Hospitality

Five Tips to Make Your Winter Dining Experiences Truly Unforgettable

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2025

By Cory McLeod, Director of Events at Dish Catering

As the UAE embraces its much-anticipated winter season, there’s no better time to celebrate the festive spirit than by dining under the stars. With cooler evenings and stunning open-air venues, outdoor gatherings have become a quintessential way to mark the holiday season. From elegant al fresco dinners to casual garden parties, the magic of dining outdoors adds a unique charm to every celebration.

This year, outdoor dining is about more than just food—it’s about creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether it’s the warmth of string lights in a cosy courtyard, a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, or a desert escape surrounded by sand dunes, the UAE’s diverse landscapes offer endless inspiration for the perfect outdoor location. For many, the joy of hosting lies in the little details, from beautifully set tables adorned with seasonal décor to menus that combine traditional festive flavours with a modern twist.

As the food scene in the UAE has evolved to embrace these outdoor experiences, local caterers are rising to the occasion, crafting menus that balance tradition and innovation. Take a classic Christmas dinner, for example. It’s no longer just about turkey and stuffing; festive menus now embrace a wide range of culinary influences, reflecting the diverse tastes and dietary preferences of the UAE’s multicultural community. At the heart of these experiences is the ability to personalise the feast, whether hosting an intimate family dinner or a corporate holiday event.

For those planning large-scale gatherings, the convenience of seamless organisation has become a game-changer. Digital-first approaches are transforming the way events are planned, particularly in corporate settings. Platforms like blastcatering.com enable businesses to customise menus with ease, ensuring that every detail—down to the last dessert—is perfectly tailored to their needs. This level of innovation makes it easier than ever to plan outdoor office parties or client appreciation events that leave a lasting impression.

On the other hand, for private celebrations, attention to the dining experience is paramount. With the likes of Dish Catering, its expertise in curating high-end seasonal menus has become synonymous with luxury outdoor dining in the UAE. By bringing festive flavours to life in spectacular open-air settings, the focus of these caterers is always on delivering dishes that not only taste exquisite but also elevate the overall experience of dining outdoors.

This festive season, outdoor dining is more than just a trend—it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the beauty of winter in the UAE. With this in mind, here are five tips to make your winter dining experience truly unforgettable—whether you’re hosting at home or planning an office event:

1. Set the Scene with Thoughtful Décor

Transform the outdoor space into a festive haven with a mix of seasonal and natural décor. Fairy lights, lanterns, and candles can create a warm, inviting glow, while table settings featuring greenery, pinecones, and rustic accents will add a touch of winter charm. Personal touches like handwritten place cards or custom menus can elevate the atmosphere and make guests feel special.

2. Serve Seasonal Delights with a Twist

While classics like roasts and mince pies are always a hit, consider offering dishes with a creative twist to surprise guests. Expertly crafted menus can balance festive traditions with innovative flavours, ensuring every bite is a conversation starter. For corporate events, tailored dishes catering to diverse preferences will leave a lasting impression.

3. Keep Guests Warm and Comfortable

Even in the UAE’s mild winter, evenings can get chilly. Provide soft blankets, portable heaters, or fire pits to keep everyone cosy. Offer warm drinks like spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, or mulled beverages as guests arrive to set a welcoming tone and keep spirits high.

4. Add Interactive Elements

Make the gathering even more memorable with interactive live stations, where guests can watch their meals being freshly prepared and personalise dishes to their taste. For an immersive dining experience, live stations bring culinary theatre to life, offering a vibrant range of cuisines to suit every palate. From Latin American and Adriatic flavours to Iberian, American, Asian, and sizzling grill options, these stations add a touch of excitement and sophistication to any event. This dynamic dining experience not only enhances the atmosphere but also creates a unique connection between the food and your guests.

5. Plan for Seamless Dining

For stress-free hosting, opt for dining options that combine convenience with elegance. Whether it’s a buffet-style setup encouraging a relaxed communal vibe, a Carvery Menu that brings hearty favourites to life, a Family-Style Feast designed for sharing and connection, or an elegant Sit-Down Dinner for a more refined experience, the right choice can elevate your event. Effortless coordination is key to making your event shine, and innovation plays a vital role in streamlining the process. For corporate or larger-scale gatherings, platforms that offer digital menu customisation and easy ordering can simplify planning, ensuring every detail is perfectly tailored. With solutions like tech-forward ordering platforms, even the most complex events can run smoothly, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories. Combining these dining options with seamless organisation ensures an enjoyable experience for both hosts and guests, making your festive celebration truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re gathering with loved ones around a rustic dining table in your garden or hosting a sophisticated soirée on a city rooftop, the possibilities for creating magical moments are boundless. So, embrace the season, savour the flavours, and let the great outdoors set the stage for your most memorable festive celebrations yet.

Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing