From sky-high afternoon teas to comforting Sunday roasts, here are five thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day across Dubai on March 15 (UK Mother’s Day), and March 21 (UAE Mother’s Day).

Afternoon Tea at Balloons at the Palace

High above the shoreline at Jumeirah Al Qasr, this sky-high setting offers a Mother’s Day afternoon tea with a difference. Suspended above the Arabian Gulf, Balloons at the Palace pairs sweeping views with a thoughtfully curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, making it an occasion that feels both intimate and memorable.

The experience centres on a traditional afternoon tea served in elegant surroundings: delicate pastries, freshly baked scones, and a selection of artisan teas, all presented with care. It’s the kind of outing that invites families to slow down – to linger over conversation, admire the view and mark the day in a way that feels a little out of the ordinary.

Running Tuesday to Sunday across two sittings (1pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm) experience offers flexibility for families planning their celebrations. Afternoon tea is available from AED 295 per person.

For mothers who appreciate a sense of occasion – and for families looking to elevate their annual tradition – this lofty escape delivers both perspective and pause in equal measure. Visit Jumeirah.com.

The Roast by Bubbalicious at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi

This Mother’s Day, The Roast by Bubbalicious at Mina’s Kitchen invites families to celebrate mothers and mother figures with a relaxed Sunday roast centred on comfort, connection and time spent together. Taking place on Sunday, 15 March, the afternoon promises a warm and thoughtful gathering built around the familiarity of a classic British roast and a leisurely shared meal.

At the heart of the experience is everything a traditional Sunday roast should be. Guests can enjoy perfectly roasted meats carved to order, golden roast potatoes, crisp Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy. Alongside the traditional favourites, a vegetarian Wellington ensures there is something for every taste, encouraging guests to settle in, refill their glasses and savour an unhurried lunch. The setting complements the occasion with soft floral touches, roses across the tables and a flower for each mother, creating an atmosphere that feels warm, calm and quietly elegant.

Adding to the celebration, every mother will receive a 30% discount voucher from BLENDED SPA, offering the perfect excuse to return for a well-deserved moment of relaxation.

Younger guests will also have plenty to enjoy, with dedicated activity stations where they can write handwritten notes for their mothers and decorate heart-shaped cookies. In addition, Maison Tini will host sensory tray activities designed to spark creativity and support fine motor skills through hands-on play with textured materials. For further information, or to book click here.

New Brasserie Experience at Brasserie Frantzén

The Dubai outpost of celebrated Swedish chef Björn Frantzén offers a relaxed yet refined setting for families marking Mother’s Day. At Brasserie Frantzén, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, designed to feel comfortable rather than ceremonial – ideal for a celebratory meal that doesn’t feel overly formal.

The menu draws on brasserie classics elevated with careful technique. Starters such as lobster roll in brioche, yellow beetroot with mushrooms and walnuts, or beef carpaccio with foie gras set the tone. Mains range from veal schnitzel – first created at Frantzén’s gastropub The Flying Elk – to mussels à la crème, wagyu beef burger and wood-fired celeriac with truffle. A traditional steak with pepper sauce pays homage to the dish that first inspired the chef’s culinary path.

To finish, families can step into the restaurant’s candy room to select desserts together – a playful ending that younger diners will especially enjoy. Open daily for dinner (6pm to 1am) and for weekend lunch (12.30pm to 4pm), the brasserie welcomes all ages, making it well suited to multigenerational celebrations. Visit brasseriefrantzendubai.com.

A sweet pause at Uptown Social

For those who prefer a simple, low-key gesture this Mother’s Day, Uptown Social offers a small but thoughtful way to mark the moment. On 21 March, mums – including pet mums – can enjoy a complimentary croissant with any hot beverage.

Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee before the day begins or an afternoon catch-up with family, the café provides an easy setting to pause and reconnect. Sometimes, Mother’s Day doesn’t need elaborate plans; a warm drink, a flaky pastry and uninterrupted conversation can feel just as meaningful. Visit uptownsocialdubai.com.

Sunday Roast at Qwerty, Media One Hotel

At Qwerty, the Sunday roast is rooted in British tradition – and for Mother’s Day, it becomes a generous family affair. Inspired by long London afternoons, the roast is served carved to order, accompanied by crisp potatoes, glazed carrots, red cabbage with cranberries, seasonal greens and all the expected trimmings.

The atmosphere remains relaxed and unhurried, encouraging families to settle in, share plates and let conversation flow. For Mother’s Day (March 15 from 12.30pm onwards), a buy-one-get-one-free offer on the roast adds to the spirit of generosity. The terrace is welcoming – dogs included – making it a comfortable option for larger family gatherings.

Mains are priced at AED 135, or AED 175 for a three-course experience. Visit mediaonehotel.com.

Afternoon Tea at Ginori Terrace

Throughout March, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai presents an afternoon tea at Ginori Terrace that honours mothers and the women who inspire them. Designed as a month-long celebration, the experience offers families the opportunity to mark the occasion beyond a single day.

The savoury selection includes crab and avocado tartlet, butternut and ricotta tart, pastrami with truffle cream and delicate salmon tramezzino. Sweets range from rose-infused pastries and spring tartelettes to mango-coconut creations and pistachio flower kunafa cake, alongside freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam.

Served daily from 2pm to 6pm, packages begin at AED 250 per person for coffee and tea, with additional options available. For families seeking an elegant yet relaxed setting for meaningful conversation, Ginori Terrace offers a refined way to celebrate together. E-mail restaurant.reservations@stregis.com.