Often called the “Greatest Show on Earth”, Rio Carnival is the world’s most famous celebration, a dazzling explosion of music, dance, colour, and culture that transforms Rio de Janeiro into the ultimate party. This April, Barbossa channels that electrifying spirit and non-stop energy into Yas Bay with a limited-edition Rio Carnival-themed brunch launching on Saturday, 25 April – a limited-time experience that transports guests straight into the heart of the festivities.
A perfect match for Barbossa’s vibrant spirit, the venue’s Saturday brunch gets an electric makeover through to the end of May. Guests arrive beneath a feathered entrance archway and step into a world of vivid colour, playful details, and Rio-inspired flair, complete with vibrant decor and a lively photo booth. At the heart of the celebration, dazzling samba dancers take centre stage – adorned in feathers, sequins, and striking carnival costumes – bringing the unmistakable rhythm and spectacle of Rio to Yas Bay. With DJ Juan setting the pace through an electrifying mix of Latin and Carnival beats, the atmosphere builds into a full-throttle celebration from start to finish.
Specially created for the brunch, a curated menu blends Barbossa favourites with authentic Brazilian flavours, beginning with vibrant sharing plates including fresh guacamole with handmade corn tortilla chips, freshly baked pão de queijo cheese bread, and assorted pastéis, the beloved Brazilian fried pastries packed with savoury fillings.
For mains, the menu celebrates some of Brazil’s most iconic dishes. Highlights include feijoada, the country’s famous slow-cooked black bean stew with tender beef, alongside flame-grilled Brazilian picanha served with chimichurri. Guests can also enjoy a fragrant coconut fish bake with herbs and spices or a vibrant Brazilian fajita with chicken, capsicum, pineapple, sour cream and guacamole. Vegetarian dishes are given equal attention, with sizzling mushroom and corn fajitas served with capsicum, onion, pineapple, sour cream and guacamole, as well as cauliflower trio tacos featuring fried cauliflower on handmade corn tortillas, topped with pickled celery, charred pepper sauce, crema, guacamole and pickled jalapeño.
Desserts bring a sweet finish to the carnival feast, with creamy tapioca pudding infused with coconut milk, caramelised baked pineapple with cinnamon and vanilla ice cream, and golden churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with rich dipping sauces.
To complete the experience, the brunch features a lively selection of Rio-inspired cocktails and mocktails, including the classic Caipirinha with lime and cachaça and the refreshing Caipiroska with vodka. Signature creations such as the Regal Amburana and the mint-and-basil-infused Bachiller bring an extra splash of carnival spirit to the bar.
With vibrant flavours, high-energy performances, and the rhythm of Rio pulsing through the waterfront, Barbossa’s Rio Carnival brunch delivers four Saturdays of pure celebration – loud, lively, and unmistakably Barbossa.
The Details:
When: Saturday, 25th April onwards, 1PM to 5PM
Price: AED249 per person (Soft package); AED399 per person (Pistolero package); add AED100 per person to upgrade to the Champagne package
Barbossa is open Sunday to Wednesday noon to 1AM, Thursday to Friday noon to 3AM, and Saturday 1PM to 3AM.
Barbossa is located at The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
For bookings and enquiries, please email reservations@barbossa.ae or call +971 50 185 8068.
Visit https://barbossa.ae/ and follow @barbossa_auh to discover more.
