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DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL

Uncovering the hidden gems of JLT

FOOD, PLANNED The best meal preps in town

THINGS TO DO IN THE UAE BEFORE WE ALL MELT UAE DHS15

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CONTENTS FEATURES

SUMMER’S COMING... FUN THINGS TO DO BEFORE IT GETS TOO HOT P26 14 SCOOT FOR YOUR SUPPER: JLT Meet the people behind some of our favourite restaurants in JLT

19 MEALS, SORTED The best meal prep brands and DIY food kits, tried and tested

32 PICTURE PERFECT Staying here for the ‘Gram – stunning hotels in the UAE

Page 19

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CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla! Quick fix of news

74 Last-minute staycation Authentic Arabia in the city centre at Palace Downtown Dubai

Cover: Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

37 CONSUME

38 EAT Two major international restaurants open in Al Habtoor City: Il Pastaio and Gonpachi. Plus, Amazonico business lunch reviewed

50 CONCEPT STORES Where to find the best boutique shops in the city

WhatsOn.ae Our stunning 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.

Page 59

55 CULTURE

63 ACTIVE

55 THEATRE Three plays worth watching this month

55 4_What’s On

65 SPORT

56 AGENDA

News of a dog park opening in Al Quoz; a fun jungle gym opens in JBR; and camping reopens at Laguna Waterpark

Six unmissable art events to attend in the UAE

66 WELL-BEING

59 MOBILE HOMES

Kaya Skin Clinic’s facial treatment reviewed

Meet the team behind the country’s first bespoke camper vans

68 TRAVEL How to be a digital nomad

What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store.

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ARE THE NEW VACATIONS Why Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort should be on your holiday bucket-list

here’s something very special about the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort that makes it stand out from other resorts in the area. Maybe it’s the enchanting island vibes and its faultless Thai hospitality, or the incredible views of the city from the resort’s 400-metre private beach. Perhaps it’s the multi-cuisine restaurants that have each won many a What’s On Award. Or maybe it’s the dreamy over-water villas that exude tranquility. We suspect it’s a culmination of all of these amazing features combined. This month, take full advantage of the exclusive UAE Residents Special with up to 25 per cent discount on accommodation on any room or villa. Plus, breakfast for two each morning, 25 per cent off resort restaurants and activities. Rates start from Dhs799 (excluding service change, municipality fees and VAT). With all this luxury, you’ll find it hard to leave.

UAE RESIDENTS DEAL GET 25 PER OFF ROOM RATES, RESORT RESTAURANTS AND ACTIVITIES, PLUS BREAKFAST FOR TWO EACH MORNING

For more information, or to make a booking, call (04) 5678999, email resdubaipalm@anantara.com, or visit anantara.com/en/palm-dubai

Experience movies and magic like never before At Sharjah’s newest entertainment destination

VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet and Yalla! Bowling Now Open at City Centre Al Zahia

voxcinemas.com | magicplanetmena.com

04.21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice

HEAD OF CONTENT – WHAT’S ON Laura Coughlin laura.coughlin@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Elise Kerr elise.kerr@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Lauren Fletcher lauren.fletcher@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR Surajit Dutta surajit@motivate.ae CONTENT CREATIVE ARTIST Joachim Guay joachim.guay@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae

ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran binu@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

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What’s On_7

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Is it lounging by the side of a pool with a good paperback, hiking through the mountains, or simply dipping your toes in the sand while having a delightfully long lunch with your mates? Whatever your idea of a dreamy Dubai day is, you’ll find it in this issue. But there’s one mighty caveat – summer is coming and you’ll want to cram it all in this month before it gets too darn hot outside. You might even surprise yourself, as I certainly did when I tried the brand new waterslides at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. Find out how I enjoyed frolicking in a four-person raft from the top of Trident Tower (p26). Better still, follow us on TikTok at @whatsondubai to see the footage for yourselves. There are plenty of other fun things to do this month, from scooting for your supper around JLT’s brilliant homegrown restaurants (p14), to staying in one of the UAE’s most Instagrammable hotels (p32). And – to make the month even more fun – we’ve got your lowdown on all the best new restaurants to check out right now. In other words, everything you need to make April marvelous is right here. Enjoy the issue,

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

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BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN APRIL

DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL

When: Until April 17 Feast your way through the city’s food scene during the annual Dubai Food Festival with limited edition menus, guided food tours, cooking masterclasses by top chefs and more. q @DubaiFoodFest

EASTER LUNCH AT PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI

When: April 2 Giardino hosts a jungleinspired Easter lunch with live cooking stations and other Easter treats, with cooking classes and arts and crafts activities for kids. a Palazzo Versace Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, from Dhs299. Tel: (0)4 5568805. palazzoversace.ae 10_What’s On

BREAK-FIT CLUB

When: Every Sunday Practice yoga at Bla Bla followed by breakfast on the terrace. Then enjoy free access to the pool all day. a Bla Bla Beach Club, Dhs160. Tel: (0)58 606 3535. @blabladubai

RAMADAN

When: April 12 (TBC) The Holy Month is expected to commence around April 12, meaning a month of reflection, fasting, giving and more. Be sure to check out your free guide complete with listings of all the iftars taking place in the UAE.

RESTAURANT WEEK AT THE CREEK

When: April 3 to 12 Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club are celebrating the return of Dubai Food Festival with a range of exclusive set menus at Thai Kitchen, Brasserie du Park, Lakeview, Casa de Tapas & Cielo Sky Lounge from as little as Dhs125 to Dhs150. q Tel: (0)4 6021814 or restaurantreservations@hyatt.com

NEW FOOD HALL

When: Opening April 7 Big foodie news this month: Time Out Market is slated to open early April. Inside the market, which spans two floors inside Souk Al Bahar, will feature 17 restaurants, including BB Social, The Mattar Farm, folly and more. q timeoutmarket.com/dubai

WORLD ART DUBAI

When: April 7 to 10 The Middle East’s largest accessible and affordable art fair returns to Dubai World Trade Centre. q worldartdubai.com

DISCOVER TERRA

When: Until April 10 It’s your last chance to catch a glimpse of what Expo 2020 has in store with a first look at one of its Thematic Pavilions. q expo2020dubai.com/ pavilions-premiere

CAMP INSIDE THE GREEN PLANET

When: Thurs and Fri The camping experience includes exclusive animal encounters, spacious tents, breakfast and more. a The Green Planet, Dhs700 for two, 7pm to 8am. thegreenplanetdubai.com What’s On_11

It was an honour. To be thanked in this manner for my contribution to the UAE’s diverse cultural landscape was deeply humbling. It was also reassuring because it meant that they want me to stay for another 10 years, and it’s always nice to be wanted.

MAXINE ENGLISH THE STAGE QUEEN

What show would you love to bring to the UAE? I would really love to produce an entirely original musical. Watch this space for that … What do you love about the UAE? The never ending opportunities. If you can dream it, then you can make it happen here. The projects I have been involved with and the venues I have worked in, all of these things are only possible because of this country’s vision.

AE Famous is a What’s On page focusing on people out there making the scene. They’re out there around town, shaping the UAE into what it is, creating the culture, food and life around us. We asked them what’s good in the UAE. We asked them what’s bad in the UAE. We asked them to tell us more, more, more about their wonderful selves…

How long have you been in Dubai? I’vee been in Dubai for over 20 years now, which means that I have spent more of my life here than anywhere else. This is home to me, it’s where my family is and my heart. 12_What’s On

“FOR AS LONG AS THEY’LL HAVE ME, I’LL BE MAKING MUSIC AND THEATRE HERE” Who are you, and what’s made you UAE famous? I think it’s a combination of a few things – the core of it being my heavy involvement in entertainment in the UAE. I have delivered shows that range from the Rolling Stones and Madonna, to opening and running theatres across Dubai, including Souk Madinat, DUCTAC and Theatre by QE2. Have you a favourite production? Bringing Michael Ball to Abu Dhabi was a huge career defining moment for me, but also producing Wind in the Willows last year was wonderful. It was something I worked on from start to finish,

from script to stage, and that level of commitment to a show means that it lives with you for a long time. Last year you were awarded the Golden Card Visa. How did that feel?

What stresses you out about the UAE? Timing. The downside of a country that can achieve anything means that often we are asked to complete impossible tasks in a very, very short time. Do you reckon Dubai is your forever home? For as long as they will have me, I will be here making music and theatre… q parklanelive.com; @missmaxineann

Above: Rehearsals in progress for The Divas, a Park Lane Live show

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Students will receive a personality proﬁle to evaluate whether their choice of degree matches their personality type.

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The Edge will prepare graduates to be workplace ready, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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The Dubai Food Festival is here, and to celebrate, What’s On is deep-diving into one of the city’s most exciting foodie neighbourhoods: JLT. From some of the city’s best ramen to drool-worthy ice cream sandos, JLT is the unofficial indie restaurateur’s location of choice. So park up anywhere, hop on a hire-by-the minute scooter, and get eating at these top notch spots… 14_What’s On

S C O O T F O R Y O U R S U P P E R : J LT E D I T I O N

BEST RAMEN

Daikan Ramen LOCATION: CLUSTER Y

This concrete-clad ramen-ya is the real deal, slinging hearty bowls that easily upstage some of its city-wide counterparts. Choose from standards like shio and miso, but we say go for the shoyu, a soy sauce base with juicy chicken chashu, egg and scallions.

Co-owner Bilal Elmascan says: “Generally ramen is a combination of five vital components: seasoning, broth, noodles, toppings and aromatic oils. These are the ramen pillars. Our ‘chef’s special’ comes with all of the best of that, and the people, they just love it. Dubai folk want the whole spectrum of flavours and we believe that we deliver.” q @daikanramen_dxb

BEST BURGERS

Pickl

LOCATION: ONE JLT TOWER

Yes, there’s a lot of excellent burger joints in Dubai, but this place is worth a scoot away from the clusters for the fried chicken sando alone. Ten burgers and sandos are on the menu, with a vast selection of pickles to choose from to add to your patty. Run by Steve Flawith, this brand doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it even better. Head of Brand, David Dougall says: “All of our burgers are cooked to order and all of the ingredients we use are the best possible quality we can find, with no added antibiotics. We started this with the goal to create a great taste experience that would stand out in Dubai. We didn’t think it would build as quickly as it has, and that’s why we’ve expanded so quickly… to keep up with demand.”

QR CODE SCAN TO WATCH OUR SCOOT FOR YOUR SUPPER VIDEOS

q @eatpickl

What’s On_15

S C O O T F O R Y O U R S U P P E R : J LT E D I T I O N

BEST GREEK

Mythos Kouzina & Grill

LOCATION: CLUSTER P

Dubai is inundated with Greek restaurants of late, but the chef at Mythos has been at it for the longest. The minimalist, stone-built taverna, also a big winner at this year’s What’s On Awards, illuminates through lunch and dinner times and wins with its heavenly Greek dishes, like the gyros, Greek salad, and the beef stifado.

Owners Alex and Fay Economides say: “This all began because we saw that Greek cuisine was under represented in Dubai. We have many great memories of dining out in Greece and we thought it would be wonderful to bring that experience here. Working with each other [Alex and Fay are siblings] has been pretty smooth; we work very well together and we have the same creative direction, which we think has helped with Mythos’ success.” q @mythosdubai

ALSO TRY BEST MIDDLE EASTERN

BEST VIETNAMESE

BEST ASIAN

Location: Cluster D At any given lunch or dinner time, Bait Maryam will be a cornucopia of smiling Arab expats pining for a taste of home. At Bait Maryam, it feels like you’re dining inside a family home enjoying homemade falafel, sojuk, crispy potatoes and more. Don’t leave without trying the kunafa dessert. q @bait.maryam

Location: Cluster D You don’t have to head to DIFC to find exceptional Vietnamese food. This hole-in-the-wall spot not only doles out superb, soul-warming pho, but it also slings packed-to-the-brim bánh mì with a variety of fillings. q @vietnamesefoodies

Location: Cluster D Streetery is a homegrown South East Asian food hall. Focusing on the best of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Korean street food, the team takes you to the streets of the largest continent in the world with authentic flavours and cuisine. q @streetery

Bait Maryam

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Vietnamese Foodies

Streetery Food Hall

BEST MEXICAN

Maiz Tacos LOCATION: CLUSTER Y

The tacos at this What’s On-award-winning taqueria pack a flavour punch, especially the birria, which features juicy braised chuck roast with cheese dipped in chili pol, and garnished with onion, coriander, oh, and a glass of braising liquid to dip in. ‘Mouthwatering’ doesn’t even do it justice.

Co-founder and concept creator Luma Makhlouf says: “My husband and I first started Maiz Tacos over three years ago. We had big love for Mexican food, and felt there was a gap in the market for authentic cuisine. Making tacos from scratch just like the ones you’d find in Mexico, or in the most authentic taquerias in the States – that was vital for us. We first launched a food truck on Kite Beach, and after that we popped up all over Dubai. Eventually we decided to make JLT our home and haven’t looked back.” q @maiztacos

Dubai Food Festival: What’s On?

BEST PIZZA

Pitfire

LOCATION: CLUSTER D

Dubai’s canon of great pizza joints wouldn’t be complete without this famous brand, which has been slinging perfect pies for years. All the usual toppings are available, but the classic pepperoni primo shines.

Co-owner Michele Johnson says: “I think it’s all about our crust – that is what has made Pitfire so famous in Dubai. It’s something that we put a lot of time, love and energy into. The secret? It’s all about fermentation. We mix three to four times a day and it can take up to 72 hours. It’s intense, but clearly worth it.”

As always, the annual celebration of gastronomy has plated up a calendar full of foodie events, from bespoke gourmet popups to appearances from world famous chefs as well as regular favourites like Dubai Restaurant Week and Foodie Experiences. Discover homegrown concepts, other fabulous neighbourhood haunts and value-for money hidden gems. Until April 17 q dubaifoodfestival.com

q @pitfire.pizza.dubai What’s On_17

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TRIED & TESTED MEAL PLANS

Discover a range of options aiming to make dining easy What’s On_19

01 The plant-based DIY one Name

The Beet Box

The backstory This new DIY cook

box brand, headed up by hoteliers Aditi, Dean and Katerina, who have collectively worked at Jumeirah Hotels, Jumeirah Restaurant Group and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, prides itself on making plant-based meals more accessible and tasty. The meal plan Every week you’ll be sent a menu of 100 per cent plantbased meal options to choose from. The kits include recipes and fresh pre-portioned ingredients for things like Korean glass noodle stir-fry’s, BBQ chickpea loaded sweet potato, Moroccan tagine with couscous, hearty curry stew, and lasagna. Options range from two-day kits (for two- three- or four servings) to setups that include a full week of vegan meals. The best part Aside from the meals being utterly delicious with easy-tofollow recipes, each kits comes with a Spotify link, so you can scan and listen to a curated playlist as you cook. The details Prices starts from Dhs160 for two recipes a week, delivery days Sun to Sat, 8am to noon or 3pm to 9pm. Tel: (058) 1238700. @thebeetbox.me

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TRIED & TESTED MEAL PLANS

02 The Keto one Name

Keto by Foxxy

The backstory Born out of an

experiment, Emiliya a.k.a Foxxy, trialled a keto diet in 2018 and fell in love with it. After noticing a lack of comfort food options in the market, Foxxy began baking for friends and family. Fast forward two years, the Keto by Foxxy concept has grown to a full meal plan offering. The meal plan On this diet, you must keep your carbs low to stay in ketosis. But that doesn’t mean missing out on treats. The plan can be two or three meals plus one snack a day, delivered direct to you on five, six over seven days. The best part The creativity involved in making low-carb food delicious is impressive. Turkey mince ‘pizzas’ on courgette beds and loaded with cheese were a positive alternative that we’d happily swap the real thing for. The details Prices start from Dhs675 for two meals and a snack for five days. Once booked, an agent will be in touch to organise delivery. ketobyfoxxy.com

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TRIED & TESTED MEAL PLANS

03 The healthy one Name

Jetlagged Chef

The backstory As a former aviation

employee, Eliza’s love for cooking took off during lockdown. Blending healthy recipes with an Australian twist, Jetlagged Chef (JLC) focuses on fuelling the body rather than punishing or restricting it. The meal plan Helping you keep track of your intake, each dish has a scannable barcode which directly links to MyFitnessPal. Customers can tailor the weekly menu to their goals, with lunch and dinner equating to around 1,100 to 1,200 calories. The plan currently includes lunch and dinner, with more options being added soon. The best part There’s a strong focus on quality when it comes to the meat and seafood, and JLC doesn’t shy away from proper portions. Each day you’ll get a printout with the exact dietary breakdown of every meal. If you’re looking for an easy way to add more fresh vegetables and controlled healthy dishes into your routine, this is the one for you. The details Prices start at Dhs575 for two meals over five days, delivery days are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Tel: 058 507 7524. @jetlagged_chef

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04 The protein one Name

Honest Badger

The backstory Karate black belt and

yogi, Yasmin, created Honest Badger to fill a need for healthy yet indulgent food. The brand loves to play on classics, giving them a healthy twist from scratch within their kitchen. Made fresh, using wholesome ingredients, Honest Badger offers vegan, active vegan, protein and active protein plans, depending on the lifestyle of the client. The meal plan For those who like to graze throughout the day Honest Badger will keep you happy. You’ll start with a morning juice and fresh ginger and lemon shot (if you can handle it!). Breakfast is exciting and unpredictable, followed by a snack, lunch, another snack, dinner and a vegan dessert. Our particular plan was designed for people who want to focus on a protein diet. The best part You won’t get bored with the variety offered in this meal plan. Opening the box of goodness in the morning becomes something to look forward to. Plus, there’s deliveries every day for those with laser focus on their diet plan. Having a fresh juice in the morning is a refreshing start to the day. The details Prices start from Dhs155 per day, deliveries come seven days a week. Tel: (050) 223 4981. honestbadgerfoods.com

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TRIED & TESTED MEAL PLANS

05 The bespoke one Name

Basiligo

The backstory An Emirati brand with

a focus on building a healthy-eating community, Basiligo delivers across the emirates. You won’t find any preservatives, additives, or MSG in their food, just organic, quality meals to suit your lifestyle. The meal plan During a thorough chat with an in-house nutritionist, you’ll discuss your goals and requirements, as well as your likes and dislikes when it comes to nutrition. Your details will be inputted and the nutritionist will suggest the perfect plan to suit your needs. You’ll then be sent the menu for your review, and given the option to swap out any unwanted dishes. The best part There’s something to suit everyone, whether you’re keto, paleo, an athlete, or want to enjoy a particular cuisine. We tried the Mediterranean plan, which includes varied options from paella to steak. The bespoke aspect is ideal as it eliminates any chance of waste. The details Weekly plans start from Dhs400, delivery days are Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (050) 721 8261. basiligo.ae

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Q U I C K , B E F O R E W E M E LT

ith temperatures expected to edge into the 30s, Dubai is at its alfrescoloving best right now. So, before the heat of summer kicks in and we all head indoors, here are 13 things you need to do before it gets too hot in Dubai. Consider this your springtime hit list…

Have lunch at Twiggy

We’re huge fans of the new beachclub-meetsMed-restaurant Twiggy by La Cantine, on the shores of Dubai Creek, but just how this alfresco eatery will weather the Dubai summer is anyone’s guess. Our tip: get in now to enjoy the French Riviera fun, before this open-air stunner gets a bit too much sun. a Twiggy by La Cantine, Park Hyatt Dubai, restaurant daily noon to 1am, beach club daily 9am to sunset. Tel: (04) 602 1105, @twiggydubai

Try the new slides at Atlantis Aquaventure is already a massive waterpark destination with dozens of rides for the whole family, but as of last month, it’s now even bigger. The new part of the park features Trident Tower, a tall building with 12 multicoloured slides connected to it. After a super-soaked preview, What’s On can confirm that all the new attractions are superb. Prepare to get drenched as you whip through tunnels, defy gravity on its four-man rafts, cliff jump into plunge pools and much more. There are now a whopping 105 rides in total at the whole Atlantis Aquaventure, and some are more adrenaline pumping than others. For a slightly more relaxing experience, try the Raging Rapids, which is the park’s more intense lazy river ride. A resident day pass is priced at Dhs169 for adults and Dhs149 for kids. q atlantis.com/aquaventure

02 Go camping Right now is prime camping weather in Dubai. Whether you want to do it alone with a basic camping trip to Al Qudra, tackle it Survivor-style at the new Bear Grylls camp in Ras Al Khaimah, or plump for a luxe tented experience at Sonara, the UAE is brimming with brilliant camping and glamping options. a Check out WhatsOn.ae for more. What’s On_27

Q U I C K , B E F O R E W E M E LT

Horse ride in the desert

04 Take a hike The UAE is crisscrossed with hiking trails for all skill levels, traversing wadis and rugged mountain ranges. Before the mercury soars to stay-at-home levels, set out on a beginner’s route. One of the closest hiking spots to Dubai, Wadi Shawka (25.103958, 56.039260) is just an hour away and it is a great beginner’s hike. Shawka has several varied routes. You can choose from a quick ramble or make a day of it and include the Shawka pools, too. Whichever you pick you’ll enjoy impressive, panoramic views. Head to the Shawka Dam and either take the stairs directly to the summit or choose one of the trails, easily visible from the small parking area. The trails are well marked out, making it difficult to get lost and safe for families with children.

DXBhorseriding at the Hobbies Club is a fully equipped horse riding school that offers desert hacks, beach rides, horse riding lessons and livery and leasing for both adults and children. They have more than 30 horses at their stables, many of them rescued from across the Emirates. The stables are situated on the Dubai - Al Ain Road, which means a desert hack is easily accessible for an enjoyable sunrise or sunset ride. A 90-minute desert hack starts at Dhs150. Book your spot by WhatsApping (058) 9288817. q @dxbhorseriding

06 Visit Salt Camp The Salt Camp pop-up in DIFC was originally slated to shut up shop on January 30, but it recently extended its tenancy. Visit this brightly coloured confection for topnotch burgers and soft serve creations before it decamps at the end of winter. a Salt Campsite, Gate Avenue, DIFC, daily throughout winter, 12pm to 12am, walk-ins only. @findsalt

07 Go ape at Aventura Unleash your inner-Tarzan, with tree-climbing, ropeswinging, zip-wire and bridge-balancing activities that defy gravity. The park is set in a beautiful ghaf tree forest and it offers something for everyone, from the adventure park with five circuits and over 80 obstacles and zip lines, to mother and child mornings and educational nature walks. a Aventura Parks, Mushrif Park, Gate 1, Dubai, Dhs125. Tel: (052) 178 7616. aventuraparks.com

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08 Visit Bollywood Parks Dubai Bollywood Parks Dubai reopened in January, and with it came nine brand new rides. The most impressive of all has to be the Bollywood Skyflyer, which stands at 140m tall. Adrenaline seekers are placed in swings. The mechanism then moves up the multicoloured tower whilst you’re swung around at top speeds. a Bollywood Parks Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, relaunching on January 21. Tel: (800) 2629464. dubaiparksandresorts.com

10 Dine with your toes in the sand on Palm Jumeirah You could be forgiven for thinking that West Beach, Palm Jumeirah is the second home for some members of the What’s On team. While the Dubai weather is at its balmy best, visit this photogenic strip of beachfront restaurants and bars for toes-in-the-sand sips as the sun goes down. Team favourites include Koko Bay, Aprons & Hammers and the freshly launched Lucky Fish (p42).

09 Breakfast at the Boardwalk If your weekend lie-in is a sacred ritual, with the blinds still firmly drawn at 11am, then there’s a good chance many of Dubai’s best breakfasts have sailed you by. To ensure you don’t miss the most important meal of the day, Boardwalk at Dubai Creek Yacht Club has a late breakfast menu on weekends. On Fridays and Saturdays, Boardwalk is catering to lovers of a lie-in with its Late Breakfast Affair, which runs from 11.30am to 1pm. It’s priced at Dhs98 per person, and for that you’ll get a set menu of four inventive breakfast dishes.These aren’t your typical breakfast dishes, either. There’s a Levant-leaning avocado hummus with pomegranate and a simit-style cheese croissant; cocktail oysters with raspberries; and shakshuka-style poached eggs with zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes. With yachts gently bobbing on the water, Boardwalk is undeniably one of Dubai’s best alfresco spots for breakfast. So, set that alarm for 10.30am and set course for this chic waterfront eatery before it gets too hot. a Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Yacht Club, Dubai Creek. Friday and Saturday, 11.30am to 1pm. Dhs98. Tel: (0)4 205 4647. dubaigolf.com/dubai-creek-golf-yacht-club/dine/boardwalk/ What’s On_29

Q U I C K , B E F O R E W E M E LT

11 Yoga at Topgolf Dubai Taking outdoor yoga to another level is fun new attraction Topgolf Dubai and chic Alserkal Avenue studio Shimis Yoga. The two have paired up to launch weekly classes every Friday morning on the Topgolf outfield. Priced at Dhs150, including breakfast, the new yoga sessions are designed to help you find your zen, breathing in the fresh morning air, with grass beneath your feet. The unique experience promises Insta-worthy views as you stretch your way into the weekend. For safety and hygiene purposes, guests must bring their own mats and towels. a Topgolf Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, Fridays, 8am to 9am, Dhs150. shimis.com

12 Dune buggy in the desert Unless you’ve got Dhs60,000 to spare for a neat motorised vehicle used solely for the pleasure of revving up and down dunes, chances are you’ve not got a dune buggy or a quad bike. But ask almost every adventure junkie in the UAE and they’ll tell you that getting out to the dunes to shred some sand is top on their list for fun. Head to Big Red Motorsports to get behind the wheel of a dune buggy or quad bike and get out into nature. There are beginner tours that take you past camel farms and up to Pink Rock mountain, before taking a break at a convenience store hidden amid the dunes. A one-hour two-seater buggy tour costs Dhs1,300, while quad biking starts at Dhs650. q bigreddxb.com 30_What’s On

13 Fly like Superman at the world’s longest zipline Ras Al Khaimah is home to the world’s longest zipline. Measuring 2.83 kilometres long (that’s the equivalent of more than 28 football pitches), the recordbreaking zipline runs through the mountains of Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah at a hair-raising 1,680 metres above sea level. All your superman dreams are about to come true. Now where’s that cape? a Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, from Dhs300. Tel: (07) 204 6250. More info on website

These luxury hotels are as Instagrammable as they are iconic 32_What’s On

ICONIC HOTELS

he UAE has no shortage of wowworthy hotels and resorts, and some just truly take your breath away. From dreamy interiors to striking architecture and wow-worthy facilities, we’ve rounded up the most stunning and photogenic hotels in the UAE.

One&Only The Palm Dubai This luxury resort can be reached on the furthest end of the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, either by car or boat in its private marina. The property has 90 rooms and four exclusive beach villas with attention to every detail paid. The supersize pool is 850 square metres, and leads out onto the 450 metres of beach front, which offers stunning views of Dubai’s Marina skyline. q oneandonlyresorts.com

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, has recently been ranked as the most Instagrammable hotel in the world by Luxury Travel Advisor. More than 35,000 readers voted for the stunning, five-star desert property, which sits on the edge of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter – the world’s largest sand desert. Hidden amongst the sea of rolling, flame orange dunes, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is one of the UAE’s best-loved, traditional Arabian escapes. A secluded desert oasis, there are 141 rooms, suites and pool villas on offer, all decorated with traditional arabesque touches with endless vistas out across the desert dunes. q anantara.com 02

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Located in Ras Al Khaimah’s protected nature reserve, this Ritz Carlton hotel is a world away from Dubai’s hustle and bustle, despite being only 45 minutes away. The remote destination has 100 private villas, each with their own pool and terrace. The 500 hectare reserve has Arabian oryx, sand and Arabian gazelles, camels and horses and desert treks on camel or horseback can be aranged, as well as private archery lessons, stargazing, falconry shows, owl interaction and nature walks. q ritz-carlton.com What’s On_33

ICONIC HOTELS

Emirates Palace

Zaya Nurai Island Fancy waking up to an ocean view you can almost touch? No, you don’t need to go to the Maldives for this experience, Abu Dhabi’s Zaya Nurai Island has just that. You’ll need to take a 12 minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island to find it, but this luxury resort is worth the extra trip to enjoy pure serenity. The exclusive hotel comes complete with a pristine sandy beach and wooden sea swings within crystal-clear waters. The villas range from one up to six bedrooms and all come with their own private pool and outdoor terrace. q zayanuraiisland.com

Queen Elizabeth 2 This unique concept, known as the ‘oldest hotel in Dubai’, reached the emirate over a decade ago but has recently been modernised and converted into a four star hotel. The Middle East’s first floating hotel is permanently docked in Dubai’s port, Mina Rashid. The hotel has kept many of its original factors, even offering daily heritage tours to give guests a better understanding of the maritime history of the grand ship. The hotel is home to deluxe suites that offer a luxury experience that would’ve only been affordable to the richest of residents in the past. q qe2.com 34_What’s On

This 850,000sqm lavish hotel is set on 1.3km of private beach, comes with two expansive swimming pools, and panoramic views of the Gulf. The hotel is in the top five most expensive buildings in the world, costing Dhs14.3 billion to be built. It’s a magpie’s dream with 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.1 tonnes, while the interiors are created from gold, mother of pearl and crystals. With 394 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as 14 restaurants, there’s hardly a need to even leave the resort. q kempinski.com

Shangri La, Qaryat Al Beri This Abu Dhabi resort, located at Qaryat Al Beri, by the Abu Dhabi Creek, has stunning facilities including a souk, a one kilometre private beach and lush garden. Qaryat Al Beri has traditional abra rides swiftly moving through the waterways, and a private marina. The property has 213 rooms and suites, six private villas and 160 serviced apartments as well as seven dining outlets. From the beach, you can enjoy unprecedented views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, silhouetted at sunset. q shangri-la.com

The Abu Dhabi Edition This is the newest hotel on the list, so is no doubt built with Instagram in mind. The chic modern property boasts not one but two pools, 198 guest rooms, 57 serviced apartments and three signature restaurants. There are sophisticated interiors running throughout, that we could only dream of having our home designed like. The hotel has two penthouse rooms, surrounded by open terraces for guests to take in the stunning marina views. q editionhotels.com

Bulgari Resort

Burj Al Arab It wouldn’t be a list of Instagrammable hotels without mentioning Dubai’s very own seven star hotel, Burj Al Arab. The iconic building has pretty much become the face of the emirate since its opening in 1999. With its notable sail-shaped design, 24-carat gold leaf interior, helipad, and nine dining and entertainment venues, it claims to be the most luxurious hotel in the world. The terrace has two swimming pools, 32 cabanas and the spa boasts a stunning infinity pool with panoramic views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. q jumeirah.com

Situated on Jumeira Bay, the man-made island shaped like a seahorse, Bulgari Resort has a private marina with 50 boat berths, creating the first world’s Bulgari Yacht Club. With stunning views of Burj Khalifa, the 101 rooms and suites offer chic amenities as well as the 20 villas with private pool, lush garden and sea view. The stunning 1,700sqm spa offers guests luxury treatments to unwind and de-stress as well as a hammam room, indoor pool, fitness centre and beauty salon. q bulgarihotels.com What’s On_35

STAY & DINE THIS RAMADAN AT WALDORF ASTORIA DIFC

Your enchanting escape awaits this Ramadan. Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Room, including Iftar for two at the award winning Bull & Bear, complemented with the option of early check-in and late check-out.

Rates starting from AED 950 For those who wish to savour a sumptuous Iftar only. Enjoy an array of Arabic inspired dishes at Bull & Bear, from sunset onwards.

Iftar starting from AED 195 per person

For more information or for reservations, please call +971 (0)4 515 9999 or email us at reservations.DIFC@waldorfastoria.com

Burj Daman, Al Mustaqbal Street, DIFC, PO Box 507251, Dubai, UAE | +971 (0)4 515 9999 | waldorfastoria.com/DIFC |

WaldorfDIFC

EAT + DRINK + SHOP RATING FOOD A+ to CVIBE Family Friendly Party Casual Romantic Fancy PRICE (FOR TWO) Up to Dhs249 Dhs250 to Dhs749 Dhs750+

PA G E 44

Lunch in the jungle

Amazonico rustles up a new business lunch IL PASTAIO p38 GONPACHI p41 CONCEPT STORES p50 What’s On_37

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EAT // REVIEW

IL PASTAIO

A taste of Italy done the LA way estaurants whipping up fresh pasta in a wheel of Parmesan often stirs us into a frenzy. But news of Il Pastaio doing the whipping is cause for mass hysteria. The original venue is one of, if not the, most coveted spots to snag a reservation in Beverly Hills. After more than two decades serving the discerning palettes of Rodeo Drive’s clientele in Lala Land, (where the likes of Al Pacino, John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen have all stopped by in recent weeks), the upscale Italian eatery has landed in Dubai, making this its first location outside of 90210. Chef Giacomino and Celestino Drago, two out of the three Sicilian brothers who first founded the restaurant in the early nineties, flew into the UAE at the beginning of the year to oversee the new opening, which sits street-side in the centre of Al Habtoor City. On first impressions, Il Pastaio has the trimmings of your typical upscale resto – think starched white tablecloths, wood paneled walls dotted with artworks and a glass-encased cellar overflowing with fine bottles. The long rectangular main dining room has an adjacent alfresco terrace, where we took our table next to an olive tree strung with twinkling lights. Despite its smart interior outfit, Il Pastaio manages to remain true to its familial trattoria ethos thanks to the fussfree menu of Italian favourites, smiley service and a pooch-friendly outdoor area where your pup can enjoy a slice of LA life next to you. To kick things off, we lined our stomachs with focaccia still warm from the oven and an order of eggplant rolls (Dhs85) filled with sun-dried tomato and goat cheese in a bell pepper sauce. Then it was onto the pasta, and as one might expect of a restaurant that translates to “the pasta maker”, there’s plenty of carb goodness on the menu. We counted more than a dozen to pick from,

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and that’s not including the specials, which is where you’ll find the famous truffle tagliolini (Dhs220). Cooked directly at your table, the pasta is mixed inside a wheel of 24-month aged Parmesan, then scooped out and luxuriously plated atop a rich fondue sauce and covered with generous shavings of fresh black truffle. It’s the ultimate creamy, cheesy dish of dreams and certainly lived up to the Instagram hype. Another crowd-pleasing dish is the paccheri alla Justin Bieber (Dhs98) named

after the Biebs himself (another A-list regular at the LA location) and comes with oversized rigatoni drenched in a velvety pink pepper sauce. We suggest sharing the pastas to save previous space for the secondi piatti course. Highlights include the pan roasted sea bass fillet (Dhs195) and beef tenderloin (Dhs260) served alongside a buttery potato tart and arugula drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette. We capped off an indulgent evening with the panna cotta (Dhs55), an airy cream custard topped with a red berry sauce. This is timeless Italian fare in an elegant setting without the pretentiousness that so often comes with big name outposts. We’ll be back for another feast, just as soon as we can button up our jeans again. a Al Habtoor City, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (054) 791 3320. @ilpastaiodxb RATING Food �� A Atmosphere �� Price ��

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EAT // NEWS

Breakfast of champions 21grams serves up new all-day breakfast items

elicious breakfast and no early morning alarm calls are what perfect weekends are made of. And for those of you who really love a lie-in, but still want top-notch brekkie fodder, here’s some happy news… Award-winning, homegrown bistro, 21grams on Beach Road has just announced that they’ll be serving up their most sought-after breakfast dishes all day long. That means, you can enjoy your liein as much as you want without worrying that you’ll miss the breakfast time slot. If that wasn’t enough, the urban bistro

has also introduced a set of exciting new bespoke dishes to its already illustrious menu – each one daring and vibrant soulfood rooted in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. Some of the newest dishes on the menu include an upgraded version of their komplet eggs, this time with seared foie gras. There’s also princess crepe with clotted cream, homemade dried fruit compote and almonds and a delicious beef cheek sando with homemade mustard. And it wouldn’t be a trip done right if you didn’t snack on the pastries. We’ve got

our eye on the milk chocolate phyllo pie with blueberries and blackberries, and the vanilla custard phyllo pie with strawberries. All dishes are hand-made from family recipes using only seasonal ingredients, sourced from local farmers to bring authentic accents from the mountains, valleys and coasts of the Balkan region. Due to limited capacity, make sure you book well in advance. a 21grams, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai. Tel:(0)50 841 5021. @21grams. dubai

Wonders from Down Under

Australian import, Hunter & Barrel opens this month Hunter and Barrel is about one thing: meat. Drawing its inspiration from the Hunter region (that’s north of Sydney, FYI), the new restaurant at Vida Emirates Hills focuses on serving meat with seasonal salads and veggies to match. The fit out will feature an open coal grill so guests can see chefs prep dishes such as slow-roasted beef ribs, steaks, charcoal skewers and open fire prawns. q hunterandbarrel.ae

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EAT // REVIEW

BELLA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Superb hospitality and fine Italian cuisine in the heart of Business Bay taly had its Renaissance a few centuries ago, but in the UAE dining landscape, Italian food is in a constant state of reinvention and refinement. Trattorias, osterias, and pizzerias have woven themselves into the country’s dining fabric, offering up everything from fine-dining experiences to the kinds of gut-busting, coma-inducing feasts that leave everybody at the table feeling like family. At new Bella Restaurant & Lounge, perched on the part open-air rooftop of the Grand Millennium

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Hotel in Business Bay, you get to enjoy a lot of both. Led by the enigmatic tag team of award-winning chef Alessandro Miceli and general manager Stefano Bassanese, Bella is a very warm and inviting restaurant despite its enormous size. The duo greet guests with the kind of familiarity typically reserved only for friends, but it seems that guests are treated as part of the family, too. Stefano in particular roams around the white tableclothed-filled dining room, offering anything from a smile or a comedy skit to a wine pairing suggestion. Here’s our three must orders at Bella, ranked by importance: first is the cacio e pepe (Dhs90), an ever-so-simple dish of spaghetti with a creamy sauce of black pepper and pecorino. It’s soothing while simultaneously having a grown-up mulelike kick from the cracked black pepper and salty sour cheese. Next, the tortelli al tartufo (Dhs100), delightful homemade

pasta pockets stuffed with ricotta, spinach and truffle, and finally, the burrata (Dhs135), which is a nice big dollop of snowy cheese served simply with tomatoes and basil. Beyond the pastas is a world of fresh fish (roasted, flamed and salt-crusted), and a wide variety of Josper chargrilled wood-fired meat that we didn’t manage to try on our evening, but the ogling eyes and empty plates on the tables nearby suggest happy customers restaurant wide. Once you’re done with dinner, move over to the retro-lit amber bar and finish things off with an espresso martini, as chef and Stefano tell you their tales of restaurant life at Bella. It’ll warm your heart. a Grand Millennium Hotel, Business Bay, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (0)48733377. belladxb.com RATING Food ��B+ Atmosphere �� Price ��

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EAT // REVIEW

GONPACHI

Tarantino helped make this restaurant famous, but does it live up to expectations? n Tokyo, the original Gonpachi is a dining institution – a bustling, cavernous old Edo-style space said to have inspired a memorable scene in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. By contrast, Gonpachi in Dubai occupies an enormous plot in Al Habtoor City, just next to new Italian Il Pastaio (p38). Walk in past the faux blossom tree and into the two-storey restaurant, and it’s about as dead as ol’ Bill at the end of Volume 2. “It’s really busy on a weekend,” says the extremely friendly general manager, perhaps not realising it’s a Friday afternoon. Still, the staff do their level best to entertain the trickle of incoming guests with a loud irasshaimase that echoes around the hollow room. We have a portion of the chicken karaage (Dhs80) – Japan’s famous fried chicken – which is a ludicrously compelling combination of crispy and salty. Its lightly-crusted shell giving way to steaming, tenderised meat. It’s served with a welcome dollop of sweetened chilli and mayo sauce. Lunch is off to a good start. There is an attempt at self-care courtesy of a well-made Gonpachi crab and kale salad (Dhs55) in a Caesar-like dressing with just the right kale-crunch- to-softcrab ratio.

Then a shrimp and shishito peppers tempura and rice bowl is exactly that and nothing more – soft steamed rice topped with thick and juicy prawns and flat peppers encased in a light batter. If the tempura wasn’t perfect this would have been a dud. Thankfully, the prawn tempura in particular is extremely well executed. Then came a few more mediocre selections – half a dozen bland eel rolls, a

large bowl of forgettable grilled shishito peppers, plus a couple of serviceable, but flavourless, mushroom kushiyaki (charcoal-grilled skewers). The beef skewers we ordered never arrived, which we’d typically forgive if the restaurant was at capacity. Gonpachi has the potential to be a very good restaurant. The staff are friendly and happy to be working at an exciting new venue, especially one that has quite the legacy. But if the team wants to compete with the great Japanese restaurants in this city, they have a lot of work still to do, especially as the Tarrantino-effect seems to be wearing off. a Boulevard, Al Habtoor City, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (054) 7913321. gonpachidubai.ae RATING Food ��BAtmosphere �� Price ��

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EAT // REVIEW

LUCKY FISH

The latest swanky beachside restaurant opens at West Beach, but can it compete? ucky Fish is the new Mediterranean restaurant that’s joined the popular throng of restaurants at Palm Jumeirah hotspot West Beach. There’s Koko Bay, which was an instant hit the moment it opened, swiftly followed by Aprons & Hammers Beach House, which is full every night. Then, Jones The Grocer opened, followed by taco joint Senior Pico. So can Lucky Fish really bring something new to the table? Similar to Koko Bay’s decor, no attention to detail has been spared. The outdoor area in particular is stunning. There’s a delightful Greek Island vibe with a large decking area, distressed whitewashed

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tables, blue and white cushions, ornate French chandeliers overhead and white linen curtains swaying in the breeze. Further out to sea are cushy king size sunbeds and cabanas, encouraging full day fun. We’re served delicious crisp bread with homemade pesto to start, followed by a lobster salad (Dhs225). Whilst the lobster meat is tasty, the salad, with its lacklustre avo chunks and orange segments, felt like

it was missing ingredients. Meanwhile, the unique charcuterie platter (Dhs145) showcased a variety of unusual meats, including a smoky goose salami, bresaola, Wagyu coppa and duck prosciutto. The standout dish is the salt-baked seabass (from Dhs300), plucked from the fresh fish display, skillfully prepared and served in front of us at the table. Simply served with a generous sprinkle of black pepper and a light lemon butter sauce, it lets the melt-in-the-mouth white meat do the talking. For dessert, the deconstructed creme brûlée (Dhs75) is executed perfectly and served with a splash of white chocolate sauce, scattered rice puffs and fresh berries. The verdict? Lucky Fish is definitely worth its salt at West Beach. a West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, daily noon to 1pm. Tel: 04 569 3447. @luckyfishdubai RATING Food �� B+ Atmosphere �� Price ��

34th Floor, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights

SUNSET VIEWS AT EVE’S FABULOUS ROOFTOP BAR Clink your drinks ladies, it’s time for some fun…enjoy cosmopolitan mixes overlooking a dazzling sunset from my Penthouse...xoxo

@evedubai

+971 4 553 1214

MEET THE CHEF

NICK WALSH

Executive Chef, Foxglove British Gastropub British food used to have a bad reputation, but that’s changed now. Some of the best chefs and restaurants in the world come from the UK. The Lancashire hotpot is a very regional dish and something my mum made when I was a kid. I have taken that and developed it into something I can serve in my restaurant. I’m quite a selfish chef. I generally only include items on my menus that I like myself. The only downside for me being in the UAE is the lack of fresh game. I loved cooking with it back in the UK. I was 15 years old when I knew I wanted to be a chef. I was put in different departments on a management course and loved being in the kitchen. I also took a lot of inspiration from my grandfather who was a talented chef himself. At Foxglove, I’ve tried to make my food as British as possible. But I have added in some menu favourites such as veal schnitzel, moules frites and chicken tikka. Last supper on earth? I would be eating English roe venison, with some crushed new potatoes, game gravy and broccolini. a Foxglove DXB, next to Soho Garden, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (052)88849. foxglovedxb.com

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Amazonico

LUNCH MONTH

O F

T H E

This is how to do business – and lunch – in style Every year, there are a handful of new restaurants that it’s actively embarrassing not to have visited. The food equivalent of not having seen The Shawshank Redemption or the latest Avengers. And this year, one of those restaurants is Amazonico in DIFC. Why the hype? For starters, the brand has highly-celebrated outposts in two major gastronomic cities: Madrid and London. For seconds, the menu of chic Latin American-inspired cuisine is to die for, and the plush jungle decor, with its rich green flora, fringed lampshades and into-the-wild embellishments, is a joy. But then, you’ve been already, right? Well, here’s another reason to visit: Amazonico has launched a business lunch. This is not your average midday midwork meal, though. This is three or four courses of wonderfully executed, fancy fare, that’s all relatively quick to eat. We scoffed the soft and sweet Amazonico roll, filled with mango, avocado and cacao nibs, swiftly followed by a surprisingly filling portobello and potato tostones, which was given a sweet and sour tang from its chili emulsion and panka sauce. We even adored the lomo saltado – an Asian meets Latin American stir fry of soy marinated sirloin steak, so juicy it near melted in our mouths. We managed to inhale all

three-courses (Dhs125 for three courses) in less than hour, but if you have another 15 minutes to spare, try the caramelised pineapple with corn cake and coconut sorbet (Dhs148 for four courses). It tastes wonderful with an espresso – which you’ll probably need to help you push through to EOD. a Amazonico, DIFC Pavilion, Sun to Thur noon to 2pm, Dhs125 for three courses, Dhs148 for four courses. Tel: (0)4 5713999. amazonicorestaurant.com

BOCA X FRYING PAN ADVENTURES IFTAR INSPIRED BY OLD DUBAI

A collaboration between two teams that represent different sides of Dubai, BOCA and Frying Pan Adventures host a daily iftar throughout the month of Ramadan made up of a series of dishes that is as much a joint tribute to the timeless flavors of Old Dubai as to the innovative spirit of New Dubai. Eight-dish sharing Iftar menu for two. AED 160 per person available from sunset until 9 pm and subject to availability. Download a copy of ‘The Ultimate Guide to The Spice Souk’, a mobile-friendly guidebook about spices and herbs, considered as a virtual ticket to the intriguing alleys of Dubai’s historic spice souk.

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C O N S U M E

EAT // BREAKFAST BURGERS

Breakfast burgers Stuff your face with one of these AMappropriate buns and baps

t What’s On, our love of burgers knows no bounds – but who says burgers have to be relegated to the lunch and dinner slot? This weekend, cram one of these AM-appropriate burgers into your face, as we round up seven of the tastiest breakfast burgers, buns and baps in Dubai. The more napkins needed, the better…

01 Tom & Serg Tom and Serg’s breakfast bap bun is a thing of beauty, piled high with folded eggs, crisp bacon, avocado and a hash brown, then brought to life with Korean chilli jam and pickled jalapenos. It’s Dhs59 (extra for bacon). This month, they’re also pumping out a brekkie sausage muffin that looks insanely good, layered with beef sausage, cheese, caramelised onion and salady bits. a Tom & Serg, 15A St, Al Quoz, all-day breakfast, Fri and Sat 8am to 6pm, Sun to Thu 8am to 4pm. Tel: (0(56 474 6812. @_tomandserg_ What’s On_47

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EAT // BREAKFAST BURGERS

02 Fibber Magee’s The sturdy breakfast bap at Fibbers is a go-to for the Downtown office crowd when they’ve imbibed a little too much the night before. Go all out with the big breakfast bap, bearing real bacon and sausage, fried egg, black or white pudding and tomato in a flourdusted bun (Dhs39), or create your preferred combination of egg, bacon or sausage, or all three (Dhs20 to Dhs35) a Fibber Magee’s, Sheikh Zayed Rd, behind Saeed Tower 1, daily from 8am. Tel: (04) 33 22 400. @fibbermageesdxb

04 Simple With locations in One Central and Al Khawaneej, Simple’s formula is err... simple: egg sandwiches in the morning, and burgers in the afternoon. Visit between 7.30am and noon to tuck into one of these breakfast bad boys, stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon and avocado. Simple, but spot on. a Simple, One Central and Al Khawaneej, breakfast served daily, 7.30am to noon. Delivery, tel: (0)56 926 4566. @simple.dubai

03 Reform Social & Grill At this British gastropub in the Lakes, their traditional breakfast bap (Dhs60) comes loaded with your choice of real bacon and fried egg, or real sausage with egg and mustard, with grilled tomato and hash brown on the side. No one will judge if you wedge your sides into your sandwich for maximum impact. a Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, breakfast served daily, 8am to noon. Tel: (04) 454 2638. @reformdubai 48_What’s On

07 The Breakfast Shop

05 Perry & Blackwelder For those who like a late start, head to Perry & Blackwelder at Souk Madinat from noon. To create its all-day breakfast bap, the chefs take a soft floury bun and pack it with Cumberland sausage, sweet cured back bacon and a fried egg, for Dhs69. a Perry & Blackwelder, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: 800 666 353. @perryandblackwelder

Not quite ready to leave the house? The Breakfast Shop will bring breakfast to your door, from 8am to 11pm daily. They’re currently serving five different breakfast burgers, loaded with eggs, sausage, steak, smoked salmon or maple bacon, perhaps. Perfect for devouring on the couch while you’re still in your PJs. a The Breakfast Shop, order via @deliveroo_ae @ careemuae @zomatouae @ talabatuae. Find the full menu here: @thebreakfastshopuae

06 TBK Certainly the fanciest breakfast burger on our round-up, the scrambled egg bun at TBK takes pillow-soft eggs, a light dusting of grated parmesan, snipped chives and chopped chilli, then arranges it all in a lightly grilled brioche bun. Pure class. a TBK, Galleria Mall, breakfast 9am to 12.30pm. Tel: (04) 340 0222. @tbkdubai What’s On_49

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Shop

Best in store Nine brilliant concept stores

hile Dubai is known for its giant shopping malls, and is home to endless high street and designer stores, we’re quite partial to the city’s collection of independent and concept stores. If you take the time to explore, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems, all offering something individual and exciting...

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The Good Life All true sneaker-heads know that The Good Life is the place to find the rarest kicks in Dubai. The Alserkal Avenue-based store was originally founded in Beirut before opening its second branch in Dubai. The brand prides itself on ‘developing sneaker culture within the region’ with its access to the latest drops, unique styles, and most coveted collections. a The Good Life, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, daily, 11am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 346 0004. thegoodlifespace.com

Urbanist Concept store Urbanist can be found at Dubai’s Box Park. Known for its unique and quirky finds, shoppers can discover unusual pieces of jewellery, clothing, shoes and accessories. The store also holds fitness classes such as yoga. a Urbanist, Boxpark, Al Wasl Road. Tel: (04) 348 8002. urbaniststore.com

Beachy boutique Summer Soul stocks a stunning collection of kaftans, swimwear, sunglasses, jewellery and accessories. You’ll find pretty much anything you need for the most chic vacation of your life. a DRIFT Beach Dubai and Anantara the Palm Dubai. @summersouldubai

Sauce has been Dubai’s destination for chic beachwear since 2004. Now with five concept stores across the UAE, the brand champions local and regional designers across the fields of fashion, art, accessories and homewares. a Sauce has stores in W Dubai – The Palm, Four Seasons Jumeirah, Four Seasons DIFC, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort. @sauceloves

Summer Soul

Sauce

Kulture House Kulture House is a part-store, part-cafe concept located in Jumeirah. Inside, you can find healthy and tasty treats, and be able to update your wardrobe with some unique fashion finds. The newly-opened destination also has an art gallery, florist and events space. a Kulture House, 106, beach road (opposite Beach Centre), Jumeirah, daily 9am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 399 1790. @ kulturehousedubai

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C O N S U M E

SHOP // CONCEPT STORES

THAT

Amongst Few This premium streetwear store is the place to find local and global urban brands for men and women. You can expect the latest sneakers, clothing, books and records. There’s also a cool cafe next door serving up delicious food and coffee all day long. a Amongst Few, Palm Strip, Jumeirah, daily, store 10am to 10pm, cafe 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 386 9221. amongstfew.com

A brand new retail destination has set up shop in Mall of the Emirates, called ‘That’. With everything you need under one roof, That aims to shake up the shopping experience with this one-stop shop. The colossal concept store takes over two floors inside Via Rodeo at Mall of the Emirates. It is home to some of fashion’s most sought-after cult brands. a That Concept Store, Mall of Emirates, Al Barsha, daily 10am to midnight. @thatconceptstore

Retold Better than your average ‘second-hand’ shop, Retold gives a new home to preloved clothing. Budget-savvy shoppers and eco-enthusiasts have the chance to shop their favourite high street and luxury brands for less at this boutique store. a Retold, Shop 5, 9394 Avenues, Umm Suqeim Road. Tel: (04) 297 6777. shopretold.com 52_What’s On

The Flip Side The Flip Side is Dubai’s only independent record store. Not only is it the place to go to discover the best vinyl from across all genres, they also hold monthly in-store sessions with DJs in the local music scene. Designed to be a hub for the music community, The Flip Side offers music production seminars as well as documentary screenings. a The Flip Side, Unit 71, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Sat to Thurs, noon to 9pm, closed on Fridays. Tel: (04) 221 6830. flipsidedxb.com

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APRIL

ART // THEATRE // FILM // MUSIC

In the limelight

Three showstoppers to watch this month in Dubai 01 Betrayal The complexity of human relationships is the focus in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, playing at The Junction theatre in Alserkal this month. This meticulously staged production looks very carefully and very calculatingly at the odd relationships that can exist between husbands, wives, and lifelong friends. Expect plenty of drama, love and deceit when this officially licensed Broadway show hits the stage in April. April 1 to 3 a The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, from Dhs80. thejunctiondubai.com

02 The Little Mermaid Christian Anderson’s classic fairytale is bought to life at Theatre by QE2. You know the drill: a mermaid is tricked by an evil sea witch into forsaking her voice in return for becoming human. With the help of a comedic crab, a silly seagull, a cute guppy and other sea friends, will the mermaid find her prince? This is one fun musical you need to watch with the whole family. April 1 to 10 a Theatre by QE2, Port Mina Rashid, from Dhs120. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com

03 No Man’s Land National Theatre Live brings the best of British theatre to screens across the world and this month you can watch another Pinter classic. No Man’s Land stars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart as two aging writers who meet in a Hampstead pub. As the night goes on, their stories become increasingly unbelievable and the conversation turns into a revealing power game. April 15 a Courtyard Playhouse, Dhs100 temporary membership. Tel: (0)50 986 1760. courtyardplayhouse.com What’s On_55

THE AGENDA Our pick of the top culture-related events this month around the UAE

For more cultural plans happening in the UAE, visit whatson.ae

ABU DHABI /EXHIBITION/

Abstraction and Calligraphy – Towards a Universal Language This exhibition brings together more than 80 masterworks from 20th century abstract artists who felt the need to establish a new universal, visual language that was inspired by calligraphy. Artists such as Paul Klee, Vassily Kandinsky and others found the decorative handwriting as a way for them to express the inexpressible: emotion, empathy, ideas. You will also find a monumental installation by eL Seed and contemporary works by Sanki King at this exhibit. Until June 12 a Louvre Abu Dhabi, Tue to Sun 10am to 6.30pm, closed Mon. Tel: (02) 6736 688. louvreabudhabi.ae 56_What’s On

/EXHIBITION/

Flow This exhibition features more than 80 artworks that celebrate women. Created by three female visual artists, Annabelle Bigno, Karine Roche and

Tala Atroun, each painting contains a special artistic experience. Until May 11 a Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Bateen Area Villa 15, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 62 10145. etihadmodernart.com

CULTURE

DUBAI /EXHIBITION/

PSYCHOMACHIA Award-winning artist Kristel Bechara’s latest collection, Psychomachia, is inspired by a series of events that took place in the past year and it recalls the poem of the same title by Latin poet Prudentius. The plot revolves around the battle between the virtues, culminating with each virtue prevailing over its opposing vice, with chastity defeating lust, anger surrendering to patience, and love being victorious over greed. Until June 2021 a Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, open Sat to Thur, 9am to 5pm. Tel: (0)55 8913671. atelierkristel.com /EXHIBITION/

Plastic, The Last Hero of The Great Steppe – The Art of Saule Suleimenova Artist Saule Suleimenova uses techniques and media including recycled plastic, cellophane and polycarbonate in this exhibition. The artist, who grew up in Soviet Kazakhstan in Almaty, the then capital of the country, heavily features decolonisation in this exhibit and tries to reconnect and reconcile traditional Kazakh culture and the aesthetics of revolt through modernist artistic devices. Until October a Andakulova Gallery, Unit 18, P4 Level, Damac Park Towers, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 385 9897. andakulova.com /EXHIBITION/

Domesticity This group exhibition presents works of art by 17 international artists. In science, humans are subspecies of terrestrial animals that live predominantly on land and in an enclosed space that we are programmed to inhabit. However, as the pandemic moved everyone indoors, artists were forced to focus on their imminent surroundings for inspiration. What seemed like limiting circumstances, led towards some great concepts and visuals, which this exhibition is hoping to introduce. Until April 15 a Volery Gallery, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, appointment required to visit, volerygallery.com

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CULTURE

TINY HOMES

Van life

These Dubai-made campers have us dreaming of living the van life

here’s an undeniable appeal to the #vanlife lifestyle: no 9-to-5 schedule, plenty of time in the great outdoors, and every parking place (according to TikTok) is the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen. Thanks to Freedom Overland, many UAE residents are one step closer to making that lifestyle a reality. Faisal Husain has been interested in ‘overlanding’ for over half a decade. He’s built vehicles, made lots of

mistakes, learned from them, and continued to make tweaks. By the time he built his third van, he had reached a turning point. What had begun as a personal project to transform a vehicle into a livable unit was becoming a business. That business is converting Land Cruiser’s (and similar models) into custom-built homes on wheels. He now finds himself with a queue of clients, a workshop and showroom in Al Quoz,

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CULTURE

10 employees and a new brand to oversee: Freedom Overland, the first company building advanced adventure vehicles in this region. “The idea had been in the works for a while but I never had the time as I travel extensively for work,” Husain says. “But with the pandemic, coupled with the complete halt in travel and the resulting availability of time on my hands, I decided to take the plunge and start Freedom Overland.” It was the overwhelming positive response from friends and the wider overlanding/off-roading community about his projects that encouraged Husain to take the leap. “People seemed impressed by how I had implemented certain features,” he says. “We have taken cues from fighter jets in designing the front face of the vehicles and that makes them very different to anything on the international market.”

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‘I want to drive that’. But at the same time, we want them to be functional as well.” Inside the Freedom Overland Cruiser, you’ll find lots of natural materials: pine wood on the ceiling and floors and mother-of-pearl in the washroom. There are Moroccan tiles on the floor, and many other luxury amenities to make it fully-functioning. There’s even a fully-equipped kitchen, toilet and hot-water shower. “The response to our Freedom Overland vehicles has been off-thecharts,” Husain says. “We have people asking us to make them available in the US.” If you’re buying into the Freedom Overland lifestyle, be prepared to drop an anvil of dirhams. These custom-made beauties will set you back approximately Dhs200,000 up to Dhs700,000, with other models in the pipeline including Freedom Vans and Freedom Trucks. Could Freedom Overland-for hire be on the cards perhaps? We’ll have to wait, hope and see… a For more information, visit freedom-overland.com or follow @freedomoverland_

That’s part of his edge in this niche industry. Not only does he come from an aeronautics and computer science background, but he has a general eye for design and anything to do with user experience. Van life, or “‘overlanding’” as Husain calls it, “is a lifestyle that connects us to something that I feel we’ve lost as a society; a connection back to the natural world away from digital devices. It’s a way to explore this beautiful planet that we live in; a way to meet new people and new cultures; and discover that despite our perceived differences, at our core we are all the same.” “Current day overlanding vehicles, be they RVs or vans, are very boxy and a bit boring to look at. They don’t evoke the sense of excitement that a sports car does. “The Freedom Vehicles are designed to evoke an emotional response when you see them. We want people to say:

“VAN LIFE IS A LIFESTYLE THAT CONNECTS US TO SOMETHING THAT I FEEL WE’VE LOST AS A SOCIETY” – FAISAL HUSAIN

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PA G E 68

Work remotely How to be a digital nomad ACTIVE NEWS p65 What’s On_63

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A C T I V E

SPORT // NEWS

Go wild

A real life Flintstones gym down on JBR For those who can’t sit still on a sun lounger, and prefer to stay active at the beach, Rixos Premium JBR has a solution. Woodsman Fitness has set up the ultimate natural jungle gym, where nearly all the gym equipment is made from wood, bamboo and stone. It also makes a great background for your net ‘Gram snap. There’s another set-up at Rixos The Palm too. a Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, daily 10am to 7pm, free for guests. rixos.com

Laguna camp Sleep over at the waterpark

ver find yourself at a waterpark wishing the fun would never end? It doesn’t have to as Laguna Waterpark Dubai’s popular overnight camping experience returns. The La Mer-based waterpark relaunches The Camp, available every Thursday and Friday. Take on the water slides at night, then enjoy a barbecue feast round the campfire followed by an outdoor movie night. In the morning, you’ll receive a breakfast basket hand-delivered to your tent, piled high with eggs, tomatoes,

onions, fresh Arabic bread, labneh and cheese. In true camping style, you’ll have to cook it yourself – but there’ll be chefs on hand at the live cooking stations to guide you. Checkout the following day is at 10am, but you’re encouraged to stow your bag and then spend the rest of your day enjoying all of the fun that Laguna Waterpark has to offer. a The Camp, Laguna Waterpark Dubai, La Mer, Dubai, Thur and Fri from 5.30pm, twoman tent Dhs700, four-man tent Dhs1,200. Tel: (04) 317 3999. lagunawaterpark.com

COMING SOON

New luxury pet park and day care opening in Al Quoz My Second Home Resort & Spa, one of Dubai’s largest dog facilities, is opening a second venue in Al Quoz this month. Set over 30,000 sq ft, we’re promised that this second location

will be the ultimate fun house for your pooch, complete with swimming pools, a huge park, day facilities and more. q @mysecondhomedubai What’s On_65

A C T I V E

WELL–BEING // NEWS

Ultra Youth Glow facial

A facial that promises to roll back the years? Take our money now...

iving in the sunshine, our skin is regularly crying out for some TLC. Sometimes it feels like the long hours at work and playing a bit too hard on the weekends is written all over our face. So, can a visit to Kaya Skin Clinic, which is currently pioneering the ‘What’s your beautiful’ campaign to empower women to make bold beauty choices, reverse some of the damage? Our ‘bold beauty choice’ on the day is the Ultra Youth Glow facial, described as being able to take years off your face. The eight-step procedure takes 75 minutes and starts with a quick consultation with our therapist and a thorough cleanse of the skin. Then it’s on to the extractions (enough discomfort to make our eyes water) and microdermabrasion with a tool which sounds and feels like our face is being sanded down (but in a good way). With our blackheads cleared and our skin suitably smoothed, it’s time for some antioxidantrich and slightly tingly, Vitamin C serum. We should say that this is more of a clinical experience rather than a relaxing spa treatment – so don’t expect comfy pillows and aromatherapy oils. But there are some very calming moments during the facial, especially the massage. Every line and every bit of tension feels like it melts away

TREATMENT MONTH O F

in that perfect little interlude. Finally it’s on with a face mask for 10-15 minutes and then a final spritz of revitalising tonic. And we’re done. Skipping out of the clinic with our new youthful glow, which is commented on for a couple of days afterwards.

T H E

This is the perfect quick fix facial and definitely one for those who are serious about their skincare. a Kaya Skin Clinic, Barsha Heights, I-Rise Tower, Sat to Thur noon to 8pm, Dhs 750. Tel: (0)45896955. kayaskinclinic.com. ALSO: JBR Walk and Burjuman

AFTERNOON DELIGHTS Raffles Salon launches new treatment and tea package Treat yourself (or your loved one) to an afternoon of all-out indulgence at Raffles, combining a 60-minute Absolute Relaxation massage and afternoon tea in the Raffles Salon. It’s priced at Dhs450 per person. a Raffles Spa and Salon, next to Wafi Mall. Tel: (04) 314 9869. Email spa.dubai@raffles. com. raffles.com/dubai

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Ramadan at InterContinental Hotels at Dubai Festival City Take your loved ones on a culinary journey and taste the world this Ramadan with renowned lavish Iftars, food experiences & staycations. Break your fast with the ﬁnest selection of authentic Arabian delicacies featuring Levantine, North African favourites and International ﬂavours with weekly culinary highlights. Explore our offerings by visiting dubaifestivalcityhotels.com/ramadan Call or WhatsApp +971 4 701 1111

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A C T I V E

Digital nomad life Want to work remotely? Us too…

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f there’s one silver lining to the enormous garbage eruption that was 2020, it’s that many of us learned – and, more importantly, many of our bosses learned – that we can work from just about anywhere. Here’s a look at just a few cities on Earth that we think would be perfect to work from.

GALLE FORT, SRI LANKA Aside from the fact that it’s home to rolling surf, endless beaches, welcoming people, and fabulously fresh food, right now for UAE residents, Sri Lanka is one of only a handful of places we can actually travel to right now without having to quarantine in a hotel room. That said, you do have to quarantine in a ‘safe and secure certified’ hotel for the first 14 days. However, you can leave to visit approved tourist sites under the safety of what authorities are calling a “biobubble”.

Berlin, Germany

BERLIN, GERMANY

Berlin, Germany

Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

Still, pick the right resort – we’ve been eyeing up the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort with its beach fringed by coconut palms – and you could work from the hotel’s private shoreline, or from a WiFi-strong business centre, while enjoying a more relaxed vibe than at your actual office.

Berlin’s residence permit is like a golden ticket for the self-employed – especially artists, academics, and freelancers who just want to relocate and make cool stuff for a while. While travel to Germany is closed to most at the moment, use this time to get a head start on your paperwork. (There’s a lot, because it’s Germany.) Berlin’s booming start-up culture lures determined young professionals, while its inclusive creative spirit embraces alternative types. You’ll find history on almost every corner, with hundreds of museums, public parks by the thousands, and dozens of beautiful lakes just a quick train ride away. What’sOn_69

A C T I V E

TRAVEL // DIGITAL NOMAD

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The Canary Islands, Spain

THE CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN Spain’s self-employment work visa is perfect for freelancers who want to work from this dreamy archipelago off Africa’s northwest coast (once the border fully re-opens and it’s feasible to do so). In Gran Canaria’s capital, stylish coworking spaces such as The House and Soppa de Azul pair high-speed internet with near-

instant access to soft, golden beaches. A lively nomad scene makes it easy to meet fellow international creative types who’ve rejected ye olde nineto-five.

CANGGU, BALI, INDONESIA In Bali’s youthful hipster enclave, a day at the office might mean stationing yourselves at a dapper coChiang Mai, Thailand

working space with surf and beach breaks, fuelled by a steady diet of smoothie bowls, raw desserts, and cold drip coffee. Rates at co-working staple Dojo Bali start at $75 a week, and your facilities include an onsite cafe and pool. Your two-bedroom villa will also clock in well under $1,000 a month. This is a colony of bespoke bikini and jewelry designers, startup gurus, and full-time Instagrammers whiling away the days at perky beach bars and yoga studios. Bali’s closed for now, so maybe use this downtime to work on your personal brand – you’re going to need it.

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND Thailand, with its natural glory and silly exchange rate, is one of the most well-established hubs for digital nomads. And it’s never been easier to temporarily relocate: Special tourist visas now allow non70_What’s On

Artists, designers, and gastronomes have fallen in love with this multicultural city on the coast. The cost of living is in your favour, too. Internet speeds are just okay, but distinctive neighbourhoods such as Woodstock are full of cafes with free WiFi. The sheer volume of things to do in town (think art galleries, vintage shops, craft breweries, and seriously good restaurants) might make it hard to get work done, though. Hit hard by the coronavirus, though, it may be a while before South Africa reopens its doors to digital nomads.

residents to stay anywhere from 30 to 270 days (just under nine months). Once you get past the mandatory quarantine period, opportunities for networking in Chiang Mai are everywhere, from Facebook groups to vegan cafe meetups to cool new co-working spaces. Compared with busy Bangkok, Chiang Mai’s slow pace of life makes it hard to leave.

WIN! A NIGHT’S STAY

AT TRYP BY WYNDHAM DUBAI AND DINNER AT LOLA TABERNA ESPAÑOLA Have a Spanish-style weekend at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai. Enjoy a night’s stay for two people inside one of the hotel’s stylishly modern rooms. You and your guest will have dinner

at the hotel’s gorgeous Lola Taberna Española restaurant, famous for its black paella and jamon croquettes. A tapas fiesta followed by siesta – what a perfect combo.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 72_What’s On

WIN! A NIGHT’S STAY

FULL BOARD AT AVANI PALM VIEW HOTEL & SUITES Let’s face it, you’ve probably missed out on your holidays. Avani Palm View Hotel & Suites hopes to ease your vacation blues by offering you the chance to enjoy a staycation at its brand new property. Not only can you and your significant other enjoy a one-night stay in a luxury room, but Avani Palm View will throw in breakfast and dinner at Seven Seeds restaurant and lunch at Aqua Pool Bar. Lucky you.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win

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L A S TMINUTE TRIP Authentic Arabia in the city centre at Palace Downtown Dubai The look and feel From the fortress-like exterior to the arabesque detailing within, the Palace Downtown Dubai beats with an Arabian heart. This centrally located hotel, right on the edge of the Burj Lake, has undergone a recent refresh – but the contemporary update has done nothing to diminish its Arabic accent. Throughout the foyer and communal spaces, carved timber panels, tables inlaid with mother of pearl, tribal textiles and antique knickknacks evoke the souks of old.

The rooms Within the guest rooms, it’s a more subdued affair, with dim lighting and muted taupe tones, heavy curtains and plush carpet providing a cosy, calm setting. Our balcony overlooks Burj Lake and, if we crane our necks to the right, the full might of the Burj Khalifa. Better still are the views from the hotel’s restaurants and pool, each capitalising on their lakeside locale.

The facilities Lined with date palms, sunloungers and billowing cabanas, the sapphire-blue swimming pool sits at the heart of the hotel. During our stay it’s a peaceful spot, with couples quietly sipping drinks, reading books, and taking the occasional dip. If you’re looking for a party hub full of posers, this is not it… but for us, it’s a welcome change of pace in the centre of the city – an opportunity to play tourists in our own town.

The food and drink After sharing a sundowner on Buhayra Lounge’s floating pontoon (did the earth just move for you?), we wander across to Asado for dinner. There’s no need to 74_What’s On

“IT ACHIEVES THAT RARE DUBAI DOUBLE-ACT OF PRIVACY AND PROXIMITY... ” follow the signs to the hotel’s Argentinian steakhouse, as the scent of chargrilled meats leads the way through the lanternlit gardens. With its open parrilla (fire pit) and terracotta tiling, the restaurant’s handsome interiors are inviting, but the real money shot is out on the terrace, where the solid timber tables are all angled toward a full-frontal shot of the Burj Khalifa. Water taxis flit about the lake in front of us, conjuring an ambience that’s more Venice than Dubai, and further adding to that holiday-at-home vibe. We dine on plump little chorizo sausages and hefty, tender steaks, before wandering back through the grounds for a night in the cloud-like bed.

The verdict After a tasty buffet breakfast of eggs, falafel and foul at Ewaan the next morning, it’s time to check out of our Arabian sanctuary, back through the pindrop-peaceful courtyard and through the castle-like gates to the bustle of Downtown Dubai. The Palace Downtown is not the place to head if you’re looking for a hedonistic party scene or a raucous pool day. Instead, it achieves that rare Dubai double-act of privacy and proximity, offering a chance to relax and recharge in the heart of the city. a Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, from Dhs1,039 per night. Downtown Dubai. addresshotels.com/en/ hotels/palace-downtown

STAY AT THE ULTIMATE BEACH ADDRESS

Discover the first-ever beachfront property by Address Hotels + Resorts. Featuring two 77-storey towers, this iconic destination resort is a perfect escape for families and business travellers. Wake up to incomparable views of Dubai Eye, Bluewaters Island and Dubai Marina. Experience the award-winning dining concepts, dip in multiple swimming pools or unwind at the private section of Jumeirah Beach. In need of true relaxation? Book your treatment at the highest spa in Dubai, The Spa at Address, while your little ones are having fun at The Qix Club for children. Book “Hello Spring” sale on the website before 10th April 2021 to receive an Emaar Gift Card worth up to AED 400 along with complimentary tickets to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and VR Park. Offer valid for stays before 30th April 2021. *Terms and Conditions apply.

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