In the UAE, every new year arrives supersized and 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout
Look, no one really knows what the new year will throw at us, but if history is any indication, the UAE in 2026 will keep delivering – spectacularly, unpredictably, and often before the rest of the world has had its morning coffee. From cult restaurants to cultural icons, mega retailers to new resorts, here’s what deserves a spot on your excitement radar…
A Mayfair favourite heads for Al Maryah
Abu Dhabi is starting 2026 with some serious glamour as Isabel Mayfair opens at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in January. Those lucky enough to sample the London original know exactly what’s coming – lobster spaghetti that earns rapturous applause and refined Mediterranean dishes presented with a polished, grown-up energy. The Abu Dhabi outpost promises the same tonal interiors, Mayfair gloss, and subtle nods to regional cuisine, with key members of the London team moving over to ensure the same level of impeccable service.
@isabelabudhabi
Top-tier tapas is coming to DIFC
London’s Barrafina is packing its pans for Dubai’s DIFC, marking its first international debut. Famous for its buzzing counter seating and chef-fronted service, the Michelin-starred Spanish eatery transforms simple dishes into moments of perfection. Croquetas vanish too quickly, the tortilla is worth queuing for, and the atmosphere transports diners straight to Soho, without a hint of London drizzle. This is a real coup of Dubai, and worth getting your reservations in early.
@barrafinadubai
A long-awaited Saadiyat Island cultural icon edges closer
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is rumoured to finally drop in 2026, completing the cultural picture for Saadiyat Island. Frank Gehry’s futuristic cones rise like sculptural landmarks overlooking the Gulf, set to house a major collection focused on modern and contemporary art from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. If it opens on schedule, it will become the capital’s most ambitious cultural flex yet, offering an unmatched art experience and cementing Abu Dhabi as a serious destination for international art lovers.
guggenheimabudhabi.ae
Dubai Mall welcomes Primark
The UK’s chaotic-in-the-best-way retailer lands in Dubai with three stores in 2026, starting with Dubai Mall, followed by City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates. Prepare for a bargain hunter’s sprint: blazers, duvet covers, novelty socks, and more, all at prices that make you feel like you’ve won the retail lottery. Primark’s arrival is proof that the UAE’s appetite for fast fashion, affordability, and crowd-pleasing variety shows no signs of slowing.
@primark.me
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UAE 2026: 11 major updates to know
The Dubai World Cup hits a mega milestone
Meydan Racecourse will sparkle brighter than ever on March 28, when the Dubai World Cup celebrates its 30th edition. With a staggering US$30.5 million prize pool (including US$12 million for the main race), it remains the richest race day in the world. Expect high fashion, exceptional horses, impossible heels, extravagant hats, and that one-of-a-kind Dubai spectacle that turns a day at the races into a global event, drawing crowds of celebrities, socialites, and horse enthusiasts alike.
Adding to the grandeur, Dubai Racing Club has teamed up with Zuma for the first-ever Royal Enclosure Majlis by Zuma. At a jaw-dropping Dhs22,000, guests get exclusive Zuma dining, private chauffeurs, luxe lounges, flowing drinks, and VIP access to the Parade Ring and Saddling Garden, basically, all the race-day perks money can buy.
dubairacingclub.com
A Six Senses is opening on The Palm
Six Senses Palm Jumeirah arrives in summer 2026, bringing its signature eco-luxury ethos to the West Crescent. The LEED-certified hotel features 61 rooms and 172 residences inspired by coral architecture, a nod to the UAE’s marine heritage. Privacy, sustainability, and wellness are at the forefront, offering travellers an immersive escape from the city. Undulating rooflines frame breathtaking views, and every detail, from the spa to the dining experiences, is designed to leave guests quietly awestruck.
sixsenses.com
Handroll spectaculars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Kokoro, the Japanese-inspired handroll bar that set Alserkal buzzing in 2024, is expanding with new branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Mall location will anchor The District, the city’s new arena for homegrown culinary heavyweights, while the Saadiyat Island outpost opens in March. After successful locations in Al Quoz and Nad Al Sheba, Kokoro has cemented itself as a local star with made-to-order Japanese handrolls, sleek interiors, and a cult following make these openings among the most anticipated culinary arrivals of the year.
eatkokoro.xyz
Nobu moves into The Link…
Nobu continues its UAE expansion with a futuristic third Dubai outpost at The Link in One Za’abeel. Expect a slick, skyline-facing dining room, private spaces, and a polished lounge. This branch is also debuting an entertainment programme, pairing live performances with the restaurant’s signature dishes, a full-sensory evolution of the brand that promises to push Dubai dining into new, immersive territory.
@thelinkdubai
…While Abu Dhabi gets a Nobu hotel
Meanwhile over in the capital, Saadiyat Island welcomes the UAE’s first Nobu Hotel, with 165 serene rooms, rooftop Nobu Villas, pools, wellness spaces, and direct access to Mamsha Beach. The hotel will house four dining venues, including Abu Dhabi’s first Nobu restaurant and the UAE’s second Nobu by the Beach. This is Japanese-meets-contemporary luxury with knockout coastal views.
@nobuhotels
Alserkal Avenue welcomes a new dining gem
FYTE Hospitality’s second concept (the first was Kokoro), opens at Alserkal Avenue in January 2026. Window is an intimate restaurant that revolves around a live-fire hearth, championing seasonal ingredients and smoke-driven flavours. Warm wood interiors and a neighbourhood-focused sensibility make Window an intimate, purposeful dining experience with limited seating, offering a thoughtful alternative to the city’s more theatrical culinary offerings.
@window.dxb
A pop icon performs in the capital
Among the many artists slated to perform in the UAE in 2026, Christina Aguilera is arguably the biggest announcement so far. The Genie in a Bottle singer brings her powerhouse vocals to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on April 24. With seven Grammys, 75 million records sold, and a spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, Aguilera promises a career-spanning, high-voltage show. From early anthems to her Latin Grammy-winning AGUILERA era, fans can expect an unforgettable night of pop mastery that solidifies the UAE as a major stop for global music icons.
etihadarena.ae
Could we be all aboard the Etihad Rail?
In a word, yes. Etihad Rail is slated to finally open to passengers in 2026, linking 11 cities from Ghuweifat to Fujairah across 900 kilometres. Faster commutes, fewer cars on the roads, and reshaped real estate patterns are all on the horizon. The network promises to transform everyday life, opening up new options for residents and tourists alike, and creating a connected UAE that’s easier to explore than ever before.
@etihad_rail
Robotaxis roll onto Sheikh Zayed Road
Driverless commuting is also on the horizon. Reports suggest 2026 will see robotaxis cruising Sheikh Zayed Road at up to 72km/h, some featuring massage seats for first-class relaxation. With trials already underway, this is a glimpse into a tech-forward future that could transform rush hour, offering efficiency, comfort, and a very Dubai-style flair for the ultra-modern.
rta.ae
Mondrian lands in Abu Dhabi
Mondrian Hotels brings its bold, playful aesthetic to Abu Dhabi with a 210-suite skyscraper on Reem Island and Al Maryah. Guests can expect rooftop pools, a crystal lagoon, spa, and six dining venues, including Abu Dhabi’s debut of Fi’lia restaurant. The design blends Middle Eastern elements with Mondrian’s signature vibrant flair, promising a colourful, immersive hospitality experience that adds a playful counterpoint to the capital’s growing luxury hotel landscape.
mondrianhotels.com
Get ready to swing big in Abu Dhabi
Five Iron Golf, the tech-driven concept that’s already pretty popular in Dubai Marina, is coming to Yas Bay Waterfront. Spanning nearly 24,000 square feet, it will be one of the largest locations globally. Visitors can expect 12 state-of-the-art Trackman simulators, curated cocktails and a comprehensive menu, Callaway Tour Club Fitting, and a waterfront terrace overlooking Yas Bay. Great for both seasoned golfers and amateurs that just want a bit of fun.
@fiveirongolf.uae
