DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

If an entertainment experience beyond the norm is on your holiday wish list, you’re already in the right place. Come early winter, horse’s hooves start kicking up the turf around the famous Meydan racecourse as equine champions start preparing for the Dubai World Cup – the world’s richest horse race. From November to March, The Meydan Hotel becomes the centrepiece of Dubai’s social scene as racing season kicks off. Say hello to hats, lace and tailcoats, accompanied by bubbly and exceptional food.

But Dubai offers so much more. Fancy following Schumacher’s footsteps? Clock up lap times in a Ferrari at the Dubai Autodrome. But perhaps skydiving is more your speed – in which case a lazy free fall over the Dubai Palm Jumeirah might be just the thing. 

For gastronomes, Dubai presents an embarrassment of riches. The world’s most famous chefs, from Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay to Jamie Oliver, Silvena Rowe and the original Salt Bae Nusret Gökçe, have all made the city a port of call. 

Closer to home, Meydan’s famous ‘PRIME’ Stakehouse serves up premium cuts of refined Wagyu meat in an elegant environment, while the ‘Shiba’ Restaurant and Bar combine steaming Asian fusion with beguiling cocktails to make every evening one to relish. 

The city is home to most of the world cuisines. You could head to Satwa for authentic Pakistani food, or to the Dubai Financial District for fusion French with impeccable service. Or make your way to old town Deira for essential Ethiopian fare. Five star haunts on the Jumeirah Beach Road serves up premium ceviche and experimental Peruvian delicacies. Even the humble doner kebab is well represented. And for those wanting a Middle Eastern variant, shawarma joints dot the town, offering tender meat wrapped in Arabic bread. For guests who aren’t carnivores, falafel offer a uniquely Middle Eastern vegetarian option. 

It’s best to visit with an inquisitive heart and empty stomach. Dubai, and The Meydan Hotel, will not disappoint.