Women typically wear dirndls, featuring a fitted bodice, full skirt, and apron, paired with a white lace or cotton blouse. Men don lederhosen—leather shorts with suspenders—worn with a checkered or plain shirt.

I ordered my dirndl from Amazon.ae, but here’s a heads-up: mine arrived without the blouse, even though it looked like it was included in the pictures! So if you’re shopping last minute, double-check or you might find yourself half-dressed!

We’re heading to The Oktoberfest Tent at the Grand Hyatt on October 18th, and I promise to share our experience.

If you want to get in on the fun sooner, here are 5 top spots our friends recommend in Dubai!

 

Oktoberfest at Ernst Biergarten

If you’re looking to soak up the true Oktoberfest vibe, Ernst Biergarten is the place to be! This German restaurant is celebrating from 19th September to 27th October, offering an authentic experience right here in Dubai. Expect live German bands, hearty Bavarian food, and, of course, plenty of beer in a cosy biergarten (beer garden) setting.

Saturdays feature an Oktoberfest Brunch with a mouthwatering buffet of Bavarian classics like succulent pork knuckles and a dessert show showcasing fiery Kaiserschmarrn with rum—yum! This year, they’re flying in some fantastic German bands to kick the oompah party into high gear! A friend who went last year raved about the fun atmosphere, although they noted it was a bit smaller than other venues.

Details:

• Dates: 19th September to 27th October (every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
• Location: 25 Hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre Street
• For reservations, call: 04 210 2511.

Visit their website for reservations and more information.

 

Grand Oktoberfest Tent, Grand Hyatt

 

Garden On 8

This fun rooftop bar in Media City is getting a Bavarian makeover from 25th to 29th October. While it’s not quite Munich, the views are fantastic! They’re hosting an Oktoberfest quiz on 25th October, a brunch on 26th October, and screening the Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen match on 28th October. Enjoy schnitzel, sauerkraut, pork knuckle, bratwurst, and more to keep you fueled for the fun!

Details:

• Dates: 25th to 29th October
• Individual Dishes: AED 45-75
• Brunch: AED 299

Location: Media One Hotel, Media City
For reservations, call: 052 144 7438.

 

Wavehouse, Atlantis The Palm

 

Oktoberfest at Crafty Fox

 

Impress Your Friends with Some Oktoberfest Slang

• “Wies’n”: The local term for Oktoberfest, named after its original location, Theresienwiese in Munich.
• “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!”: A Bavarian drinking chant meaning “one, two, three, drink!”
• “Buam & Madln”: Bavarian for boys (Buam) and girls (Madln).
• “Pfiat di!”: A friendly Bavarian goodbye meaning “May God protect you.”
• “Prost!”: The classic ‘Cheers!’