From festive brunches and MICHELIN-select dinners to dragon dances and cultural performances, here’s how to celebrate Chinese New Year in Abu Dhabi
Chinese New Year lands on 17 February 2026, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse, and Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is ready to celebrate in style.
From festive brunches and pre-Lunar quiz nights to refined MICHELIN-select dinners, the capital offers a range of culinary experiences that blend tradition with modern flair.
Expect themed menus, live entertainment, and special beverages across top restaurants and hotels, perfect for marking the occasion with family, friends, or colleagues.
Where to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Abu Dhabi
Chinese New Year at Brooklyn Chop House
16–26 February, 6pm-11pm
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with bold flavours and vibrant energy at Brooklyn Chop House, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. From 16–26 February, you can enjoy a curated menu starting with pickled young cucumbers and salmon yusheng, followed by dim sum, hot and sour soup, steamed seabass, sweet & sour chicken, chicken fried rice or ginger beef noodles, and traditional glutinous rice balls.
AED380. W – Yas Island Abu Dhabi. For bookings, call 02 656 0000, WhatsApp 050 642 0893 or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com
Chinese New Year Edition of Chef’s Brunch 2.0 at Giornotte
Saturday, 21 February 2026, 1pm–4pm
Giornotte’s high-energy Chef’s Brunch 2.0 goes all out for Lunar New Year with themed décor, live Dragon Dance performances, a DJ and saxophonist, and hosts in Chinese-inspired attire. Expect a vibrant celebration of food, music, and atmosphere, layered over the brunch’s signature fun, social format; a perfect festive weekend outing for friends and family.
AED 410-710 per person, children AED 200. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. For bookings, call 02 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com
You might also like: All the best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
Chinese New Year Set Menu at Li Jiang
Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 6pm–late
Celebrate Lunar New Year with elegance at Li Jiang, where a special set menu combines dim sum, Chinese wonton lobster soup, and mains like steamed Chilean sea bass and wok-fried wagyu beef striploin. Accompanied by a live DJ, this refined evening balances tradition with contemporary vibes, offering a polished, festive dining experience in a sophisticated setting.
AED 300–450 per person. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. For bookings call 02 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com
Lunar Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge
Daily, 2pm-6pm
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a limited-edition Lunar Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. Enjoy sweet and savoury creations, like spiced mandarin fool, midnight sesame macarons, caramel & mango pearls, and classic dim sum, including chicken siu mai and prawn har gow. Served daily, 2-6pm, from AED 190 per person with tea, coffee, and zero-proof mixed drinks.
AED190. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. For bookings, call 02 509 8555
Lunar Feast at Shang Palace
11-18 February
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Shang Palace with a choice of the Chinese New Year Dinner or Festive Brunch. Savour a selection of exquisitely prepared Chinese delicacies while enjoying the artistry of traditional tea ceremonies and cultural performances. This festive offering combines authentic flavours, elegant presentation, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere, making it the perfect way to mark the Year of the Fire Horse in Abu Dhabi.
Chinese New Year Dinner, 6–10.30pm (11–18 February, sharing menu from AED 388), or the festive brunch, 12–3pm on 17–18 February, AED 298. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. For bookings call 02 509 8555
Lunar New Year Buffet Experience at Vendôme
16–21 February, Lunch: 12.30–3pm, Dinner: 6.30–10pm
Vendôme celebrates Lunar New Year with an enhanced international buffet featuring festive décor, cultural performances, and a traditional beverage trolley. Enjoy Chinese-inspired dishes like salt and pepper tofu gua bao, chilled tofu with preserved egg, Cantonese five-spice marinated beef shank, crispy duck salad, Hainanese chicken rice, and more.
AED 318 (water), AED 368 (soft beverages). Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. For bookings, call 02 690 7999
Lunar New Year Celebration at Hakkasan
16 February–3 March, 6pm–10.30pm
Hakkasan marks Lunar New Year with a curated set menu and live dragon dance performances. Dishes include fortune money bag with king crab and scallop, wok-fried lobster with red plum and osmanthus sauce, grilled Australian wagyu tenderloin with red peppercorn and pomegranate, and golden stallion five-spice mousse for dessert.
AED 598 (house drinks). Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. For bookings, call 02 690 7739
Dai Pai Dong
Until 3 March
MICHELIN-recognised Dai Pai Dong invites you to come together over a limited-time festive set menu, thoughtfully designed for sharing and celebrating Lunar New Year in style. Rooted in cherished Chinese New Year traditions symbolising prosperity, abundance and togetherness, the curated experience showcases classic Cantonese dishes through the restaurant’s honest, flavour-led approach, offering an elevated yet welcoming setting for family and friends to gather and indulge.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Available across three options: AED 298, AED 398 and AED 598 per person. For bookings, call 02 813 5588
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
