< PreviousBest Restaurants 2025 30 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM HIGHLY COMMENDED Alici This gorgeous seafood spot overlooks the Arabian Gulf and JBR, meaning it’s ideal for holidaymakers, while those who live in Dubai will also enjoy the vacation feel. Focusing on flavours from Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast, the cute blues and whites inside give a fresh feeling, while the menu stars Italian seafood dishes. From raw plates to the specialty ingredient anchovies (Alici means anchovy), there’s plenty to try for seafood-lovers. The lobster pasta is artfully presented, served table-side and comes with tender shellfish in an unctuous tomato sauce. It’s one to splash out on. O Open Mon-Fri noon-4pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun noon-11pm. Bluewaters Dubai, alici.com (04 275 2577). Lucia’s Mare If you’re after an excellent seafood dining experience, generally it’s a good idea to head to a venue by the sea. You can’t get much closer than Lucia’s Mare at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which sits on the sand at the foot of Burj Al Arab. The stunning location is matched by exquisite coastal cuisine from Capri, with a collection of delicate raw seafood dishes, salads, hot starters, pasta, risotto, pizza and mains like grilled sea bream and an Italian seafood stew. Designed for sharing, the huge portion of paccheri all’astice – whole lobster with gragnano paccheri pasta, bisque, cherry tomatoes and basil is a show-stopper. O Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-1am. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, luciasdubai. com (04 422 4321). Best Steakhouse WINNER Prime68 An oldie but still a very goodie – Prime68 is a stalwart on the Dubai dining scene with valid reason as it’s the number one steakhouse in Dubai – again. Prime68 not only serves delicious, expertly cooked meat, it also offers some of the best views around. As you’d expect from the name, you’ll find this steakhouse on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai with stunning skyline views. Inside it’s a pretty classic setup in terms of steakhouses, but lifted with modern touches. When it comes to meat, enjoy cuts from all over the world, including a tomahawk if you’re in the mood to share. Expertly cooked and full of flavour, meat-eaters will love Prime68. These guys are steak specialists – they know what they’re doing and they do it well every time while keeping the prices in the mid-range, and for that, we applaud them. O Open daily 5.30pm-midnight. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @prime68dxb (04 414 3000). HIGHLY COMMENDED RhodesTwenty10 Coming from the late, great Gary Rhodes, Rhodes Twenty10 is a top place for carnivores looking for a relaxed dinner with friends and family. You’ll find a mix of hotel guests and visitors to this restaurant and the menu stars favourites from Rhodes’ menus over the years. Tuck into juicy burgers, prime USDA steaks and steak pie. And if you’re on a date you can never go wrong with a tender chateaubriand. The meat cuts here are excellent and it’s well worth a visit if you’ve not yet tried it. O Open daily 7pm-midnight. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, rhodestwenty10.com (04 316 5550). The Ninth Cut Butchery & Steakhouse As the name suggests, The Ninth Cut is more than just a restaurant. A full-service butchery with oxtail, brisket and dry-aged cuts, as well as lamb, chicken, veal and a house-special biltong (all of which you can buy to take home), this is a place with produce at its heart. Tucked away behind the butchery and deli is the dining room, offering an East-meets-West take on steakhouse classics. Mains mix it up with a smoked lamb shank mandi, cast iron oxtail and steak and eggs. In its unassuming location, this is refreshingly different dining. O Open daily noon-midnight. Novotel Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, @theninthcut (052 872 1441). Prime68TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 3 April’s here, meaning the weather’s just perfect for a dip in the sea. After that? We’re off to BASK Beach Club, where the vibes are laid-back, the setting is oh-so cool and you can live your best life with a straw hat on and toes in the sand. See you there? Found at Fairmont The Palm on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this dreamy beach club basically lets you enjoy a nice sunny holiday without leaving the city. Beat the heat with ice-cold drinks and when you’re feeling peckish, tuck into a delicious spread of Mediterranean and Asian bites. Whether it’s a beach day with your four-legged BFF or a long-overdue catch-up with the ladies, BASK Beach Club is where you’ll want to be this month. Feel free to start the day with a peaceful morning stroll and end it dancing under the stars as the doors open daily from 7am to 7pm, with extended hours until 11pm from Thursday to Sunday. Bag yourself a sunbed with a fully redeemable day pass at Dhs250 per person on weekdays and Dhs300 on weekends. After something a bit more exclusive? Get a VIP cabana, starting from Dhs1,000 for the back row and Dhs1,500 for the front, both redeemable on food and drinks. And for those who wouldn’t dream of hitting the beach without their furry besties, there’s a pet-friendly area open from 7am to 7pm, so no one is left behind. Ready for a lively day out? DJs bring the heat from Thursday to Saturday, so it’s time to dance on the sand. But if you’re more about quiet moments by the shore, soaking in the salty breeze, that’s cool too – you’ll get the best of both worlds at BASK. Whether you’re after beach party vibes or a peaceful seaside escape, it’s time to check out your new favourite beach spot. O Open Mon-Wed 7am-7pm, Thu-Sun 7am-11pm. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, @baskdubai, fairmont.com (04 4573 457). Carefree days under the sun Block your calendars for a visit to the newest seaside retreat in town, BASK Beach Club Partner content32 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Outdoor attractions Al fresco adventuresOutdoor attractions TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 33 T he temperature might be slowly on the rise, but there’s still time to make the most of all the fun outdoor attractions that Dubai has to offer. So set the alarm, get up and get out there to enjoy a day in the fresh air and a dose of vitamin D. Just don’t forget the sun cream. Amble around Al Jaddaf Cactus Park Fancy a stroll around with some *prickly* parts of nature? Then a visit to the cactus park is for you. Looking over Dubai Creek, you can snap a pic with the huge Chorisia tree and its thick trunk, before strolling through the hundreds of cacti from around the world. The best part? It’s totally free, just watch out for those needles. O Open 24 hours. Al Jaddaf. Brave the zipline at Aventura Parks at Mushrif This outdoor attraction will have you whizzing down ziplines, clambering over 80 obstacles and swinging from ropes as you make your way round the course. Once you’ve taken on the park, let the little ones have a run around in the discovery play area and cool off with a quick splash through the fountains. If you want another challenge, there’s a fun forest escape game to try. O From Dhs70 (per person). Open Wed-Thu noon- 6pm, Fri noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Mushrif National Park, aventuraparks.com (052 178 7616). Camp in the desert One of the most iconic outdoor activities in Dubai is of course, heading out to the desert. A popular spot to pitch up at (that’s not too far away) is Al Qudra Lakes, where the combination of man-made ponds and wonderful wildlife make this one beautiful place to spend the night. Don’t ever just drive into the desert and set up camp in a random spot though, plan ahead and make sure you have someone that knows what they’re doing. Peg out that tent and get toasting the marshmallows as the sun sets and the stars start twinkling. O Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra Lakes. Global Village This is not a drill. It’s time to make the most of the great outdoors before the warmer months arrive. Here’s where to explore outside in April 34 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Outdoor attractions Dig into to home-grown eats at Time Out Market Want to dine al fresco in Downtown Dubai? Time Out Market Dubai boasts a huge outdoor terrace with superb views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. The food is ace too, plus there are top drinks deals. O Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421). Dog walk at Dubai Islands Beach When it comes to family days, a public beach is always a winner. Found along Dubai’s northern coastline around Deira’s waterfront, Dubai Islands Beach is free to access and dog-friendly. Pack up the car (and your pooch) for a pawfect day out. O Deira Waterfront, near Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Dog walk at Dubai Islands Beach Outdoor pints Reform Social & Grill One of the most popular places around for hanging out with friends and family, Reform’s pub garden is offically the best in town (as per the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2024). With a sprawling lawn creeping down to the lakes, picnic tables dotted around the place and a huge central kids’ play area, it’s the perfect spot to grab a pint outside in the sunshine. With a community feel and a pet-friendly outside area, it’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon drink. O The Lakes Club, The Lakes, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638). The Duck Hook With a massive space for kids, and dogs, to run around in, this pub garden is a huge hit with families who will flock from around town to enjoy the garden. With proper grass and views of the golf club and Burj Khalifa beyond that, it’s a picturesque spot too, so a top one for visitors. And don’t miss the roast dinners – they’re marvellous. O Dubai Hills Golf Club, @theduckhookdubai (800 323 232). The Irish Village, Garhoud With a terrace directly outside the pub, a lawn beyond that and then a duck pond, The IV has all the feels of a homely pub garden in the Emerald Isle. It’s family- and dog-friendly, so don’t be surprised to see the whole gang out come the weekend, tucking into giant platters of fish and chips, chopped sausages and the like. It’s a top place for some last-chance sunshine before it gets too hot. O Garhoud, theirishvillage.com (04 282 4750). Experience a desert safari The Dubai visitors’ checklist is extensive, but one pursuit that’s definitely not to be missed is a desert safari. This trip out to the wilderness is offered by countless companies and comes in several guises with loads of activities available. But we believe you can’t have the true desert safari experience without a spot of dune bashing. Haring up and down the sandy mounds in a specially modified 4×4 is a thrilling way to blow the cobwebs out. Once your heart has stopped racing, settle down for a traditional dinner and show combo at one of the many camps where belly dancing and tasty local food are on the menu. If you want to make it extra special try the open top 4×4 tour with Platinum Heritage, which is one of the most memorable outdoor activities and is a way to really see the desert in style. O Prices vary. platinum-heritage.com (04 412 6333).Outdoor attractions TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 35 Explore Palm West Beach With restaurants, bars, entertainment and water sports along the beach this place is a top shout any time of day or night, but it’s especially charming at sunset. The 1.6km promenade and beachfront is pet-friendly and home to 300 palm trees, which light up at night. Top choices include Koko Bay, a Balinese-themed beach bar and restaurant, swanky beach club and restaurant Lucky Fish and Mexican venue Señor Pico. For something fancier head along to The Club for swish beach clubs including Maison de la Plage and The 305. Grab your camera, it’s time for sunset sips. O Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, nakheel.com. Have a picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park An urban oasis of absolute serenity, Al Barsha Pond Park is one of our favourite places to be at this time of year. You’ll either want to grab a spot by the pond itself or, more likely, in the shade. Then all that’s left to do is roll out the picnic blankets, lay out the spread and dig in, hoping you’ve remembered to cater for everyone’s dietary requirements. For a fun way to burn off steam, you can hire one of the super-cute swan paddle boats and make a race of it. Don’t get too competitive, now. O Park entry free (swan boat hire from Dhs40). Open daily 8am-10pm. Opposite Al Barsha Mall (800 900). Hit up Hatta Hatta has plenty to offer the outward-bound among you. Hiking and mountain biking are two of the most popular ways to discover the rugged terrain. But if you prefer an aquatic adventure, then hire a kayak and take a trip around the simply stunning Hatta Dam. The majestic mountain scenery will take your breath away, if all that paddling hasn’t already. It’s well worth a road trip. O From Dhs60. Open daily, 7am-9pm. Hatta Dam, Hatta, visithatta.com (056 616 2111). Emirates Golf Club Hop on an abra and wander around Old Dubai If you want to be reminded of Dubai’s origins, head over to Old Dubai. Forget the speedboats, take a trip on a traditional abra across the Creek and discover the historic part of town with the breeze in your hair. O From Dhs2 (per ride). Open daily 7am-midnight. Baniyas Road, Deira Old Souk Abra Station, Deira rta.com (800 9090). Play a round at Emirates Golf Club Fancy a round of golf? Although you can take advantage of some great summer deals when the weather’s hotter, now’s a more pleasant time to have a round. Home of the ever-competitive Dubai Desert Classic, EGC was built in 1988, becoming the first-ever grass course in the Middle East. And it has three courses within its premises. The Faldo and a par-3 academy version both pose their own challenges for golfers of all abilities and the former offers Outdoor attractions Hatta “Head early before the heat really kicks in and have fun”Outdoor attractions TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 37 you the chance to try some night golf. Not up to par? Give Topgolf a go instead, for a fun-packed challenge suited to every level (with a licensed bar and air conditioned booths to boot). O From Dhs370. Open daily 6am to 11pm. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, dubaigolf.com (04 295 2277). Set off on a road trip to Sharjah’s Fossil Rock This archaeological wonder is abundant with wildlife, both alive and fossilised. An hour’s drive from Sharjah you’ll spot oryx, gazelle and mountain deer here, so make sure you put a padlock on the cool box just in case they fancy a freebie. The sunsets here are sublime. Pack the road snacks and set off. O Near Mleiha, Sharjah. Shop at Ripe Market The outdoor market is an absolute must visit during the winter season, so get ready to shop, eat and support some home-grown businesses before the market moves inside for the summer. From train rides to trinkets, to road safety lessons and even a zipline (for the kiddos), the Academy Park venue has heaps of stuff to do, so get up and out early. O Dhs5. Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Academy Park. Ripeevents.com (04 315 7000). Splash at Aquaventure Pack your goggles and slap on the suncream – water park fans, this is for you. Dubai is packed full of incredible waterparks, but none more so than Aquaventure – the world’s largest water park. It has more than 105 slides for kids and grown-ups of all ages. There are discounts on offer for UAE residents of up to 40 percent off day tickets. O From Dhs245 (UAE resident). Open daily 9am- 5.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis. com (04 426 2000). Stroll around the Love Lakes Just around the corner from Al Qudra, the Love Lakes are the perfect spot for a sunset stroll, hand-in-hand with the one who makes your heart skip a beat. They are peaceful, pretty, well-maintained and clean. And just in case you can’t find the words to express your adoration for your other half, the trees here will quite literally spell it out for you. O Al Qudra. Take the kids for a run around The Block For an outdoorsy day, head to the d3 Waterfront where you’ll find The Block, home to a skate park, a basketball and volleyball court, plus 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 meal here. O Free. Open daily 9am-10pm. d3, Dubai Design District, dubaidesigndistrict.com. Trundle along the Palm Boardwalk Long-time Dubai residents will probably confess they don’t do enough walking, but this 11km stretch of seaside path means there is no excuse not to get out and get active. Hugging the Arabian Gulf, this six-metre-wide promenade will let you feel the cooling sea breeze on your face as you take in the five-star hotels on one side and the vast ocean on the other. Head here at sunset and you’ll get super views across to Burj Khalifa, Ain Dubai and beyond, all while getting your 10,000 steps in. O Free. Open daily 24/7. Walk around the Miracle Garden Love flowers? You’re in the right place – but be quick as this one closes each year for summer. Launching on Valentine’s Day in 2013, Dubai Miracle Garden holds three Guinness World Records. These include the record-breaking Emirates A380 display along with an 18-metre floral structure of Mickey Mouse. Mickey stands at 18m high and was the first Disney character floral display in the Middle East, earning a Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Topiary Structure in February 2018. It features nearly 100,000 flowers and weighs 35 tonnes. Dubai Miracle Garden has two other Guinness World Records too, largest Aquaventure38 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Outdoor attractions Brilliant sunset spots 101 Located in one of Dubai’s most exclusive hotels, One&Only The Palm, this is a marvellous place to see the sun set. Jutting out from the southernmost arc of the Palm, it is accessible by buggy, but if you’re looking to impress then we suggest hopping on a boat from the mainland Royal Mirage hotel. Enjoy a sip against a view of the neon- lined skyscrapers of Dubai Marina. O Open daily noon-1am. One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, @101_DXB (050 332 6832). Jetty Lounge Have guests in town? You’ll want to take them to Jetty Lounge. Perhaps the prettiest spot in the whole of Dubai for sundowners, the classy lounge on the beachfront of the One&Only Royal Mirage serves up Mediterranean bites, mixed drinks and a Balearic soundtrack in a super chilled-out setting. Gazing out over the sea, dip your toes in the sand and wait for the sun to set. O Open daily 5pm-1am. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, @jettylounge (04 315 2412). Tagomago Named after an exclusive private island in Europe, Tagomago delivers an idyllic beach club experience on the Palm, brought to life by the creators of Twiggy and Kyma. This bohemian haven captures the essence of Ibiza, offering a lush setting complete with a stunning swimming pool and an imported sandy beach, plus a bar ideal for sundowners. The menu includes smaller tapas-style bites, perfect for casual snacking, with highlights like spicy beef and chorizo croquettes. O Open daily 10am-1am.Azure Residences, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620). vertical garden, which it achieved in 2013, and the world’s largest floral sculpture forming the shape of an Airbus A380 in 2016. It’s expected to stay open until the end of May this year, so head there now. O Dhs100 (adults), Dhs85 (kids aged three-12), free (kids under three). Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. Dubailand, dubaimiraclegarden.com. Wander around Global Village One of Dubai’s most popular and super affordable family-friendly attractions, Global Village is known for its numerous pavilions, international food, market stalls, rides and shows. And if you want a fun day out with all the family this month, you’re in luck as Global Village is open until Sunday May 11. With 30 country pavilions representing 90 different cultures there’s heaps to explore at this absolutely brilliant outdoor attraction. Meanwhile Carnaval has 170 rides, games and top attractions that you can pay for as you play and Restaurant Plaza is home to 11 stunning two-storey restaurants serving up dishes from across the world. Our advice? Tuesdays are reserved exclusively for ladies and families, making it a good time to visit if you want a mummy and kiddos’ day out. O From Dhs22.50 (Sun-Thu), Dhs27 (Fri-Sat). Open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Awir Road, globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114). TagomagoOutdoor attractions TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 39 Dubai Miracle GardenNext >