New Spots: Year-End Openings

by Barbara Yakimchuk

New Spots: Year-End Openings

30 Oct 2024

The end of 2024 will delight us with the opening of new and exciting places. I have gathered those that have intrigued us with their concepts and features. We are really looking forward to their opening, but waiting alone is sad — so let us wait together.

In the first quarter of 2024, Dubai welcomed more than 5 million international tourists. This marks a 10.9% increase compared to the previous year and a 9.1% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This tourism boost is one of the factors accelerating the UAE’s hospitality sector, and encouraging restaurant and hotel owners to create even more unique experiences for their potential guests.

The end of the year promises exciting openings of new spots with unique concepts. Our team has put together a list of the most anticipated places, whose opening we are expecting the most.

Here are our top 5!

NAHATÉ Dubai

NAHATÉ Dubai is a family-run restaurant and club with a welcoming atmosphere and some truly unique desserts (more on that below!)

The restaurant will span 1,100 square metres, with most of the space dedicated to the guest area. For those seeking privacy or dining with a small group, there are two private rooms, including the first-ever Jacob & Co. cigar lounge. The decor blends marble details with walls adorned in real gold leaf, giving the space a mix of Arabic, French, and a hint of Greek influences.

The most exciting, however, is the food! The restaurant’s owners describe their cuisine as modern, drawing inspiration from around the world. The kitchen is led by French chef Daniel Baratier.

The restaurant has a unique world’s first Baccarat chef’s table, created in partnership with the legendary brand. And here is the bonus for the dessert lovers — on this table guests can enjoy a five-course meal with custom desserts crafted by Chef Yazid Ichemrahen. Yazid is French famous pastry chef who, at 22, became the youngest world champion in frozen desserts (you should check his Instagram, as his dessert are truly the masterpieces)

Location: Building 3, Gate Village 8, Podium Level, DIFC
Opening Date: October 30

Photos:NAHATÉ Dubai

Bar des Prés

This global restaurant concept, open also in Paris and London, combines French and East Asian cuisine. Each location has a similar look, with mustard-coloured marble tables, giving the restaurant the vibe of a classic French film. The Dubai location, however, has a unique twist — set on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place, it has an insane panoramic view of Dubai through floor-to-ceiling windows.

At the heart of the Bar des Prés is a long table, which serves as a sushi counter and can accommodate up to 10 guests around it. Here, diners can watch as fresh sushi rolls are made right in front of them — a blend of dining and entertainment in one.

While the sushi counter is a key feature, there is no need to worry if Japanese food is not your favourite. The head chef, Cyril Lignac, is French, so his menu offers a mix of both French and Japanese dishes. Known for his pastry background, Lignac has added French classics to the lineup: a vanilla mille-feuille with pecan praline and profiteroles drizzled with chocolate sauce and served with vanilla ice cream.

Location: 51st Floor, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
Opening date: 7 December

Photo: Bar des Prés

Gitano Dubai

Gitano is an international beach club, hotel and restaurant concept, with Dubai becoming its fifth location. The project combines luxury with a relaxed vibe. Greenery is central to Gitano’s aesthetic — just what is needed in Dubai the most — mixed with modern and party elements like a disco ball and lights, creating the feel of a classy, tropical jungle party.

This Dubai branch will be a trendy beach club paired with a two-story Mexican restaurant. During the day, it is a bright, cosy, Instagram-worthy spot. By night, it transforms into a lively, intimate setting with a party atmosphere.

If you want to understand if this is your vibe — visit their website, featuring a playlist. It is a blend of disco, Spanish influences, and American jazz. And, I would say, this can be the perfect weekend getaway without the need to book a hotel or flight tickets.

Location: J1 Beach, La Mer Dubai
Opening Date: 1 November, 2024

Photos: @gitano.dubai

ChouChou

Originally set to open in October, ChouChou Beach House now joins our list of the most anticipated openings, thanks to the typical Dubai delays (a common feature for almost every spot in the UAE).

ChouChou offers a relaxed space by the pool and restaurant, where you can enjoy a cocktail or a full meal. Membership holders get an added bonus with special night events hosted by ChouChou.

The beach club provides plenty of spacious seating and private spots for those wanting to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach quietly. The restaurant and bar have a casual but stylish feel, with stone, marble, lots of natural light, and greenery. And this is what I like most of all — champagne, cheese, and dessert carts will be making rounds between tables, so you can grab what you love the most — definitely a nice touch.

Location: J1 beach la Mer, Dubai
Opening date: 2024 TBC

Photo: ChouChou

La Baia Dubai

An Italian restaurant combined with a beach club has already intrigued half of Dubai with its vibrant, colourful photos on Instagram, featuring plush chairs, umbrellas, and an inspiration board full of the photos of coastal Italy. The creators of this concept promise to create a little corner of Italy right in the heart of Dubai, complete with incredible Italian pasta and authentic Italian music.

In short, we are awaiting the opening date announcement — the only thing we know for sure is that La Baia Dubai will open before the end of the year.

Location: J1 South Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Opening: 2024 TBC

Photo: @labaia.dubai

And while you wait for the opening of new places, here is a list of those that have recently opened and have already captured our hearts:

Casa Amor — is a place to enjoy South French cuisine, watch the stunning sunsets, and participate in the ongoing events featuring an eclectic selection of spot’s artists.

Kokoro — is an urban-style restaurant where you can try the freshest sushi and sashimi, crafted by Japanese masters.

La Nina Dubai — A Latin restaurant offering extraordinary food with artistic serving and live Flamenco dance shows hosted every Wednesday.

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Barbara Yakimchuk