January may be the dead of winter, but winter in Dubai comes with a whole other vibe compared to the rest of the world. It means going outside and finally enjoying the sunshine without worrying about melting. And the city knows it all too well. Like clockwork, events, pop-ups, and other activities have shifted outside, trading AC air for fresh air, and we’re not complaining! In fact, we rounded up all the things to do in Dubai into an easy cheat sheet for the month.
To Shop
Huda Beauty | Easy Bake Pressed Powder
Launching on January 14, Huda Beauty takes their iconic loose powder formula and turns it into a pressed version. With an airbrush matte finish, it leaves behind the impression of a skin filter IRL.
Santolina
Making their debut in the UAE on January 23, Santolina brings timeless Italian femininity to the Gulf region. Channelling the season of spring with their capsule collection titled Flora, you can find elegant two-piece sets, sculptural dresses, and of course, floral pieces that transcend seasons with their versatility.
Malone Souliers
New Year, New Shoes? At least, that’s what Malone Souliers thinks so. Their SS26 collection is rooted in the trendy brown hue, a shade that has unofficially become a neutral pairing for the fashion-forward crowd. From sleek pointed mules to sculptural heels to statement boots, Malone Souliers has every occasion covered for a warm brown moment.
To Dine
ZEA | Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
Opening this January at the heart of DIFC, ZEA brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to the Gulf through its flavours. Inspired by the ancient word zea, meaning “grain of life”, expect dining that blends nourishment, ritual, and community.
MOLI By SHI | Dubai Hills
For those who love to begin their weekends with a brunch, MOLI by SHI have reinvented its signature Friday Night Brunch menu, packing on new flavours to experiment with. Available every Friday night from 7 PM onwards, guests are seated for a three-hour brunch experience where they travel through a carefully curated journey through contemporary Chinese cuisine. Bao buns, sweet and sour chicken, and plates of Peking duck are to be expected, as well as a rotating dessert menu and curated drinks that add to the experience.
SOIL | Kite Beach
Ironically, winter weather in Dubai means beach weather and if you find yourself at Kite Beach, don’t forget to stop by the latest pop-up by SOIL. Fresh, wholesome, gluten and sugar-free, their menu sounds too good to be true, but if the crowds are any indication, everything tastes as good as it looks.
Avatara | Dubai Hills Estate
If you didn’t know, January is also known as Veganuary, where people are encouraged to try (and possibly switch to) the vegan diet for a month. While it’s not common in the region, MICHELIN-starred vegetarian fine dining restaurant, Avantara, hopes to change that. With an exquisite Lunch Menu, priced at Dhs 540, guests are invited to challenge their food perceptions, exploring flavour and the art of gastronomy without any meat.
To Experience
KAYALI Pop-Up | e& MOTB
Every year, the e& MOTB festival brings the coolest concepts to life. And this year, KAYALI joins the rest with its KAYALI Café. Known for its delicious, gourmand scents, the KAYALI Café wittily plays on its scent notes with its pop-up concept. But it’s not just a concept; partnering with Saddle once again, guests visiting the KAYALI Café can also grab a drink from the KAYALI Freedom x Saddle menu while exploring the scents.
Watch BAAB in Theatres
Making history at the Cairo International Film Festival last year, those looking forward to the Emirati dark psychological film directed by Nayla Al Khaja can finally watch the film in theatres across the UAE from January 7 onwards.
Al Quoz Arts Festival
Taking place on January 24 and 25, expect a weekend of genre-bending live music, thought-provoking exhibitions and art installations, workshops, talks, pop-ups, and all things arts and culture.
Sikka Art And Design Festival
Taking place at the tail end of January, this festival celebrates Emirati and other local artists at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the theme for the 2026 edition is ‘Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future’. So expect an exploration of Dubai’s cultural identity through exhibitions, art installations, poetry performances, music performances, and more.
