Celebrate Oktoberfest in the UAE
Get ready to enjoy the cooler weather the German way with events being held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A s the winter season returns, the UAE welcomes a month-long celebration of all things German with Oktoberfest. Here are eight places to celebrate this traditional German holiday.
ABU DHABI Beach Garden at Hilton Abu Dhabi
Das Element, a five-piece German band, will be performing while guests enjoy a buffet of salads, cold cuts, roast chicken, steamed fish, sausage counters, and live carving stations.
Freshly baked pretzels will be served on every table as well.
Location: Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road.
Cost: Dh160 (food and entry).
Details: October 5 and 6, from 7pm until late.
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
This will be Le Meridien Abu Dhabi’s 14th year celebrating the Bavarian tradition. Listen to music and feast on German cuisine in their transformed pool and garden. Location: Pool and Garden at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Cost: Dh120 for unlimited German buffet. Details: October 26 and 27, from 7pm on Thursday and from 12.30pm on Friday
The Beachcomber at Sheraton
The Beachcomber will have a band and music that you can dance to. There is also free entrance to the beach for everyone.
Location: The Beachcomber, Sheraton Abu Dhabi.
Cost: Dh120 for unlimited German buffet.
Details: October 19 and 20, from 7pm on Thursday and 12.30pm on Friday
DUBAI QD’s 2.0 Party Tent
QD’s 2.0 will be decked out in the classic blue and white colours, with guests getting a special deal for dressing in Oktoberfest outfits. The festival is complete with an Oompah Band, traditional Bavarian brews and games, plus a variety of classic Oktoberfest foods.
Location: QD’s 2.0 party tent at Emirates Golf Club.
Cost: Dh50 including one free beverage. Free entry if dressed in a Bavarian outfit.
Details: October 4 to 14, from 5pm to 2am.
Girders Garden
If you’re looking for a touch of Munich, head over to the Girders Garden Fest. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian-themed festival, which will include German dishes including Munchener Weisswurst, glazed bratwurst and Kasekrainer just to name a few. There will also be an Octoberfest-themed brunch on October 6, 13 and 20.
Location: JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR. Cost: A la carte. Details: Until October 31, from 4pm to 1am, Friday brunch from noon to 4pm
Hofbrauhaus at the JW Marriott Hotel
Sample hearty German dishes, signature brews and Bavarian songs from a band arriving straight
from the Wiesn. They will offer an a la carte menu from Saturday to Wednesday and the Oktoberfest buffet every Thursday and Friday.
Location: JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, Deira.
Cost: Starts at Dh120 for the Bavarian buffet (food only); Dh60 for children aged 6-12 years (free for children under six). Details: Until October 28.
Grand Hyatt Dubai
The band Die Kirchdorfer
will be flown in from Munich for an authentic traditional German celebration in their air-conditioned Oktoberfest tent. They’ll have German favourites such as Kalbsbratwurst, Spargel, Erdbeerschnitte and Veal Schnitzel. Dress code for the Oktoberfest is smart casual or the traditional German/Austrian Dirndl and Lederhosen. Location: Grand Hyatt Dubai, Shaikh Rashid Road, Dubai Healthcare City. Cost: Dh195 per person for a buffet including barbecue with soft beverages and Dh249 per person for brunch including house beverages. Details: October 11 to 28. A la carte and buffet from 7pm to 1am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and until 2am on Thursday and Friday; Brunch from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Brothaus, Steigenberger’s Brotfest
The terrace in Brothaus will transform with garden bench seating, Bavarian tablecloths, pennants and table decoration. There will also be authentic German bites and beverages.
Location: Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay. Cost: Dh195 per person. Details: Until October 31, from noon onwards.