Emirati Women’s Day 2025: Free dessert, massages, and other things to try

UAE is gearing up to celebrate ladies — their accomplishments across fields as variant as arts and science, and business — this Emirati Women’s Day (held each year on Aug 28). And as we do, brands across the Emirates are coming together to craft experiences that encourage empowerment and spark conversations — and just give everyone a bit of a break.

Making plans for the big day? Here’s a look at some options to consider.

Address Hotels + Resorts

Bond even as you relax your mind and rejuvenate your senses when you go to any of the Address spas in Dubai, which is offering 20 per cent off a menu of treatments. Think massages, facials, hammam and more.

20 per cent discount. Until Sep 30. At select Address Hotels + Resorts locations in Dubai. Call 042758844 (Address Creek Harbour); 044368750 (Address Downtown); or 04 428 7805 (Palace Downtown).

Amelia

Who wouldn’t like a complimentary well-crafted beverage (we certainly do). Check out Amelia Dubai on Emirati Women’s Day for a line-up of well-served sips that blend modern artistry with timeless flavours. Among the mixed drinks you get to try are the bubble gum–infused Lollipop, the zesty and effervescent Marmalade Spritzer, the exotic and fruity Tropical Island, and the aromatic Geisha with honey, mango, ginger, and buckwheat.

Free (signature mocktails for women). Aug 28, 7pm onwards. Amelia Dubai, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai. Book a spot by writing in to reservations.dubai@amelialounge.com, or calling +9714 328 2805.

Alaya

Sweet things are made of trips to Alaya, where on Emirati Women’s Day, ladies get Pistachio Rose Fondant dessert and a voucher for a revitalising facial at Seline Clinic that includes a 15-minute BBL Sciton Phototherapy treatment and 20-minute HydraFacial. Make a meal of it, with a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Free. Aug 28, all day. Dubai International Financial Center. 04 570 6289.

Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital London

Skin giving you trouble this summer? Get yourself a summer detox facial that combines a hydrafacial and Cosmelan or Dermamelan Peel at Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital London. A number of deals are calling your name.

Dh4,500 (summer detox facial with hydrafacial and Cosmelan or Dermamelan Peel). Dubai Marina.

Banyan Tree Dubai

Looking for a wellness exercise that you can share with your friends? Check out the Rainforest Experience at Banyan Tree Spa, which is set within a private suite. The hydrothermal experience features a shower walk, steam room, sauna, vitality pool, jacuzzi, and heated loungers for your comfort. After your session, head over to Tocha for Afternoon Tea, where you can nibble on bites such as roasted soya, red bean jelly, matcha roll cake, hoji tea pudding, manjyu bun, chocolate mochi, and roasted rice tea cheesecake. As an Emirati Women’s day special, you can also sip on sparkling date juice.

Dh450 (per person, can accommodate up to groups of six). Aug 23-31. Bluewaters Island. Call +971 4 556 6401 for bookings.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Keep the conversation going with a staycation with your girl friends that will give you admission to a series of talks on August 25. Inspired by the theme of ‘Umm & Me’,  you’ll hear from digital wellness expert Anisa Ismail and Emirati fitness coach Abeer Alkhaja.

Free. Aug 25m 2pm-5pm. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. 04 522 9999.

Grand Club Lounge

What’s nicer than tea with a view? Enjoy yours at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection’s 25th floor. From warm, freshly baked scones with clotted cream to finger sandwiches and artisanal pastries, there’s something for every taste. And thanks to the grand views of Ain Dubai, you’ll also have plenty of fodder for your ‘gram.

Dh195 (buy one get one free). Aug 28, 2pm-5pm. JBR, Dubai. For reservations, call 0507806342.

Giardino  

For a breakfast of queens, head to Giardino where you’ll be transported to an oasis of green and ivory. This Emirati Women’s Day, you (and your friends) can tuck into a delicious spread of international favourites – at a 50 per cent discount.

50 per cent off on breakfast for women. Aug 28, 6.30am-11am. Palazzo Versace. For reservations, email dining@palazzoversace.ae or call +97145568805.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Pals who chill together stay together — take yours to Talise Ottoman Spa for the Sultan’s Serenity package. Just as the name suggests, the package offers a signature massage followed by an Afternoon Tea. Ideal for a relaxed outing.

Dh1,080 (for two). Until Aug 31. Afternoon tea, 3pm-6pm. Book a spot by writing in to jzstalise@jumeirah.com or call +971 4 453 0455.

Kishmish

Now this one’s charming. Afghan restaurant Kishmish has a workshop planned for women on Aug 28, in collaboration with homegrown jewellery brand Get Charmed. You can design your own little charm-filled keepsake before you savour the rich flavours of Afghan cuisine. The menu includes refreshing summer salads, signature naan bread, masala fries, fried okra, aubergine, chapli kebab, mantu, kabuli (choice of lamb or chicken), Sheer Yakh and a beverage.

Dh170 (per person). Aug 28. Call 04 397 9489 or WhatsApp 050 426 1663 to book your spot. Mirdif Avenue, Dubai.

L’Apéro

If you’ve been missing your chats with your bestie, this idea for a catch up is perfect. For one thing, it’s a women-only event. For another, you’ll be welcomed with a delicious Arabic-inspired Karkade mocktail and can enjoy a selection of savory dishes, including chicken musakhan with saleeg rice bites and poached salmon with cream cheese and sumac. Sweet treats include pistachio madeleines with pink rose chocolate and date and walnut scones with clotted cream and fig jam. The vibe is Pa-risian.

Dh200 (for two). Aug 28, 2pm-6pm. L’apero Sofitel Dubai Downtown. For reservations, call 04503 6666.

Loona

Fusion fare, but make it luxury. Loona’s menu, crafted by chef Artem Losev and chef Vitaly Istomin, re-imagines Italian cuisine using premium Russian ingredients. Think wagyu dumplings, caviar pizza, honey cakes, and pomegranate sorbet. Finish with a delicate beverage as your bestie spills the tea.

A la carte. Daily, 3pm-9pm. Vida Downtown Residences, Dubai. For reservations, call 05 885 02200.

Pincode

Take home a souvenir and delicious memories when you go to chef Kunal Kapur’s Pincode in Abu Dhabi. The Indian restaurant is celebrating Arab women with an interactive Texture Art Workshop. Here, one will experiment with rich textures, metallic shades, and gold under the guidance of an instructor, crafting one-of-a-kind memorabilia. The second part of the afternoon will see guests indulging in a three-course meal with appetisers such as smoky tandoori chicken tikka, crisp Amritsari fried fish, and kothay momos, a main, and dessert. Just remember to register by messaging Pincode on Instagram (@pincode.uae) for one of the limited spots.

Dh149 (per person, for workshop and meal). Aug 25, 1pm-3pm.Pincode by Kunal Kapur at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

You staycation just got cooler. Stay with your buddy at this JBR property before Aug 31 and you can avail a limited-time half-board stay offer. The beach is only minutes away.

D499 (two adults. Includes breakfast and dinner). Aug 31. Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Dubai. marriott.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Visiting RAK and looking for ways to unwind? The Ritz-Carlton Spa is offering 30 per cent off on signature Emirati massages for two along with a complimentary 30-minute Rainforest experience.

30 per cent discount on massages. Aug 28. Al Wadi Desert. Call 072067777 to slot it in.