< PreviousFrom A to Z 40 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM A -Z act ivit ie s26 brilliant things to do inspired by the alphabet. By Nathan Baker A-Z act ivit ie s From A to Z TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 41 R eady to work your way through the city in alphabetical order? We’ve found Dubai’s most exciting, unusual and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an insatiable foodie, gymgoer or purely one born to soak up the sights (whether you’re new or not) this guide has something for every mood. A is for aquaspin Looking for a cool way to work up a sweat? Cycling can prove a tad too tiring under Dubai’s sun. No need to hang up the saddle, instead head to the pool, and take on aquaspin. Get in your element with Aquafit Dubai at the Marina and dive into a spin class with a twist. The 45-minute aqua cycling classes offer a low-impact, high energy way to work up a sweat. These full- body workouts increase muscle resistance, build stamina and burn calories all using stationary underwater bikes. O From Dhs120. Class times vary. InterContinental Dubai Marina, aquafit.ae (507 159 187). B is for boutique cinema experiences Vintage, but make it fancy. Head over to this retro picture house at Roxy Cinemas in Boxpark and you’ll find a colourful, contemporary complex home to Roxy’s luxury boutique cinema. Reminiscent of cinema’s prime, Roxy captures a bygone era. Replicating a vintage atmosphere with an injection of the comforts and luxuries Dubai has come to be known for. The first of its kind in the region, combine all the usual thrill, horror and action of the big screen in the company of hand-stitched seats, a traditional ticket counter and walls decked with film’s historic icons. O Prices and times vary. Boxpark, Al Wasl Road, theroxycinemas.com (800 7699). C is for creating your own perfume Take on the role of a beauty scientist at Oo La Lab in Design District to put together your own fragrance. Analyse pefume notes and pick out from a mixture of oils to create a perfume in a unique, lab-style experience. Offering both private and group workshops, dissect perfumes, craft with purpose and tailor a scent to your story, emotion and self. O From Dhs250. Times vary. Design District, uae. oola-lab.com (058 504 7186). D is for dining over the sea Head to One&Only The Palm’s 101 where you’ll find the coral room. Its web-like, coral themed walls create a photo-worthy backdrop deserving of a spot on your camera roll but it’s beneath your feet where its USP can really be found. Here you’ll find a digital recreation of waves swelling back and forth as you tuck into Mediterranean- inspired dishes. Designed with celebrations in mind, the coral room is an ideal seat for gatherings of up to a dozen (if you have the cash to splash). With its own marina, arrive by boat (as you do) and simply step straight into this coral hideaway. O Dhs10,000 minimum spend for 12. One & Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, oneandonlyresorts.com (050 332 6832). Roxy Cinemas 101From A to Z 42 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM E is for an Emirati heritage tour Want to discover Old Dubai? Hop on the Heritage Express and explore some of Dubai’s most important historical landmarks. Stops include Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Al Seef, Dubai abra stations, Etihad museum, Al Shindagha and Jumeirah Mosque. Great for families, kids are free to enjoy this experience at no cost, making it a great choice for entertaining the little ones on cooler days. Stay energised with access to an Emirati-style buffet and get lost in this fully immersive experience, both exciting and educational, it’s a must for visitors and residents alike. O From Dhs150. Al Fahidi, heritageexpress.com, (800 97777). F is for a focaccia-making class Huom Culinary Canvas in Jumeriah hosts masterclasses in the art of baking fluffy focaccia from scratch. It also teaches hands-on workshops for pizzas, cookies, cinnamon rolls and more. This is the perfect way to pick up a new skill while getting to take home a delicious result. Every swirl, sprinkle and stroke here turns kneaded flatbread into art. A standout choice for celebrating birthdays, bonding with the crew, or levelling-up your baking experitse. Going a step beyond baking, Huom’s kitchen equally serves as an art class where students are invited to decorate their loaf till their heart’s content. It’s time to invite your friends over for dinner and impress them. O Prices and class timings vary. Jumeirah, huom.me (050 944 5363). G is for glow-in-the-dark badminton Want to try something totally different and fun? Rally under neon lights and step into Dubai’s first neon court. Thanks to Pioneer’s Badminton Hub, you can grab a friend, or three, and book a glowing one- hour session anytime from 6am to midnight. New to the sport? Take up a group class and learn under the glow, with courts and gear that light up alongside you. O From Dhs40 per person. Open daily 6am-midnight. Al Quoz (055 287 1234). Dubai Creek MirzamFrom A to Z TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 43 H is for hot pot Choose your boiling broth, stack your table with platters of meats, seafood and fresh veg, then cook your meal in the bubbling cauldron laid before you. From sliced up to cooked in a matter of minutes, the food here can’t get much fresher. Famed for more than its cuisine, Shoo Loong Kan’s entertainment comes in the form of kung fu noodle stretching and an ancient dance. O Prices vary. Open daily noon-2am. Dubai International City, @shooloongkanuae (055 676 8888). I is for immersive Italian dining Step inside Duomo in Downtown Dubai, where Italian cuisine is served under a soaring dome with immersive digital art projections and uninterrupted Burj Khalifa views. The restaurant blends sophistication with techy flair, celebrating the traditions of southern Italy. Expect homemade pastas, truffle-infused creations, wood-fired pizzas, and premium cuts of meat and seafood. O Prices vary. Open daily 7am-11am, 12.30pm-1am. Downtown Dubai, duomodubai.com (04 602 3399). J is for Japanese café & bonsai nursery Housed in Al Quoz, Bo-ca-su is a hidden gem blending specialty coffee with a bonsai nursery in a Japanese café hybrid. Originally an industrial warehouse, anime-inspired décor and art fills the spot while diners can enjoy artisan sushi galore. Bo for bonsai, Ca for café, Su for sushi, the name speaks for itself. Now you just need to try it O Open daily 10am-midnight. Al Quoz, bocasu.ae (04 294 8850). K is for kayaking under the stars Crystal Clear Watersports at Jumeirah Beach takes night paddling to a whole new level. Hop into a transparent kayak lit with colourful LEDs and enjoy the city skyline at night. Take a friend or jump in a kayak for one and enjoy the sights by night O From Dhs275 (one hour). Jumeirah, crystalclearwatersports.com (056 473 8459). L is for learn to make chocolate At Mirzam Chocolate in Al Quoz can transform your childhood dream into reality. This artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate factory offers hands-on workshops where you can mould your own chocolate bars, decorate them with toppings and design personalised wrappers. Guided by expert chocolatiers, you’ll uncover the origins of single-origin cocoa beans sourced from regions along the ancient Spice Route, including Vietnam, Madagascar and Ghana. O From Dhs155. Workshop timings vary. Al Quoz, mirzam.com (04 333 5888). M is for meditation and vegan fare at SEVA Wellness Ready to get all zen this winter? This gorgeous café on Jumeirah Beach Road is a haven for healthy eaters, vegan diners and yogis in the city. With plenty of lush greenery it’s an ideal spot to relax and unwind over a nut milk latte and a healthy, tasty, plant- based dish. Having opened back in 2014, it’s a well-known spot for wellbeing and there are plenty of classes to try before you tuck into the menu. Try yoga for a physical workout, such as meditation aroma yoga, or check out the sound healing and meditation classes for something a bit different. You’ll be feeling relaxed in no time at all. Plus, you can get your first class for Dhs88 to see if you like it. O From Dhs88. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, sevaexperience.com (058 543 5888). DuomoFrom A to Z N is for night swim Dubai’s skyline never sleeps, and neither does the city’s highest outdoor infinity pool. ZETA Seventy Seven, atop of Address Beach Resort, invites you to float through glowing waters beneath the stars. Paddle along the pool’s edge and drink in the spectacular views of Palm Jumeirah. After your swim, the rooftop bar awaits with Asian-inspired small plates and expertly crafted beverages. O From Dhs577. Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm. Dubai Marina, addresshotels.com (04 879 8866). O is for over-water villa staycation The UAE’s first over-water villas at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort sit above turquoise lagoons and offer private terraces with ZETA Seventy SevenFrom A to Z TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 45 sweeping Arabian Gulf views. Each villa gives you direct access to the water, so you can dive straight in whenever the mood strikes. Along 400 meters of private shoreline on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, three swimming lagoons and beach pool villas ensure every corner is made for relaxation and privacy. O Prices vary. The Palm, anantara.com (04 567 8888). P is for plant pot painting Unleash your creativity at HuQQabaz Garden in Mall of the Emirates, where guided workshops let you design your own plant pot, fill it with a succulent, and take it home as a living memento. Keeping families in mind, the workshop keeps little hands busy while adults soak in the garden atmosphere, sip coffee, and watch their creations come to life. An ideal way to spend a weekend. O Dhs220 (workshop and breakfast). Timings vary. Mall of Emirates, Al Barsha, @huqqabazgarden (800 47229). Q is for quiz room Think you know it all? Quiz Room in Al Quoz challenges you to prove it. Dubai’s first immersive trivia-style game room lets four to 18 players step into a private space for 60 or 90 minutes of brain-teasing fun. Every session is tailored to the group, with questions designed around your age and interests. From classic international trivia to niche home town topics, no two experiences are the same. O Open Mon-Wed 9.30am-midnight, Thu 9.30am- 1am, Fri-Sat 9.30am-2am, Sun 9.30am-midnight. Goshi Warehouse City, quiz-room.ae (585 681 260). R is for ramen library Craving hands-on dining? Jjang Jjang at Reef Mall, Deira, invites you to craft your own bowls at its DIY noodle station.Choose your noodles, pile on toppings from Dhs1. Think cheese, mushrooms, kimchi and more making every bowl special. Beyond the DIY fun, the menu boasts bestsellers like bulgogi rice bowls, tteokbokki, bibimbap and kimchi jjigae, alongside a variety of other Asian dishes.Korean barbecue-lovers will find plenty to satisfy their cravings, while desserts and drinks round out the experience. For a little extra fun, grab a cue at the pool table after your meal. Ramen Library is all about interactive, flavour- packed eating in a vibrant, playful setting. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-10.15pm, Fri-Sat 10am- 11.15pm, Sun 10am-10.15pm. Reef Mall, Deira (04 457 9988). S is for a seafood market experience Craving a culinary adventure? Waterfront Market in Deira brings the market-to-table concept to life. Dally through the isles picking up fresh, local produce, be it fish, king-crab, shrimp or lobster. Stroll over to one of the seafront restaurants and have your catch cooked your way from grilling Anantara The Palm Museum of the Future46 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM to steaming, the choice is yours. The market also houses a range of restaurants including Paluto, BOAT, Aylla Restaurant & Café and Yahya Seafood Restaurant, your dish is in safe hands. O Open 24/7. Deira, waterfrontmarket.ae (800 62753). T is for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony Take a pause from the city at Ming Yue, a cosy tea house in China Town, Dubai Mall. Here, every cup tells a story, from freshly brewed floral blends to rich, timeless classics. Sit back as the team guides you through an ancient, authentic Chinese tea ceremony, showing the art of preparation with precision and care. Accompany your tea with delicate cookies, and let the fragrant aromas set the tone for a calming afternoon. From iced rose tea to carefully steeped traditional brews, each sip is a moment to slow down and savour centuries of culture. Perfect for an elegant escape, a serene solo experience, or a quiet catch-up with friends, Ming Yue makes tea not just a drink, but a ritual. And one worth trying. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm Fri-Sun 10am- midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, @mingyuefinetea (058 577 1356). U is for unlimited breakfast deals Ready for a long, lazy brekkie? This family- friendly spot in Dubai Marina is a hit on a Saturday or Sunday. You’ll get a main dish (eggs benedict, avo toast, et al) and a breakfast ‘dessert’ of crêpes. The best part? The spread of cheeses, French bread, jam, charcuterie, fruit, cereal and heaps of cheese. It’s really not breakfast without a slice of brie after all. O Dhs119 (including one hot drink, juices and water). Sat-Sun 9am-2pm. Dubai Marina, bistrodesarts.ae (04 551 1576) . V is for a Vietnamese head spa This unique treatment is the ultimate way to relax, combining a soothing head and neck massage with a luscious hair wash. For a great time, head to La Beauté in JLT to enjoy a one-hour head and face massage. After your session, you’ll walk out with a silky, bouncy. It’s the perfect way to unwind and leave feeling completely refreshed. O Prices vary. JLT (052 606 9036). W is for working from a spa Chado Spa, found in Jumeirah, blends a spa experience with a co-working space. Seamlessly transition from business meetings to beauty treatments without moving a muscle. Check off your to-do list while a rejuvenating facial restores your glow, or catching up on emails while a technician works on your manicure. Lunch break? Step away from your laptop and pick out a smoothie in the pet-friendly, green, sunlit interior of Le Patio. O Open daily 10am-8pm. Jumeirah, chado-cosmetics. com (04 343 9816). X is for xiao long bao At Din Tai Fung Dubai, xiao long bao features an unexpected guest: molten chocolate. These goo-filled dumplings come with a side of sea salt cream cheese and are just Dhs34 for three. Each bun is carefully hand-folded into the restaurant’s Bistro Des ArtsFrom A to Z TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 47 signature 18 folds, then stuffed with a rich chocolate truffle wrapped in a pale mochi shell. Bite in and let the molten chocolate lava flow. It’s a quirky approach to a beloved classic that turns traditional soup dumplings into dessert dreams. O From Dhs34. Multiple locations including Mall or the Emirates and Bluewaters Dubai, dtf.com Y is for yacht rental and fishing Step aboard the Melody yacht at Dubai Marina, a sleek vessel that accommodates up to 12 passengers, including three dedicated crew members, all for Dhs400 an hour. Everything you need at sea is Jet car at FIVE LUXE JBR included, from fishing gear to onboard essentials, leaving you free to focus on the experience. Cast a line and test your luck, or simply unwind as the yacht cruises along Dubai’s coast. Cool off with a swim in the open sea, throw your catch on the barbecue, and enjoy soft drinks as the Dubai skyline glitters on the horizon. O From Dhs400, Dubai Marina, arabianyachtdubai. com (055 650 5184). Z is zooming in a jet car Now this is serious fun and one for the socials. This futuristic two-seater may look like it belongs on Sheikh Zayed Road, but it skims the water like a jet ski. Slide into the driver’s seat, hit the accelerator, and watch JBR Beach blur as you trade asphalt for ocean spray, thanks to FIVE LUXE JBR. Glide past Ain Dubai, carve your own wake across the Gulf and feel the rush of steering a sports car that thinks it’s a speedboat – or is it the other way around? If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, FIVE LUXE is also home to flyboarding, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and laid-back cruises for those who prefer conquoring the waves at a slower pace. It’s time to get out on the water. O From Dhs1000. FIVE LUXE JBR, luxejbr. fivehotelsandresorts.com (058 1028 962).48 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM KLAY by Karak HouseUnusual foods TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 49 and wonder ful 10 unusual food combos that just work (but really shouldn’t). By Yousra Zaki D ubai’s food, although world- renowned, can occasionally be a bit wild. Blink and you’ll miss a new concept, a reinvented classic, or a dish that sounds like it was dreamt up after one too many espressos. In this city, chefs don’t just push boundaries – they toss them out the window and see what lands. Breakfast crashes dessert’s party, sweet plays with savoury and familiar dishes get reimagined in ways that make you pause mid-bite. Some combinations are surprisingly brilliant, some utterly confusing and a few will haunt your dreams forever. That’s the fun. You never know if you’re about to find your next obsession or a dish so wild it deserves a warning label. From caviar-topped nuggets to paratha-wrapped burgers these are Dubai’s edible curveballs – fun, playful and impossible to ignore. and wonder ful Weird WeirdNext >