Everyone knows it by now, September rolls around, and the city is wide awake. Traffic begins to pile up, mall crowds are all too familiar, and your go-to cafe now suddenly has a line to enter. At the same time, doors are being reopened, new communities begin to pop up, and all of a sudden, city life feels faster than ever and way too overbearing. To counter the speed, we bring in our September guide. With the places worth dropping by and experiences worth spending time on, scroll down to see how you can also make the most of a new season.
To Dine
Aurōm
Starting the season in a spirit of discovery is Aurōm, an experimental botanical beverage lab held in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. So while you cannot get the typical matcha, Aurōm offers another alternative with botanical infusions, precision coffee, and fermented drinks that switch up the city’s standard cafe culture.
Scalini
Reopening this month as a renewed interpretation of the traditional Italian trattoria, Scalini’s signature blue and yellow tones ground the space while plates of fresh seafood and humble ingredients surround each table. And for those preferring warm al-fresco dining, Scalini’s veranda also extends into a Mediterranean garden, allowing guests to dine among citrus trees and majolica tiles, celebrating their own version of a Euro summer.
Shimmers
The arrival of September means that beach dining is front and centre! Leading the charge is Shimmers, reopening on September 15 with its cult favourite plates, upbeat ambience, and sweeping waves. On the menu, you can find healthy bites like Greek Salad alongside more indulgent recipes like Shimmers’ ‘Shyros’, Lobster Orzo, and Grilled Chicken Souvlaki that leave behind a worthwhile food coma.
Sea Fu
Seafood and salt air? Sea Fu is returning to the Four Seasons Resort to provide exactly that. Reopening on September 15, the season’s sunset can now be enjoyed with fresh plates of sushi, maki rolls, and more.
The MAINE JBR
Located at The DoubleTree by Hilton in JBR, The MAINE is a spot worth bookmarking for unpretentious North American flavours. And starting the season with an indulgent touch, the restaurant will be hosting an all-you-can-eat brunch service every weekend. Starting from 12 noon onwards, expect to find a fresh seafood selection, followed by live pizza and pasta stations, premium cuts, a gelato trolley, and 4 hours of free-flowing drinks.
Zuma
If you find yourself in DIFC this September, drop by Zuma for their Baikingu Brunch. Held every Saturday, the spot offers fresh sushi, sashimi, robata dishes, Zuma signatures, and decadent desserts to indulge in. Paired with its warm interiors and sleek design, it settles the weekend into a slow but luxurious affair.
To Shop
L’AGENCE’s Signature Essentials
New season calls for a wardrobe refresh. And for those looking to upgrade their basics, give L’AGENCE’s Signature Essentials a browse. Pulling together the brand’s most loved silhouettes, from T-shirts to blazers to silk blouses, it offers the perfect base for effortless everyday dressing.
NOELIE
The Middle Eastern sun can still be quite harsh, and the humidity hasn’t fully gone away just yet, so gravitating towards hydrating skincare will always be a good idea. German brand NOELIE has perfected hydration into an art form with botanical-powered ingredients that help nourish the skin at a cellular level. So if you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine, or simply looking to replace the tried-and-true steps, check out NOELIE’s range of high-performing products.
Massimo Dutti
Adding to the transitional styling, Massimo Dutti brings a renewed take on everyday dressing with their Pre-Fall arrival and Back-to-Office edit. We’re not just talking about the everyday staples but new looks that define a new season. Relaxed trenches, light leather pieces, and a palette based around camel, rust, brown, black, cream and denim; expect to find pieces that close the gap between light and dark, bright, bold summer dressing and moody, dramatic winter dressing.
Sonos Ace Ultra
Tech upgrades are usually few and far between, but the latest release by Sonos prompts a quicker change. The Sonos Ace Ultra comes with the brand’s updated release of its audio operating system, Sonos 27, along with an Adaptive ANC powered by ten microphones and up to 35 hours of battery life. Wireless, so you know it’s adaptable to daily life, and in chic neutral colourways, it’s a sweet tech upgrade that just adds to the rhythm of daily life.
BIRKENSTOCK x ETRO
Bohemian footwear, anyone? The latest collaboration between BIRKENSTOCK and ETRO takes BIRKENSTOCK’s iconic silhouettes and pairs them with ETRO’s house codes. First seen at ETRO’s AW26 runway at Milan Fashion Week and launching on September 10, BIRKENSTOCK’s anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed will feature ETRO’s signature Paisley motifs, fringe details, and Western-style hardware, crafting a statement sandal to carry you through the season.
Chloé at Mall of the Emirates
If you’re browsing by the Mall of the Emirates, don’t forget to make a pit stop at Chloé’s flagship boutique. Featuring bright interiors, a row of its signature fragrances, and, of course, its iconic bag styles on display alongside its ready-to-wear, Chloé gives us a new reason to go indoors.
To Experience
KORE Theory
Opening soon at The Commons, Mirdif, KORE Theory adds to the series of wellness clubs that help to give our bodies the reset it deserves. Centred around three principles: Resistance, Tempo, and Control, the wellness centre features heated and non-heated Microformer and Mat Pilates classes and three private contrast therapy suites that combine Finnish sauna with a premium cold plunge. Designed to slow down and move with precision, it helps to take a breather from the pace of city life.
The Workshop Dubai
Based in Jumeirah 2, The Workshop Dubai is a funky villa with an interdisciplinary community space. Founded by architect and art collector Ghada Kunash, The Workshop Dubai exists to both create a collective of emerging artists but also nurture the artist within. With a range of hands-on workshops to choose from, guests can take their pick from sketching to leather making.
86 Beauty Lounge
For those looking to spend a self-care day with a much-needed refresh, drop by 86 Beauty Lounge and let the experts take care of it. Located at Souk Al Bahar and Al Khawaneej, the beauty lounge’s warm lighting already sets the pace for what’s to come. Whether it’s a mani-pedi, a lash lift, hair refresh, or a facial, expert hands take over and leave you feeling completely pampered.
To Stay
25hours Hotel One Central
Providing an escape from routine life but not an escape from the city, 25hours Hotel One Central comes with funky interiors, a view of the Museum of the Future, and the trendy 25 Jump Street right below. With plenty to see, and plenty more to do, the hotel guarantees that one stay isn’t enough to cover ground.
Bvlgari Resort
For those looking for a spot that’s a bit more secluded, you can find Bvlgari Resort at the charming seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay. The island offers a proper retreat with coastline views of the Arabian Gulf, international fine dining spots that are quintessential Dubai, and the little luxe details fitting for the Bvlgari name.
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
A warmer, more social atmosphere to get lost in, a staycation at Grosvenor House means views of the Dubai Marina Canal and dinners by Pier 7. However, the hotel’s private beach, two swimming pools, and spa also offer a private option for the days when you’re looking to slow down.
