A collaborative afternoon

The event combined The Tea Room’s signature afternoon tea experience with Alchimie’s fragrance creations, adding a distinctive touch to the setting. Guests were offered a selection of exotic tea and coffee blends alongside an assortment of cakes and pastries, while candle displays arranged by Alchimie added warmth to the room. The collaboration was framed as a way to bring people together through simple, thoughtful experiences while keeping conversations around women’s health and wellbeing in focus.

Stefan Schmid, Complex General Manager of Al Jaddaf Rotana Complex, said the initiative reflected the hotel’s belief in creating experiences that bring people together, describing the partnership with Alchimie as a way to combine warm hospitality with an important message, and expressing hope to continue supporting community initiatives of this kind.

High tea continues until the end of October

Beyond the gathering, The Tea Room will continue to serve its seasonal Pinktober High Tea daily until 31 October 2026, from 12pm to 9pm, priced at AED 150 per person. The offer gives guests the chance to enjoy a specially curated afternoon tea for the remainder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those exploring other options can see our guide to afternoon tea in Dubai for more places to try, while another Dubai brand’s Pinktober initiative is also running this month. Visitors wanting to explore the surrounding area can check our guide to Deira and Dubai Creek.

Pinktober High Tea at Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel: Details

• When: Daily until 31 October 2026
• Where: The Tea Room, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel
• Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm
• Price: AED 150 per person

See also: Afternoon tea in Dubai: where to go and what it costs, Piece of You's Pinktober breast screening initiative, Deira, Dubai Creek and Festival City guide.

Image: courtesy of Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel.

How the offer works

To claim the free coffee, residents need to show a valid tenancy contract that confirms their JVC address, along with a valid Emirates ID for verification. Once the complimentary coffee has been redeemed, the café issues a Form Room loyalty card.

The loyalty card gives 15% off the espresso menu on the next two visits. Both of those visits must take place within 15 days of the first visit, and the card has to be shown each time. The release does not give an end date for the offer, so it is worth checking with the café before you go.

About Form Room

Form Room opened in January 2026 in Binghatti Jasmine, in Al Barsha South 4. The café takes its look from a school lunch table and builds its menu around hearty sandwiches, alongside specialty coffee and all-day dining. Pets are welcome in both the indoor and outdoor areas, subject to available seating and the venue’s rules. We covered the café and its menu in our earlier story.

If you are exploring your new neighbourhood, our round-ups of places to have a coffee in Dubai and a matcha hideaway in JVC are good places to start, and our look at how Dubai’s coffee culture is evolving adds some background.

Form Room new resident offer: Details

• When: Offer for eligible new JVC residents. The release gives no end date
• Where: Form Room, Unit 2, Binghatti Jasmine Building, Street 2, Al Barsha South 4, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm
• To redeem: A valid tenancy contract showing a JVC address and a valid Emirates ID
• Offer: Free coffee from the espresso menu on the first visit, then 15% off the espresso menu on the second and third visits, within 15 days of the first
• Book: WhatsApp +971 58 101 3600 or email info@formroom.ae

Image: courtesy of Form Room.

The six products

• Epsom Bath Salt Soaking Solution in Coconut Oil: pure Epsom salt to ease tired muscles, with a soft coconut scent.
• Foaming Bath in Coconut Oil: a rich, long-lasting foam, with coconut oil to nourish and protect.
• Epsom Salt Body Wash in Coconut Oil: coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter and vitamin E.
• Epsom Salt Body Scrub in Coconut Oil: pure Epsom salt with coconut oil and shea butter, plus jojoba oil and vitamin E.
• Body Lotion in Coconut Oil: described as lightweight, with coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E.
• Aluminium Free Deodorant in Coconut Oil with Essential Oils: powered by magnesium, with coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils.

Where to buy it

Dr Teal’s says the range is sold across leading supermarkets, hypermarkets and pharmacies in the UAE, including Carrefour, Aster Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy. It is also available online through GlamBeaute and other major e-commerce platforms. Products start from AED 27. The release does not give a price for each product, so check the shelf or the product page.

Dr Teal’s describes itself as a wellness-first personal care brand rooted in Epsom salt, essential oils and plant-based ingredients, and as cruelty-free. Those are the brand’s own claims, and we have not tested the products.

For more on the category, see our story on what the UAE’s wellness market still needs, and our reports on skincare, including Circadia turning 25 and neem in GCC skincare.

Dr Teal’s Coconut Oil range: Details

• When: Available now
• Where: Carrefour, Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy and other UAE supermarkets, hypermarkets and pharmacies, and online at GlamBeaute
• Price: From AED 27

Image: courtesy of Dr Teal’s and Catch Communications.

What the Spooky Streak includes

The Spooky Streak combines attractions with hands-on activities. Children can go on the Spooky Ride, meet characters and visit The Boo Room, and every pass includes the choice of an activity or workshop. The venue says the mix is designed to give families a reason to return more than once and do something different each time.

Passes and prices

There are two Spooky Streak passes. The three-day pass costs AED 450 and includes three days of access and three activities or workshops of your choice. The five-day pass costs AED 600 and includes five days of access and five activities or workshops. Passes must be used within the event period, which runs until 1 November.

Halloween Haunt weekend

Halloween Haunt runs from 30 October to 1 November. It is included in the Spooky Streak pass, or families can buy a separate full-day entry pass for AED 250 per child per day. Children can also choose one activity for each day they buy a pass for, and families who already hold a Spooky Streak pass pay nothing extra to attend.

The weekend programme includes a performance by Louna on 30 October at 4pm and a Pro Show planned for 1 November at 4pm. The release does not say what the Pro Show involves, so it is worth asking when you book.

Lala Little Wonders opened in September, and we covered the venue in our story on its opening. For more family plans this month, see our guide to Halloween in Dubai.

Lala Little Wonders Spooky Streak: Details

• When: Spooky Streak until 1 November 2026, Halloween Haunt weekend 30 October to 1 November
• Where: Lala Little Wonders, Al Joud Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 9am to 9pm
• Price: Three-day pass AED 450, five-day pass AED 600, Halloween Haunt full-day entry AED 250 per child per day
• Book: Call or WhatsApp 056 911 0033
• Instagram: @lalalittlewonders

See also: Family brunches in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Lala Little Wonders.

Graveyard Glam nails

Graveyard Glam pairs gloss black and mirror chrome on a long almond shape, finished with hand-sculpted raised silver crosses. The salon says it can also create dripping red tips, black French, jelly reds and 3D skulls and spiders in its Nail Theatre.

Every set is cured under March14’s AI LED lamp, which the salon says sets gel in nine seconds and directs light to the nail only. TPO-free and HEMA-free formulas are available across a library of more than 1,900 shades. Gel polish starts from AED 125, and custom nail art starts from AED 15, with the final price depending on the design. Detailed sets take time, so book ahead of Halloween weekend.

Natural Blonde Revival

In the salon’s official L’Oréal Professionnel and Kérastase Hair Studio, colourists turn golden, orange-toned hair into a soft ash beige blonde, with lighter ribbons through the lengths and a gentle shadow root so it grows out without a hard line. Kérastase care is built into each stage.

Every blonde begins with a consultation covering colour history and hair condition, and the team lifts only as far as the hair can safely go, so some clients finish in one visit and others follow a gradual plan. The release does not give a price for the colour service. For more autumn hair advice from the salon, see our Espresso Brunette guide, and for more seasonal plans, see Halloween in Dubai 2026.

March14 Residence Halloween nails and blonde colour: Details

• When: Available now; book ahead for Halloween weekend, consultations recommended for hair
• Where: March14 Residence, Goshi City 2, Al Quoz 3, Dubai
• Price: Gel polish from AED 125, custom nail art from AED 15
• Book: Call or WhatsApp +971 58 554 6222, or book online via Fresha
• Instagram: @march14.dubai

See also: what the UAE’s booming wellness market still needs.

Image: courtesy of March14 Residence.

What you will see

Exhibitors cover camping gear and outdoor equipment, off-road vehicles, accessories and vehicle customisation. The organisers say visitors can compare products from specialist companies in one place, which makes it easier to find the latest equipment. Over the five days, the exhibition brings together companies and brands in camping equipment, outdoor adventures and off-road vehicle accessories, giving enthusiasts the chance to meet the sellers directly.

What the organisers say

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said specialised exhibitions play a vital role in stimulating commercial activity and strengthening engagement between businesses and the public. He said the show reflects Sharjah’s efforts to diversify its specialised economic events and support the growth of camping and outdoor businesses.

Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji, Director of Expo Al Dhaid Centre, said the exhibition gives companies a platform to meet outdoor and off-road enthusiasts directly and to showcase their products.

The release does not give ticket prices or opening hours, so check with the venue before you go. For another recent show at a Sharjah expo centre, read how Expo Centre Sharjah’s perfumes, oud and cosmetics shows drew more than 120,000 visitors. If you would rather book a trip than buy the gear, see the new Airstream glamping retreat in the Hajar Mountains and Al Dhafra Resort’s seasonal desert packages.

Adventure and Camping Exhibition: Details

• When: 28 October to 1 November 2026
• Where: Expo Al Dhaid Centre, Sharjah

Image: courtesy of Expo Al Dhaid Centre.

The numbers

The country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, up 3.4% on the previous year. Visits from Gulf countries reached a record 26,397 in the first half of 2026, according to the release, which does not say how the two figures are counted.

Mountains and wellness

Mountain retreats in Gudauri and Svaneti, Black Sea escapes in Batumi and wine tourism are among the experiences drawing GCC visitors. Summer is the busiest season, with visitors coming for cool mountain air and green landscapes, while winter tourism from the Gulf is growing, with snow experiences increasingly popular among UAE travellers.

Wellness is a growing draw too, including spa resorts and therapeutic destinations such as Borjomi, Tskaltubo and Sairme. In Tbilisi, sulphur baths in the old town make the capital a natural stop for rest and recovery.

Getting there

Direct flights and visa-free entry make Georgia one of the most accessible destinations for Gulf travellers, with about 154 flights a week, and it sits around four hours from major Gulf countries. Georgia is investing in more premium hotels with international chains and in eco-tourism and adventure products, and Georgian tourism companies have joined roadshows in Dubai, Riyadh and Kuwait City.

If you want a taste of Georgia in Dubai first, read about Shvili opening in DIFC. For other getaways, see Raffles The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and the Colours of Oblu festive seasons in the Maldives.

Image: courtesy of Georgia tourism representatives.

The brunch

The buffet offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Prices are AED 199 for the soft package, AED 345 with house beverages and AED 99 for children, and an early-bird rate of AED 119 is available for those who book ahead. The hotel says the occasion is designed for families and friends to gather around the table, with something on offer for every generation.

Beyond the buffet

In the Baithak area, guests can sit down with a cup of chai while Indian folk music plays. Families can join in Antakshari, the Indian musical game, and hands-on workshops cover diya painting, rangoli making and henna. A Diwali Market adds a showcase of local crafts.

Stay for the festival

The hotel has also set three room offers, all starting at AED 400. The Festival of Lights Diwali Room Offer covers stays from 1 to 15 November, the UAE National Day Room Offer runs from 16 November to 2 December, and a Festive Season Room Offer combines a stay with selected Christmas or New Year’s Eve gala dining.

For more ways to celebrate, see our guide to Diwali in Dubai 2026 and our Deira and Dubai Creek guide. Greenhouse Social also hosted an Early Christmas Brunch earlier this month, which we covered in our Early Christmas Brunch report.

Radisson Blu Deira Creek Diwali brunch: Details

• When: Saturday 7 November 2026, 1pm to 4pm
• Where: Greenhouse Social, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
• Price: AED 199 soft package, AED 345 with house beverages, AED 99 for children, early-bird rate AED 119
• Book: Call +971 4 205 7033 or +971 4 205 7034, WhatsApp +971 56 548 8238 or email booking.diningdubaicreek@radissonblu.com
• Instagram: @mycreekbeat

Image: courtesy of Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.

The chefs

Daniel Hillier is Cluster Culinary Director for Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Sofitel Dubai Downtown and Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort. He has more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, including Michelin-starred kitchens in London. Russell Impiazzi, Executive Chef of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, has more than 30 years of international experience, including restaurant openings and concept development.

What is on the menu

The evening opens with chef’s snacks, among them a haggis Scotch egg with truffle aioli and pickled shallots, anchovy toast with Parmesan custard, and fried rabbit with honey and mustard aioli.

Starters include seared dry-aged steak tartare with truffle, black garlic and pickled mushrooms, butter-poached Scottish langoustine tails served as a Langoustine Niçoise, and a tomato consommé with goats’ cheese profiteroles. Main courses are Wagyu Rossini with seared duck liver, chanterelle mushrooms and truffle jus, wild seabass with a lobster cassoulet and smoked bacon, or ricotta gnocchi with morels and truffle velouté. Dessert options are baba au rum, lemon chiboust with wild strawberries and Yorkshire rhubarb, and an artisan cheese board.

The evening

Doors open at 6:30pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10:30pm. The set menu costs AED 325 per person, or AED 535 with a pairing package. The event is tomorrow night, so book soon. For more places to eat on the Palm, see our Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah guide.

La Nuit Four Hands Dinner: Details

• When: Friday 23 October 2026, doors at 6:30pm, live entertainment 7pm to 10:30pm
• Where: Porterhouse Bar & Grill, Sofitel Dubai The Palm
• Price: AED 325 per person, or AED 535 per person with a pairing
• Book: Online at giftvouchers.sofiteldubaithepalm.com/products/57698/four-hands-dinner-at-porterhouse-bar-grill

See also: best restaurants in Dubai by neighbourhood, a 10-course tasting menu at JUNS.

Image: courtesy of Sofitel Dubai The Palm.

Where to eat

Four restaurants across the cluster are taking part: The Spicery at Novotel Dubai Gold District, Farmstead at Mercure Dubai Deira, World of Curries at Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Gold District and Lilly’s Garden at ibis Styles Dubai Deira. The menus feature Indian-themed buffets, chaat counters, traditional Diwali sweets and festive decor, and can be customised on request to suit each group’s tastes and occasion.

Private celebrations

The cluster also offers private Diwali gatherings for groups of 10 to 250 guests, with a choice of restaurant and banquet venues across the properties. Options include buffet and set menus, customised food and beverage packages and festive setups, from an intimate family dinner to a larger corporate celebration. Packages are tailored to the venue, menu and group size, and start from AED 75 per person.

Make a stay of it

Rooms start at AED 200 at any of the six properties, which are Novotel Dubai Gold District, Mercure Dubai Deira, Mercure Dubai Gold District, ibis Styles Dubai Deira, ibis Styles Dubai Gold District and Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Gold District. The hotels say guests can start the day with a wander through the nearby Gold and Spice Souks and along Dubai Creek, then return for a festive meal. Rates and packages are subject to availability and may vary by hotel, venue, menu and requirements.

The same cluster also includes the new Ten64 rooftop pool bar at ibis Styles Dubai Deira. For more ways to mark the festival, see our guide to Diwali in Dubai 2026.

Diwali at the Dubai Deira and Gold District hotels: Details

• When: Dining throughout November 2026; room offer for stays from 1 to 15 November 2026
• Where: The Spicery (Novotel Dubai Gold District), Farmstead (Mercure Dubai Deira), World of Curries (Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Gold District) and Lilly’s Garden (ibis Styles Dubai Deira)
• Offer: Dining from AED 75 per person, rooms from AED 200
• Book: Call +971 55 473 5384 or +971 55 429 3055

See also: our Deira, Dubai Creek and Festival City guide.

Image: courtesy of the Dubai Deira and Gold District Cluster of Hotels.

What to eat

The menu leans towards sharing food for long afternoons. There are loaded chicken wings in smoky barbecue, peri-peri or spicy honey glaze, crispy calamari with tartar sauce, mini sliders with barbecue beef, cilantro chicken or crispy chicken, and nachos with guacamole, cheese sauce, jalapeños and salsa.

For a longer sit, there are grilled garlic prawns with Beirut hummus and a beef steak sandwich with melted Emmental and caramelised onions, plus Indian platters. Vegetarian choices include paneer tikka, samosas, pakoras, vegetable quesadillas and a falafel wrap with tahini and Arabic pickles. Desserts are chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, warm apple pie and cheesecake with melted chocolate.

What to drink

The soft drinks include Ten64 Iced Tea, a hibiscus blend with lemon, a Watermelon Cooler with mint and lemon, and Tropical Glacier, which mixes passion fruit, mango, coconut and pineapple. The release does not give prices.

Ten64 is open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm. The hotel says it will run a weekly line-up of social experiences, though the release does not list them. For more to explore around the creek and the souks, see our Deira, Dubai Creek and Festival City guide.

Ten64 Rooftop Pool Bar: Details

• When: Open daily, 12pm to 10:30pm
• Where: Ten64 Rooftop Pool Bar, ibis Styles Dubai Deira
• Book: Call or WhatsApp +971 56 992 0241, or call +971 4 492 9999

See also: bars and nightlife in Dubai, our Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah guide.

Image: courtesy of ibis Styles Dubai Deira.

For the table

For hosts, the edit includes napkins, candles and playful serving pieces, and reindeer candlesticks and ice buckets are pitched as decorative touches for Christmas tablescapes. The highlights include Hand Painted Dinner Candles in Cranberry at AED 85, a Silver Stag Ice Bucket at AED 950 and a Deer, Tree, Snowflake Guest Towel Set at AED 100.

For the home

Ornaments and seasonal pillows mix traditional Christmas motifs with contemporary designs. Listed highlights are the Holiday Hare Embroidered Velvet Pillows at AED 350, a Personalised Festive Glass Ornament at AED 75 and a Christmas Tree Column Fire Pit at AED 250. The pictures supplied with the release include a concrete pot printed with pine trees and set with white pebbles.

For gifting

Snowflake-motif jewellery and playful Santa earrings take the season beyond the home, and matching festive pyjamas are suggested for Christmas Eve traditions. The images also show a personalised wooden Christmas Eve crate.

About Beyond the Mall

Beyond the Mall was founded by Rhia Woodall and Phil Malem and features more than 70 local brands, with gifts, homeware, baby products, wedding gifts and corporate gifting. To shop, visit beyondthemall.me or follow @beyondthemall.me on Instagram. The release does not give delivery details or dates.

The festive season is already under way across the city. Our Dubai This Week round-up has what is on now, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah and Radisson Blu Deira Creek have started early on Christmas, and for another gift idea see Piece of You’s Heartstring collection.

Beyond the Mall Christmas edit: Details

• Where: Online at beyondthemall.me
• Brands: Independent UAE brands, makers and artisans; more than 70 local brands on the platform
• Price: AED 75 to AED 950 across the listed highlights

Image: courtesy of Beyond the Mall.

Housie Night with Dhruv, 3 November

The Diwali edition starts at 8:30pm at The Huddle Bur Dubai. Prizes are worth up to AED 7,800, with giveaways from The Entertainer, Max Fashion, Balance Spa, Vocca Chocolates, E3K Jewellery, Titan and The Huddle, spanning fashion, jewellery, chocolates and spa experiences. To book a table, call +971 50 100 7065 or message @thehuddleuae on Instagram.

Loki’s Bollywood Quiz, 5 November

Two days later, also from 8:30pm, film buffs can put their Bollywood knowledge to the test at Indi 16. The festive edition of Loki’s Bollywood Quiz has prizes worth up to AED 10,500, with giveaways from The Entertainer, Ferns N Petals, Vocca Chocolates, E3K Jewellery, Titan and Indi16. For reservations and enquiries, call 050 461 7994 or message @indi16dxb on Instagram.

Citymax Hotels presents the pair as a relaxed, entertainment-led way into the Diwali spirit, whether through a classic game night or a celebration of Bollywood’s most memorable moments. They are aimed at friends, groups and Bollywood fans looking for something beyond the usual festive dinner. The release does not give entry prices, so check when you book.

More ways to mark Diwali

Our Diwali in Dubai guide lists dinners, set menus and community events, including Mausam’s all-day Diwali set menu and Rohini’s six nights of set menus. For a meal before or after the game, see our list of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai.

Citymax Hotels Diwali nights: Details

• When: 3 November 2026 (Housie Night) and 5 November 2026 (Bollywood Quiz), both from 8:30pm
• Where: The Huddle Bur Dubai (3 November); Indi 16 (5 November)
• Prizes: Up to AED 7,800 (Housie Night) and up to AED 10,500 (Bollywood Quiz)
• Book: Housie Night: call +971 50 100 7065 or DM @thehuddleuae. Quiz: call 050 461 7994 or DM @indi16dxb

Image: courtesy of Citymax Hotels.

Platters for the whole table

The offer centres on sharing boards. A Platter and 2L Jug Combo costs AED 320, and four team-inspired boards cost AED 165 each. They are named after national rugby sides, and each comes with sauces and fries or chips.

The Wallabies BBQ Board has BBQ beef skewers, lamb chops, chicken wings and grilled corn ribs. Les Bleus Board offers mini fried chicken burgers, steak skewers, Camembert bites and truffle arancini. The All Blacks Feast brings slow-cooked beef sliders, lamb sausage bites, fried chicken pieces and mini meat pies, while the Red Rose Platter has Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, beer-battered fish bites and chicken tenders. Prices include the 10% service charge, 7% municipality fees and 5% VAT.

The release does not say which matches are shown or what the live entertainment will be, so it is worth asking when you book.

The regular line-up

The Dubliner’s also runs its evergreen offers through the week. The Nook serves its spice bags daily, packed with crispy fries, seasoned chicken and a blend of spices. Quiz Nights run every Tuesday from 8pm to 11pm, with prizes to win and up to 40% off food and beverages for teachers.

On Sundays, the Sunday Roast Carvery runs from 1pm to 5pm, with beef, roasted crackling, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy. It costs AED 135 for unlimited food and soft drinks, or AED 235 for unlimited food with bottled beers and house drinks, consumable for up to three hours within the window.

More for match days

For the pub’s daily drinks deal, see our story on Le Méridien Dubai’s happy hours. If you are planning a Sunday lunch, our roundup of Dubai’s top Sunday roasts compares the options, and more places to catch a game are in our guide to the best sports bars in Dubai and our bars and nightlife guide.

Scrum & Sip at The Dubliner’s: Details

• When: October to November 2026
• Where: The Dubliner’s, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
• Offer: Platter and 2L Jug Combo AED 320; team-inspired boards (Wallabies BBQ Board, Les Bleus Board, All Blacks Feast, Red Rose Platter) AED 165 each
• Book: Online at sevenrooms.com/reservations/dublinersdxbmd, call +971 4 702 2455, WhatsApp +971 50 289 7728 or email restaurants.lmd@lemeridien.com
• Instagram: @dublinersdubai

Image: courtesy of Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.

Ice hockey in a city with no winter

It is an unlikely result for a city best known for sunshine. Dubai has no winter, so the academy’s children train all year round on indoor ice. Galaxy Hockey Academy now has more than 300 young players from 38 nationalities, and the Istanbul medals show what that indoor training can produce on an international stage.

The photos from Istanbul

The academy sent us three photographs from the trip. In the first, the Galaxy Warriors crowd around the cup on the ice in Istanbul, medals hung round their necks, all in the team’s purple jerseys.

A second shows the squad lining up in front of the Istanbul Cup wall before a game, with sticks, gloves and skates all in place for the photograph. A third catches one of the Galaxy Warriors goalies, mask on, at the tournament.

The academy has published the full results and a short write-up on its tournament page, and says more photos and video from the trip are available.

A busy run for UAE sport

Young Dubai athletes are collecting results elsewhere too. Junior karters from Ignite GP won two classes and a podium at the Rotax UAE Al Ain Invitational, and UAE-based paddlers took silver at the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships.

For more on the UAE sporting calendar this season, see our Sport Season 2026 guide, or browse more sports stories.

Galaxy Warriors at the Istanbul Cup: Details

• When: 15 to 17 October 2026
• Where: Istanbul, Turkey
• Result: U11 gold and U13 silver for Galaxy Hockey Academy, Dubai
• Learn more: glxyhockey.com/tournament-istanbul-2026
• Instagram: @galaxy_sport_club

Image: courtesy of Galaxy Hockey Academy.

The dates differ slightly. OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili run their festivities from 22 December 2026 to 9 January 2027, while OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU SELECT Sangeli run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

Reef of Wonder at Helengeli

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO takes its cue from the marine life around the island. The programme includes a reef-themed parade for younger guests, an Indian Ocean-inspired Christmas dinner and an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can also explore the island’s house reef, which the resort describes as renowned.

A Fisherman’s Tale at Sangeli

OBLU SELECT Sangeli pays tribute to the fishing heritage of the Maldives and the community habit of sharing what the sea provides. Christmas brings carol singing, island entertainment and an Indian Ocean-themed feast, and New Year’s Eve has a themed dinner, beach celebrations and fireworks.

Made for Two at Lobigili

OBLU SELECT Lobigili is designed for adults only, and its programme, A Festive Season, Made for Two, is built around couples. Christmas Eve is intimate, while New Year’s Eve takes on the glamour of the Great Gatsby era, with live performances and a countdown. Private beach dinners, spa experiences and underwater dining are available throughout a stay.

A Golden Festive Season at Ailafushi

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi adds golden glamour to the season, mixing festive sparkle with live entertainment and family time. It opens with Santa arriving on Sunset Beach and a special Christmas lunch, then builds to a New Year’s Eve with a cocktail gathering, gala dinner, live entertainment and a fire show, ending in fireworks at midnight.

Planning a winter break

COLOURS OF OBLU says each resort offers a different way to spend the festive season, whether guests travel as a family, with friends or as a couple. If you are working out when to take leave, our guides to UAE public holidays in 2026 and 2027 and long weekends in the UAE list the dates worth building a trip around. The release does not give prices or booking details.

COLOURS OF OBLU is a lifestyle hospitality brand from Atmosphere Core, a hospitality group that lists nine resorts in the Maldives and one heritage hotel in India.

COLOURS OF OBLU festive season 2026: Details

• When: 22 December 2026 to 9 January 2027 at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili; 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027 at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU SELECT Sangeli
• Where: Four COLOURS OF OBLU island resorts in the Maldives
• Themes: Reef of Wonder (Helengeli), A Fisherman’s Tale (Sangeli), A Festive Season, Made for Two (Lobigili, adults only), A Golden Festive Season (Ailafushi)

See also: Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah Sets the Scene for a Season of Festive Celebrations, JA Manafaru Offers Eid al-Fitr Island Retreat Package in the Maldives with Five Nights for the Price of Four and Raffles Opens Raffles The Red Sea, a Villa Resort on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island.

Image: courtesy of COLOURS OF OBLU.

What was on show

Over ten days, visitors could explore oriental perfumes, oud and incense, as well as cosmetics and personal care products. The Emirates Perfumes and Oud Exhibition featured more than 200 companies and approximately 700 brands, with a mix of products and new launches that reflected changing consumer preferences and the growing diversity of tastes across the market.

What the organiser said

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said the turnout shows that specialised trade shows have moved beyond product showcases into platforms for building direct relationships between brands and consumers. In sectors closely linked to personal taste and consumer aspirations, he said, these platforms help companies gain deeper insights into market trends, introduce their products and turn consumer interest into opportunities for growth and expansion.

He added that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to making its exhibitions effective platforms for commercial activity, combining an engaging visitor experience with tangible value for exhibitors. The growing interest in specialised exhibitions, he said, underlines the importance of developing events that respond to market dynamics and meet the expectations of businesses and visitors alike.

Why it matters

According to the release, the range of products on display and the number of participating brands reflected growing interest in the perfume and beauty sectors. It also says the shows reinforced the role of specialised exhibitions in introducing products to wider audiences and opening direct channels between businesses and consumers, in a market where trends keep evolving and personal experiences increasingly shape how people discover and choose products.

Emirates Perfumes and Oud Exhibition and Middle East Cosmetics Show 2026: Details

• When: 9 to 18 October 2026 (ended)
• Where: Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah
• Attendance: More than 120,000 visitors over ten days
• Exhibitors: More than 200 companies and approximately 700 brands at the Emirates Perfumes and Oud Exhibition

See also: our summer perfume guide, Launching on 30 September at Expo Centre Sharjah and more business news.

Image: courtesy of Sahara PR / Expo Centre Sharjah.

BBQ Fridays at Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel

From Friday 23 October, Timo turns Fridays into a weekly barbecue evening, with a generous spread of barbecue favourites, a butcher’s board and handheld bites. It costs AED 179 per person, and an alcoholic beverage package is available for another AED 125 per person.

• When: every Friday from 23 October, 6pm to 10:30pm
• Where: Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, Dubai
• Price: AED 179 per person, plus AED 125 for the alcoholic beverage package
• Book: 04 596 2222 or rotana.com

Ladies’ Day at Level 43 Sky Lounge

Level 43 Sky Lounge at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road gives ladies three hours of unlimited house spirits, house wine and selected cocktails every Friday, with sweeping views of the Dubai skyline. It costs AED 99 per lady.

• When: every Friday, 5pm to 8pm
• Where: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• Price: AED 99 per lady
• Book: +971 56 414 2213

Seafood Night Brunch at Khayal, Abu Dhabi

Khayal at Marriott Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi runs a Friday evening seafood feast with unlimited lobster, shrimp, sushi and more, free-flow drinks and live cooking stations. Khayal Loyalty Love members who dine four times get a fifth feast free, and More Cravings and Entertainer discounts are accepted.

• When: every Friday, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
• Where: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
• Price: AED 279 with the soft beverage package, AED 399 with the alcohol package
• Book: +971 2 201 4131 or diningalforsan@marriott.com

See also: Best Friday brunches in Dubai, Dubai ladies' nights guide 2026, the best restaurants in Dubai by neighbourhood and bars and nightlife in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road and Marriott Al Forsan.

Spooky Nights at The Underground Pub, JBR

The Underground Pub at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, turns into a haunted hideout for two nights. Guests are invited to come in their spookiest costume, and the guest in the best costume has a chance to win a AED 500 dining voucher. The pub promises haunting beats, thrilling cocktails and plenty of dancing.

• When: 30 and 31 October 2026, from 7pm
• Where: The Underground Pub, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR
• Book: +971 4 408 4257 or hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhospitality.com
• Instagram: @alhabtoorgrandhappenings and @alhabtoorgrandresort

Halloween Tipsy at Tipsy Tikka, Bur Dubai

Tipsy Tikka is calling all ghosts, ghouls and party lovers to Halloween Tipsy on Saturday 31 October, a night of music, drinks and dressed-up fun. A special prize goes to the best-dressed guest.

• When: 31 October 2026, from 7pm until late
• Where: Tipsy Tikka, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai
• Book: +971 50 211 6816

Halloween at Appaloosa Sports Bar, Abu Dhabi

Appaloosa Sports Bar at Marriott Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi marks Halloween with barbecue, three Halloween-inspired cocktails, live music and a Best Costume competition with prizes. Guests are invited to dress to impress or to terrify, and creativity and scare factor will be rewarded with prizes. It costs AED 149 per adult and AED 75 per child.

• When: Saturday 31 October, 7pm to 11pm
• Where: Appaloosa Sports Bar, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
• Price: AED 149 per adult and AED 75 per child
• Book: +971 2 201 4131 or diningalforsan@marriott.com

See also: Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah guide, Bars and nightlife in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection and Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai.