A speakeasy inside an Uzbek restaurant? Dubai just did that

Dubai is getting another after-hours hideaway. MOON by SANA is an intimate speakeasy tucked inside SANA at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, opening on 31 October with a Halloween launch. Expect a small room, late-night energy, a themed dress code, live DJs and a one-off cocktail list that keeps a few secrets for guests who actually show up.

What’s opening and where

MOON by SANA sits behind a discreet entrance within SANA, the Uzbek-led restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah’s Mina Al Salam. The space is built for small-scale nights out rather than massive club energy.

• Hidden entrance inside SANA
• Up to 80 guests
• Launch night on 31 October, from 8 pm
• Part of BIK Hospitality’s twin concept with SANA restaurant

The venue leans on the “find it if you can” vibe. It opens into a moody room set up for conversation, bottle service and a focused music programme. As part of BIK Hospitality’s roll-out, MOON pairs late-night drinks with SANA’s dining next door to create a single evening out, from dinner to last call.

Launch night: music, dress code, timings

Halloween is the hook. The launch night soundtrack starts early and runs late, with a requested dose of scarlet in the wardrobe.

• DJ Artamonov from 8 pm
• DJ Dmaselle from 10 pm until late
• Dress code: “Night Creatures with a Touch of Red”
• Doors from 8 pm; bottle service after 10 pm

The team wants theatrics without turning it into costume-party chaos. Expect nocturnal fits, angular silhouettes and a flash of red. Music pushes from warm-up into club tempo by late evening, which is when table service kicks in.

Drinks: one-night-only menu with secrets

The Halloween list is purposely coy. Two cocktails are named, but the full specs stay off the internet until you’re at the bar.

• “Ghost in the Forest”
• “Passion! Not Pumpkin”
• Secret ingredients revealed only on the night

This isn’t a 40-drink menu. It’s a small set built for the theme, with a few reveals saved for guests on-site. If you like your cocktails spoiler-free, this plays right. If you need specs before you sip, you’ll have to go.

Who’s behind it

MOON launches alongside SANA, following the restaurant’s opening earlier this month. Both sit under BIK Hospitality, founded by Boris Kofman and Alexander Kolobov.

• Operator: BIK Hospitality Group
• Founders: Boris Kofman, Alexander Kolobov
• SANA’s menu led by Chef Glen Ballis
• Shared positioning: dinner at SANA, late-night at MOON

The group is stacking concepts that connect. SANA handles the Silk Road-leaning food with a contemporary edge; MOON takes over when the plates clear and the lights dim. It’s a neat way to keep spend and footfall in one place.

Practical details for UAE guests

The basics are covered: hours, booking and social handles.

• Hours of operation listed as daily 12 pm to 2 am
• Opening night entry from 8 pm
• Book: +971 58 814 2936
• Social: @sana_restaurantdxb and @moonbysana
• Website: sanarestaurants.com

MOON is inside Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, which already houses new openings and waterfront favourites. If you’re planning a food-plus-drinks night in the area, see our piece on MEI at the same resort and our culture and events coverage:

• MEI at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
• Events in the UAE
• Food coverage hub

When does MOON by SANA open?

31 October 2025, with a Halloween launch night starting from 8 pm.

Where is it?

Inside SANA at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Look for a discreet entrance within the restaurant.

What’s the dress code for the opening?

“Night Creatures with a Touch of Red.” Think nocturnal, high-contrast looks with a red accent.

Who’s playing on opening night?

DJ Artamonov from 8 pm and DJ Dmaselle from 10 pm till late.

Can I book a table?

Yes. Call +971 58 814 2936. Bottle service is available from 10 pm.

What are the hours?

The release lists daily hours as 12 pm to 2 am; launch night begins at 8 pm.