The FACT UAE guide to the week ahead: 20 to 26 May
Read on for our picks of the week.
This week brings culinary collaborations and marvellous mixology to our sunny shores. Read on for the best things to do in the UAE.
Monday 20 May
Tuck into a meat feast
The FACT award-winning Beefbar has introduced its new Meat Experience Menu, offering diners an educational exploration of various meats and cuts, including tartare, tenderloin, Black Angus and Japanese Wagyu. Drawing inspiration from a wine-tasting event, the Meat Experience Menu allows guests to explore the subtle differences and rich complexities of diverse beef cuts and grades. The meal concludes with a homemade dessert, Gelato Mantecato, featuring Fior di latte gelato with a selection of enticing sauces and toppings. Available daily for lunch and dinner, it costs AED 795 per person (for a minimum of two people).
GO: Visit https://beefbar.com for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 21 May
Dine underwater at Ossiano
Chefs Grégoire Berger and Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij of Potong, Bangkok, are teaming up for a one-night culinary event at Ossiano. This exclusive dinner will showcase a 10-course menu inspired by the five-element philosophy: salt, acid, spice, texture, and the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that enhances flavours through the reduction of sugars. Chef Grégoire’s standout dishes will include langoustine tom yum uni, Galician sea urchin served Thai style, and sticky rice with mango and curry ice sorbet. Chef Pam will present her unique creations like ‘Parts of Banana’ using local Bangkok ingredients, ‘Potong’s Pad Thai’, and ‘Evolution of Crab’, which highlights the distinct flavours of Mud Crab and Blue Crab. Available on Tuesday 21 May from 6pm. AED 1,600 per person. Add this to your list of things to do in Dubai this week.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 22 May
Immerse yourself in art
Dubai’s Theatre of Digital Art presents “Viva La Frida,” an immersive tribute to the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. Audiences will have the chance to witness the pivotal moments of Kahlo’s life, from her highest achievements to her deepest sorrows, presented through her artworks in a captivating 360° format. From her famous self-portraits to her surrealistic representations of pain and resilience, each piece of art narrates stories of her unyielding spirit and relentless determination. Available daily until 31 May.
GO: Visit https://toda.ae for reservations and more information.
Thursday 23 May
Watch Dave Chappelle at Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, it’s time to have a laugh because the American comedian Dave Chappelle has joined the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week line-up. Dave hails from Washington DC, United States. He grew up in Maryland and was inspired by the comedians Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. He created and starred in the satirical show, Chappelle’s Show. Over his career, he has won six Emmy Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humour. On Netflix, viewers can catch his comedy specials Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones, The Closer and The Dreamer. Plus, 8:46 was released after the murder of George Floyd and explores violence against African Americans.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Friday 24 May
Dine at Dubai’s only licensed Korean steakhouse
Whether you’re unwinding after a long week or celebrating the start of the weekend, FOMO Fridays at Smoki Moto offers the perfect atmosphere with sunset tunes, Korean-inspired appetisers, and meticulously crafted signature cocktails. As Dubai’s first fully licensed Korean steakhouse you’ll indulge in delightful bites, smoking sojus, entertaining music and views over West Palm Beach. Available on Fridays from 5pm to 2am. AED 120 per person (three drinks and one appetiser).
GO: Email reservations@smokimotodubai.com or call 04 666 1430 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 25 May
Watch a candlelight concert
Having captivated audiences around the globe, the Candlelight Concert series is poised to mesmerise Dubai once again. The Zabeel Theatre at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel will resonate with the timeless tunes of Whitney Houston, immersing guests in the world of the R&B diva. Expect to hear tracks such as “How Will I Know”, “I Will Always Love You”, and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” Saturday 25 May at 6pm. Tickets from AED 200
GO: Visit https://feverup.com/m/161154 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 26 May
Dine at the new Lana Lusa
Lana Lusa has reopened at a new, refined location in the Four Seasons Private Residences on the Canal. The new venue has been meticulously designed to capture the essence of Mediterranean culinary traditions while incorporating modern elegance and Portuguese heritage. The new location boasts a spacious terrace offering views of the Dubai Canal and a menu of signature dishes like Pateis de Baacalhau (salted codfish croquettes), Bacalhau com Natas (oven-baked cod gratin), Arroz de Tamboril (a fish-based rice stew) and Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts).
GO: Visit https://lanalusa.com for reservations and more information.
