It hardly seems like only last month when we were celebrating New Year, but another one has already rolled around.
Chinese New Year is upon us, and on January 25 we will welcome the start of the Year of the Rat.
Restaurants and venues around Abu Dhabi are set to host special events to celebrate. Here’s our pick of what to do.
Al Maryah Island
Once again the promenade at Al Maryah Island will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a host of live entertainment and attractions. Head along between January 23 and 24 and you can take part in Ming vase designing, watch golden Kung Fu dancing, acrobatic dancing, mask changing performances, drum shows and more. Plus, a fireworks display will light up the night’s sky at night on January 24.
Dai Pai Dong
The award winning restaurant at Al Maryah Island is one of the places to go for some authentic Chinese food served in chic surroundings. Head to Dai Pai Dong from January 25 to February 10 and you can tuck into a selection of dishes for a limited time only. On January 25 an All Day Prosperity Feast will be held at the Al Maryah Island venue where you can sample dishes from four different parts of China from noon to 11pm. The brunch includes live stations serving soups, duck and chicken specialties, fresh salads, dim sum and more. Prices start from Dhs388 per person with soft drinks and Dhs488 with house beverages. Plus, from January 26 until February 10, a family-style set menu will also be on offer where you can try traditional Chinese New Year dishes from Dhs298 per person. Dishes include lobster dim sum, wok-fried wagyu beef, a new year dessert platter and more. So many tasty things and so little time.
Prices vary. Jan 25-Feb 10. Dai Pai Dong, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 813 5520).
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The award-winning Yas Island them park is once again celebrating Chinese New Year. Year of the rat celebrations will take place across the giant indoor theme park with a host of attractions and entertainment on offer for visitors. Head along to the theme park between January 23 and February 1 and you can enjoy acrobatic performances, Chinese dining experiences, umbrella foot juggling, dual lion dancing and more as the parks hosts its own Chinatown for a limited time. Plus when you’re there you can also try out the rides and rollercoasters the park is famous for.
From 295 (park entry). Jan 23-Feb 1, Chinese New Year attractions 12.30pm-6pm, park open 11am-8pm. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Hakkasan is one the places to be when it comes to getting a taste for authentic Chinese delicacies in a stunning surroundings. The award-winning restaurant is pulling out all the stops this year once again by serving up a three course set menu packed with delicious dishes. From January 24 to February 8 you can tuck into dishes including golden treasure pockets with abalone and wild mushrooms; wok-fried Scottish scallop with taro mousseline and brown butter black bean sauce and the Lucky Jie dessert, a salted caramel ganache with mandarin, chilli and cocoa. We can’t wait to try them ourselves.
Dhs498 per person. Jan 24 – Feb 8, 6pm-11pm. Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7739)
Shang Palace
The Year of the Rat celebrations will take over Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri from January 24 until February 8. You can celebrate in style with a special eight-course Cantonese menu that’s packed with traditional favourites and contemporary dishes. Take your seat and you can tuck into a whole host of dishes including sea bass, crispy garlic lamb and much more.
Dhs288 per person. Jan 24-Feb 8, 7pm-11pm. Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Urban Kitchen
At Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi you can enjoy the Chinese New Year celebrations with a selection oriental delicacies at Urban Kitchen’s pan Asian Night and a special edition brunch. A whole host of Chinese dishes will be on offer including Peking duck, served with hoi sin sauce and pancakes, steamed dumplings, noodle dishes, stir fried beef and more. It all sounds delicious to us.
Dhs200 (Pan Asian Night), Dhs270 (brunch). Wed Jan 29 7pm-11pm, Fri Jan 31 12.30pm-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (02 698 8888)
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Some of your favourite Warner Bros character will be getting in on the spirit of the Year of the Rat this year. The park will be decorated with festive decorations for Chinese New Year, Chinese arts and crafts will be available for little ones where they can make lanterns and more. Plus, you can see popular characters in special seasonal costumes that you can get pictures with throughout the park.
Dhs295. Jan 17-Feb 1, 10am-8pm. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island www.wbworldabudhabi.com
