November brings the Formula One Grand Prix, music, fitness and foodie festivals, plus plenty of new launches. What more reason do you need to venture all over the country?
1. Celebrate Hump Day with friends
A Michelin star concept, born in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, Junoon is home to a collection of 240 different wines with an in-house Wine Director on hand to ensure that your meal has the perfect accompaniment. The restaurant also has a new bar and smoking room that has launched a snack menu with artisan cocktails made by a talented mixologist.
November 1, Junoon, Shangri-La Hotel
2. Sample Doha's finest in Dubai
This restaurant has launched a new menu with new Chef Xiameng Liuwho, who has come from the W in Doha. Enjoy a selection of cold and hot starters - including sushi and beef short rib - grilled fish and meats or curries for mains and you won't want to miss the dry ice presentation of the Pralus Bio Equateur dark chocolate pudding, accompanied by honeycomb cake, peanut plantain and honey ice cream.
November 2, Zengo at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
3. Get your hands on a new designer range first
The likes of Joe Jonas and Jessica Alba have already been spotted in the gear and today KenzoxH&M is finally available in the Middle East. Full of vivid prints, details and playfulness, Creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have filtered the archives of founder Kenzo Takada to produce this unique collaboration.
November 3, H&M
4. Meet an influencer
City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira are presenting AW'16 collections and giving shoppers the chance to win a 5-star trip worth AED75,000 to either London, Paris or New York. Style influencer The Real Fouz will open the runway show at 4.30pm.
November 3, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira
5. Dream about setting sail on a yacht
Following on from six successful years, the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show returns to Dubai Creek Marina, and sees the selling of some incredible water vehicles. It's open 4-9pm on Day 1 and 11am-9pm on the next two days. Activities take place on Friday and Saturday between 11am and 7pm and while entry is free, some activities may require a fee.
November 3-5, Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show
6. Get your fit on
The Sun & Sand Sports Fitness Fest, headlined by health and fitness sensation Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach, takes place over two days. Don't miss the UAE's largest inflatable obstacle, and challenges suitable for all fitness levels. Plus get tips from a range of international expert nutritionists and chefs in the cooking theater. Other highlights include the finalists of the Strongman Champions League; and the annual Dubai Women's Run.
November 4-5, The Palm, Skydive Dubai
7. Take in a fashion show over brunch
Bring your partner or bring your friends, just be there because this Balearics beach club will be hosting a men's fashion show featuring designs from Boho House, Resort Runway, G Star, O Concept, Havlock Bay and People Like Us. Enjoy the runway around you as you brunch from 1pm or 3.30pm.
November 5, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
8. Get a real taste of the capital
Mohammad Orfali, Deema Hajhawi and Tarek Ibrahim will be cooking up a storm on the Chefs Theatre and Cooking Challenge, alongside one of India's most famous chefs Sanjeev Kapoor, top British Chef, restauranteur Ed Baines and Taste of Abu Dhabi's firm favorites Jenny Morris and Josh Stanzl. Restaurants at the event include Teatro, Sho Cho, Flooka, Bu Trinity!, Tamba, Punjab Grill, Catch, Original Fusion, Loca, Velocity, Melius, JW Steakhouse, Al Fanar, Bakers Kitchen and The Sportsman's Arms.
November 10-12, Taste of Abu Dhabi, Zayed Sports City
9. Take your taste buds on a trip
Let this brunch take you on a tour around the world, with offerings from South America, Asia and beyond. There are 10 live stations - one even includes a walk through the kitchen area - and approximately 360 dishes to try. AED395 per person, 1-4pm.
November 11 (and every Friday), Wanderlust Brunch, JW Marriott Marquis
10. Be all white on the night
The world's leading dance event, Kristina Fidelskaya Presents Sensation, comes to town. With six DJs (Mr. White, DJ YAX.X & Sem Thomasson, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Ummet Ozcan, Afrojack and Aly & Fila) taking to the decks, ravers will be going from 6pm-3am during the annual extravaganza inside The Desert Dome.
November 11, Bab Al Shams Event Arena
11. Find bridal gown inspiration
Get luxurious ideas and inspiration for what your perfect dress will look like at the Quintessentially Weddings Atelier. Guests can get exclusive access to a mix of leading global brands, combined with local talent.
November 17-19, Quintessentially Weddings Atelier, St Regis Hotel, Dubai
12. Party on the lawn
Red Bull Music Academy Presents Groove on the Grass is back a 5pm-3am. Guests can enjoy Mano Le Tough, Magda, Agoria, Matias Aguayo, Nastia, DJ Hell and local support for AED180.
November 18, Emirates Golf Club
13. Go to sneaker heaven
Sole DXB isn't just about footwear fashion, the festival has become just as much about music. The lineup includes Skepta, Little Simz, BJ The Chicago Kid (at the PUMA Select Space), Dâm-Funk, Large Professor & Diamond D, DJ Clark Kent, Stretch Armstrong – plus a special guest provided by adidas Originals.
November 18-19, Dubai Design District
14. Show your strength in Sharjah
Having existed since the Palaeolithic Period, Mleiha is a symbol of unwavering strength and resilience, making it an ideal venue for the Spartan Race. As thousands of participants run, climb, push, pull, throw and crawl through unknown terrain, they will simultaneously embark on a fascinating journey through 130 years of unspoiled Bedouin culture preserved in natural landscapes.
November 18, Spartan Race, Sharjah
15. Visit a French market
Foodies with a fancy for French delicacies are in for a treat when Apéritif à la Française returns to Dubai. The family-friendly French market will be offering food and grape tastings, mixology lessons, a blind taste test and live entertainment.
November 19, Westin Mina Seyahi
16. Listen to beats on the beach
Music acts including Sean Paul, The 5 and Nancy Arjam perform over the three day festival, Beats on the Beach, which takes place over Formula One Grand Prix weekend.
November 24-26, Beats on the Beach
17. See out F1 with a sing-a-long
The Chemical Brothers, Lionel Richie and Rihanna perform at the Yasalam After Race Concerts each night following the Formula One Grand Prix races. It's worth practicing in front of the mirror to the Rihanna and Lionel classics!
November 25-27, du arena, Abu Dhabi
18. Hang with stars at the hottest club
Each year you can count on this venue to be packed with celebrities over F1 weekend. Lebanon's most prolific international DJ; maDJam plays on the Friday, Miles Slater brings the party Saturday and Red Bull Racing's Official DJ: EROK on race night. Ladies enter free (subject to doorman's discretion).
November 25-27, Podium Lounge, Yas Island Abu Dhabi
19. Be wowed watching watersports
Al Forsan International Sports Resort in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, hosts this year's Nationals Championship for Wakeboarding. This event is held annually in Al Forsan and provides athletes with the opportunity to enhance skills and compete with other wakeboarders in their respective divisions. The venue has been dubbed by the WWA (World Wakeboarding Association) as being "one of the most amazing cable facilities in the world." Wakeboarders with any level of experience can register now for AED250 which will include entry and competition shirts in all sizes.
November 25, Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi