If you have spent any time in Dubai, you already know that brunch here is not just a meal — it is a lifestyle. And sitting at the very top of Dubai’s party brunch scene, year after year, is one name that needs no introduction among Dubai residents: Candy Pants.
What started as a pioneering brunch concept has evolved into one of the UAE’s most celebrated entertainment brands, running multiple award-winning brunch events across Dubai’s most iconic venues. Whether you are a first-time visitor looking for the ultimate Dubai Saturday experience, or a seasoned resident searching for the best party brunch to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, the Candypants brunch experience is in a league of its own.
In this complete guide, we break down every Candypants brunch in Dubai — what they are, where they are held, AED pricing, dress codes, what to expect, and how to book.
What is Candypants?
Candypants is a globally recognized entertainment and events company that specializes in premium party brunches, nightlife events, and bespoke hospitality experiences. In Dubai, they have built a reputation as the city’s leading party brunch operator — earning a shelf full of awards from some of the UAE’s most respected dining publications.
Their Dubai accolades alone speak volumes. They have won or been recognized for Best Party Brunch by What’s On Awards (2022, 2023), Time Out Dubai Awards (2022), BBC Good Food Magazine Awards (2023), and most recently took the Favorite Party Brunch at the FACT Dining Awards 2025. The Wanderlust Brunch additionally earned Favorite Casual Brunch: Buffet at the What’s On Awards 2025.
What makes Candypants different from a standard hotel brunch is the emphasis on energy. Every event is engineered for celebration — resident DJs, live drummers, bongo players, themed entertainment, VIP upgrades, and a crowd that arrives dressed to party. This is brunch done as a full-day social experience, not just a weekend meal.
Candypants Brunch Dubai: All Active Events
1. Brunch Refined at Akira Back — W Dubai the Palm
Brunch Refined is Candypants’ flagship Saturday party brunch and the one most Dubai residents are referring to when they say ‘Candypants brunch’. Held every Saturday at Akira Back, located on the 5th floor of the W Dubai the Palm, this event combines world-class Japanese cuisine with Korean and international influences with the high-energy party atmosphere that Candypants perfected.
The setting is nothing short of spectacular. Guests are treated to panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf while indulging in artisan sushi, tacos, beautifully presented meat dishes, and seasonal produce-driven plates. Chef Akira Back’s menu philosophy — Japanese technique with Korean essence — elevates this well beyond the standard party brunch buffet.
The entertainment at Brunch Refined is just as impressive as the food. Resident DJ Joe Lang keeps the energy at peak level throughout, while Japanese parasols (wagasa), live bongo players, and the legendary 360-degree party video camera on the terrace ensure every moment is worth remembering.
After brunch wraps at 4pm, the party continues at SoBe Rooftop Bar. A separate ticket gets you three drinks vouchers for AED 100, and VIP tables at SoBe are available from AED 2,000.
| Detail | Brunch Refined @ Akira Back |
| Venue | Akira Back, W Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah |
| Day & Time | Every Saturday, 1pm – 4pm |
| Indoor (Lounge) | Soft drinks: AED 425 | House bev: AED 475 | Sparkling: AED 575 | Champagne: AED 799 |
| Terrace | Soft drinks: AED 449 | House bev: AED 499 | Sparkling: AED 599 | Champagne: AED 850 |
| Non-Alcoholic | AED 399 per person |
| Afterparty | SoBe Rooftop Bar, 4pm–8pm. 3 drink vouchers for AED 100. VIP tables from AED 2,000. |
| Age Policy | 21+ only |
| Booking | candypants.events | Email: bookings@candypantsglobal.com | WhatsApp available |
| Awards | Winner: Favourite Party Brunch – FACT Dining Awards 2025 | Winner: Best Party Brunch – What’s On 2023 | Time Out 2022 |
Expert Tip: Book the terrace seating at Brunch Refined for the best views of Palm Jumeirah. The outdoor setting combined with the sunset backdrop makes this the most photographed brunch in Dubai.
2. Wanderlust Brunch at JW Marriott Marquis — A Dubai Icon
For 10 years, the Wanderlust Brunch at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai was one of Dubai’s most iconic party brunches. Held every Saturday at the Garden restaurant on the 5th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis on Sheikh Zayed Road in Business Bay, Wanderlust was renowned for its sheer scale: over 360 dishes from around the world served across more than 10 live cooking stations, endless BBQ, and a buzzing party atmosphere driven by DJ Adam J.
What made Wanderlust particularly beloved was its value. At AED 299 for ladies and AED 349 for gents, it offered a truly all-inclusive, internationally inspired feast at a price point significantly below comparable hotel brunches in Dubai. The food trays even had maps printed on them so guests did not get lost in the enormous spread.
In early 2025, Candypants announced that after 10 unforgettable years, Wanderlust would take its final bow — with three farewell editions in January and February 2025. It closed as one of the most awarded brunches in Dubai’s history, holding accolades from What’s On, BBC Good Food Magazine, and TripAdvisor. While Wanderlust has concluded its run, its legacy remains central to understanding Candypants’ story in Dubai.
| Detail | Wanderlust Brunch (Historic Reference) |
| Venue | Garden Restaurant, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay |
| Active Period | 2015 – February 2026 (10 years) |
| Pricing | AED 299 (ladies) | AED 349 (gents) – all-inclusive house beverages |
| Food Concept | International buffet with 360+ dishes across 10+ live cooking stations |
| Awards | What’s On Favourite Brunch Buffet 2024 & 2025 | BBC Good Food Casual Brunch Dubai 2023 |
3. La Vacanza Brunch — The Newest Candypants Experience
Following the conclusion of Wanderlust, Candypants launched La Vacanza as part of its evolving Dubai brunch portfolio. The La Vacanza Brunch carries the Candypants signature energy with a fresh concept — bringing a holiday-resort atmosphere to Dubai’s brunch scene, with pan-Asian influences, themed cocktails, live entertainment, and the high-energy crowd Candypants events are known for.
Non-alcoholic packages for La Vacanza are available at AED 349 per person, making it one of the more accessible Candypants price points.
4. Special & Seasonal Events: Grand Gallop, Pool Brunches & More
Beyond weekly brunches, Candypants Dubai regularly hosts special one-off events throughout the year. These include the Grand Gallop Mega Brunch at Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai World Cup (tickets from AED 849 for a 9-hour all-inclusive experience), seasonal pool brunches at iconic venues like The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, and New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day special editions of the Wanderlust and Brunch Refined formats.
These seasonal events sell out quickly. Candypants recommends booking at least a week in advance for regular weekly brunches, and several weeks ahead for special occasions and large groups.
Candypants Brunch Dubai: What to Expect
If it is your first Candypants event, here is a realistic picture of what awaits:
- The crowd: Young, social, celebration-oriented. Birthdays, hen parties, work socials, and friend groups are the norm. Age policy is strictly 21+.
- Dress code: Smart-casual to cocktail. Think pressed shirts and chinos for gents; cocktail dresses or stylish separates for ladies. This is not a casual cafe brunch — guests arrive dressed to impress.
- The vibe: High-energy from the moment you arrive. A DJ plays commercial, house, RnB, and hip-hop throughout. Live drummers and entertainers amplify the atmosphere.
- Service: Consistently praised across reviews. Drinks are refreshed attentively. Staff go the extra mile for birthday celebrations, including special fishbowl-sized drinks and table decorations.
- Food quality: At Brunch Refined, the quality is excellent — Akira Back is a genuine award-winning restaurant, and the cuisine reflects that. At Wanderlust-style formats, the focus was on scale and variety rather than fine dining.
- Duration: Typical brunches run 3 hours (1pm–4pm on Saturdays). Afterparty options extend the experience to 8pm or later.
Birthday Groups: Candypants is consistently rated as one of Dubai’s best birthday brunch experiences. Inform the team when booking that you are celebrating — staff make celebrations genuinely memorable. Book well in advance for groups of 10 or more.
Candypants Brunch Dubai: Pricing at a Glance
| Brunch Event | Package | Price (AED) |
| Brunch Refined – Lounge | Soft drinks | AED 425 |
| Brunch Refined – Lounge | House beverages | AED 475 |
| Brunch Refined – Lounge | Sparkling | AED 575 |
| Brunch Refined – Lounge | Champagne | AED 799 |
| Brunch Refined – Terrace | Soft drinks | AED 449 |
| Brunch Refined – Terrace | Champagne | AED 850 |
| Brunch Refined | Non-alcoholic | AED 399 |
| La Vacanza Brunch | Non-alcoholic | AED 349 |
| SoBe Afterparty | 3 drink vouchers | AED 100 |
| SoBe VIP Table | VIP package | From AED 2,000 |
| Grand Gallop (Dubai World Cup) | All-inclusive (9 hours) | From AED 849 |
Discounts Available: Candypants offers discounts for teachers and Facecard holders. Proof of ID required. Check candypants.events for current promotions.
How to Book a Candypants Brunch in Dubai
- Online: Visit candypants.events and select your preferred brunch and date. Individual booking links are sent to each guest in the group.
- Email: Contact bookings@candypantsglobal.com for group bookings and special occasion planning.
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp booking is available for Dubai events — check the official Candypants website for the current number.
- Book in advance: Popular dates and special events sell out regularly. Candypants recommends booking at least one week ahead, and earlier for groups of 4 or more.
- Group note: Every person in your group will need to provide their name and email address individually, as booking links are sent on a per-person basis.
Candypants Brunch vs. Other Dubai Party Brunches
Dubai’s party brunch scene is competitive, but Candypants consistently differentiates itself on three fronts: venue quality (Akira Back at W Dubai The Palm is one of the city’s finest restaurant settings), entertainment (resident DJs, live bongo players, themed entertainment), and a genuine culture of celebration. Here is how it compares to other popular options:
| Brunch | Venue | Approx. Price | Best For |
| Candypants Brunch Refined | W Dubai The Palm | AED 425–850 | Celebrations, premium party brunch |
| STK Dare to Disco | STK Dubai | AED 425–600 | Upscale party, steak lovers |
| COYA | Four Seasons JBR | AED 450–650 | Latin party brunch, Peruvian cuisine |
| Bubbalicious | Westin Mina Seyahi | AED 475–715 | Families + groups, beachfront |
| CE LA VI Brunch 54 | Address Sky View | AED 390–590 | Skyline views, chic Downtown crowd |
Frequently Asked Questions: Candypants Brunch Dubai
What is Candypants brunch in Dubai?
Candypants is Dubai’s most awarded party brunch operator, running premium weekly brunch events at top Dubai venues. Their flagship event is Brunch Refined, held every Saturday at Akira Back inside W Dubai The Palm, featuring Japanese cuisine with Korean influence, a resident DJ, live entertainment, and spectacular Palm Jumeirah views.
Where is Candypants brunch held in Dubai?
The main active Candypants brunch in 2025 is Brunch Refined, held at Akira Back, W Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. The historic Wanderlust Brunch was held at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay and concluded in February 2025 after a 10-year run.
How much does Candypants brunch cost in Dubai (AED)?
Prices for Brunch Refined at Akira Back start at AED 399 per person for non-alcoholic packages. Lounge seating with house beverages is AED 475 per person; Champagne packages start from AED 799 (lounge) and AED 850 (terrace). An afterparty at SoBe Rooftop is available separately.
Is Candypants brunch halal / non-alcoholic?
Yes. Non-alcoholic packages are available for all Candypants brunches. Brunch Refined offers a non-alcoholic package at AED 399 per person and La Vacanza at AED 349 per person. Please note that Candypants events are party brunches held at licensed venues — the events themselves are adult-oriented and 21+ only.
What is the age limit for Candypants brunch Dubai?
The minimum age for all Candypants brunch events in Dubai is 21 years. Valid ID is required.
How do I book Candypants brunch Dubai?
Book directly through candypants.events or by emailing bookings@candypantsglobal.com. WhatsApp booking is also available. For groups, each guest will need to provide their name and email address for individual booking links. Advance booking of at least one week is recommended, and earlier for large groups.
Is there a dress code for Candypants brunch?
Yes. Candypants brunches operate a smart-casual to cocktail dress code. Gents typically wear pressed shirts and chinos or smart trousers. Ladies opt for cocktail dresses or stylish evening separates. Sportswear and overly casual attire is not appropriate for these events.
Does Candypants do brunch on Fridays in Dubai?
The regular Brunch Refined and La Vacanza brunches are Saturday events. However, Candypants occasionally hosts special Friday events for occasions like Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and the Dubai World Cup. Check candypants.events for the latest schedule and upcoming special events.
Is there an afterparty after Candypants brunch?
Yes. After Brunch Refined at Akira Back concludes at 4pm, the party continues at SoBe Rooftop Bar at W Dubai The Palm until 8pm. A separate ticket for the afterparty gets you three drink vouchers for AED 100. VIP tables at SoBe are available from AED 2,000.