Thanksgiving, traditionally an American holiday, is celebrated to express gratitude for the year's blessings. It dates back to the 17th century when pilgrims in the United States marked their first successful harvest with a feast shared with Native Americans. Over time, it has evolved into a day of giving thanks, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying a traditional meal.
In Dubai, this celebration has become popular among the diverse expatriate community, particularly Americans and Canadians, who bring their traditions to the city. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November and is a time for reflection, appreciation, and togetherness. One of the key highlights of this day is the Thanksgiving dinner, centered around roasted turkey. Turkey symbolizes abundance and has been part of Thanksgiving feasts since its early history. It's often served with dishes like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, making the meal a cherished tradition.
Dubai's vibrant dining scene has embraced this holiday, with many restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus. These venues provide a chance for expats to celebrate away from home while introducing locals to the festive spirit of Thanksgiving.
Let's explore some of the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving in Dubai:
Claw BBQ
Claw BBQ, a lively all-American dining spot, is celebrating Thanksgiving with a festive 3-course menu. Guests can enjoy a hearty turkey dinner complete with traditional trimmings and a themed dessert. The restaurant’s open-air terrace offers scenic views, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.
Add in some fun with a ride on the mechanical bull and snap a selfie with the American flags for a truly memorable day. With its addictive grills, fresh seafood, and great cocktails, Claw BBQ guarantees a Thanksgiving feast to remember.
- Location: CLAW BBQ The Palm, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, West Beach, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 12:00pm onwards
- Price: AED 139 per person
- Contact: (04) 230 0054
Brasserie Boulud
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a touch of French sophistication at Brasserie Boulud. Renowned Chef Daniel Boulud has crafted a three-course menu blending traditional Thanksgiving flavors with French elegance. Begin with a velvety butternut squash soup, followed by succulent roasted turkey breast served with classic trimmings.
End the evening with indulgent desserts like pecan pie and blueberry tart. The warm and inviting ambiance of Brasserie Boulud makes it the perfect setting to gather with loved ones and embrace the spirit of gratitude this holiday season.
- Location: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Wafi, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 7:00pm onwards
- Price: AED 295 per person
- Contact: (04) 281 4111
Bull & Bear
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Bull & Bear, where the elegance of a harvest celebration meets breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s skyline. Renowned for its inventive menu by Marc Hardiman, Bull & Bear offers a three-course Thanksgiving feast featuring a roast bronze turkey carved tableside, complemented by classic sides like spiced sweet potatoes, maple-roasted roots, and Brussels sprouts with chestnuts.
Guests can also savor unique dishes like ‘duck goose’ with quince and brioche or smoked eel with potato and horseradish. The evening is elevated with live music from a singer and DJ, creating a festive atmosphere that perfectly captures the warmth and togetherness of Thanksgiving.
- Location: 18th Floor, Waldorf Astoria, Burj Daman, Za'abeel, DIFC, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 7:00pm to 11:30pm
- Price: AED 395 per person
- Contact: (04) 515 9888
Carna
This Thanksgiving, elevate your celebrations at Carna, perched on the 74th floor of SLS Dubai. Known for its contemporary elegance and intimate atmosphere, Carna offers a sharing-style menu that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday. Guests can enjoy a feast of traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings, paired with gourmet sides and a variety of flavorful sauces. The stunning views and carefully curated dishes ensure a unique and memorable dining experience, ideal for gathering with loved ones.
- Location: 74th Floor, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 6:30pm onwards
- Price: AED 375 per person
- Contact: (04) 607 0737
Couqley French Bistro
Couqley French Bistro invites you to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with a touch of French refinement. Known for its gourmet flavors and elegant ambiance, the restaurant offers a whole roasted turkey paired with a variety of delicious sides, making it a perfect choice for a cozy yet polished holiday celebration. Whether you’re dining with family or friends, Couqley ensures a warm and inviting experience that feels just like home, but with a distinctly gourmet twist.
- Location: Couqley French Bistro, Mövenpick Hotel, JLT, Dubai | Couqley French Brasserie, Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai
- Price: AED 1,399 for dine-in Whole Turkey with Sides
- Contact: (04) 514 9339
Gastronomy, Atlantis The Royal
Gastronomy at Atlantis The Royal takes Thanksgiving celebrations to a whole new level, inspired by the vibrant charm of a bustling food market. Guests can indulge in an extraordinary dining experience with 17 live cooking stations, offering everything from perfectly roasted turkey with traditional sides to festive desserts like pumpkin pie. With more than 100 dishes to explore and festive drinks including mulled wine and punch-based cocktails, it’s the ultimate spot for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
- Location: Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
- Price: AED 345 per person
- Contact: (04) 426 2626
Gastro Kitchen
Gastro Kitchen invites you to celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive buffet featuring all the holiday classics. Guests can enjoy tender turkey at the carving station, succulent medallions, and flame-grilled prawns, alongside an array of delicious sides. The cozy ambiance and hearty offerings make it the perfect spot to gather with loved ones for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Free-flowing drinks are also available for two hours, adding to the celebratory spirit.
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 6:30pm to 10:30pm
- Price
-AED 199 with soft beverages
-AED 299 with house beverages
-AED 69 for children under 12
- Contact: (055) 166 8092
RARE
Celebrate Thanksgiving at RARE, a sophisticated steakhouse and cocktail bar nestled in City Walk. This modern brasserie offers a special holiday menu, featuring a choice of 24-hour Brined Roast Turkey or a savory Plant-Based Wellington. Guests can also enjoy an array of unique side dishes, including parsnips with pickled currants, duck fat potato nuggets, soy caramel Brussels sprouts, sourdough stuffing, and rich gravy.
Don’t miss their Butternut Squash Tarte Tatin, a dessert that promises to leave you wanting more. With its refined yet welcoming ambiance, RARE is the perfect destination for an intimate Thanksgiving celebration.
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
- Dates: November 28th
- Timings: 7:00pm onwards
- Price: AED 240 per person
- Contact: (04) 287 4604 | Follow @theraredxb on Instagram
Cleo
Cleo at Hyde Dubai is offering a Thanksgiving menu with a Mediterranean twist. Enjoy a flavorful roasted turkey infused with herbs, served with classic sides and delicious themed desserts. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot to share a meal with loved ones. Running for an entire month, this Thanksgiving special gives you plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy.
- Location: Cleo, Hyde Dubai
- Dates: November 20th to December 20th
- Timings: 12:30pm to 1:00am
- Price: AED 120 per person
- Contact: (04) 871 1111
Fi’lia, SLS Dubai
Fi’lia at SLS Dubai invites you to celebrate Thanksgiving with an Italian-inspired set menu crafted to perfection. The meal begins with Insalata Invernale and Tagliere Misto, followed by a flavorful Pesto & Burrata Pizza and handmade Ravioli. For the main course, indulge in Tacchino Farcito, featuring oven-baked turkey breast served with cranberry and balsamic sauce, along with sides like roasted baby carrots, walnut gremolata, and parmesan-garlic mashed potatoes.
Finish your meal with a delectable pumpkin pie topped with cardamom and fresh vanilla cream. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this menu captures the warmth and flavors of Thanksgiving in a unique way.
- Location: 70th Floor, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai
- Dates: November 25th to December 1st
(Set menu available on Thursday, November 28th - Price: AED 265 per person for the set menu
- Contact: (04) 607 0770
As Thanksgiving approaches, it serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of gratitude and togetherness. This holiday isn't just about feasting; it's about creating meaningful moments with loved ones, reflecting on the blessings in life, and cherishing traditions that bring people closer.
In a vibrant and multicultural city like Dubai, the spirit of Thanksgiving takes on new dimensions, blending diverse cultures with timeless customs. Wherever and however you choose to celebrate, may the day leave you with warm memories, a full heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people and experiences that matter most.
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