Discover this month’s best happenings around Dubai, from a bridal show and unique food pop-ups to outdoor markets, a literature festival, and more.
February 1: Educate Yourself
Maintaining a closet without fast fashion is challenging, but its negative impact on the environment is far too widespread to ignore, which is why the talk wrapping up Wellness Week at Tania’s Teahouse comes highly recommended. Join Sian Rowlands, founder of popular pre-owned fashion destination Retold, as she discusses the dark side of fashion and how we can take a less damaging approach this year. Find more details here.
February 1 to 27: Catch a Flick
Movie screenings continue (almost) daily at Cinema Akil throughout the month of February, with the independent cinema platform in Alserkal Avenue hosting a flawlessly curated selection of award-winning movies, foreign flicks, and even a festival honoring Spanish films. On the roster? Multiple screenings of both South Korean dark comedy Parasite and Oscar-nominated period drama Little Women. See the schedule here.
February 1 to March 15: Taste Italy
Truffles elevate just about everything, but the prized nero truffles from the Italian town of Norcia? Culinary gold. Enter: Social by Heinz Beck at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where guests can pick between a decadent five- or seven-course menu of uniquely crafted dishes that look more like art than food, perfectly complemented by the rich flavor and aroma of black truffles, of course – including an Instaworthy dessert aptly named ‘A Walk in the Forest’. This one’s a must-try for foodies. Book here.
February 1 to March 30: Watch This Space
Yet to watch must-see films like The Greatest Showman, Chicago, Titanic, and Grease? Well, you now have a reason to make your way to Habtoor Grand Resort. Hosted by Urban Outdoor Cinema, screenings are taking place every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday – just in case you need to recover from those post-weekend blues. See the full line-up and buy your tickets here.
February 1 to April 4: Tour the World
Impulse purchases, street food, cultural performances, extreme rides, family-friendly attractions, star-studded concerts, and the recently opened Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium – if you want to pair the cooler weather with a little old-fashioned fun at a spot that manages to cater to all age groups, part theme park/part outdoor market Global Village is where it’s at. More details on the 24th edition can be found here.
February 1 to May 31: Discover Nikkei
Bringing a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine – a.k.a. Nikkei – to diners is the Kayto pop-up at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Here, chef Cristian Goya is using Peruvian ingredients to bring out the best in delicate Japanese-style fare, ranging from delicious starters such as ‘Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare’ to must-order mains like ‘Saikyo Miso Black Cod’ and ‘Wagyu Beef Tataki’ that is served with Kayto’s signature sauces. Oh, and we insist that you stay back for the divine ‘Cheesecake Brûlée and Mandarin Sorbet’. Book here.
February 2 to March 1: Treat Your Feet
Jimmy Choo has partnered up with Korean celebrity stylist YK Jeong for a new capsule collection entitled ‘The Highlighted’, available online and at an exclusive pop-up inside Level Shoes. Jimmy Choo loyalists will spot familiar styles like the ‘Diamond’ sneaker and ‘Love’ pump reinvented with zingy neon shades and a whimsical K-fashion touch, while discovering a brand new style named the ‘Bloafer’ loafer-mule. Find more details here.
February 4 to 9: Celebrate Literature
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns to Dubai Festival City for its 12th edition, with over 130 writers from the world over in attendance. On the roster are TV presenter and bestselling author Nadiya Hussain, spoken word artist Harry Baker, legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, Luke Jennings of Killing Eve fame, and many more. To browse the program and buy tickets, click here.
February 5: Eat Nutella
Nutella is ecstasy in a jar, so it only makes sense that there is an entire day in the calendar dedicated to it: World Nutella Day. Luckily for us, Italian eatery Trattoria Toscana at Souk Madinat Jumeirah will play host to a special desserts dripping in Nutella from February 2 to 8. Savoir Flair is just as infatuated with the chocolate-hazelnut spread, so we’ve put together a round-up of the absolute best Nutella-based recipes. Find it here.
Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre is BRIDE, the definitive event for brides-to-be across Dubai. This year’s installment will feature four days of fashion shows, makeup and beauty demonstrations, a pampering zone, and a jewelry pavilion. These will be complemented by over 200 wedding suppliers specializing in wedding stationery, cakes, décor, and more. Find out more here.
February 6: Let Go
Reconnect with yourself at the Intuitive Creativity workshop led by artist and certified ThetaHealing practitioner Victoria Parrucci at art space jamjar. It will guide you through a profound meditation, allowing you to scan your body, locate and identify negative emotions, and then let go of their hold on canvas. Book here.
February 6 to 7: Listen Up
Big-name performers unite for RedFestDXB, a two-day music festival taking place annually at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The first day of the 7th edition will see Dutch DJ Martin Garrix, indie pop band Bastille, and British singer-songwriter Raye perform. The following day, Stormzy, Noah Cyrus, and many more will take to the stage. Buy your tickets here.
February 6 to 8: Blow the Candle
Cupcakes, street food, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and even giveaways – it may be Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens that’s celebrating its first birthday, but we’re the ones having all the fun. Not only will the perpetually buzzing hotel host the second edition of three-day festival Lah Lah Fest on its expansive outdoor terrace, but birthday guests will also be in the running for prizes that are up for grabs – overnight stays included. Find more details here.
February 7 to 28: Please Your Palate
Raise your hand if you have no idea what the term “single origin” means – then join the Cacao & Coffee: Tasting, Pairing & Making workshop hosted by artisanal chocolate factory Mirzam. Taking place every Friday during February, it will focus on cupping techniques and the identification of both coffee and chocolate notes. Register here.
February 10: Journey to LA
The buzz around the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards is palpable and, now, there’s a chance for Dubai residents to catch the ceremony at 5 a.m. – yes, live – at a special screening taking place at VOX Cinemas in Mall of the Emirates, courtesy of leading entertainment network OSN. Bonus? Not only is the screening free to attend, but those in attendance will also be able enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast at THEATRE by Rhodes for a post-Oscars pick-me-up. This one’s a win-win, right? Book your seat here.
February 14: Celebrate Love
Whether you’re coupled up or “single and fabulous”, take today to celebrate your loved ones. And if you have a whole lot of love reserved for Latin music, Colombian popstar Maluma’s performance at Coca-Cola Arena is not to be missed. Over the course of February, Savoir Flair will bring you alternative suggestions on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day, help you explore the romantic power of perfume, and more. Watch this space.
February 17 to 18: Be Beautiful
Calling all beauty buffs! Professional Beauty GCC returns to Dubai, taking place at Festival Arena and showcasing the latest trends and techniques in hair, makeup, and skincare. Expect to see the best brands in the business – Davines and Dyson included – introducing their latest innovations and products, all of which will be available for purchase. Seminars, masterclasses, demonstrations, and more by leading industry experts are also scheduled alongside the launch of the first ever makeup and nail championships. Register here.
February 18 to 20: Channel a Champion
Elena Duggan, winner of MasterChef Australia 2017, is the latest international champion to take up residency at MasterChef, The TV Experience. Her all-inclusive approach will be reflected in a five-course featuring a treasure trove of Australian flavors – including her famous ‘Fig, Chocolate, Wattleseed, and Macadamia’ dessert that collects indigenous ingredients from near her hometown in Noosa Shire. Bonus: every course will be adaptable to the gluten-free or vegetarian requests of diners. Book here.
February 19 to 26: Test Your Fandom
What was the Joey special? Where did Monica and Chandler hook up for the first time? And why were Ross and Rachel on a break? If you rolled your eyes at how easy those questions were, head to Alpine-esque eatery Publique in Souk Madinat Jumeirah as the quiz nights return every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with both editions this month themed around the greatest TV show of all time. Find more details here.
February 20: Help Yourself
Considering the gut is considered the “second brain”, the free Gut Microbiome & How Does It Connect with Our Brain talk by holistic health practitioner Louis-Adrien Ollu at wellness center Life’n One is a must-attend. Not only will you learn and practice different breathing techniques to manage your mental focus and stress levels, but you’ll also discover some key acupuncture points to enhance organs function and release muscle tenderness. Learn more here.
February 21 to 22: Say “Om”
XYoga returns to the city, taking place once again at Kite Beach. The yoga festival consists of two days packed with sessions covering different types such as hatha, power, vinyasa, and hula hoop yoga – all of which are complemented by stalls selling yoga gear and health food. The best bit? Each session is free of charge. To register and learn more, click here.
February 22: Adopt, Don’t Shop
The Red Paw Foundation and thejamjar have joined forces so that you can come and meet some adorable rescues from 3 to 6 p.m. – and see if you find your pet mate this month! And should inspiration strike, participants are also welcome to bring their drawing equipment and sketch the adorable fur babies. Find more details and book your spot here.
February 22 to 24: Take a Photo
You constantly take photos with your smartphone – now do it right by attending the Smartphone Photography & Editing workshop at Gulf Photo Plus. The three-hour session will delve into essential camera controls, focus, and exposure lock in addition to teaching you the fundamentals of using light and shadow. Also included? How to develop a personal style, apps to conduct in-camera editing, accessories to enhance your phone’s capabilities, and more. Register here.
February 26 to 28: Jazz It Up
Grammy Award-winning singer Lauryn Hill, pop-rock band OneRepublic, and legendary record producer Lionel Richie are just some of the big names you can look forward to at the 18th edition of the annual Dubai International Jazz Festival, taking place at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Tickets tend to sell out, so buy yours here – fast.
February 26 to March 14: Break Bread
Dubai Food Festival honors everything from elite dining spots to hidden eateries through events, new concepts, and appearances by celebrity chefs. Highlights include Dubai Restaurant Week (fine-dining for AED 199), Beach Canteen (dining and entertainment at Sunset Beach), Hidden Gems (little-known foodie haunts), and Foodie Experiences (workshops, tasting menus, and more). Learn more here.
February 27: Laugh Aloud
Culture junkies are in for a treat as the National Theatre screening of Fleabag returns to Courtyard Playhouse. This award-winning one-woman show (by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, of course) that inspired the hilarious hit TV series of the same name is nothing short of unmissable. See what all the fuss is about by registering for a membership to Courtyard Playhouse’s NT Live program here.
February 27 to 29: Explore Friendship
You read and loved The Kite Runner – now catch the stage adaptation of the bestselling book by Khaled Hosseini at Dubai Opera. The theatrical tour de force is adapted by Matthew Spangler, exploring a friendship that spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Find more details and buy your tickets here.
February 28: Make a Mask
If your beauty routine needs an update, but you want to steer clear of harmful chemicals, the Detox Hair & Face Mask DIY Workshop is where it’s at. Taking place at café and concept store The Workshop, this session will bring together the beautifying benefits of coconut oil, shea butter, activated charcoal, and more, offsetting the impact of excessive salt and sun exposure. Register here.
February 29: Take a Walk
Explore a side of Dubai you may not have seen and hone your street photography skills with the Karama: People & Places photo walk hosted by Gulf Photo Plus. Not only will this three-hour trek teach you techniques for difficult lighting conditions and tips on how to compose an image, but it will also take you through a route in Karama that is is laced with culture and history. To book a spot, click here.
