Over the last decade in Dubai, brunch has come into its own as the social event that kick starts the weekend. They’re long, languid affairs that unwind from late Friday morning through the balmy afternoon. They’re also the perfect time to connect with friends and family. From 10:00 (ish), the whole city comes together over lavish quantities of incredible food and drink; from fine French feasts to Indian-inspired delights. Here we reveal Jumeirah’s best brunches in Dubai.

Friday Brunch - Jumeirah Al Qasr

With three wonderful restaurants to choose from, it’s little wonder Friday Brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr was shortlisted for ‘Dubai’s Best Outdoor Brunch 2018’. Take in the splendour of Arboretum’s grand terrace and palm columns while enjoying the finest Arabic mezze. Soak up the relaxed Spanish ambience over tapas at Al Hambra, or settle in a glossy leather booth and get a taste of uptown Manhattan (and prime Wagyu beef) at smart American steakhouse The Hide.

Summer Brunch at Hanaaya - Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Take shade from the summer heat with brunch at the refined Hanaaya. Cooling blue tones and a tranquil lagoon-side location complete with the gentle passing of traditional abra boats, make it the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch. An eclectic selection of local and international dishes, prepared at live-cooking stations, tantalise the taste buds. Hanaaya, which means happiness in Arabic, perfectly encapsulates the feeling of spending a long Friday afternoon sipping ice-cold mocktails while the world gently floats by.

Le Grand Petit Déjeuner at Al Muntaha - Burj Al Arab

With Dubai’s cloud-piercing skyscrapers meeting your eye line as you eat brunch, views don’t get more magnificent than at Al Muntaha, on Burj Al Arab’s 27th floor. Named Le Grand Petit Déjeuner, brunch at Al Muntaha is a celebration of flawless French cuisine. Begin your rich culinary journey with freshly baked croissants and homemade jam, before tucking into l’oeuf benedicte with blue lobster from Brittany, or turbot with caviar beurre blanc.

Ladies Who Brunch at Kitchen Connection - Jumeirah Beach Hotel

For a fun Friday gathering with a group of BFFs, Kitchen Connection at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the place to be. Ladies can connect over fresh seafood and oysters or temptingly good pizza or pasta. Prepared at live cooking stations, dishes are personalised to order and there are vegan and gluten-free options too for guilt-free dining. What’s more, Kitchen Connection has a supervised kids area, so the rest of the family will be taken care of while parents take some time for themselves.

Desi Brunch at Mundo - Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Crispy dosa pancakes, rich pav bhaji curry, vibrant thali dishes; savour the colours, smells and tastes of India at Mundo’s Desi Brunch. Bathed in light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the atmosphere at Mundo has been likened to that of a carnival. Live Indian music floats through the room while a magician inspires wonder with his tricks. Expect theatrics at Desi Brunch with live cooking that lets you sample the spices and culinary sensations and that make Indian cuisine so enticing.