A festival is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon…

One of the greatest things about winter time in the UAE is, undoubtably, the epic outdoor food and drink festivals that happen. We’re talking about those lazy afternoons spent under the sun in shorts and flip flops, eating to our heart’s content.

If that sounds like a bit of you, listen up. From a whole festival dedicated to cheese to one where you can try cuisine from tons of Dubai restaurants, with live cooking demonstrations, classes and entertainment thrown in, here’s the best UAE food and drink festivals that you need to check out…

March

Taste of Dubai

Where: Media City, Dubai

Popular Dubai food festival, Taste of Dubai, returns to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for its 13th edition from Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14. To mark the launch of this year’s festival on Thursday, March 12, there’s a special one-off ladies’ night, with free entry for ladies and two selected drinks. The three-day festival is the perfect opportunity to sample dishes from over 20 Dubai restaurants, all in one place. As well as appearances from celebrity chefs, you’ll be able to pick up tips, tricks and participate in live cooking demonstrations and cooking classes.

Taste of Dubai, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, Thursday March 12, 4pm to 12am, Friday March 13, 12pm to 12am, Saturday March 14, 12pm to 11pm, standard entry Dhs75. tasteofdubaifestival.com

Dubai Cocktail Festival

Where: Across Dubai

After a successful first year in 2019, Dubai Cocktail Festival is back this year from Thursday March 12 to March 26. Over 80 venues across the city will participate in the festival, making their own spins on six world-class drinks brands over the two-week period, priced at Dhs40. Stay tuned to What’s On Dubai for more information on the participating venues.

Dubai Cocktail Festival 2020, participating venues across Dubai. @dcfestival2019

Images: Provided/Social