< Previous50 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com IN A CITY that’s absolutely bursting with buzzy nightlife destinations, it’s tough to come across a hot spot that really steals the show the way Ling Ling Ultra does. Found on the 23rd floor of Atlantis The Royal, Ling Ling is a true trifecta. It’s an all-night destination that masterfully blends restaurant, bar and club. Arrive early to have a pan-Asian dinner, then head to the bar for a tipple and stay extra late to let your night culminate at Ling Ling Ultra, the intimate club nestled within this spacious venue. To get to the ultra-exclusive lounge and club, you’ll just have to walk a few steps from the bar down a discreet corridor. With plush seating and ambient purple lighting, Ling Ling Ultra is giving super exclusive. With a pricey entry fee and a strict door policy, you’ll find yourself among a well-heeled crowd in Dubai. It’s all dress to impress here. The space boasts vibey deep red and purple LED strip lighting, luxurious furnishings in rich, sultry colours and panoramic views of the city’s skyline. On one side you’ve got a sleek marble bar, while the DJ booth anchors the other. A series of exclusive VIP tables are positioned in between. Speaking of... if you’re feeling flush and want to snag one of these tables, be prepared for a minimum spend of Dhs3,000. But for some, that’s a small price to pay for a night at this nightspot. The club is only open three nights a week, Thursday to Saturday from 11pm onward, and its weekly themed nights are a major draw. Thursdays is all about reggaeton and Latino house, while you can jam to Afro-house on Fridays and hip-hop and R&B on Saturdays. Take your pick. WHAT IS IT... A super-cool late- night venue at Atlantis The Royal WHY GO... To party with the glam squad Expect a line-up of talented artists and DJs to keep the party going all season long. What sets Ling Ling Ultra apart is its intimate scale. Unlike larger nightclubs, this venue has the chance to really dial up the luxury elements, from service to drinks selection and overall vibe. After all, luxury is niche, not mass. So whether you choose to spend the entire evening at Ling Ling, or stop by to party it up at Ling Ling Ultra, the absolute trifecta is calling your name. It will be a night to remember long after that last track fades, trust us. “It’ll be a night to remember long after that last track fades, trust us” Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals Ling Ling Ultra O Open Thu-Sat 11pm-3am. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, linglingdubai.com (04 426 2600).timeoutdubai.com February 2025 51 “A dinner and show experience in the most Dubai fashion” THERE’S AN ART to making a noise. Blow your own trumpet too hard and the masses will soon be crying out for a fresh tune. The Theater manages to strike the right chord. And despite dinner and show competition growing in volume, it continues to hit all the right notes – which is why it was named Best Show at the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2024. Undergoing a revamp to its show, the venue and offering is grander than ever before. The entire room is a vibrant red hue, complete with two elaborate bars on either end of the room, boasting Art Deco light fixtures and a whole lot of glam. Like most late-night dinner shows, there’s a minimum spend at this Fairmont Dubai stage, but the early sitting is a more affordable option, meaning no tattered bank statement at the month’s end. And it’s good value for money. While you sit at one of the circular tables you’ll find dishes like burrata with shiso pesto and rock shrimp to be some of the best options on offer. And the performances live up to the billing, with beautiful choreography and heart-pounding music. Singers and dancers are The Theater O Open Wed-Sun 10pm-3am. Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, thetheaterdubai.com (04 222 2268). WHAT IS IT... An all-singing, all- dancing dinner show venue that’s one for the bucket list WHY GO... To check out Time Out Dubai’s Best Show talented, like hanging-from-the- ceiling talented. Without giving too much away, the three-hour musical journey involves fabulous costumes, an endless supply of high kicks and even some fire. The format really works, with the night punctuated by condensed sets and performances, giving guests enough time to talk about how good it all is without having to steer their attention away from the main event. The Theater is a dinner and a show experience in the most Dubai fashion that you’ll want to return to again for an encore.52 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com DINNER WITH A skyline view is a popular reservation in Dubai. Who wouldn’t want a three- course set-up with a side of the Burj Khalifa? Enter Birds, a glitzy dinner and a show spot. Head to the 63rd floor of the Address Downtown – which was formerly home to popular mixed drinks bar NEOS – and you’ll feel like, you guessed it, you’re dining in the clouds. The views across to Burj Khalifa and down to the Dubai Fountain are spectacular. Mixing that great vista with theatrical performances, Birds is known to nail its trifecta approach of food, theatre and “Bookings are really encouraged from 8pm, as that’s when the magic starts” Birds O Open Tue-Sun 5pm-3am. Address Downtown, birdsdubai.com (050 275 4844) location, having two other venues in Moscow and Bodrum. While service starts from 5pm on weekdays, bookings are really encouraged from 8pm onwards, as that’s when the magic starts. When not admiring the twinkling view, the eagle-eyed will soon notice the bird cages hanging down awaiting Birds’ contortionists to accompany the restaurant’s in-house singer. The space is fairly large, but due to the design around the edge feels intimate as the show begins. Together the ensemble is known to regulars as Sky Lake, mixing old-time classics (Whitney Houston’s records are a favourite) with innovative dance and rather fabulous costumes. When it comes to food, the menu is impressive with raw dishes and meaty mains starring. The nori and eel tapas with an apple-sesame sauce is worth a ticket on its own it’s so moreish. It’s a perfect plate for while you wait for a salmon and crab roll topped with caviar to arrive. And with a Dhs600 minimum spend per person from Thursday to Saturday, this is a great excuse to tuck into something luxe. There’s an interesting mixed drink line-up as well, with ingredients like berry perfume, brown butter, unagi sauce, truffle oil, blueberry yoghurt and more. For those looking to impress friends in town or after a restaurant upgrade, Birds ticks the dinner and show box and then some. WHAT IS IT... Dinner and a show with a grand view finale WHY GO... For sky-high dining with a side of pizzazztimeoutdubai.com February 2025 53 THE TWINKLING LIGHTS of the Marina and the Palm as a backdrop, a glamorous poolside setting, French grape to sip and top-notch French dishes to nibble on – and all for an all-inclusive price. Date nights in Dubai don’t get much better than this. DRIFT Beach is one of the most elegant beach clubs in the city and this winter it launched a new, luxe outdoor dining area – DRIFT Sea Lounge. And along with the new set-up came a line-up of new events, including a night brunch. Riviera takes place every Friday night from 8pm, a very fun (and tasty) way to close a long working week. It’s time to put on your chicest gear and head to DRIFT. Plus, it’s Dhs295 for the soft drinks package, or Dhs395 for house drinks, which for the venue is an excellent price. The new Sea Lounge is as you’d expect, with tables on the beach and on a terrace perched above the sand, overlooking Ain Dubai, the Marina, the Palm and the sparkling Arabian Gulf. It’s a super spot that’s perfect for a romantic evening or when you have visitors in town you want to impress. Live singers meander through the tables adding to the special occasion vibe. When it comes to food, while not everything wows, it’s a solid line-up of Med fare. Octopus, truffle pizza, tuna tartare, beef tenderloin… it’s a who’s who of Dubai dishes and on this occasion we’re here for it. The perfectly cooked steak is a highlight, as is the fragrant truffle pizza (who can resist, especially on a Friday night?) while there’s WHAT IS IT... A chic evening brunch at an exclusive venue with stunning views WHY GO... For a classy date night with an all- inclusive price “Your camera roll, wallet, stomach and memory bank will all be grateful” Riviera at DRIFT Sea Lounge O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs595 (premium beverages). Fri 8pm-11pm. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200). also well-seasoned grilled fish option for pescatarians. Still hungry? The desserts, including a sizeable profiterole, make up a sweet line-up. The atmosphere is upmarket and elegant, and the setting with all its vacay vibes is gorgeous. If you’ve been planning on paying DRIFT a visit, now’s the time. Your camera roll, wallet, stomach and memory bank will all be grateful. NIGHT BRUNCH REVIEW54 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com IF YOU WANT dancing on the tables, napkin swinging, short measures and a live singer – all before 8pm on a Friday night – well, you’re in the right place with the Big Fat Greek Brunch. Held at Gallery 7/40 at The Club on Palm West Beach, this banging brunch is a collab with party maestros Secret Parties. As the busiest place in the area on a Friday night, it’s a prime choice for those who want to kick- start the weekend early doors (with a lush start time of 7pm). And when we say the Big Fat Greek Brunch is loud, we mean really loud. There’s no room for Big Fat Greek Brunch at Gallery 7/40 O Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs445 (short measures and house grape), Dhs545 (sparkling, mixed drinks and hops). Fri 7pm-10pm. The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, secretparties.com (04 580 3714). small talk here, the most you’ll be doing is singing along with your dining partners across the table. Do not go for a catch-up with mates you’ve not seen in ages as you will not hear a word they say. Not one. Instead, book a table with your dancing buddies and get set for a night on your feet. The vibe is lively from the off – with trays of short measures being handed out and staff quick to top up empty glasses. Perhaps surprisingly for a brunch where the party is the focus, the food is very good. If you’re there as a group (which most are) then you’ll just get everything brought to the table to dig into. Expect mezze, tiropitakia (moreish warm filo parcels stuffed with cheese) and lamb pie to start, followed by chicken souvlaki, Greek burgers and seafood orzotto. This isn’t a place for lingering though, dinner is swift as it’s time to dance. WHAT IS IT... A party brunch like no other in the heart of Palm Jumeirah WHY GO... To try Time Out Dubai’s Best Evening Brunch You can opt for a package to buy some plates to smash, while a singer belts out tunes, dancers strut their stuff and a conga line quickly winds its way around the restaurant. This has everything you’d want for a proper party, which is why it’s Time Out Dubai’s reigning Best Evening Brunch. PARTY BRUNCH REVIEWgaultmillauae.com @gaultmillauuae World-class restaurants deserve a world-class guide.timeoutdubai.com February 2025 57 Avatar) and a place where water seems to flow upward. Don’t forget to take pictures when you head into the surreal experience. O From Dhs135. Open daily 10am-midnight. Wafi City, Oud Metha, aya-universe.com (04 542 0300). HOT SPOTS Hot Spots is the first collaborative exhibition between Tabari Artspace and The Third Line at Sotheby’s, Dubai. This exhibition is part of Sotheby’s ongoing collaboration with regional galleries and brings together a collection of artists from across the Middle East and North Africa, creating intersections of artistic exploration and exchange. Themed around human movement and cultural attachment, see if you can spot it in each of the pieces. O Free. Until Mon Mar 10. Sotheby’s, DIFC, thethirdline.com. THREE TIRED TIGERS This exhibition encourages you to look at the world from a four-legged perspective, where you will move through five galleries each designed as urban spaces. Starting in the zoo and moving through to the museum street, the palace and the public square, you’ll get a unique angle on the world of animals, through the collective works of more than 40 artists. O Free. Until Sun Mar 16. Open Sat-Mon 10am-8pm, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm. Galleries, Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 873 9800). WORLD ART DUBAI SAVE THE DATE! Looking to enhance your art collection? Or just to get some inspo? If you want to have a good old browse of artworks from around the globe, then look no further than World Art Dubai (the clue is in the name). Showcasing original works, hosting inspiring workshops and letting the art community connect, expect live performances, displays full of colour and a very vibrant weekend. O Prices TBC. Thu Apr 17-Sun Apr 20. Dubai World Trade Centre, worldartdubai.com. Arte Museum Dubai GIVE IT A GO The JamJar If you’re into traditional forms of art like painting and drawing, TheJamJar is the ideal option. With various expert-led workshops for adults and kids, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. O Prices vary. Warehouse 74, Alserkal Avenue, thejamjardubai.com (04 3417303). The Mud House Studio This pottery studio offers classes for beginners and more seasoned potters. Learn to mould clay with a hand building class or become a pro at shaping clay on the potter’s wheel with a wheel throwing session. O From Dhs210. Warehouse No. 2, Al Quoz, themudhousestudio.com (045 911 443). ARTE MUSEUM DUBAI The fully immersive art experience in Dubail Mall has a new exhibition on show. Showcasing 30,000 sq ft of digital art, the exhibition Eternal Nature has 14 zones to explore in the immersive art experience. The music, lights and visuals will make for one memorable experience for all the family. O From Dhs149. Open daily 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, dubaiartemuseum.com (04 570 7084). AYA UNIVERSE As it says on the tin, Aya Universe transports you to an (art-heavy) world full of screens from floor to ceiling. Each room has a differently themed display. Among rooms to visit are Flora’s forest, where a huge silver tree glows with light patterns (reminiscent of the movie 58 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com On a budget but need to get the kids out the house? We hear you. You don’t have to resort to screen time to keep the young ones engaged, nor do you need to spend the day at home wiping paint from every surface. And the best news? You don’t even need to spend any money. We’ve rounded up fantastic free things to do with the kids outdoors this winter. You just need to remember the comfy shoes and a giant tube of sun cream. HAVE A PICNIC AT AL BARSHA POND PARK Nothing tastes as good as sarnies in the sunshine, so gather the gang, load up your picnic basket and head along to Al Barsha Pond Park to lay out your blanket. This is a popular spot with families and you’ll find plenty of groups sharing snacks on the grass, kicking around a ball and generally having a wholesome time outdoors. There are plenty of playgrounds, plus a huge lawn overlooking the pond – which is more lake-sized than pond- sized, really – so the set-up is gorgeous and it makes a perfect spot for a picnic. O Free. Al Barsha (800 900). HEAD TO THE BLOCK AT DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT For an outdoorsy day, head to the d3 Waterfront where you’ll find The Block, home to a skate park, basketball and volleyball court and climbing walls. There’s also outdoor seating so you can keep an eye on the kids as they play, explore and discover a cool new spot. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants around too, so once playtime is over, you can enjoy a tasty family meal here. O Free. Open daily 9am-10pm. Dubai Design District, d3, dubaidesigndistrict.com. Family & Kids LET OFF STEAM AT AN OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND There are heaps of playgrounds to have some free fun at when you want to get some fresh air. From swings to slides, climbing frames and more, something so simple makes for hours of smiles for all the family. For somewhere less well-known but brilliant, visit Town Square Park. There’s a decent-sized playground, a splash zone, a kids’ fountain and loads more to while away a few hours. O Free. Open Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am- 10pm. Al Qudra Road, nshama.ae. MARVEL AT THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN The world’s largest choreographed fountain is an impressive sight for eyes of any age, but little peepers will be totally wowed by the Bye bye to boredom Ras Al Khor Ripe Market Save the dirhams and enjoy the fresh air with these fun, free things to do with the kids timeoutdubai.com February 2025 59 stunning dancing water show in Downtown Dubai. The world-famous Dubai Fountain goes off every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm each day, so there’s plenty of chance to catch the incredible show, depending on bedtimes of your small people. Plus, it’s totally free to watch, too, just grab a spot outside Dubai Mall and prepare to be wowed. O Free. Open daily 6pm-11pm. Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (04 567 2030). PITCH CAMP IN THE DUBAI DESERT It’s winter and the weather is glorious. Which means it’s time to go wild and head into the desert for a free camping trip. If you have a 4×4 you can go further out and explore the dunes, but if you want to keep things closer to home then make a trip to Al Qudra. Not only is the area beautiful and feels remote, you can visit the Love Lakes and take some GET BACK TO NATURE GO TURTLE SPOTTING IN TURTLE LAGOON Visit Jumeirah Al Naseem to see the turtles that are being rehabilitated. You can see them swim around in a lagoon and there are regular feeding sessions that you can watch. O Free. Open daily. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (800 623 4628). SEE FLAMINGOS AT RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Introduce the kids to a new hobby, birdwatching, with a visit to the sanctuary. The area has salt flats, mangroves and lagoons that more than 60 species of birds call home. And right in the centre you’ll find the bright pink flamingos. Other birds to keep an eye on here are the migratory broad-billed sandpipers, eagles and kingfishers. O Free. Open daily 6am-6pm. Ras Al Khor Road, dm.gov.ae. family snaps while you’re there. It’s clean and well-maintained, plus it’s not too far from the city centre. Bring plenty of marshmallows for toasting, blankets for cosying up and campfire tales to keep everyone entertained. O Free. Al Qudra. RUN AROUND AT AL SUFOUH PARK This might be smaller than some of the other parks in Dubai, but it has two big selling points – it’s super family-friendly and it has free entry (unlike the Dhs5 fees of others). On a weekend morning join other happy families running around on the well-manicured lawns, flying kites and more. There’s also a jogging track, a basketball court and a playground. O Free. Al Sufouh, near Hessa St. SPEND A DAY ON THE SAND AT THE BEACH Pack up the bucket and spade and get ready for a day on the beach. There are few things more fun than splashing around in the sea and building sandcastles with your family. You might have to fork out for an ice cream, but you could always try distracting them by pointing out the camels meandering up and down the sandy shore. O Free. The Beach, JBR, thebeach.ae. STROLL AROUND RIPE MARKET Ripe Market is back at Dubai Police HQ in Al Sufouh, so it’s time to make a family outing to this charming free outdoor market. Kids and over-60s can enter for free, so it’s great for when the grandparents are in town, plus it’s just Dhs5 for adults. Wander through the park to find fresh organic produce, merchandise by talented local artisans and a warm, friendly community spirit – all the hallmarks of a great farmer’s market. Granted if you end up buying something, as you inevitably will, it’s not quite so free, but to have a wander around and use the free playground won’t set you back much. O Dhs5 (adult), free (kids and over-60s). Open Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Dubai Police HQ, Al Sufouh, ripeme.com (055 543 1282). The Dubai FountainNext >