sign up for distances ranging from 900m to 9km. All about getting you active, make the most of the cooler weather and dig out your helmet for this one. O Prices vary. Sat Feb 22-Sun Feb 23. Expo City, cyclechallenge.ae. Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle ChallengeThink you’ve got what it takes? Get ahead of the competition with a sneak peek into 10 of the most thrilling Spartan Race obstacles (and how to conquer them) Sandbag CarryThe Spartan Race Trifecta weekend is almost here and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s an unmissable athletic event, taking place from Saturday January 25 to Sunday January 26 at the Dubai Parks and Resorts, that you need to get in your calendar, right now. The series of obstacle courses will test your strength, endurance, agility (and your willpower). Get ready to get dirty because you’ll be climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, carrying sandbags over varied terrains and so much more. The best part? Spartan offers a variety of race categories so you’ll find something for every fitness level – the Beast Race, the Super Race, or the Sprint Race – anyone can participate from first timers to pros and everyone in between. Now, the key to conquering the Spartan Race is knowing what’s coming and how to tackle each obstacle – and we’ve got the inside scoop on just that. Here are the ten most thrilling obstacles you’ll face and how to tackle them. 1 A-Frame Cargo: Strength and dynamic footwork are key when climbing this towering obstacle. Scale it by grabbing hold of the cargo net tightly, easing yourself over the top and down the other side. Pro tip: Take it slow and steady. 2 Sandbag Carry: Carry it across uneven terrain – like over a sand dune or on sticky mud. Shopaholics used to carrying mall hauls should be just fine with this. Pro tip: Swing it over both shoulders to distribute the weight evenly. 3 Hercules Hoist: Lift a sandbag using a rope and pulley system before carefully lowering it back down. Pro tip: Have a solid grip on the rope, squat and use your bodyweight to help with the heavy lifting. 4 Climb Walls: Depending on the Spartan race you choose, you’ll scale either a 4ft wall an 8ft one in this ultimate Partner Content WHICH RACE WILL YOU TAKE ON? Beast race: 21km trek, 30 obstacles. From Dhs420. Sat Jan 25. Super race: 10km trek, 25 obstacles. From365. Sun Jan 26. Sprint race: 5km trek, 20 obstacles. From Dhs295. Sat Jan 25, Sun Jan 26. Kids race: From Dhs90. Sat Jan 25, Sun Jan 26. Want to get 20 percent off? Use the code: NY2025 Valid until Friday January 17. O Get your tickets: arabia.spartan.com. test of strength, agility and coordination. Pro tip: Take the steps on the wall for a boost. 5 Multi-Rig: Swing from bars and rings (just like Tarzan) while travelling from one end to the other on this massive rectangle frame. Pro tip: The momentum from a good swing will drive you forward. Time to hit the gym and start practising those hangs. 6 Slip Wall: The challenge is to climb a smooth wall of an A-frame. Good news is that there’s a rope to help you. The not- so-good news is that this is one slippery wall. Pro tip: Head for the longest rope. 7 Olympus: One of the trickiest obstacles to take on, the Olympus is an angled wall with holes, rock-climbing holds and short chains to grab onto. P ro tip: Gripping tightly onto the holes and rock-climbing holds only is the key to success. 8 Barbed Wire Crawl: All you have to do on this one is to get on all fours and crawl underneath a barbed wire. As simple as that. Pro tip: Stay as low as possible. 9 Spear Throw: The aim of the game is to hit a target that’s 25ft away. Plus the spear must stick to the target without falling (it’s possible, trust us). Pro tip: Toss any extra rope over the barricade then aim it slightly above the target’s centre. 10 Fire Jump: You’ve made it to the final obstacle. Jump over fire to complete the course. Pro tip: Avoid the widest part of the fire in the middle and stick to the edges. There you go, you’re already ahead in the race (you’re welcome). If you haven’t signed up yet, register for yourself, the fam, friends or even your colleagues over on the official website. O From Dhs295 (Sprint Race), from Dhs365 (Super Race), from Dhs420 (Beast Race), from Dhs90 (kids’ race). Sat Jan 25-Sun Jan 26. Dubai Parks and Resorts, arabia.spartan.com. Fire Jump Climb Walls Multi-RigNext >