Music is on the menu at McDonald’s new branch in Dubai’s Al Seef

By Izadora Del Bianco, multimedia journalist / February 3, 2026

“The last thing you imagine as a DJ is to play at McDonald’s,” Sultan El Halabi, 27, from Lebanon, remarked when asked for his opinion about the unusual job he had that day. A fashion DJ with over seven years of experience, his expression spoke louder than any words: happiness, excitement, and chill. Exactly the vibes of the new McDonald’s opening at Al Seef, a popular tourist area in old Dubai.

Set along Al Seef’s waterfront, the new McDonald’s is surrounded by heritage-style buildings and narrow walkways overlooking the creek, blending naturally into the historic district. While its exterior reflects the traditional architecture of the area, the interior offers a different experience. Modern design elements, digital screens, and a lively atmosphere create a contemporary setting, turning a familiar McDonald’s visit into something more dynamic, especially during weekend DJ nights.

Commenting on the opening, Walid Fakih, CEO at McDonald’s UAE, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our new restaurant in Al Seef. The location brings a fresh, energetic twist to the McDonald’s experience, perfectly placed in a destination that already holds its own sense of character and charm.”

The restaurant is for those who love to contemplate the sea, but also for those who want to enjoy their favourite meals while listening to the best mixes.

El Halabi’s secret is never to prepare what he is going to play: “I need to feel the room, whether people are enjoying it or not. If they don’t move even a finger, something is wrong. This is the first GCC McDonald’s with this concept, the first worldwide is in Budapest, which makes me so proud to work as a resident DJ here,” he confirmed. A huge mix of locals and tourists were tapping their toes to the beat while enjoying burgers, fries, and cold drinks. The event welcomed people from all around the world and will continue to do so. Sultan plays every Friday and Saturday, from 8 to 11 pm.

Song Zhili, a 21-year-old student of Nanometre Materials from Beijing who is spending two days in Dubai, shared her thoughts about the opening celebrations. Apart from the music, what she appreciated most was the design of the lunch boxes and the chance to take home small souvenirs. Inside the restaurant, a photo booth featured playful messages such as “this is love at first bite” and “you are the only one I would share my French fries with,” along with images of ice creams and well-known McDonald’s characters. She said she would return to China with a positive impression of the UAE.

Beyond the DJ sets, other activities added to the welcoming atmosphere of the opening. The photobooth attracted both tourists and locals of different ages, many eager to take pictures despite the small space, which only allowed one person at a time. Nearby, a henna artist offered free-hand designs, explaining that working at public events allowed for more creative freedom than private bookings. She also shared that henna, a plant-based form of temporary body art, is a deeply rooted tradition not only in the UAE but also in Bangladesh, where she is from and where girls learn the art from a young age.

These small, personal moments are part of a broader approach to how spaces in Dubai bring together tradition and modern life. For Ali Mohsen Abdulla, Director of Leasing at Dubai Retail, the Al Seef McDonald’s illustrates how heritage environments adjust to present-day lifestyles. Dubai Retail, part of Dubai Holding Asset Management, coordinates retail destinations across the UAE that serve both locals and tourists.

At the Al Seef location, Dubai’s diversity plays out in small details: heritage architecture, seaside views, and a DJ behind the decks. Maybe playing at McDonald’s wasn’t what Sultan imagined, but in Dubai, it fits right in.