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It’s commonly understood among UAE expats that you are not an ‘official’ resident until you have partaken in your first brunch, a rite of passage if you will. Now, it can be an almighty daunting prospect to go into the unknown without some guidance, so What’s On has been delivering news of the latest and greatest brunches since the concept first began. We take our responsibility very seriously and therefore produce bi-annual guides for your reading pleasure, informing you of the most brilliant brunches across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, without further ado, here are all the incredible brunches worth checking out this season...

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Alba Terrace

Saturday Spritz anyone? Take a trip to the Med and, as you soak up the smooth sounds from live entertainer Marven, enjoy a signature charcuterie board and a roving burrata cheese trolley before savouring a herb-crusted veal Milanese or Alba’s famous pizza.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen Marina, Sat 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs245 soft drinks, Dhs365 house drinks, Dhs465 bubbly. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. @abudhabiedition

Amerigos

A culinary fiesta, Acapulco Saturday Brunch at Amerigos means enjoying delicious traditional Mexican delicacies made with fresh ingredients, bursting with flavour and transporting you straight to the streets of Acapulco.

Yas Plaza Hotels, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Sat 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs199 soft drinks, Dhs299 house drinks, Dhs69 for children. Tel: (0)2 656 2000. @amerigosyasisland

Annex

Annex’s three-storey social space’s alluring lounge transforms into an animal kingdom, where tasty bites are complemented by exclusive mixed drinks inspired by the jungle, and deep, commercial house beats provide the perfect soundtrack to help begin Saturday celebrations.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen Marina, Sat 3pm to 6pm, Dhs225 soft drinks, Dhs295 house drinks, Dhs395 bubbly. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. @abudhabiedition

At25

You and your friends can make a splash in the pool, hit the dance floor, nibble on delicious bites and enjoy house drinks for only Dhs199 every Saturday at AT25’s brand new ‘Brunch & The Beats’. Keen to party on post-brunch? Let the good times roll with 10 drinks for a mere Dhs50.

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs199 house drinks. Tel: (0)2 304 7777. @marriottdowntownad

Bubbalicious

A hall of famer on the UAE’s brunch scene, Bubbalicious at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa features a massive selection from an array of international live cooking stations. Expect roasts, grills, sushi, seafood and much more. If dessert is more your thing, dig into the homemade chocolates, sweets, cakes, madeto-order crepes, ice cream and sorbets. Plus, drinks stations galore and live music courtesy of Marvin Lee.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sat 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs229 soft drinks, Dhs339 house drinks, Dhs559 bubbly. Tel: (0)2 616 9999. @westinabudhabi

Café del Mar

The UAE outpost of rave enclave, Café del Mar, already seems to have built up quite the following. The lagoon pool, boutique beach, and big Ibizan beats are a rare but very welcome combination for the scores of Abu Dhabi vibe-chasers and one of the most popular weekly appointments is the Saturday Barbecue Pool Party. This aquatic-fiesta takes place between 1pm and 5pm every Saturday and includes free-flow select beverages, unlimited plates from the barbecue, pool access, towels and a lounger.

Yas Bay Waterfront, Sat 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs499. Tel: (0)50 402 2283. @cafedelmarabudhabi

Central

Welcome to the biggest family brunch on Yas Bay. At Central, expect an afternoon of live kids entertainment, face painting, activities for all ages, alongside a tasty menu, unlimited drinks and Dhs100 in arcade credits.

Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs250 soft drinks, Dhs350 house drinks, Dhs250 for teens aged 12 to 21 years, Dhs150 for children aged six to 11 years. Tel: (0)4 423 8311.

@central_uae

Cooper’s

The Backyard at Cooper’s returns to Park Rotana featuring unlimited roasted ribs, braised brisket, fish ‘n’ chips, shepherd’s pie and more, complemented by bottomless drinks. Now with live entertainment with a resident DJ on the decks and live band. Park Rotana – Abu Dhabi, Dhs199 soft drinks, Dhs279 house drinks, Dhs329 premium drinks. Tel: (0)2 657 3325. rotanatimes.com

Coya Abu Dhabi

This three-hour beverage package provides the perfect accompaniment to Coya’s expertly crafted à la carte menu, and its elegant Saturday Fin De Semana set menu. Coya’s resident DJs set the weekend mood with an unbeatable vibe, while guests enjoy an array of Coya’s authentic Peruvian delicacies. The packages are available every Saturday, priced at Dhs225 for house beverages and Dhs350 for premium beverages. The Fin de Semana set menu is still also available Fridays, 2.30pm to 4.00pm and Sundays, 12.30pm to 4pm with selected beverages.

Coya Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Saturdays. Tel: (0)2 306 7000. @coyaabudhabi

Dai Pai Dong

Dai Pai Dong has some of the best dim sum in town. Here, you’ll find elite-tier prawn with truffle dumplings, beef short ribs, barbecue chicken puffs and killer crispy shrimp wontons, and a barbecue live station.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sun noon to 6pm (threehour slots), Dhs298 soft drinks, Dhs428 house drinks. Tel: (0)2 813 5588. @daipaidongad

Dino’s Bistro Italiano

A bubbly Italian weekend brunch for Dhs240 per person. That’s the signature deal at Dino’s where guests enjoy Italian delights and assorted desserts alongside free-flowing cocktails, grape and bubbly.

Pearl Rotana, Sat and Sun noon to 4pm, Dhs180 soft drinks, Dhs240 house drinks, half price for children. Under-fives free. Tel: (0)2 307 5555. rotanatimes.com

Filini Garden

Step into a dreamy afternoon of food, drinks, and live music at The Garden Brunch at Filini Garden. Brunch favourites from classic eggs Benedict to seafood and charcuterie platters and served alongside a wide selection of cocktails, grape, and ale. Yas Plaza Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199 soft drinks, Dhs299 house drinks, Dhs299 sparkling. Tel: (0)2 656 2000. @filinigarden

Giornotte

While Giornotte has all the marking of a great hotel brunch, we particularly like how the chefs deliver their own culinary creations. Expect a huge buffet with live stations, with trolleys offering gourmet food and drinks.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs450 house drinks, Dhs650 bubbly, Dhs175 for children six to 11 years. Tel: (0)2 818 8203. @ritzcarltonabudhabi

Hakkasan

Hakkasan’s Friday Hakka night brunch is regarded as one of the best in town. Expect a curated menu of the brand’s signature bites, starting with the supreme Peking duck with caviar as well as a selection of Hakkasan’s most popular dim sum, salt and pepper squid and Jasmine tea-smoked wagyu beef ribs.

Emirates Palace, Fri 8pm to 11pm, Dhs438 house drinks. Tel: (0)2 690 7739.

@hakkasanabudhabi

Get your weekend vibes grooving and indulge into a lavish international buffet with a live BBQ station at the rooftop restaurant and enjoy the magnificent Corniche view.

For bookings, please call +971 2 813 7777