Millions of people around the world are going to celebrate Chinese New Year – the year of the dog, which officially starts this Friday, February 16 and runs till March.

This year’s animal sign – the dog – marks the eleventh sign in the Chinese zodiac. 

And according to the Chinese tradition, those born in a dog year – 1992, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1994, 2006 and 2018 are must prepare for bad luck. 

Recommended

Lovin’ Life With Farhana Bodi: It’s Time To Meet The Real Farhana5 Amazing Shows For The Musical Lover In You!Dubai After Dark: Must-Attend Nightlife Events Happening This Season!

Unfortunately, tradition states for 12 unlucky months, for those coinciding with the chosen zodiac year. 

BUT maybe dining at either of these 10 options might up your fortunes for the year: 

10. Shanghai Chic, Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai

Celebrate the New Year and you can enjoy unlimited authentic Asian-inspired menu by Shanghai Chic’s award-winning Chef. 

From 7pm to 11pm on Friday, you can choose from the following: AED175/person with soft beverages or AED275/person with house beverages

Call 04 44 45 613. 

9. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road

This option is perfect if you’re looking for a small adventure to celebrate Chinese New Year because it’s in the middle of the desert. 

Enjoy a Chinese dinner buffet with authentic live lion performances as you dine in a desert oasis – priced at AED320/person and AED500/person with house beverages, the buffet is available from 7pm to 11pm. 

Call 04 80 96 194. 

8. Emirates

If you find yourself traveling from Dubai on Chinese New Year, then you can still celebrate it whilst in the air. 

Emirates is offering a selection of delectable treats on selected flights – passengers traveling from Dubai to Asia can enjoy the festive treats, like dumplings, mochi, fortune cookies and more. 

7. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa

Splurge a little on the day and celebrate the Lunar New Year by overlooking the whole city because this high-rise restaurant is offering a five course dinner menu with oriental flavours to satisfy your palettes while you enjoy the views from the 122nd floor.

Dinner celebrations start from 6pm and are priced at AED720/person.

Call 04 88 83 828.

6. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island AD

If you’re not looking to dine, then you can try celebrating the year of the dog at an art exhibition and get the chance to meet world-acclaimed Chinese paper cutting artist Yuan Chengxiang.

The exhibition will launch the Chinese New Year celebrations for a weekend filled with oriental festivities from February 15 to February 17, where you can find traditional Chinese dances and performances, as symbols of future luck and happiness. 

Call 04 24 08 395.

5. Royal China Dubai, DIFC

Go authentic with a selection of traditional Chinese dishes at this restaurant in DIFC and you won’t be disappointed.

And with a Chinese-inspired interior, you’ll definitely feel like you traveled to the Far East without splurging on the trip.

Call 04 354 5543.

4. The Noodle House, Dubai

Probably the first thing to come to your mind, this is a very popular Chinese restaurant in the city and it is introducing New Year inspired dishes to their menu.

Tangerine Beef, Asian Lettuce Wraps and more dishes with Chicken, Duck, Fish etc… that symbolize unity, happiness, wealth, abundance will be offered. 

You can try these newly-released dishes from now until February 23. 

Call 800-NOODLE.

3. Hakkasan, Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Offering Cantonese dishes with a modern twist, Hakkasan is also celebrating the year of the dog in both cities up until March 4, so that no one feels left out. 

On the menu are signature dishes created by infamous Hakkasan chefs from all over the world. You can also enjoy Asian-inspired beverages while you dine.

A little of a splurge and priced at AED598/person but it is totally worth. 

Call 04 38 48 484 (Dubai) and 02 69 07 739 (Abu Dhabi). 

2. YUAN, Atlantis The Palm

Make your way over to the Palm this Chinese New Year because Yuan is offering a special-themed a la carte menu for the lunar year. 

While you dine on an array of dim sum, Chinese favourites and cocktails, there will be a two day celebration of a Lion Dance performance on February 15 and 16 from 8:30pm. 

Prices are AED198 for the soft drinks package, and AED408 for house beverages.

Call 04 42 61 000. 

1. Saffron, Atlantis The Palm

Expect to truly live the Chinese New Year experience, Saffron is offering a menu of live cooking noodle station, a Dim Sum carousel, a selection of Chinese soups, Chinese roast & steam and a Lok-Lok station – to satisfy every craving. 

And they even have a huuuuuge dessert area for those with a sweet-tooth.

Adult packages are priced AED 255 and AED 67.50 for children aged between four years to 11-years-old from February 15th to February 24 from 6pm to 11:30pm. 

Call 04 42 62 626.

Read: China Has Just Announced It Is Offering Visa-Free Travel For The UAE