There’s one question you’re bound to be asked this time of year in the UAE, “Are you here for Christmas, or are you going away?”

If your answer is the former, and you say it with a not so subtle hint of disappointment and pessimism at how festive the desert can truly be, then this should put a jaunty spring in your step - and your hunger.

We might not have snow in the UAE - Ski Dubai doesn’t count - but we can do Christmas dinner with the best of ‘em. Here’s our guide to where you should be stuffing your face with turkey, cranberry and brussels sprouts come December 25th.

Market Kitchen, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
With classic Christmas dishes such as chestnut soup, prawn cocktail, roast turkey and, of course, Christmas pudding, all given that signature Jean-Georges Vongerichten-inspired contemporary twist, Market Kitchen in Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is ideal for a casual festive get-together where the food is absolutely the star of the show.

Guests can choose from an a la carte menu on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day, the venue will be hosting a festive brunch with all the Christmas classics served to your table, starting from AED 399.

Details: visit marketkitchenabudhabi.com

Frankie’s Italian Bar and Grill, JBR
If you fancy a taste of the flavour-packed food and welcoming hospitality that the Italians are famous for, Frankie’s on JBR delivers on both counts.

Available throughout the Christmas week, the six-course set menu features fresh tomato tartare with langoustines and mozzarella cream, homemade ravioli cooked in a saffron broth and classic oven-roasted turkey with beetroot puree and roast potatoes. There’s also the traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, and to finish, the Italian classic: panettone. From AED 290 per person.

Details: visit Facebook.com/FrankiesDubai

The Ivy, Emirates Towers
For a truly British Christmas, Emirates Towers establishment The Ivy will be serving the very best festive food, and they clearly expect demand on Christmas Day to be high, because they’ll be doing an impressive three sittings of Christmas dinner on the day.

Expect seared foie gras, pan-fried sea bass, chargrilled halibut and traditional roast turkey, plus a whole host of classic Christmas desserts and unlimited artisan cheeses starting from AED 599.

Details: Visit jumeirah.com

Cipriani, Yas Island
Set on the picturesque Yas Marina, Cipriani is the place to be if you fancy an authentic Italian festive meal this Christmas. Think braised artichoke hearts, creamy burrata with tomato and basil, pan-roasted veal chop and a selection of biscotti served with freshly brewed coffee for dessert.

The special four-course Christmas set menu costs AED 350 per person and will be served on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Details: visit ciprianiyasisland.com

Wheeler’s of Saint James’s, DIFC
DIFC restaurant Wheeler’s is reinventing the British Christmas, giving a modern twist to some of the classics and introducing a few ingredients you wouldn’t find on many British Christmas tables.

Foie gras, seared scallops with roasted clementines and Stilton, sorrel and date tortellini are just a few of the more unusual dishes that will go alongside the traditional turkey and roast rib of beef served as part of the special Christmas set menu for groups of eight people or more at AED 275 each.

Details: visit wheelersdubai.com

The Farm, Al Barari
From December 20 to January 1, The Farm will be offering up Christmas classics without compromising on its healthy-eating ethos. The special a la carte menu includes turkey pistachio galantine, rosemary mashed potato, brussels sprouts with veal bacon and honey-glazed carrots and parsnips.

Situated in Al Barari, around 20 minutes outside of the centre of Dubai, the sweeping views of lush greenery at The Farm are perfect for those looking to escape the madness of the city for Christmas.

Details: visit thefarmdubai.com

Bā Restaurant and Lounge, Fairmont The Palm
Classic Christmas dinner isn’t for everyone, in fact, we know loads of people who find the idea of a turkey with all the trimmings to be their idea of hell! If you’re that way inclined, a nice alternative is Fairmont The Palm’s Asian restaurant, Bā.

Expect steamed prawn dumplings with truffle oil, crispy fried fish with wasabi mayonnaise and a few Christmas-inspired dishes created especially for the occasion, such as succulent turkey spring rolls and braised pumpkin soup. The Christmas set menu is available on Boxing Day and is priced AED 388 per person.

Details: visit dineatba.com

Marco Pierre White Grill, Conrad Dubai
A cool and sophisticated venue with a lively atmosphere created by a live pianist who’ll be performing all your Christmas favourites, the celebrity chef’s eponymous restaurant specialises in classic English food.

The four-course seasonal festive dinner will be served on Christmas eve priced at AED675 per person including matched wines and a glass of bubbly to begin the night.

Details: visit conraddubai.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Address Dubai Marina
Fine de Claire oysters, beef carpaccio, New York Strip steak, classic Christmas turkey with all the trimmings and New Orleans-style bread pudding served with whiskey sauce… a list of dishes that long and luxurious can only belong to the all-American Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Available throughout the Christmas period at the Address Dubai Marina restaurant, the cheesily named Ruth’s Chris-tmas (get it?) set menu is priced at AED 399 per person.

Details: visit ruthschris.ae

10. Frioul Bistro de Luxe, Madinat Jumeirah
The popular Madinat Jumeirah is hardly short of options for festive feasting, but the latest restaurant to open up on the site, Frioul Bistro de Luxe, offers a decidedly classier Christmas meal than most.

With set menus on both Christmas eve (from AED 250) and Christmas day (from AED 350), diners will be treated to a wide range of high-end fare, including frogs legs, confit rabbit, beef tartare, roast goose and bronzed turkey.

Details: visit frioulbistrodeluxe.com