Welcome 2026 with soulful flavours, refined Persian hospitality and one of Dubai’s most atmospheric waterfront settings at Anar, as the iconic restaurant marks New Year’s Eve following its recent reopening at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Fresh from a complete transformation, Anar now presents a reimagined dining experience that blends modern elegance with the warmth and generosity of Persian culture. Set along the Souk’s winding canals, with abras gliding past and views stretching toward the Burj Al Arab, the setting offers an intimate yet celebratory backdrop for the final night of the year.
The redesigned interiors feature clay washed walls, hand textured plaster, distressed dark wood and glazed tiles inspired by traditional Persian courtyards. Drawing from Anar’s founding brand myth of Ziba, a symbolic wanderer whose intuitive approach to flavour shaped the restaurant’s identity, the refreshed space reflects a more contemporary interpretation of Persian warmth while remaining rooted in heritage.
For New Year’s Eve, Anar presents a curated set sharing menu designed to bring guests together around classic Persian flavours, interpreted through its Neo Persian Soul philosophy. The evening begins with cold starters including Salad Anar o Khiyar, Kal Kabab, and Maast o Khiyar, followed by comforting hot starters such as Kofteh Anar and Kashk o Bademjan.
The main course celebrates Anar’s signature charcoal grilled specialities, featuring Joojeh Masti, Kabab Kubideh, Kabab Shishlik, and Meygoo Kabab, each prepared with saffron marinades and time honoured traditional techniques. The experience concludes with the chef’s special ice cream, created exclusively for the New Year celebration.
Adding to the evening is Anar’s newly introduced courtyard bar, offering an alfresco setting for pre and post dinner moments, with an award winning cocktail program inspired by Persian ingredients and designed for relaxed celebrations under the open sky.
“New Year’s Eve is about coming together, savouring food and marking a moment in time. Persian cuisine naturally lends itself to this spirit. For the New Years eve celebration at Anar, we’ve curated a menu that reflects patience, balance and emotion, staying true to traditional flavours of Persia while presenting them in a way that feels elevated and celebratory. Every dish is designed to be shared, enjoyed slowly and remembered as guests welcome the year ahead.” says Mr Hani Sleiman, Director of F&B, Comida.
With its refreshed design, renewed culinary direction and timeless location, Anar offers a New Year’s Eve experience that feels elegant, perfect for those looking to welcome 2026 with flavour, atmosphere and a true sense of place.
