Burns suppers at Monte-Carlo Beach Club and Reform Social & Grill

Haggis, neeps and tatties. Courtesy Reform Social & Grill

It's that time of year again when Scots at home and abroad celebrate the birthday of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, with traditional haggis and poetry readings – and Scots expats and Burns fans alike have two great options to choose from in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

Le Deck at Monte Carlo Beach Club.(Courtesy: Monte Carlo Beach Club

In Abu Dhabi, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club on Saadiyat Island is hosting a five-course dinner in honour of Scotland's bard on January 24. The special menu, created by the executive chef Gavin Gleeson, features an amuse bouche of cock-a-leekie soup, a smoked salmon starter, traditional haggis with neep and tatties, a main course of roast saddle of lamb with winter vegetables and a Scotch tart with butterscotch ice cream for dessert. The traditional address to the haggis will be performed. Dh550 per person, for reservations, call 02 656 3500. 

Over in Dubai, the Reform Social & Grill in The Lakes is offering an a la carte menu of Scottish fare, including cock-a-leekie soup; smoked haddock with potato rosti, poached egg and Hollandaise; or wild mushrooms on toast to start. Main courses feature haggis, neeps and tatties; pan-roasted cod with skirlie mash; braised venison with clapshot; and a vegetarian option of roasted root vegetables and kale with a pearl barley casserole. Desserts include a traditional clootie dumpling with custard and Tipsy Laird. For reservations, call 04 454 2683 or email [e-mail]