Alaya in DIFC is marking its third anniversary with a one-night event on Thursday, 11 September, from 8 pm. Expect three live darbuka sets by Lebanese percussionist Pascale Farhat, DJ sessions, and a shared anniversary cake. The party continues downstairs at LY-LA, the venue’s cocktail lounge. Booking details and timings below.
What’s happening on the night
The format is simple: dinner from 8 pm, live music from 9 pm, then cake.
- Three live sets by Lebanese percussionist Pascale Farhat on the darbuka from 9 pm
- DJ sessions across the evening
- Shared anniversary cake for guests
- A la carte food and cocktails all night
The music blends oriental beats with western rhythms, giving the room some pace without drowning out conversation. The schedule should suit both early diners and late arrivals, with the headline sets after 9 pm and service running late.
The setting: DIFC dining room, cocktail lounge downstairs
Alaya
is situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre and draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences in both its food and design. After dinner, the celebration moves to LY-LA, the underground lounge under the restaurant.
- Location: DIFC
- Style: sharing plates with regional flavours
- Interiors: marble, handcrafted tile, warm palette
- After-party: LY-LA cocktail lounge beneath the venue
The room feels intimate, with materials and tones that reference the Eastern Mediterranean. LY-LA keeps the momentum later into the night and is the logical stop once the cake’s done.
Key timings and how to book
This is a one-night event in Dubai, with service from 8 pm until late on Thursday, 11 September. Book ahead; demand in DIFC can spike on Thursdays. Reservations are open via site, email or phone.
- Date: Thursday, 11 September
- Time: From 8 pm; live sets from 9 pm
- Booking: alayarestaurants.com • reservations@alaya-dubai.com • +971 4 570 6289
- Offer: a la carte food and drinks; shared cake for guests
Alaya states the evening runs “until late,” which fits typical DIFC Thursday trading hours. If you want a table near the action, ask to sit within view of the performance area but not directly next to the speakers.
Who’s behind Alaya
Chef Izu Ani and restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin founded ALAYA. The restaurant opened in DIFC with a regional sharing menu and a design brief handled by Richard Saunders and Sagrada. LY-LA is the on-site speakeasy-style lounge.
- Founders: Chef Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin
- Menu approach: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sharing plates
- Design: interiors by Richard Saunders and Sagrada
- Nightlife: LY-LA lounge under the restaurant
For regulars, this is a familiar team and format. For first-timers, the anniversary night serves as a compact look at the brand, featuring food, music, and the lounge all in one evening.
