What's On Abu Dhabi-July 2026

AND THE WINNER IS… P09

30 SHARJAH’S INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS Has Sharjah become a sleeper location for the best indoor activities?

34 BEST POOLS ROUND-UP

As the heat rises, cool off in these top pools.

44 ILIOS

Some of the best views coupled with one of the best menus. Can Ilios live up to the hype?

45 THE BARREL BAR & RESTAURANT

New gastropub brings local comforting vibes to Dubai Harbour Creek.

46 VILLA SÉLÈNE

Riviera-inspired cuisine

meets coastal Abu Dhabi elegance while overlooking a championship golf course? Yes.

47 JODHPUR BAR & KITCHEN

A refined take on Marwari cuisine brings bold flavours and elevated technique.

48 WORLD CUP PLATE-OFF

Who takes home the culinary bragging rights?

52 SUMMER KIDS’ ACTIVITY GUIDE

Weeks of entertaining ahead? Bored kids no more!

56 MUSEUM

The culture o ering is about to go to another level.

58 INDOOR WELLNESS

The best lifestyle and wellness spots to beat the heat.

64 MALDIVES CALLING

A newly renovated resort gets the discerning What’s On once-over. Tough gig.

66 STAYCATION REVIEW

When a getaway calls for all-inclusive luxury…

Our website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas. It’s your online destination for stuff to do in the UAE. Get clicking. What’s On Digital

Your essential guide to what’s happening in Abu Dhabi is also available on the App Store.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne

GROUP CONTENT DIRECTOR Thomas Woodgate thomas.woodgate@motivate.ae

EDITORIAL

DEPUTY EDITOR, DUBAI Madie Murphy

ARTS & CULTURE FEATURES EDITOR Aarti Saundalkar

SENIOR ONLINE REPORTER Jumira Hancock

REPORTER Lana Du

ONLINE REPORTER Afrah Bari

ONLINE REPORTER Rasha Hassan

CONTRIBUTORS Alice Holtham-Pargin, Leonie Wagner, Miles Buckeridge, Sammi Barnard

DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae

SENIOR SALES MANAGER Pamela Bayram pamela.bayram@motivate.ae

SALES MANAGER, ABU DHABI Lina Abdelaziz lina.abdelaziz@motivate.ae

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Ali Mohammad ali.mohammad@motivate.ae

PRODUCTION

GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar

PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Venita Pinto

WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi

CREATIVE STUDIO

CONTENT PRODUCTION MANAGER Surajit Dutta

CREATIVE CONTENT ARTIST Mark Mathew

CONTENT PRODUCER/STUDIO MANAGER John Melencion

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| WHATSON.AE

HERE’S TO YOU, ABU DHABI

There are some evenings that you just don’t want to end. This year’s What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards, held at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, was one of those nights. There’s always a moment, somewhere between the first award and the last, where you look around the room and feel it – the noise, the nerves, the genuine joy on the faces of people who’ve worked hard and are about to find out if it paid off. This year, that feeling was louder than ever.

And rightly so. Because you made this happen. The public vote is the backbone of these awards, and the response this year was extraordinary – a city speaking clearly about the places that matter most to it is always so satisfying. We listened, we counted your votes, and we handed out a lot of awards and in this issue we pay further homage to the winners and highly commended recipients in each category.

To the winners: well done, the accolades are well-earned. To everyone shortlisted: in a city that sets the bar as high as Abu Dhabi does, your place on that list is a genuine achievement in itself. Thank you all for giving us something so worth celebrating.

The timing felt particularly special this year. What’s On has just turned 47 – and yes, we’re still a little in awe of that number. What began, as our founder Ian Fairservice recalls, with “the kind of optimism that only someone who has never actually run a magazine could muster,” has grown into something we’re deeply proud of: a trusted companion to this city through every chapter of its remarkable story. Fourty-seven years on, we’re still here, still championing the best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.

None of it happens without the team. Not just for the awards – though anyone who has watched them work in the weeks leading up to a night like this will know exactly what goes into it – but each and every time. Issue after issue, event after event, they show up with the kind of care and craft that makes What’s On what it is. This issue, and everything it celebrates, belongs to them as much as anyone holding a trophy from this year’s awards.

Here’s to the winners, the nominees, and this endlessly extraordinary city.

See you at next year’s awards.

THOMAS WOODGATE GROUP CONTENT DIRECTOR

TEAM’S

POV

We answer the questions you didn’t even ask.

When the mood strikes, what’s your ultimate comfort food?

Madie Murphy Deputy Editor

“If I need some comfort, I’ll always choose something with mashed potatoes. Yes, how very stereotypically Irish of me, but add some butter and salt and you cannot beat it. If I fancy a full meal, I’ll add beans and a fried egg. Instant comfort.”

Aarti Saundalkar Arts & Culture Features Editor

“Fried chicken, every single time. Whether it’s hot and spicy strips dunked in garlic sauce, chicken wings with ranch, or a crispy fried chicken burger loaded with cheese, it’s the one thing that instantly makes everything feel better.”

Alice HolthamPargin Contributing Editor

“Cookie dough. I’ve got such a sweet tooth that whenever I’m having a down day, cookie dough is the trusted friend I turn to - the little pots from Spinneys get an A+ from me.”

EDITOR’S

WHAT’S ON HOMEGROWN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

GOLDFISH SUSHI & YAKITORI ABU DHABI

There’s a reliable test for a great homegrown restaurant: take it out of its original city, and see if it holds. Goldfish passes with distinction. Chef Akmal Anuar’s Japanese dining concept – which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the third consecutive year and features in MENA’s 50 Best Discovery – arrived at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi and immediately demonstrated why it has earned a cult following. Where lesser exports coast on reputation, Goldfish does the opposite. The Abu Dhabi menu introduces exclusive creations alongside beloved signatures like the wagyu sliders, tuna and guac dip, flame-kissed yakitori and the ramen that has had diners hooked since day one. The open kitchen, the precision, the ingredient ethics – all intact. What seals this win for us isn’t just the food; it’s the proof that a homegrown concept born in the UAE can expand on its own terms, hold its standards, and give a new city exactly the restaurant it deserves.

CHOICE

WHAT’S ON CHEF OF THE YEAR

SUPOJ JEENMAHUN, SONTAYA THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI

The best chefs don’t just cook – they shape the soul of a place. That is precisely what Chef Supoj Jeenmahun has done at Sontaya, the Southeast Asian restaurant perched over floating pavilions at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, where the name itself means “sunset” in Thai and the entire experience is designed to unfold like one. Under his stewardship, Sontaya has evolved from a beloved resort restaurant into a destination in its own right – a place where wok-fried ginger lotus sea bass, aromatic green curries, and handcrafted Asian botanical cocktails are served against the most cinematic backdrop in Abu Dhabi’s dining scene. The reimagined menu bears his hallmarks: precision, authenticity, and an intuitive understanding of Southeast Asian flavour architecture that never trades soul for spectacle. We awarded Chef Supoj this year’s chef honour because great cooking at this level makes the setting irrelevant – though when the setting is this extraordinary, it simply becomes unforgettable.

EDITOR’S

WHAT’S ON NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

NOVIKOV ABU DHABI

Novikov is not a brand that arrives quietly and its Abu Dhabi opening at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island was no exception. What impressed us wasn’t the fanfare, but the follow-through. Eighteen months on from its debut, this outpost of the globally revered London institution has done what so many highprofile international arrivals fail to do: it has earned its place on merit. The Mediterranean menu – guided by acclaimed Italian chefs Marco Lubian and Alberto Dorigo – delivers daily handmade pasta, charcoalgrilled octopus with padrón peppers, and a lemon Amalfi dessert that lingers long after the bill has been settled. A pianist plays through service; selected Asian signatures from Novikov London – including the wagyu tacos and the theatrically presented wasabi king crab leg – make appearances that remind you this is a restaurant with global heritage and genuine confidence. The Michelin Guide took notice; so did Abu Dhabi’s discerning dining crowd. For us, this is what a newcomer of the year looks like: a restaurant that earns its standing the old-fashioned way.

CHOICE

WHAT’S ON RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR SAND & KOAL EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, ABU DHABI

Some restaurants are great. Others are irreplaceable. Sand & Koal belongs to the second category – and it isn’t a close call. Set on the sands of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental with Qasr Al Watan glowing across the water and the Arabian Gulf murmuring beneath the boardwalk, this is a restaurant that understands, fundamentally, that a great dining experience is also a great night. Fire dancers perform on the beach. A DJ sets the mood as the sun disappears. Open-fire cooking – live-grilled steaks, smoked and charred seafood, crudos arriving with cocktails at the bar – commands the evening with confidence and craft. The Michelin Guide calls it correctly: catch the sunset, order a drink, let the evening unfold slowly. We’d go further: the karak tea ice-cream is the taste of the UAE, and the reef and beef is the kind of dish that sends you back to the table the following week. Sand & Koal is currently a MENA’s 50 Best partner and carries the Michelin imprimatur with ease. Restaurant of the Year is ours to give, and this is the only answer.

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

FAVOURITE SPA AWAY SPA, W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

Two floors above Yas Marina at W Abu Dhabi, this reimagined sanctuary pairs Middle Eastern-inspired design with Voya and Comfort Zone treatments, offering 11 treatment rooms, a private hammam, and a couples’ suite for shared indulgence.

Highly Commended CONRAD SPA, CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS

Highly Commended SENSE, A ROSEWOOD SPA ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE LUXURY STAYCATION AL WATHBA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA, ABU DHABI

An intimate Bedouin-inspired desert sanctuary 50km from the city, with 99 rooms, private pool villas, stargazing-ready skies, and a flamingo-filled wetland reserve just across the dunes.

Highly Commended BAB AL NOJOUM HUDAYRIYAT

Highly Commended ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE BEACH HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

A marina landmark since 1981 – the city’s first hotel with a private white sandy beach – with six dining venues, a 18th-floor Club Lounge with panoramic Gulf views, and an exclusive Bayshore Beach Club.

Highly Commended ERTH ABU DHABI

Highly Commended RIXOS MARINA ABU DHABI

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

FAVOURITE POOL AND BEACH CAFE DEL MAR BEACH CLUB ABU DHABI

Born in Ibiza, reimagined at Yas Bay – with one of the UAE’s largest infinity pools at 1,100sqm, resident DJ sessions, sunset views across the water, and a day-to-night energy that’s become iconic.

Highly Commended THE BAYSHORE BEACH CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

Highly Commended THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE BAR JAZZ BAR ABU DHABI

A Corniche institution steeped in Prohibition-era elegance, where a live six-piece band, handcrafted cocktails, and a steakand-seafood menu come together six nights a week for one of the capital’s most atmospheric nights out.

Highly Commended NOVIKOV ABU DHABI

Highly Commended SIDDHARTA LOUNGE BY BUDDHA-BAR

FAVOURITE SUNDOWNER SPOT

THE OVERLOOK THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s rooftop lounge where East meets West – tapas, sushi, and world-class cocktails served against sweeping Yas Island views, with live music carrying the energy from sundown menu into the small hours.

Highly Commended LEXX, GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI HOTEL & RESIDENCES EMIRATES PEARL

Highly Commended TIKI PACIFICO DINING & LOUNGE

presented by Claire

FAVOURITE LADIES’ NIGHT

SIDDHARTA LOUNGE BY BUDDHA-BAR

The only rooftop restaurant and lounge at Yas Bay – pulsating Buddha-Bar music, breathtaking Arabian Gulf marina views, and a menu blending Mediterranean and Asian flavours under the stars.

Highly Commended THE OVERLOOK THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Highly Commended W LOUNGE W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

FAVOURITE SPORTS BAR CRAFTY FOX YAS LINKS

A gastropub-meets-sports-bar overlooking Yas Links’ fairways and mangroves, with 20 big screens for the big fixtures, a globally inspired tapas menu, and an easy-going atmosphere that builds from long lunches into lively late nights.

Highly Commended APPALOOSA, MARRIOTT HOTEL AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Highly Commended STOCK BURGER CO. HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE CONCERT, FESTIVAL OR FAMILY SHOW YASALAM AFTER-RACE CONCERTS & AFTER-PARTIES 2025

The most ambitious in the event’s history – Post Malone, Metallica, Benson Boone and Katy Perry headlining four after-race nights, with Calvin Harris and Keinemusik leading official after-parties into the early hours.

Highly Commended OFFLIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL ETIHAD PARK YAS ISLAND ABU DHABI

Highly Commended SAADIYAT NIGHTS, DCT ABU DHABI AND ETHARA

FAVOURITE SPORTING EVENT

FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2025

A twilight-to-night season finale at Yas Marina Circuit, with neon lights reflecting off superyachts, covered grandstands, fan zones, and an anti-clockwise 1.2km straight that’s pure F1 spectacle.

Highly Commended UFC 321 (ABU DHABI SHOWDOWN WEEK), DCT ABU DHABI AND ETHARA

Highly Commended NBA ABU DHABI GAMES 2025, DCT ABU DHABI AND ETHARA

Award presented by Ashley Jacob, Managing Director, Jacobsons Direct Marketing (second from right).

FAVOURITE ATTRACTION ADRENARK ADVENTURE

The Middle East’s largest indoor adventure park at Al Qana, with 20+ activities – including a three-level eKarting track, rooftop zipline, stunt bag jumps, escape rooms, and a Roll Glider rope course.

Highly Commended ETIHAD ARENA

Highly Commended LEO & LOONA KIDS PARK

FOOD CONCEPTS

FAVOURITE AFTERNOON TEA INFINITY LOUNGE RIXOS MARINA ABU DHABI

Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi’s waterfront lounge, where shisha, crafted cocktails, and a relaxed all-day menu meet uninterrupted marina views, making it a go-to for everything from lazy afternoons to golden-hour sundowners.

Highly Commended LOBBY LOUNGE

SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

Highly Commended LOBBY LOUNGE CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS

FAVOURITE CAFÉ BEVERLY CAFÉ

Yas Mall’s most talked-about café – award-winning Best Café two years running, serving elegance since 1889 with top-rated coffee, a warm atmosphere, and a loyal following that keeps coming back.

Highly Commended SOCIETY

Highly Commended RITUAL CAFE & STUDIO

FAVOURITE BUSINESS LUNCH MOSAIC RESTAURANT – AL NAJDA

Abu Dhabi’s most beloved Lebanese dining institution, celebrated for award-winning mezze, generous portions, a beautiful terrace, and the kind of consistent, soulful cooking that brings guests back from Dubai.

Highly Commended NOVIKOV ABU DHABI

Highly Commended VALGERAND NORDIC GRILL

FAVOURITE PUB GRUB

THE CLUB BAR, THE CLUB ABU DHABI

The Club Abu Dhabi’s signature bar, a convivial members’ favourite that sets the scene for after-work drinks and sports screenings, with the relaxed, familiar atmosphere that keeps its regulars firmly loyal.

Highly Commended BELGIAN CAFÉ YAS ISLAND

Highly Commended COOPER’S GASTROBAR PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI

FOOD CONCEPTS

FAVOURITE BURGER HUNTER & BARREL – YAS BAY

Yas Bay’s smoke-and-fire steakhouse, where open flames, dry-aged cuts, and a buzzing waterfront terrace combine for bold, unfussy cooking that’s made it one of the island’s most in-demand grills.

Highly Commended WHITE SMOKE

Highly Commended MAXZI THE GOOD FOOD SHOP – ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE BREAKFAST OLÉA, THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island’s panoramic all-day Mediterranean restaurant, with live cooking stations, sweeping Arabian Gulf ocean views, and a Friday jazz brunch that perfectly frames the Saadiyat beachfront.

Highly Commended BEVERLY CAFÉ

Highly Commended AL RIMAL ERTH ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE BRUNCH: INDEPENDENT VALGERAND NORDIC GRILL

Estonia meets Saadiyat – salt, smoke, and fire drive a menu of cold-smoked Norwegian salmon, bone marrow, Estonian burgers, and Scandinavian pickles on the UAE’s finest natural beach.

Highly Commended VILLA SÉLÈNE

Highly Commended SUSHISAMBA ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE BRUNCH: HOTEL SOFRA BLD, SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

Shangri-La Abu Dhabi’s beloved all-day dining buffet – an extraordinary spread of live stations, international cuisines, and an iconic Friday brunch that’s been a capital institution for years.

Highly Commended COOPER’S GASTROBAR PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI

Highly Commended THE DIRECTOR’S CLUB THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE CASUAL ASIAN RESTAURANT KAIZU

A theatrical Japanese dining room in Al Zahiyah, with a copper-and-gilt interior, vibrant murals, and a live sushi bar serving everything from sashimi and robatayaki to its signature truffle roll and tan tan ramen.

Highly Commended MR. KIM KOREAN BBQ

Highly Commended WAVES, THE CLUB ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE CASUAL ALL-DAY DINING RESTAURANT NALU RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Surf Abu Dhabi’s waterfront eatery by Yas Marina, where relaxed beach-club energy meets a menu designed to fuel and celebrate, with sweeping water views and a crowd that’s always having the best time.

Highly Commended GARAGE, W ABU DHABI –YAS ISLAND

Highly Commended ROOTS BAR & KITCHEN YAS ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

FAVOURITE CASUAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT IL FORNO – MY TOWN CENTER MBZ

Abu Dhabi’s go-to homegrown neighbourhood pizzeria, known for consistently excellent wood-fired pizzas, warm Italian trattoria vibes, and the kind of honest, unfussy cooking that has built a devoted following.

Highly Commended BELLA VITA

Highly Commended MARCOS ITALIAN FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR

RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE CASUAL MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT MOSAIC RESTAURANT – MUROOR

Award-winning Lebanese cuisine with a beautiful garden terrace in Guardian Towers – fresh mezze, generous grills, and the kind of warm, attentive hospitality that makes it a regular for locals and visitors alike.

Highly Commended JAWAHER

Highly Commended KAMOON, KHALIDIYA PALACE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE CASUAL MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT ILIOS RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB

Surf Abu Dhabi’s Greek-Mediterranean beach club –whitewashed terraces overlooking the water, sharing mezze, fresh seafood straight from the display, and an all-day energy that channels the Aegean.

Highly Commended OII RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

Highly Commended PAPPAS TAVERNA, W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

FAVOURITE CASUAL STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT TEATRO, PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi’s theatrical dining stage, where a multi-cuisine concept, live cooking performances, and a dramatic open-kitchen setting turn every meal into an immersive, communal culinary event.

Highly Commended BROOKLYN CHOP HOUSE, W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

Highly Commended CHAMAS CHURRASCARIA & BAR, INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE FINE DINING ALL-DAY DINING RESTAURANT VILLA SÉLÈNE

A sophisticated golf clubhouse restaurant at Yas Links, serving refined Mediterranean cuisine with sweeping fairway and water views, in a serene setting that works equally well for a leisurely lunch or special-occasion dinner.

Highly Commended GIORNOTTE, THE RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI

Highly Commended SADDLE HOUSE

FAVOURITE FINE DINING ASIAN RESTAURANT SHANG PALACE, SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

An exquisite dim sum and Cantonese dining experience tucked inside Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, with a traditional Chinese aesthetic and meticulously crafted dishes that draw discerning diners back regularly.

Highly Commended 99 SUSHI

Highly Commended

FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE FINE DINING INDIAN RESTAURANT NAMAK, DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s celebrated Indian restaurant – meaning “salt” in Hindi – presenting modern interpretations of regional Indian cuisine in an atmospheric setting that balances tradition with contemporary flair.

Highly Commended RANGOLI YAS PLAZA MARINA

Highly Commended ZEERA BY BUDDHA-BAR

FAVOURITE FINE DINING ITALIAN RESTAURANT TOTÓ ABU DHABI

A genuine New York Italian import on Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, serving handmade pasta and classic red-sauce cooking in a lively, welcoming trattoria atmosphere that feels transporting from the first bite.

Highly Commended VERO ITALIANO, RIXOS MARINA ABU DHABI

Highly Commended VILLA TOSCANA THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI

FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE FINE DINING MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

WEST BAY LOUNGE, RADISSON BLU HOTEL & RESORT, ABU DHABI CORNICHE

Abu Dhabi’s most atmospheric waterfront terrace bar, with shisha, craft cocktails, sweeping bay views, and a perfectly calibrated sunset-to-nightfall vibe that keeps regulars returning week after week.

Highly Commended BORD EAU BY NICOLAS ISNARD SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

Highly Commended THE VISTA THE CLUB ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE FINE DINING MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT MAZAJ BAB AL BAHR, FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR, ABU DHABI

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s much-loved Arabic lounge and shisha terrace – with unrivalled views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the water, traditional hospitality, and mezze in the most iconic setting in Abu Dhabi.

Highly Commended BYBLOS SUR MER INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

Highly Commended AMARA RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE FINE DINING SEAFOOD RESTAURANT CATCH AT ST REGIS, THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI

A sleek, upmarket seafood and sushi destination at Nation Towers, where fresh catches, premium sashimi, and a vivid cocktail menu come together against a backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s striking skyline.

Highly Commended FISHMARKET, INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

Highly Commended KHAYAL, MARRIOTT HOTEL AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

FAVOURITE FINE DINING STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT ENTRECÔTE CAFÉ DE PARIS, – SOUK AT QARYAT AL BERI

One of the world’s great one-item menus – entrecôte steak, unlimited frites, and the legendary secret Café de Paris butter sauce, served in a classic brasserie setting that never needs to be anything more.

Highly Commended MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE & GRILL

FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR HOTEL

Highly Commended THE GRILL, MARRIOTT HOTEL AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

THE BIG NIGHT

Held in true Abu Dhabi style, the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026 brought together the very best of the city’s hospitality, dining and lifestyle scene for an evening that was filled with glittering moments, well-deserved recognition and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. From the red carpet to the final trophy, here’s how the big night unfolded.

07 A little bit of mingling and sips before show time. 08 THIS is how you open an awards night.

09 Motivate Media Group General Manager David Fairservice (right) with Justin Codrai. 10 Big smiles all around. 11 Table goals: unlocked. 12 Luxury Supercars Rental - where elegance meets horsepower. 13 Breaking news: this is the place to be.

14 Eagerly waiting for the night to kick off. 15 Arriving in style.

16 Big smiles from the fun team at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi.

17 A toast to the good times.

18 Our MC for the evening, Lee Clark. 19 Congrats to the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi team for picking up the highly commended award for Favourite Fine Dining Italian Restaurant: Vero Italiano. 20 One of many wins for the Yas Links team. 21 Can we join the crew, Conrad Abu Dhabi?

22 Team What’s On: the team behind the brand. 23 Officially cooler than the competition. 24 An evening of mingling with peers. 25 The smiles were even bigger after the win. 26 A buffet so vast we chose to forget calories exist. 27 Leo & Loona Kids Park picking up a highly commended award.

BEAT THE HEAT (SHARJAH-STYLE)

Indoorthrills,coolculture andaroomwhereyou canwalkthrougha rainstorm–without gettingwet

WORDS:AARTISAUNDALKAR &MILESBUCKERIDGE

Escapetheheatwithoutbreakingthebank.Sharjahhas beenquietlyuppingitsgame–andsummeristheperfect timetonotice.Beyondtheoutdoorattractionsthatshine incoolermonths,there’saseriousamountoffuntobehad indoors.Here’showtomakethemostofit.

Prison Island

Your opportunity to live out those Prison Break fantasies awaits at City Center Al Zahia. A series of Crystal Maze-style escape rooms require you to flex your muscles, brain and problem-solving skills in an effort to Beat the Bars. Just remember the five Prison Island Cs – crawl, code-break, clamber, communicate with your team, and cheat whenever the guards aren’t looking. Inmate, you have your orders. City Center Al Zahia Sharjah, Mon to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sun 10am to 12am, Dhs125 per adult, Dhs99 per child aged eight to 11. prisonisland.ae

Rain Room

Rain might be a sensitive subject for some right now, but with summer now here, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll be dreaming of the raw, fierce beauty of a tropical monsoon. Rain Room Sharjah is a permanent art installation that makes the enticing promise of letting you walk through the eye of a dimly lit storm without an umbrella – and somehow, mostly, staying dry. We experienced dribble quantities that’d shame an overstimulated labrador on our visit. It’s not an all-day activity, but it does deliver a fun half hour, and the cleverly curated staging is just perfect for snagging those artsy profile shots.

Al Sharq, Al Mujarrah, Sat to Thu 9am to 9pm, Fri 4pm to 10pm, Dhs25 per adult and Dhs15 per student and teacher, under 5s free. Tel: (0)6 561 0095 rainroom.sharjahart.org

Wasit Nature Reserve

For bird lovers, Wasit Nature Reserve is a true haven. This peaceful natural reserve is one of the top places to spot some of the UAE’s most beautiful native and migratory bird species, including flamingos, herons, and a variety of waders that gather around its lagoons and wetlands. One of the most unique features is their indoor viewing area. This climate-controlled space lets you enjoy close-up bird sightings without worrying about heat, wind, or timing your visit just right. You can watch birds up close at your own pace, noticing their colours and behaviour without the rush or weather distractions.

Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Street, Mon, Wed and Thurs 9am to 6.30pm, Fri 2pm to 6.30pm, Sat and Sun 11am to 6.30pm, closed on Tues. Dhs15 per adult over 13, under 12s free. Tel: (0)6 552 6646. visitsharjah.com

Adventureland

Inside Sahara Centre, Adventureland is a free-entry, pay-to-play indoor amusement park packing in rides, climbing walls, bowling, arcades, zip lines, a trampoline park, soft play, a mirror maze and VR games. Sahara Centre, Al Nahda Interchange, Sun to Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 1pm to midnight, Sat 10am to midnight. adventurelanduae.com

Sharjah

Planetarium

Sharjah has quietly become one of the better places in the UAE to contemplate the cosmos. The Planetarium serves up educational exhibits, a collection of meteorites, laser shows and dome-projected theatrics covering everything from black holes to the birth of planet Earth. More than enough awe to inspire even the most knee-high deGrasse Tysons.

University City, Mon to Wed 8.30am to 3pm, Thurs, Fri and Sun 8am to 8pm, closed Fri, Dhs50 per adult, Dhs25 per child, sharjah.ac.ae

Sharjah Science Museum

Hands-on science has a way of turning even the most reluctant young minds into enthusiastic ones, and that’s exactly the magic on offer here. Across more than 50 interactive exhibits, kids can get to grips with the laws of nature, thermal physics, physiology, aerodynamics and electricity. One of the best family days out in Sharjah – full stop.

Al Abar area, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Road, Sat to Thu 8am to 8pm, Fri 4pm to 8pm. Dhs25 per adult over 13, Dhs15 per child aged two to 12. sharjahmuseums.ae

Khor Kalba Fort

Altitude Arena

This sprawling indoor adventure park packs in bowling, billiards, trampolines, laser tag, go-karts and even a haunted house. It’s geared towards fun. Sahara Center, East Atrium, Level 2, open daily Mon to Thurs 10am to 11pm, Fri to Sun 10am to 12am, various packages available from Dhs99, Tel: (0)6 715 2096. altitudearena.ae

Laser Island

Part of the Prison Island collective, groups of up to 21 can lock and load for a neon-lit battle royale – running, gunning and settling scores in a free-for-all that earns its place on any shortlist of essential Sharjah family days out. City Center Al Zahia Sharjah, Fri to Sun 10am to 12am, Mon to Thurs 10am to 10pm, from Dhs59. prisonisland.ae/ laser-island

Dating back to 1745, this spellbinding architectural relic is impressive enough on its own terms – but it’s what’s inside that really earns your attention. Artefacts uncovered from surrounding archaeological excavations, some significantly more ancient than the fort itself, are displayed within its four unequal walls, including millennia-old ceramics that feel almost impossible to stand next to without a quiet sense of wonder. Next door, Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad al Qassimi offers a window into Kalba royal family history through a beautifully preserved residence built in authentic Emirati architectural style. A lot of history under one roof – and then some.

Kalba Square, Sat to Thu 8am to 8pm, Fri 4pm to 8pm. Dhs10 per adult, Dhs5 per child aged 2 to 12. sharjahmuseums.ae

Al Noor Island

Sitting on Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island is known for its gardens and outdoor art installations but the undisputed highlight is the Butterfly House, home to hundreds of colourful, exotic species from around the world. Walk through the enclosed exhibit, designed to recreate the butterflies’ natural habitat, and pick up a thing or two about their lifecycle along the way. The island’s landscaping is designed with calm in mind – and it delivers.

Al Noor Island, butterfly house open 9am to 6pm, Dhs50 per adult, Dhs30 per child. alnoorisland.ae

Sharjah Archaeological Museum

The Sharjah Archaeology Museum, the first museum in Sharjah, showcases some of the UAE’s most important archaeological discoveries. Highlights include a 2,000-year-old golden bridle from Mleiha, finds from a Stone Age burial site containing the remains of 500 nomadic herders, and a wide collection of Arabic artefacts. The children’s area offers interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience, alongside film screenings. During the summer months, visitors are advised to call ahead to plan their visit.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Street, Sat to Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri 4pm to 8pm, Dhs10 per adult over 13, Dhs5 per child aged 2 to 12. Tel: (0)6 566 5466. sharjahmuseums.ae

Sharjah Mosque

The largest mosque in the emirate and a genuinely beautiful tribute to Ottoman architecture, Sharjah Mosque is open to all visitors. Step inside and you’ll find a library of Islamic books, a dedicated entrance and prayer room for non-Muslim guests, and a sense of scale that earns its 5,000-person capacity. It draws clear inspiration from Istanbul’s Blue Mosque – and wears that influence with quiet confidence. Al Riqaibah, Sharjah, daily 3am to 11pm. @sharjahmosque

House of Wisdom

Few libraries earn the name. This one does. Commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, as part of the emirate’s UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 celebrations, the House of Wisdom is a 12,000sqm love letter to the written word – and one of the most architecturally striking public spaces in the UAE.

Al Juraina 1, Sharjah, open daily 10am to 8pm. Tel: (0)6 594 0000. @sharjahhow

Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre

Nestled at the base of the Hajar Mountains outside Kalba city, this conservation centre is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region’s dramatic mountain habitats. The resident wildlife roster is genuinely impressive – expect cheetahs, Arabian tahr, Arabian rock hyrax, Arabian wolf, deer and hyena, among others. Equal parts education and exhilaration. Dhs15 per adult, children under 12 free. Tue to Thu 9am to 6.30pm, Fri 2pm to 6.30pm, Sat and Sun 11am to 6.30pm. Closed Mon. visitsharjah.com

Flipped Park

At Flipped Park, kids are encouraged to literally… bounce off the walls. Flipped Park inside Sahara Centre is a high-energy indoor playground of trampolines, obstacle courses, rope climbs and foam-pit chaos. Expect dodgeball battles, climbing challenges and the sort of relentless bouncing that guarantees a quiet car ride home afterwards.

Sahara Center, 2nd floor, Al Nadha, Mon to Thurs 10am to 11pm, Fri to Sun, 10am to 12am, prices from Dhs65. Tel: (0)50 543 9082. flippedpark.com

Yalla Bowling

The old 10-pin knockdown. The strike hike. A tour through split city. A turkey hunt. Call it what you want – bowling remains one of the world’s most reliably good times, and at City Center Al Zahia’s Magic Planet, Yalla Bowling is kingpin. Games start from Dhs45 per person, making it one of the better-value group activities in Sharjah. Bowling shoes and socks are included in the cost.

City Center Al Zahia Sharjah, Dhs45 per player Mon to Thurs, Dhs50 per player Fri to Sun. magicplanetmena.com

Sharjah Aquarium

Twenty-one tanks, more than 100 marine species and one very recognisable clownfish. The aquarium is home to seahorses, moray eels, sea rays and reef sharks – and quietly doing important work through its turtle rehabilitation programme, which alone is worth knowing about. Entry also covers the Sharjah Maritime Museum next door, making it excellent value.

Al Khan Old area, Sat to Thu 8am to 8pm, Fri 8am to 4pm. Dhs25 per adult over 13, Dhs15 per child aged two to 12. sharjahmuseums.ae

The Flying Saucer

The otherworldly silhouette alone is worth the detour. This iconic building – now restored and operating under the Sharjah Art Foundation –has been given a new purpose. An exterior exhibition and performance space sits above an underground Launch Pad, complete with a sunken courtyard, library and café. Come for the architecture, stay for the atmosphere. Dasman, Sat to Thu 9am to 9pm, Fri 4pm to 9pm. Free to enter. sharjahart.org

GREAT POOL DAYS OUT (AND IN)

Trying to decide what kind of pool day you want? It’s not that deep...

WORDS:

MILES BUCKERIDGE

Congratulations on choosing the ‘staying in the UAE for the summer’ expansion pack. This thrilling, immersive experience comes pre-installed with a suite of exclusive inclusions: users will feel like the city is theirs with the ‘light queues and no traffic’ pass, the ‘great deals on hotel stays’ cheat code will help you take full advantage of the new-for-2026 ‘inbox lite’ mode, and the perennially popular ‘more AC than Europe’ emote, provides the ultimate platform for bragging right XP farming. Whilst navigating the UAE summer operating system, it’s recommended you make use of the region’s many swimming pools to keep your hardware cool. Players can select from a wide range of indoor and outdoor options, each with their own benefits and perks. These are some of the best ways to sync your dives in the UAE, internal or external.

INDOOR

Abu Dhabi

Erth Abu Dhabi

Best for: laps and Olympic aspirations

This architecturally impressive hotel existed as Abu Dhabi’s Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel before an expansive leisure overhaul. One of the key focuses of the renovation project was the development of its wellness facilities – the majority of which can be found in the Etizan Fitness complex. Serious swimmers can take advantage of a 50m indoor, eight-lane Olympic swimming pool, plus beginner and kids pools, with ladies-only access available (select timings on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday). Khor Al Maqta, Dhs151 (day access to all Etizan facilities), daily 6am to 11pm. erth.ae

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

Best for: hydrotherapy and relaxation

Usually you go to a pool to escape the pressures of the outside world, but in this Abu Dhabi resort’s spa facilities – it’s the pressure that helps you unwind. The soothing hydrotherapy jets, provide a massage experience that reportedly improves circulation, eases muscle soreness, and promotes deep relaxation.

Al Raha, daily 12pm to 7pm, Dhs150 for two hours. @alrahabeachresortandspa

Marriott Hotel Downtown

Best for: sky high sips

By the purists’ definition, we shouldn’t really be including AT25 in the indoor section because it doesn’t have a roof. But we’ve never been the type to be constrained by rules when it comes to swimming... doggy paddle is our spirit stroke. And, 25 floors up the Marriott Hotel Downtown, this aquatic enclave is surrounded by glass and walls so the vibe fits better with shelter than swelter. Throughout the summer there’s a splash sale where the pool pass is just Dhs50 (on weekdays, and Dhs75 on weekends), and it’s fully redeemable.

Al Manhal, 7am to 11pm, from Dhs50. @marriottdowntownad

St. Regis Saadiyat Island

Best for: wellness and working on lap times

This luxury hotel on what has to be one of the UAE’s most attractive stretches of coastline does have an absolutely stunning outdoor pool.

But if your mission is more PB than UV, the St. Regis Athletics Club has a gym-adjacent 25m lap pool that’s perfect for front crawl fans.

Saadiyat Island, 6am to 7pm, day pass Dhs120.

@stregissaadiyatisland

Dubai INDOOR

Grand Hyatt Dubai Best for: old Dubai sophistication

When summer starts to turn up the air fryer heat, Grand Hyatt Dubai’s 20-metre indoor pool becomes a very persuasive argument. It is attached to the wider Ahasees Spa & Club setup, making it a solid selection for wellness fans.

Sheikh Rashid Road, Dhs250 access details vary. hyatt.com

Hamdan Sports Complex

Best for: podium chasing

If your idea of a pool day involves goggles, lane discipline and absolutely no instances of ducking, cannon-balling or running on slippery surfaces, Hamdan Sports Complex is the big-ticket indoor swim option for you. Built for international aquatic events, this vast sporting dojo is home to a 10-lane Olympic-standard pool and public swimming sessions.

Emirates Road, 6am to 10am, from Dhs60. hamdansc.com

QE2

Best for: nautical novelty

Taking a dip aboard a restored ocean liner is pleasingly extra, even by Dubai standards. The QE2’s original indoor pool, once reserved for first class guests, is now part of the floating hotel’s wellness facilities on Seven Deck. You’ll need to be a guest to take a dip in the water (on the water) but with rooms starting at around Dhs217 for two, including breakfast – it’s a drop in the ocean.

Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Seven Deck, daily 7am to 7pm. qe2.com

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Best for: Roman-bath energy and luxury laps

At Bvlgari Resort Dubai, the spa pool is very much an indoor affair, and a uniquely beautiful one at that. Set inside the resort’s 1,700-square-metre wellness space, the 25m pool comes with mosaic detailing, a vitality pool and big “ancient Roman baths, but make it Jumeirah Bay” energy. The day pass rate is the sort you might expect with the Bvlgari branding, but many of the massages include pool access in the cost of the treatment.

Jumeirah Bay Island, 8am to 11pm, Dhs1,050. bulgarihotels.com

Abu Dhabi OUTDOOR

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Best for: calm waters and family frolics

The Venetian-inspired canal that runs through the hotel might look inviting, but if you can keep your arm bands uninflated for a few extra moments, more sublime pleasures await. There’s an outdoor infinity pool that reaches out to the natural water’s edge, a dedicated family pool and a fitness centre lap pool. A true luxury of choice. Khor Al Maqta, daily 8am to 7pm, fully redeemable day pass from Dhs99. shangri-la.com

SAL Saadiyat Island

Best for: barefoot luxury

The Abu Dhabi outpost of SAL brings refined Mediterranean beach-club energy to the UAE’s most spectacular sand-hemmed ocean estate. The adultsonly pool and beach setup features beautifully bougie sunbeds, love beds, cabanas, live music and turquoise-water views, making it one of the capital’s most coveted outdoor dips. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, sunbeds Dhs450 per person. jumeirah.com

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Best for: palace-level opulance

If you are going to do an outdoor pool day in Abu Dhabi, doing it at an actual palace feels like a strong use of time. The Mandarin Pass includes access to the resort’s private beach and swimming pool, giving you a regal route to sun, sea and stunning surrounds.

West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Mandarin Pass Dhs200 adults, Dhs100 children. mandarinoriental.com

Nation Riviera Beach Club

Best for: Corniche beach-club classics

Found at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Riviera Beach Club gives you private beach access, a pool, kids’ pool and a proper Corniche daycation feel. A well-established staple in the city, Nation Riviera Beach Club manages to balance luxury with a sense of authentic family friendliness.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche, Dhs345 weekdays with Dhs150 credit, Dhs415 weekends with Dhs150 credit. nationrivierabeachclub.com

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Best for: bargain infinity pool views Not every pool day has to come with cabana minimum spend and a minor existential crisis at the bill. Yas Links keeps things refreshingly simple with an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the golf course and Eastern Mangroves, plus one of the friendlier day-pass prices in the capital.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 7pm, Dhs75 Mon to Fri, Dhs100 Sat and Sun. viyagolf.com

Dubai OUTDOOR

Banyan Tree Dubai

Best for: serene Bluewaters lounging

Banyan Tree Dubai brings a surge of pool day elegance to Bluewaters, with a private beachfront, signature Banyan serene resort energy and some of the best Arabian Gulf views you’ll find in the UAE. Perfect for families and calm-seeking adults. Bluewaters Island, 7am to 8pm, Dhs400 Mon to Thu (Dhs200 redeemable), Dhs600 Fri to Sun (Dhs300 redeemable). banyantree.com

ZETA Seventy Seven

Best for: swimming in the sky

Staged 239 metres above JBR, ZETA Seventy Seven is up there with the very best sky pools of the world. The recordbreaking outdoor infinity pool serves up huge views of Bluewaters, Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. The food is pretty spectacular, too.

Address Beach Resort, JBR, pool open daily 8am to 10pm, pool pass from Dhs277 (Dhs200 redeemable) Mon to Thu, or Dhs477 Fri to Sun (Dhs300 redeemable), access limited to four hour slots. addresshotels.com

Al Habtoor Polo Resort

Best for: countryside cool without leaving Dubai

For a pool day that swaps shoreline posing for polo-club peace, Al Habtoor Polo Resort is a soothing left-field pick. The outdoor pool comes with English garden green lawns, equestrian-estate spirit and a slower pace than the city’s louder beach clubs, making it a strong choice for families, low-key lounging and anyone after a different kind of Dubai daycation.

Wadi Al Safa 5, Emirates Road, Dhs150 fully redeemable on F&B, 9am to 7pm. habtoorpoloresort.com

Kyma Beach

Best for: Greek island energy on the Palm

If your ideal pool day brief requires style, indulgence but without the intensity of an Ibizan after-party, Kyma is a charming prospect. Set along Palm West Beach, it brings whitewashed Ionian-island energy, poolside lounging, beach access and a grown-up soundtrack to one of Dubai’s most reliably scene-y stretches of sand. There are also night pool sessions on Friday and Saturday from 7pm, priced at Dhs200 and that charge is fully redeemable.

Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs200 weekdays (fully redeemable) and Dhs250 on Fri (fully redeembale), Sat-Sun Dhs250 (50 per cent redeemable). kymabeach.ae

The Lana

Best for: Burj Khalifa views and grown-up rooftop glamour

The High Society rooftop pool comes with sophisticated Dorchester Collection polish, Burj Khalifa views and a fully redeemable day pass, making it a slicker, calmer alternative to the bigger pool-club circus.

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Business Bay, daily 10am to 8pm, Dhs300 fully redeemable. dorchestercollection.com

No wristbands, no wellies, just an all-star line-up of backyard festival fun

WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE

Dubai summers and music festivals are not a natural pairing. It’s the outside bit that tends to be the problem. And the tents. And the 50ºC ambient temperatures. That’s the reason many will be jetting off to do their ‘handsto-the-laser’ bopping in Europe this year. But there is another way to experience this live music and tribal vibe phenomenon, and it’ll cost you significantly less than an international airfare and last-minute fest tickets. It also involves a complete absence of questionably scented port-a-loo queues, full reception on your phone, no festering mud moats, no mortgage-priced burgers, and any side quests to find missing friends can be resolved in minutes. We’re going to be laying out how to build the perfect festival right here in your UAE home. This is no bland standard house party, it’s a Couchella if you will, an in-villa-palooza, or Burj-stock 2026 if you absolutely must. And we’ve called in some world-class headliners to help you plan it.

Your entertainment line-up as curated by DJ Christ Wright

There is nobody in the UAE more qualified to hold court on what makes a perfect party, than Mr Wright. His entertainment empire spans across Secret Parties brunches, Pearl Rosé wine, countless restaurant and bar openings, and that’s before we even get on to the subject of his stellar DJ career. Best of all, the festival party-planning magnate is in the UAE right now.

On the music

Obviously, having a DJ is the goal for this sort of event, but if your budget (or friend group) is not on the same tier as Pascha, you can replicate the effect by streaming sets from past festivals. My immediate goto is anything from Fatboy Slim. He is the master of getting a crowd up and dancing, so why not put him as the headliner on your festival flier?

On the equipment

On ensuring the theme carries through

There’s no point in going to the effort of creating elaborate decorative themes if they don’t echo through the other elements. If you’re going for a disco concept, for example, the food and drink should reflect that. Pick cocktail names and blends that pair well with the vibe.

I would always rent a sound system, home ones will never give the guests that real festival feeling, so a good sound system, ideally with decks, is an essential consideration. A simple, but incredibly effective way to curate vibe is through lighting – you can buy affordable mood lighting on Noon or Amazon, which will always help set the tone of the event.

On where to hold your pre- or after-parties

A great pre-party would be one of our Secret Brunches. If your event is on a Saturday evening, start off early and make a full day of it. As always, the golden rule is: pace yourself, – festivals are a marathon, not a sprint.

On being the perfect host

It’s a good idea to make signs that guide your guests through the experience, pointing out bars and restroom facilities. I’d highly recommend creating two rooms with different genres of music, that way you can never lose guests if they’re not feeling one style of music. The biggest crime a DJ can commit is only playing what they like to hear. A good DJ should always read the room and understand their crowd to ensure a successful event.

Your food headliners as curated by Hattem Mattar

To help you make good festival food choices, we’ve enlisted the help of the UAE’s Pitmaster general, commander in beef, the sensai of smoke and flame – Hattem Mattar. He’s sharing the benefit of his exceptional barbecue wisdom to ensure your event catering performance is Hall of Fame-worthy. Head to @mattar.ae for live fire cooking classes, and exceptional barbecue.

On the best BBQ cuts

Big cuts that will do well are brisket... If you have the time and patience. Brisket will win the crowd over and can make about 20 sandwiches per brisket if not more. Barring brisket, a good line of steaks. Striploin and ribeye. Straight on the grill. 4 minutes a side. Rest 15 minutes. Salt and pepper. Bob’s your uncle.

On being prepared

Salad and Sides prep. Sauces. Seating. Serving. All the S’s. Those take up a chunk of time if you’re not careful and they can eat into your cook time.

On provenance

Get to know your local butcher. Find out which cuts do what for you and your diet and for hosting. Knowing your butcher is probably cooler than knowing the guy at the door. Give us a shout at mattar.ae – we know a few things about a few things.

On hacks

Salt your meat the day before. Take your meat off 5 degrees before required doneness. Rest your beef. Brine your poultry. Get a good cast iron pan with herbs and butter. Come to barbecue school.

On what not to do

Grilling with the lid open. Flipping burgers and steaks ad nauseam. Not having fire built properly. It really is trial and error, but best to do the trials early so you don’t make errors on the day.

On plan B

If things go wrong on the day, call us. We’ve got all the barbecue you possibly need or want. Otherwise, call Al Safadi. Great family. Great place. No one does it better.

Your festival decoration line-up as curated by Lana Du

Your festival venue is going to dictate a lot of what you’ll be able to do with the space. Villas, studios, apartments, residences with a pool, all come with their own opportunities and limitations. Whatever you’re working with, What’s On’s Lana Du has some inspired design suggestions to take your Glastonbarely to a Glastonvery.

On themes

I’d say a ‘boho’ theme would be best for this kind of event – timeless, summery, and festive. It’s high on maximalism but surprisingly easy to pull off at home: layered textiles, fairy lights, garden-inspired decorations, and a few statement cushions and rugs to set the tone. Wardrobe-wise, lightweight, mix-and-match outfits and cool accessories make it easy for everyone. Laid-back or fancy, it works either way and gives instant Coachella festival energy. I also think concepts such as ‘the enchanted garden’ work well as a calming contrast to the UAE’s desert heat.

On zoning

If the house is big enough for multiple zones, I’d go for a few distinct areas and play around with music genres in each to set the tone. The main tent could host the core vibe - ‘Organic House’ fits perfectly. The chill-out room could be something Downtempo

and relaxed, and the dance area could start with Progressive, then move to more melodic house, or Afro House –even though I’m not a big fan – people love it in Dubai. Each zone can also reflect its purpose through decor: boho everywhere in the main tent, simple and minimal in the dance area so people can move freely, cosy and candle-lit for chilling. The music and decor together set the tone for each room and give the whole villa party a proper festival feel.

For sets, I’d go for Hernan Cattaneo in the dance/progressive zone – one of my absolute favourite artists. At massive music festivals, he plays 5-6 hour sets with crowds dancing nonstop, so he really knows how to build the vibe. For more chill, laid-back zones, I’d go for Kora Musique – he brings melodic and atmospheric sounds with live, acoustic-inspired elements; organic, groovy, and journey-like.

On statement decor

For a boho-themed in-villa festival, I’d go for layered textiles, like patterned rugs and throws, and hang fairy lights or lanterns to create atmosphere. Add a few statement cushions, macrame wall hangings, or a low lounge area with poufs to instantly give the space a playful, festival-ready energy.

On what to avoid

I’d stay away from anything overly dark or heavy – it kills the summer energy vibe. Also, skip cluttered maximalism, overly literal themes and harsh neon colours.

FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS

All seasoned alfresco ravers should be able to recite the fest guest motto: come prepared. If you’re throwing a festival in your own home, your packing checklist will look a little different to the one you take to a field in Somerset. Out with wet wipes and power banks, in with electrolytes and plastic plants. This is our shopping guide to help you building Couchella.

On the day essentials:

Cooler box with wheels, from Dhs163, temu.com

30 port USB charging station, from Dhs120, amazon.ae

Ice, lots of ice, from Dhs30, Instashop

Decoration essentials:

Duct tape, from Dhs8 via Noon

Smoke machine, from Dhs235, temu.com

Plastic plants, from Dhs35, Dragon Mart

Game station essentials:

Drink pong set, from Dhs60, temu.com

Putting challenge set, from Dhs185, amazon.ae

Recovery essentials:

Humantra electrolytes, from Dhs115 via Deliveroo

Cooling eye mask, from Dhs15, amazon.ae

Green Vitality Juice, from Dhs64, gulffruits.com

Bean bags, from Dhs30 per day (rental), eventsouk.com

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“Augie Fabela writes not as a distant commentator, but as a firsthand participant—one who chose to stay and stand in solidarity with the UAE. His unique perspective, as an eyewitness to a defining moment, captures our nation’s strength, vision, and tenacity.”

HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH NAHAYAN MABARAK AL NAHYAN

MINISTER OF TOLERANCE AND COEXISTENCE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

&

ILIOS

Greek dining with front-row surf views

WORDS: LEONIE WAGNER

So often, restaurants can feel all style and no substance. At first glance, Ilios nails the former: white interiors, sandy tones and soft natural textures give the space a polished Mediterranean look without feeling overdesigned. Everywhere you turn, there is another beautiful angle. The crashing waves in the distance. The endless blue water. The golden late afternoon light bouncing off the tables. That’s the style part taken care of...

The vibe

The food & drinks

The food comfortably holds its own against the spectacular setting, which is saying something because the view threatens to steal the entire show.

The Burrata with walnuts and figs was one of the standouts of the afternoon. Creamy burrata paired with sweet figs and courgette sounds simple on paper, but the flavours work beautifully together. The fig adds a sweetness that catches you by surprise in the best way. Then came the Tyropita with feta, tomato chutney and Greek honey wrapped in delicate pastry phyllo. One word: moreish.

Lunch here easily turns into sunset drinks and somehow still does not feel long enough. Ilios has that rare quality where time quietly disappears around you. Nobody rushes. Nobody checks the clock. The music sets the tone from the moment you sit down. Upbeat enough to feel like a beach party somewhere in Mykonos, but still polished and relaxed. It brings energy to the space without ever tipping into chaos. The vibe is one of cool, relaxed holiday vibes and we’re here for all of it.

The grilled octopus with Santorini fava purée and pickled onions is good, though not the most memorable thing on the menu. The spicy tuna maki roll, however, disappeared quickly. Fresh, clean flavours and easy to grab between conversations.

For mains, the Greek sea bass baked in a sea salt crust arrived with a bit of theatre at the table, while the Australian wagyu rib-eye delivered exactly what you want from a good steak. Rich, tender and perfectly cooked. On the side, the grilled asparagus with lemon olive oil and the hand-cut fries dusted with oregano and lime zest worked perfectly alongside the

mains and were good enough to keep going back for more.

Dessert rounds things off beautifully. The almond cake with amarena ice-cream and sour cherry coulis is excellent, but the cherry ice-cream deserves its own paragraph. Creamy, indulgent and almost impossible to stop eating.

The service

Warm, polished and attentive without hovering. Plates arrived at an easy pace that suited the slow afternoon atmosphere perfectly.

What’s on the bill

Expect around Dhs700 to Dhs1,000 for two people, depending on drinks and how long you decide to stay. Chances are, it will be longer than planned.

WHAT’S ON VERDICT

Ilios gets the difficult balance right. The setting is breathtaking, but the food never feels secondary to the view. This is a restaurant where one lunch quietly turns into an entire afternoon, and honestly, you still will not want to leave.

Location: Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi Times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 12am; Friday to Sunday 11am to 12am Contact: 02 419 8508

THE BARREL BAR & RESTAURANT

Comfort food, happy hours, Sunday roasts, DJ nights and a pet-friendly terrace all under one roof

WORDS: LANA DU

Every neighbourhood needs a spot like The Barrel. Somewhere for after-work drinks that turn into dinner and chilled-out afternoons that are exactly what weekends are for. The newly licensed gastropub at Vida Creek Beach brings together comfort food, a great wine and beer selection and a laidback atmosphere that’s already drawing in a loyal crowd from across Dubai Creek Harbour.

The space

The barrels above the bar are the first thing you notice when you walk in. They give the space its identity straight away and set the tone for the warm, lived-in feel throughout. Rich woods, soft lighting and cosy corners create a layout that works whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for dinner. It’s polished but not formal, relaxed but still feels like somewhere you’d happily spend an evening.

The food and drinks

The menu follows the same philosophy as the venue itself: comforting, generous and made for sharing. We started with the tuna tartare, baked feta and a quinoa salad with nectarine, avocado, almonds and passion fruit dressing. The salad was the surprise standout of the meal – colourful, fresh and packed with texture. For mains, we enjoyed the Wiener Schnitzel dressed in traditional golden breadcrumbs, crisp on the outside, tender in the middle. It’s easy to see why so many guests come back specifically for it – some even swear it’s as close to an authentic Austrian schnitzel as you’ll find in Dubai. The beef short ribs à la bourguignon, ribeye diane and prawn & calamari linguine also come highly recommended by the team and are firmly on our list for our next visit. For dessert, make it the sticky date toffee pudding. The newly licensed venue takes its drinks seriously. There’s an extensive beer selection, a wine list that spans multiple regions and enough variety to find a pairing for anything on the menu.

The service

The service feels very much in tune with the venue. Warm, genuine and attentive, the team quickly makes you feel welcome. They’re happy to talk you through the menu, point you towards a few house favourites and recommend a wine pairing based on what you’re ordering.

What’s on the bill?

For two people ordering drinks, starters, mains and dessert, expect to spend around Dhs650. Add a bottle of wine and settle in for the evening, and you’ll likely spend a bit more.

WHAT’S ON VERDICT

The Barrel gets the neighbourhood gastropub formula right. Hearty comfort food, great drinks and a relaxed atmosphere make it the kind of place that works for almost any occasion.

Where: The Barrel Bar & Restaurant, Vida Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour When: Daily, midday to midnight Contact: @thebarreldubai

VILLA SÉLÈNE

A Riviera-inspired brunch in Abu Dhabi

WORDS BY: LEONIE WAGNER

Few places in Abu Dhabi do scenery quite like Yas Links. Between the rolling greens, sea views and soft afternoon breeze, Villa Sélène already feels like an escape before the first drink even lands on the table. Tucked inside Yas Links Golf Club, the restaurant brings Riviera-style glamour to the capital without becoming overly flashy or formal.

Unlike the usual brunch setup, the Côte d’Azur Brunch is a full set menu experience where every dish on the menu is served directly to your table throughout the afternoon. Drinks keep flowing, plates arrive steadily and somewhere between the dancing paella procession and dessert, four hours disappear very quickly.

The vibe

Villa Sélène gets the balance right. It’s stylish, elegant and chic perfectly complementing the golf club. The terrace is easily one of the best seats in Abu Dhabi, especially when the late afternoon light starts hitting the golf course and the sea behind it.

Inside, the energy builds naturally through the afternoon. There is music, cocktails clinking against glasses and staff dancing through the restaurant carrying a giant paella pan. It feels social without becoming chaotic, which is surprisingly rare for a brunch.

The food and drinks

The set menu moves through Mediterranean-inspired dishes that suit a long Saturday lunch perfectly.

Start with the scallops crudo. The citrus emulsion keeps it fresh while the chilli oil adds just enough heat. The niçoise salad is generous with seared tuna and punchy olive tapenade, while the artichoke and spinach salad comes loaded with truffle and parmesan.

Then comes the paella. And yes, it deserves its own moment. Staff dance through the restaurant carrying an oversized pan before generous scoops land onto plates still steaming. It is theatrical and exactly the kind of energy brunch should have.

The fritto misto disappears embarrassingly quickly, crisp and light without feeling greasy, while the wagyu rib eye arrives perfectly cooked alongside roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The seabass is another standout, buttery and soft with charred leeks, fennel and a rich béarnaise sauce.

Dessert keeps things indulgent. The Basque cheesecake is creamy with just the right amount of caramelisation, while the lava cake arrives properly molten and unapologetically rich. It’s delicious with dulce de leche ice cream melting straight into the centre.

The service

The staff keep things moving smoothly without rushing the table. Drinks are topped up quickly, dishes arrive at a steady pace and the atmosphere stays warm throughout the afternoon.

What’s on the bill

Packages start from Dhs240 for soft drinks, Dhs295 for rosé, Dhs360 for house beverages and Dhs460 for bubbles and cocktails.

WHAT’S ON VERDICT

Villa Sélène is undeniably one of Abu Dhabi’s prettiest brunch spots. The setting does half the work, but the food more than keeps up. Add dancing paella, Riviera-inspired dishes and one of the best terrace views in the city, and this is the kind of brunch you book once before immediately planning your return.

Location: Villa Sélène, Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

Time: Every Saturday, 12.30pm to 4pm

Cost: Soft Package Dhs240, Rosé Dhs295, House Package Dhs360, Bubbles & Cocktails Dhs460

Contact: @villaseleneabudhabi

JODHPUR BAR & KITCHEN

The royal table Dubai has been waiting for

WORDS: THOMAS WOODGATE

Dubai is not short on Indian restaurants, and most of them serve the same greatest hits –butter chicken, tikka masala, a naan basket – with varying conviction. Jodhpur Bar & Kitchen is not that restaurant, and it wants you to know it.

Named after the Blue City of Rajasthan, the old Marwar capital of indigo-washed havelis and desert forts, the restaurant builds its identity around Marwari cooking – the food of the desert aristocracy that most of Dubai hasn’t met yet: bold, rustic, specific, and proud of itself.

The room carries the brief well. Navy blue runs through the branding and menus, with silhouettes of Rajasthani architecture rising off the page. It reads as theatrical without tipping into overwrought.

The food

Start with the Ghewar Chaat, a crisp ghewar katori loaded with creamy yoghurt, dahi vada crumble and a tamarind-fruit medley more elegantly balanced than it has any right to be – an immediate signal

for the Khobha Roti alone. Then there’s the butter chicken – creamy, familiar, correct, and genuinely the least interesting dish on the table, which is rather the point. It’s on the menu and done properly, but ordering it here, next to Junglee Maas and Laal Maas, feels a bit like asking for a gin and tonic at a mezcalería. You can. You probably shouldn’t.

Finish with the Thandai Rasmalai: pillow-soft rasmalai infused with thandai, topped with nuts and gold dust, closing the meal with the right amount of ceremony.

The drinks

that this isn’t generic Indian food. The Jodhpur Paneer Khurchan Kulcha follows, mini kulchas stuffed with spicy paneer and garlic chutney, and sets the tone for the night’s best habit: every dish arrives with its heritage explained by a front-of-house team that talks about the menu the way a sommelier talks about a wine they love.

Pani Puri (listed as Paani Patashe) is crisp and electric, with spiced potato filling and tangy flavoured waters, while the Aloo Tikki Chole brings twice-fried potato patties under a Shekhawati chole richer and more textured than expected –street food elevated without being dressed up into something it isn’t.

The Junglee Maas earns its story: smoky, rustic, cooked in mustard oil with whole spices, fiery and unfussy in a way that explains why people in this region didn’t mess around. The Bhuggal Murgh takes a similar route, slow-cooked chicken in a bold chilli gravy with real depth. The Jodhpuri Kabuli, a royal rice dish layered with vegetables and nuts, holds its own against anything else on the table, and the Assorted Bread Basket is worth ordering

Indian aperitifs anchor the nonalcoholic list with each one a considered match for how spicy the kitchen is willing to go.

The service

The team is visibly proud of what they’re serving and knowledgeable enough to back it up, with every dish arriving alongside context on where it came from and why it’s on the menu. That fluency is rare, and matters more here than most places, since the menu genuinely asks something of its guests.

What’s on the bill

Ghewar Chaat (Dhs40), Jodhpur Paneer Khurchan Kulcha (Dhs45), Aloo Tikki Chole (Dhs35), Paani Patashe (Dhs35), Junglee Maas (Dhs55), Bhuggal Murgh (Dhs62), Butter Chicken (Dhs68), Bread Basket (Dhs55), Jodhpuri Kabuli (Dhs49), Thandai Rasmalai (Dhs49).

WHAT’S ON VERDICT

Skip the butter chicken – not because it’s bad, but because everything else is so much more interesting. The Junglee Maas alone is worth the booking. Come for the food; stay for a team that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something.

Location: Hyatt Place Hotel, Al Mina Contact: @jodhpurdxb

THE DUBAI RESTAURANT

Dubai’s dining scene represents the world in all its culinary colours, but which nation

WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE

Mexico

Star player: El Primo

With powerful Latin flavours throughout the line-up, El Primo is a formidable contender. The taco team list pivots gracefully from pedigree Mexican authenticity to locally inspired fire. It goes hard, it goes hot, and it’s not going home without a fight or a fiesta. @taqueria_elprimo_dubai

France

Star player: La Petite Maison

Sophisticated, elegant, unrelentingly Gallic – this MVP of Dubai’s French cuisine scene has class all over its pitch. Watch out for performances from the iconic Tomatinis up front at the bar, and the solid degustation line held by warm prawns and escargot. @lpmdubai

Japan

Star player: Kinoya

One of the favourites to lift the trophy in any global food face-off, Japanese culinary talent is abundant in Dubai. You’d have to go some to wrestle the GOAT status out of Kinoya’s hands, though. Proficient in ramen, sashimi, robata, sushi and miso butter eggplant – it’s a game of balance and nuance. @Kinoya.ae

Spain

Star player: Barrafina

Bursting onto the Dubai scene after a formative stint in London, Barrafina is a master of tiki-taka tapas. They’ve managed to get the best out of anchovy this season, and have seen pan con tomate rise to new levels. There are potential match-winners all over the field, with arroz de mariscos impressing in the tournament run-up. @barrafinadubai

WORLD CUP FINALS

takes home the Golden Palate? You choose the route to the Dubai Restaurant World Cup

South Korea

Star player: Hanu

With a firm understanding of the modern game, Hanu stands out as a true titan of Korean flare. Head coach Chef Moon has assembled a squad with tantalising depth, playing precision passes through omakase and Korean Grill configurations.

@hanu_dubai

England

Star player: City Social

Jason Atherton’s squad might include some extra international support, but its heart belongs to Albion. Marmite and custard have traditionally not played well together in the centre, but Chef Jason has them working in perfect harmony. And nobody bends it like City Social’s black angus.

@citysocial_dubai

USA

Star player: Claw BBQ

Oh say can you see this star-spangled smoke show, taking to the field with an F35 aerial display of Yankee grits and steely, bucking bronco, determination. Team America knows the best defense is a strong offense, and that’s seen all through its protein sweat ensemble cast of surf ’n’ turf hard hitters – burgers and wings, tacos and seafood buckets. Stars and Stripes, sticky fingers and wet wipes, this is America baby.

@clawbbq

Brazil

Star player: Fogo de Chão

A nation famed for turning everything into an artform, Brazil arrives at this tournament using marinated flame-grilled meat as its brushstrokes. Fogo de Chão’s signature churrasco formation sees an onslaught of premium cuts weigh in from the wings – with an impressive selection of elective sides to round out the offering. It’s on you to say “I can’t take Neymar.”

@fogodechaouae

ART | THEATRE | FILM | MUSIC

School’s

Summer kids workshop guide

HEARTS AND CRAFTS

From painting and public speaking to cooking and coding, these summer workshops will keep little minds busy

WORDS: AARTI SAUNDALKAR

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without hearing “I’m bored” every five minutes? These summer workshops offer the perfect mix of fun and learning, helping little ones discover new hobbies, build confidence and pick up valuable skills along the way. Whether they’re budding artists, future chefs or natural performers, there’s something here to spark every imagination.

DUBAI

Music

Melodica is an award-winning music institute in Dubai, offering lessons for children of all skill levels. KHDA-approved courses cover piano, guitar, violin, drums, flute and more, with dedicated classes for those looking to work on their vocals, too. Whether your kids are just starting out or are ready to level up their skills, certified instructors are on hand to guide them. Not ready to commit? You can book a trial class first. Various locations across Dubai including Palm Jumeirah, Wasl Road, Silicon Oasis, and more, melodica.ae

Art

Looking for a way to keep kids creatively engaged over the summer holidays?

Art Mystics is hosting a summer camp for children aged four and above, designed to turn their time off into a hands-on artistic adventure. The programme explores a wide range of mediums and ideas, from painting, charcoal and pastels to interior design concepts, fashion basics, and textured mixed-media art, giving little creatives plenty of space to experiment and express themselves. With two locations to choose from – Al Barsha and Dubai Silicon Oasis – families can opt for a full four-week experience or book by the week, with classes running Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm (prices vary).

Diamond Business Centre 2, Arjan, artmystics.co

Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable life skill, but one that can still make many adults break into a sweat. If you want your kids to grow up confident and comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, it’s worth getting them started early. The programme covers everything from speech writing and debate to persuasion, improvisation and effective communication, with classes available for children aged six to 10, teens up to 16 and young adults up to 18. Al Nasr Commercial Plaza, Oud Metha, pinnacleeducation.ae

Cooking

Does your child insist on helping out in the kitchen every time you cook? It might be time to swap the mixing bowl at home for a proper cooking class. Petits Chefs Dubai is a children’s cooking programme that teaches youngsters aged three to 15 how to cook from scratch using fresh ingredients and sustainable kitchen practices, with a focus on healthy French cuisine, zero-waste cooking and eco-friendly techniques. Its summer camp launches at Expo Village Boulevard on July 6, with five three-hour sessions priced at Dhs790, and additional dates available throughout the summer Expo Village Boulevard, Dubai South, petitschefsdubai.ae

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ACTING

We all know kids can be dramatic, and if they’re keen on applying those theatrics to the stage, Drama Scene has just the thing. This summer, the performing arts school is running a holiday workshop for children aged four to 12, with each week building towards a final presentation that families are invited to watch. The summer programme kicks off on July 6 and costs Dhs1,200 per week, with an additional Dhs200 registration fee for new students. The Mall, Umm Suqeim 3, dramascene.com

Photography

Has your child ever borrowed your phone and returned it with 100 photos of the same thing? Put that enthusiasm to good use with a photography workshop at Masterbrain. Pint-sized pic snappers can learn the basics of camera operation, framing, lighting, editing and printing, along with tips for capturing the perfect shot. Before long, you could have a diminutive David Bailey in your own home. Aspect Tower, Business Bay, masterbrain.me

Dance

Award-winning dance studio Palais de Danse offers a range of dance classes for children, from standard and Latin ballroom to social styles such as salsa, bachata and Argentine tango. Keen to give it a go? Trial classes are available for Dhs49, while drop-in sessions cost Dhs99. For those ready to commit, a one-month package with eight classes is priced at Dhs680, while a three-month package with 24 classes costs Dhs1,840. Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, palaisdedanse.com

ABU DHABI

Art

Abu Dhabi isn’t short of spots to get creative, little ones included. But if you’re looking for a hub that offers a range of creative outlets, Manarat Al Saadiyat is the place to be. There’s no shortage of things to do, with programmes led by trained staff and studios equipped with everything you need. You can plan ahead, joining workshops spanning pottery, textile art and ceramics, or just casually drop in and have a go at your own pace. And the fees won’t hurt your wallet either, with prices ranging from Dhs30 for a 90-minute session for children aged three to 12, and Dhs50 for teens for a two-hour session. Workshops are updated frequently on the website, so check it out if you feel the need to get creative.

Al Saadiyat Island, Cultural District, manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Dance

Dance Waves UAE offers ballet classes for children of all ages and levels. They can start as young as three where emphasis is on creative movement. There’s also primary, beginners, intermediate advance and higher advanced for teens. For little ones who love to show off their acrobatic skills, there’s acro-ballet – a combination of acrobatics and ballet with lot of flexibility, tricks and movements on the agenda. For little ones leaning more into the street dance style, there’s hip-hop classes available for kids ages six to 10, and teens. Just want the little ones to burn off energy? There’s also Zumba classes. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Al Zahiyah, dancewavesuae.com

Public speaking

Time Master Skill Development Center in Abu Dhabi offers a public speaking course for children aged five and above, helping them build confidence and communication skills in a fun, interactive environment. The programme covers everything from clear pronunciation and speech structure to body language, gestures and posture. Over the summer break, spirited juniors can attend classes from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Saturday, taking part in games and activities designed to encourage natural confidence. Sessions are led by expert mentors trained to work with children, and with classes limited to just five students, each child receives plenty of personalised attention.

ADCP Tower B, behind City Seasons Hotel and opposite Phoenix Hospital, Musaffah, timemaster.ae

Cooking

Eataly at Reem Mall teaches kids the art of authentic Italian cooking for Dhs299 per onehour class, while a family-friendly option is available for Dhs369 for a two-hour session. Kids get hands-on experience making classic dishes such as pizza, pasta, and tiramisu, and can enjoy their creations at the end of the class. Each participant also receives a recipe card to recreate the dish at home, along with a chef-signed diploma, with the latest schedule available on the Eataly Arabia website.

Reem Island, Al Reem Island, eatalyarabia.com

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Music

Looking for an affordable music institute in the UAE? WMDI offers expert-led classes for children across instruments like piano, keyboard, violin, guitar, trumpet, tabla, and harmonica, with courses tailored to different ages and skill levels. Group classes start from Dhs250 to Dhs300 per month, private sessions range from Dhs500 to 800, and there’s a trial class so kids can test the waters before diving in. Near Al Safeer Mall, Next to Musaffah, wmdiuae.com

Acting

The Drama Factory is a performing arts school in Abu Dhabi that offers fun, confidence-building drama classes for children and teens aged around 4 to 18, led by experienced theatre educators. Through acting, improvisation, voice work and performance-based activities, students are encouraged to explore creativity, teamwork and self-expression in a supportive environment, with options for face-to-face classes across locations such as Saadiyat, Al Raha and Reem Island, as well as private and school programmes.

Four locations in Abu Dhabi – 365 Studios, Downtown; Saadiyat Jumeirah Hotel; St Regis Resort Saadiyat and Fit & Flex Wellness Studios Amwaj 1, Raha Beach; thedramafactory.com

THE NEXT ICONS OF UAE CULTURE ARE RISING

The UAE’s cultural future looks anything but ordinary

WORDS: AARTI SAUNDALKAR

Duma

When people think of masterpieces, they usually imagine works of art hanging within museum walls. But DUMA, the Dubai Museum of Art, is set to redefine that idea entirely – an architectural masterpiece in its own right, designed to float above the waters of Dubai Creek. Spanning five floors, the museum will showcase modern and contemporary art when it opens, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for creativity and culture. Visitors can also look forward to a library, restaurants and cafés, as well as a viewing deck offering panoramic views of Dubai Creek.

Museum of Digital Art

Dubai’s arts and culture scene is set to welcome a bold new addition: the Museum of Digital Art (MODA). The first-of-its-kind museum will be dedicated to digital art and emerging technologies, creating a dynamic space for artists, researchers, and rising talent from the UAE and beyond. Spanning five floors, MODA will feature a futuristic mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, positioning itself as a forward-thinking cultural hub where art meets technology. Visitors can also expect immersive experiences, interactive spaces, and educational platforms designed to invite exploration, experimentation, and discovery across a range of digital art forms.

The Guggenheim

Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District is set to welcome its final masterpiece this year: the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Already home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum, the district will soon add another world-class landmark to its growing cultural lineup. Unlike the stark white facades of its neighbouring cultural landmarks, the Guggenheim will feature a groundbreaking avantgarde architecture reflecting the golden dunes of the desert. The design will incorporate traditional and sustainable elements within the design such as wind towers and covered courtyards, blending modern architecture with a nod to local heritage. It will be the largest of the four Guggenheims in the world, strengthening the UAE’s capital position as a global centre for arts and culture. Domus – a prestigious international architectural magazine from Milan, states that the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will house an art and technology centre, galleries for special exhibitions and permanent collection, an education centre, a theatre, archives, a library, a research centre and a restoration lab. The most important question of all: When is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opening? No official opening date has been announced, but with construction moving rapidly, a visit could be possible by the end of 2026.

Located in Bur Dubai and housed within one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings, the landmark closed in 2021 for a major transformation aimed at reimagining the visitor experience. The redevelopment will introduce modern infrastructure and updated spaces, while carefully preserving the fort’s historic architecture and cultural character. Once reopened, the museum will continue its long-standing mission: to preserve and share the story of Dubai’s journey from its heritage roots to the global city it is today.

SPORT | FITNESS | WELLBEING

DUBAI WELLNESS THIS SUMMER

When the heat wins, the city moves indoors – and the lifestyle options have never been better

WORDS: LANA DU

Dubai doesn’t really do quiet summers. Even as the heat pushes everyone indoors, the city shifts rather than stops — and right now, that shift is happening inside some genuinely impressive spaces. Studios, spas, recovery rooms, places where you can actually take care of yourself without it feeling like a chore. Here’s where to go.

MOVEMENT

Dubai Outlet Mall Indoor Run Series 2/4

The second of four indoor runs at Dubai Outlet Mall, with routes ranging from 1km to 10km, so it works whether you’re easing back into it or pushing properly. Families, workplace teams, serious runners: it draws a good mix, with music along the course and aid stations throughout.

Where: Dubai Outlet Mall, Al Ain, Dubai Rd, Madinat Hind 1, Dubai

When: Sunday, July 19 at 7am

Cost: From Dhs100

Contact: premieronline.com

Wafi City Run 2026

An indoor race through Wafi Mall – yes, really, and it works. Open to all ages and fitness levels, with timed results and category prizes on a route that’s more fun than it sounds. Good community energy, worth getting up early for.

Where: Wafi City, Oud Metha Rd, Umm Hurair Second, Dubai

When: Sunday, 05 July at 7am

Cost: From Dhs94.50

Contact: premieronline.com

Infrared Micro Burn

SIRO One Za’abeel

This place is built for people who take training seriously. You’ve got the gym, group classes, personal training – but also the recovery side: assisted stretching, dry needling, cold plunges, nutrition consultations. It’s genuinely comprehensive, not just a hotel gym with extra branding. If you want to go all-in, the Fitness and Recovery Suites are worth it – some have in-room workout space, so your schedule stays yours.

Where: SIRO, One Za’abeel Tower, Za’abeel Street

Cost: Personal training Dhs325.71 per session; nutrition consultation Dhs367.35; compression therapy Dhs240.82; SIRO Plus City View room from Dhs720 per night, including 50% off treatments, Dhs200 recovery credit, fitness classes, and pool access.

Contact: @siroonezaabeel

A 45-minute heated Microformer session combined with infrared therapy – it sounds like a lot, and honestly, it is. Circulation, endurance, intensity: all pushed. You’ll get the full-body burn and the signature Micro shake in a class setting that keeps the energy controlled rather than chaotic. It’s become a proper studio favourite for a reason.

Where: 775B Al Wasl Rd, Al Safa 2, Al Safa, Dubai

When: Classes run from 8.30am to 7.30pm, with bookings available via boostdxb.com

Cost: Dhs160 per class

Contact: @boost.dxb

NUTRITION

The Dose

The menu here is built around organic, protein-rich ingredients – Harvest Plates, Longevity Bowls, organic rotisserie chicken, ready-togo meals under 500 calories, organic matcha. It reads like it means it, and the food follows through. Whether you’re sitting down or grabbing something on the move, it’s a solid option for eating well without overthinking it.

Where: Kempinski, Mall of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd

When: Daily, 6am to 10pm

Contact: @thedose

Common Grounds

For when you need something quick and actually good. Fresh bowls, protein smoothies, easy grab-and-go options – multiple locations means it’s almost always convenient. Not glamorous, just reliable and nourishing.

Where: Multiple locations; Mall of the Emirates, DIFC; Kite Beach

Contact: @_common.grounds_

The Farm

A genuine farm-to-table spot in the city, which is rarer than it should be. The Farm at Al Barari does seasonal, wholesome dishes in surroundings that actually feel removed from the city – greenery, calm, the kind of place you leave feeling better than when you arrived. Great between wellness stops, or just as a destination in its own right.

Where: Wadi Al Safa 3, Al Barari, Dubai

When: Daily, 7.30am to 11pm

Contact: @thefarm_dubai

RECOVERY

AVANTCHA Tea

Tea has been doing the work long before wellness became an industry. AVANTCHA in Al Quoz takes it seriously – matcha, black, green, yellow, herbal, sourced from around the world, and the team genuinely knows their stuff and will point you in the right direction. The space is beautiful, the pace is slow, and an hour here does more for your head than most things on this list.

Where: Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19 Al Manara St, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

When: Daily, 8am to 7pm

Contact: @avantchatea

The Spa, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

If your body is carrying the week – tight muscles, heavy legs, that particular kind of tension that won’t shift – the Deep Relief Massage here is worth booking. It uses Ayurvedic aromatherapy oils to work through stiffness and fluid retention, and the spa’s cocoon-style beds afterwards make the whole thing feel properly restorative rather than just functional.

Where: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

When: Daily, 9am to 9pm

Cost: Dhs800 for a 60-minute treatment

Contact: mandarinoriental.com

Akari Wellness

One of Dubai’s newer wellness spaces, and Red Light Therapy is already the standout treatment on their menu. The science is solid: improved skin tone, reduced inflammation, faster muscle recovery, better sleep. It’s the kind of thing that sounds like a trend until you try it. While you’re there, the Brain Bar is worth a stop – adaptogen and botanical drinks that round off the session nicely.

Where: One Central, Precinct Building 2, The Offices 2, One Central, Ground floor, Dubai

When: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm

Cost: Dhs400 per session

Contact: @akariwellness

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DESTINATIONS | STAYCATIONS

The Maldives has long occupied a spot on travellers’ wish lists, thanks to its white beaches, impossibly blue waters and barefoot-island charm. But beyond the immediate allure of the postcard-perfect scenery, visitors find that the memories linger long after checkout.

At NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, days unfold between dolphin-spotting cruises, vibrant coral gardens, memorable dining experiences and moments of pure island tranquillity, striking a balance between adventure and effortless relaxation.

THE RESORT

Located in the Baa Atoll, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort reopened this January following an extensive refurbishment and rebrand. The resort is now home to 105 transformed villas, refreshed restaurants and bars, family spaces, kids’ facilities and a serene spa, all set within the lush natural surroundings of Fonimagoodhoo Island.

During our stay, we settled into one of the resort’s thatched-roof beach villas so easily that after the first night, island life already felt second nature. Complete with a private plunge pool and direct access to the sea, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and castaway charm. Accommodation ranges from these beachfront hideaways to spacious two-bedroom villas designed with families in mind.

For those drawn to the life aquatic, the resort’s 30 overwater villas line the island’s northern tip, offering uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean and direct access to the lagoon below.

The turquoise waters and dreamscape beaches are an aesthetic pull for sure, but it’s the people who leave the biggest impression. Warm smiles, friendly conversations and thoughtful gestures create an authentic sense of community.

FOUND Paradise

Our escape to NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

WORDS: AARTI SAUNDALKAR

OCEAN ADVENTURES

CHASING DOLPHINS

The Maldives is one of the world’s premier dolphin-watching destinations, with spinner dolphins often seen at sunrise and sunset. The ocean moves to its own rhythm, and even the most carefully timed trip can come back with nothing but open water. On our outing, however, we were rewarded with dolphins alongside the boat, slicing through the deep blue, followed by manta rays in the distance – an unforgettable reminder of the quiet majesty that dwells within.

CORAL GARDEN SNORKELLING

The waters of the Maldives blend dazzling sea greens and turquoise blues that feel almost

surreal. Just beneath the surface lies an entirely different world, where wild coral formations and vibrant marine life flourish in flamboyant colour flashes. Just 15 minutes from the resort, guests can go on a snorkelling excursion to explore this hidden world below.

MORE TO TRY: Water sports and wave-cutting cruises write the headlines for island life with options that include sunset fishing, turtle snorkelling, house reef and night snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing and windsurfing.

MUST-TRY DINING EXPERIENCES

Caravella

Craving something intimate? Caravella offers just 12 seats set within a wine cellar-style space, where fine dining is paired with storytelling. The menu, The Atlantic Voyage of 1487, follows early explorers from Iberia along the African coast towards the Cape of Storms in search of a passage to India, with each course developing the narrative through flavour.

Kaiyo

Floating above the lagoon, Kaiyo delivers sweeping 360-degree ocean views and a breezy overwater setting of sun-bleached whites and sky blues. The Asian-inspired menu spans bao buns, sushi, satay and more, guided by seasonality. The Maldivian tuna curry is a standout, alongside a well-balanced tofu Thai green curry.

Rum tasting

For something more distinctive, Handhuvaru is the resort’s rum-focused mixology concept, featuring a curated selection including varieties aged in an ocean-submerged cask. Set in warm amber tones and tucked into the landscape, it’s

a relaxed space to explore rums from the Caribbean to Canada – neat or in inventive cocktails – in a setting made for slow, sunset sipping.

MORE FLAVOURS: With plenty to choose from, no two meals need feel the same. Jumla is the all-day dining hub, while Alifaan serves beachside grills and premium cuts alongside local seafood and fresh produce. By the infinity pool, Madumaithiri offers an adults-only escape with wood-fired pizzas, burgers and light bites, while Atardecer is made for sunset cocktails, with tapas and pinchos served against Spanish-inspired murals glowing in warm tones.

RESET AND RESTORE

REVIVE SPA & WELL-BEING

You can feel the stress leave your body with each footprint in the sand, but nothing seems to dissolve it quite like Revive Spa & Well-being. Tucked into the island’s greenery, it’s a calm pocket of stillness where time slows almost on cue. Book an appointment and settle in for an hour of uninterrupted bliss – the kind that comes with expert hands, drifting thoughts, and, more often than not, the occasional surrender into gentle, unbothered snores. It’s relaxation that gently switches everything off and hands you back to yourself a little lighter.

GETTING THERE

Flights from Dubai to Malé via Emirates start from around Dhs5,750 per person. emirates.com From Malé, a 35-minute seaplane transfer brings you to the resort, priced from approximately $400 (Dhs1,470) per person.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

The Abu Dhabi staycation families never want to leave

WORDS: LEONIE WAGNER

Saadiyat Island has a particular magic at sunset. The sea turns gold, the skyline softens, and from the beach at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island you can pick out the silhouettes of the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the distance – a quiet reminder of how fast Abu Dhabi is evolving.

This all-inclusive resort sits on one of the capital’s finest stretches of beach, and what stands out most is how effortless everything feels. Families drift between pools and shoreline while children splash about and waiters on roller skates glide drinks over to the sunbeds. Guests also receive the Saadiyat Cultural District Museum Pass, an easy invitation to trade a few pool hours for a dose of culture.

THE SETTING

The setting strikes a nice balance: white arches, palm trees and manicured gardens lend a Mediterranean air, while the beachfront keeps things relaxed rather than formal. Evening sundowners on the sand – watching the sun drop behind Saadiyat’s cultural landmarks, drink in hand – were a clear highlight, and the mood shifts again later at The Courtyard, where a DJ, low sofas and easy holiday energy take over.

THE ROOM

Rooms are spacious and calm, done out in neutral tones, soft lighting and sea-inspired touches. Large balconies open onto garden, pool or sea views depending on category, bathrooms are generously sized, and the beds are properly comfortable – returning to a cool, quiet room after hours in the sun feels like part of the unwind.

THE FOOD

On the food side, breakfast at Turquoise is a sweeping buffet of pastries, fruit, Turkish staples and made-to-order dishes, and dinner there is just as strong, with live performances adding atmosphere. Lunch at People’s brings elevated poolside bites with uninterrupted pool views – easy to linger over. Mermaid, open for dinner, serves Greek-leaning Mediterranean seafood in a lovely beachside setting, and L’Olivo covers reliable Italian comfort food.

THE ACTIVITIES

Activities are well covered, too. The Rixy Kids Club keeps younger guests entertained with games and workshops, while the wave pool and aqua park are the main draw for most children. Adults get their own

focus through the Exclusive Sports Club – tennis, paddleboarding, fitness classes and personal training – plus a bright, wellequipped gym. The Anjana Spa, with its Turkish hammam, sauna and snow room, is worth setting aside real time for.

THE EXPERIENCE

This resort is lively without tipping into chaos. There’s always something going on – poolside music, families settling in for dinner, guests heading down for golden hour – yet none of it feels overwhelming, and the all-inclusive setup runs smoothly, with quick service and warm staff. There’s also something distinctly of-the-moment about it all: one minute you’re floating in the pool to the sound of children laughing, the next you’re looking out at one of the world’s most ambitious cultural districts taking shape along the coast.

THE FINAL SAY

In short: strong food, a stunning beachfront, and plenty to keep every age group occupied – this is well beyond an ordinary beach staycation.

THE PACKAGE

The all-inclusive package covers dining, drinks, beach and pool access, entertainment, fitness classes, kids’ activities and access to the resort’s various restaurants and bars, plus the Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi Museum Pass.

THE COST

Room rates vary depending on the season, but Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island firmly sits in the luxury staycation category.

THE DETAILS

Location: Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island Contact: 02 492 2222