Halloween is almost upon us, and there are plenty of horrifying events taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month. From creepy cookies in Dubai to frightening fiestas in Abu Dhabi, there is something for everyone in the UAE this Halloween.
Here are all the best events happening this October:
Dine in the Dark’s Haunted Hospital, Dubai
Noire at Fairmont Dubai is paying homage to Halloween by running a "bone-chilling" dine-in-the-dark experience. Running until Thursday, October 31, diners will be able to enjoy the “creepiest dinner of their lives” as they tuck into three courses in the pitch-black darkness. Of course, they won’t be alone. They will be joined by the residents of a haunted hospital for the visually impaired, who will not be letting them dine in peace.
Mondays to Saturdays, 7.30pm-9pm; from Dh360; until Thursday, October 31; Noire, Fairmont Dubai; 04 332 5555, www.fairmont.com/dubai
Scream at The Smash Room Dubai
Scream with released rage rather than fear this October with The Smash Room Dubai’s Halloween Special. Taking place between Sunday, October 20 and Saturday, November 2, guests donning their best Halloween fancy dress will be able to smash TVs, DVD players and plenty more for the special price of Dh197. The session includes glasses, protective shoes and suit, and a video at the end of the experience.
Sundays to Thursdays, 11am-10pm; Fridays to Saturdays, 9am-11pm; Dh197; until Saturday, November 2; The Smash Room, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz; 058 198 2323, www.thesmashroom.ae
Halloween Circus at Easy Tiger Abu Dhabi
Easy Tiger is a new venue opening in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Palace Hotel on the Corniche, and to celebrate, it is hosting a haunted Halloween Circus. Taking place on Halloween itself, the party will start at 8pm, with tunes from DJ Dan. There will be a prize for the best costume, alongside deals on drinks and food throughout the night. There will also be a performance from a surprise guest.
Thursday, October 31, 8pm; free entry; Easy Tiger, Al Ain Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi; 050 615 1064, www.alainpalacehotel.com
Have a Scary Stay aboard the QE2 in Dubai
If you are looking for an overnight fright this Halloween, the QE2 in Dubai is offering a Scary Stay Experience for families and couples. The all-inclusive stay includes breakfast, a haunted-tour of the historic ship and a Halloween-themed brunch. The haunted tour comes in three different scare levels to cater for both children and those looking for a real fright. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, while the crew and band will be getting into the full Halloween spirit.
Thursday, October 31 to Friday, November 1; from Dh699 for couples, Dh999 for families; QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai; www.qe2.com/offers
Saffron's Halloween Brunch, Dubai
Head to a Halloween-themed brunch at Saffron that is strictly for those aged 21 and over. With a zombie-themed bar and decor set to scare, Saffron invites guests to dress up in their most terrifying attire and be prepared to feast on more than 220 dishes. The resident DJ will be spinning spooky tunes and the best male, female and group costumes will win free brunches.
Friday, November 1, 12.30pm-4pm; Dh535, 21 years or older; 04 426 1166, www.atlantisthepalm.com
Tackle creepy challenges at TepFactor, Dubai
On Halloween, don a costume and enjoy a 50 per cent discount on TepFactor activities. The 21-room venue will be decked out in its creepiest Halloween finery. Attempt all 21 challenges and unlock the final chest, all while competing for the mysterious prize up for grabs. And the competition isn't just about your scores in the game, as there will be prizes for the best costumes on the night.
Thursday, October 31, 6pm-11pm; TepFactor Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence; www.tepfactor.ae, 04 398 8438
Carve free pumpkins with NRTC fresh
Place an order of more than Dh120 at NRTC Fresh and get a free pumpkin. The online fresh fruits and vegetable delivery platform will be offering free pumpkins throughout the week leading up to Halloween, so those interesting in getting into the holiday spirit can enjoy pumpkin-carving at home.
Friday, October 25 to Thursday, October 31; from Dh120; NRTC Fresh, www.nrtcfresh.com
Zombieland at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is throwing a mega Halloween party on Thursday, October 31. The Zombieland apocalypse will take place on a custom-built deck over the water, with internationally renowned DJ Chuckie headlining the celebration. David de Luca and other local DJs will also be on the decks. There will be awards for the best zombie look. Ladies receive complimentary access before 9pm, with early-bird tickets starting from Dh100.
Thursday, October 31, 7pm-3am; Dh100 (early-bird), Dh150 (on the door), group packages from Dh2,000 for four guests; Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai; 04 426 1166, restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com, atlantisthepalm.com
Horror quizzes at Publique, Dubai
Alpine-themed eatery Publique Dubai is hosting a month of spooky quizzes. If you know all things It, The Shining and The Exorcist, the first Supernatural night is for you, on Wednesday, October 16.
Or head down on Wednesday, October 23 for the Conjuring, Insidious and a The Ring themed evening. True horror fans should visit on Wednesday, October 30, for the Slasher Hallow's Eve evening; it promises to be a horrifying night, with questions about some of the scariest movies of all time, including Halloween, Saw and Friday the 13th. Quizzes have a minimum spend of Dh100 on food and drinks.
Wednesdays, 8pm-10pm; Dh100 minimum spend; until October 30; Publique Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah; www.publique.ae
Spirited Halloween parties at Coya, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Peruvian restaurants Coya Dubai and Abu Dhabi are throwing theatrical celebrations with inspiration drawn from all things "spirited", shamanic and voodoo, drawing from the eatery’s Latin American heritage. Expect no effort to be spared as they transform with totems, shrines, potions and melted candles. Guests are encouraged to show up in their best mystically inspired costumes in keeping with the supernatural theme, and should expect to be up dancing all night long. Coya’s dinner menu will be served separately at both venues.
Wednesday, October 23, 9pm-1am; Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi; Wednesday, October 30, 9pm-2am; Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai; reservations@coyarestaurant.ae, www.coyarestaurant.com/dubai
Hospital of Hell at Hideout, Dubai
Dubai Marina nightspot Hideout is being transformed into a Hospital of Hell on Thursday, October 31. With the team all channeling spooky characters for the night, a "Demented Doctor" will be bringing his patients’ worst nightmares to life. They promise "torture and torment, grotesque medical experiments, delirious visions and unimaginable horror". There will be prizes for the best-dressed guests and music from Wide Boys and Dennis G. On the night, a three-hour brunch will be served from 8pm until 11pm.
Thursday, October 31, 7pm-4am; Dh300; Hideout Dubai, Marina Byblos, Dubai Marina; 058 534 6000; www.thehideoutdubai.com
Miss Tess’s 'Kill Bill' Halloween Parties, Dubai
Asian fusion restaurant and nightspot Miss Tess is throwing two Kill Bill-themed Halloween parties on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1. Expect thrills, spills and Kung-Fu skills at the action-packed Halloween-style soiree. There will be a five-course set menu and drinks package available for Dh198 (including three drinks and two short drinks). Expect some Tarantino-style Kill Bill routines while enjoying the Asian dishes.
Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, 6pm-2am; Dh198; Miss Tess, Taj Dubai, Business Bay; 050 498 8505, www.misstessdubai.com
Double Haunted Garden Brunch at Garden on 8, Dubai
Media One Hotel’s Garden on 8 is getting a spooky makeover for Halloween and is throwing two special brunches, one during the day and one when night falls. The restaurant is warning guests there will scares on every corner. Dressing up is encouraged as guests help themselves to scary treats and themed drinks.
Friday, November 1, 12.30pm-4pm, 7.30pm-11pm; Dh225 (before Tuesday, October 15), Dh295 (before Tuesday, October 22), Dh345 (regular tickets); Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City; 04 427 1000, www.mediaonehotel.com
Haunted Doll House evening brunch at Atelier M, Dubai
Head to the top floor of Pier 7 this Halloween for the Haunted Doll House evening brunch. The lounge at Atelier M promises to be transformed into a true nightmare, with spooky dolls, special themed food and surprises around every corner. Music will come from DJ Skinny Loop , who will keep the party going until the early hours. Brunch is from 8pm until 11pm, with unlimited selected food and drinks.
Thursday, October 31, 8pm-2am; Dh249; Atelier M, Pier 7, Dubai Marina; 04 450 7766, www.atelierm.ae
Sweet treats at Tania’s Teahouse, Dubai
Tania’s Teahouse is celebrating Halloween month with a range of specials, including the ever-popular pumpkin spiced chai latte (Dh25), plus Halloween sugar cookies (Dh15) and cupcakes (Dh25).
Sundays to Thursdays, 8am-10pm, Fridays to Saturdays, 9am-10pm; prices a la carte; until Thursday, October 31; Tania’s Teahouse, Villa 779A, Jumeriah Beach Road, Dubai; 04 324 0021, www.taniasteahouse.com
Halloween treats at Ruya, Dubai
Turkish restaurant Ruya Dubai is inviting guests for an evening of chilling live entertainment, ghoulish drinks and terrifyingly delicious dishes on Thursday, October 31. There will be two festive treats on the night, a signature cocktail costing Dh35 and tatlisi (a Turkish pumpkin dessert) with salted sesame praline and creamy tahini ice cream for Dh45. The best-dressed guest will win dinner for two.
Thursday, October 31, 6pm-2am; prices a la carte; Ruya Dubai, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina; 04 399 9123, www.ruyadubai.com
Spooktoberfest at The Westin Abu Dhabi
Guests aged 21 and over can enjoy an epic Halloween party on the outdoor lawn of The Westin Abu Dhabi. The area will be transformed into a huge Bavarian Garden on Halloween and there will be special prizes for the spookiest costume. The event also includes a live band and plenty of food and drinks.
Thursday, October 31, 5pm-1.30am; free entry; Westin Events Lawn, The Westin Abu Dhabi; 02 616 9999, www.oktoberfest.ae
Halloween mega-brunch at Hi Five Dubai
Hi Five at The Holiday Inn Express in Dubai Internet City is hosting a special Halloween version of its Thursday evening mega-brunch. There will be frightening decor, themed food and drinks and a fancy dress competition, as well as a mix of haunting tunes from in-house DJ Adriana.
Thursday, October 31, 6.30pm-9.30pm; Dh169; Hi Five Restaurant & Lounge, Holiday Inn Express, Dubai Internet City; 055 537 7714, www.hifivedxb.com
Take to the seas with a Halloween Mega Yacht party
Escape dry land aboard a spooky ship with the Candypants Halloween Mega Yacht party. The four-hour sail will offer guests a spread of themed food and drinks, while DJs spin a mix of house music with some Halloween anthems thrown in. The yacht will set sail from Dubai’s Pier 7.
Thursday, October 31, 10pm-2am; from Dh349; Candypants Yacht, Pier 7, Dubai Marina; www.candypants.events
Trick or treat at Black Tap, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Drop the trick and indulge in a treat with Black Tap’s Halloween-themed Crazy Shake. The special drink is a chocolate-based creation with a vanilla-frosted rim studded with traditional candy corn, topped with a chocolate spiderweb cupcake, orange rock candy, an orange and white twisted lollipop, whipped cream, orange sprinkles and chocolate drizzle. The drink will be available in Black Tap restaurants from Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3.
Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3; from Dh62 in Abu Dhabi; from Dh69 in Dubai; Cascade Dining, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi; Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai; Rixos Premium Dubai JBR; InterContinental Dubai Festival City; www.blacktapme.com
Halloween Festival at Al Maryah Island
Visit the Al Maryah Island promenade for a family-friendly Halloween festival. The two-day event will include spooky mask-making, slime-making, face-painting and, of course, trick-or-treating. There will be a programme of live shows that includes a flash mob and story time with a witch. Visitors can also enjoy fun-fair games such as spin the wheel and ghost ship racing, in addition to meet-and-greets with popular characters such as Maleficent, Dracula and members of The Addams Family.
Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25, from 4pm-10pm, Promenade, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.almaryahisland.ae
