norsk

If you are lucky my friend will be singing...

Equestra

They didn't mention live music when I booked, we may have to rethink as we're after a quiet lunch with Santa ..... JOKING!!

Would be fab to see / hear some quality live sounds! Sounds great!

lullabelle

Thanks to Patsy we went to Al Qasr last year and it was brilliant. Really great atmosphere and Santa came on an abra!

I almost ended up back this year - I'm supposed to be in Dubai tomorrow filming for a week but it has been delayed (surprise surprise. Same same but different) They wanted to move it to the Xmas week but after two years without her grandkids, my mum would have killed people.

I did like Christmas there though. Both times we went out and had a ball, no washing up, no kitchen dramas... I have to cook everyday and I'm not a fan of roasts so sushi, fizz, crab, lobster and a desert station was my idea of Christmas heaven.

Patsy Stoned

I am there again this year
If you come over I have some space on my table, some friends had to cancel.

lullabelle

I couldn't think of a better place or person to gatecrash! Thanks lovely. Hopefully though I get to spend the day with my parents. And there will be the usual family tensions, but after two years I guess we can deal with them.

Return to Dubai looks likely in the new year for about a week. Inshallah. Maybe. If they get their act together. I'm not holding my breath!

NorthernLad

Found out we are booked into the Westin...675dh for Christmas brunch. It's an absolute rip-off.

In the UK I understand prices go up because of staff overhead, but do you think the staff here get an uplift for working Christmas day??

norsk

I hope you are getting all the extras included in that price...

I'm sure the staff are given a choice of having a job or not. Not your typical incentive by Western standards, but equally effective as extra cash I would think...

The_Citizen

the Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Restaurant for me I think. Just need to pay!

The Dean

Getting pissed off with all the hotels insisting on seeing your passport or ID before accepting Christmas Day/NYE bookings, even if you are paying in full upfront........

Millhouse

I could never go to a restaurant / brunch for Christmas day. Pissed off staff missing their families serving school dinners to fat, pissed, red faced Brits.

I'll be at home basting the turkey, steaming the veggies and playing with mini's new star wars lego while getting pissed on Baileys from 7.30am.

scrubbedexpat141

I think I agree with you. But I've not done and am not doing (this year) Xmas here.

Last thing I think I would want is to share my Xmas day with a bunch of ***** in a hotel dinner hall.

Although, it's a lot easier than cooking it all yourself...

NorthernLad

I think it's different if you have kids...we don't, most of out friends don't.

We cooked Christmas lunch for 15 people a couple of years ago and the time/effort was not worth it (and nobody has offered to do this since). I'd far rather have a relaxing morning then head out for lunch. Although I'm still smarting from the price, I won't eat/drink that much worth.

Millhouse

ah, yes - that is a very fair point.

norsk

We did that last year and what a fokking palaver it was. So this year we're brunching again. The kids will enjoy it way more and there is no way we could have the kind of variety in types of food at home. Also I'm taking the maid, sort of a combined treat plus she'll watch the kids while the parents get sloshed (awful I know)..

I'll make some Norwegian food another day during Christmas. More than likely something pork (which I eat way too rarely) and then a dessert from my childhood. It's making me hungry just thinking about it actually..

Patsy Stoned

Firstly, most of the brunches here can hardly be described as "school dinners" darling! When did you last get wagu beef, foie gras or scallops or lobster at school
Also, please bear in mind that not all people who brunch are fat or red faced..also not all are British either.

I have never paid for my brunch up front nor sent a copy of my passport/ID card.

It is definitely worth it if you are single or a couple without kids, it makes for a more relaxing day.
675dhs for Christmas brunch is still very good value darling, 1bottle of bubbly costs over 800dhs + all the cocktails, not to mention all the food that you will eat... I am sure you will have a fabulous day..enjoy xxx