As the temperatures rise across the UAE, hotels and restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a range of refreshing experiences to help beat the heat. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or enjoying a midweek break, these curated spots provide the perfect escape with unique drinks, vibrant brunches, and indulgent desserts. From laid-back beachside sipping to high-energy brunches, there’s something for every taste.
Courtyard at Vida Creek Harbour (Dubai)
For a relaxed yet refined midweek experience, head to the Courtyard at Vida Creek Harbour. Indulge in five signature bubbly drinks, each designed to match the venue’s easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy vibrant creations like citrusy spritzers, herb-infused concoctions, and bold spirit-forward blends. Complementing the drinks are gourmet sliders and tuna poke bowls for a light yet satisfying bite.
Available: Mon–Wed, 3–11pm
Call: +971 4 428 8888
Black Goose Beachside at Sheraton JBR (Dubai)
Black Goose Beachside offers the ideal setting for a seaside drink with happy-hour specials on mojitos, frozen margaritas, and bubbly drinks. These are paired with a selection of casual bar snacks like tempura prawns, nachos, and flatbreads. Whether you’re cooling off by the waves or enjoying a drink with friends, this beachside location is perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
Available: Daily, 12:30–8pm
Bliss Lounge Sunset Mimosas at Sheraton JBR (Dubai)
Enjoy panoramic views of the sea while sipping on Buy One, Get One mimosas at Bliss Lounge. Choose from classic or fruit-flavoured mimosas while soaking in the sunset, with mellow DJ beats providing the perfect soundtrack. Ideal for couples or anyone looking for a tranquil pre-dinner experience.
Available: Daily (sunset)
Call: +971 50 455 6765
Aloft Aloha Beach Saturdays at Aloft Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)
Make the most of your Saturday with Aloft Palm Jumeirah’s Aloha Beach Saturdays. The beach party features live bands, resident DJs, and beach games like cornhole and volleyball, along with paddleboarding and kayaking. Refreshing frozen daiquiris and craft beverages accompany snacks such as sliders, fish tacos, and acai bowls. Entry is free, making it a must-visit event for a fun, sun-soaked day.
Available: Saturdays from 4pm
Call: +971 52 609 3371
GAIA Summer Table at DIFC (Dubai)
For a Mediterranean-inspired summer experience, GAIA offers a menu with dishes like tomato salad, artichoke-zucchini pasta, and lemon chicken with parsley salad. These dishes are complemented by botanical drinks, offering a refreshing summer dining experience in the heart of Dubai’s financial district.
Available: July and August, daily 12–6:30pm
Call: +971 4 241 4242
Arrogante, near Dubai Opera
Arrogante near the Dubai Opera offers a midday escape with an elegant Italian menu. Start with dishes like heirloom tomato and ricotta salad or salmon carpaccio, followed by mains such as lemon-infused tagliatelle or seafood dorada. To end the meal, enjoy a semifreddo al caffè or seasonal fruit sorbet. The meal is complemented by a complimentary mocktail.
Available: Business Lunch
Call: +971 4 570 3653
BRIX Café at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (Dubai)
BRIX Café offers a whimsical, winter-wonderland setting with unique desserts like coconut nitro snow with strawberry-lychee core and “Chocolate On The Rocks.” Refresh with drinks such as cold brew with date syrup or a hibiscus-grapefruit spritz, and enjoy a curated menu pairing a drink with a savoury bite and dessert for a perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.
Available: Daily, 7am–11:30pm
Call: +971 54 515 7861
Third Avenue Summer Menu at Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue
Third Avenue brings street-style dining with gourmet flair. Choose from starters like garlic sourdough focaccia or salt-water calamari, or indulge in mains such as truffle and burrata Tokyo rice bowl or Wagyu Lasagna Royale. Dessert options include golden kunafa swirl and dulce de leche French toast, all complemented by a variety of refreshing drinks.
Available: Now
Call: +971 4 388 2622
Bijou Patisserie at Sofitel The Obelisk
At Bijou Patisserie, indulge in a floral saffron croissant from the La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms collection. This seasonal croissant is filled with date sponge and orange marmalade, topped with saffron crème brûlée. Pair it with boutique coffees or herbal teas for a luxurious afternoon experience.
Available: Until August 31
Call: +971 4 281 4111
24th St. Breakfast Revival at Dusit Thani Dubai
Dusit Thani Dubai’s 24th St. serves a sustainable global buffet with live-station cooking. Choose from stations offering Arabic, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. Highlights include UAE gravlax cured with loomi, Thai vegetarian options, and freshly baked breads from imported French flour. It’s a delightful start to the day with plenty of options for everyone.
Available: Mon–Fri 6:30–10:30am; Sat–Sun 6:30–11am
Call: +971 4 317 4515
Ting Irie at Mamsha Al Saadiyat (Abu Dhabi)
Ting Irie brings Caribbean vibes to Abu Dhabi with a lively brunch atmosphere. On Saturdays, the JamRock Brunch serves hearty dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and ackee and saltfish, paired with bottomless drinks and reggae beats. On Tuesdays, enjoy Caribbean-style seafood, such as lobster rolls and seabass rundown, accompanied by selected beverages.
Available: Saturdays 2–6pm; Island Catch Tuesdays, 6pm–midnight
Ladurée UAE Locations
Ladurée’s all-day menu now features savoury options alongside its famous macarons. Enjoy dishes like Eggs Florentine with cheddar béchamel, citrusy omelettes, and elegant blinis with salmon or caviar. Finish with macaron-inspired milkshakes or a Pistachio Crème Brûlée for a luxurious touch.
Rosé Reverie at Al Jaddaf Rotana
For a pink-themed afternoon, Rosé Reverie at Al Jaddaf Rotana offers a floral afternoon tea experience, created in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden. Enjoy rose-infused macarons, berry-glazed tarts, and savoury delicacies in a dreamy setting. This afternoon tea is available daily, providing a refined break in the middle of the day.
Available: Daily from 12pm to 9pm
Stay updated with the latest happenings across the UAE with events, offers, and tips for staying cool during the summer months. For more summer fun, check out Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi’s summer deals.
