The UAE is ushering in its winter season, as evidenced by the number of al fresco venues opening or reopening their doors from this month.
New restaurants (many with terraces) aside, family destinations such as Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Safari Park, Ripe Market and Global Village, which were all closed during the hot summer months, have announced their grand comebacks.
Here are some to check out.
Ripe Market
The open-air Ripe Market will reopen at the gates of Dubai Police Academy Park on October 14.
The market has been organising pop-ups inside malls across the UAE while its permanent location in Dubai closed during the summer.
Visitors can look forward to familiar staples such as a farmer's market, home-grown businesses selling everything from fashion to home decor, as well as food trucks and live entertainment.
Opens October 14; Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-7pm; Al Barsha; ripeevents.com/ripe-market
Nature Park at Green Planet
The rainforest-inspired biodome at CityWalk has opened an outdoor playground.
Nature Park features a treehouse with nine viewing platforms, adventure trails, hanging bridges and slides, plus larger-than-life animatronics of various insect species, from butterflies and wasps to spiders and scorpions.
The edutainment arena also has various botanical sections replete with plants such as bamboo, sago palm Philippine tea tree and orchids.
Daily, 10am-6pm; from Dh69; CityWalk; thegreenplanetdubai.com
Dubai Safari Park
The wildlife park is reopening its doors on October 5.
Aside from an immersive zoo experience with more than 3,000 animals, the family destination also holds daily recreational and educational shows, such as the Bird Kingdom show at Explorer Village Theatre.
A range of workshops are also scheduled throughout the season, covering topics such as climate change and the life cycle of different animals.
Open daily, 9am-5pm; from Dh20 per child, Dh50 per adult; Al Warqa 5, Dubai; dubaisafari.ae
Dubai Miracle Garden
The world's biggest natural flower garden has reopened for its 12th season.
The family-friendly destination is home to gigantic flower sculptures, from cartoon characters to an Emirates A380 aircraft. The venue also has a sprawling sunflower field, an umbrella tunnel and a lake park, among other themed areas.
More than 30 food and drink shops are available on site, and this season also marks the return of activities such as a flower parade and yoga at the park.
Open weekdays, 9am-9pm; weekends and public holidays, 9am-11pm; from Dh65; Al Barsha South; dubaimiraclegarden.com
Lola Taberna Espanola
The terrace of the charming Spanish restaurant at the Tryp by Wyndham Hotel in Barsha Heights has reopened.
The venue will host energetic flamenco shows everyday from Tuesday to Sunday, as well as a fiesta-style brunch every Saturday. Chef Daniel Perez heads the kitchen, serving an array of authentic tapas and paellas – the sea bass tiradito is a must-try.
Open daily, 1pm-1am; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6688
Treehouse
The rooftop venue at Taj Dubai Hotel has started welcoming guests after a summer break of renovations.
It has expanded to include two decks, each with its own bar, as well as a cozy green lounge with serene water features. The menu is inspired by Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
On Wednesdays, ladies get free-flowing drinks from 7pm to 9pm, while Thursdays are AfroBeat Nights. Entertainment comes courtesy of a resident DJ and a percussionist.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-2am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm-3pm; Business Bay; 058 827 2763
Areia Beach Bar and Grill
The pool bar beside the Jumeirah Beach Residence boardwalk is relaunching on October 15.
The venue channels the laid-back vibes of southern California, with its Los Angeles-inspired semi-Olympic pool and garden area. There's also a space dedicated to little ones.
Ladies can head to the venue every Thursdays for three drinks, as well as discounts on food and spa services, for Dh99. There's a pool party every Friday night with two hours of unlimited beverages for Dh199. Guests can also opt for a beach and pool pass that starts at Dh200 per adult.
Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11am-midnight; Thursday to Saturday, 11am-2am; DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai, JBR; 055 166 8092
Terra Cabins
Glamping season is also back, as JA Hatta Fort Hotel announces the return of its Terra Cabins.
The chalet-style cabins enjoy the charm of the Hajar mountains with the rooms designed to catch plenty of light and blend in with the serene environment, while maintaining a luxury hotel-like experience. Cabin amenities include a minibar, walk-in rain shower, on-demand multimedia projector, wardrobe and alcove seating area.
Two cabin options are available to book, and all guests can use the amenities at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
More information is available at jaresortshotels.com
Shimmers
The beachside restaurant at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam is now accepting guests.
Doubling as an al fresco lounge, the venue has Burj Al Arab views, and serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as tzatziki, baked sea bass, grilled chicken souvlaki and a host of other seafood items.
It is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special offer: Dh200 for a three-course menu, which is available to book until September 30.
Open daily, 4pm-1am; Madinat Jumeirah; 800 323232
Aventura Parks
The zip line park and obstacle course playground is back for another season.
Designed for thrill-seekers, the theme park is home to 80 obstacle courses, 24 ziplines and other activities designed to promote movement and problem-solving skills. There are trampolines and swings, as well as restaurants all nestled around a tranquil ghaf forest.
This season, the park offers a special experience for children aged five to eight, which encourages them to disconnect from technology and spend time outdoors. It is priced at Dh149 per child for a three-hour programme.
Open daily, 2pm-8pm; from Dh35 for a general entrance ticket; Mushrif Park; aventuraparks.com
Global Village
Popular attraction Global Village will return on October 18.
This year marks the family destination's 28th season, which is starting one week earlier than usual due to popular demand. Details have yet to be announced, but visitors can expect the country pavilions, an array of food and drink options, live performances and other al fresco fun.
More information is available at globalvillage.ae
Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub
Hatta Resorts and the Hatta Wadi Hub have reopened for their sixth season. Perched on the Hajar mountains, Hatta is a popular adventure activity spot for residents and tourists.
Activities in the area include kayaking, hiking, ziplining and the Hatta drop-in waterslide. But this year also marks the opening of the Aerial Adventure Park, which is spread over 39 platforms with 66 elements to conquer.
These include a high-ropes course, a giant swing, zip line belay and the Leap of Faith. Each park experience lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, and it can hold up to 75 visitors at a time.
The park also has a ground-level area that caters for up to 10 children aged three to six at a time. Experiences there last 30 to 45 minutes.
More information is available at visithatta.com
Nikki Beach
The popular beach club in Dubai is reopening with a winter season of outdoor parties.
DJs Mademoiselle Sabah, Alexis Nohra and Tom Noize will perform while guests can lounge under the sun.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-8pm; Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah; dubai-bc.nikkibeach.com
Nuska Beach
The beachside venue at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is back, with lunch and dinner offerings, as well as a Saturday brunch.
On the menu are small bites such as fried whitebait fish and machego cheese croquettes; plus mains with a focus on seafood, such as lobster linguini, seafood rice stew, baked lamb meatballs, Wagyu burger and rib-eye steak.
A la carte menu aside, the venue offers a set three-course lunch (Dh295) from Sunday to Friday, plus Saturday brunch (Dh395), both with live entertainment.
Open daily, 12.30pm-1am; Jumeirah Beach Hotel; 800 323 232
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
Three of the hotel's terrace venues are reopening with renovated looks: Luna, Churchill Club and Penrose Lounge.
True to its name, Luna evokes a galactic vibe with its decor. Think speckled lights and a glowing moon backdrop behind the bar. The venue serves an Asian-inspired menu, with dishes such as chicken gyoza, bao bun shrimps and crispy Korean chicken.
Above Luna is the Churchill Club that serves cigars and aged beverages. The Penrose Lounge, meanwhile, has been given a botanical-inspired transformation, and is ideal for intimate soirees and afternoon tea.
Open daily, 5pm-3am; Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 506 0000
L’Amo Bistro del Mare
The Italian restaurant at Dubai Harbour has reopened its outdoor Terrazza Di L'Amo, with views of Ain Dubai.
Seafood is the star of the menu, with dishes such as spaghetti mancini with sea urchins, pecorino cheese and black pepper, as well as spaghetti with clams, squid and mullet roe. The terrace has its own bar, plus low-lying lounge tables.
The a la carte menu aside, diners can opt for Pranzo Veloce, available every Monday to Thursday from noon to 2pm. Priced at Dh139 per person, the set menu includes Galician amberjack sashimi, panzanella salad and Sicilian red prawn with caviar, as well as tuna with capers mayo and crouton.
Daily, noon-11.30pm; Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, Dubai Marina; 04 278 4800
Flamingo Room by tashas
Arguably one of the most popular spots in prolific restaurateur Natasha Sideris' portfolio, Flamingo Room by tashas has reopened its outdoor dining section, located in Jumeirah Al Naseem's turtle lagoon.
On the menu are classics with a South African twist, including prawn arancini, calamari Mozambique and lobster pasta, plus seared foie gras, beef carpaccio, baked Alaska and a pavlova bomb cracked open tableside.
Daily, noon-4pm and 7pm-1am; Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah; flamingoroombytashas.com
