Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 95/w32

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 32, Edition 95

Here’s your latest edition of Dubai news, deals & tips, every Friday, in 10 mins or less.

🏊‍♂️ ‘Free’ waterparks. Worth it?

❌ Emirates bans power bank usage in-flight.

💸 Save Money, use food delivery apps.

🥰 Get cultured in Dubai

🍷 Wine is winning

🏩 Rosewood Dubai

🍴Sunday Roasts

PS. You can always email me here also.

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DUBAI NEWS

So we’re into the last month of Summer (by meteorological measures) in Dubai.

The upcoming appearance of the Suhail Star towards the end of the month will (apparently) signal the easing of the highest temperatures and humidity.

Even though it’s scorchio and off-season, many indicators suggest Dubai is getting busier during the hot months.

Hotel occupancy has risen to over 70% - almost 4% higher than last year - part of which is a growing trend of locals and residents/expats taking more staycations than flying out on holiday.

If you’re looking for something to do this upcoming New Year’s Eve and have 200,000 AED to blow, how about hiring the VIP Sky Suite at Atlantis The Palm to see Maroon 5 at their Gala Dinner Under The Stars?

10 guests (additions cost 20,000 AED each) will have access to a private butler, the gala buffet, premium Champagne and catering from ’the resort’s most celebrated restaurants’.

There are cheaper tickets, of course 🥲

Legoland Dubai Waterpark has launched ‘Neon Nights’, with nighttime water parties every Saturday and Sunday evening through August and September.

This is one of several activities there under the Summer Splash Fest, though they don’t appear to have a lot of press about them - so maybe check their socials?

KNOW MORE ABOUT DUBAI

Don’t Overlook Dubai Museums and Cultural Sites

Often in Dubai it’s the new, the blingy and the flash that gets the attention, but don’t let that distract you from some of Dubai’s museums and cultural sites which are worth a visit.

It’s not all Museum of the Future, which to be honest, can be a little underwhelming for some due to small scale Disney/Epcot vibes, albeit in a stunning building. This still hasn’t stopped over 4 million people visiting it since opening on 22 February 2022.

If you’d like to know more about Emirati culture, check out Al Shindagha Museum, or for history of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates then Etihad Museum at Al Fahidi Fort is a must-see.

Al Fahidi Fort is part of a wider area known as Al Fahidi Historical Quarter (formerly known as Al Bastakiya), which includes traditional buildings such as the wind towers around Dubai Heritage Village. Pop into Arabian Tea House to sample Emirati and Arabic hospitality. XVA Art Hotel is a unique place to stay, has a lovely cafe and also hosts art events.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is an educational and cultural hub that also arranges meals, Mosque visits and heritage tours.

Jumeirah Mosque is closely aligned with SMCCU and offers tours, experiences, events, meals and prayer opportunities.

Do have a read of Dubai Culture’s website to keep abreast of cultural festivals, libraries, museums and cultural arts centres.

Al Seef is 'a faux traditional’ area that’s worth a potter around, though it can feel a bit ‘touristy’ rather than educational or cultural. Al Fanar Seafood Market is a good spot to eat, and there are three Hilton hotels that tend to be at decent price points. Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton is perhaps the pick, given it’s an ex-Jumeirah property and has a traditional feel to it.

ONE BIG DUBAI TIP

Save on Dining Costs in Dubai: Use Delivery Services

Some of the biggest expenses for tourists to Dubai are dining costs. Thus, one of the best ways to save money or get better value is to consider alternatives.

Whilst many tourists may consider dining packages such as Half Board, Full Board or even All-Inclusive a good deal, they may not always be. Hotels with Dining Packages may cover up the accommodation costs, as they may not always be the most competitive.

So a good alternative could be - go for a more ‘comparable’ rate on the hotel, say Room Only or Bed & Breakfast, and look to use deals/apps/offers/promotions to save money on the dining.

You will likely find better value on hotel rates using tactics such as price drops, cash back, direct negotiation, price matching/best rate guarantees, than through travel agents or OTAs.

You don’t always have to dine in restaurants, so why not let the food come to you?

Dubai has a well-established, excellent and competitive meal/food delivery industry - and it’s often much, much cheaper than ‘dining in’.

12 Tips for Using Food Delivery Services in Dubai

1. Generally speaking, the app-based services are best, as they bring simplicity and familiarity to the ordering and save speaking over the phone.

2. Dubai thrives on convenience, and the range of services available vary from groceries, cafes, bakeries, restaurants to alcohol suppliers.

3. The more popular platforms for food delivery are Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem, Barakat, Noon and Entertainer.

4. You may find ‘app overlap’ where some apps may offer different services - e.g. restaurant takeaway, groceries, car transport etc. Entertainer for example, is primarily a ‘two for one’ offer app but also does delivery. Uber Eats was merged into Careem with the acquisition a few years ago.

5. For meal delivery, I would generally suggest starting with Talabat and perhaps Deliveroo, unless you’re after a specific outlet which may be on a different app.

6. If you are going to use a delivery service in Dubai, the golden rule is - make it as easy as possible for your driver/rider. Assume they will be rushed, and not always 100% customer-service focused, so the easier you make it for them, the quicker you will get your food.

7. Pay particular attention to delivery descriptions, comments, pick up location, and ideally use a local SIM should they need to call you. If you have an international number, there’s no way a dude on a moped is calling you for directions.

8. If you’re in a hotel for instance, give clear instructions in the order that you will meet in reception. It may also help if you advise front desk or concierge that you’re awaiting a delivery. Assume the delivery person will not be allowed up to your room or floor, and it will save time and hassle.

9. If you are using an app from ‘back home’, it may be the case that you need to update your profile - e.g. phone number, delivery address etc.

10. Always look for promo codes, offers and upsell promotions. Sometimes apps will offer discounts to new customers, or consider a temporary upgrade to your membership as sometimes that can offer benefits such as money off or waived charges.

11. If there is a restaurant you fancy that isn’t on the platforms, they may take telephone orders and arrange their own delivery. Check out this list, which is especially good for certain food types eg pizza!

12. Don’t limit your searches to meal delivery, you can also order alcohol delivery - just ensure it’s a reputable supplier such as MMI Home Delivery or African + Eastern.

Conclusion

If you are looking to save money on a Dubai holiday, one of the simplest ways is to come away from packaged deals on dining packages sold by travel agents.

Yes, you get convenience if you’re on a dining package (HB, FB or even AI) but don’t overlook the fact that you’re likely paying for it somewhere else, usually a higher daily room rate than on the ‘open market’.

There’s also the argument that dining packages may ‘control costs’ and ‘out of pocket spend’, but again, that’s open to debate with supplements, restrictions, add-ons etc.

I’d strongly suggest that you consider the option of aiming for a more comparable rate for hotels by coming off dining packages. Look to either leverage all the deals, discounts, offers etc. if you’re looking for restaurants, or perhaps even better, consider meals delivered to you now and again as they’re often cheaper overall.

Just like online grocery shopping ‘back home’, ordering food delivery online or via apps often leads to less temptation and better cost control, and the money saved can go elsewhere on the holiday.

EMIRATES

Emirates Bans On-Board Use of Power Banks From 01 October

As of 01 October, Emirates will prohibit the use and charging of power banks on all flights.

If a power bank is under 100 Watt Hours capacity, it may be carried on board - but not used or charged - and must be stored in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of you.

🔗 Emirates Press Release: New Rules for power banks

First Class bookings on Emirates to the UK from China and India have risen 27% and 17% respectively in the first half of this year, compared to 2024.

And it’s not just all into London, as regional airports such as Glasgow and Newcastle are expected to rise by 18% and 45% respectively for the second half of 2025.

Emirates will launch a fourth daily flight between London Gatwick (LGW) and Dubai International (DXB) from 08 February 2026.

EK69 will depart DXB at 1705, arriving into LGW at 2050, whilst the return flight EK70 will leave LGW at 2355 and arrive into DXB at 1100.

See the updated full EK flight schedule for LGW, including plane types, here.

FOOD AND DRINK

One for the Oenophiles

Did you know the Middle East has seen a surge in the ‘fine wine’ market, with sales in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman almost doubling since the pandemic and set to reach $1 billion in 2025?

Row 45’s Sommelier, Lorenzo Abussi,, noted their supplier’s portfolio has expanded 100 times. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’s Head Sommelier, Arturo Scamardella, has a cellar that boasts over 6,000 bottles.

If you do like your vino, do check out The Tasting Class, who run beer and wine tasting events, classes and tours in Dubai.

Interesting to see Carna Dubai, a lovely steakhouse at SLS Dubai, is moving into offering Sunday Roasts.

If you’re looking for more ‘budget’ Roast Dinners, check out this list. Don’t be put off by the term ‘budget’ as D&A, Fibber Magees, McCaffertys and The Duck Hook have all stood the test of time.

If you’re craving a good Sunday Roast and looking for a deal, check out Three Cuts Steakhouse & Bar at Nakheel Mall, as they’re currently on Entertainer Dubai Monthly Offers offering two for one on Sunday Roast and Business Lunches (both offers are Reusable - which means one voucher can be used for groups). The Copperhead Pub at Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek also offers Reusable Entertainer Offers, as does Double Decker at Swissotel Al Murooj, for Sunday Roasts.

Who needs to pay for beach club access when Barasti is scrapping its entrance fee for pool and beach until October?

If you want to pay, or try somewhere a bit more upscale, these are some of the best beach clubs around Dubai this Summer.

If you’re looking to eat and have kids in tow, how about trying these restaurants and cafes where children can eat free?

The Noodle House, Jones the Grocer and Positano are all good shouts for dining, but as always - do shop around and compare offers. There usually are competing promotions around Dubai - such as More Cravings (this is the page for Positano) or My Emirates Pass (20% discount).

Positano is also in Entertainer Dubai 2025, with 3 x vouchers for Buy One Get One Free Main Course.

HOTEL NEWS

It’s not often Dubai follows Abu Dhabi, especially in hotel brands opening, but Dubai is finally getting a Rosewood.

Rosewood Dubai and Rosewood Residences Dubai will open in 2029 (!) at Peninsula Dubai. The hotel will include 195 rooms with eight garden residence villas, whilst the Residences will offer 63 residences and five beach facing villas.

🔗 Rosewood Residences Dubai

HOTEL OFFERS

Complimentary Waterpark Access: Worth It?

For stays of 3 nights and over, Rixos Premium Dubai are offering complimentary access to Aquaventure.

• For new bookings made after March 15, 2025, and for stays made until December 31, 2025.

With offers like this, I can’t help to wonder ‘is it worth it’? There are always ways to ‘slice and dice’ deals in Dubai, and how many people may get ‘seduced’ into these offers (which is of course, the point of them!) because it ‘seems like a great deal’?

Aquaventure, for example, usually has special offers, flash promos or other deals going on. Wild Wadi, as it’s not as popular, will usually have even more - and occasionally better - offers.

Entertainer, for instance, needs the more premium packages (eg Dolphin Adventure) at Aquaventure to open up the Buy One Get One Free offers, whereas Wild Wadi offers general entry BOGOF offers.

It’s possible to find a range of hotels that may offer some form of access to waterparks, but do be careful of generalisation when comparing.

Jumeirah for instance, back in the day, were pretty free and easy to offer Wild Wadi access to guests, whereas these days it’s sometimes more limited e.g. to certain rate conditions or may only be one visit per stay.