< Previous20 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM 5-9 routine Launch that side hustle Who’s behind it: Sammy James, founder of Balm Space For many of us, mornings can feel like a race against the clock. But for senior beauty buyer Sammy James, the mornings make the optimal time to work on her side business before getting out the door for her day job. In February this year, James launched Balm Space, a multitasking beauty and wellness brand after almost five years of development. But for James, quitting the day job wasn’t necessary to get the brand off the ground. In fact, the juggling act makes the day job even better: “You can use your mornings to live your passion. For me, working on my brand before my job actually makes me a better employee. It sets me up for the day feeling fulfilled, I’ve already accomplished something before I reach my desk – you really don’t have to quit your nine-to-five to chase your dreams.” Thinking about doing the same? It’s all about using your time wisely by looking for pockets of time otherwise wasted in your routine: “I use public transport to claw back time, even if it’s just using my commute to reply to emails or keep on top of the social calendar, it all adds up. Then I can fully focus on my to-do list in the office.” If that’s not an option, James believes in the power of waking up 20 minutes before the usual alarm for movement or a moment of mindfulness, whether you want to launch your own business or not. O balmspace.com, @balmspace. ro ti to s fu th p u m yo OO Sammy James Pho tograph y: Grace Guino. Samm y James: K at e Baso va . Co ve tour: Vikt oria Gor sk ay a TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 21 Coming soon Sign up to a wellness community Who’s behind it: Sharon Drugan, make-up artist and founder of The Covetour Club Celebrity make-up artist Sharon Drugan has set up The Covetour Club, a travel and wellness community soon to be offering meet-ups, sound healing, personal training and so much more. Having lived in Dubai for nearly 15 years, the Irish entrepreneur hopes her new initiative will bring like-minded people together: “The Covetour Club was inspired by my love for travel and wellness. Having visited 42 countries, I’m particularly drawn to those off the beaten path places and this community is a space where you can express yourself unapologetically, sharing ideas and creativity that make you, well, you.” Drugan is set to host a walking meet-up this month, weather permitted. Typically running before the working day, this bi-weekly gathering will be free to join, with locations and dates changing each time, keeping timetables flexible to cater to everyone. What’s more, club members will also have retreats to look forward to further afield than just Dubai. Looking to up your wellness game? Give The Covertour Club a follow and join a new community. O @thecovetourclub.22 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Caption here New 47 sizzling Dubai openings to watch out for this winter in town BCH:CLBNew openings TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 23 T he temperatures are cooling down, but the social scene is heating up with new openings popping up all over the city. Whether you’re new to Dubai, just visiting or think you know it inside out, with all of these new additions there are plenty of sizzling spots to check out now. From A-lister restaurants to the discount stores of our dreams, your winter diary just got very busy. Best get planning. Just landed Opening for the first time in 2025, there are plenty of shiny new places to see that have only *just* opened their doors. Whether you want to try out a brand-new workout class, catch your team play in style or eat sky-high sushi, this year’s new arrivals have got it all. Blume Sports Lounge The latest spot in Dubai Marina to catch the game, the new sports bar is a little plusher than your usual experience, complete with waterfront views and a 207-inch HD screen that will have you feeling like you’re on the pitch yourself. Time your visit with one of the daily happy hours from noon until 8pm and swap your usual wings for a golden truffle pizza or sea bream papillote. O Open daily noon-3am. District 8, Dubai Marina, blumedubai.com (04 495 7888). Casablanca Atlantis The Palm has teamed up with Ounass to launch the chic new Casablanca Beach Club (in place of WHITE Beach), bringing French-Moroccan flair to Dubai’s shoreline. Expect pastel-soaked parasols, plunge-pool cabanas and floating daybeds, plus a menu stacked with seafood towers, harissa prawns and truffle flatbreads. Add in DJ beats, skyline views and a pop-up boutique and you’ve got a spot where fashion, food and fun meet. O Dhs250 (Mon-Fri, Dhs150 redeemable on F&B), Dhs350 (Sat-Sun, Dhs200 redeemable on F&B). Open daily 10am-8pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 0700). Cetara Named after the fishing village, Cetara is tapping into the Italian coast to bring a vibrant dining experience to Downtown full of comfort favourites. Expect dishes like gamberoni grigliati (charcoal-grilled prawns on a bed of spicy la ratte potatoes) and risotto all’astice (risotto with Canadian lobster alongside Datterino tomatoes). Plus it’s all served under the gaze of the Burj Khalifa. Get ready to take a snap. O Open daily 1pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, addresshotels.com (04 436 8888). Cinnamore Calling all cinnamon roll fans, your mothership has just landed. Stocked with more flavours than you can count, the Boxpark bakery is filled with fluffy cinnamon rolls, speciality coffee and matcha for the ultimate treat. Settle your sweet tooth with one of the baked treats topped with salted caramel, pistachio or a choc chip cookie. O Open Tue-Fri 2pm-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am- 10.30pm. Al Wasl Road, cinnamore.com (04 328 8099). Em Sherif Deli Beirut’s beloved Em Sherif Deli is now in Dubai, so there’s no better time to spend an afternoon filling up on shawarma and labneh makdous. Filled with sleek cream interiors and chic spots to sip one of the homemade lemonades, it’s a must-try. Don’t forget to visit the mouneh counter to pick up a jar of pickles to take home. O Open daily noon-6pm. One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre, @emsherifdeli (04 358 2866). Esco-bar The Tex-Mex restaurant has now nestled in One Central so you can continue on your fiesta at the other side of town. Following its flagship at Palm West Beach, the new venue serves everything from spicy fajitas to even spicier mixed drinks. Bringing the energy all week round, you can also expect everything from ladies’ nights to weekend brunches and a resident DJ bringing the tunes. O Timings vary. One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre, escobar-ae.com. Fin and Bone The premium British butchery and fishery is now open in Al Barari and you’re going to want to stock up your fridge-freezer with these cuts. The latest creation from the team behind Cassette and Nette, browse Scottish-sourced salmon and cod, dry-aged cuts that have rested for up to 90 days and even house-made butters ready to slather on toast. O Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. Al Barari, @finandbone.ae (04 881 0015). KIGO Every foodie in Dubai knows chef Izu Ani. Now, he’s turning his attention to Japan – specifically, to the worlds of omakase and kaiseki – with the launch of KIGO at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC. The 44-seat space is built around an aji stone sushi counter, with a minimalist dry garden entrance. The intimate dining room will let you sit back and let the menu unfold in front of you, as head chef Akinori ‘Aki’ Tanigawa, who has more than three decades of kaiseki mastery under his belt, whips up something special. O Open daily 6pm & 9.30pm. Gate Village, DIFC, fourseasons.com (04 270 7960). Konjiki Hototogisu Tokyo ramen hot spot Konjiki Hototogisu has opened its second Dubai branch at Fin and Bone New openings 24 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Palm Jumeirah Mall, following the success of its Mall of the Emirates location. Famed for its signature clam-and-chicken broth topped with truffle oil, the spot even has a soft play garden and kids’ menu to make sure the little ones are satisfied too. Nestled among popular food spots, the new location promises authentic Tokyo-level ramen while catering to families too. O Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm. Palm Jumeirah Mall, Palm Jumeirah, konjiki.ae (04 570 1679). Lana Lusa – Uptown Tower The gorgeous Portuguese-Mediterranean favourite has opened in what’s its grandest location yet in the new SO/ Uptown Tower, complete with a huge space, indoor and outdoor bars and a private dining area. Shortlisted as one of the best European eateries in the city at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025, you’ll still be able to make the most of the classic deals, from a Dhs99 business lunch to a discounted aperitivo out in the sunshine. Don’t forget to take home a pastel de nata. O Open daily noon-midnight. SO/ Uptown Dubai, Uptown Tower, lanalusa.com (04 499 3800). MEI This plush spot inside Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a blend of Chinese and Japanese favourites. If you’re a fan of anything wok- fried, the restaurant needs to be on your to-visit list, serving up everything from spicy classics to fresh sashimi, dim sum and signature duck dishes. Paired with live singers and a DJ, when the clock strikes 10 expect the energy to ramp up a notch as the bar carries on all the way until 2am. O Timings vary. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (800 6234628). Mind & Motion The aesthetic Dubai Marina Pilates studio is giving serene and is a must-visit if you want a workout fit for the ’gram. From retro sessions designed to get your muscles burning to light classes aimed at beginners, exercise surrounded by cute cream and black interiors before stopping by the in- house matcha bar on your way out. O Dhs160 (single class). Open Mon-Fri 6am-8pm; Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 9am-7pm. LIV Residence, Dubai Marina, mind-motion,com (055 203 8748). Ostura Ostura is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Expect regional cuisine, modern interiors and live entertainment. The menu spans mezze, wood-fired mains and desserts, balancing authenticity with elevated techniques. After dinner, make sure you stay for some Oriental house music that goes on until late. O Open daily noon-4pm, 7pm-1am. Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, actrestaurant.com (054 224 3474). People The home-grown concept from the team behind G.O.A.T Burger and Steak On Me, has opened its doors at Al Khawaneej Walk. Created by three Emirati restaurateurs, you can expect traditional influences spanning across some delicious Asian flavours. In the kitchen is Sameer Bhalekar, who has worked in New York, London, Barcelona, the Middle East and India. Having trained under Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller, you can expect big things. Be sure to order a plate of the billionaire wagyu crispy rice. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Al Khawaneej (058 900 8900). Revolution Studios The Scottish fitness studios has opened its first branch in Dubai, and it’s giving exactly what you need for a pumped-up workout. Sign up for classes stretching from spin to Pilates and feel the burn in one of the darkened purple rooms (complete with neon lights, of course). The Al Quoz spot first opened with special Taylor Swift-themed cycling classes, so keep an eye out for more fun-filled sessions in the future. O Class prices vary. Open daily 6am-8.30pm. Goshi Warehouse City, Al Quoz, revolutionstudios.ae. Tattu Restaurant and Bar Ready for dinner with a view? This one, which was scheduled to open on Monday September 29, is located at the top of the new Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina. The UK- born Asian restaurant sits on floor 76, while the sky pool and bar looks over the city from floor 81. By day you can expect afternoon Konjiki HototogisuNew openings 26 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM tea and signature Japanese and Chinese cuisine, while the evenings will be filled with tasting menus, fresh sushi and drinks on the terrace. Add this one to your to-do list. O Times vary. Ciel Tower, Dubai Marina, tattu.me. Tattu Sky Pool Sitting a few levels up from Tattu this eagerly-awaited addition is set to be the world’s highest infinity pool. Looking straight over Palm Jumeirah and out to sea, you’ll be able to lounge on one of the 50 plush day beds, check out the views and tuck into premium Japanese bites on your day in the clouds. Offering more than just a pool day, expect everything from sunrise sessions and breakfast to late-night dancing and live DJs. Get a date in the diary for this one. O Times vary. Ciel Tower, Dubai Marina, tattu.me. Three Bros The Orfali brothers are back at it – and this time, they’ve gone retro. Three Bros, a 22-seater spot, ditches white tablecloths for ’70s vibes, playful menus and lab-like soft drink pairings. Think pidza (pizza-pide hybrid), morel chawanmushi, adobo wings and TNT patatas, followed by a peanut-and- jam sando cake you’ll dream about. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s proudly ‘Dubai cuisine’ – a mash-up of French finesse, Syrian soul and Mediterranean simplicity. Fine dining gets a cheeky remix here. O Open daily noon-6pm, 7pm-11.30pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, threebros.ae (04 238 6677). Yubi The UAE’s first home-grown handroll the new spot (from chef Reif Othman) is tucked Five to try New business lunches Alba The new business lunch is a bargain deal at Dhs105. Offering up a selection of Japanese dishes, you can nibble on edamame, chicken katsu and even premium wagyu if you choose to upgrade. If you’re still peckish after that, opt in for the miso snickers or a portion of the dreamy yuzu matcha tiramisu. O From Dhs105. Mon-Fri, noon-4pm. Dubai Opera Plaza, alba.metafoodiesgroup.com (058 147 9888). Carnival by Trèsind The new four-course menu is a real midday treat, beginning with an amuse-bouche before moving onto a selection of Indian reinterpretations. Dig into dishes from paneer tikka to lamb galouti and tasty mains of smoked chicken masala, tandoori soya makhani or hot pot mutton curry. O From Dhs143. Mon-Fri noon-3pm. The Buildings by Daman, DIFC, carnivalbytresind.com (800 1604). Mr Chow Start with a sizzling portion of chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls or prawn rolls before sticking your fork into the classic Mr Chow noodles, Beijing chicken or glazed prawns, all served with rice and seasonal vegetables. O Dhs130. Mon-Fri noon-3pm. DIFC, mrchow.com (04 834 2013). Romeo Lane Known for its hot blend of Japanese and Indian dishes, Romeo Lane’s new lunch will let you enjoy two courses for Dhs105. Expect standout dishes from the roasted pineapple Caesar salad to chicken yakitori with black garlic aioli and a spicy salmon aburi maki. O Dhs105 (two courses), Dhs135 (three courses). Mon-Fri noon-4pm. Pullman Dubai Downtown, romeolane.ae (04 345 4419). AlbaNew openings TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 27 into the up-and-coming 25 Jump Street at One Central. A sleek, stylish handroll bar, you can watch chefs roll up delicious servings right in front of you. Pair that with a selection of Japanese grape and you’re in for a treat. O Open daily noon-1am. Dubai World Trade Centre, @yubidubai (050 198 7511). Back on the scene After a brief summer hiatus, some of our favourites are making their eagerly awaited returns, from brilliant beach clubs to iconic attractions. If you’ve been missing your usual haunt or are desperate to get back outdoors, tick these off, ASAP. BCH:CLB Back with a bang for the winter, the bright white venue is full of pops of colour and lots of fun. The day always starts on the chill side, but don’t be fooled by the laid-back vibes. Within a couple of hours, the resident DJ kicks in and you’ll be dancing to the tunes before you know it. Offering top-tier pool parties to one of the most popular ladies’ days in town, lounge under a striped orange umbrella and soak up the vibes. O From Dhs125 min spend (Mon-Thu), Dhs175 (Fri- Sun). Open daily 10am-8pm. W Dubai — The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, bchclb.com (04 834 3803). Be Beach The dreamy Bohemian beach club looks out over Dubai Marina, letting you soak up the rays while listening to some top beats all afternoon. Found at the trendy Dubai Harbour, Be Beach is a boho-chic spot that’s lazy, cool vibes by day and a popping party when the sun sets. From the fringed umbrellas to the sandy cabanas, sip a mixed drink poolside. O Reopening party Fri Oct 3. Dubai Harbour, bebeachdxb.com (054 751 1119). Dubai Fountain This is a big one. After a few months of renovation works, one of the city’s biggest attractions will be back in action from Wednesday October 1. Closing for a series of works in April, we can’t wait to see those record-breaking jets soaring up next to the Burj Khalifa again. Promising advanced technology, improved choreography and enhanced sound and lighting, if you’re searching for a front row seat to the new show, grab your favourite comfort food from one of the top spots at Time Out Market Dubai and enjoy it out on the terrace while you watch the incredible show. O Reopening Wed Oct 1. Downtown Dubai. Dubai Miracle Garden The 72,000sqm flower park located in Dubailand is now in its 14th season, and it’s no surprise with more than 150 million flowers to check out. Wander the displays, snap a selfie or two under the flower archways and admire the greenery before looping around the life-size Emirates plane completely covered in blooming petals. It’s a top place to take a stroll during the cooler months. If you’re not done exploring, check out the Butterfly Garden next door. O Times vary. Dubailand, dubaimiraclegarden.com (04 422 8902). Dubai Miracle Garden Be Beach New openings Dubai Safari Park Home to more than 3,000 animals representing 78 mammal species, 50 types of reptiles and 111 kinds of birds, the massive Dubai Safari opposite Desert Palm is reopening on Tuesday October 14 for another season. On a visit here you’ll be able to zip around on safari adventures, learn a fact or two at a wildlife talk and even get involved with feeding the ducks and tortoises as well. O Reopening Tue Oct 14. From Dhs50 (adults), Dhs35 (kids). Al Warqa 5, dubaisafari.ae (800 900) Global Village One of Dubai’s most popular and super affordable family-friendly attractions, Global Village is known for its numerous pavilions, an array of international cuisines, market stalls, rides and shows. If you’re missing the floating market or playing for a giant teddy at the funfair, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t have much longer to wait. Packed with loads of amazing things to see, do and eat, the Dubai institution is opening in October. O Reopening Wed Oct 15. Dubailand, globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114). Lucia’s Mare Home to possibly one of the best sunset dining spots in the city, this Italian restaurant is returning after a summer break. With a front-row view of the famed Burj Al Arab, it’s one of those picture-perfect vistas you’ll be yapping to a mate about long after you leave. Tuck into a fresh burrata salad full of flavours from Capri, a moreish pasta dish or a slice of creamy tiramisu that will live in your head rent free. O Reopening date TBC. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah, luciasdubai.com (04 422 4321). Nikki Beach Ready for a beach party that will definitely make its way onto your socials? This iconic beach club is famed the world over, with brilliant beach clubs from Marbella to Saint Barth, as well as the OG in Miami. In Dubai, the popular beach club reopened in September and can be found on Pearl Jumeira, a gorgeous location with incredible sea views and a lively, fun-loving vibe. A huge pool is set back from a beautiful sandy beach, while you’ll find plenty of cabanas and day beds, prime for lounging while you take in the live entertainment before dancing to the DJ as the sun sets. O From Dhs250 (Tue-Thu, Dhs100 redeemable), Dhs300 (Fri-Sun, Dhs100 redeemable). Pearl Jumeira, dubai.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6162). O Beach Dubai Ready to party near Dubai Marina? O Beach is ready and waiting for you. The lively Ibiza- born beach club is now back for its second season in Dubai, offering everything from pool performances to ladies’ days, brunch deals and swish Marina views. Bag yourself a floating bed, sip something cold from one of the iconic orange cups and take a dip before dancing the day away to a live DJ. Time for a swish new swimsuit. O From Dhs100. Open daily from 11am. Habtoor Grand Hotel Beach Front, Dubai Marina, obeachdubai.com (052 858 0464). TANG Blending Japanese izakayas with Cantonese flavours, the Downtown restaurant has announced it will be reopening on Wednesday October 1 (just in time to catch the reopening of the Dubai Fountain). Expect to be greeted by a marble waterfall as you arrive, then take a seat out on the terrace, crack out your chopsticks and dig into a dish or two while enjoying an impressive Burj Khalifa view. O Reopening Wed Oct 1. Palace Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, tanghospitality.com (055 663 3071). Lucia’s MareNew openings TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 29 Coming soon Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the next round of Dubai openings will have you counting down the days. From gorgeous Greek tavernas to the city’s first indoor skate park, mark your diaries to be one of the first to try these out. Canary Beach The popular JLT restaurant and bar has confirmed it will be bringing a brand-new venue to Palm Jumeirah, alongside The MAINE. This new destination continues the collaboration between Amjad Barakat and Jamal Wick of Canary Club and Joey Ghazal of The MAINE, who first came together in 2022 to create the original Canary Club in JLT. Featuring classic dishes from the usual menu, you can expect some new items to suit the beach, from sushi and crudos to fresh ceviches. O Opening 2025. Palm Jumeirah, canaryclub.com. CARBONE The iconic (and sort of infamous) New York Italian restaurant is coming to Dubai in October as it gets ready to open in Atlantis The Royal. Picking up an impressive reputation in the US with celebs and the public alike since its initial launch, CARBONE has hosted everyone from Rihanna to Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber and Drake over the years. Soon it will aim to impress Dubai diners with the same flair, showcasing tuxedo-clad waiters and a dining room decorated in the style of 1950s New York City. O Opening Mon Oct 6. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, carbonedubai.com (04 426 0500). Gooder ‘Skateboarding is good, skateboarding with friends is Gooder’. That’s the motto given by street skater Maysam Faraj as he works towards launching the brand-new indoor skate park. Located in Alserkal, the venue will be usable all-year-round, meaning you can grab your board whenever you fancy it to practice a trick or two. O Opening date TBC. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, @gooderskateboarding. Junk Burger Junk Smash Burgers is all about stripping things back to basics – no gimmicks, just great burgers done right. The French-born brand takes a purist approach, with a menu built on quality ingredients: soft French brioche buns, premium French beef, melty American cheese and a secret sauce that ties it all together. The customisable patties range from S to XXL (stack up to five if you dare), with jalapeños available for a fiery kick. Ultra-crispy fries – even in delivery boxes – and crunchy panko chicken bites complete the line-up. O Opening date TBC. One Central. Lady Bird Lady Bird is the latest name getting ready to spread its wings at 25 Jump Street, tucked behind the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Canary Beach CARBONENext >