Every January, we start fresh and energetic, convinced that this coming year will be the best of all. In the beginning of December, we’re deflated and can’t wait for the next one.
Let’s make this an unforgettable year. Let’s kick its behind and make it work for us. 2017 doesn’t owe you anything, but you can make it whatever you want. This list is to inspire those of you who feel stuck in a rut, those who want to continue the adventure, and for those who want to consciously make an effort to maintain a sprinkling of unadulterated fun in their lives.
Here are ten fun ways to kickstart the year in Dubai January 2017:
1. On January 19: Retreat into Creativity
Starting January 19, the newly opened Alma Retreat is having a three-day Creativity retreat. The first of its kind in the UAE, it’s the ideal way to revive your spirit. It includes guided meditation sessions, vinyasa yoga, HIIT training, massages and personal change management classes.
Pick –up and drop-off from home included.
When: Starting 7pm, Thursday, January 19
Where: Alma Retreat, Ras Al Khaimah
How much: Starting AED 3300
2. On January 19: Visit Street Food Market DXB
We’ve all taken to this trend quite willingly, so from the creator of TruckersDXB & Street Nights, at Street Food Market DXB, you can gorge on burgers, fusion dishes, BBQ, while sipping on house beverages, hopes and grapes. The music will be local artists mixing lounge, funk, reggae, hip hop, and more.
When: 8pm to 2am of Thursdays, 12pm to 2am on Firdays, 4pm to 11pm on Saturdays, weekend of January 19 and January 28
Where: Dubai International Marine Club
How much: Entry AED 10 per person
This is an event for adults over the age of 21 years only.
3. On January 20: Go Backpacking with Adventurati Outdoor
How often do you head outdoors in the UAE? Explore the wilderness in the rocky mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, pitch a tent and swap stories near a bonfire. This is a beginner-level course where you will hike 6km.
When: 1pm, Friday, January 20
Where: Meet at ADNOC station, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, trekking at the Jebel Jais range, RAK
How much: AED 400
4. On January 21: Visit Courtyard Playhouse’s Open Day
Live a little, laugh a little, or act a little. The Courtyard Playhouse’s open day might be your chance at opening up and trying something entirely different. Watch a show, participate in a workshop, and speak to actors.
11am-12pm: Free Workshop
12pm-1pm: Improv Show
1pm-2pm: Free Workshop
2pm-3pm: Improv Show
When: 11am – 3pm, Saturday, January 21
Where: The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz 1
How much: Free
5. On January 27: Super Brunch at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
We’ve all seen out fair share of extravagant brunches, but we can bet you haven’t seen anything like this. In the lavish and scenic setting of Palm Jumeirah, this first in a series of monthly super brunches will have a whooping 18 live cooking stations. Eighteen, yes.
Think fresh oysters, artisanal cheeses, ice sculptures, bubbly and live music.
When: 1pm to 4pm, Friday, January 27
Where: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah
How much: AED 525 per person inclusive of sparkling bubbly
Not sold yet? Watch this: www.jumeirah.com/jzsbrunches
6. On January 28: Have an Open Air Electro Brunch
It was bound to happen. The two biggest adoptions in Dubai come together – Electronic music and brunch. Food trucks meet brunch from 1pm to 4pm, with live cooking stations. The food selection will include items from gourmet to street food, gluten free to indulgent.
Dance to the tunes of German-born DJ Marc Romboy and Argentinian DJ Shall Ocin.
When: 1pm to 9pm, Saturday, January 28
Where: Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club
How much: AED 140, 160 or 190 [depending on when you buy your ticket]
AED 320 for Brunch + Ticket + 2 beverages
AED 450 for Brunch + Tickets + Unlimited drinks
Other dates for the Electro Brunch in case you’re booked on January 28: February 11, March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22 and May 6
7. On Any Day: Trail the Middle East’s Highest Via Ferrata
This one isn’t technically in Dubai, but it’s worth the trip. Take a scenic trek through a protected climbing route, part of Alila Jabal Akhdar’s newest offerings. For adrenaline junkies, the Cave Affair will be appealing: cross an exposed 20-metre high rope, walking over a cave mouth, traversing along the side of the canyon and ascending into a steep gully.
Where: Alila Jabal Akhdar
How much: AED 330 per person [2-hour trek]
8. On Thursdays & Fridays: Wind Down at Swim & Tonic
Throw a stone and you’ll find a new ladies night in Dubai, but this double trouble ladies night at Swim & Tonic Pool Bar & Lounge runs on the weekends. A great way to start the night if you’re strapped for cash, with 3 selected complimentary drinks, shisha and music from DJ Rainier.
When: 8pm to 11pm, every Thursday and Friday
Where: Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay
How much: Free for ladies
9. On Tuesdays: Not Just For Ladies Night at Societe Dubai
Finally, some equality. Their popular ladies night, High Societe is all about equality for the next four Tuesday. Guys get spirit mixers for just AED 10 before midnight, whilst ladies can lap up unlimited free drinks before 12am. Men and women can groove to 80s, 90s and 00s music from 9pm to 3am.
When: 10pm to 12am, Tuesdays
Where: Societe Dubai
How much: AED 10 per drink for men before 12am, free for ladies before 12am
To book a table, call 0503571126.
10. Sign Up for a Digital Detox
From smartphones to sat navs, people’s lives are full of screens. You wake up to them, come home to them, and carry them around in your pockets all day. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort has created a detox program where you surrender your devices and participate in a range of activities to rest and distress the body.
Camel rides, archery, horse-back riding and desert walks, deluxe spa treatments and reclining by a private plunge pool – without the distraction of a screen.
Where: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
For reservations, call the Anantara Central Reservation Office on +971 2 656 1399 or email crome@anantara.com