Issuu

UAE DHS15

PLUS: THE CITY’S BEST FOODIE EXPERIENCES THAT ARE TOTALLY UNIQUE TO DUBAI

CONTENTS FEATURES

OPEN SESAME

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR NEW OPENINGS P14 23 GOOD NIGHTS Page 26

What happened at the 2021 What’s On Nightlife Awards

26 DUBAI FOODIE FAVOURITES The most essential food experiences in Dubai

35 HOUSE OF WAX What’s inside Madame Tussauds Dubai, and who exactly was she, anyway?

35 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla! Quick fix of news

12 UAE Famous Reif Othman

86 Last-minute staycation Why The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is the perfect tropical beach escape this month

41 CONSUME

Cover: Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

42 EAT Inside Expo’s African dining hall, Alkebulan. Plus, Spanish vibes at Hola, award-winning Indian at Punjab Grill, and our Tastemakers profile at Akiba Dori

53 DRINK

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.

McCafferty’s in JVC is our bar of the month Page 51

55 CULTURE

56 AGENDA Unmissable art events to attend this month

59 STAGE Dial M for Murder at Dubai Opera, and a moonwalk special on the QE2

56 4_What’s On

71 ACTIVE

60 FILM

72 EVENTS & GYMS

Kristen Stewart plays Princess Diana in Spencer; Lady Gaga dazzles in House of Gucci; Will Smith stars in tennis smash King Richard; an all-star cast in Chloé Zhao’s Eternals; and mob mania in The Many Saints of Newark

New ladies-only mega gym FitnGlam opens. Plus, the main events at Dubai Fitness Challenge

78 TRAVEL What to eat and where in New York City

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

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

11.21 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 DEPUTY EDITOR 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

CONTRIBUTORS

Iain Akerman, Rob Chilton, Emma Pearson

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

WHATSON.AE | WHATSONSAUDIARABIA.COM

Annual Subscription UAE Dhs180 • GCC and International US$130 (inclusive of postal charges) Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel +971 4 427 3000; Fax +971 4 428 2270 Dubai Media City: SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

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A NEW EPICENTRE FOR

CULINARY EXCELLENCE

Welcome to Raffles The Palm Dubai – an exciting new gastronomic destination for the UAE

he city’s most hotly anticipated resort opening introduces a collection of exciting dining and nightlife offerings to both residents and visitors in the UAE. What’s On explores the best inside the palatial Raffles The Palm Dubai…

Matagi

One of the property’s signature restaurants, Matagi presents hip itameshi, blending the best of contemporary Japanese with Italian flair, curated by a team of master chefs. Meanwhile, the bar features signature cocktails such as Matagi Mule, premium spirits and beers, authentic sake and an impressive wine menu. Live DJ performances take place daily (excl. Sun and Mon).

Blüthner Hall

Celebrate a legendary afternoon tea experience in a majestic atmosphere at Raffles The Palm Dubai complemented by a bespoke, Blüthner Louis XIV Grand Piano. Master Pastry Chef, Gianluca Guinzoni, has revived the century-old art of patisserie, with a delicious selection of sweets and savories, paired with the finest tea and coffee selection, in the presence of live piano performances. Afternoon tea is available from 2pm to 5pm daily, while a separate a la carte dining menu is available. Shisha is also available to enjoy on the terrace from 5pm.

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Sola Jazz Lounge

Blüthner Hall

Le Jardin

The laid- back, all-day dining restaurant, found on the garden levels of the palatial property, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a glorious outdoor terrace that overlooks Palm Jumeirah. The alluring cocktails and wine menu feature the best from around the world, selected to complement the cuisine and atmosphere.

Sola Jazz Lounge

Matagi

Piatti

The vibrant and elegant restaurant by the beach, run by world renowned Chef Batuhan Piatti, will delight the senses with a sophisticated menu of Italian specialities.

This intimate jazz lounge, open from 5pm to 3am, promises a regular rotation of live musical acts from Tuesday to Saturday, with genres covering soulful jazz to funk and Latin music. A must-visit, Sola Jazz Lounge is the ideal destination to unwind, with a great selection of cocktails, cigars and finger-food specialities.

RAFFLES CLUB LOUNGE Any guests staying in the resort’s Club rooms, suites or villas will also have access to the Raffles Club Lounge, which boasts 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. It serves daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and ‘Aperitivo’, as well as live entertainment. RAFFLES PATISSERIE The go-to spot for high-end, classic French and Italian pastries and more, Raffles Patisserie is perfect place for a grab-and-go coffee, a signature whole cake, or a selection of macarons and cookies.

For more info, or to book a table, call (0)4 248 8888, or visit rafflesthepalmdubai.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

When you compare the size of cities around the world, Dubai isn’t a big place. In terms of population, we’re easily dwarfed by the likes of, say, Tokyo, New York or London. In fact, Dubai doesn’t even make the top 100 of biggest city populations, coming in at 163 (thanks, Google). Yet despite that, we boast a food industry that would give any city a run for its money. That’s kind of astounding, don’t you think? An ever-evolving scene, Dubai’s F&B players are some of the best in the world, bringing with them incredible competition in what’s already a notoriously difficult business. While competition for the industry is tough, for the consumer it’s amazing, as it means standards just keep on getting higher and higher. And we should know: our very own What’s On Awards have been at the forefront of that industry longer than anyone else – more than two decades – while this magazine, alongside our brilliant website, WhatsOn.ae, has championed the scene’s heroes for over 40 years. Not bad going in a country that’s itself only a few years older. So, no surprises to discover that we’re at it once again. This issue, we bring you the insight on new Dubai restaurants and other openings that you’ve (probably) not been to yet. Some are opening as you read this, some will be open in the next few weeks, and all of them will be a brilliant addition to what’s already a fantastic place. Have that, Tokyo, New York and London! Enjoy the issue.

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

8_What’s On

FALLING

FOR

AUTUMN A

new season is upon us and as the temperatures drop, we’re reaching for jumpers and jackets to keep us cosy through the autumn months. If you’re looking to refresh your autumn wardrobe, look no further than Marks & Spencer’s new seasonal collection. The wallet-friendly selection features a number of comfortable and stylish menswear and womenswear fashion, from gilets to jeans, and jumpers made from pure cashmere, to blouses and hoodies. Reinvent your look with optimistic colours and warm autumnal tones. When it comes to quality, Marks & Spencer takes no short cuts, with trustworthy top-value pieces made from sustainable materials, at a price you’ll love. The UAE website and stores feature a new, lower price so you’ll find something chic and long-lasting for less. Autumn is all about prints, so it’s time to update your wardrobe with vibrant stripes, cool checks and pretty patterns. Looking good is effortless with Marks & Spencer’s vast selection of workwear, casual pieces and formal fashion.

Sharpen up your style with classic cotton shirts and smart-casual chinos, designed to keep up with your lifestyle. While Dubai winters don’t get too cold, the evenings can certainly be breezy, but with a Marks & Spencer lightweight feather down-filled gilets, you’ll be nice and snug all night long. Whether you’re heading to the office or the gym, you’ll find all you need to keep you looking stylish from head to toe. Stretch, run or lift with thoughtful fitness items such as the super-soft hoodie made with breathable cotton-rich fabric or Go Balance yoga leggings. With versatile collections available to shop both online and in store, shoppers can enjoy a wide range of autumnal items at unbeatable prices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MARKSANDSPENCER.COM/AE

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NOVEMBER

JUBLIEE GASTRONOMY AT EXPO 2020

When: Every Tuesday Experience fine dining at its best with Jubilee Gastronomy at Expo 2020 Dubai until December 2021. Enjoy innovative dishes as Michelin and ‘50 Best’ awarded chefs from across the globe present an array of their top creations at intimate, limited-edition Chef’s Table pop-ups every Tuesday. q jubileegastronomy.com

MINISTRY OF CRAB POP-UP

When: November 3 to 7 The famous Sri Lankan restaurant – known for its award-winning crab delicacies – takes up residency at Anantara The Palm Dubai for a fiveday, five-course pop-up. a Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, 7pm, Dhs425. Tel: (0)4 567 8304. anantara.com 10_What’s On

THE GEORGE MICHAEL LEGACY

When: November 4 and 5 International tribute artist Wayne Dilks and his band pay tribute to the legendary singer. Tickets from Dhs150. q dubaiopera.com

THE LAUGHTER FACTORY

When: November 17, 18 and 19 Everyone’s favourite Dubai comedy club returns this month with a jolly good line-up, including Ahamed Weinberg, Steph Tolev and Dwayne Perkins. Tickets cost Dhs160 and take place at various venues across town. q thelaughterfactory.com

DUBAI DESIGN WEEK

When: November 8 to 13 Shining a light on local creatives, the region’s largest creative festival curates a selection of architecture, products, furniture and interior design. q dubaidesignweek.ae

TOUGH MUDDER DUBAI

When: November 13 The world’s roughest, toughest and muddiest obstacle course heads to Hatta Wadi Hub with its classic 10km and 5km routes. q toughmudderarabia.com

CINEMA ON THE SAND

When: November 14 and 28 Movie screenings return to Zero Gravity. This month, it’s Pretty Woman (Nov 14) and A Star is Born (Nov 28). Entry is Dhs75, fully redeemable on F&B. q @zerogravitydubai

RAG’N’BONE MAN

When: November 26 Brit sensation Rory Charles Graham AKA Rag’n’Bone Man returns to the UAE, performing live at the Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets start at Dhs145. q coca-cola-arena.com

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE

When: Until November 27 Free classes, sporting events, group workouts and big-ticket races and rides. For more, see p70. q dubaifitnesschallenge.com What’s On_11

REIF OTHMAN THE F&B GOLDEN BOY

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…

Right Reif, we’ve lost track. How many restaurants do you have now in the UAE? We have three Reif Japanese Kushiyaki restaurants in the UAE – two at Dar Wasl Mall, which includes The Experience, my chef’s table 12_What’s On

journey here in the UAE with multiple awards and highlights from Burj Al Arab, Zuma and Play to The Experience, and more recently, my own familyrun and self-funded business that we opened a few months before the pandemic hit us. Despite that, we’ve grown the company, and look to expand internationally. It’s never a straight road whenever you drive, but it’s also nothing I couldn’t overcome. I always look forward to new opportunities, never turning back. I have always been a workaholic who lives and breathes cooking. It’s also because I really love my work, and I find that it re-energises me. Being a chef-cum-restaurateur is what I want to do, day in, day out. Recently you were given the Golden Visa. What did this recognition mean to you?

“I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A WORKAHOLIC WHO LIVES AND BREATHES COOKING” concept – and one at Time Out Market. In addition, I have consulted on the menu for Ikigai, Moonslice and Mimi Kakushi. We’re opening our first international RJK restaurant, a franchised operation in Cairo this month.

Both myself and my family have called Dubai our home for the last 12 years, and along with our business expansion plans, we are committed to the UAE longterm, so the Golden Visa recognition is the icing on the

Is there one that has your heart? The OG, and my first baby, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in Dar Wasl that we opened to queues at the end of August 2019. You have become one of the city’s brightest F&B stars. How’s that journey been? What? Really? If it is, thank you. It’s been a 12-year

cake. An absolute honour. To champion a cuisine, in my case mostly Japanese and broader Far Eastern, one has to innovate constantly, something that requires dedication and hard work. You were the first to bring the Wagyu sando to Dubai, and many followed. Does that irritate or flatter you? I’m actually happy and super flattered. The Wagyu sando has been a global phenomenon for a while now – and you do always need to taste the real sandos in Japan to understand the process. I first introduced it to The Experience [at Play] in 2017 and then created a different version for Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in 2019, sparking a Dubai trend, which I will happily take credit for. And they do say “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” What do you love about the UAE? The way the UAE handled the pandemic is commendable, and as a result we are one of the few countries in the world where business is booming for all stakeholders. They have shown so much love to us, there’s no reason not to love it. Do you reckon Dubai is your forever home? Dubai is definitely home for now. My wife and kids are happy. We are thriving. I have established my own business here to give back what they have given us. It’s a muchoverused phrase here, but Dubai really is the land of opportunity. q @reifo.kee | @reifkushiyaki

Above: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

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Nightclub BO18 brings the Beirut party to DXB

World famous SushiSamba is finally here!

New beach club February 30 debuts

Internationally-renowned imports, sparkly-new beach clubs, not to mention jaw-dropping landmark attractions, yes, the Dubai highlife is back in full force. Here are 20 hot new openings to check out

14_What’s On

W H AT ’ S G O O D , D U B A I ?

03 BO18 What: Nightclub/Bar Where: Media One Hotel Probably the biggest news in nightlife was the opening of BO18. The world-famous underground war bunker nightclub in Beirut is considered to be one of the best clubs on the planet, and it’s now opened its first international outpost in Media One Hotel. There are two concepts inside: Tropical Room, (a lounge with bar bites and drinks), and The Main Room. Nights are eclectic: Tuesdays run the gamut from old school house to garage. On Thursdays, it’s soul, disco and 80s hits, and on Fridays, it’s all house and techno. a B018 Dubai, Media One Hotel, Tropical Room daily from 6pm; Main Room Tue, Thur and Fri from 10pm. Tel: (050) 423 0018. b018dxb.com

Ain Dubai

What: Attraction Where: Bluewaters Island Even in a city famous for mega projects, Ain Dubai is an engineering marvel. The giant observation wheel stands at a staggering height of 250m, making it the highest and largest of its kind in the world. Hop inside any one of its 48 passenger cabins and see the city’s beautiful coastline and urban skyline. For best views, go during the day or bang on sunset. Ticket prices start at Dhs130. a Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island. Tel: (0)4 3713999. aindubai.com

Madame Tussauds

04 Float

What: Attraction Where: Bluewaters Island Top celebrities and famous personalities are forever immortalised in wax at the Middle East’s first Madame Tussauds. Sixty wax figures are featured at the museum located on Bluewaters Island, a large chunk of which are renowned Middle East superstars, including Nancy Ajram. Meet the Queen, strike a pose with David Beckham, and get up close to some of the world’s most influential leaders. Entry starts at Dhs122 for adults and Dhs99 for children. a Madame Tussauds, Bluewaters Island, daily noon to 8pm. madametussauds.com

What: Nightlife venue Where: QE2 What floats our boat this month? An outdoor nightlife venue aboard the QE2, that’s what. The aptly-named Float opened to much fanfare at the end of last month, with rapper DaBaby headlining. It has a huge 1,000-person capacity and is open on weekends (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) between 10pm and 3am. Book the high tables or booths with views of the stage and Dubai’s skyline. Food offerings include sushi, plus Latin and pan-Asian cuisine. a Float Dubai, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, Thur to Sat, 10pm to 3am. Tel: (0)54 711 1171. @floatdubai

What’s On_15

W H AT ’ S G O O D , D U B A I ?

Four must-try dishes at SushiSamba

SushiSamba

What: Restaurant and bar Where: The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah Out of all the restaurants to open this autumn, SushiSamba is the most compelling. The global brand builds upon its success in the UK and the US with this, its first foray into the Middle East. It has brought a varied menu that borrows elements from Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours to a most incredible location. The glamourous dining room, heavy on intricate woodwork with a mindboggling 3D-printed ceiling installation overhead, is located on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower, and offers unobstructed,

16_What’s On

Samba Dubai Roll A global favourite made of lobster, mango, avocado, soy paper, and aji honey truffle.

02 Seviche Platter A selection of signature ceviche, including tuna, lobster and sea bream.

03 360-degree panoramic views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah coastline, the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai, and the Dubai skyline. Two elevators whisk guests 230 metres up, unveiling a new destination in the sky – the highest restaurant on The Palm. The food showcases many of the signature dishes that feature on the menus of its sister restaurants, but, as younger sisters are sometimes known to be rebellious, keen to differentiate themselves, and often painfully cooler than their elders, SushiSamba Dubai promises a little extra wow factor when it opens later this month.

Pulp Asado Tender and slightly crispy octopus served with Peruvian purple potatoes and aji panca.

04 Yellowtail taquitos Yellowtail, avocado, white miso, coriander and lime, cradled in a crispy corn tortilla.

CHEF MOON KYUNG SOO The super chef at the helm of SushiSamba Dubai

As you’ve said, Dubai’s restaurant scene is competitive. How will you stand out? Most restaurants in Dubai offer great food, drinks, beautiful interior, and entertainment. While all these factors are important for a restaurant to succeed, we wanted to have a really unique location, too. And being what I believe is the highest restaurant on the Palm will be a bonus.

s he takes up a new exciting post, Chef Moon Kyung Soo spoke to What’s On about the brand’s legacy, sourcing local and his favourite haunts in Dubai Congratulations on the imminent opening of SushiSamba. You must be so excited? Thank you. The entire SushiSamba Dubai team and I are extremely excited about the opening, and we are really looking forward to welcoming guests this month. The anticipation is very high, and we want to ensure that every guest gets a chance to enjoy the full experience. So, it’s more than just a regular high-end restaurant? It’s not just a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, but also culture. The lifestyle element of these three distinct cultures is a part of our DNA and we are going to take guests on an unforgettable multi-sensory journey filled with flavours, artful presentations, aromas and sounds. There are outposts already in the US and London. Are you able to play around with the menu here? Ours will be the third generation of the SushiSamba brand. The first started in the US in the ‘90s; a second developed in Europe in the early 2010s and we are a third generation in the Middle East. Being ‘the youngest child’ and located in such a competitive market, we have to adapt our menu to the local market while keeping most signature dishes on our menu. Also, when creating a menu, we always take into consideration what is available in terms of suppliers and produce, as using the freshest ingredients is our top priority.

Yes, the views must be amazing… We have a 360-degree view of the entire Dubai skyline which makes SushiSamba a perfect dining location. We also focus on service. We want our guests to always feel welcome and feel like they are at home.

Speaking of the cuisine, talks us through it... It’s a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. The menu is mostly Japanese influenced as well as Peruvian, since Peruvian cuisine was molded by Japanese techniques in the early 1900s. Nevertheless, we do have a variety of Brazilian influences, too. Our menu is quite broad with unique flavours. One dish can have influences from all three cuisines.

Sourcing local has been important for you when running your restaurants. How do you aim to do this in Dubai? It is very important to support the local market. We went to visit quite a few green farms in the UAE and we will be sourcing our greens from them. We aim to use more local produce in the future. Last weekend on earth: What and where would you be eating in Dubai? I’m always looking for local and authentic restaurants. Currently, my go to places are Streetery Food Hall in JLT, and Noodle Bowl in Satwa, which has fantastic Singaporean street food. q @sushisambadubai

“OUR MENU IS QUITE BROAD WITH UNIQUE FLAVOURS. ONE DISH CAN HAVE INFLUENCES FROM ALL THREE CUISINES.” What’s On_17

W H AT ’ S G O O D , D U B A I ?

Rex Bar

Gohan

What: Speakeasy Where: La Cantine du Faubourg Ever since nightlife pros discovered people would pay Dhs110 for a drink so long as they passed through a bookcase or backdoor first, the term ‘speakeasy’ has become utterly meaningless. But we have to salute Gohan – an elegant Japanese street food bar – for actually providing a little mystery. To visit, you’ll need to contact the team at La Cantine du Faubourg, who’ll guide you in. Once you do make it in, you can toast your ingenuity with cleverly crafted libations and delicious Japanese fare. q @gohandubai

Garth

What: Restaurant Where: The 9, Mall of the Emirates Located within Mall of the Emirates’ new members club, The 9, Garth is a chic eatery offering Italian, Greek and southern French cuisine, including beef cheek paccheri, shrimp risotto and truffle linguine with burrata. Inside is an elegant and sophisticated space with dried pampas and chic leather seats, while out on the terrace will be a lively alfresco dining area to enjoy the sounds of funk, soul, jazz, disco and afrobeats. Word is, Garth will start out as only accessible to members. a The 9, Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Sun to Wed 10am to midnight, Thur to Sat noon to 2am. @garthdubai 18_What’s On

What: Rooftop bar Where: Dubai Marina Sticking with the nautical theme, REX bar also opened in late October – marking the launch of premium Italian brand Peroni’s first ever flagship bar. Located at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, the rooftop bar pays homage to the SS Rex (it won the ‘Blue Riband’ for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic back in 1933) with clever design features to make guests feel like they’ve boarded the vintage Italian ocean liner. Expect a high-end menu exclusively created by Isabella Potì and Floriano Pellegrino from Michelin-starred restaurant Bros’ in Puglia. Heads up, Rex Bar is only running for a limited winter season, and will be open daily from 4pm ‘till late. a Rex Bar, InterContinental Dubai Marina, daily from 4pm. Tel: (0)44466777. @rexbardubai

09 HOLA ROOFTOP What: Restaurant and bar Where: Meydan Dubai needs more good tapas restaurants, so we’re delighted by the arrival of Hola. Nestled deep within The Meydan Hotel, this new Spanish concept is inspired by the islands of Ibiza, Mallorca and Formentera. It

is beautifully decorated with bright pink cascading flowers across white stone walls and cosy nooks, which are perfect for enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and great tapas. Read our review on p44. a Hola Rooftop, Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, daily 6pm to 3am, opening soon. Tel: (0)4 718 1160. @holarooftop

12 SKY VIEW DUBAI

Caviar Kaspia

What: Restaurant Where: DIFC For over 90 years, the OG Caviar Kaspia in Paris has been serving up ultra-luxe plates of food for the social elite, offering a menu filled with Beluga caviar, Norwegian smoked salmon, and carafes of vodka on ice. Over the past decade, the restaurant has become a must for fashion’s elite during Paris Fashion Week, with a list of customers that includes Rihanna, Kanye and Bella Hadid – just to name a few. And now the brand heads to Dubai’s DIFC, a twin fashion city if ever there was one. On the top of their menu lies their most popular dish, a simple yet carefully prepared baked potato, served with fresh cream and a secret ancestral ingredient. The mad part? It’s all topped off with the world’s finest caviar. a Caviar Kaspia, DIFC, Gate Village Building 2, Sat to Wed noon to 1am, Thur and Fri noon to 2pm. kaspiadubi.com

11 ULA

What: Beach club and restaurant Where: Dukes, The Palm Goodbye West 14th steakhouse and hello to Ula, a new Mediterranean beachside restaurant taking its place at Dukes, The Palm. The concept, brought to you by the team behind STK, is ‘inspired by the energy of the earth’ (whatever that means), where you’ll find a large boho-style outdoor wooden structure covering a central open-air bar with views out across the Arabian Gulf. a Dukes, The Palm, @uladxb

What: Attraction Where: Downtown Dubai Hands collectively began to perspire in September when officials revealed plans to attach a glass slide to the side of a skyscraper high above Downtown Dubai at Sky Views Dubai. Not only does the reveal video show people shooting down the slide, there also appears to be a glass-bottomed walkway experience and even a walk around the outside of the building, while strapped into a harness, of course. Opening dates are yet to be revealed. q @skyviewsdubai

13 DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN What: Attraction Where: Barsha South 3 Like Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Tea Party garden come to life, this garden rocks more than 50 million flowers planted into whimsical and wacky designs. There are gigantic floral-wreathed swans, arches serried with petunias, bougainvillea, and calendulas. There’s even a life-size Emirates Airbus A380 festooned with vibrant blossoms from nose to tail. New this season is a Smurf Village complete with a forest of mushroom houses, and a Smurf activity area. a Dubai Miracle Garden, Barsha South 3, from Dhs55. dubaimiraclegarden.com

What’s On_19

W H AT ’ S G O O D , D U B A I ?

Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen

What: Restaurant and Bar Where: Madinat Jumeirah Taking the old space previously occupied by Perry & Blackwelder’s in Souk Madinat comes Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen, a homegrown concept serving fancier pub grub options and an extensive wine list. a Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. @mezzaninedubai

17 URLA

Bar Buci

What: Bar Where: Jumeirah Al Qasr Inspired by the Bohemian art and jazz scene of Saint-Germain, you can expect a smoldering ambience, great tunes, a menu of twisted classic cocktails and some of the best bar snacks in town. With its extraordinary terrace and views over the lush Madinat Jumeirah resort, this place will be a taste hotspot in no time. q @barbuci

Hattem Mattar

What: Restaurant Where: Madinat Jumeirah If you love your smoked meats, there’s a high chance you’ll have come across The Mattar Farm, run by the first Arab pit master, Hattem Mattar. The smoke house has gained in popularity over the years, which is no surprise when you taste the dishes on offer. In exciting news, Hattem has revealed a collaboration with Jumeirah on a new pop up coming to Souk Madinat. This will be the first licensed stand alone venue for the pit master.” q @themattarfarm

What: Restaurant Where: Downtown Dubai Taking the space of Downtown hotspot Gal, Urla is a chic Mediterranean restaurant set to open in Address Downtown. With fountain views and Burj Khalsa photo ops, Urla promises a ‘full sensory experience’. The menu will have influences from Spain, Greece and west Turkey, and guests can enjoy fisherman’s catch as per their preference, be it charcoal grilled, salt crust-baked or live show cooking. q urlaiscoming.com

18 FEBRUARY 30

19 SOHO GARDEN PALM JUMEIRAH

20 AURA

What: Beach club Where: West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Adding to the fantastic collection of alfresco venues that line the promenade of West Beach on The Palm is February 30, a new beach club and restaurant set to open… soon. Right now, only renders are available, but it looks pretty cool with a snazzy red, black and white colour scheme and a circular bar on the sand. q @february30

What: Bar and club Where: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah Popular Meydan nightlife haunt Soho Garden has announced plans to open another venue on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall on The Palm, complete with lounge, bars and dining options. Previous gigs at the Meydan venue have included Carl Cox, Peggy Gou and Jason Derulo, so expect big things when it does open. q @sohogardenpalm

What: Restaurant and pool Where: The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah From the unstoppable Sunset Hospitality group comes Dubai’s hot new attraction, Aura, a 360-degree infinity pool on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower. Sun loungers are priced based on proximity to the pool. It’s set to open in Q4, but no word on official dates. a 50th floor, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah. auraskypool.com

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T H E VO I D STUDIO CITY HAS A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD HANGOUT WITH TOP BBQ GRUB, QUIZZES, BRUNCH AND MUCH MORE

Ladies Rock The Block

WHEN: Wednesday from 6pm Rally the girls for a night out at The Void and you’ll each enjoy three drinks and a main course for just Dhs99, while resident singer Ollie Frost-Danson performs.

The Ultimate Throwback Party Brunch

WHEN: Friday 5pm to 8pm Start the night right with freeflowing drinks and a selection of sharing starters, mains and desserts from The Void’s BBQ a la carte menu as DJ Micky and the resident live singer pump out the throwback party tunes all evening. Prices start at Dhs175 with soft drinks and just Dhs299 with house drinks. This month, there’s a special deal: Buy three house drinks packages and a get a fourth for free.

icture an open-air restaurant where spray paint strokes bounce off the walls of this spacious new venue in the heart of Studio City’s neighbourhood. At The Void, live music reverberates across the room, while the menu reads like an international BBQ barbecue dream where slow beef briskets and South African meats all fly high from sunset ‘till late. Here’s a look at what else is on at The Void…

Skools Out Quiz Night

WHEN: Sunday 7pm to 9pm Join quizmasters Jack and Stu for the free-to-join Sunday night quiz with Dhs1,200 in prizes up for grabs each week. There’s also happy hour until 8pm, and a special quiz night foodie deal where any main course and three drinks costs just Dhs129.

Neighbourhood Tuesdays

WHEN: Tuesday from 5pm One perfect for the Studio City community at large, hang out at The Void on Tuesdays and receive 50 per cent off the a la carte menu. There’s also happy hour and shisha available from 5pm.

Studio One Hotel, Studio City, Sun 5pm to 1am, Fri and Sat noon to 1am (Mondays closed). 03.2019_What’s On_21 Call, (0)4 5816877. Email thevoid@studioonehotel.com

BACKYARD BRUNCH AED 97.50 FOR KIDS BELOW 12 YEARS AED 195 INCLUDING SOFT BEVERAGES AED 360 INCLUDING HOUSE BEVERAGES

Every Friday From 1pm to 4pm

Head down to Bridgewater Tavern for a laid-back, family friendly afternoon in the sun with gourmet comfort food, refreshing bevvies, live entertainment and fun games for the little ones. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay | T +971 4 414 3000 jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com bridgewatertavern jwmarriottmarquisdubai

THE

W H AT ’ S O N N I G H T L I F E A WA R D S

NIGHTLIFE AWA R D S T H AT M AT T E R

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED AT LAST MONTH’S BANGING WHAT’S ON NIGHTLIFE AWARDS 2021

ubai is a welcome playground for party people. But it’s easy to forget the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make it all happen. Every year, without fail, What’s On recognises the faces and places that make the city come alive in the What’s On Nightlife Awards. Across 18 categories, the awards focus on the UAE’s best nightlife venues, party nights, promo events so much more.

This year’s winners were revealed at the What’s On Nightlife Awards party on October 26 at the gorgeous Cove Beach Dubai, and it shaped up to be a right old knees-up. Think ‘friendly’ rather than ‘formal’ and ‘lively’ rather than ‘lame’. Without further ado, raise your glass to this year’s winners, as we show you, in pictures, how the night went down… What’s On_23

W H AT ’ S O N N I G H T L I F E A WA R D S

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS PARTNERS

VENUE & ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER

VENUE PARTNER

BEVERAGE PARTNERS

FOR MORE PICTURES VISIT WHATSON.AE

AUDIO VISUAL PARTNER

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PRESENTED BY

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EVERY FRIDAY

DUBBED DUBAI’S NO. 1 MELODIC HOUSE BEACH EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL DJS TO GET YOU IN THAT FRIDAY FEELING! FOR BOOKINGS, CALL 04 4559989

For some people, food is simply a form of refuelling (we’ll never understand those people) but for others it’s a lifestyle, a hobby, even an obsession (we do understand those people). Proper foodies seek out memorable meals that they can’t wait to tell their friends about. Here are the food experiences in Dubai that any food fan should have ticked off their list… 26_What’s On

ESSENTIAL FOOD EXPERIENCES

Brunch at Saffron 2.0 Oh, you want a party brunch? For years, Saffron was the go-to, a Dubai brunching institution if ever there was one. It was huge, rowdy, and jolly good fun. Of course, over the decade, other brunches have come (and gone), but now Saffron’s stepped up, introducing Saffron 2.0 in an attempt to take the crown once again. Judging by our review (see p48) – and the fact we still can’t seem to get another reservation in the next four weeks – it’s returned bigger and brighter than ever. a Saffron, Atlantis The Palm, Ground Level, West Tower, Dubai. brunch every Fri 1pm to 4pm (launches Aug 27), house package Dhs455, sparkling Dhs495. Tel: (0)4 426 0800. atlantis.com

Slurp oysters at Dibba Bay Shack A table by the seaside while enjoying some oysters is a pretty unbeatable pairing and, luckily for you, Dibba Bay’s oyster shack – located in Dubai Fishing Harbour 2 – and its line-up of fresh oysters make it a reality. These locally farmed bivalves from the UAE’s eastern coast are shucked to order and served in the traditional way with a selection of condiments, including mignonette, and cocktail sauce. We suggest ordering a dozen, alongside a plate of organic smoked salmon, local soft cheeses and bruschetta. a Dubai Fishing Harbour 2, Jumeirah 3, daily 10.30am to 10pm. Tel: (054) 4388537. @dibbabay

What’s On_27

ESSENTIAL FOOD EXPERIENCES

Chef Himanshu Saini

Steak and a show at Nusr-et

Delight in Indian cuisine at Tresind With a cult following in the UAE, Trèsind is celebrated for its modern Indian gastronomy and detailed table-side explanations. The dining room has an elegant simplicity, allowing the 2020 What’s On Award-winning executive chef Himanshu Saini’s ambitious – and exotically decorated plates – to shine. Expect the unexpected, from a fruit-scented urn to the likes of a wild mushroom chai composed of dehydrated mushroom and truffle milk powder, served in a teacup. a Voco Hotel, Mon to Sat, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs395 for the set menu. Tel: (0)43080440. tresindstudio.com

The funny little round glasses, the ponytail, the strangely detached facial expression, that flamboyant way he has of sprinkling salt on a succulent steak... whether you buy into his shtick or not, you can’t deny that Salt Bae has nailed his public image. People who have dined at Nusr-et, his permanently packed out Dubai restaurant, usually say two things: it’s amazing and it’s expensive. Save up your pay cheques and try to get a table at Dubai’s most Instagrammed restaurant. a Nusr-et Steakhouse Dubai, Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 12pm to 12am, Tel: (04) 407 4100, nusr-et.com

Dine under the stars in the desert at Sonara You can keep your sunset at the beach, thanks very much. For us, the true magic of watching the sun go down is only to be found in the desert where the colours and tranquility get turned up to 11 as the evening chill causes you to wrap that blanket around your shoulders a little tighter. Book a spot at Sonara Desert Camp and descend a huge wooden staircase into a crater under a canopy of a thousand fairy lights for a memorable BBQ dinner. This stunning campsite could rely on its location and toss out average food to guests, but the level of cuisine is genuinely excellent. A fire show, falconry display and belly dancer add some laughs to this unforgettable sunset dining experience. a Sonara Desert Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, daily from 4pm to 10.30pm, Tel: (04) 223 8011, nara.ae

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INDIA REIMAGINED AT

Armani/Amal

Introducing new culinary experiences at Armani Hotel Dubai

he Dubai spice route is hotter than ever courtesy of celebrated Indian restaurant Armani/Amal. Located inside the iconic Burj Khalifa with incomparable views of the Dubai Fountain, you’ll find fresh and innovative regional Indian cuisine, along with an exciting beverage list and selected teas. For well over a decade, Armani/Amal has been showcasing time-honoured traditional cooking methods and ingredients, creating exotic curries while also preparing other specialities. And with a new dining season upon us, the culinary team are proud to introduce a newly expanded à la carte menu.

feature rosemary-scented gulmehendi murgh tikka and the all-time favourite masala black cod, while signature main dishes include the famous bharwan murgh korma – a corn-fed chicken breast stuffed with foie gras and masala mince, with a black truffle korma. Armani/Amal is open daily (excluding Sundays) from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Book early for an alfresco spot on the newly reopened terrace.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

In addition to a six-course tasting menu (Dhs599 per person) and a trio of three-course sharing set menus (Saffron, Anise and Cumin, from Dhs325 per person) perfect for diners who find it hard to decide, guests can also dive into signature platters with a choice of vegetarian, grill, tandoor and meat or seafood. Unique highlights on the menu include an innovative take on classic patties with kale, Swiss chard and edamame ki tikki stuffed with Pecorino Romano, a cross-cultural chicken tikka quesadilla and scallop balchao for starters. Tandoor specialities

Dates: November 3 and 4 Price: Dhs399 per person The Festival of Lights is here and Armani/Amal serves an exquisite three-course sharing menu as colourful and creative as the season. Dishes include tangy bhalla papdi chaat to share, delicately spiced mahi achari, slowcooked laal maas, plus a surprise dessert.

TO BOOK YOUR TABLE, CALL (0)4 888 3666 OR EMAIL RESTAURANT.RESERVATIONS@ARMANIHOTELS.COM VISIT ARMANIHOTELDUBAI.COM/DINE

Hobnob with the fashion crowd at Twiggy Has there been another Dubai restaurant in the last 10 years that has garnered as much word-of-mouth buzz as Twiggy? We think not. After opening at the Park Hyatt lagoon in January, you couldn’t (a) get a table for love nor money, (b) go a day without being asked if you had been to Twiggy, or (c) overhear gossip that your exflatmate’s brother’s boss had been to Twiggy for lunch and said it was the best day of her life. A breezy terrace with a killer skyline view, sensational food and a well-dressed crowd with cool jobs in fashion all add up to the number one Dubai hotspot of 2021. a Park Hyatt Dubai, Port Saeed, Dubai, daily 9am to 2am, Tel: (04) 602 1105, twiggy.ae

Grab a bite at Time Out Market Situated in the once quiet Souk Al Bahar, Time Out Market has become the warm, delicious centre of Dubai’s food scene. You’ll be enticed by dim sum excellence in the form of Long Teng’s har gao, melt-in-your-mouth brisket from The Mattar Farm, and over 15 other homegrown eateries. If your sweet tooth is humming, Brix’s bona fide, indulgent macaroon ice creams should sate you. And if you never want to leave this wonderful land of long wooden tables and high, gleaming white ceilings, you can just rent a luxury apartment above the food hall and plant your roots for good. You might gain 200 pounds, but hey, at least you’ll be happy. a Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar, daily from noon to midnight or 1am on weekends. Timeoutmarket.com

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ESSENTIAL FOOD EXPERIENCES

Royal favourite pizza at The Bay So, here’s how the story goes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler Of Dubai, loved the pizza at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Tokyo so much he suggested to the hotel chain that they install the same pizza oven in the Dubai outpost on Jumeirah Beach. Thank goodness the folks at MO listened because the pizza here, overseen by a chef from Naples, the home of pizza, is out of this world. Perch on a bar stool in front of the oven and see the chefs at work for some Italian theatre. a The Bay, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, daily 6.30am to 11pm, Tel: (04) 7772233, mandarinoriental.com

Eat a Salt slider on the beach

The Bay Head Pizza Chef Fabio

Combat a hangover at The Irish Village You wake up and suddenly the Dubai sun seems a little brighter than normal, your mouth has the texture of a sock and your head feels like there’s a toddler playing on a pogo stick inside it. Ah yes, it’s the morning after - hello, old friend. Pull on your comfiest gym clothing, grab your darkest sunglasses and head to The Irish Village where the staff will speak softly and bring you a plate the size of a dartboard, filled with tantalising breakfast treats that always hit the right levels of saltiness, flavour and satisfyingly naughty grease. Now you’re ready to attack the morning... or the afternoon, depending on how late you got home last night. a The Irish Village, Al Garhoud, Dubai, Thursday and Friday 11am to 2am, Saturday to Wednesday 11am to 1am, Tel: (04) 282 4750, theirishvillage.com

There are only a few foods that are suitable to be eaten while wearing soggy swimwear. Pizza, tacos - go ahead. Afternoon tea? Not so much. Burgers, however, are the ideal fodder after a splash in the sea, and their diminutive cousins, sliders, even more so. Salt Burger on Kite Beach has the perfect blend of food, packaging, location and seating. Stroll off the beach, knock the sand off your flip flops, and join the queue for the most moreish, tasty, juicy sliders in Dubai (the fries are awesome, too). And when the sun starts to dip... wow, the scene is idyllic. a Salt, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, Friday and Saturday 5am to 3am, Sunday to Thursday 8am to 3am, Tel: (055) 9965802, findsalt.com

What’s On_31

ESSENTIAL FOOD EXPERIENCES

Yachts and brunch at the Bulgari Resort Ask a crowd of Dubai folk which is the best brunch in town and you’ll spark a debate that makes a feisty session in the Houses of Parliament look like a grandmothers’ knitting circle. There are many fantastic brunches in Dubai, but (whisper it) we reckon the Friday feast at the Yacht Club Restaurant inside the Bulgari Resort is hard to beat. Why? Pool access, baby! Spend the morning here, flopped in one of the beautiful wooden cabanas that surround the pristine pool and enjoy the minimalist design vibes. After a gentle paddle, get your party frock on and you’ll be so ready for lunch at 1pm. Add in a sea breeze and some gawp-friendly luxury yachts in the nearby marina and you feel like you’re in St Tropez. The restaurant looks like a 1960s yacht, lined with brass guardrails, wooden floors and black and white photos of gorgeous people like Alain Delon and Brigitte Bardot looking ridiculously cool on boats. There are delicious small plates of Mediterranean food, a live singer, hip Italian staff, and a busy terrace filled with a cool, unpretentious crowd. Bravo, Bulgari. a Bulgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai, Friday 1pm to 4pm, Tel: (04) 777 5433, bulgarihotels.com

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Thursday night buzz at LPM Those polished stone pathways of DIFC that are dotted with cool restaurants and art galleries make it one of the swankiest neighbourhoods in Dubai. But on a Thursday night around 6pm, when everyone has put their computer to sleep for the weekend, there’s a special buzz that seems to emanate from one place in particular: LPM. Put one foot inside the door of this elegant French restaurant and the week’s work worries melt away. Keep it classic and order the buttery steak and chunky chips and soak up those here-comes-the-weekend Thursday night feelings. a LPM, Gate Village No. 8, DIFC, Dubai, Friday and Saturday 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11pm, Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm, Tel: (04) 439 0505, lpmrestaurants.com

EAT COMET DUST AND JELLY AT BOMPAS AND PARR’S EXPO DINNER

Art and snacks at Alserkal Nourish your body and mind with a trip to Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s premier art destination. Grab a mellow coffee from hipster roastery Nightjar and a healthy vegan blueberry scone from Wild & the Moon and skip around a few of the contemporary galleries that showcase some of the region’s most dynamic artists. a Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Wild & the Moon, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday to Wednesday 9am to 8pm, Tel: (04) 3433392, wildandthemoon.ae. Nightjar, daily 10am to 9pm, Tel: 050 365 1120, nightjar.coffee

Go local at a legendary neighbourhood fish hangout There was a time at Bu Qtair when you had to park on a dusty side street, place your order in a wobbly caravan, find a plastic stool, and then eat your dinner off polystyrene plates. It was fun and cute. Thanks to its runaway success, what was once a charming fish shack in a Jumeirah car park has evolved and now operates out of Dubai Fishing Harbour. Freshly-caught fish is seasoned well and cooked simply – it’s as straightforward as that but, boy, does it deliver on taste and memories. a Bu Qtair, Old 32B Street, Fishing Harbour 2, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm, Tel: 055 705 2130

If you like your meals with a side of immersive theatrics, be sure to purchase tickets to The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet, a never-beforeseen multi-course experience cooked up by the UK-based duo Sam Bompas and Harry Parr, taking place all season at Expo 2020. Diners will have the opportunity to taste super-light delicacies formed using the same techniques that NASA uses to collect comet dust, where edible creations glow in the dark and desserts change flavours. No wonder they’re called the Willy Wonkas of the food world. The two-hour dining experience costs from Dhs550 and tickets can be purchased at expo2020dubai.com. q @bompasandparr

What’s On_33

The red carpet is rolled out as Madame Tussauds Dubai opens on Bluewaters

t’s probably the only place in the world where you can take a picture with the Queen, have a chat with Vin Diesel, and get knocked out by Muhammad Ali in one day. The home of famous fun, Madame Tussauds – and its several outposts around the globe – is one of the world’s leading attractions, where you can meet and take selfies with all your fave celebrities in one building. Okay, maybe that’s not quite true. They’re just waxworks, after all. But considering they look so real,

you’ve still got a small chance of convincing your friends and family that the photo of you hugging David Beckham is legitimate. Nowadays, it’s almost considered an honour to be invited for a sitting at Madame Tussauds, where you’ll have around 250 measurements taken, before being immortalised in wax and added to a room of famous historians, world leaders, celebrities, and criminals. What’s On_35

HOUSE OF WAX Madame Tussauds Dubai Finally, after years in the making, world famous attraction Madame Tussauds Dubai officially opened its doors last month and, like its outposts across the planet, visitors have a unique opportunity to take photographs with 60 global stars from a number of fields, including sports, movies, politics and more, as well as 16 figures from the Middle East. Marking the 25th version of Madame Tussauds, the Dubai edition of the celebrated wax figure attraction is the first of its kind in the GCC. There are seven rooms in total, including the leaders and royals room, fashion zone (complete with catwalk), film area, media zone, Bollywood, sports room and the A-list party zone.

Queen Elizabeth II

How can I buy tickets? You can buy tickets from the Madame Tussauds Dubai website. Prices start at Dhs135 for adults, Dhs110 for children aged three to 11, while under threes are free. The attraction is open from 12pm to 8pm (last entry 7.45pm) from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday, Saturday and public holidays it’s 10am-8pm (last entry 7.45pm).

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Shah Rukh Khan

Salman Khan

WHO WAS MADAME TUSSAUD? Madam Tussaud was born Marie Grosholtz in 1761. Her mother was the housekeeper of famous waxmaker, Philippe Curtius. He taught Grosholtz all there was to know about the art of wax sculpture. It turned out she had a natural talent for the craft and was invited to join the Royal Court in Versailles to tutor art to King Louis XVI’s sister. She sculpted perfect waxworks of many notable figures of the time, including Francois Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin. Rumour has it that shortly after the onset of the French Revolution, Grosholtz began creating plaster casts of beheaded victims of public executions. Creepy. Then after a stint in prison, Grosholtz

eventually left France and toured across Europe, showcasing her collection of decapitated waxworks. In 1795, she married Francois Tussaud, and her travelling show became, as it’s known today, ‘Madame Tussauds’. She then settled London, expanded to full body waxworks and opened a business showcasing her historical and royal figure waxworks. After her death in 1850, her grandsons continued her legacy, moving the attraction to its current site on Marylebone Road. Sadly, the museum was burnt down during a fire in 1925, where over 300 of Tussaud’s original waxworks were destroyed, but it was rebuilt and remains one of the UK’s most popular attractions.

a Madame Tussauds Dubai, Bluewaters, Sun to Thur 12pm to 8pm, Fri & Sat 10am to 8pm, Dhs135. madametussauds.com

36_What’s On

ove over Maldives – with its beautiful golden beaches, rolling ocean as far as the eye can see, and luxury accommodation, the stunning Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to vacation with the whole family without leaving the UAE. The Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island hotel has a number of luxurious three- or four-bedroom oceanfront villas that are available to book for the perfect holiday. The Executive and Superior villas have recently had an upgrade, and have been rebranded into Club Privé by Rixos Saadiyat Island, following Rixos Hotels’ successful boutique lifestyle destinations, Club Privé by Rixos Belek and Club Privé by Rixos Gocek. Perfect for families, couples or groups of friends, these 12 exclusive 2,500 square-foot to 3,500 square-foot oceanfront villas offer the ultimate elegance. With a 24-hour butler, enhanced privacy, exclusive access to the Club House restaurant and the added bonus of access to the all-inclusive, all-exclusive amenities at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, your every need will be met.

ESCAPE TO VACATION PARADISE AT LUXURY VILLAS IN SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI

Choose from Three-Bedroom Executive Villas with a shared pool or Four-Bedroom Executive Villas with a private pool and stunning views of the ocean. Each villa is exemplary of the Turkish Club Privé brand’s signature style, which is subtle yet elegant, with opulent furnishings giving them that luxury feel. For that extra dose of relaxation, book a treatment at the resort’s Turkish-inspired Anjana Spa before soaking up the sun on the beach or by your villa’s pool. Club Privé by Rixos Saadiyat Island also offers plenty of water sports, amazing restaurants and bars, and Rixy Kids Club and Exclusive Sports Club. If you’re lucky, you might even see humpback dolphins and endangered turtles breaking the surface of the waves in the early morning. If you feel like exploring Abu Dhabi, start with Saadiyat Island, which is a UNESCO heritage site, then you have the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Guggenheim editions, along with fast and furious attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World on your doorstep.

Prices start from Dhs9,500 per night for Executive Villas and Dhs19,500 per night for Superior Villas.

TO MAKE A BOOKING, OR FOR MORE INFO, CALL (0)2 492 2222, EMAIL RESERVATION.SAADIYAT@RIXOS.COM OR FOLLOW @CLUBPRIVEUAEBYRIXOS

LOCKED AND LOADED

A look back at the good times we had, the tasty things we ate and drank, and, of course, the photos that captured it all

here’s a reason why Media One Hotel is often called the party palace – there’s just so much fun to be had. So, we celebrated that spirit by throwing a What’s On Lock In last month. Not only did we have the time of our lives, but our guests did, too. They enjoyed a stay in one of the hotel’s trendy rooms; a thoroughly impressive brunch at Garden on 8; an extravagant breakfast at Qwerty; pampering courtesy of That Dubai Girl’s beauty bar; after-brunch soiree-ing at Baby Q’s and Qwerty; and fullbody workouts with gym ninjas Ultimate Performance, all for just Dhs699 per person per room. To relive the two-day event, let’s take a look back at all the good times... 38_What’s On

What’s On_39

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 53

Great craic

A little piece of Ireland at McCafferty’s ALKEBULAN DINING HALL p42 HOLA p44 OFK p48 What’s On_41

C O N S U M E

EAT // EXPO DINING SPECIAL

Alkebulan

What to eat at the world’s first African dining hall INSIDE

EXPO 2020

n a city flush with foodiepleasing options, Alkebulan boldly claims to be the world’s first African food hall. And there is certainly a sense of uncharted waters here, as the impressive twostory site at Expo 2020 houses 10 chef-led concepts and two additional bars, exhibiting the whole continent’s most incredibly diverse cuisines. There’s also a real sense of urgency, too – if you don’t make it to Alkebulan during the Expo season, it will disappear from Dubai forever and you’ll not get the chance, which – after a phenomenal afternoon spent trying as much as our bellies could handle – would be a real shame. Hand-selected by opera singer-turned-restaurateur Alexander Smalls, each chef plays their part in reeducating the world in African experiences through a series of bespoke concepts under one roof. Those top chefs include Kiran Jethwa and Coco Reinhertz. Of course, Africa’s geographic location is easy to pin down, but its cuisine is a different story. With so many cultures in the mix, the continent offers delectably diverse food that’s part seafood, part vegetarian, part meaty, and entirely delicious. 42_What’s On

Here’s a look at some of our favourite dishes… Chef Alexander Smalls

Sweet Ophelia’s by Alexander Smalls What: Oxtail Fried Rice Price: Dhs53 Regular fried rice dishes will forever pale by comparison once you’ve tried Chef Alexander Smalls’ wholesome rendition. His Afro-Asian-American combo consists of a generous helping of wok-fried black rice, tender hunks of pulled oxtail mixed with spring onion, beansprouts, a sprinkling of spices and a medium boiled egg. It’s served steaming hot in a huge bowl.

Penja

Chef Moos Akougbe

African Gold

No Chicken burger

Maputo Prawns

Afro Street What: Maputo prawns Price: Dhs60 Blazing a trail for modern African cuisine is Burundian chef Coco Reinarhz. His contemporary take on more traditional dishes has impressed tremendously at his restaurant in Johannesburg, and now, too, at Alkebulan. Try the Maputo tiger butterfly prawns cooked in coconut milk, garlic and a spicy chilli sauce.

Chef Glory Kabe

What: No chicken burger Price: Dhs45 Afrovegan chef goddess Glory Kabe’s no chicken burger is made from fried oyster mushrooms, pickled red onions, creamy avocado, and turmeric vegetal mayonnaise. It’s crispy, juicy and *quiet voice* better than most real chicken burgers in Dubai.

Chicken Coop by Alexander Smalls What: Baby chicken with cornbread Price: From Dhs53 There are typically two requirements for a good rotisserie chicken: tender meat and crispy skin. But if you rub on some jerk spices and serve it with a side of Chef Alexander Smalls’ famous sweet cornbread, you’ve got yourself one sublime meal.

Penja

What: African Gold Price: Dhs35 Pastry chef Moos Akougbe – and recent finalist on British TV show Bake Off: The Professionals – brings his low sugar, plant-based desserts to Alkebulan. We devoured his African Gold creation, made using creamy Ivory chocolate mousse, crispy cocoa-teff biscuit, salted caramel and penja pepper. “You won’t believe it’s vegan,” says Chef Moos with a glimmer in his eye as we eagerly collected our plate from the counter. And you know what? We still don’t.

Seven Seafood by Kira Jethwa What: Ugali tacos with seared lobster Price: Dhs76 Shining a light on ugali, a thick porridge made from ground white maize that’s a staple food from Kenya, Chef Kira has used it to create a beautiful soft taco shell to cradle his Indian ocean-caught lobster. It’s seared with mustard seeds and smoked paprika, and topped with toasted coconut. a Alkebulan African Dining

Hall, Expo 2020, Sun to Thur 10am to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to 1am. Tel: (050) 1311627. alkebulandininghall. com Chef Coco Reinarhz

THE BARS On the first floor of Alkebulan you’ll find two bars flanking the food hall. The first is Jiko – a cocktail concept whipped up by the team from luxury Nairobi boutique hotel Tribe. The second is Bar Cane, curated by Chef Coco, which utilises African spices to make exclusive cocktails.

What’s On_43

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

HOLA ROOFTOP

A Balearic-inspired restaurant that hits the mark… apturing the essence of three of Spain’s most favourable islands, Hola Rooftop blends elements of Ibiza, Mallorca and Formentera. The eighth floor rooftop restaurant overlooks Meydan Racecourse, but the floral decor is even more appealing than the view. Built with purposelyimperfect white bricks, Hola aims to transport guests to the Spanish isles through an ambient soundtrack, Mediterranean dishes and a relaxed approach to hospitality. It’s quiet when we arrive, but the crowd soon starts flocking, filling tables across the large dining area. Blue and white armchairs surround large white tables for the ultimate group dining opportunity under the stars. Wicker lampshades hang from fabric sunshades, while fans are angled to cover all areas ensuring guests stay cool throughout the evening. There’s something for everyone on the mainly Mediterranean menu, which also has influences from Japan and Latin America. Sharing plates include ceviche, tapas, sushi and salads, while mains and big plates focus on larger meat, seafood and chicken options.

We start with a burrata (Dhs85), which has been given an Arabic twist using zataar and confit dates – not a combination we’ve tried before but the balance of sweet and savoury works well. The flavour experimentation continues with the wagyu beef carpaccio (Dhs95,) which features capers dressing, Parmesan crumble and shallot fritas. The plate is presented beautifully, with the meat forming a ring for the fried onions, while a moat of Parmesan adds a welcome bite to the dish. Presentation is clearly an important factor at Hola, as the tiradito ceviche (Dhs85) could pass for a work of art. Delicate pieces of hamachi are topped with pretty petals, finely chopped onion and chilli to create a punchy yet moreish starter. Keen to see how the steak fares up, we order the beef fileto (Dhs220) and are left pleasantly surprised. It’s a decent-sized, aged Australian tenderloin, accompanied

by a lone broccoli, a dollop of creamy mash and topped with fresh chimichurri. The exterior is nicely charred while inside the pink-hued meat is soft and tender. We’re recommended to try the camarones al ajillo (Dhs185) and happily oblige. Three giant tiger prawns arrive, glistening from lashings of garlic butter and decorated with parsley and thyme. Flavourful and juicy, each bite is a delight. The venue gets top marks for ‘Instagramability’ and the laid-back style definitely gives off European vibes. With a solid food menu, and attention to detail, Hola Rooftop has a good chance of being the go-to spot for alfresco dining this winter. a Hola Rooftop, Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, daily 7.30pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 718 1160. @holarooftop RATING Food �� B+ Atmosphere �� Price ��

Atlantis Restaurant Week returns Dine at Atlantis, The Palm’s leading restaurants for a fraction of the cost during Atlantis Restaurant Week – from November 11 to 25 – with special menus (from Dhs150 to Dhs350 per person) offered across seven signature restaurants, including Nobu, Hakkasan and Seafire Steakhouse & Bar. Look out for other special culinary events taking place this month, including a meet, greet and dine with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself from November 16 to 18. q atlantis.com/dubai/whats-on/culinary-month

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A CRUSTACEAN

CELEBRATION WITH MINISTRY OF CRAB.

In partnership with holidays by ﬂydubai we welcome the chefs from Ministry of Crab, for ﬁve days to dazzle diners with a special 5-course menu. Signature dishes from one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be prepared poolside for our guests. Delight in this special delicacy from renowned Sri Lankan Chef Dharshan Munidasa.

Date: 3 - 7 November 2021 Time: 7.00 pm onwards Location: Poolside, beside Crescendo Price: AED 425 per person including 5 courses For reservations call +971 4 567 8304, WhatsApp +971 56 189 7000 or email restaurants.dubai@anantara.com

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

PUNJAB GRILL

The What’s On Abu Dhabi award-winning chef opens a new progressive Indian restaurant in Business Bay estled in the luxurious Oberoi Dubai, Punjab Grill offers a contemporary spin on Indian classics under the direction of chef Sandeep Ali. He has briefly departed the Abu Dhabi outpost to set up this new sister restaurant in Dubai. So impressed was our Abu Dhabi team by Chef Sandeep’s culinary skills that we awarded him Chef of the Year at the What’s On Abu Dhabi awards last March. So, it’s with voluminous anticipation that we venture into his new restaurant, which occupies the space of the onceloved Ananta. “I’m a little more nervous opening in Dubai,” admits Chef Sandeep, who greets us warmly at the entrance of the vastly white dining room. “I knew there were so many fine dining Indian restaurants in Dubai so it’s much harder to stand out.” His answer to combat the competition was to create a menu of progressive Indian dishes that champion the small and large plates rather than its curries. “We’ve put the curries on the last pages, because they kind of need to be there, but I’d like guests to try something really different.” Following his recommendations, we embark on an exciting modern spice odyssey where each plate is a culinary piece of art. The highlights were many: there’s a stunning sesame and coconut fried prawn (Dhs75) resting atop a neat swirl of ragi noodles (otherwise known as finger millet ‘superfood’ noodles), and rich broth. The Kashmiri lamb chops are a glorious,

46_What’s On

spice-crusted exercise in bone nibblage, served with a pounded walnut and radish chutney (Dhs190) and rogan josh gravy. And, in an age when you can’t move for deep-fried bird, the plate of tender masala chicken (Dhs120) encased in crispy potato salli, is a distinctive and satisfying dish. Alongside these come extremely well-executed basics: stuffed flaky parathas and fireblistered garlic naans. Props also to Chef Sandeep for adding Dibba Bay oysters to his menu. “Oh, we’re venturing far from traditional Indian cuisine here, which never serves raw food,” he says, while gently lowering a

sand-coloured bowl onto the table. Inside, there’s a raw oyster covered in a black makhani gravy, coconut pearls, and golden leaves. While visually jarring (black sauce, white balls, golden flakes on blue-coloured ice) it’s an amusing example of blending Indian tradition with innovation – and it tastes pretty darn good, too. Usually at this point in an Indian meal, we typically roll out the door skipping desert, but there’s a boldly sweet filo pastry cigar roll layered with carrot halwa (Dhs40) cooked down in milk and sugar that nearly almost stole the whole show. Will Punjab Grill replace our weekly Indian order from our favourite local? Truthfully, no it won’t. Because there’s something about eating seconds of chicken tikka and chana malasa in your PJs that’s almost ritualistic. But, as a new alternative to fine dining modern Indian cuisine? Punjab Grill in the city’s biggest contender. a The Oberoi, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (050) 1941107. @punjabgrilldubai RATING Food ��AAtmosphere �� Price ��

NEW VEGAN JAPANESE TREATS AT MOBY

Vegans deserve more than a sad cucumber roll at a sushi joint, which is why herbivores – and carnivores for that matter – should head over to Moby in Alserkal for inventive remixes on Japanese favourites. Created by Inked’s Hadrien Villedieu, Moby offers “won’t miss the animal bi-product delights” like their take on a ‘chicken’ katsu sando that comes with tonkatsu sauce, mustard, and Chinese cabbage. We also loved the sweet potato tartare maki that’s creamy with a hint of sweetness. a Moby at A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue, Sat to Thur 8am to 7pm. @moby_vegan_sushi C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

OFK

Could this be Dubai Mall’s answer to Zuma? all restaurants are not supposed to be this good. OFK’s (Open Flame Kitchen) interior design looks sophisticated and expensive, with beautifully presented – and delicious – food, and impeccable service. As the executive chef Mateus Coelho rightly says: “If we packed up this restaurant and put it in DIFC, it wouldn’t look out of place.” Coelho’s presence is a major factor in OFK’s success. Previously at Flamingo Room at Jumeirah Al Naseem, he went on to help Natasha Sideris launch DIFC hotspot Avli by Tashas around the corner from the big boys of LPM and Zuma. His knowledge of DIFC’s fine dining scene has clearly informed Coelho’s elevated menu at OFK, which skips around Indian curry and tandoori, sushi, pizza and pasta. Plus there’s meat and fish cooked on a robata grill and a parrilla grill, which have been custom made to fit inside the open kitchen and add energy to the atmosphere. As a result, the menu can seem a little haphazard, with the likes of gyoza rubbing shoulders with risotto, tacos and lamb tikka. But we suppose a varied menu is essential for the business lunchtime crowd, of which there were many during What’s On’s weekday visit. Served on minimalistic, rustic stone plates, the pomelo and duck salad (Dhs60), spicy tuna wonton tacos

48_What’s On

(Dhs55), and spicy salmon crispy rice (Dhs50) were right on the money. A pair of sliders (Dhs45) were basically posh Big Macs – we mean that in a good way – but the standout main dish was the wagyu ribs (Dhs80). Cooked sous vide for 48 hours (what other mall restaurant is doing that?), they were absurdly tender and topped with a lip-smacking, sweet chilli glaze. Finish with the homemade tiramisu (Dhs60) served tableside, and you’ll leave OFK happy. A stunning sushi bar of undulating, polished stone is the centrepiece of this surprisingly refined restaurant in Fashion

Avenue, which has a light feature above that looks like Saturn’s rings. The staff uniforms of grey grandad collar shirts are cool; the upbeat jazz fits the mood perfectly; and service is speedy, bright and relaxed. OFK is punching way above its weight and must surely be considered the most stylish, most accomplished restaurant in The Dubai Mall. Transfer this place to DIFC and it’d be an overnight hit. a Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, daily noon to 11.40pm. Tel: (0)4 386 3599. gastronomica-me.com/site RATING Food �� A Atmosphere �� Price ��

GREEK CHIC

Three different places to try

[The wallet-friendly one]: MYTHOS Tucked away in a humble JLT hotel, this family-feel restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and a traditional menu of knockout, simple, authentic dishes that taste like they’ve been made by a Greek grandma� The meatballs might make you weep with joy� q mythoskouzina.com 02

[The beach club one]: NAMMOS Silver-haired men with deep tans and shiny watches order expensive bottles at this glamorous VIP hangout on a spectacular beachfront setting� But behind the glitz is a selection of authentic and delicious Greek dishes served by expert staff� q nammos.gr 03

[The fine-dining one]: AVLI BY TASHAS While the interior design is an understated medley of those calming oatmeals, beiges and creams that always look so sophisticated, the food at this high-quality DIFC restaurant is technicolour in its brilliance� Do not leave without ordering the mile-high baklava dessert� q avlibytashas.com

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BRUNCH MONTH O F

Saffron 2.0

T H E

The iconic party brunch returns, but is it better than ever?

hese days, brunch comes in all shapes and sizes. There are fancy brunches, a la carte brunches, family brunches and proper breakfast items-only brunches, but one that reigned supreme for years as the OG party brunch was (sorry Yalumba) Saffron at Atlantis, The Palm. It was, quite frankly, a Dubai institution, where residents and tourists lined up early outside its double doors for a Friday party unlike any other. Loved as much for its diverse live cooking and drinks stations spread out across the enormous Saffron restaurant as it was for the live music and party atmosphere. But then it stopped. The restaurant underwent a total refurbishment for what felt like an age. Thankfully, last month, the Atlantis team gave us what we all really needed (seriously, the news of its reopening almost crashed WhatsOn.ae) and Saffron 2.0 was launched. But with a lot of new competition in the world of Dubai brunches, we wondered if it could really bring back the old Saffron sparkle? Spoiler alert: Yes, it can.

Gone is the red carpet and gaudy aesthetics, replaced by a fresh and open atmosphere with turquoise tones and brass detailing. Live food stations are still plentiful, serving everything from dim sum to the full works carvery. And you can pretty much sip on any drink that takes your fancy, with stations aplenty, plus the welcome return of those cocktails served in watermelons. The party atmosphere is almost tangible, helped along by DJs spinning both old classics and hot new hits. Dancers stage energetic performances and soon you’re off your chair, singing and dancing along, Saffron-style. Hot tip: Every week Saffron 2.0 has a music theme (recently there was a Michael Jackson brunch; the next it was Abba) so be sure to ask what the plan is for your scheduled Friday visit. Saffron magic is back, folks. Book your table now. a Saffron 2.0, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs455 with house drinks, Dhs495 sparkling. Tel: (0)4 426 0800. atlantis.com

C O N S U M E

EAT // TASTEMAKERS Head pizzaiolo, Luigi Mercogliano

TASTEMAKERS SPOTLIGHT

Akiba Dori’s Tokyostyle pizzas Talking to the folks that make some of the tastiest dishes in town The world’s best pizza isn’t from Italy – it’s from Japan. The mere printing of such profanation is likely making Neapolitan nonnas faint and proud pizzaiolos gesticulate in anger (even more than usual). But could it really be true? Akiba Dori’s head pizzaiolo Luigi Mercogliano seems to think so. He’s followed a dedicated core of Tokyo chefs who are devoted to

Double truffle

“It’s sourced from Italy, alongside Italian extra virgin black truffle oil, which creates a delicious combo� We double up the truffle, simply because it tastes amazing with extra layers of truffle goodness�”

perfecting the wood-fired Naples pie. The Tokyo pizzaiolos hew closely to Neapolitan tradition, but in their deep study of pizza’s intricacies, they’ve introduced tiny changes, such as using a salt to bake into the crust to create a slightly adapted pizza variety. And boy, are they tasty. We chatted to Luigi to learn more about these Tokyo-style Neapolitan iterations…

Burrata

“We top the pizza with a whole Italian burrata in the centre, which is perfect to spread across the whole pizza�”

Dough

“Our dough is unique because we use fresh Japanese flour and Japanese salt� Then we use a Japanese wood fire oven, to create a light and crispy pizza in about 60 seconds�”

Mozzarella

“We use Italian butter mozzarella – the blend of butter and mozzarella gives you a rich and flavourful taste�”

a Building 8, Dubai

Design District, daily noon to late. Tel: (0)47707949. akibadori.com

What’s On_51

CHRISTMAS WITH A VIEW

IG @hanamidxb | T +971 57 411 2069 | E hanami-DXB@andaz.com Andaz Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah

EXPO 2020 BARS

Top watering holes to visit this month

Jiko – Alkebulan Dining Hall Created by the team from luxurious hotel Tribe in Kenya comes Jiko, where cocktails combine African spices� q @alkebulandininghall 02

Iris Lounge The recent What’s On Nightlife Award-winners have bagged a huge pop-up space featuring a large wraparound terrace� @irisexpo

The Irish Village The Irish Village in Jubilee Park brings its authentic Irish experience and pub grub to Expo� q @theirishvillage 04

The Local – Australia Pavilion The best party spot at Expo, The Local at the Australia Pavilion whips up top Aussie tucker (order the chips with chicken salt) and a huge drinks menu� q @expo2020australia

BAR MONTH

O F

T H E

McCafferty’s JVC Bringing all-new craic to the city

he Irish pub is one of many of the Emerald Isle’s great gifts to drinking culture, and it’s no surprise that its stylings are emulated all over the world, though few, if any, cities have embraced them with the enthusiasm that Dubai has. Sure, we’ve got old favourites that everyone loves, including stalwarts The Irish Village, McGettigan’s, and Fibber Magees, but when it comes to good craic, there’s always room for more. Introducing new player in town McCafferty’s JVC. It opened at Circle Mall in September (swiftly followed by a second venue opening at Al Furjan Club House near Jebel Ali – more on that in the next issue) and has quickly won a legion of fans for its daily live music, happy hour and classic pub grub. What we like about McCafferty’s – which originally hails from Donegal in Ireland – is that no detail has been spared in transforming this brand new space into an ‘Olde Irish Tavern’. From antique relics

hanging from the ceiling and trinkets jostling for space in glass cupboards, to Gaelic posters, it all feels genuine. As well as an intimate and cosy bar area – serving a top choice of Irish and international ales – there are also two bigger social spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spacious outdoor beer garden complete with its own bar and huge TV screen showing the sport. The food items lean towards Irish fodder with fun international favourites thrown in such as 24-hour smoked brisket nachos, three different pie varieties and the sell-out chicken Kiev. They also know their way around a hearty Irish roast dinner, which is available from 12pm to 10pm Friday to Sunday, priced at Dhs250 for the house drinks package. Happy hour runs every day with selected drinks priced at Dhs33 and there’s a ladies’ night on Tuesdays. On Fridays, brunch runs from 12pm to 4pm, with the house drinks package priced at Dhs295. a McCafferty’s JVC, Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (055) 784 9220. @mccaffertysjvc What’s On_53

Exclusive paintings, sculptures and photography from award-winning international artists. Photograph by Greg Newington

Sculpture by Armin Shahhosseini

Painting by Andrew Vicari

ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PA G E 56

Art attack

Unmissable culture events this month WHAT’S ON STAGE p59 FILM p60

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

ABU DHABI

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

/EXHIBITION/

Modernisms: Iranian, Turkish, and Indian highlights from NYU’s Abby Weed Grey Collection The museum-gallery re-opens its doors this month with this exhibition packed with prints, drawings, paintings and sculptures, all of which were collected by Abbey Grey during her trips to Iran, India and Turkey. Visitors will find the collector’s personal letters, journals, invoices, catalogues, invitations, and photographs from the Abby Weed Grey Papers in the NYU Archives. November 15 to Feb 5, 2022 a The NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)2 628 4000. nyuad-artgallery.org/ 56_What’s On

/EXHIBITION/

Warehouse421 Two exhibitions can be seen at Warehouse421 this autumn. As We Gaze Upon Her is an exhibition that attempts to expand the notion of women that is often constrained by social, cultural, and existential

insecurities and So Different, So Appealing offers a parodic light on the strategy used by real estate to conjure up human desire. Throughout November a Warehouse 421, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)2 676 8803. warehouse421.ae

CULTURE

DUBAI /MUSIC DANCE/

AND

Riverdance at Expo 2020

Photo: Getty

Grammy Award-winning music and dance performance, Riverdance, will be gracing the stage of Jubilee Park and Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai in November. Riverdance is celebrating 25 years of success with this unique 25th Anniversary Show that will include Arabic culture and influences. From November 4 to 27 a Expo 2020 Dubai, ireland.ie/expo and expo2020dubai.com

/PERFORMANCE/

Andrea Bocelli, Believe World Tour The world-famous tenor is returning to Dubai with his Believe World Tour. The concert will feature many of Bocelli’s beloved timeless ballads and operatic masterpieces. November 8 a Events Arena, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Prices start from Dhs750. Tel: (0)50 768 6418. mpremiere.com /THEATRE/

The Play That Goes Wrong Murphy’s Law wreaks pandemonium at this play within a play at The Junction. It’s the opening night of Whodunnit - Murder at Haversham Manor and unfortunately, things go wrong… very wrong. It’s mayhem at every turn and all the cast, crew and director can do is try their best to make it to the end. Theatregoers can expect a non-stop funny ride from start to finish. November 18 to 20 a The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 338 8525. thejunctiondubai.com What’s On_57

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS

NIGHTLIFE VENUE OF THE YEAR

BEST NEWCOMER

SEVEN SISTERS DUBAI

BLA BLA DUBAI

AT JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI BEST LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEST ROOFTOP BAR

CÉ LA VI DUBAI

LIMITED EDITION, Q’S BAR AND LOUNGE AT PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI BEST BEACH CLUB

TWIGGY BY LA CANTINE BEST BEACH BAR

APRONS & HAMMERS BEACH HOUSE

AT ADDRESS SKY VIEW BEST SUNDOWNER SPOT

DRIFT BEACH DUBAI

AT RIXOS PREMIUM JBR BEST PUB/SPORTS BAR

MCGETTIGAN’S JLT PARTNERS

INDOCHINE DUBAI BEST LADIES’ NIGHT

IRIS DUBAI

AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

BEST PARTY BRUNCH

BEST DINNER AND A SHOW

TROPICAL BRUNCH

BILLIONAIRE DUBAI PUBLIQUE DUBAI BEST HAPPY HOUR

SEVEN SISTERS DUBAI AT JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI

BEST WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT

JONES THE GROCER

VENUE & ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER

AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

VENUE PARTNER

PRESENTED BY

AT ZERO GRAVITY DUBAI BEST LADIES’ DAY

BEST QUIZ NIGHT

BEST AFTER-BRUNCH VENUE

LOCK, STOCK & BARREL DUBAI

BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT

BEVERAGE PARTNER

ROSÉ ALL DAY

AT COVE BEACH DUBAI, CAESARS PALACE BLUEWATERS DUBAI BEST EVENING BRUNCH

SKYLINE THURSDAY AT THE PENTHOUSE DUBAI, FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH

AUDIO VISUAL PARTNER

VOTE PROCESSING PARTNER

CULTURE

Dial M For Murder

A play debut at Dubai Opera that’ll leave audiences… engaged STAGE

n exciting adaptation of one of Frederick Knott’s most well-known screenplays is coming to Dubai this month. Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s world-renowned film of 1954, the iconic Dial M for Murder follows the protagonist as he becomes more tangled in a web of his own making. TV and stage favourite Tom Chambers (Top Hat, Strictly Come

Dancing) stars as the charismatic and manipulative Tony Wendice, a jaded ex-tennis pro who has given it all up for his wife Margot, played by Diana Vickers, a West End star (Little Voice) and The X Factor finalist. When he discovers she has been unfaithful his mind turns to revenge and the pursuit of the ‘perfect crime’. Also starring Christopher Harper (Coronation Street, Strangers on a

Train) who performs in the dual roles of Captain Lesgate and Inspector Hubbard. This ultimate masterclass in suspense is guaranteed to entwine audiences with its spine-chilling twists and turns. The tour will arrive at Dubai Opera on Monday November 22 for only a twonight run, so dial in for your tickets now. November 22 and 23 a Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, from Dhs200. dubaiopera.com

King of Pop A celebration of Michael Jackson’s music Relive Michael Jackson’s unforgettable music with MJ History, live on stage at Theatre by QE2. With top vocals, detailed costumes, and stunning choreography, take a moonwalk back in time and rediscover some of the singer’s greatest hits, as well as The

Jackson 5’s biggest tracks. Hear everything from I’ll Be There and Beat It to Blame It on the Boogie and Thriller. November 26 and 27 a Theatre by QE2, from Dhs135. Tel: (058) 8383107. theatrebyqe2.com What’s On_59

CULTURE

FILM

Kristen’s royal role

NEW RELEASES

Photo: Getty

Kristen may be best known for her role the Twilight series, but her filmography extends far past the franchise, starring in movies like Into The Wild, Panic Room, and the Charlie’s Angels reboot. This month, she takes on the role of Princess Diana in Spencer, one already tipped for Oscar nods. On the reception of Spencer “It’s a little nerve-wracking. I hope everyone’s happy with it. Sometimes you have to just cancel out the noise, and just have your own fantasy – I hope somewhere she’s watching.” On preparing her voice to play Diana “She’s so bubbly and buoyant. Something about the California accent sort of falls flat like a brick and she’s like bubbles. Lightening up was the focus for me.” On her opinion of Diana “The idea for someone to want to make others feel good, while personally feeling so bad, and be so generous with her energy, well we haven’t had many people like that in our history.” On fame “The most photographed woman in the entire world. I have tasted a level of that personally but nowhere near that monumental symbolic representation of an entire country.” On how Spencer differs from other biopics of the Royal Family “The movie doesn’t provide any new information. It imagines a feeling, and my impression can only be my own. Diana was a woman that wanted to build connection, and I hope this movie bridges gaps. There’s nothing salacious about our intention.”

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★★★★

Spencer

DIRECTOR: Pablo Larraín CAST: Kristen Stewart, Jack Farthing, Timothy Spall, Sean Harris

A devastating portrait of a Princess Hit Netflix series The Crown has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that we, the viewing public, love a little nose around in the dramatised private lives of the British royal family. And the regal voyuer stories don’t get more emotive than that of Diana, Princess of Wales. Kristen Stewart takes on what could be a careerdefining role here (in fact, the noise out of the Venice Film Festival is that it will almost certainly lead to a first Oscar nod for Stewart), the ill-fated ‘commoner’ that married into the aristocracy, weathering tabloid rumours of affairs and impropriety, and who ultimately met a tragic and untimely death. This film, written by Steven ‘Peaky Blinders’ Knight, focuses on the events that occur in the 1991 Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, a pivotal ‘make or break’ moment in the lives of those concerned. Our pick for top lip-biting ‘no they didn’t’ moment in the trailer: “Will they kill me, do you think?”.

ETERNALS

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Chloé Zhao CAST: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie First of all, a standing ovation to Marvel for managing to get Academy Award-winning Chloé Zhao in the director’s chair, an odd flex yes, but we can’t wait to see what the storysmith behind Nomadland and The Rider does with a comic book space odyssey. In

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Photo: Marvel Studio

House of Gucci

Eternals

Marvel lore, The Eternals are an immortal alien race who were put on earth 7,000 years ago to protect humans from the Deviants. The murderous hellspawn variety, as opposed to the creepy internet dude subset. Our biggest takeaway from the trailer, is that jangly spellbinding vortex of Dr Strange-esque CGI, this will be a spectacle. If and how the film tackles the ‘multiverse’ fallout from the Disney+ Loki series, remains to be seen but having a whole movie devoted

to these fundamental characters right at the opening of MCU Phase Four, sets up the possibility of a genuinely thrilling trajectory for the saga storyline. The cast is pretty impressive, too, including a Game of Thrones set reunion for Winterfell’s most famous sons, Richard Madden and Kit Harington.

HOUSE OF GUCCI

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott CAST: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino, Jared Leto The tumultuous tale behind the production of this movie neatly parallels that of the story it’s telling. Work began back in 2006, with Ridley Scott locked in as director and Angelina Jolie and Leonardo DiCaprio rumoured to star. Three director swaps and multiple actor shifts later, Scott found himself back in charge of a cast that included Adam Driver playing Maurizio Gucci, Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani and a

virtually unrecognisable Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci. The story is built around the real life family behind one of high fashion’s most powerful dynasties. We’re robed in mink and whisked through three decades of love and revenge, passion amd betrayal, cat walks and Karama knockoffs, culminating in the tragic murder of Maurizio Gucci. From the trailer, the wardrobe collections look to be all you might hope for in a film about Gucci. The cast is another glittering ensemble with Lady Gaga in particular delivering some mesmerising lines.

GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

★★★★

DIRECTOR: Jason Reitman CAST: Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Bill Murray Let’s be clear, we did not hate the female-led 2016 reboot of the classic sci-fi comedy, Ghostbusters. The Kate McKinnon, Melissa What’s On_61

CULTURE McCarthy and Kristen Wiig felt like the forbidden triangle of a comic ouija board. That being said, the fact that this 2021 movie is a straight sequel to the two original 1980s Ghostbusters film, has got us dribbling a little bit of anticipatory ectoplasm. It has some strong spirit DNA — a cast featuring the vampirically youthful Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard (of Stranger Things fame, and this trailer has big Stranger Things vibes), retro gadgets, rumours of role reprisals and a trailer that teases Zuul-esque appendages. But will it all get messy with two separate timelines and a sequel dropping more than 30 years after the movie it’s supposedly following? Not if you follow Egon’s first rule of Ghostbuster club: Never cross the streams.

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG

★★ ★★

DIRECTORS: Walt Becker CAST: Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Sienna Guillory, John Cleese Clifford The Big Red Dog has been adapted from the children’s book series of the same name. Why? Because that’s what we do now. No childhood memory is sacred. Truth be told, we learnt very little from the two-minute trailer that could not be gleaned from the two seconds it takes to read the title. Clifford is a dog, a red dog in fact, and one that is unsually large. In the trailer we’re subjected to an incidental ‘giant slobbery puppies do the darndest things’ montage, some ‘smell the wind’ acting from comedy legend Jack Whitehall, but very few hints 62_What’s On

about the actual plot. We can crack that code, though. It will almost certainly follow the ‘films about children and unsual creatures’ formula — where a hunter/scientist/ government/evil corporation wants to steal the creature for a trophy/experiment/ profit. Spoiler alert, they won’t get away with it, and everyone except the parents dragged along to watch this will live happily ever after.

KING RICHARD

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Reinaldo Marcus Green CAST: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton Not Shakespeare, and certainly not a tragedy – King Richard is a crucible story, watching over the genesis of two all-time sporting greats. It’s also a story about, and in fact

Clifford The Big Red Dog

named after, a dedicated, visionary father and his role in taking young Venus and Serena Williams and shaping them into the players they’re destined to become. The biggest, ‘we’re not crying, you are’ moment in the trailer? “You’re not gonna just be representing you, you’re gonna be

representing every little black girl on Earth” – “I’m not gonna let you down” – “How could you?” We all know Will Smith loves biopic roles that give him an opportunity to tug on our collective heartstrings, and if this is served correctly... it could be one of his best character portrayals yet. King Richard

CULTURE

Music that’s good for the soul

Flash Entertainment continues its Regional Artist Spotlight initiative to champion regional music talent

ebanese-Palestinian independent singerrapper Anees strongly believes that music is meant to heal. It’s with this mantra in mind that makes him focus on creating music that he says is “good for the soul…” How did you first get into music? I was raised in a musical home. Growing up, we had a tiny house, but a third of it was a space we called the ‘music room’. I think I had no choice but to get into music. I was immersed in rhythm and melody from day one. But my artistry started when I was 15 years old and I tried freestyling for the first time. The thrill of stringing rhymes and melodies together on the fly was a life-changing feeling. There was no going back. Ever since, music has been my therapy.

MUSIC

How would you describe the music that you make? My music is genre-less. I don’t fit into any single box. I have a fusion of pop, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and a number of other genres. But aside from the ‘sound’ of my music, I would say that the tone is best described as ‘healing music’. I make music from my soul to connect with yours. That’s the sort of music I love most, so that’s the music I feel called to create. Who are the artists, or people, who inspire you? Too many artists to name but let’s choose five: Lauryn Hill, India Arie, John Mayer, Jim Croce, and Immortal Technique. Outside of music,

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my inspirations are my loved ones, my family, and my closest friends. But in truth, anyone who has the courage to choose to follow their heart inspires me. Dreamers inspire me. People who defy fear inspire me. What are your latest musical successes? This month, we hit five million total streams on Spotify – that was wild. I just started releasing music last year. So, we have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. I also just released a an R&B song What lovers do, that was a major goal of mine. Stepping even further out of the ‘box’ and creating a whole new sound was a big win.

What is your creative process like? My creative process almost always starts with freestyling. I like to let my creative impulse lead the way. I’ll sit down, maybe with a beat, maybe in silence, and record myself as I spit out melodies, hooks, and verses. Then once I’m done, I’ll listen to the recording and pick my favorite nuggets of gold. From there, I’ll sit with my lyrics, sometimes for months. I’ll massage them until they tell the story that feels right. It feels like writing a novel. I want the narrative to be served. What has been the biggest obstacle of your career? Fear. The fear of time,

from inside your heart before it can be shared. My latest release What lovers do dropped in October. It’s a song about burning romance. I know what it feels like to love someone deeply and to pray that the feelings are mutual, so I made an R&B song about that emotion.

“I LOVE WHAT I DO. FOR THAT REASON ALONE, I’M A SUCCESS” judgment, and success. Whenever fear creeps into the picture, only bad things follow. In my more anxious moments, I tend to let my fears take the wheel. Finding a way to remove fear from the creative process, or at least ignore fear, is an ongoing challenge for me. Once I overcome that obstacle, I think my greatest, most beauitful work will come out. What is the highlight of your career so far? Having the strength to listen to my heart and defy my fears. That was the greatest decision I’ve ever made, second only to marrying my wife. Whatever numbers, awards, or recognition comes is up to God, but the fact that I am a full-time artist is something I’m immensely proud of. I love what I do every day. For that reason alone, I am a success.

Where have you performed? I just performed at MusikFest with my brother Zach Matari. It felt amazing to share the stage with someone who I genuinely care about as an artist and a friend. That’s has to top the list for me. But to be honest, it was my first ever live performance, so it wins by default. But in 2022, we are hitting festivals and touring non-stop. It’s time to go meet my fans in person. What are your latest releases? What is the story behind them? In April, I dropped Slip, a love song about my wife. It’s playful and passionate. It’s the story of our love. In July, I dropped Drunk on myself, a self-love song. This song speaks on the importance of loving yourself first. I wrote it to remind my listeners that love must emanate

Which one of these releases is your favourite and why? I’d say that What lovers do is my favourite for two reasons. One, because it is the latest release. I try to stay as present-minded as I can be. Whatever song I am currently focused on is going to get my favour. But it’s also simply my best work. It’s so much more dynamic than my previous songs. It’s got groove, texture, passion, melody, and punch. I feel I evolve as an artist with every song, and What lovers do is proof of that evolution. Are you working with any other artists right now? Yes. But I have to keep that information DL for now. Once we’re ready to announce those collabs, I know my fans will be thrilled. I’ve been blessed to connect with incredible artists who I admire. Social media has really opened those doors for me, so shoutout to my followers who continuously tag artists in my posts. I can promise this: 2022 is going to be a year of collaboration for me.

blessing and I’m forever in awe of its splendor. Once I’m a truly global artist, I will buy a farm and spend my days surrounded by the colours, sounds, sights, and scents of Earth. What does your involvement in the Regional Artist Spotlight mean to you? I am absolutely humbled to be featured on the Regional Artist Spotlight. I feel honoured to showcase and I hope I can bring peace, joy and love to everybody who finds my art through this Spotlight. As an independent artist, gaining exposure to a global audience is a dream come true. I don’t take this opportunity lightly. It’s a blessing. I am forever grateful to y’all for deeming me worthy of your time, your attention, and your focus. What is your top 5 afterparty playlist? 1. What’s Luv? – Fat Joe ft. Ja Rule & Ashanti 2. Back Then – Mike Jones 3. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer 4. Gone – Nsync 5. What Lovers Do – Anees q @RegionalArtistSpotlight; @aneestherapper

What is your passion outside of music? Nature. I love the trees, the birds, the bees, the clouds, the water, the baby blue skies and the sounds. I think our planet is our greatest What’s On_65

CULTURE

Going global

Dubai artist Aham’s stunning debut album makes wordwide impact

usic critics around the world are applauding Dubai artist Aham’s gorgeous debut album – and it’s no surprise. With his eponymous longplayer ‘AH.AM’, the DJ and producer is the first home-grown avant-garde electronic artist to come out of Dubai. Baring reflections of Jon Hopkins and Nils Frahm yet completely individual, the album is striking a chord with all who listen. ‘AH.AM’ is the work of Dubai-born and bred artist Paul Josef. While he’s enjoyed success with a string of techhouse and techno tracks in the past, his eight-track album marks a breathtaking evolution of his sound. Steeped in personal emotion, it blurs genre boundaries and doesn’t follow usual structures or time signatures. It is richly layered with moving moments of darkness next to hopeful passages of light. “I’ve written tracks in a number of different genres,” said Paul. “But the whole time I’ve never been 100 percent happy with what I’ve been writing. I always felt like I was searching for the style of music that defines who I am.” Before embarking on his Aham project, Paul stepped away from music for a year. “I needed to start again from a clean slate,” said Paul. “With Aham there are no rules, no genres, no different styles that drive the mood of the music. It’s just me listening

LOCAL SCENE

Local rapper Tac finds his soulful side

to my heart and writing what I feel in that moment.” Out now on all streaming platforms, ‘AH.AM’ has piqued the interest of electronic tastemakers from the UK to the US via Ibiza. “I’m really happy with what I’ve created, the journey I’ve been through writing it and the way it is resonating with people around the world,” said Paul. “I never expected this kind of reaction.” @_paul_josef_

MAN GO FUNK SOUNDTRACKS SUNSET Keep your ears peeled for Man Go Funk’s ‘Acid Sunset’ track, due for release in November on Croatian label Dobar House. As the artist name and track title suggest, this laidback, deep affair funks and squelches in all the right places. Man Go Funk is the production alias of Barasti resident DJ Rohan Nunes – one of the most prolific producers in the Emirate. Last month he popped out an EP, two collaborations and a remix. In August, his Man Go Funk track ‘Sail Away’ climbed to No.6 in Traxsource’s Minimal/Deep Tech chart. @rohan_nunes16

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Known for his abrasive rap style, Dubai rapper Tac reveals his soulful side on latest single ‘The Mirror Theory’. The track – inspired by a bad break-up – finds him in a reflective mood. Echoed vocals, string swooshes and ultra-clean production compliment Tac’s heartfelt delivery in this pleasant departure from his usual NY delivery style. With over 20 releases to his name, Tac is a central figure in the UAE’s hip-hop scene. He’s headlined at SoleDXB and opened for Kano in Dubai. Out now, ‘The Mirror Theory’ is evidence of a young artist maturing. @tac.plg

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Gaming, supercharged Playkey.me, the region’s first supercharged cloud gaming service lands in the UAE

rue gamers know that the real argument isn’t about whether the new Xbox is better than the new PlayStation, it’s over how expensive your graphics card is. Or at least that was the case before cloud gaming came along, revolutionised the gaming scene, and handed access to HD streams of the latest games back into the palms of all PC users, regardless of how much neon and transparent perspex is in your rig set up. Now, thanks to Playkey.me, The Middle East’s first cloud gaming service, the next generation of videogame streaming starts right here on our doorstep.

READY PLAYER ONE? The main reason why cloud gaming is such an important development is that it completely sidesteps the requirement for pumping tens of thousands of dirhams into the cost of a top-end gaming PC. Those sorts of set-ups are not one-off investments either – the upgrades bills will keep racking up. Cloud gaming lets you play all the latest AAA titles, on the most basic-spec PCs through technology specifically engineered to eliminate lag and latency. That means you can perform pixel-

perfect 360 no-scopes right from your battered old laptop. Hot picks for mouse clicks in the region include the enduring Battle Royale phenomenon, Fortnite, PUBG, Days Gone, Biomutant and more all on crystal clear max graphics settings.

HOW TO SET UP PLAYKEY.ME Head to playkey.me, select a subscription package and you’ll also need to download a ‘lightweight client’ that will help you connect to the service. You can choose to pay by the hour for a spot of casual gaming or longer subscriptions, with rates from as low as USD1 per hour (around Dhs4). Based on your internet speed you can access the following processor and graphics speeds — those on a 10Mbps connection will be able to enjoy frame rates of 30FPS, on HD (1280x720). Internet allowances of 15Mbps get 30FPS, in Full HD (1920x1080). Those on 20Mbps can get 60FPS, in Full HD (1920x1080). And at the

top end, if your internet connection allows 25Mbps download speed, you can access the 120FPS, Full HD (1920×1080) service. Speaking about the new service, popular Abu Dhabi gaming podcast, Adgame.ae said: “We’ve all been waiting for this. The gulf gaming community is just excited for this new development. Cloud gaming is heating up, the service is quite eye-opening and may make you start to consider whether having the latest PC or console in the living room is really necessary.” If they’re excited, that’s usually a pretty good sign. q playkey.me

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A C T I V E

SPORT // NEW GYM

Who run the world? A super-sized new ladies-only gym has opened in Al Quoz

hen it comes to girls-only gyms, Dubai has been calling out for a fun, friendly space that offers all of the perks, equipment and support as regular mixed gyms. Enter FitnGlam – the new female-focused fitness facility founded by pharmacist Helena Hijazi. Found in Al Quoz, FitnGlam is a huge 22,000 square foot supergym set over two floors. The central ground floor space is packed with more machines than we know what to do with, split into upper body and ‘booty’ focused zones. The class studios are well-stocked, too, with a boxing room full of Aqua Training Bags, a HIIT studio with treadmills, AssaultBikes and weights, plus a massive CrossFit area. Classes are available in abundance with everything from boxing to barre, spin to yoga, HIIT, cycle, and much more. After your workout, relax on one of the Hydromassage chairs as the jacuzzi-like jet stream works its way up and down your body in a bespoke treatment. The gym also features some firsts for the region, including a Gluteator machine (which allows users to take their hip thrusts to the next level) and a Body-Gee Boxx to receive a detailed 3D body analysis within seconds. Deputy editor Elise feels the burn

Despite being heavily equipped with some potentially intimidating equipment for the gym-newbie, no expense has been spared to make the space feel inviting. Pink stairs, artist murals and neon quotes make the gym feel like your favourite Instagrammable cafe, while the knowledgeable trainers are on hand to make the process of ‘building a better you’ as smooth as possible. A range of memberships are available at FitnGlam, starting from Dhs469 per month. a FitnGlam, Al Ghurair Warehouses, Al Quoz, Sun to Thu 6am to 10pm, Fri & Sat 7am to 9pm. Tel: (0)4 333 2215. fitnglam.ae 72_What’s On

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ACTIVE // DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE

Challenge accepted Dubai Fitness Challenge returns

ack for its fifth anniversary year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge, running until November 27, offers an actionpacked calendar of free fitness events, classes, and wellbeing activities at live events across the city. This includes three fitness villages at Kite Beach, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mushrif Park, 14 fitness hubs in communities across Dubai, over 5,000 free fitness classes and three big-ticket events… 74_What’s On

01 Dubai Ride

When: November 5 Bikes and helmets at the ready – Dubai Ride presented by DP World returns for another landmark event on Sheikh Zayed Road, featuring a 14km loop and 4km family route. It’s open for cyclists of all abilities and experiences, with options for beginners to seasoned amateurs and professionals. The 14km general route for ages 10+ will start and finish at five locations around Sheikh Zayed Road and Lower Financial Centre Road, taking thousands of participants past the iconic Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Downtown Dubai. Meanwhile, families are encouraged to get involved with a 4km course, with a scenic route around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Burj Khalifa. Register your spot via dubairide.com/register.

02 The Night Run

When: November 9 Take things up a gear with this floodlit run at the Dubai Autodrome. Run The Track is suitable for all abilities and ages, from beginners to seasoned athletes, and kids as young as six are welcome to join. There are three distances to choose from: 10km, 5km or 3km. All three end at the chequered flag, and every participant who crosses the finish line will receive a medal and a certificate. Entry prices start from Dhs105 to Dhs147.

03 Dubai Run

When: November 26 If a light jog is more your pace, lace-up, stretch and get moving with the return of Dubai Run, with 10km and 5km route options along Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai Run launched in 2019 with the first-ever chance to run along the Sheikh Zayed superhighway, and after a large-scale virtual participation last year, it’s back and bigger than ever. Register your interest via dubairun.com. q dubaifitnesschallenge.com

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A C T I V E

SPORT // GOLF

Golf for beginners Get in the swing with lesson bundles at top Dubai clubs

e get it. Golf can seem terribly complicated to the uninitiated. So many rules, so many different kinds of clubs. And then there’s the lingo: birdies, bogeys, bump-and-runs. But it’s also the sport of choice for so many in Dubai, and with the temperature hovering around ‘perfect’, now’s the time to give it a go. Dubai Golf has just launched monthly passes, where you can

learn how to play golf at some top golf clubs across the city. All lessons will be conducted by PGA Professionals and equipment is provided free of charge so you don’t need to buy your own just yet. They’re available at Topgolf Dubai, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek Golf Club, and unlimited month-long classes start from Dhs495. Monthly unlimited golf sessions are priced at Dhs495 at Jumeirah Golf Estates and

Dubai Creek Golf Club, which are both beautiful, sprawling courses with amazing views. Each are found a little further out of the main city, which makes them perfect for day trips with your friends. At Topgolf Dubai, a bundle of ten classes is available for Dhs595. In case you’re not familiar with Topgolf, it is a one-stop fun shop with 96 climate controlled hitting bays and LED circular targets that light up when your ball hits them. It’s kind of like bowling but for golf and is open to anyone of any ability or age. Each of the golf venues have ample food and beverage offerings, so you could start the day with a round of golf before enjoying lunch and a cold drink afterwards. a Register via dubaigolf. hubspotpagebuilder.com/en/ getintogolf

TEE UP FOR THE DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Now celebrating its 13th year, the championship hosts the top 50 golfers on the European Tour on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. This year’s event will be held over four days from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 November 2021. The 50 highest ranked players on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex will take on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates - designed by two-time Open Champion, Greg Norman - competing for a share of the US $9 million prize pot. November 18 to 21 q europeantour.com

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Discover the serene, ethereal desert landscape through this beautiful collection of images

S A N D

“My wish is to offer different frames of reference that transport you to a place that is suspended between reality and your imagination.” A N T H O N Y

L A M B

F I N D T H E B O O K AT A L L M A J O R R E TA I L E R S A C R O S S T H E U A E A N D O N B O O K S A R A B I A . C O M

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A C T I V E

A bite of the

The ‘Key to NYC’ health pass has opened the city – and its phenomenal dining scene - to vaccinated travellers from some countries, including the UAE. Here’s exactly why the 13-hour trip is worth it, and where you should be eating…

Roberta’s Pizza

Bushwick and South Williamsburg Now nearly 15 years old, Roberta’s has managed to become and remain the definition of a hipster Brooklyn restaurant. The original spot in Bushwick is a grungy compound of a space. The newest branch in South Williamsburg is lighter, brighter and more modern. But you don’t go to Roberta’s just for Brooklyn people-watching or the décor. You go for the wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza, like the famed Bee Sting, with sopressata and hot honey. q @robertaspizza

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Photo: Getty

Big Apple

Grand Banks Hudson River Park

On a warm evening at golden hour, there is no better place to be in Manhattan than aboard Grand Banks, a celebrated oyster bar on the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker. Showcasing wild-caught and sustainably harvested east and west coast oysters, and perfectly executed nautical-themed cocktails, it’s easily one of the best foodie experiences to enjoy in the city. q @grandbanks

Via Carota West Village

ABC Kitchen Flatiron

Jean-Georges Vongerichten may be a major celebrity chef with a worldwide empire of restaurants, but he’s also one of the OG titans of the New York fine dining scene. And among his dozen Manhattan restaurants, ABC Kitchen has stayed the epitome of Downtown New York dining since it opened in 2010. The menu is organic, local, and sustainable, and it’s the sort of place where sightings of every celebrity from Martha Stewart to Kanye West are a weekly occurrence. q @abckitchen

Katz’s Delicatessen Lower East Side

This romantic, walk-in, no-reservations West Village restaurant is down to earth yet delicious. It is an exercise in anticipation; one where waiting is just part of an experience. Carnivores will find satisfaction in a hearty bowl of wild boar ragu pappardelle. Much of the menu is plant-based, too, and many will delight in minty artichokes with homemade aioli, and the simple, salty cacio e pepe you’ve been dreaming of. Probably while waiting to get a table to eat it. q @viacarota

If New York had a flavour, it would be pastrami. And Katz’s is the undisputed pastrami king of NYC. This sprawling LES institution has been serving thick-cut, meltingly tender pastrami on rye since 1888. Take an order ticket at the door and go straight to the counter where a row of gruff guys cut meat to order. Also, remember to tip them, and do not, under any circumstances, lose your ticket. q @katzsdeli

Smorgasburg Williamsburg

After a year off due to the pandemic, NYC’s iconic outdoor food market reopened its locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but we think its flagship location in Williamsburg at the Marsha P Johnson State Park every Saturday is the best. There are more than 50 vendors in attendance, so making a decision on what to eat is the ultimate conundrum, but you can’t really go wrong. We suggest a cup of multicoloured baos (@maosbao), a couple of Korean rice hotdogs (@ohkdognyc), and a watermelon juice, served in a whole watermelon (@johnsjuice). q @smorgasburg

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A C T I V E

TRAVEL // NEW YORK CITY

WHERE T O S TAY DINING AT MO LOUNGE

Mandarin Oriental New York Central Park

The conventional route with hotels – as with most buildings – is to 01 start from the bottom up. The ground floor. This well-established wisdom is, thankfully, eschewed at the Mandarin Oriental New York, which occupies floors 35 to 54 02 of a tall skyscraper off of Columbus Circle. Thankfully, because their lofty perch brings with it views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline that can only 03 be described as breath01 MO Lounge 02 Hudson taking. Rooms are River View Room 03 New impressive, with Art Deco dishes at MO Lounge touches mixing nicely 04 Hotel Lobby with hints of Asia; subtle creams and beiges alongside the occasional splash of colour of Asian artwork. Marble bathrooms further the luxurious feel, while flat-screen TVs – with the usual myriad of frenetic US channels – both in the bedroom and the bathroom bring a touch of homely familiarity.

The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly that incredible view, and with floor-to-ceilings windows flooding the vista in, it’s hard not to spend your entire stay simply stood, staring out. Rooms rates start at USD745 (Dhs2,763) for the Hudson River View Room. q mandarinoriental.com

Just in time for our stay, Mandarin Oriental, New York unveiled new dining experience, MO Lounge, and announced the appointment of Chef Toni Robertson as F&B Director. Located on the hotel’s 35th floor, MO Lounge offers an all-day menu of elevated comfort food and well-crafted cocktails while providing spectacular views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Standouts include the mushroom charsiu featuring oyster mushrooms with Chinese BBQ sauce, pickled radish, and whipped almond cream; wonton noodle soup with chicken and shrimp wonton, char siu pork, poached eggs, shitake mushroom, and bok choy; and NY steak bites with black garlic truffle butter.

TRAVELLING TO NEW YORK – HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 01 A New York ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is required for entry into New York, and must be completed online at least three days before travel. Print your approval

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document. Visit, esta.cbp. dhs.gov. 02 Print your vaccination certificate. You will need to show proof of vaccination to dine inside anywhere across New York City.

03 All international arrivals are required to present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours. 04 To return to the UAE, you’ll also need to present a negative PCR test, no older

than 72 hours. Test centres are open across New York and cost approximately Dhs570. Visit, alliance. health.

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DINNER FOR FOUR AT BLA BLA Experience a VIP culinary journey at The Restaurant inside Bla Bla and be one of the first in Dubai to try its fantastic new menu. With Italian and Japanese dishes such as tuna tartare, lobster ravioli and pan-seared halibut, you and your guests are in for a real treat at this JBR hotspot where you’ll each enjoy a threecourse menu and bottle of vino to share. If you’ve yet to visit, Bla Bla is a fantastic shoreside venue

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LASTMINUTE TRIP Here’s why The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is the tropical beach escape you need to try this month Few places in the UAE really offer supreme privacy quite like The RitzCarlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach. Made up of 32 exclusive private villas with private pools, the boutique hotel offers a wonderful escape just 90 minutes from Dubai.

The location Close to Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Beach feels like a very secluded area, yet conveniently located only a short five-minute drive away from shops and amenities. The drive from Dubai feels very fast, and the arrival experience begins with a five-minute boat ride to the welcome jetty. Technically, the hotel isn’t on an island, but this clever tactic sure makes it feel that way.

The look and feel Villas are lined up along a winding path, surrounded by high white walls and an abundance of greenery to create a completely private setting. The beach is vast and peaceful, and guests can enjoy a range of water sports, including kayaking. The resort is long, so if your room is at the far end, you’ll need to call the buggy to get to the restaurant or lobby.

The rooms The villas are inspired by Bedouin tents – if Bedouins had impeccable taste and were partial to chic monochrome furniture. We stayed in an Al Shamal Ocean View Villa, which has a large four poster bed complete with sheer white curtains facing a black and white leather storage unit from where a flat screen TV rises out. There’s a large 86_What’s On

“AL HAMRA BEACH IS THE TYPE OF RESORT WHERE YOU REALLY ESCAPE FROM THE WORLD...” bay window with a spacious reading nook, and a tray set up on arrival for us to DIY our own cocktails. Every inch of the space oozes luxury and all details have been considered to make guests feel at home.

The facilities Al Hamra Beach is the type of resort where you really escape from the world, so expect to spend the majority of your stay in your villa. It comes with a private pool, outdoor shower and bath tub, as well as a long path leading towards the beach, and a sundeck at the end to watch the sunset. The pool is perfectly chilled, and reaches a depth of 1.3 metres so you can properly submerge and relax, before making your way to the cabana to sunbathe. An Instagrammable floating breakfast was served not long after sunrise, on a wicker tray that balances on the water with a

selection of exotic fruits, eggs, coffee, pancakes, French toast and more.

The restaurant The resort has just the one restaurant, Shore House, a nautical themed all-day diner serving a variety of international dishes. Well presented and tasty, the food is clearly an important focus for the team, ensuring that the menu includes something for everyone, from pasta and risotto to steak and seafood.

The room rates A night in the Al Bahar Tented Villa during November starts from Dhs5,013, including breakfast, beach access and private pool. a The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach, Vienna Street, Ras Al Khaimah. Tel: (0)7 204 8888. ritzcarlton.com