McDonald’s UAE has officially been awarded the “Autism-Friendly” certificate by the Dubai Autism Center, becoming the first quick-service restaurant (QSR) in the UAE to attain this prestigious accreditation. The first phase of this initiative saw 15 restaurants across Dubai successfully fulfill the program’s comprehensive standards.
Saturdays get an Italian makeover as Cucina The Palm launches Mercato, a new monthly brunch inspired by Italy’s lively food markets. Things kick off at 12:30pm with spritzes, focaccia and olives at the bar. At 1pm the market opens and guests get a Mercato map to explore the counters. Choose your cut at La Macelleria and have it grilled over charcoal, pick fresh fish and oysters at La Pescheria, and watch chefs hand-roll pasta at the communal table. Acquasale’s wood-fired pizzas are also on offer. For dessert, there’s a giant tiramisù assembled live, Negroni gelato and moka pot coffee. A live trio plays Italian favourites and jazz, and there are activities for children too.
Emails can wait. Shanghai Me is giving Thursday evenings an Out of Office reply with the launch of its new Ladies’ Night on 5 November 2026. Taking place every Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM, Out of Office invites ladies to close their laptops and settle into an evening of cocktails, bites and good company in DIFC.
Murmur, Sharjah’s first homegrown fine-dining restaurant, is making its Dubai debut with a winter pop-up at Marsa Boulevard, opening on 30 October 2026. Known for its creative take on Emirati and regional flavours, Murmur brings together traditional tastes, global influences and modern culinary techniques, inviting guests to discover the flavours of the UAE through a fresh and approachable contemporary bistro experience.
Celebrate the spirit of gratitude and togetherness with a Thanksgiving brunch at Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel. Taking place on 28 November, the afternoon invites friends and families to gather around the table, share festive flavours and enjoy quality time with those who matter most.
By eight in the morning, the counters of Dubai’s bakeries and cafés are full: trays of croissants, loaves of sourdough, cookies and cinnamon rolls, and a queue of customers taking them away in paper bags. The bag gets a few seconds of attention at the counter, yet it decides how the product looks when it reaches the office, the car or the kitchen table at home.
Boardwalk’s Chef Cristiano Bellantoni is taking his Italian culinary expertise to The Lombard at Grand Hyatt Amman for Tartufo & Truffle – A Lombard Celebration. Running from 25-31 October, the collaboration brings together Italian cheeses, pasta, seafood and meat dishes in a special dinner menu celebrating fresh black truffle.
Thursday nights just got better at Chalco’s Cantina, with a new Ladies’ Night offer bringing together, free-flowing drinks, and vibrant Latino beats in the heart of Dubai Marina.
Palm Jumeirah is welcoming a new addition to its vibrant dining scene as AKA Sushi Restaurant officially opens its doors at Mileo The Palm. Bringing together Japanese culinary craftsmanship, riveting interiors and an energetic atmosphere, the new restaurant and lounge promises an experience that begins with exceptional food and unfolds into a vibrant evening.
