Dubai’s licensed Korean steakhouse, Smoki Moto, is rewriting the festive playbook this December with three unmissable experiences. From a bold, Seoulful twist on Christmas dinner, to an electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown under the fireworks and epic end-of-year gatherings with a side of live-grill theatre, this is where the city’s celebrations get smoky, stylish and seriously unforgettable. Expect Korean cuisine from Chef Songmi Ji, immersive live cooking and a party-ready vibe that turns every meal into a story worth sharing.

Christmas Set Menu: Wagyu, Beats & Mistletoe

What: A four-course Korean steakhouse feast swapping turkey for premium wagyu, featuring prawn & avocado salad, wagyu-stuffed perilla tiwgim, sizzling kimchi stone bowl bibimbap, a trio of wagyu cuts with galbi-marinated tteok galbi and matcha bingsu for dessert. Whether guests are celebrating as a couple or with friends, this isn’t the average Christmas dinner, it’s got the smokiness and flair.
When: 24th to 26th December 2025
Where: Smoki Moto, Palm Jumeirah
Time: 5:00pm to 12:30am

New Year’s Eve: Smoke, Soul & Seoul

What: A night-energy New Year’s Eve celebration with a luxe four-course sharing menu, welcome drinks, live entertainment and front-row views of Dubai’s fireworks. Think all the finer things in life – caviar, oysters, truffle galbi, lobster Ttoeck-bokki, Smoki’s signature meat selection and dessert platter. Guests can enjoy the DJ, live vocalist and fully interactive dining experiences at the premium grill tables, indoor lounges, terrace tables or private dining rooms.
When: 31^st December 2025
Where: Smoki Moto, Palm Jumeirah
Time: 8:00pm to 12:30am

Group and Corporate Celebrations

What: Smoki Moto turns year-end gatherings from expected to exceptional with live grill tables, private dining rooms, sharing menus, craft cocktails and DJs. Perfect for teams seeking celebrations with fire, flair and a Seoul-inspired edge.
When: Available for year-end events throughout December
Where: Smoki Moto, Palm Jumeirah
Spaces Include: Private dining, lounge, al fresco terrace and live grill tables

Under the culinary direction of Chef Songmi Ji, who brings Michelin-level expertise, Smoki Moto blends precision, creativity and authentic Korean soul. This festive season, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve and every gathering in between, Smoki Moto is the place to eat, drink and celebrate like nowhere else in the city.

The wait is finally over! Sushi Art has officially reopened its iconic Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) location, and it’s looking better than ever.

After a full refresh, the revamped space instantly draws guests in with its striking mix of wood, metal, and stone, blending Japanese minimalism with a touch of artistry. Floating lighting adorns the ceilings and greenery fills corners of the restaurant, bringing in a breath of fresh air to the space. This new look was specially curated by the award-winning architecture and design company, Quadrant Design, known for their work in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

“This reopening is a celebration of continuity and renewal,” says Nadim Majdalani, CEO of  Eathos. “We wanted the JBR branch to capture everything our guests love, from the culinary craft to the flavour and the art in every corner, while infusing it with a renewed energy that reflects who we are today.”

The menu stays true to Sushi Art’s philosophy, celebrating fresh, artisanal craftsmanship and premium ingredients through signature rolls, classic nigiri and sashimi, and a few hidden gems like the Yuzu Miso Marinated Salmon or the ongoing collaboration with Ex-Ossiano and Michelin Starred Chef Grégoire Berger. Expect delicate seabream crudo, premium handrolls, and other cult favourites, all served with a side of JBR’s breezy beach views. 

Whether it’s guests’ go-to sushi night spot or their new favourite lunch fix, the return of Sushi Art JBR is proof that good taste never goes out of style, it just gets a beautiful new look.

This festive season, Nova Maldives invites travellers to embrace the magic of authentic island life with its curated programme, Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion. Running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the soulful festive celebration draws inspiration from the Maldives’ 2,500-year cultural tapestry, rich with heritage, shaped by seafarers and storytellers, and steeped in rituals of connection and joy.

The year’s programme offers enriching experiences that combine the spirit of the sea with vibrant celebrations. Start your day off with a series of marine adventures, from Ocean Glides with Koamas, a thrilling jet ski ride to spot dolphin pods swimming in their natural habitat, to Whale Shark and Manta Snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe these majestic creatures of the sea in their hypnotic swim. Seafarers can also board a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, where gentle winds and golden light guide an unhurried sail across turquoise waters, perfect for couples or friends seeking calm connection. 

In the evening, join marine lovers on a night snorkelling session to discover squads of nocturnal fishes, baby reef sharks and crustaceans, a sensory tribute to the ocean’s quiet magic.

Nova’s culinary offering for the season, themed around the Taste of the Atolls, introduces gourmands to a trio of intimate, flavour-led experiences. Each afternoon from 1:30pm to 2:00pm at Wink Bar, Elixirs of the Isles offers a playful mixology class featuring cocktails infused with Maldivian fruits and botanicals. As the sun sets, Mizu—Nova’s overwater teppanyaki restaurant—presents a refined, multi-course Ocean Umami dinner, artfully preparing the freshest catch from the sea with Japanese and Maldivian cooking techniques. Evenings at FLAMES are reserved for the indulgent Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast, wherea beachside seafood spread with a curated menu, a splash of bubbles, and live island rhythms.

Bringing a distinct cultural note to the festivities, Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal item, offers experimental diners a rare taste of traditional Maldivian cuisine. This special dish is arranged on a handcrafted malaafaiywooden platter, featuring fragrant rice, richly spiced curries, and time-honoured sides, and is served in a customised Mauloodh Haruge dining hall, bridging historical flavours with modern day community dining.

For those seeking a softer rhythm, whether alone, with a partner, or simply in search of quiet time to recharge and be present, a mid-day Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape offers a serene pause from the island’s energy: a white-sand retreat where time slows, waves whisper, and a bottle of chilled Prosecco with curated canapés sets the tone for an unhurried afternoon.

Nearby at EsKape Spa and available exclusively during the season, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual welcomes guests into a tender journey of release and renewal. Starting with the warmth of coconut oil and smooth coconut shells to guide the body into deep relaxation, it concludes with a soothing head massage that quiets the mind and softens the senses. Complementing this, the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys treatment, which involves a deeply restorative oil massage that harnesses the natural power of locally sourced herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, draws on ancestral practices and therapeutic touch to bring the body into balance.

The season unfolds with a festive calendar designed to elevate celebrations through to the new year. Beginning with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a joyful gathering that brings the island community together beneath the stars, where carols are sung and traditions are shared in heartfelt company. On Christmas Eve, the shoreline comes alive with the rhythm and energy of a dazzling fire show and party, followed by a Gala Dinner where Maldivian flavours and festive favourites are savoured in celebration. Christmas morning brings its own kind of magic as Santa Claus makes a cheerful arrival at Wink Beach, greeted with handcrafted cocktails, sweet treats, and wide-eyed wonder.

As the year draws to a close, the final night of the year lights up with fireworks,a symbol celebrating fresh starts and new beginnings. The celebration carries into the night with live music, DJ sets, and festive cocktails that fill the air with rhythm and warmth. Welcoming the new year in soft contrast the next morning, the First Brunch of ’26 offers a leisurely gathering of palate-pleasing dishes and live cooking to start the year in a relaxed, sunlit setting. 

“At Nova, we believe in celebrating more than just the season. Our festive offerings embrace our island’s deep cultural roots, offering an immersive experience where heritage, joy, and meaningful connections come to life,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, Nova’s General Manager.