We reveal the top spots to say ‘Prost!’ to Bavarian food and drinks in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It’s that time of year again when partygoers worldwide gather to mark Crown Prince Ludwig’s union with Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen — well, sort of. Oktoberfest is back, bringing with it German hops, Bavarian folk music, curated menus packed with salty pretzels and bratwurst sausages, crowds dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, and merriment that runs well into the night. And contrary to its moniker, the 200-year-old beer festival from Munich has already kicked off in some venues across town, so if you’re craving an unpretentious night out, here’s your chance to grab a stein and get started as we reveal the best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Barasti Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
No stranger to hosting epic parties of the Bavarian kind, Barasti Beach is once again welcoming revellers for Oktoberfest, so you can expect a festive affair that spans German beers, nightly live performances by Austrian band Trio Megamix, and a sausage fest in the truest sense of the word — there’s a whopping nine varieties of wursts to choose from. Incidentally, Barasti has transformed its indoor tent into a mini Munich for the event, Bavarian attire included, and celebrations will stay in place until 6 October. Bonus: entry is free.
Ernst Biergarten 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
Arguably the most authentic venue for Oktoberfest, Ernst Biergarten is hosting related festivities for six weeks — until October 27, to be exact. Here, you can enjoy live performances by German bands flown in for special weekly performances, traditional bites à la Bavaria, a raffle, and a full range of beers in an atmosphere reminiscent of a German beer garden. Saturdays are extra special, with the Oktoberfest Brunch featuring a buffet of cold delicacies, hearty dishes ranging from Hendl to roasted pork and pork knuckles, live cooking stations, and a dessert selection with a fiery Kaiserschmarrn show with rum. Brunch packages start from AED 250.
Grand Oktoberfest Tent at Grand Hyatt Dubai
A firm favourite among the city’s long-term residents, the Grand Oktoberfest Tent at Grand Hyatt Dubai will mark its 16th edition this year, returning on 10 October. And with the Bavarian-style festivities carrying on until 27 October, there’s plenty of time to raise a stein in celebration. Transporting you to the boisterous streets of Munich, the venue will set the mood with the tunes of the original Die Kirchdorfer Oktoberfest band, brought to Dubai all the way from Bavarian capital. Entry to the event and an all-you-can-eat Bavarian buffet stacked with authentic German eats such as pretzels, bratwursts and schnitzels is priced AED 199 per person. Beverages, charged upon consumption, will span the likes of one-litre German steins, grapes and house beverages, fuelling partygoers well into the night. The Grand Oktoberfest Tent will also host Bavarian Family Brunch every Sunday that, as its name suggests, will accent a feast of Bavarian classics with live entertainment and fun for all ages — young ones included.
Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills
The region’s first Radisson Hotel has jumped on the Oktoberfest bandwagon, launching its inaugural celebration on Friday, 27 September. As for what’s in the works? Bavarian vibes aplenty, we’re told. Taking place until 5 October, the occasion will combine live music with authentic fare and steins of beer. Tickets are AED 150, of which AED 125 is redeemable in food and drinks.
The Copperhead at Marriott Marquis Dubai
Accenting its classic pub fare with craft brews, The Copperhead may be famed for its quintessentially British DNA, but when it comes to Oktoberfest, it’s not to be overlooked. Keeping it simple, this upscale gastropub at Marriott Marquis Dubai will run a special offer from 26 September to 6 October. For only AED 79, you can celebrate Germany’s ultimate export with a pint of Erdinger and a hot, salty pretzel.
The Eloquent Elephant Taj Dubai
Another British gastropub with a loyal following, The Eloquent Elephant is hosting Oktoberfest as we speak — because why wait until next month? The celebration is a nod to how it’s done in Germany, so you can expect authentic brews, delicious bites, and festive vibes from now until 6 October. The merriment runs 12pm to 11:30pm, but because of the popularity of this award-winning venue, reservations are encouraged.
Bridges Bar at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Further south, Oktoberfest has also arrived in the capital, starting at Bridges Bar. Located at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, this beloved sports bar is marking the beer festival with an exceptional offer that will run daily from 4pm to 2am until 6 October: a pint of a German hops and a delicious Bavarian platter for only AED 149 per person. The latter includes all the essentials, so expect to dine on Wiener Schnitzel, Bratwurst Sausages, Veal Ham with Cheese Spaetzle with homemade pickles, and Pretzels Bread. Alternatively, you can enjoy three litres of German hops tower for AED 190 or three pints of German hops for just AED 99. And with Bridges Bar now drenched in the festive spirit of Bavaria, this one’s a no-brainer.
The Range at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
For Oktoberfest with a novelty factor, The Range at Abu Dhabi Golf Club is where it’s at. Adding to its interactive golfing experience and family-friendly setting is a laidback combination of music, frosty beers imported from Germany, and plenty of fun. We suggest you arrive hungry and sample from the Oktoberfest menu. In place throughout the month of October, it features all the usual suspects and then some — think: pretzels, grilled bratwurst sausages, pork ribs, and roasted chicken served with sauerkraut rounded off with desserts like apple strudel. Starting from AED 79 for the Weekday Special, there’s a handful of deals to choose from, too.
