We take a look at the latest openings and what’s ahead for early 2012 in this dynamic Middle Eastern destination. Call us for more updates, to make bookings and arrange all aspects of your trip.
Nightclubs
Mahiki 
This outpost of the Polynesian-themed London nightclub opened in the basement of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in December. The relaxed door policy, free entry and absence of VIP rooms help create a convivial, unpretentious atmosphere which eschews the ‘see and be seen’ mentality. Papa Jules mixes a wide range of cocktails, which are free for women on Tuesday evenings. The main night is Monday, when theatre performances and special guest appearances entertain an eclectic crowd.
Movida 
Another London haunt to be duplicated in Dubai, this St Tropez-inspired celebrity hangout is now scheduled to open on the first floor of the Radisson Royal Hotel in mid-January. In contrast to Mahiki, the 500-capacity venue will contain 38 VIP areas and a special VIP valet entrance. Resident DJ John C will spin house and R&B tracks for those strutting their stuff on the dancefloor.
Hotels
Meliá
Open from January, this new build – in the centre of the city’s old quarter – is Sol Meliá’s first hotel in the Middle East. The 164 Italian-style guestrooms and suites have 42-inch flatscreen TVs and freestanding baths. For dining, choose European cuisine at Titanic by Marco Pierre White, Indian at Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, or the all-day Azalya, followed by drinks at the rooftop Spanish bar or in the American cigar lounge. The YHI spa’s swimming pool is also on the hotel’s roof.
Rixos The Palm
This resort, built on the prestigious eastern crescent, aims to launch in early March. When it does, guests staying in one of the 234 rooms and suites will find 70 per cent of the space covered by gardens and a beach promenade. Private Middle Eastern-style balconies look out onto the landscaped white sand and Gulf Sea, and there’s an Olympic-sized infinity pool, Turkish hammam and spa with private cabanas, each with its own whirlpool bath.
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Launching next to the Aviation Club sports complex on 6 February, this five-star option will have an art program that will include exhibitions by local artists. There are two outdoor swimming pools, as well as eight restaurants and bars including an art deco-style trattoria, a seafood and steak grill, a Cuban rooftop bar, and a clubhouse with a 24-hour deli and a signature Asian restaurant.
Restaurants
Hakkasan 
This outpost launched inside Jumeirah Emirates Towers in November. The trademark latticework and dark, sultry atmosphere of the Cantonese fine dining franchise is replicated, and there’s an 88-seat luxury garden-style terrace with wooden pavilions. A new set lunch menu, served from 12-3pm, includes sharing dishes such as stir-fry rib eye beef with black pepper sauce and spicy prawn and lily bulb and almond. The dim sum platter is also excellent. (also pictured above)
Hard Rock Café 
After 11 years on Sheikh Zayed Road, this reopened in a bigger space in the Dubai Festival Centre in November. The 350-seat space has a stage for live performances, two merchandise shops and an outdoor terrace. Memorabilia on display includes Michael Jackson’s leather jacket and an outfit worn on stage by Gwen Stefani. Order from an American-style menu that includes a 10-ounce Angus beef burger, hickory-smoked lamb cutlets, and chocolate peanut butter pie for dessert.
Gaucho
Opening in the Dubai International Financial Centre last November, this Argentine steakhouse imports five cuts of meat from the Rosario grasslands, but other signature dishes include spatchcocked chicken, black cod chupin and pumpkin tortellini. At this high-ceilinged and fashionable outpost, there’s a large lounge bar with an 18-metre marble counter serving ceviches. The wine list is immense – more than 35 labels make up the selection of malbec alone.
Table 9 
At Hilton Dubai Creek, Gordon Ramsay’s protégés debut a fresh homegrown concept to replace Verre. This laid-back fine dining restaurant – open since November – is run by British chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price, who present a medley of 27 small tasting dishes. Cuisine aside, there’s new artwork from local gallery Mojo. Call a lifestyle manager to book the exclusive chef’s table – number nine – for views of the kitchen and a personalised menu.
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