The uniforms are out of the wardrobe, the bags are half-packed, and the weekday alarms are about to start again. But there’s still one weekend left, and The Roast by Bubbalicious is giving Dubai families a proper way to spend it.
On Sunday 23 August, Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi is turning its Sunday roast into a full back-to-school afternoon: storytelling, a live author reading, a dedicated kids’ activity corner, a pop-up community market, and the carvery that made this brunch a Dubai staple in the first place.
A live storytime with a UAE author
The afternoon is built around Alfie & Oak, the children’s book series by Dubai-based author Giselle Onanian. She’ll be at Mina’s Kitchen in person for live readings, a meet-and-greet and book signings throughout the brunch — so kids can hear the stories read aloud, ask her questions, and leave with a signed copy.
The books deal with the things expat kids here actually go through, moving countries, missing family back home, friendships that shift. Alfie and his dog Oak walk through all of it, which makes them land differently for children growing up in the UAE. It’s a soft way to ease into a new school term.
An activity corner that’ll actually keep them busy
Opposite the storytelling area sits a dedicated kids’ zone: Alfie & Oak colouring, bookmark-making, LEGO and Magna-Tiles, plus slime-making, face painting, Jenga and noughts and crosses. Translation for parents — you get to finish your plate while it’s still warm.
The room is styled to match the books, with sky blue, cream and sunny yellow, coral accents, a pastel balloon arch, and stacked books, pencils, apples and alphabet blocks throughout.
The Ripe Market is popping up too
The Ripe Market is bringing its community market into the venue for the afternoon, so you can browse homegrown UAE brands, food, crafts and design between courses. Local makers, no extra ticket needed.
And the food is still the food
Nothing’s been watered down to make room for the theme. Expect the full British roast, carved meats, crisp Yorkshire puddings, golden roast potatoes, seasonal sides and proper gravy.
Dessert is where the theme really shows up: a school-inspired spread with iced pencil, ruler, apple and school bus biscuits, plus showstopper cakes shaped like a backpack and Oak himself.
The details
What: The Roast by Bubbalicious — Back-to-School Edition x Alfie & Oak x The Ripe Market When: Sunday, 23 August 2026, 1:00PM – 4:00PM Where: Mina’s Kitchen, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Prices:
- AED 485 — free-flowing English bubbly
- AED 385 — free-flowing house wine and spirits
- AED 315 — free-flowing soft beverages
- AED 175 — kids aged 6–12
- Free — kids under 6
Reservations: 03034.restaurants@marriott.com
Follow @westindubai, @minaskitchen_dxb, @ripemarket and @giselleonanian.
One last proper family outing before term starts, this is the one to book.
