A Lebanese Festive Gathering by the Water

Read by Emma, the Simply Abu Dhabi narrator.
There is something singularly appealing about marking the festive season beside the water, surrounded by family and friends, the afternoon unfolding at leisure. Mazaj Bab Al Bahr offers precisely this experience on 25 December, drawing guests into an afternoon of unhurried conviviality and generous hospitality.
The restaurant has designed a Christmas brunch rooted in Lebanese culinary tradition, a spread that speaks to centuries of culinary refinement across the Levantine table. Mezze, grilled preparations, and the kind of dishes that encourage sharing and conversation form the foundation of the meal, each element chosen to complement the waterfront setting and the convivial spirit of the occasion.
Two musicians shape the afternoon’s mood: Ghady and Rima Bou Saleh bring live entertainment that carries the warmth and sophistication the moment demands. Their presence transforms an already gracious occasion into something memorable, the kind of detail that lingers in the memory long after the afternoon has closed.
The Particulars
The brunch runs from two o’clock until six, allowing sufficient time to settle, to linger over the spread, to enjoy the waterfront views that frame the experience. The restaurant offers two pricing structures: the first includes soft beverages, positioning itself as an option for those who prefer a lighter occasion; the second encompasses free flowing house beverages, extending the spirit of generosity that Lebanese hospitality embodies.
The setting itself matters. Positioned at the water’s edge, Mazaj Bab Al Bahr holds the particular grace of an establishment that understands how light moves across water through an afternoon, how the shifting quality of daylight shapes the experience of dining.
Making a Reservation
Tables can be reserved by telephone at +971 50 901 8589, allowing guests to secure their place and discuss any particular wishes or requirements. It is the kind of thoughtful detail that distinguishes genuine hospitality from mere service: the opportunity to speak directly, to ensure the afternoon unfolds precisely as one hopes.
Imagery courtesy of Mazaj Bab Al Bahr.