< Previous50 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com THERE’S SOMETHING EFFORTLESSLY cool about VNYL Hi-Fi. By day, the venue is a chilled record store, letting you browse tracks and listen to some of the best music ever made. But by night, the DJ is mixing all the top-tapping tunes with even better company. It’s such a vibe that you may struggle to find a table downstairs unless you’ve booked in advance (you’ve been warned). If you fancy dining al fresco, the shiny new terrace looks out onto JBR. Beyond the impressive vinyl library here – rock ’n’ roll, jazz, it’s got it all – the menu is not to be overlooked. Following an izakaya dining style, the bar is where you can grab a few gyoza (the brisket variant is a must-have) and edamame. The smaller bites won’t break the bank and a glass of grape is reasonable, but be prepared to part with a couple hundred dirhams if you’re going all out with one of the mains. As day turns to night, the space begins to heat up and that’s when you’ll want to make a swift move to the secret bar. Walk through the side door and up the spiralling staircase. Once you’ve passed the ’70s-style wallpaper and ducked through the curtain, your second venue reveals itself. Expect chic disco balls, swirling 3D visuals on the walls and a DJ booth, featuring special guest performances on weekends. This might be a late-night spot, but the party starts far earlier. By 10pm both floors are busy, and you can let loose on the dancefloor. The room is glittering, as is the view outside and the electronic beats get the crowd going. By midnight the tables have merged into one as every spare spot becomes part of the dancefloor. Much like those records, it seems like VNYL Hi-Fi is going to be spinning around in our heads for the foreseeable. WHAT IS IT... An all-about-the-music ’70s-style speakeasy that’s an absolute vibe WHY GO... To check out a new spot that’s under the radar (for now) VNYL Hi-Fi O Open Sun-Wed 7pm-2am, Thu-Sat 7pm-4am. Bluewaters Dubai, vnylhifi.com (052 249 4004).timeoutdubai.com January 2025 51 “As the night goes on the livelier it gets, but without losing its elegant feel” NESTLED IN A quiet corner just off the suave-smelling lobby of The Dubai EDITION, you’ll find a chic, elegant spot for a mixed drink. Whether it’s date night, a post- work debrief or a tasty pre-dinner pitstop, Agora ticks all the boxes. With rich green velvet furnishings, shimmering bronze accents and moody lighting oozes sophistication. Deriving from the Ancient Greek root ‘to gather’, there are nods to the name throughout the décor – including statues. And the moniker is apt, as there are groups, parties and couples mingling by the well-stocked bar. Coming from famed mixologist Simone Caporale, you can expect expertly crafted mixed drinks using innovative ingredients, skillfully put together. They’re not messing around here. Ingredients are high-end and whether you’re after something fruity, flowery or fiery, there’s a carefully crafted and well-thought- out beverage for you. Here you’ll find exclusive juniper selections, as well as a mix of options that seamlessly blend classic techniques with avant-garde elements. Mixing old with new, we’re here for it. Peckish? Don’t be shy on the bar snacks. There’s a top menu of elegant bites that pair perfectly with the drinks. Whether you’re after a cheese plate or oysters you’ll be well looked after. Throughout the week it’s always a vibe, with live music to DJs playing house beats. Whether you’re heading here pre-dinner or for a late-night tipple (it stays open until 3am at weekends), you’ll find a cool vibe, creative drinks and a chic crowd. As the night goes on the livelier it gets, but without losing its elegant feel. Agora is sure to impress. Agora O Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai, @agora_dxb (05 592 5823). WHAT IS IT... A chic mixed drinks bar with a whole lot of creative concoctions WHY GO... For a cool date night or a special celebration52 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com NAMED AFTER ONE of Europe’s most exclusive private islands, Tagomago certainly does its title justice. Coming from the creators of Dubai’s go-to beach clubs Twiggy and Kyma, you know before even arriving at the Palm Jumeirah destination that the odds will be in your favour. If you’re after island sun vibes that wouldn’t be out of place off the coast of Ibiza, this bohemian beach club is calling your name. Joining the standalone casa that houses the restaurant, a lush swimming pool (a later addition to the space) overlooks the water, and further down, a sandy beach. It’s been shipped in from Ibiza itself you should note. Dreamy. There are no wild banging beats here, instead, you’re treated to the easy melodies of Mediterranean house, lulling you into a quick siesta on your comfy sunlounger. Pops of orange and pink adorn the umbrellas and beach towels, and as you sink into the bed, it’s easy to mistake the spot for the real Balearic deal. It’s only the stunning Burj Al Arab view that serves as a reminder that you’re happily bronzing in Dubai. You could easily spend the day gliding between your lounger and the glittering waters, but don’t miss out on the chance to stroll around the terrace (and get an Insta shot or two). It’s an impressive Palm Jumeirah hideaway, so get the sand in your toes and perch up on a bar stool for a spot of shade and a sip. A smaller version of the main menu, the beach and pool offerings are smaller tapas bites, letting you pick at padrón peppers and the moreish spicy beef and chorizo croquettes. A pool day that (sadly) isn’t redeemable, your day out most WHAT IS IT... Balearic bliss wrapped up in a Palm Jumeirah beach club WHY GO... For a cool day out with a swish adults-only pool and superb views Tagomago O Dhs200 (weekdays, non-redeemable), Dhs250 (weekends, non-redeemable). Open daily 10am-sunset. Azure Residences, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620). “Spend the day gliding between your lounger and the glittering waters” likely won’t be a bargain, but it will be blissful (we all deserve a treat now and again). If you think Tagomago looks chic during the day, stick around for sunset and enjoy a final dip in the pool floating under the fiery orange hues. A top spot for an elegant day in the sun, this beach club gives you the glow of a luxurious trip to the Mediterranean (without the need for airfare). There’s no such thing. That’s why Time Out has been reviewing Dubai restaurants anonymously since 2001. LUNCH? FREE Head to timeoutdubai.com/timeoutrecommended for the latest and greatest eats in town HOUSE AD - TOD FREE LUNCH_11747656.indd 65HOUSE AD - TOD FREE LUNCH_11747656.indd 6529/07/2021 18:05:4429/07/2021 18:05:4454 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com A SHELL’S THROW from the beach and with moreish menus to tuck into, Dubai’s winter brunching destinations are in a league of their own. Adding to the plethora of hot spots on the Palm, Tulum- inspired Eva Beach Restaurant’s brunch is bringing all the vibes. Its boho vibes of chiffon drapes, woven rugs and white- washed walls successfully transport you to the shores of Mexico without needing to head to DXB. Diners make an effort for a reservation here (so book ahead of time), with designer sunnies and tote in tow – they are ready for a great time. The menu is packed with table favourites too: Gillardeau oysters, beef carpaccio, truffle Eva Beach House O Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs550 (sparkling), Dhs325 (soft drinks). Sat 1pm- 4pm. The Club, Palm Jumeirah, evadubai.com (04 510 4800). pizza, burrata and wagyu short rib. While a main course of mushroom risotto may feel jarring paired with a tropical fruit mixed drink, the wagyu short rib makes up for it. Plates are generously sized and a great filler if you’re looking to continue the party long into the day. It’s around a standard price for what you get, so you won’t feel shortchanged. And where Eva really shines is the entertainment. While the DJ works hard to pump out trendy remixes, it’s the electric violin and saxophone duo that really takes things up a notch. Making their way from table to table, you’re part of the party everywhere. Before dessert arrives – an Instagrammable fruit platter served on a bed of ice, passion fruit cheesecake and pistachio ice cream – white napkins are passed around. Diners are soon on their feet, singing their hearts out, napkins dutifully twirled around their heads. If you’re looking for your next group outing you may want to WHAT IS IT... A Tulum-inspired beach brunch with live entertainment WHY GO... For a popping party at The Club at Palm West Beach consider a table here as larger groups are well looked after. While service is on the slower side, it’s Saturday, so you can chill. Eva should be one of your go-to spots, whether you’re a casual diner or in the mood to groove. The seaside location is giving all those Dubai winter feels. BEACH BRUNCH REVIEW56 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com Feeling oh-so-surreal Deep Dive Dubai Attractions Nine awesome attractions that we can’t quite get our heads around. By Sian Traynortimeoutdubai.com January 2025 57 I t’s no secret that Dubai doesn’t do things by halves. Over the years the city has broken multiple records and created some insane attractions, from (really) tall buildings to crazy waterslides. But even though we know Dubai is always out to impress, some things just literally don’t feel real. Whether it reminds you of a dream or feels like something from the year 3000, here are some of the best attractions if you want to get an ‘out of this world’ experience. 101 DINING LOUNGE This private dining room will definitely play tricks on your eyes as you start to believe you’re dining on water. The 101 Lounge has created the incredible space, which has a digital floor projection of the waves as you look out onto the real thing. Seriously cool. O Open daily 12.30pm-1am. One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, oneandonlyresorts.com (050 332 6832). ARTE DUBAI You can really step inside the canvas at this one, so get ready to feel like you’re physically a part of the painting. The Dubai attraction opened in 2024, but you’ll feel like you’re in 2044 as you walk through 14 carefully curated displays that showcase the power of nature. With breathtaking visuals, authentic sounds and scents of the works unfolding in the exhibition space, the museum is in a world of its own (inside Dubai Mall). O From Dhs 109 (adults). Open daily 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, second floor, opposite Galeries Lafayette, dubai.artemuseum.com (04 570 7084). BATTLE KART What’s better than playing a video game? Being in one. Located in Dubai Investment Park, the track offers different games where you can team up with, or go against, your friends as you whizz around. One game is even inspired by the Battle Snake game on an old Nokia phone – now that is a throwback. O From Dhs200. Open Mon-Wed 2pm-10pm, Thu-Fri 2pm-midnight, Sat 1pm-2am, Sun 1pm-10pm. DIP, battlekart.com (058 588 0116). DEEP DIVE DUBAI World-record-breaking diving facility, Deep Dive Dubai, is equipped with a 60-metre- deep pool and sunken city for divers of all levels to explore. Inside you can play games underwater, check out a fully grown tree and hop into a bright red racing car – if that doesn’t feel like a dream we don’t know what does. Grab your PADI and get diving. O From Dhs400. Open daily 9am-6pm. Nad Al Sheba, deepdivedubai.com (04 501 9444). MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE Ever had your matcha made by a mechanical arm? To be fair, this robot barista is inside Museum of the Future, so no wonder it feels like something from another time. The cute machine even dances as he brews, and you don’t need a ticket to the museum to get your caffeine fix at Café X. O Open daily 9am-7pm. Museum of the Future, Trade Centre Area, museumofthefuture.ae (800 2071). OXYGEN BAR (DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) This feels like something out of a science fiction film, but the Oxygen Bar is actually a reality, and there’s said to be a bunch of benefits attached to it. Tucked inside Terminal 3, you can choose from various scents and enjoy a 30-minute session to help relax you before the flight. O From Dhs30. Open 24 hours. Inside Sleep ‘n Fly, Concourse B, Terminal 3, DXB, sleep-n-fly.com. THE SMASH ROOM CITY Imagine a world where you could just walk in the office and smash the place to bits, then nip next door to the supermarket and do the same. Then the laundrette. Then a restaurant. Well, that’s the Smash Room City. This is a perfectly controlled way to let all that rage out. O Open daily 10am-midnight. Sports Society, Mirdif, thesmashroom.com (04 324 5914). SURREAL The clue’s in the name with this one. Stand inside what is almost a 360-degree waterfall at the incredible Expo City and watch the water gush around you. Open all year round, the experience gives the optical illusion of water flowing upwards and defying gravity, which is pretty incredible to watch. PS, the music was designed by the composer of the Game of Thrones score so have a good listen next time you’re there. O Open 24 hours. Expo City, expocitydubai.com. Surreal58 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com Do you have a budding David Attenborough in your family? Let your mini eco-champions use their passion to help protect the planet with these amazing nature activities for kids, from adopting bees to animal feeding and being a zookeeper for the day. So whether your kids are nature-lovers, green-fingered enthusiasts or sustainability champions, we have something for them. The weather’s perfect right now, so hop outside and enjoy a day out with the whole fam. A NATURE MORNING FOR BUDDING BOTANISTS If you have mini gardeners in your family, gather the gang and head to Dubai Garden Centre where they can select their own seeds and plants to take home and take care of. There are often planting classes too, so be sure to check its website. Stop into Harvest & Co and refuel with a tasty bowl of porridge. O Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Quoz, dubaigardencentre.ae (04 590 4333). BE A ZOOKEEPER FOR THE DAY Do your animal-loving kids dream about becoming a zookeeper? Take them to The Green Planet, Dubai’s interactive indoor bio-dome, for a hands-on experience where they’ll get to help look after the resident animals. Kids will go behind the scenes and shadow a biologist for the day, while getting up close and personal with some of The Green Planet’s coolest animals, like Lemon the sloth and Kendrik the lemur. Plus, they’ll get to watch the thrilling frenzy of a piranha feeding session and explore the region’s only bat cave. O Dhs410. Sessions Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-11.30am, 3pm-6pm. City Walk, Al Wasl, thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 7699). Family & Kids HANG OUT WITH ANIMALS AT SUSTAINABLE CITY FARM Rescued donkeys, chickens, ducks and goats are just a few of the animals that roam around Sustainable City Farm. Kids can walk freely in nature feeding and petting the animals or just enjoying being in their company. There’s also Sustainable City Equestrian Centre, which has 62 horses, for any riding enthusiasts. It’s a top spot for newcomers and young riders to get to grips with horse riding. And MyHive in Sustainable City also offers the opportunity to become ‘adoptive parents’ to help preserve the future of honeybees. Once done, head to Sanderson’s for sliders, pancakes and ice pops to chat about your activities. O Free. Open daily 8am-6pm. The Sustainable City, thesustainablecity.ae. Be more Dr Dolittle The Green Planet Desert safari From flamingo spotting to zookeeping – here’s how to connect with nature this wintertimeoutdubai.com January 2025 59 PACK YOUR BAGS FOR AN OVERNIGHT DESERT SAFARI To understand who we’re protecting the planet for, take the kids into the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve (DDCR) for an immersive overnight safari adventure experiencing the world of Arabian nature and wildlife up close. You’ll sleep under the stars in a gorgeous, deluxe tent and hopefully get to spot plenty of animals from your terrace. The overnight itinerary includes a barbecue dinner, camel trek, wildlife spotting, a walking night safari and a 4×4 dune through the DDCR. It’s all accompanied by a guide and driver who’ll engage mini eco-champions’ curious minds with stories about conservation. Why not explore what’s on your doorstep? O From Dhs1,790. Open 24 hours. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, arabian-adventures.com (800 272 2426). 3 FREE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS AL BARSHA POND PARK This pretty, flower-filled park has something for everyone from cycle tracks to pedalos, tennis courts to playgrounds. O Free. Open Sun-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am- 11pm. Al Barsha. JLT PARK Set amid JLT’s towering skyscrapers, JLT Park houses three separate play areas each intended for a different age group. O Free. Open 24 hours. Cluster P, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, jlt.ae. TOWN SQUARE PARK There’s a community feel, large grassy area, plus a well-equipped playground complete with climbing structures, slides, swings and high climbing nets and water features here. O Free. Open Mon-Thu10am-9pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-10pm. Al Qudra Road. SEE THE FLAMINGOS One way to get kids inspired by nature is to let them see it with their own eyes. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, as it puts them front and centre to the action. Book a Protected Areas Tour Guide around the bird hides to get expert insight and top tips to spot, identify and photograph beautiful birds, including flamingos, kingfishers and ospreys. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might also spot Arabian red foxes, Ethiopian hedgehogs, flower crabs and desert monitor lizards. Don’t forget to bring your camera. O Free. Open Sun-Thu 9am-4pm, Fri 2pm-6pm. Ras Al Khor Road, dm.gov.ae. VENTURE OUT ON A SUSTAINABLE FARM VISIT Get out in nature with a trip to Emirates Bio Farm, where kids can run free, feed animals and learn about the farming in a fun and interactive way. You can embark on a self-guided walking tour through the fields, spotting and identifying the vegetables, fruits and herbs being grown, or enjoy a stroll with one of the farm team who will give you the lowdown on sustainable farming methods. There’s also goat feeding, tractor rides, a farm shop and a huge outdoor play area. When you’re ready for lunch, you can feast on organic, low-carbon-footprint food at The Farmer’s Table restaurant, where zero-waste dishes use ingredients picked freshly from the farm. There’s even a brunch every Sunday where you’ll enjoy a farm-fresh buffet and farm visit for Dhs120. What a wholesome way to spend a weekend. O Dhs40 (adults), free (kids under three). Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, emiratesbiofarm.com (03 783 8422). Al Barsha Pond ParkNext >