Concierge Dubai April 2014

APRIL 2014 | ISSUE 116

APRIL 2014 | ISSUE 116

T H E

L U X U R Y

DUBAI EDITION

F I V E - S T A R

V I S I T O R

M A G A Z I N E

T H E L U X U R Y F I V E - S T A R V I S I T O R M A G A Z I N E LICENSED BY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PRODUCTION ZONE

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www.omegawatches.com

PRESENTS

STARRING

NICOLE KIDMAN

OMEGA Boutiques - Dubai: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Dubai Festival City • Mall of the Emirates • Mina A’Salam • Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Centre • Wafi and at select Rivoli Stores. Abu Dhabi: Marina Mall. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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www.omegawatches.com

PRESENTS

STARRING

NICOLE KIDMAN

OMEGA Boutiques - Dubai: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Dubai Festival City • Mall of the Emirates • Mina A’Salam • Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Centre • Wafi and at select Rivoli Stores. Abu Dhabi: Marina Mall. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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DUBAI MALL ETIHAD TOWERS THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH ISLAND

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APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 116 / DUBAI EDITION

PU BL ISHER ROB N ICHOL A S

EDI TOR I A L GROU P EDI TOR FAY E BA RT L E SE N IOR EDI TOR JACQU E L I N E C A ST E L LUCCI A CON T R IBU T ING EDI TOR OL I V I A CU T HBE RT PRODUC T ION EDI TOR DE BR A FR E E M A N-T HOR PE F E AT U R ES EDI TOR R ACHE L I NGR A M

Welcome to Concierge

CON T R IBU TOR M E L ISSA SL EIM A N

ST U DIO SEN IOR A RT DIR EC TOR A N DR E A T E M PESTA A RT EDI TOR TON Y SA N T I AGO DESIGN ER S K A R E N A L M A Z A N-K A M P TON R I TZ GU T IE R R EZ PHOTOGR A PHER A DH A M SN E E H PRODUC T ION COOR DI NATOR SOH A IL K H A N

A DV ERT ISING HOT EL R EL AT IONSHIP M A NAGER PE DRO CODI NA R EL AT IONSHIP M A NAGER S DA R RY L W IL L E Y ROSE D’SOUZ A C A R ME N SILVA MI A C ACHE RO AYSH A CH A P T I X ING ZH A NG

CIRC U L AT ION & M A R K ET ING C A ROL MIL A N CHR IST IN E H A M A DA

CONCIERGE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND COPIES A R E DIST R I BU T E D F R E E OF C H A RGE I N F I V E -STA R A N D SE L EC T FOU R-STA R HOT E LS. A LT HOUGH E V E RY E F FORT IS M A DE TO E NSU R E T H E ACC U R AC Y OF I N FOR M AT ION CON TA I N E D I N CONCI E RGE M AGA ZI N E , T H E PU BL ISH E R C A N N O T B E H E L D R E S P O N S I B L E F O R A N Y E R RO R S O R INACCUR ACIES. ARTICLES CONTAINED WITHIN CONCIERGE M AGA Z I N E A R E U N DE R COP Y R IGH T TO T H E PU BL ISH E R A ND CA NNOT BE R EPRODUCED OR TR A NSMIT TED IN A N Y FORM, WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING WRITTEN PERMISSION.

April brings with it a fresh feel, one of renewal and opportunity. This is especially the case in Dubai where a host of new developments, attractions and luxury hotel openings add to the ever-changing landscape. The city’s continued evolution means there is a number of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy.

A vibrant cultural scene is also burgeoning, as creative talent from the region and beyond comes together to perfectly complement the emirate’s traditional roots and vision for the future.

Fashion Forward is now established as one of the region’s premier style showcases and as such, attracts promising new talent and international experts.

Concierge meets local designers as they prepare to send their collections down the catwalk in a testament to the incredible pool of talented fashion designers to be found in this region. Turn to page 28 for more.

The mastery of traditional skills, an eye for detail and an incredible amount of patience is required to practise the fine art of calligraphy. Amir Hussein Golshani is utterly dedicated to his craft and creates unique pieces that are both beautiful and innovative. Take a glimpse inside his workshop, where visitors can experience a true taste of local character, on page 42.

Offering a sense of old Dubai, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is an ancient quarter where the city’s past comes to life. As one of Dubai’s oldest areas it is also home to a wonderful collection of art spaces. From galleries that specialise in contemporary pieces to art collectives and exhibitions of celebrated regional artists, there is much to discover during a meander along its winding streets. Learn more on page 62.

The dining scene in Dubai is both vibrant and exciting, offering something new for visitors to explore. As a slew of restaurant openings adds to an already enticing dining scene, a fresh crop of chefs is cooking up a storm in the city leaving much for the discerning diner to enjoy. Turn to page 94 for more.

Enjoy all Dubai has to offer with Concierge.

Nicholas Publishing International FZ LLC P.O. Box 500573, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 4243600 Fax: 04 4327505 Email: concierge@npimedia.com Web: conciergedubai.com Concierge’s circulation is independently audited

by BPA Worldwide www.bpaww.com

Concierge magazine is also available in Russian, Arabic and Mandarin languages. Please request a copy from the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Жу рна л «Конс ьерж» та к же и з дае т с я на русском, арабском и китайском языках. Вы можете попросить экземп ляр ж у рна ла у консьерж-службы в вестибюле гостиницы.

‫ أﻃﻠﺐ ﻧﺴﺨﻪ‬.‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﻛﻮﻧﺴﻴﺮج ﻣﺘﻮﻓﺮة ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﻛﺬﻟﻚ‬ .‫ﻣﻦ ﻣﻜﺘﺐ اﻻﺳﺘﻘﺒﺎل ﻓﻲ ﺑﻬﻮ اﻟﻔﻨﺪق‬ <<Concierge>> 杂志也以俄语﹑中文﹑阿拉伯语出 版，请联系 您所下榻的酒店 前台索取。

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IN FOCUS Cover: Desert pattern, Corbis Photographer: Jellel Gasteli

The desert is an essential part of the story of Dubai, an ever-present element which connects the past to the present. Now one of the world’s most dynamic destinations, it is easy to forget that the emirate was once just a collection of Bedouin tribes forging an existence from an arid landscape. Fortunately, plentiful natural resources saw the country and its people prosper. As a result, the futuristic city of today rose from the desert. These important roots are not forgotten, from the enriching experiences to be had among the dunes to the caramel-hued sands which lap the cityscape.

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Contents APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 116

16/Essentials

The emirate’s top attractions, news and events

24/Show time The elegant choreography of music, water and lights results in a stunning spectacle at The Dubai Fountain

26

Shop 28/Forward thinking

The region’s couture credentials are reaffirmed at this month’s style showcase, Fashion Forward

36/In the moment

Baume et Mercier launches its new campaign with renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh

42/Stroke of genius

A glimpse inside the workshop of master calligrapher Amir Hussein Golshani

From artisanal skills of enamelling and engraving to the use of cutting-edge techniques, the world’s finest timepiece creators are masters of the craft

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CALLIGRAPHY

50/Clock work

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Contents APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 116

60

Discover 62/A history of art

Stroll around Dubai’s oldest quarter Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and discover a vibrant cultural scene

68/A noble legacy

The bold vision of Dubai’s rulers has delivered on a promise of a bright future for the emirate

74/Culture club An enriching encounter awaits visitors to Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

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Experience 78/National treasures

THE EMPTY QUARTER

The UAE’s seven emirates offer a rich landscape of natural and historical wonders to explore

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86/Natural beauty

Unwind with a soothing, natural treatment at one of Dubai’s luxurious spas

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Discover Luxury

The largest selection of genuine 19th century French antiques in the region, 19th Century Antiques includes rare furniture, bronzes, paintings, clock sets, and vases of exceptional quality and taste.

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS, BOULEVARD | DUBAI, UAE TEL: +971 4 3887000 FAX: +971 4 3887111 | WWW.19CENTURYANTIQUES.COM Untitled-9 1

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Contents APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 116

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Taste 94/New sensations

The city’s dynamic dining scene has attracted a new crop of talented chefs

100/A taste of sunshine

Fiery flavours and a sizzling atmosphere can be found in Dubai’s vibrant Spanish restaurants

THE ACT DUBAI

107 The guide

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128/My Dubai

Dubai-based photographer Daniel Cheong shares his city highlights

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Brought to you in association with

Essentials

APRIL

SHOP The Beach

Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest mall, The Beach, is set to breathe fresh life into Jumeirah Beach Residence where a new walkway lined with stores, cafĂŠs and intricate sand sculptures (pictured) makes a lovely spot for a stroll. Upon completion, the beachfront venue will consist of four plazas connected by a boardwalk boasting 70 new luxury retail boutiques, food and beverage outlets and entertainment options that include a cinema. Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence. Contact: meraas.com

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D I S C OV E R

EVENTS IN BRIEF

Dubai Museum

A glimpse into Dubai’s past is offered at this innovative museum, housed in Al Fahidi Fort, one of the city’s oldest buildings which dates back to 1787. The space boasts an array of informative exhibits detailing the emirate’s development from small fishing port to dynamic destination. Models of a pearl diver’s home, the interior of a mosque and an authentic Emirati home offer a unique insight into life in Dubai, past and present.

Where: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. When: Sat to Thu, 8.30am to 8.30pm. Contact: 04 3531862

FILM AND COMIC CON April 3 to 5 The region’s premier event for fans of comic books and graphic art attracts thousands of visitors to a lively programme of talks, workshops and exhibitions at Dubai World Trade Centre. Special guest stars and international experts are expected to join in the vibrant event.

Entrance priced from AED85 per person. Visit: mefcc.com

THE WIZARD OF OZ April 3 to 18 One of the world’s best-loved musicals is brought to the stage in Dubai this month, presented by the producers behind UAE productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and The Sound of Music. This exciting version of The Wizard Of Oz revisits the magical story at Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Priced from AED200. Contact: 04 3666546

E X PER I E NCE The Archive

An exploration of Dubai’s cultural side is offered at The Archive.

Its location is part of the attraction, nestled among Safa Park’s lush greenery. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame picture-perfect vistas, affording beautiful views of Burj Khalifa. Both a library and café, it holds a selection of books on Islamic art and history complemented by a lively programme of talks and art exhibitions.

Choose from a selection of fresh dishes or simply unwind and watch the world go by. When: Daily, 8am to 8pm. Contact: 04 3494033

G U L F F I L M F E S T I VA L

SHOP

Gitex Shopper Spring 2014 The spring edition of the largest IT and electronics show in the Middle East hosts some of the world’s leading brands. With gadgets galore there are plenty of cutting-edge items to browse and buy and a selection of special offers for smart shoppers. Highlights include the very latest digital cameras, smart phones, laptops and tablets all on display at this special shopping event held at Dubai World Trade Centre. When: April 23 to 26, 11am to 11pm. Entrance: From AED15 per person. Contact: gitex.com

April 9 to 15 The best in contemporary cinema from across the region is presented at this eclectic festival celebrating local film talent. Now in its seventh edition, Gulf Film Festival offers a programme of free screenings from professional and established filmmakers as well as up-andcoming student contributors. There is also a host of workshops, talks and seminars to attend. The festival has a new location this year and will take place at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre and Vox Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates.

Visit: gulffilmfest.com

DUBAI DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS April 14 to 15 Spend an enjoyable day watching both the riders and horses at this elegant contest. Follow all the action as the sport’s elite perform at the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Dubai. This entertaining al fresco event makes for a fun day out in the sunshine for all the family.

Visit: emiratesequestriancentre.com

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SHOP

ASK THE CONCIERGE

Arabic perfume

M A N A U WA R A L I , C O N C I E R G E AT T H E A D D R E S S D U B A I M A L L , GIVES HIS EXPERT R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S F O R A M E M O R A B L E S TAY I N T H E C I T Y

Dubai is a remarkable destination with many breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to enjoy.

Amazing vistas of the city can be seen from Neos at The Address Downtown Dubai. Situated on the 63rd floor of the hotel, the lounge provides stunning views of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and out to the city beyond.

As Dubai is home to the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, The Dubai Mall, shoppers are spoilt for choice.

The world’s top labels and most exclusive fashion designers can be found here where a host of restaurants and stand-out features such as The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, mean there is plenty to enjoy. Every whim is catered to and the entire experience is further enhanced by tailored services such as the option to book a personal shopper for the day.

For an experience that is both memorable and thrilling, a sky dive over the incredible vistas of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina is worthwhile. SkyDive Dubai offers a selection of packages with expert instructors so there is something to suit all abilities.

In Dubai, there is an endless choice of destinations for a wonderful evening out. Shades, at The Address Dubai Marina, is a chic and elegant destination offering refreshing cocktails, light dishes and sensational views of the marina’s futuristic skyscrapers.

Also pairing unparalleled food and views is gourmet Thai restaurant Thiptara at The Palace Downtown Dubai, where dinner is served with Burj Khalifa views.

For a sense of Dubai’s rich past, I recommend Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The city’s oldest quarter is defined by traditional architecture and is home to Dubai Museum where fascinating exhibits chart the emirate’s journey from fishing village to metropolis.

Attars are a spicy variety of perfume specific to the region. Derived from natural plant oils, they are highly concentrated and often sold in decorated crystal bottles or decanters. Popular in the Middle East for thousands of years, visitors can purchase one of these special scents by visiting Dubai’s traditional perfume souk in Deira.

When: Daily, 10am to 1pm and 4 to 10pm.

SHOP

Fashion Forward This hugely successful fashion showcase returns for a third instalment as the very best of the region’s design talent participate in an exciting edition. Visitors to the event can expect glamorous catwalk shows, forums, panel discussions with international experts and pop-up stores alongside a fashion café to sit back and unwind after a busy day taking in the packed programme. When: April 10 to 13. Where: Madinat Jumeirah. Contact: fashionforward.ae

TA S T E

Japanese dining Japanese restaurant Toko Dubai is an exciting recent addition to the city’s dining scene. Fresh contemporary flavours and a stunning setting are offered at the venue, which is the first Toko restaurant to open outside Sydney. Presenting the izakaya bar dining concept, the menu encompasses a sushi bar with delicious dishes from a traditional charcoal robata grill. The chic space features minimalist touches with a neutral palette and natural timbers for a welcoming feel. An expansive terrace and mezzanine private dining area add to the offering. Where: Vida Downtown. When: Daily, 6pm to 2am. Contact: 04 4428383. Visit: toko-dubai.com

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ULT I M AT E F E M I N I N I T Y

LIMELIGHT GALA 18K white gold watch Case set with brilliant-cut diamonds

piaget-gala.com

PIAGET BOUTIQUES: Abu Dhabi: Avenue at Etihad Towers, 02 667 0044 Dubai: The Dubai Mall, 04 339 8222 Dubai: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Atlantis 04 422 0233, Burj Al Arab, 04 348 9000 Burjuman Centre, 04 355 9090, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 1211 Abu Dhabi: Al Manara International Jewellery, St. Regis Hotel, 02 6673535

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TA S T E

LOOKING AHEAD A R A B I A N T R AV E L M A R K E T May 5 to 8 This enjoyable event is the most popular annual travel and tourism show in the region.

Destinations from the Middle East and around the world are presented while a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes are highlighted at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entrance is free for pre-registered trade visitors and AED100 at the door for non-registered visitors.

Visit: arabiantravelmarket.com

Cocktail hour

As the sun goes down, Dubai society steps out to enjoy a sophisticated soirée at one of the city’s chic venues.

A new destination already drawing an exclusive crowd is Chinwaggery + Soul which has reopened following an extensve redesign. The bar, lounge and restaurant at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach boasts a slick Manhattan-style feel and offers a refreshing selection of cocktails served alongside delicious dishes from the New York-style brasserie restaurant. Contact: 04 4498888

AL GAFFAL DHOW RACE

SHOP

May The long-distance traditional 60ft dhow contest is the last race in the water sports season. From a base at Dubai International Marine Club, the race is designed to commemorate the pearl divers who were integral to the early trading port of Dubai.

See the stunning dhows slice through the ocean waves as they race from Sur Bu Na’air Island and finish at Mina Seyahi. Contact: 04 3995777

Montblanc

In tribute to a classic piece from Montblanc’s history, the maison has unveiled the Meisterstück Collection. The Meisterstück fountain pen dates back to 1924 and became an iconic luxury pen used by scholars, scientists, artists and statesmen. To mark the 90-year milestone, Montblanc’s Meisterstück Collection is defined by beautiful writing implements, Meisterstück Heritage timepieces and a selection of leather accessories. Available at Montblanc’s boutique at The Dubai Mall. Contact: 04 4340300

D I S C OV E R Dubai Creek Park

Lining the shores of the creek in the heart of the city’s historic quarter is Dubai Creek Park. This verdant oasis offers a peaceful retreat from the fast pace of the city. Winding paths are peppered by a great swathe of landscaped greenery where birds nest in the trees. There are also lush mazes and a nature trail as well as barbecue areas and children’s playgrounds. Arrive by boat for a novel way to reach the park. Berths, located at park entrances, bring visitors fresh from a creek cruise.

RAMADAN June to July The holy month of Ramadan is the most important time of year for Muslims the world over and a period of fasting and religious observance. Learn the true meaning of Ramadan at a host of events designed to bring the city’s multi-cultural communities together during this special time of year. As a sense of religious observance is felt throughout Dubai, a range of festivities inspired by the values of the holy month are presented. Ramadan tents brightly lit by traditional lanterns provide the opportunity to attend gatherings and discover more about local customs and culture.

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WWW.DAMASJEWELLERY.COM 04-4270336 FACEBOOK.COM/DAMASJEWELLERYARABIA

Insta

DAMASJEWELLERY

TWITTER.COM/DAMAS

AVAILABLE AT: BURJ AL ARAB, DUBAI MALL, MALL OF THE EMIRATES.

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Show time

Powerful jets send streams of water soaring into the air in a sensational display, staged daily at Downtown Dubai where an enchanting scene unfolds in front of one of the emirate’s most iconic attractions, Burj Khalifa. An undoubted highlight for any visitor to the city, The Dubai Fountain cleverly choreographs water, light and music with stunning results. The dancing fountain is the world’s tallest, surpassing even the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, whose creators also helped bring The Dubai Fountain to life. Set on Burj Lake, streams of water are sent as high as 500 feet into the air during daily performances. Free to watch, the thrilling fountain shows take place at 1pm and 1.30pm and then every 30 minutes from 6 to 11pm. Each offering is accompanied by a beautiful programme of music, carefully choreographed to the flow of the water. The repertoire includes a stirring selection of pieces such as Andrea Bocelli’s Con te Partirò (Time to Say Goodbye). Each instalment attracts large crowds hoping to take advantage of the stunning photographic opportunities or simply to stand back and take in the stirring show.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ADHAM SNEEH

S NA P S HOT

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Shop Coach

For spring/summer 2014 Coach raises the stakes for stylish accessories.

From bonded totes and soft satchels to the key style of the season, convertible shoulder bags, the luxury leather goods company offers an array of elegant styles. The contemporary collection exhibits a core colour palette of black and rich mahogany complemented by bold hues, all cut from the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature Vachetta leather. Contact: The Dubai Mall, 04 3398670

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Forward thinking Dubai-based designers are set to steal the show at this month’s Fashion Forward event

Dubai’s standing as the fashion capital of the Middle East is steadily becoming recognised the world over. The emirate is already regarded internationally as a luxury-shopping hub but in recent years, following in the well-heeled footsteps of the style capitals of London, New York, Milan and Paris, Dubai has also begun to prove itself as a centre of design talent. A growing number of emerging fashion designers have cultivated their careers in the UAE and are being praised worldwide for their innovative western and Arabic-inspired designs. With the formation of the new Dubai Design and Fashion Council and the upcoming Dubai Design District, the talent pool is poised to widen still as further opportunities are created for fashion-savvy individuals. In addition, numerous recent events have made much progress towards solidifying Dubai’s place on the world fashion map, including Dubai Fashion Week, the Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience and the biannual Fashion Forward shows. Ahead of the third instalment of Fashion Forward, from April 10 to 13, Concierge speaks to some of the most exciting creative minds showcasing their latest collections at the event.

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EZRA COUTURE, FASHION FORWARD

FA S HI ON FORW A RD / S HOP

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SHO P/ FA S HIO N FO RW A RD

“Alongside designing ready-to-wear garments from his atelier in Dubai, Santos has collaborated with international jewellery house Swarovski”

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Ezra Couture As many designers before him, Ezra Santos was first inspired by the magic of the silver screen. At a young age in his hometown of Manila, Phillippines, Santos was transfixed by couture dresses featured in black and white movies from the 1940s and 1950s. After studying fine art in his home country and then fashion in London where he specialised in cutting and draping, Santos relocated to Saudi Arabia to launch his design career by creating garments for wealthy Arab clientele. In the early 1990s, he moved to Dubai and gained his first experience in the UAE working with bridal specialist House of

Arushi. Influences from this period can be seen in the use of materials and structuring in many of his couture gowns – highlights of his seasonal collections that are praised for their dreamy, yet extravagant, styles.

To this day, Santos’ primary influences continue to motivate him. “Each collection has to have a storyline. Just like a movie, it has to be dramatic and full of life,” he says.

Citing a raft of other stimuli such as museums and architecture discovered while travelling abroad, Santos describes his signature style as “elegant and sophisticated with clean cuts and precise tailoring”.

Alongside designing ready-to-wear garments from his atelier in Dubai, Santos has collaborated with international jewellery house Swarovski and is currently working towards fulfilling a personal dream to create a prêt-a-porter line of wedding dresses.

Meanwhile, speaking of what guests to Fashion Forward can expect from his show, the ever-enigmatic designer teases: “Expect the unexpected.”

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For more information, visit: ezrafashiondesign.com

5 1 Ezra Santos 2 & 3 Fashion Forward 2013 4 & 5 Ezra Couture 3

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DUBAI, Mall of Emirates, Dubai Mall (shop-in-shop at Galeries Lafayette) - DOHA, The Gate Mall - KUWAIT CITY, Al Hamra Mall LORIBLU +39.0734.994696 shop at www.loriblu.com

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SHO P/ FA S HIO N FO RW A RD

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6 Fashion Forward 2013 7 Yago Goicoechea and Riccardo Audisio 8 & 9 Taller Marmo

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C O N TA C T S Ezra Couture, 04 3955385

Taller Marmo, available at Ush Boutique,

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04 3442202

Zayan the Label, available at s*uce at The Dubai Mall, 04 3399696

Taller Marmo When Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea first met while studying in Milan they could not predict they would drop out of university, become masters of womenswear, move to Dubai and launch a fashion label, but that is exactly what they did. The entrepreneurial pair – an Italian and Argentinian respectively – imbue their different tastes but with a signature style that is both nostalgic and fresh, all brought together under one name, Taller Marmo.

“We blend timeless sophistication, contemporary imagery and classic lines with a touch of avant garde. We are constantly inspired by strong women and cult movements from Peggy Guggenheim and her art collection to Dalida (an Italian singer and actress) and Game of Thrones,” says Goicoechea.

Named after the Spanish word for workshop (‘taller’) and the Italian for marble (‘marmo’), Taller Marmo essentially sums up a commitment to handmade luxury. Building a bridge between European elegance and Middle Eastern

charm is the label’s ultimate aim. Taking this vision literally, all ready-to-wear pieces are designed in the UAE and then crafted by artisans in Italy. “Once our research is done, we complete around a thousand sketches.

Then we choose the best ideas before flying to Italy to produce them. There we select the fabrics and details and our pattern-maker works on them. Finally, we hand them over to the production laboratory where they sew our pieces before final designs are sent back to Dubai,” Goicoechea explains.

At Fashion Forward, the pair will premiere their autumn/winter 2014 collection, focusing on evening wear and Taller Marmo’s signature sleek silhouette. As for the runway presentation, the designers have collaborated with photographers and artists from different fields to ensure that the show really impresses on the night.

For more information, visit: tallermarmo.com

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SHO P/ FA S HIO N FO RW A RD

Zayan the Label Zayan Ghandour first entered the fashion industry in a fairly humble manner, creating limited edition T-shirts from her home in Beirut, Lebanon. After settling in Dubai a decade ago, Ghandour co-founded s*uce, a multi-brand fashion and lifestyle concept that now numbers five boutiques in the UAE and a thriving website.

Following this success, she revived her passion for clothing design and launched Zayan the Label at Paris Fashion Week three years ago.

Describing her designs as “determinedly girly but always with an extra detail such as a pop of colour where you least expect it or a new take on a certain fabric”, Ghandour’s vision is to design attire that exudes an air of playful femininity while being modern and luxurious.

Fabrics remain of upmost importance and each year the designer and her team visit trade shows around the world to uncover fresh styles and patterns. They also frequently work with suppliers to develop bespoke styles such as the

Miss Croc print. “I like to make sure there’s always an element of surprise and fun in every single thing I style, wear or design,” she adds.

Zayan the Label will be exhibiting its autumn/ winter 2014 ‘I Want the Fairytale’ collection at Fashion Forward this month. Inspired by the classic movie Pretty Woman, the line features designs loosely based on outfits worn by the film’s heroine Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, but with a modern and spirited twist.

“It is about going after your dreams and marching through obstacles and setbacks,” Ghandour explains. Fashion Forward guests will find that the designer always ensures the runway show is as fun and unique as possible; last season she installed real grass on the catwalk to tie into the spring theme. This season, Ghandour’s favourite piece from the upcoming collection is a rose gold embroidered leather biker jacket.

For more information, visit: zayan.com

10 Bong Guerrero 11 & 12 Zayan the Label 13 Zayan Ghandour 14 Fashion Forward 2013

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W H O ? W H AT ? W E A R… Fashion Forward strutted into Dubai with confidence in April 2013. Hosting its third season this month, the biannual, four-day event showcases and celebrates fashion design in the region in a series of catwalk shows by locally based designers and VIP-studded social events. Founder Bong Guerrero says: “When selecting designers for Fashion Forward, we are careful to stay true to our mission to nurture and support emerging and established Middle Eastern designers. By this, we mean that the designers must be of Middle Eastern origin or their businesses must be based in the Middle East.

We have not been short of talent so far and we look forward to revealing more of our finds from across the region as the seasons go on.”

The event nurtures the local design industry by inviting key experts such as brand CEOs and well-known

designers from across the globe to participate in talks and panels discussions.

“The interest and support that Fashion Forward receives from international fashion experts is a great testament to what we, as a region, have to offer.

Involving so many highprofile experts from around the world has considerably bolstered the event and has enabled us to share our ideas and vision, while also learning from the best in the business,” he adds.

In addition, guests can explore The Garden where they’ll find presentations from accessory designers available to purchase, visit The Fashion Gallery to view artworks and photographs and mingle with other style aficionados in the Fashion Café. With the number of VIP guests and photographers predicted to be present, dressing to impress is a necessity.

For more information and show schedules, visit: fashionforward.ae

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In the moment Concierge heads to Paris to dine with Baume et Mercier as the luxury watch maison celebrates the launch of its new campaign with acclaimed photographer Peter Lindbergh

World-renowned photographer, Peter Lindbergh, has spent his working life stripping away artifice.

Since the day he shot that career-defining image featuring the up-and-coming supermodels of the day as a gaggle of girls on the beach, his output has been characterised by a dedication to the real, tangible and unembellished. The shoot, which showed the models in loose white shirts, their hair scraped back and carefree grins in place of the customary stiff-lipped pouts, was a dramatic departure from the stylised fashion photography of the time. “Back then, at the end of the ’80s, I just wanted to do something different,” says Lindbergh. “I no longer wanted to photograph women in haute-couture, laden with diamonds, carrying crocodile handbags. I wanted to bring their natural beauty to light.” It was this element of honesty and authenticity, honed over a lifetime spent shooting many of the world’s most beautiful and high-profile women, that brought luxury watch maison Baume et Mercier to his door with a request to shoot a new campaign marking a fresh direction for the brand.

The brief was simple – to create a series of images that would encapsulate the brand’s premise ‘life is about moments’ by focusing on a different celebration in each. Now, following a successful collaboration in which Lindbergh and Baume et Mercier enjoyed what brand CEO Alain Zimmerman describes as a relationship based on ‘mutual understanding and genuine affection’, the team is ready to unveil the final works to the public. Before this, however, a select media circle was invited to preview the campaign at an intimate dinner held in Hotel de Vendôme in Paris last month.

Lindbergh’s attendance at an event such as this, however low-key and exclusive, is rare, but for Baume et Mercier he made an exception. The evening got underway with canapés, drinks and a chance to meet and talk to the famous photographer whose natural ease and unassuming manner was entirely without the aloofness that might be expected from someone venerated as a master of his field. Around the edges of the room, the photographs, discreetly displayed on easels, provided a subtle reminder that these are not just campaign images but works of art in their own right.

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One shows a newly married couple in a car on their wedding day. The image captures the first moment in which the pair is really alone after the fanfare of the ceremony when, just for a short while, they can escape all the guests and celebrate together. Neither looks at the camera. The man’s eyes are down and a shy smile conveys his pleasure while the woman’s gaze is concentrated ahead as though looking towards their future; her head bent towards her new husband in a gesture of intimacy.

It’s easy to build a narrative around this image. The aim, says Zimmerman, is to tell the story of this couple and every couple on their wedding day, inviting the viewer to participate in the action of the photograph and engage with the emotions it conveys.

It’s the same story for all the pictures in this campaign, each of which is centered on a

celebratory moment that people can relate to. “When you look at these pictures it’s not the beauty of the models or the scenery that you notice. You look at them to understand and to feel what is taking place. That is what this campaign is all about and what Baume et Mercier stands for – feelings and emotions,” Zimmerman explains.

Each image captures a different celebratory occasion that anyone, anywhere in the world, can comprehend. “At the very start, we identified those landmark moments that are common to everyone in the world, irrespective of region or religion. Anniversaries, birthdays, marriages, births and self-accomplishments – these are universal milestones and achievements that we can all relate to while things like Eid, Chinese New Year and Christmas are specific to certain groups of people and so we’ve left them out for now.

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1 Baume et Mercier Clifton 10152 2 Baume et Mercier Clifton 10139 3 Baume et Mercier Linea 10092 4 Peter Lindbergh on set at the Baume et Mercier campaign shoot capturing the wedding image 5 Baume et Mercier wedding campaign image 3

“There is a flexibility in the visuals,” he continues, pointing out that, although a number of them are dedicated to women, such as the birth shot, others, including the wedding and birthday party image appeal to both, while the self-reward visual is much more male-focused. The latter, featuring a handsome middle-aged man driving his vintage sports car is the shot Zimmerman believes will have most resonance in the UAE. It’s a simple yet compelling depiction of wealth and success that portrays Baume et Mercier as the brand of choice to celebrate personal achievement.

As a whole, however, the campaign feels slightly more female-focused, a ref lection of the brand’s renewed commitment to women’s watches. Later in the year, an entirely new line of ladies’ timepieces will

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Showrooms Dubai Mall | Dubai Marina Mall | Mall of the Emirates | Wafi | Gold Souk retail@mahallatijewellery.ae â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.mahallatijewellery.com Tel: +971 4 2262277

SHO P/ BA UME ET MERCIER

be unveiled featuring a fresh name, shape and image. “As the collection stands, we only have the Linea and a little bit of the Hampton and Clifton lines to offer women. However, come September/October we will redress the balance,” says Zimmerman, adding: “The portfolio will never be 50:50 because men’s watches will always be that much stronger but Baume et Mercier prides itself on being a legitimate ladies’ watch brand and we need the collections to reflect that.”

A little digging into the brand’s past reveals a longstanding relationship between Baume et Mercier and women. “Very early on, Baume et Mercier established its female vision with elegant collections dedicated to women,” says Alexandre Peraldi, design director at the brand. The Baignoire model, launched in the 1920s, embraced the era’s emerging vision of a new, emancipated female and set a precedent for pioneering female designs at Baume et Mercier. This had a lot to do with the new collaboration between William Baume, a fourth generation watchmaker and a man with no horological experience whatsoever named Paul Mercier.

What Mercier did have, however, was a flair for feminine fashions and he quickly set about translating his know-how from the world of women’s couture into the relatively

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6 Baume et Mercier Linea 10011 7 Baume et Mercier CEO Alain Zimmerman 8 Baume et Mercier design director Alexandre Peraldi 9 Baume et Mercier museum collection, known as The ‘Secret’ wristwatch with cover, circa 1960. This piece formed the inspiration behind the more modern Linea Collection 10 Baume et Mercier campaign image

“For women, a watch is as much a jewellery piece as a time-keeping device and not simply about producing a smaller version of the men’s models”

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new realm of ladies’ watches. “Mercier understood that, for women, a watch is as much a jewellery piece as a time-keeping device and not simply about producing a smaller version of the men’s models. Creating a new ladies watch is much more challenging than designing a timepiece for men, who are attracted more by well-crafted horological features. Women look at a watch much more as an accessory and will pay more attention to features such as the geometry, thickness and elegance of design,” Zimmerman says.

A strong ladies line has been in the pipeline since 2009, when Baume et Mercier launched a new five-year strategy that has seen it realign itself as a luxury brand and place greater emphasis on the concept of celebration with the ‘life is about moments’ tag line. The focus reinforces the centrality of feelings and emotions to the brand’s image, concepts that have long underpinned Baume

et Mercier but never been spotlighted in this fashion till now. According to Lindbergh: “Photographs are truly magical when they enable moments that cannot be seen with one’s eyes to be captured.” This is precisely where the power of the campaign rests – in the irresistible tug to engage with these images and project personal experiences onto the familiar occasions they represent.

Perhaps the most evocative image in the sequence is the birth celebration shot. The moment was the most challenging to capture because of the young model but Lindergh managed to get the shot in the minutes after he awoke from a nap. The look on this child’s face is one that mothers recognise and respond to instantly, says Zimmerman. It’s an interaction that characterises the entire sequence, where each image prioritises the viewer over the subject and invites their interaction. From the start, Lindbergh was adamant that there should be no celebrities in this shoot because, as Zimmerman explains: “In these pictures, the star is not the model on film but the person standing in front of them engaging with the scene and identifying with the emotions conveyed.”

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18/02/2014 13:53 3/3/14 8:33 AM

AMIR HUSSEIN GOLSHANI

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Stroke of genius A personalised artwork by calligrapher Amir Hussein Golshani makes a unique souvenir to treasure forever

Nestled deep within the winding corridors of Khan Murjan souk is Golden Pen, a humble workshop run by Iranian artist Amir Hussein Golshani. Visitors to the colourful store are immediately drawn to the sketches and clippings that cover the walls and classical music which plays as the artisan focuses on his latest project.

A framed sketch on his desk says â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;silenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Arabic calligraphy in a bid to minimise interruptions and allow the master calligrapher to concentrate. However, in the moments when Golshani is not lost in his work, he is more than happy to share his incredible stories with those who come calling.

Golshani first discovered his talent for calligraphy at eight years old. He claims that he had been a very poor writer up until this point but was greatly inspired by a teacher who transformed his handicraft and in due course, his life. Now, more than 25 years later, he is a highly skilled artisan with expertise in three categories: calligraphy, engraving and carving. A master of the written word, Golshani writes and engraves in Arabic, English, Persian or Russian, depending on each request. He also works on an eclectic variety of materials including paper, leather, metal, eggs and his favourite; shell. The artist also carves calligraphy in wood, deftly creating a 3D word or phrase in Arabic from a single piece without the use of glue.

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“Whether in Arabic, Persian or English, calligraphy has one root. It is something like painting; when you can paint, for example, a flower, you can paint another flower. For me, this kind of art is a way to show feelings and love to people,” Golshani says.

Forming intricate shapes out of words to signify a story or emotion through each piece in this way, Golshani creates truly unique designs. He can blend the names of a husband and wife together in a heart emblem, merge the names of an entire family in the silhouette of a flower or even script a name in the shape of a horse to represent the recipient’s love of equestrianism. “Every day I practice.

Whenever I see a picture or a graphic design

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“Every day I practice. Whenever I see a picture or a graphic design I wonder how I can use it in calligraphy?

I sometimes mix different arts, for example calligraphy with graphics or engraving with calligraphy or carving”

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1 Engraving of ‘Allah’ on the tip of a needle 2 Engraving on a shell pendant 3 Stamp created for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

I wonder how I can use it in calligraphy. I sometimes mix different arts; for example calligraphy with graphics or engraving with calligraphy or carving,” he says.

Dedicated and patient, Golshani can spend months in some cases on just one piece. He explains: “Some jobs take one or two days, while others take weeks or even months, for example one nugget made for a sheikh contained an engraving of six pages of the Qur’an and took three months to complete. Like many of his pieces, the best way to appreciate the intricacy of the work is with a magnifying glass.

Hand engraving on shells is Golshani’s favourite task. “Shells have a nice feel because the material was born in the water. Metal has no feeling but I feel shells are alive so I am especially happy when I work with them,” he explains. Shells in myriad colours are sourced from around the world before Golshani cuts them into a variety of shapes, from simple

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KHAN MURJAN Entering Khan Murjan is like stepping back in time into a historical 14th century souk.

One of Dubai’s best kept secrets, the two-level souk, situated under Wafi Mall, is split into four visually striking quarters, each of which with an architectural style to match its country: Moroccan, Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish.

Here, a variety of vendors from across the Middle East display their wares and shoppers can explore myriad boutiques and stalls selling Arabic fashion, perfume, incense, carpets, antiques, souvenirs, art and jewellery

4 Golshani prepares his calligraphy tools 5 Souk Khan Murjan 6 Amir Hussein Golshani‘s workshop

circles to hearts, stars and swords. The shells are then engraved and transformed into necklace pendants. Such pieces can be custom ordered or customers can choose to have a special message engraved on a ready-cut shell in store. Golshani also carves messages on items such as watches and mobile phone cases in a perfect example of traditional techniques integrating with modern culture.

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Engraving such intricate designs demands a special level of concentration. A heightened sense of control is required above all and this was particularly the case when Golshani created his greatest accomplishment to date, an Arabic engraving of the name ‘Allah’ on the tip of a steel needle. In order to engrave on such a miniscule surface Golshani fashioned his own tool for the task from graphite that was cut with diamond to make it extremely sharp. He then meditated to bring his heart rate down and slow his breathing in an effort to steady his hands. He explains: “In engraving you can’t have mistakes. The first mistake is the last mistake. I started to engrave on the needle without a lens or a microscope. I could not see what I was doing, I just imagined a picture in my mind.” After attempting

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the design many times over the course of 30 hours he finally completed the piece. The needle almost made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest engraving, but was rejected for being too intricate to be challenged.

Another of Golshani’s proudest items is a stamp he crafted for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, bearing his name. The stamp is 0.9 millimetres in diameter – smaller than a pin head – and the print when stamped is only visible through a magnifying glass. He says: “This piece is a mix of three arts; calligraphy, engraving and jewellery. This is a stamp but the idea is very

“They are not my customers, they are my friends now. To me, it’s not only business. I am not engraving on the metal, really, I engrave on the mind.

My customers don’t forget me and in that way, my art is forever” 7 Arabic calligraphy 8 Shell engraved with pages from the Qur’an 9 A stamp with wax seal

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unique; it doesn’t need any ink or seal or a stamp pad.” Golshani also makes a range of historical-style stamps that can be used with ink or a wax sealing, as well as innovative creations such as stamps on the bottom of pens.

He adds: “For me there is no impossible. I believe you can do anything if you want to; in art or in your life.”

While Golshani’s art is highly regarded the world over, in places as far away as Japan, his business continues by word of mouth only and he makes a humble living from recommendations and commissions. In his workshop the artisan holds dear a prized book containing business cards from his many visitors, which span all sections of society, from members of the UAE royal family to prime ministers from Europe and visitors from across the globe. He says: “I love to show my art to people all over the world. They are not my customers, they are my friends now. To me, it’s not only business. I am not engraving on the metal, really, I engrave on the mind. My customers don’t forget me and in that way, my art is forever.”

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Clock work As this year's Baselworld comes to a close Concierge considers the expertise and time-tested techniques employed by the world's leading luxury watchmakers

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A. LANGE & SÖHNE

PHOT O E S S A Y / S HOP

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P E R F E C T PA R T S : A . L A N G E & S Ă&#x2013; H N E

All aspects of the production process are subject to rigorous quality checks from start to finish. Once the standard of each part has been verified, a team of master craftsmen piece together the mechanism. This procedure is carried out several times. The first assembly provides an opportunity to see whether all the parts fit together and make any final adjustments before the movements are taken apart, re-examined and cleaned again.

The slightest scratch or dust particle to enter the mechanism at this stage must be removed before the parts are pieced together once more by hand

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At the heart of each A. Lange & Sรถhne timepiece is the movement. This intricate piece of machinery is composed of several hundred minute parts, each of which must be a precise size, shape and weight in order to produce the highest level of accuracy attainable. To ensure these specifications meet the required standard, A. Lange & Sรถhne crafts all quality-relevant movements in-house

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ENAMELLING: J A E G E R - L E C O U LT R E

It takes weeks of intense concentration and time-honed expertise, not to mention a lot of patience and extremely nimble fingers to make an enamel miniature. Owners looking to personalise their timepieces can request a particular image to adorn the watch face and have a motif or message etched onto the reverse by the manufacture's skilled enamellists

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There are few workshops in the world capable of producing miniature painting on enamel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a skill that many thought lost until Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to revive it and create a series of striking and unique watch faces in the process. There are currently three enamel miniaturists working in the brand's manufacture using traditional techniques such as cloisonnĂŠ and grand feu

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PROTOTYPE TESTING: IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

Perfection proves a hard task master at IWC Schaffhausen where around 30 gruelling tests must be carried out over a period of several months before the watch passes inspection. Only when a number of prototypes have endured extreme conditions and a pilot run has been performed to rule out any possible glitches, will the model be put into production. Among the procedures carried out is the impact test, where the watch is exposed to various rates of acceleration and the climate tests, where the models must withstand a temperature range of -20 to +70 degrees Celsius and up to 95 percent humidity. One of the most demanding operations is known as the chapuis extrĂŞme and involves placing the watch inside a small container and shaking it around for several hours

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DIAL MAKING: GLASHÜTTE

One of the most complicated tasks at the Glashütte manufacture involves the creation of the brand's beautiful dials. This highly specialised work is carried out at a dedicated manufactory in Pforzheim. Here, a team of goldsmiths and dial experts create the parts from scratch using the higest quality materials

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The average dial is 0.8 milimetres thick and must correspond exactly to the movement it will later be linked to. Once this base is complete, colour is added in a process known as galvanisation.

The dial is then placed in a kiln for one to two hours, depending on the depth of colour required. At the final stages lines, numbers and logos are added to the face.

This delicate procedure is carried out via the pad printing method in which an inked image is collected from a reverse-image engraving and pressed onto the dial

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Discover A stitch in time

Persian carpet making is an ancient craft which draws on centuries of inspiration. Artisans hand-weave designs in an array of vivid colours and patterns. Wonderful examples of carpets can be seen in Dubai, adorning mosques and historic buildings. This piece is among a beautiful selection available to buy at National Iranian Carpets, Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Contact: 04 4200264.

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A history of art A stroll around Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood reveals a vibrant quarter peppered with art treasures

The distinctive silhouette of traditional wind towers sets one of Dubai’s oldest districts apart in a city that has become the very definition of modernity. Stretching from the banks of Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood stands at the crossroads of old and new Dubai, offering visitors a glimpse into the emirate’s past.

The historic quarter, formerly known as Bastakiya, started life as a collection of homes for the fishermen who forged a living from the creek’s bustling banks. As Dubai’s fishing industry grew, it brought wealth to the emirate long before the discovery of oil and saw the city rise from coastal village to futuristic metropolis. In the years that followed, as oil wealth secured Dubai’s future and the city took on a new purpose, a commitment was made to preserve the winding walkways and traditional architecture of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where it all began.

Today, visitors flock to the area for the unique charm that lies in its connection to old Dubai. A thriving art scene has breathed new life into the neighbourhood as a fascinating juxtaposition between a cutting-edge cultural community and its historical origins unfolds. With its strong cultural ties, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood has, over the decades, attracted a clutch of galleries, exhibition spaces and artists. The result is not only an eclectic selection of art venues for visitors to explore but the emergence of an artistic hub in one of the city’s best-loved areas.

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THE MAJLIS GALLERY

A RT S CE N E / DIS COVE R

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DIS C O VER/ A RT SCEN E

One of the most established of the area’s art spaces is The Majlis Gallery, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The venue is the brainchild of interior designer Alison Collins who arrived in Dubai in 1976 and soon fell in love with the city and its oldest quarter.

“When I first arrived, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood was still very much a residential area, full of so much charm and because of that, I feel as if the area chose me. I managed to secure a lease on a villa and organised my first exhibition in 1979. Things really just grew from there,” says Collins.

One of Dubai’s best-loved exhibition spaces, the gallery itself is a beautiful venue spread around a traditional Arabian-style courtyard where lush green plants and colourful flowers are the backdrop to an eclectic array of artworks on display.

Having nurtured the space right from the start, Collins says: “From the outset, our mission was to show the work of artists of international repute and that is what we still do. All of our artists have a deep understanding and affection for the culture here.

“Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers something truly unique. The area is totally pedestrian with an ‘open doors’ policy which means people can wander through the area at their own pace”

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1 The Majlis Gallery 2 & 3 XVA Gallery 4 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

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Many of them have shown with us for over 20 years, though we do mentor new talent too.

“I think art can be shown successfully in many different ways and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers something truly unique. The area is totally pedestrian with an ‘open doors’ policy which means people can wander through the area at their own pace, reliving the past while linking to the future of this wonderfully vibrant city. It’s not just the galleries and museums that are fascinating; the souks and Dubai Creek make any visit to this area a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

The Majlis Gallery continues to forge ahead and bring a host of local and international artists to Dubai. Visitors to the gallery can look forward to an exciting upcoming exhibition programme that includes handmade carpets from Afghanistan, bronze sculptures, portraiture, expressive paintings from Cornish artist Paul Wadsworth as well as a selection of pieces from emerging Emirati artists.

Keen to continue fostering a thriving art scene for visitors to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Collins has high hopes for cultural development in the quarter and across Dubai.

She says: “The art scene in Dubai has its own life force and will develop naturally, as has every cultural movement throughout time.

As part of that, at The Majlis Gallery, we will continue to offer visitors a warm welcome, tranquility and visual stimulation to help educate them about our artists.”

A more recent addition to the historic quarter’s art scene is XVA Gallery, a cutting-edge exhibition space showing innovative works from the Middle East and beyond.

“XVA Gallery opened 10 years ago in House 15 of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. I first visited the area in 1993 and was completely charmed by the old houses. I knew then it would be the location for my gallery and a decade later, after Dubai Heritage Department renovated the houses, we opened,” says Mona Hauser, XVA Gallery owner.

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“Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is an inspiring space to explore. The traditional architecture offers a contrasting backdrop to exhibit contemporary art. The whole area offers a relaxed atmosphere that lends itself to quiet contemplation of the arts exhibited in the galleries and public spaces,” Hauser adds.

XVA Gallery has showcased an impressive roster of local and international talent over the years, which has included a strong contingent of conceptual artists with fresh, new ideas. Among them is Iranian artist Morteza Zahedi who constructs colourful pieces from discarded toys and objects. The work of Pakistan’s Simeen Farhat has also featured regularly with unique creations that

V I S I T T H E S PA C E : The Majlis Gallery: For an upcoming programme of exhibitions and events, visit: themajlisgallery.com XVA Gallery: Rite of Passage by Walid Siti runs until April 17.

Visit: xvagallery.com A.i.R. Dubai: An exhibition of the outcomes of the residency at House 11 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood runs throughout April, visit:

delfinafoundation.com

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blend resin sculpture and poetry, while Iraqi artist Halim Al Karim’s photography offers a thought-provoking take on conf lict and events in his homeland. An exhibition from acclaimed Iraqi artist Walid Siti runs until April 17 and will be another major draw. Siti uses painting, drawing, print-making and installation to explore a variety of themes surrounding the notion of changing social and political landscapes and the impact on the experiences of individuals.

Elsewhere in the district, Delfina Foundation art collective can be found in two traditional villas on one of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood’s winding streets. The international cultural organisation has brought a fresh approach to fostering the arts in the area by offering three-month residencies as part of the Artists in Residence (AiR) Dubai initiative. Since 2011, Delfina Foundation has partnered with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Art Dubai annual art fair and local gallery Tashkeel for the innovative programme. It brings together Emirati and international artists, curators and arts organisations in the UAE and the UK through open studios, educational activities and exhibitions.

“AiR Dubai is a ground-breaking partnership that sees international and Emirati artists come together in residence with a curator.

The international artists live in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood during the project when all of the artists share studio space in

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House 11, which is then transformed into a gallery to showcase the artistic outcomes of the residencies,” says Aaron Cezar, Delfina Foundation director.

He continues: “The main aim of the residencies is to promote exchange and experimentation and to offer a space where artists and curators can reflect on what they do, create career-defining research and network with colleagues. Since the pilot year in 2011, we have engaged 12 Emirati artists, 10 international artists and three international curators.

“The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. The programme is creating new life for unused houses in the area. In our first year, a woman who used to live in the residency house attended the opening. She was impressed by Iranian-Canadian artist Abbas Akhavan’s work, which reproduced where the house’s well was previously located. It brought back fond memories for her.”

Cezar believes a combination of historic setting and eclectic cultural mix makes Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood an ideal location for fostering artistic growth.

He says: “Al Fahidi offers a wonderful context, given its history which is ideal for artistic production. The neighbourhood is surrounded by a rich mix of different communities and being pedestrian, creates more of a community context. It is an ideal location for many types of exhibitions because of the intimacy of the spaces. There is something more personal about this kind of exchange with art and architecture and I hope Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood continues to emerge as a major new place of artistic production.”

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DUBAI ART SEASON 14 MARCH - 15 APRIL 2014

SHAPING DUBAI'S CREATIVE LANDSCAPE

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BE PART OF THE CITY'S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND ARTS From March 14th to April 15th, the first annual Dubai Art Season will offer the nation’s creative talent a new sustainable platform to express their talents and play a prominent role in Shaping Dubai’s Creative Landscape.

This month-long initiative will showcase a selection of the city’s most prominent artistic events including SIKKA Art Fair, Design Days Dubai, Art Dubai, Middle East Film & Comic Con and Gulf Film Festival.

The Season’s rich programme also transforms the city’s public spaces into artistic centrepieces adorned with a variety of different art installations for public viewing.

Discover Dubai Art Season by visiting dubaiculture.ae Media Partners:

#dxbartseason14

Venue Partners:

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HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

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A noble legacy The UAE’s inspirational leaders have helped build a proud history and strong foundations for a bright future WORDS BY

MELISSA SLEIMAN

The world over, the United Arab Emirates is a nation much admired for its innovative spirit and limitless vision. A place where architectural heights are reached and ambitious investments green-lighted as daring projects are realised. Throughout the country’s extraordinary journey, from a collection of desert settlements to dynamic global destination, its leaders have shown the way with sights fixed firmly on the future and a singular determination to succeed.

Recent strides further forward, spearheaded by the country’s leadership, are set to propel the UAE to even greater status on the world stage. The capital’s Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan is widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of urban planning. A marriage of the spectacular and practical, the strategy takes into account sustainability issues and historical reverence.

By 2030, it will enable Abu Dhabi to triple its population to an incredible three million residents. Stellar success is also anticipated in Dubai as plans progress to stage Dubai Expo 2020. A raft of bold projects for the event, across all facets of life in the UAE, are set to further transform the nation’s landscape.

This winning spirit is rooted in the ambition and determination of the UAE’s ruling families. The country’s growth trajectory has been breathtaking since oil started to flow in the early 1960s, but it could easily have gone off the rails without a distinct plan. Fortunately for the UAE, the oil bonanza hit during the time of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, he was integral to the unification of the emirates, which commenced in earnest from 1971 when the British-Trucial Sheikdoms treaty expired on December 1. A union was forged between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and, on December 2, the constitution was written and other emirates entered the fold.

The father of the UAE had well and truly arrived, with Sheikh Zayed elected by his fellow rulers as the first President of the UAE – a post to which he was successively re-elected at five-year intervals until his death in 2004.

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Born in 1918 in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed held vivid memories of the UAE as an economy built on fishing and pearl diving. Through the late 1920s and 1930s, Sheikh Zayed’s thirst for knowledge took him into the desert with Bedouin tribesmen to learn all he could about their way of life. He later recalled with pleasure his experiences of desert life and his initiation into the sport of falconry, which became a lifelong passion and a formative influence on his philosophy and governing methods. One foundation of his philosophy as a leader and statesman was that the resources of the country should be fully used for the benefit of the people, including the women of the UAE who thrived within his inclusive vision on education, employment and equality.

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Through the late 1920s and 1930s, Sheikh Zayed’s thirst for knowledge took him into the desert with Bedouin tribesmen to learn all he could about their way of life

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In governing the nation, Sheikh Zayed drew from Bedouin traditions of consensus and consultation. At an informal level, that principle has long been practised through the institution of the majlis (council) where a leading member of society holds an ‘openhouse’ discussion forum, at which any individual may put forward views for discussion and consideration.

“Sheikh Zayed had a great vision of what he wanted the country to become,” explains Peter Hellyer, a writer, columnist and historian who specialises in the UAE’s past and present and currently serves as the director of research for the UAE Federal Government’s National Media Council.

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“He understood the deprivation of the years before oil because he grew up in those and he understood that there was a need for revenues from oil to be used for the benefit of the people.

That was the focus of his time as ruler and president. At the same time, he was aware of issues such as sustainability. You could see that in his approach to wildlife conservation and environmental conservation. From his own experience he knew if you overfished or overhunted you depleted resources and some resources cannot be replaced – once they are gone they are gone. He had the same attitude to the development of the oil industry. He ensured that production, although rising, was done in accordance with the right techniques and at the right pace.

“If you’re going to build for the future, you don’t want to remove the resources that can enable that to happen.

“It means you have to protect some things and you have to do some things slower because you have to focus on the long term. It’s a long climb to the plateau, so you need a long steady approach,” adds Hellyer.

Such was Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to the UAE’s natural heritage – celebrating and preserving both flora and fauna – that he became the first head of state to receive the World Wildlife Fund’s Gold Panda award.

Another defining feature of his leadership was his desire to support international peacekeeping efforts, including supporting efforts in Lebanon and Somalia, as well as being one of the first world leaders to express support for the decision by the North Atlantic Treaty

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Organisation (NATO) to launch its aerial campaign to force Serbia to halt its genocidal activities against the people of Kosovo.

His focus was also on relief and rehabilitation, with organisations like the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, established

by Sheikh Zayed before the foundation of the UAE and the Red Crescent Society lending support across the world in times of need.

Today, the UAE’s leadership continues along the path forged by Sheikh Zayed, with HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, continuing to take important strides forward. Building on an undoubtedly strong legacy, with subtle, appropriate adaptations to the times, the UAE has continued to flourish along sustainable lines.

“Everybody knew Sheikh Khalifa,” says Hellyer. “He had proved himself as Crown Prince and had worked closely with Sheikh Zayed, so it was a smooth transition. The UAE has been lucky to have that. You sometimes see all sorts of uncertainties appearing but that didn’t happen. He has continued the good work, driving an innovative desire to diversify, to use new technology and to work as a partner for development on a global level. Abu Dhabi wants to be a part of that. It has the money to be able to invest to be part of that. It also has people with the vision of where and how Abu Dhabi, and the nation, will proceed and succeed.”

Further seamless leadership transitions seem inevitable. In recent years much of the day-to-day running of state affairs have been assigned to his half-brother, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Crown 7

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Prince of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, is now very much a diplomatic figurehead of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In February, he received US Secretary of State John Kerry and heir to the British throne Prince Charles on official visits. Acting as a driving force behind Abu Dhabi’s rapid industrialisation and infrastructure growth, there is likely to be a big push to further diversify the emirate’s oil export, enshrined in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 set out more than four years ago. Its core aim is to boost the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP to 19 percent by 2020 and 24 percent by 2030.

Dubai also benefited from powerful and leadership, with HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai, ruling for 32 years until his death in 1990.

Though Dubai had oil, he was acutely aware that it was a finite resource. “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel,” he famously said and was determined to ensure Dubai had what it took to survive once the oil was gone. To this end, he was the driving force behind such crucial infrastructure projects as Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Drydocks.

“For Abu Dhabi, diversification is a matter of choice,” says Hellyer.

“For Dubai, it is a matter of absolute necessity. I remember when Sheikh Rashid announced he was going to build the world’s largest manmade port. It was way out in the

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4 Palm Jumeirah 5 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 6 HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 7 Burj Khalifa

desert. But he’d assessed the situation, knew what he was doing and it was a success. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is building on what his father started.”

From manmade marvel Palm Jumeirah and the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa to recent success with the Dubai Expo 2020 win, there is much to celebrate and inspire.

Looking to the future for Dubai and the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed’s ambition was affirmed in his stirring statement last year after the emirate was confirmed host of Dubai Expo 2020.

“We renew our promise to astonish the world in 2020,” he said.

“Dubai will bring to life our vision: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. Our goal is to build a better future for the region’s youth.

The UAE will achieve it through collaboration and inspiration at the event. Dubai Expo 2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity.”

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Culture club

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Gain an enriching insight into local customs and culture at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

As a modern metropolis, filled with futuristic vistas and up-to-the-minute attractions, Dubai has much to offer. As well as gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious malls, the emirate boasts a remarkable blend of cultures and history to explore. For visitors keen to gain a deeper appreciation of the local way of life, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding(SMCCU) presents a welcoming and informative space where guests from all over the world can connect with their Emirati hosts.

Established in 1998, the innovative venue is regarded as a must-visit when planning an itinerary in Dubai. Located in the picturesque Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, it is set among the traditional 1 Wind towers, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood 2 Cultural breakfast, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

“The experience people enjoy most is the interaction with Emiratis and the conversation back and forth.

This is a chance to ask any question about life here”

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wind towers and winding pathways of one of the city’s oldest quarters. A wealth of interactive activities on the daily programme is aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation of life in the emirate. Cultural breakfasts and lunches are held daily and offer the chance to experience a traditional Emirati meal with a local host. The meals are a golden opportunity to sample a range of delicious dishes from the region and also to ask questions on all aspects of life in the UAE. “The experience people enjoy most is the interaction with Emiratis and the conversation back and forth,” says Nasif Kayed, managing director of SMCCU. “This is a chance to ask any question about life here.

For example, rather than explaining why we wear traditional clothing, visitors can try the clothing on for themselves and, by wearing it, can come to understand it. Our doors are open and we promise you open

minds. No matter what you ask us, you will receive a well-educated and honest answer.

I believe it’s an extremely fulfilling experience both emotionally and intellectually.”

Educational seminars offer an insight into Emirati and Islamic history while visitors to the centre can also explore the area’s local architecture on a series of guided heritage tours through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. An activity not to be missed is the Creekside Tours which gives visitors the chance to cross historic Dubai Creek on a traditional boat known as an abra before exploring the gold, textile and spice souks that are just a short walk away.

Visits to one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, Jumeirah Mosque, are also run daily by the centre. Of the variety of tours and activities on offer, Kayed adds: “It really is an authentic, overall insight into life here – simply dive in.”

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Experience Water world

Awaken your sense of fun at this thrilling water park. Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and slides in a space themed around Juha, a character from Arabic folklore.The Jumeirah Sceirah lives up to its name as the floor beneath riders opens to reveal a 120-metre drop. When: Daily, 10am to 7pm. Where: Jumeirah. Entrance: AED245 per person, children under 1.1 metres, AED185. Contact: 04 3484444

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National treasures Each of the UAE’s vibrant emirates offers a new world for visitors to explore WORDS BY

MELISSA SLEIMAN

Few places on earth are able to match the UAE when it comes to the outstanding variety of experiences on offer. On the one hand, there’s the exceptional architectural ambitions realised in the futuristic skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi while on the other, the vast stretches of desert that cover the country offer the opportunity to explore a truly unique landscape. Year-round sunshine and the UAE’s coastal location means those looking to unwind on pristine beaches lapped by azure waters are spoilt for choice.

High-octane leisure pursuits are also offered in abundance, from scuba diving to bungee jumping and skydiving. Adding to that enticing offering is a host of natural and historic attractions to be found throughout the emirates. A fascinating natural diversity and proud history awaits those who venture into the nation’s vibrant emirates.

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DUBAI CREEK

E X P LO R I N G T HE E MI RA T E S / E XPE R IE NCE

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Abu Dhabi Accessible by air or boat, Sir Bani Yas Island is a highlight for nature lovers, featuring beaches, mangroves and a huge range of wildlife both native and exotic. A private island of the late Sheikh Zayed, it is part of Tourism Development & Investment Company’s Desert Islands project that allows visitors to get in touch with Abu Dhabi’s nature and wildlife. Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the eight which make up the Desert Islands in the Al Gharbia area of Abu Dhabi emirate.

More than half the island comprises the Arabian Wildlife Park, one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, home to more than 10,000 free-roaming animals including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Guests can take a tour of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert guides. The island also boasts stables where visitors can get close to horses and enjoy a wide range of equestrian activities.

Unwind after a busy day getting back to nature in a choice of three luxury hotels on the island; Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara; Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort and Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Elsewhere in the emirate, the magnificent Empty Quarter in the Liwa desert is a must, with its spectacular dunes – some of the highest in the world – and tranquil surroundings.

The Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, built in the style of an Arabian fort, provides an ideal base to explore this stunning area.

The luxurious resort also boasts a variety of animals, including deer that originally lived

1 Sir Bani Yas Island 2 The Empty Quarter 3 Ajman Museum

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in the Liwa desert and, after being bred on Sir Bani Yas Island, were brought back to the Qasr al Sarab area with the help of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency.

No trip to Abu Dhabi, or indeed the UAE, is complete without a visit to the beautiful city of Al Ain. Known as the ‘garden city’, the lush locale is situated amid an oasis of date palms. The city also contains a variety of forts and archaeological sites thought to be more than 4,000 years old. Another major draw here is the prehistoric tombs at Hili Fort and the fascinating Al Ain National Museum. For something a little different, visitors can enjoy water-sports attraction Wadi Adventure, a great spot for whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing while Al Ain Zoo, located in the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet mountains, is another wonderful destination to meet an array of animals.

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The smallest of the seven emirates, Ajman still has plenty to offer – not least a breathtaking 16-kilometre stretch of white sand beaches to explore along the pristine coastline.

Ajman Museum is a good context-setting first port of call. Situated in an 18th century fort, it previously served as the ruler’s palace and office until 1970. Immersed in history, visitors can pore over everything from archaeological artefacts and manuscripts to weapons and historical reconstructions.

Just outside the city, the unique atmosphere and craftsmanship of what is arguably one of the UAE’s most dynamic and busy dhowbuilding yards is an experience. Here, plans and blueprints are eschewed in favour of hard-won experience and intuition and the end results are robust boats that stand the test of time. Visitors can observe as time-honoured skills are put to use to create beautiful vessels, crafted in much the same way as in generations before.

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Dubai Dubai’s heritage and natural bounty has always proudly rubbed shoulders with its cuttingedge modernity and it never loses its power to enthrall. For those looking to find out how the story has evolved, it is worth visiting Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai which brings it all to life with traditional buildings and fascinating exhibitions telling the story of how the emirate transformed from quaint fishing and pearl diving village to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.

Located in and around the banks of historic Dubai Creek, the city’s souks offer plenty of character and a glimpse into a different world.

There is an incredible variety of wares and souvenirs to browse and buy from gold to spices, fabrics and authentic local perfume. Bartering is key in these traditional markets and is all part of the friendly exchanges with vendors.

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Dubai Museum brings it all to life with traditional buildings and fascinating exhibitions telling the story of how the emirate transformed from quaint fishing and pearl diving village to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations

Also in this area, is Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the oldest quarter in Dubai. Winding streets are filled with cafés, art galleries and stunning examples of traditional architecture from the region including distinctive wind towers. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is also located here and offers a wonderful cultural insight to its visitors. The centre holds regular cultural lunches and breakfasts where guests can dine on traditional local dishes with an Emirati host who is on hand to answer any questions on life in the emirate. Also offered by SMCCU is a series of fantastic tours of the area, including a walk with a guide around the historic neighbourhood and visits to Jumeirah Mosque.

One of the most striking juxtapositions in the UAE can be found at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The nature reserve, located at the edge of Dubai Creek, is dominated by elegant flocks of flamingos, but keen bird-watchers

can hope to identify up to 270 species from three hides located strategically throughout the space. Views back towards the futuristic Dubai skyline are impressive.

More of Dubai’s beauty can be found by making the trip to Hatta, a sheikhdom in the stunning Hajar Mountains located just over an hour from the city. The old village of Hatta features two notable military towers from the 18th century and the Juma Mosque, built in 1780 and the oldest building in Hatta. Around 30 traditional loam houses, constructed from sand, silt and clay, are also found here together with wadis to explore and mountain pools for a refreshing swim.

Fujairah Fujairah, on the UAE’s gorgeous east coastline, is a haven for adventurous beach and diving enthusiasts. It is also brimming with historic, cultural and natural attractions, giving it a unique and enduring allure.

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Built around 360 years ago, Fujairah Fort is one of the country’s most iconic sights, whereas the adjacent Fujairah Heritage Village is a beguiling mix of traditional houses, fishing boats and a vivid reconstruction of life as it was.

The magnificent Khor Kalba Nature Reserve, which is located close to the Omani border, has one of the most extensive areas of mangroves in the region and boasts the rare white-collared kingfisher as one of its more prominent inhabitants, as well as a host of other species.

North of Fujairah City lies Khor Fakkan, which includes the ruins of the Khor Fakkan fort. A little further north lies the picturesque Al Bidiyah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques still in use in the UAE. Furjairah is also a snorkeller’s paradise as the Gulf of Oman’s deep waters are particularly conducive to a huge variety of marine life.

From tropical fish and turtles to a variety of shark species, this is the place to see it all. Off the coast of Khor Fakkan alone there are more than 10 dive sites just a few minutes’ boat ride away. More experienced divers should head north from Dibba where there are stunning underwater cave systems to explore. Fujairah is also an ideal place for a fishing expedition.

Charter a boat and do battle with everything from marlin and sailfish to barracuda and tuna.

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Sharjah

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From tropical fish and turtles to a variety of shark species, this is the place to see it all. Off the coast of Khor Fakkan alone there are more than 10 dive sites just a few minutes’ boat-ride away 8

The emirate is also famous for its wadis, or valleys. At Wadi Wurayah, there is evidence of settlements dating back thousands of years. The area features year-round fresh water running above ground and the biodiversity includes orchids, fresh-water fish and possibly the Arabian leopard which was last spotted in the area around a decade ago. In 2009, Wadi Wurayah officially became the UAE’s first protected mountain area by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah.

Ras Al Khaimah The most northerly emirate on the UAE’s west coast is framed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains and lies on a palm-dotted plain. Mountaineers should head for the Jebel Jais mountain cluster which reaches 5,700 feet and even sees snow on occasion.

The emirate’s history is encapsulated in the fort-based National Museum which is packed with archaeological finds. Another popular spot here is the Khatt hot springs which are naturally occurring hot pools.

A must-see for any visitor to Sharjah is the Sharjah Desert Park, which encompasses the Natural History Museum, Children’s Farm, and the Arabian Wildlife Centre, home to a selection of animals naturally occurring in the Arabian Peninsula.

No visit to Sharjah is complete without exploring the Sharjah Heritage Area, a major contributor to the city earning the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World accolade in 1998.

Meanwhile, Al Hisn is a two-storey fort situated in the Al Shukh district of old Sharjah.

Constructed in 1820, the fort has now been converted into a museum to showcase local history. Exhibits include old coins and weighing scales, jewellery, arms and ammunition, alongside interesting old photographs and maps.

Umm Al Quwain Located 20 minutes from Ajman, Umm Al Quwain has seven forts, an impressive beach and boasts plentiful charm and tranquillity. Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum is a good first stop.

The ancient fort once guarded the entrance to the old town and now houses a host of artefacts from nearby excavated sites.

To the east of the mainland peninsula is a stretch of coastline comprising sandy islands surrounded by thick mangrove forests separated by a series of creeks. The largest among seven islands is Al Sinniyah, an expanse of sand and mudflats renowned for its waterfowl. The island is home to the UAE’s largest Socotra cormorant colony while its marine life is plentiful with blacktip reef sharks and green turtles often spotted.

The emirate is another ideal spot for visitors to enjoy water sports. Sail or canoe through clear, waters to explore mangrove swamps and deserted islands for an experience to remember.

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Natural beauty A number of spas across Dubai are going green and swapping chemical products for organic alternatives

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Akaru Spa

Pamper your body with an Aromatic Moor Mud Body Wrap at Akaru Spa and enjoy a generous application of the vitamin and mineral-rich mud in a hammam setting

Sometimes going back to basics is the key when searching for a time-tested therapeutic remedy that really works. The use of Moor Mud from the lowland moorlands of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic is a growing trend within the beauty industry. Praised by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker due to its healing properties, the black magma has been used within beauty treatments ever since Roman times.

The mud is said to repair sore muscles, aches and pains and is, therefore, recommended as a good choice for athletes. The soothing mixture aims to stimulate circulation and as a result could also be a great cure for jet lag.

Pamper your body with an Aromatic Moor Mud Body Wrap at Akaru Spa and enjoy a generous application of the vitamin and mineral-rich mud in a hammam setting. Moor Mud is odour-free and leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Upgrade to a 90-minute appointment and enjoy an additional pre-wrap scrub, which is recommended to exfoliate skin and open up pores to enhance the wrapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effects.

Where: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel When: 10am to 9pm / Price: Aromatic Moor

Spa It may be a surprise to some but algae is one of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest gifts when it comes to beautifying. Far more than just a green substance found on the surface of lakes and ponds, the marine organism has a wealth of health benefits. Research has shown that when ingested, algae can fight a number of illnesses and cardiovascular diseases, boost the immune system and promote growth of hair and nails. Algae is also full of antioxidants that have numerous benefits for the skin. Spa at The Address Dubai Marina uses algae in one of its signature treatments, the Detox Marine Algae Wrap. The treatment starts

Mud Body Wrap, AED375 for 60 minutes, AED590

with a natural bamboo scrub to exfoliate the skin before a wrap containing various forms of marine algae is applied to the whole body.

The client is then wrapped in a warm cocoon to boost skin infiltration. Minerals, vitamins and enzymes from the algae penetrate pores and are said to nourish skin while at the same time draw toxins out. After a quick wash, a post-wrap massage is intended to leave guests looking and feeling refreshed.

for 90 minutes / Contact: 04 2308565

Where: The Address Dubai Marina / When: Daily, 10am to 10pm / Price: Detox Marine Algae Wrap, AED480 for 60 minutes / Contact: 04 4367424

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EXPE R IENCE/SPA S

ShuiQi Spa Its products used by some of the globe’s finest spas, Espa is a renowned pioneer of natural beauty and a world leader in natural skincare. Product formulations are created by dedicated biochemists using ethically sourced natural ingredients and, therefore, claimed to be as scientifically effective as they are eco-friendly. ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai offers a variety of treatments using the brand’s luxurious products. One signature session, the ShuiQi Sun Soother Ritual is an excellent post-sunbathing therapy.

Perfect for this time of year, the remedy is designed to soothe and repair sun-damaged

skin while leaving clients feeling relaxed at the same time. The package starts with a foot-cleansing ritual followed by full-body exfoliation using aloe vera extract and spearmint herbs to cool the skin. Next a mask and wrap nourishes the skin before the treatment ends with a full-body and scalp massage using aromatic essential oils to leave both body and mind feeling rejuvenated.

Where: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai When: Daily, 10am to 1pm Price: ShuiQi Sun Soother Ritual, AED900 for 120 minutes / Contact: 04 4261020

Ahasees Spa & Club The award-winning Ahasees Spa & Club is one of Dubai’s premier spas and boasts a number of avant-garde treatments using ingredients such as seaweed, sand, pearls, gold and frankincense. As part of its green campaign, the spa has introduced a special package which uses only natural teas and other chemical-free botanicals. The Ahasees Signature Anti-Oxidant treatment begins with a foot massage using essential oils followed by full-body dry brushing to stimulate circulation. Next, the therapist performs a massage using a Signature Anti-Oxidant Energising Tea Balm made from teas and spices to stimulate the lymphatic system while aiming to enhance the immune system and restore tired muscles. The treatment is completed with a 30-minute Express Facial using natural products that blend tropical fruit, berry extracts and tea.

Where: Grand Hyatt Dubai When: Daily, 9am to 9pm / Price: Ahasees Signature Anti-Oxidant Tea Massage and Express Facial, AED650 for 90 minutes / Contact: 04 3172335

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Taste Brazilian f lavours

Fogueira Restaurant and Lounge offers a true taste of Brazil at Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence and the 35th-floor location affords stunning views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

Succulent prime cuts of meat are served from the barbecue to the table as live Brazilian music adds to the ambience. A selection of delicious desserts completes the experience. Contact: 04 4398888

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New sensations A fresh crop of master chefs is cooking up a storm on Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining scene Exploring the culinary map of a city is one of the great pleasures to be had when visiting somewhere new.

Sampling the dishes specific to a destination presents not only an alternative gastronomy but also a sense of local character. The story of a particular place can, in part, be gleaned from the collection of dishes and cooking styles that comprise its cooking tradition.

Influences such as climate, history and culture come together to shape both communities and the rich variety of food that sustains them.

In Dubai, there is a unique story to be told and this is reflected in the melting pot of cuisines to be found in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurants. Mirroring the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multicultural mixture, cooking styles from all corners of the globe are represented. From French and Vietnamese to Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, the full spectrum of culinary styles is offered. As the city grows, so too does its dining scene and it is this constantly shifting landscape that has attracted some stellar new cooking talent.

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CORBIS IMAGES

N E W CHE FS / T A S T E

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Eastern influence One of the city’s most exciting new restaurant openings is Yuan at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.

Bringing a fresh take on traditional Szechuan cooking, the sophisticated and chic interior reflects a modern Chinese dining experience.

Jeff Tan is the chef at the helm of the restaurant which has fast become one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations. He believes a combination of excellent service and authentic food sets Yuan apart in a competitive dining scene.

“Dubai is an amazing city and people from all over the world come here to experience it.

The same can be said of its restaurants. As far as Chinese cuisine is concerned, there are more than 10 Chinese fine-dining restaurants in Dubai and they are all different. We are only three months old, but we have developed a great reputation already. I think people who have experienced Yuan enjoy the authentic food. Our staff is primarily Chinese and very knowledgeable and that, coupled with great service, enables us to stand out,” says Tan. Tan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in some of the world’s top kitchens, including a 10-year stint as a chef at Japanese fine-dining restaurant Hakkasan in London.

He says: “I hope to bring some new ideas and some of the skills I have learned throughout the years to Yuan and to Dubai. My main goal is to seek out quality local ingredients.

“For me, fresh and good quality ingredients are fundamental, as is good communication in the kitchen and between the kitchen and service staff, to ensure guests have the best possible experience.

“I believe diners in Dubai are looking for something amazing to match the image of the city. As for Chinese cuisine, I think people now expect a very high quality and something unconventional; perhaps something they have never seen before mixed with a taste of the traditional. That’s what we hope to deliver at Yuan, to enhance what’s on offer here in Dubai. There is no doubt that the city’s culinary scene has a bright future. It’s such a young and dynamic city and that makes for a wonderful mix,” adds Tan.

1 Jeff Tan 2 Peking duck, Yuan 3 Har Gau dumplings, Yuan 4 Yuan dining room

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“The culinary scene has a bright future. It’s such a young and dynamic city and that makes for a wonderful mix”

A new direction

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B O O K A TA B L E Yuan, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.

Contact:04 4262626 table 9 by darren velvick, Hilton Dubai Creek. Visit: contact@table9dubai.com Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai.

Contact: 04 3438888

One of the city’s finest restaurants, formerly known as table 9 by Nick and Scott has undergone an exciting evolution in recent months with the appointment of a new chef patron. In December, Darren Velvick took the helm at the award-winning European fine-dining venue, which is known for exceptional culinary flair. Launched in 2011 by Gordon Ramsay protégés Scott Price and Nick Alvis, the restaurant at Hilton Dubai Creek has enjoyed incredible success. That success is set to continue under Velvick, who is also Ramsay alumni, having worked with the celebrity chef for more than 14 years.

“I started with Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing in 1999 and worked my way up to become head chef at Pétrus, one of London’s most prestigious restaurants.

After nearly 15 years, I thought it was time to consider my next role and when Hilton offered me the chance to join table 9 as chef patron, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I think it’s important that table 9 is offering chefs who are based in Dubai

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THE PULSE OF THE CITY B E G I N S AT T H E C R E E K DISCOVER DUBAI’S FIRST FIVE STAR HOTEL WITH ALMOST 40 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY AND AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS.

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Baniyas Road, 476 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 205 7333 infocenter.dxbza@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-dubaideiracreek diningdubaicreek.com

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the opportunity to create their own restaurant concept which is a great motivator and a driver for success,” says Velvick.

He adds: “I didn’t know too much about Dubai before coming here, although when Gordon Ramsay was in Dubai I was with the company so I knew it was a developing city. I am really impressed with the restaurant scene here so far. There are some big names and when I eat out it feels like I could be in London. Only when I walk outside and see the sun shining do I remember I’m actually in Dubai.”

Looking to make his own mark at table 9 by darren velvick, the chef plans to offer guests something new as part of the experience. “When I create a dish I like to take one key ingredient, which is usually a vegetable and pull different textures from that one element. Then I build the protein around the vegetable and create the dish. On desserts, I can definitely say I play on my childhood memories such as the cornflakes and milk dessert or the deconstructed carrot cake from the table 9 menu,” he says.

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Vevlick adds: “The short-term plan is to build awareness about the new menu and idea for the restaurant. We have a different concept now, a sort of deformalised fine dining. I think people will be pleasantly surprised with the changes. In the long term, why not have multiple table 9 restaurants throughout the city?”

DINING DEBUTS

Of good stock

El Sur, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina: Modern Spanish cuisine.

Contact: 04 3997700

Another new cooking talent in town is executive chef Lai Kam Pui who has joined one of the city’s best-loved Cantonese restaurants, Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.

After 40 years spent honing his craft in China, Kam Pui hopes to bring his cooking knowhow to a new clientele in Dubai.

“Having trained and worked among some of the best chefs in China for almost four decades, my ambition is to share my knowledge and food with people from all over the world and that has brought me to Dubai. The city is fast becoming a hub for worldly cuisine 8

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A host of new restaurant openings has added to Dubai’s vibrant dining scene in recent months.

Ba¯, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai: Traditional Chinese fare in an elegant, modern setting.

Contact: 04 4573388

Izel, Conrad Dubai: Latin American cuisine and music.

Contact: 04 4447444 Toko Dubai, Vida Downtown: Classy contemporary Japanese dishes.

Contact: 04 442 8383 Social by Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah: European cuisine from worldrenowned chef.

Contact: 04 8182222

5 Darren Velvick 6 Short rib, table 9 by darren velvick 7 Lai Kam Pui 8 Dining room, Shang Palace

and is home to many fantastic restaurants with great variety and choice. I feel that the diners here are even more discerning because of the number of different nationalities that call this city home. As a result, the need for authentic food and traditional cooking from our native countries takes on added importance. I believe that the Chinese dining scene here has great potential for both an international and Chinese audience. My aim is to lead the way in educating people about authentic and delicious Cantonese food,” says Kam Pui. Drawing on his vast experience, Kam Pui is leading the way with fresh new dishes for Shang Palace. He says: “My focus for Shang Palace is to create the new menu with fresh daily specials, using market ingredients with local and sustainable seafood, meat and vegetables. Cantonese cuisine is based upon quality ingredients cooked simply.”

Looking to the future of the dining scene in Dubai, Kam Pui predicts an emphasis on healthy, organic dishes. He adds: “I believe the trend will be for healthier dishes, using organic and ethically sourced ingredients.

This would be in line with Chinese teachings on the importance of eating fresh seasonal produce.”

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A taste of sunshine Savour the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine Spanish people have a famous saying: ‘la buena vida’. Translated literally to ‘the good life’, the phrase refers to the customary lifestyle Spaniards enjoy; a relaxed pace with a devotion to friends, family and great food. The cuisine emulates this in its flavours and serving styles. Traditional specialities such as paella are prepared to be shared while tapas dining encourages conversation over an assortment of small dishes. As Spain lies adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, seafood features greatly. Spanish cuisine is a growing culinary trend in Dubai from the lively fiesta-style Al Hambra which serves strictly Spanish fare to the sophisticated poolside Sur Mer that offers delicacies from across the Mediterranean, there’s a venue to suit a variety of tastes.

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EL SUR, THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT & MARINA

S PA N I S H D I N I N G/ T A S T E

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El Sur Classic Spanish fare is given a contemporary feel at this lively yet sophisticated bar and restaurant. The newest addition to Dubai’s Spanish culinary scene, El Sur promises to raise the standard of modern cuisine in the city. In the kitchen you’ll find chefs who have come to Dubai from El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca: two of Spain’s top three Michelin-starred restaurants. The menu boasts a decadent array of dishes created to share. Classic starters such as patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy tomato sauce) sit alongside modern dishes of berenjena a la

miel de soja con requesón (eggplant with soy honey and requesón). When it comes to mains, diners are spoilt with a choice of seafood and meat dishes. Two highlights are the pargo con ñoquis de calabaza (red snapper with pumpkin ñoquis) and chuletón con pimientos de padrón (grade six wagyu ribeye with padrón green peppers). Before taking a seat at your table to consider the menu options, pause at the fourmetre oak log bar benches where a refreshing selection of aperitifs is prepared by a dedicated mixologist. The restaurant welcomes with a lively ambience and vibrant yet homely décor which comes complete with a unique 3D ‘living wall’ of lush green botanical plants. For a more intimate affair, choose to dine al fresco on the terrace and enjoy uninterrupted views of the hotel gardens and across the Arabian Gulf while sampling an array of fresh flavours.

Where: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina / When: Daily, 7 to 11.45pm / Contact: 04 3997700

The newest addition to Dubai’s Spanish culinary scene, El Sur promises to raise the standard of modern cuisine in the city. In the kitchen you’ll find chefs who have come to Dubai from El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca: two of Spain’s top three Michelin-starred restaurants

Ossiano Taking seafood dining to another level, dinner at Ossiano is the closest you can get to underwater dining without taking the plunge. Set against a huge aquarium backdrop, the fine-dining establishment offers an excellent Mediterraneaninspired menu of fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients in a truly memorable environment.

Get the most out of the menu by selecting the 10-course degustation set menu. Alternatively, dine Spanish-style with a cold or hot ‘goût de la mer’ experience for two or select from the à la carte options. For a truly luxurious experience, the restaurant also features one of the most extensive selections of caviar in Dubai including prized royal beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea. Whichever dining style is chosen, guests are in the capable hands of chefs trained by the restaurant’s founder, Santi Santamaria, a three-Michelin-star restaurant chef who is famed for his avant-garde Spanish Catalan fare.

Where: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai When: Daily, 7 to 11.30pm / Contact: 04 4262626

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Al Hambra Walking into Al Hambra is like stepping into a Spanish tavern. Valencian-style pillars create a grand first impression while wooden furniture adds a rustic edge. A colour scheme of red and yellow gold inspires a warm ambience. However, it’s not just the setting that’s authentically Spanish. The menu offers an all-encompassing experience of traditional cuisine. Select the two-, four- or six-tapas option and pick and mix from a long list of chilled and hot tapas dishes featuring regional specialities such as zingy gazpacho and chorizo frito. Besides tapas, chefs’ specials include seafood cassoulet, crispy suckling pig and grilled Palamos red shrimps. There is also a number of Spanish rice and paella options, chicken and rabbit paella being a particularly popular choice. The surf-and-turf section of the menu features a range of seafood courses plus lamb, rib-eye steak and chicken schnitzel for meat lovers. To finish, select from an assortment of ice creams and sorbets, treat yourself with a sweet dessert or indulge in a platter of cheese or fruit. A superb setting for a catch-up with friends, dinner at Al Hambra is designed to last for hours, so take your time nibbling on rounds of tapas washed down with generously sized pitchers of fruit-filled sangria.

Where: Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah When: Sat to Thu 6 to 11.30pm, Fri 12.30 to 4pm and 7 to 11.30pm / Contact: 04 3666730

Sur Mer Situated in the exclusive Meydan Beach Club, Sur Mer is a Mediterranean escape in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of sangria in the lounge overlooking the club’s infinity pool before heading inside to the restaurant where lime green and purple furnishings set against monochrome décor create a chic modern vibe. The menu reflects maritime roots and the two-person sharing seafood platter is an ideal way to try numerous dishes. For melt-in-the-mouth freshness, the sautéed smoked salmon with Greek yoghurt is an excellent choice, while the grilled tiger prawn with avocado salsa and red pepper coulis has a f lavoursome

kick. Highlights from the selection of starters include marinated sardines, sautéed octopus and pan-fried foie gras, each served with a host of accompaniments. The menu also boasts a selection of soups, pastas and meat courses so that every palette is catered for.

Beyond the outstanding menu itself, a visit to Sur Mer is also a great opportunity to enjoy the elite Meydan Beach Club which is a wonderful city oasis frequently playing host to live music events featuring worldrenowned international DJs. Where: Meydan Beach Club / When: Daily, 12 to 3pm and 7 to 11pm / Contact: 04 4333777

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Brunch on a whole new level.

ICHO introduces Friday brunch, elevated.

A sensory journey awaits you at ICHO. Savour traditional Japanese cuisine, enjoy the latest hits, and take in breathtaking views at the highest Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Make a reservation now to experience brunch like never before.

295 AED, includes soft drinks and mocktails 395 AED, includes House and Japanese beverages We offer all our guests a welcome drink.

Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Rd. Dubai, UAE +971 4 308 0550 rric.royaldubai@radissonblu.com radisson.com/royal-dubai Follow us on: RadissonRoyalDubai RadissonRoyal

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The guide SHOP / DISCOVER / EXPERIENCE / TASTE

MALLS / SOUKS / MARKETS / ART GALLERIES CITY TOURS / CULTURE / MUSEUMS ADVENTURE / FAMILY ACTIVITIES / SPORTS HOTEL OUTLETS AND PROMOTIONS / CITY DINING

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Shop

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From haute couture to traditional souvenirs, Dubai is a shoppers' dream with luxury malls, atmospheric souks and cool markets

MALLS

THE WALK AT JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE

04 3900091

Though not a mall, this picturesque 1.7km-long beachside shopping promenade, is home to nearly 200 retailers including Boots, Boutique One, Zadig et Voltaire and Aiyanna of London.

The views are also stunning.

Dubai

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm,Thu and Fri 10am to 1am Metro: Dubai Marina Map reference: A1

DUBAI MARINA MALL

04 3887000

04 4361020

Spread over four levels, the mall is home to 160 stores dedicated to fashion, jewellery and home furnishings with waterfront dining and a children’s area.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and 10am to midnight Metro: Dubai Marina Map reference: A1 IBN BATTUTA MALL

04 3621900

Inspired by the Arab traveller Ibn Battuta, the mall is home to designer shops, Woolworths and a multi-screen cinema complex.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Ibn Battuta Map reference: A1 MALL OF THE EMIRATES

04 4099000

Find the world’s largest indoor ski slope nestled among 350 shops, children’s entertainment areas and a cinema.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Mall of the Emirates Map reference: B2

19TH CENTURY ANTIQUES

A stunning selection of antique paintings, furntiure and sculpture at this magnificent space in Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Timings: Sat to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri 12 to 10pm Metro: Emirates Towers Map reference: D1 BOULEVARD AT JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

04 3198732

An elegant mall featuring 50 premium boutiques and fine-dining restaurants spread over two floors.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 4 to 10pm Metro: Emirates Towers Map reference: D1 BURJUMAN

04 3520222

CITYWALK, JUMEIRAH

04 5114670

One of Dubai's newest shopping areas, this charming al fresco mall offers chic boutiques and stores.

Timings: 10am to10pm weekdays,10am to midnight weekends.

Metro: Business Bay Map reference: C1 GATE VILLAGE, DIFC

04 3622222

Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village is home to a range of high-end stores.

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Metro: Financial Centre Map reference: D1 LAMCY PLAZA

04 3359999

A mix of brands caters to the needs of the entire family with stores such as Bhs, Camaeiu, The Body Shop and Rivoli Watches.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10.30pm, Thu to Sat 10 to 12.30am Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2 MERCATO

04 3444161

A Renaissance-styled mall on Jumeirah Beach Road with a wide variety of brands such as Pandora, Gant and Virgin Megastore.

This mall is one for label lovers with Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Dior, Versace, Kenzo, Ralph Lauren, Furla and more.

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm.

Metro: Business Bay Map reference: D1

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to 11pm Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: E1

04 5154000

OASIS CENTRE

This four-storey mall spans 134,000 sq m and houses 77 stores, including Carrefour Express and Fun City.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Quoz or Business Bay Map reference: C2

BUYING TIME Dubai is peppered with world-renowned shopping malls and those in the market for a bit of retail therapy should direct their attention to Mall of the Emirates, which offers a large selection of designer brands including Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Burberry (pictured). The mall is also home to Ski Dubai, the region’s first indoor ski slope. For details visit malloftheemirates.com

1&3. The Dubai Mall 2&4. Bur Dubai souk 5. Aigner boutique

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PALM STRIP

04 3461462

Get some beach action before browsing the shops at Palm Strip – a two-storey open mall with designer shops and restaurants.

Timings: Mon to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 2 to 10pm, Sat to Sun 10am to 10pm Metro: World Trade Centre Map reference: D1 THE DUBAI MALL

04 3627500

The world’s largest shopping mall covering 550,000 sq m. In addition to over 1,200 shops, this mall is home to an Olympicsized ice rink and aquarium.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D2 THE VILLAGE

04 3494444

A selection of boutiques such as s*uce and Candella, a footwear and accessories shop and many top brands.

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Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 4 to 10pm Metro: Financial Centre Map reference: D1

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T HE GUI D E / S HOP

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TIMES SQUARE

04 3418020

A one-stop shop for everything from lifestyle and home to fashion

LUXURY SHOPPING

Timings: Sat to Wed

04 4234666

A bargain hunter’s dream, covering 93,000 sq m of discount shopping 20 minutes out of town on the Dubai – Al Ain highway.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: No Metro nearby Map reference: D3

10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Quoz Map reference: C2 WAFI

MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

04 3244555

This Egyptian-themed shopping haven has over 200 designer stores with 1,000 fashion brands including Miss Sixty, Chanel and Escada.

800 6422

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: No Metro nearby Map reference: E3

The newest addition to Dubai’s shopping scene, this largely residential mall is home to 350 brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear.

SAHARA CENTRE

Dubai Festival City/Deira

06 5316611

Located in Sharjah, the mall is best for lifestyle shopping with sporting goods, toys, cosmetics, jewellery and home furnishings from leading retailers.

AL GHURAIR CITY

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DUBAI OUTLET MALL

Timings: Sun to Wed

80024227

10am to 11pm, Thu to Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Rashidiya

With 200 retail outlets, Dubai’s first mall offers a great range of value fabrics, alongside high-street favourites.

Timings: Sat to Wed10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Union Square Map reference: E1

SOUKS

ARABIAN CENTRE

Timings: Sun to Wed

10am to 10.30pm, Thu and Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Rashidiya Map reference: F3 DEIRA CITY CENTRE

04 2951010

Great for bargains, this popular mall features well-known brands such as Debenhams, Benetton, Shoemart and Next.

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Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Deira City Centre Map reference: E2 DRAGONMART

04 4336200

Built in the shape of a dragon, this 1.2km mall is one of the largest trading hubs for Chinese products outside China.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Rashidiya Map reference: E3 DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

04 2325444

Covering 204,000 sq m, this retail resort is home to 550 shops including Marks & Spencer. There is also a Community Arts Market.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Emirates Map reference: E2

Dubai is a retail haven when it comes to designer brands and the ultimate destinations in which to scour rails of big-name labels are the Fashion Avenues at The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

The city is also a hub for high-end department stores and a number of malls boast international outlets including Bloomingdale's at The Dubai Mall, Harvey Nichols at Mall of the Emirates and Saks Fifth Avenue at BurJuman.

When shoe shopping, look no further than Level Shoe District, a 96,000 square-foot shoe metropolis in The Dubai Mall.

If it's luxury boutiques away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai's mega-malls that you're seeking, visit Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and The Village.

Alternatively, take a stroll along the ocean and discover a host of beachside boutiques at The Walk Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Strip.

Major credit cards are accepted in most shops and outlets.

There are many ATMs around the city and foreign currencies and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged in licenced offices, hotels and banks. A passport is required.

SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH

04 3668888

Featuring 75 boutique shops and craft stalls set in a bazaar environment overlooking the scenic waterways of the adjacent hotel complex.

Timings: Daily 10am to 11pm Metro: Mall of the Emirates Map reference: B1 SPICE SOUK Brimming with sacks full of colourful and aromatic spices, the spice souk is a feast for the senses.

Timings: Daily 7am to noon and 5 to 7pm. Fri 5 to 7pm Metro: Union Square Map reference: E1 TEXTILE SOUK Haggle hard and pick up yards of fabric including silk, satin, linen and polyester.

Cotton is harder to find.

04 2845555

Home to more than 200 fashion, perfume, homefurnishing and electronic brands with shopping zones catering for men, women and children.

IN THE KNOW

ARTS & CRAFT SOUK

04 3418020

Located in Times Square shopping mall, this small market sells handcrafted jewellery, accessories and contemporary UAE art.

Timings: Daily 7am to noon and 5 to 7pm. Fri 5 to 7pm Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: E1

MARKETS

Timings: Noon to 7pm every

second Friday of the month Metro: First Gulf Bank Map reference: C2

GOLD SOUK Comprising more than 300 retailers, this traditional souk is one of Dubai’s oldest trading areas and one of its biggest attractions.

Timings: Daily 10am to 1pm and 4 to 10pm Metro: Union Square Map reference: E1 KHAN MURJAN

04 3244555

Modelled on an ancient 14th century souk Khan Murjan has more than 150 stalls offering traditional arts and crafts.

COMMUNITY ARTS MARKET

800 33232

Open every first Friday of the month, this market held in Dubai Festival City, brings together artists and craftsmen. This is the place to shop for works of art.

Timings: Every first Friday

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2

of the month, 4 to 11pm Map reference: E2

SOUK AL BAHAR

Artisans from across the emirate congregate at this market, located in The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence, to sell their wares which range from souvenirs from the region to one-off pieces of art.

04 3627011

Browse more than 100 boutiques before admiring views of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D2

COVENT GARDEN MARKET DUBAI

050 2445795

Timings: Wed and Thu

5pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to 9pm Map reference: A1

LABEL STABLE Aigner, TDM, MOE Alexander McQueen FA, MOE Armani Collezioni BV, FA Balenciaga BV, MOE Bally TDM Boutique 1 MOE, TW Brioni FA, MOE Bugatti BJ, MOE, Wafi Bulgari BV, MOE, TDM Burberry BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Calvin Klein BJ, FA, Wafi Calvin Klein Underwear DCC, DFC, MOE Carolina Herrera FA, MOE Cartier BJ, BV, MOE, TDM Cerruti 1881 Wafi Chanel BJ, FA, Wafi Christian Lacroix BJ Christian Louboutin FA, MOE Chloé FA Dior BJ, FA, MOE Dunhill DFC, TDM DKNY BJ, MOE, TDM Dolce & Gabbana BJ, FA, MOE Elie Saab FA Emporio Armani BV, MOE, FA Ermano Scervino TDM Ermenegildo Zegna BV, FA, MOE Escada BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Etro TDM, MOE, BJ Etoile La Boutique MOE, Wafi Façonnable MOE Fendi BJ, FA, MOE Giorgio Armani BV, MOE, TDM Givenchy FA Gucci BV, FA, MOE Hermès BJ, FA Hugo Boss BJ, FA, MOE John Galliano MOE, Wafi Jimmy Choo BV, FA, MOE Kenzo BJ, FA Lancel TDM Lanvin BV, FA Louis Vuitton BJ, FA, MOE Missoni FA, MOE Oscar de la Renta FA Pal Zileri BJ, FA, MCC, MOE, Wafi Prada BJ, MOE, TDM Ralph Lauren BJ, FA, MOE Roberto Cavalli FA, MOE, Wafi Rocco Barocco DMM, TDM, Wafi Salvatore Ferragamo BJ, FA, MOE Saks Fifth Avenue BJ Stella McCartney FA, MOE Tom Ford FA Valentino FA, BJ Van Cleef & Arpels TDM, MOE Versace BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Yves Saint Laurent BV, MOE, TDM BJ BurJuman (04 3520222) BV Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 3198999) DCC Deira City Centre, (04 2954486) DFC Dubai Festival City, (04 2325444) DMM Dubai Marina Mall, (04 4361000) FA Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall (04 3627500) MCC Mirdif City Centre, (800 6422) MOE Mall of the Emirates (04 3414747) TDM The Dubai Mall (04 3627500) TW The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (04 3900091) Wafi Wafi Mall (04 3244555)

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Discover

Dubai is one of the world’s most modern and dynamic destinations, with a fascinating heritage very much alive and waiting to be discovered

ART GALLERIES

GALLERY 76

OPERA GALLERY

Showcases paintings, sculptures and photography from local emerging and international artists.

With operations all over the world, the gallery showcases the work of great masters as well as new talent.

04 3444398

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 6pm, Thu 9am to 4pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1 GALLERY ETEMAD

1X1 ART GALLERY

04 3411287

Located in Al Quoz, this established gallery showcases international mixed media and is a big favourite with Dubai's budding art scene.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10.30am to 8.30pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 ART SAWA

04 3408660

A showcase of regional contemporary art with a library and video lounge for artists and art enthusiasts to interact. Art Sawa recently opened a second gallery space in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 ARTSPACE

04 3230820

A contemporary gallery displaying the works of international and local talent in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am

to 8pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: D1 AYYAM GALLERY

04 4392395

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 2pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 9pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

GALLERY ISABELLE VAN DEN EYNDE

04 3235052

Local and international artists exhibit at this well-known gallery in the Al Serkal district

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 GREEN ART GALLERY

04 3469305

The oldest gallery in Dubai, the Green Art Gallery showcases contemporary art with a focus on regional work.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1 LAWRIE SHABIBI

04 3469906

Founded by the former head of sales of Christie’s Middle East and the former MD of Art Dubai, the gallery showcases works by regional artists.

Timings: Sat 12 to 6pm, Sun to Thu 10am to 6pm.

Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: C2

04 3536233

CARBON 12

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

Timings: Sat to Thu 11.30am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 CUADRO MUSEUM & FINE ART GALLERY

04 4250400

An area of 4,000 sq m dedicated to international contemporary art in the heart of Gate Village, DIFC.

Timings: Sun to Thu

10am to 8pm, Sat 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

PRO ART GALLERY

04 3450900

Exhibits striking artwork that features in museums and international collections.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

With regular exhibitions this gallery features art by newly discovered artists and internationally recognised names.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri and Sat 11am to 9pm.

Closed Fri Map reference: D1

04 3468649

Representing some of the Arab world’s leading and emerging artists, Ayyam promotes contemporary Middle Eastern art.

04 3406016

04 3230909

MAJLIS GALLERY

This charming gallery with an idyllic courtyard features art by local and international artists. to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

SHOWCASE GALLERY

Located at Alserkal Avenue, Showcase was one of the first galleries to be established in the UAE in the 1990’s and has a venerable reputation with art collectors and designers.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 THE MOJO GALLERY

04 3477388

Mojo focuses on contemporary exhibitions of original paintings, conceptual photography, digital media prints, illustrations, video art, installation pieces and sculptures.

Timings: Sat 11.30am to 6pm, Sun to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri. Map reference: C2 THE THIRD LINE

Exhibitions by artists from the Middle East, with a schedule of events both in the gallery warehouse and outside locations.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm.

Closed Fri

Map reference: C2 TOTAL ARTS

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 8.30pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

04 3470209

MEEM GALLERY

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri and Sat. Map reference: B2

1. Spice souk 2. Arabian horse 3. Jumeirah beach 4. Camel racing 5. Jumeirah Mosque

04 3475050

Founded in 2003, this Arabic gallery is located off Mankhool Road in Bur Dubai.

One of Dubai’s leading galleries specialising in Arab and Iranian art.

3

04 3411367

MARSAM MATTAR

04 3477883

2

04 3790940

Spanning two floors and 10,000 sq m, Total Art specialises in artists and art influenced by the culture of the Middle East.

04 3988331

1

One of Dubai’s newest art galleries, Pro Art sells some of the most carefully curated contemporary art in the global market.

4

TRAFFIC

Specialising in contemporary art, Traffic houses two galleries.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 XVA GALLERY

04 3535383

Art buffs with love this ultramodern gallery, where modern art is on show in a 2,500 sq ft gallery in Gate Village in DIFC. Current exhibitions include work by Yazid Oulab and Sami Al Karim

Timings: Daily 10am to 6pm Map reference: E1 5

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3/19/14 4:14 PM

DIS C O VER/THE GUIDE

CITY TOURS

CREEK CRUISES

055 2217049

Choose four-star cuisine with lively entertainment, or a more tranquil option with five-star catering by the Taj Palace Hotel.

TAKE FLIGHT

CULTURE

Timings: 7.30pm to 10pm Guide price: From AED125 CREEKSIDE LEISURE

Air ALPHA TOURS

04 2949888

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s most impressive landmarks in a helicopter.

City shuttle services from your hotel are available.

Timings: Flights depart from 10am to 4pm Guide price: City tour AED1,250 per person (25 minutes), private tours from AED3,180 FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

02 4448866

This Abu Dhabi-based company also operates flights over Dubai’s key landmarks.

Timings: Flights depart from 9am to 5pm daily (except Tue) Guide price: Prices start from AED800 (20 minutes), AED3,350 for up to six people SEAWINGS

04 8070708

04 3368406

Hire a dhow with dinner and transfers, plus butler service and enjoy unlimited beverages.

Timings: Daily boarding 8.30pm Guide price: AED200 dinner cruise

Enjoy an evening cruise on a traditional dhow. Private charters are available.

Cruise from 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED175 for an evening dhow cruise

Timings: Daily 8 to 10pm

and 10.30pm to 12.30am.

Boarding at 8pm Guide price: AED160 Map reference: E2 AL MANSOUR DHOW

04 2057033

This five-star dhow from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, offers international cuisine, alcoholic beverages and live entertainment.

Timings: Daily boarding at 8pm.

Cruise from 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide Price: AED185 ART MARINE

04 3388955

Cruise around The World islands, Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Creek with Art Marine chartered yachts.

Timings: From 7am into the night Guide price: From AED750 per hour

MADINAT THEATRE, SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH

04 3666549

This 442-seat luxury venue hosts popular productions from drama to dance and comedy to film.

WONDERBUS

04 3595656

This amphibious bus departs from BurJuman before sailing up Dubai Creek for an hour-long cruise.

Guide price: AED160 adults;

AED115 children (3-11 years); AED500 family (two adults and two children)

04 3536666

Traditional Arabian dhows take guests on cruises each evening, with a banquet of food included in the price.

Map reference: B2

Timings: Daily boarding at 8pm.

Timings: Flights depart from 9am to 5pm every hour Guide price: From AED1,395 per person (40 minutes)

04 3243000

Located at Mall of the Emirates, this centre brings together a wide variety of performing and visual arts including drama, dance, opera, comedy and children’s shows.

04 3511117

Land

AL BOOM TOURIST VILLAGE

04 3414777

DANAT DUBAI CRUISES

Fly from Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in the south west or Dubai Creek in the north east and explore the city from up high.

Water

DUBAI COMMUNITY THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE (DUCTAC)

JUMEIRAH MOSQUE TOUR Visitors should cover arms and legs and women must wear headscarves when visiting the mosque.

Timings: Sat, Sun, Tue and Thu for one hour between 10am and 11.15am Guide price: AED10 Map reference: D1 AL FAROOQ OMAR BIN AL KHATTAB MOSQUE

04 3944448

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Umm Suqeim is one of only a few mosques in the city open to non-Muslims. Tours run three times a week.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10.30am. Closed Fri Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: C1 THE BIG BUS COMPANY

04 3407709

If your stay in the emirate is short, you might not have time to take in the sights under your own steam.

For an organised tour, why not hop aboard a double-decker bus for fantastic city views from the open-air top deck?

Timings: Tours depart

every 20 minutes from any of the 20 stops Guide price: Day tour – AED220 adults, AED100 children, AED540 family.

Night tour – AED125 adults, AED75 children, AED375 family (two adults and two children)

Map reference: B1

The noble sport of falconry remains a constant among many Emiratis and other Gulf country nationals. In the Middle East, falconry was traditionally used by the desert Bedouin to establish a source of fresh meat to supplement a meagre diet. Today, while falconry is no longer practised out of necessity, the bird retains immense cultural significance.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

04 3536666

Enjoy an Emirati breakfast or lunch and chat freely with local volunteers about the life and culture in the UAE.

Timings: Sun to Thu 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 1pm Guide price: Breakfast AED70, lunch AED80.

Reservations essential Map reference: E1

MUSEUMS

An emblem of the UAE and depicted on the local currency, the falcon is also part of an important sporting tradition in the region.

Historically, Arab falconers released their birds back into the wild when the hunting season came to a close, but now the top birds are often kept year after year as falconers maintain a close bond with their birds forged through many months of training using skills handed down through generations.

Displays of falconry can be enjoyed as part of a desert safari experience, at various wildlife centres around the UAE, or as conservationoriented activities at several luxury hotels located within official nature reserves.

ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY The ancient art of calligraphy is still practised today all over the world. The form native to the UAE is known as Islamic calligraphy and is a beautiful variant that developed alongside the writing of the Qur'an.

A reed pen and ink are most often used to create the sweeping characters on treated parchment. Master calligraphers spend many years honing their crafts, learning the skills which are handed down from generation to generation. Throughout the UAE, stunning examples of Islamic calligraphy can be seen in mosques, art galleries and in architecture.

DUBAI MUSEUM

SALSALI PRIVATE MUSEUM

Dubai’s most comprehensive museum features a rich collection of aerial photographs of 'old' Dubai, an assortment of multimedia exhibits and a wide variety of artefacts.

This museum, located inside the impressive Al Fahidi Fort, provides visitors with an in-depth history of the emirate.

As the first private museum for contemporary art in the region, this important venue provides a key platform for new and established collectors.

04 3531862

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 8.30pm, Fri 2.30 to 8.30pm Guide price: AED3 adults, AED1 children Map reference: E1

AL AHMADIYA SCHOOL & HERITAGE HOUSE

04 2260286

Learn about the education system of yesteryear at Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House. Located in Deira in the north east, visit Dubai’s first school and traditional house, which is home to fascinating life-size dioramas.

Timings: Sat to Thu

8am to 8.30pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1 DUBAI MUNICIPALITY MUSEUM

04 3453636

Located next to the spice souk, the museum contains rare manuscripts of royal and administrative decrees and photographs and provide a glimpse of times gone by. This is definitely one for culture vultures and history buffs to try out.

Timings: Sat to Thu 7.30am to 3pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1

HERITAGE & DIVING VILLAGE

04 3937151

This museum, where Emiratis prepare local food and perform dances to Arabic music, provides a glimpse of a bygone era, when pearl trading and fishing were the emirate's main source of revenue.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 10pm, Fri 3.30 to 10pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1 MAJLIS AL GHORFAT UM-AL-SHEIF

04 3946343

A peaceful majlis with antique interior ornaments in Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s former summer residence.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 8.30pm, Fri 2.30 to 8.30pm Guide price: AED1 adults, children under six years free Map reference: C1

04 3809600

Timings: Sun to Thu 11am to 6pm. Closed Fri. Sat 1pm to 5pm.

Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1 THE HOUSE OF SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM

04 3937139

Wander around this restored house and see fascinating paraphernalia including old photographs and currency of Dubai.

Timings: Sat to Thu 7.30am to 9pm. Closed Fri Guide price: AED2 adults, AED1 children Map reference: C2

IN THE KNOW: LOCAL DIALECT Arabic is the official language of the UAE, although English is widely understood. Using some common Arabic phrases is appreciated: Marhaba – Hi or welcome Shukran – Thank you Ma’asalama – Goodbye

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SEE DUBAI AT NIGHT!

At it's finest from the air!

Have the unique experience of the Night Lights Tour - seeing Burj Khalifa, The Palm, the iconic Burj Al Arab with their stunning lights displays.

See the World of Dubai at night... Book Now!

Heritage Tour 12 minute – 595 aed - feel and see the rich heritage and structures of the historic Dubai

Explorer Tour 22 minute – 895 aed - be captivated with the sceneries of the iconic landmarks of the bustling city of Dubai

Night Lights Tour 22 minute – 1095 aed - witness the beauty of Dubai at night, made possible by the latest light technology, an unforgettable experience

C a l l 8 0 0 F LY o r + 9 7 1 4 2 0 8 1 4 5 5 • t o u r s @ d a w. a e • w w w. h e l i d u b a i . c o m

Untitled-10 1 Helidubai_220x275mm_March issue 2014.indd 1

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Experience

1

With a vast desert, spectacular coastline and world-class sports facilities, Dubai is full of fun-packed tours and activities

ATTRACTIONS

EL MUNDO

050 5517406

Take out a 60-foot catamaran as near or as far as you like (within reason)

Timings: From 2.30pm Guide price: Adults

AED250, children AED210 FIRST YACHT

04 3754148/050 6550313

Cruising

Range of options from speedboat rides to refined electric boat cruises.

Individual hotels and tour operators can also organise pleasure cruises on request

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: From AED200

AL WASL CRUISING & FISHING

OASIS PALM TOURISM

04 2394760

Charter an exclusive yacht and sail past modern icons including Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and The World islands.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED500 per hour ART MARINE

04 3388955

Set sail from Jumeirah Beach Hotel and cruise around The World islands, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Creek.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details BATEAUX DUBAI

04 3994994

Sail along the Creek on Bateaux Dubai and enjoy a welcome beverage, canapés and a four-course gourmet dinner.

Timings: Daily boarding at 7.45pm, departing at 8.30pm. Returns 11pm Guide price: AED395 CLUB MINA

04 3993333

As well as fishing trips, Club Mina offers all kinds of exciting or relaxing cruising options.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details DANAT DUBAI CRUISES

04 3511117

A range of experiences are available including sailing on a traditional dhow and private charters .

Timings: 8.30am to 10.30pm Guide price: AED200 DUBAI FERRY

800 9090

A novel way to see the city’s sights. Routes include journeys past Palm Jumeirah.

Timings: Daily from 9am Guide price: AED50 for

silver, AED75 for gold DREAMDAYS

800 2080

Take a four-hour catamaran cruise along Dubai’s coastline and enjoy a barbecue lunch as well as snorkelling.

Timings: Every Monday Guide price: AED295

04 2629993

Take a two-hour cruise along Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow.

Timings: From 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED150

DESERT RANGERS TOURS & ADVENTURE SPORTS

04 3572233

A range of exciting desertbased activities are available such as camel trekking, desert driving and rock climbing.

EXTREME ADVENTURE DUBAI

055 8838833

Overnight desert camping, quad biking and a Liwa expedition are all available.

LAMA DESERT TOURS & CRUISES Journey to a Bedouin campsite, ride a camel, smoke shisha together with a range of other desert-based activities.

NET TOURS DUBAI

04 3764333/056 1718881

per person

Half-day and full-day desert safaris are available as well as overnight camping.

SUMMERTIME MARINE

OASIS PALM TOURISM

See world-famous offshore projects on yachts ranging from 36-foot to 180-foot.

Enjoy sand boarding, camel riding and shisha (hubbly bubbly) as well as belly dancing and a barbecue dinner.

04 2573084

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details THE YELLOW BOATS

800 8044

Adrenaline-pumping tours around Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab hotel in bright yellow inflatable crafts.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Adults from

AED80. Children from AED60 ULTIMATE CHARTER

04 3464194/050 1002477

Charter a variety of yachts with numerous capacities for a number of hours.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details VENUS FLOATING RESTAURANT

04 3572200

Hop aboard the Arabian dhow for a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise.

Timings: Dinner cruise at 8.30pm. Call for details on daytime cruises Guide price: From AED230 for adults and AED150 for children. Call for details on daytime cruises

Desert tours Call individual tour operators for times and prices ARABIAN ADVENTURES

04 2999499/052 8110797

Dine among the dunes, explore the wadis, go desert driving, sand boarding or camel riding.

04 2629993

OFF ROAD ADVENTURES

050 6289667

3

4

Offers excursions including dinner at a Bedouin camp, overnight camping and trips to Liwa.

ORIENT TOURS

04 2828238

Expect innovative desert trips, tours between Dubai and Muscat and adventurous expeditions.

ROYAL ARABIAN TOURS

04 2999339

Drive over the dunes before heading to a traditional campsite.

TRAVCO

04 3366643

Desert tours include an offroad adventure, a dune dinner and an overnight safari.

1. Dubai World Cup 2. Helidubai 3. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo 4. Dubai Marina 5. At the Top, Burj Khalifa

Flying ALPHA TOURS

04 2949888

Discover Dubai from the sky and marvel at a long list of world-renowned landmarks.

Timings: From 10am to 4.30pm Guide price: From AED1,250

per person for 25 minutes.

EMIRATES FLYING SCHOOL

04 2995155

Learn how to fly or top up your hours at the only approved flying school in Dubai.

Timings: From 9am to 5pm Guide price: Call for details

ARABIAN DESERT TOURS

FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

From a Hummer safari taking in an authentic Bedouin camp, to a trek through the Hajar Mountains.

This Abu Dhabi-based company also operates flights over Dubai’s key landmarks.

055 4280552/050 2986669

2

04 3344330/04 3357676

02 4448866

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

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FUJAIRAH AVIATION ACADEMY

03 2224747

Take pleasure flights over the neighbouring emirate of Fujairah or enjoy a flying lesson from the fully equipped aviation centre.

Timings: From 8am Guide Price: Fun flying

lessons AED1,080 HELIDUBAI

Karting

Enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the sights from a helicopter.

Timings: Call for timings Guide price: From

AED595 person SEAWINGS

04 8832999

Enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the new developments around the city including the Burj Khalifa.

Paintballing DUBAI AUTODROME LASER TAG

Hunt down your adversaries in a mock medieval castle with artificial fog, moody lighting and a pumping soundtrack.

Timings: Call for timings Guide price: From AED80 for 15 minutes PURSUIT GAMES AT WONDERLAND

04 3244755/050 6514583

Timings: From 9am to 4pm Guide price: AED1,395 per

Go head to head with paintballing opponents in the heart of Dubai city at the Wonderland entertainment complex.

ULTIMATE CHARTER

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: Call for details

person for 40 minutes

04 3464194

Take a 15-minute tour over Dubai.

Timings: From 10am Guide price: From AED999 BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

04 2854949

Take to the skies in a majestic hot air balloon and marvel at the changing colours of the desert landscape at sunrise.

Timings: Before sunrise Guide price: AED995 per

adult. AED850 for children between 5 and 12

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

IFLYDUBAI

04 4361400/04 4361422

04 2081455

Skydiving

(see Sports)

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

06 5487777

Enjoy fast-paced action with state-of-the-art semi-automatic paintball guns and the latest anti-fog visor masks.

Timings: 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED80 includes 100 paintballs, unlimited gas propellant and coveralls

04 2316292

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping from a plane at this indoor centre in Dubai Festival City.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu to Sat 10 to 12am Price: AED220 SKYDIVE DUBAI

04 3778888

Based in Dubai Marina behind the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, this centre offers tandem skydiving for thrill-seeking tourists.

Timings: Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm Guide price: From AED1,750

Swimming with dolphins (see Marine adventures)

Swimming with sharks DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

04 4485200

Shooting (see Sports)

Swim among 33,000 aquatic animals including sharks, giant groupers and stingrays in The Dubai Mall’s 10-million-litre tank.

Timing: Call to arrange time Guide price: AED875 for

non-certified divers (includes short diving course), AED675 for certified divers

04 3447122

Timings: Daily 8.30 to 1.30am Guide price: Adults

Timings: Mall of the Emirates, 10am to 9pm. Ibn Battuta Mall, 10am to 9pm. The Village Mall, 9am to 8pm Guide price: From AED40 per hour

Admire unparalleled views of Dubai in this spectacular tour through the tallest building in the world.

AED125, children (4 to 12 years) AED95. Children aged four or under go free.

Immediate entry AED400

SEGA REPUBLIC

04 4488484

DUBAI LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW

Explore five zones and 150 amusement games at the first Sega Republic indoor theme park in the region.

A brilliant light and sound show featuring Egyptianthemed graphics and a storyline depicting The Return of the Pharaohs.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 1am Guide price: Power Pass AED175, Platinum Power Pass AED300

Timings: Daily 9.30pm at Wafi Guide price: Free of charge

THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN

04 3244555

800 382246255

From the foot of the world's tallest building, watch the world’s tallest dancing fountain shoot jets of water 150 metres into the air in time to music.

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

02 4968000 ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Ride rollercoasters, race in an F1 simulator and feel the force of being propelled 62m into the air.

Timings: Sun to Wed 9am to 9pm,Thu 9am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 10am to11pm Guide price: AED 95 for children aged two to three, AED140 for four to 16-year-olds.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Wild Wadi Located in front of iconic Burj Al Arab, this fun attraction features Tantrum Alley with two downhill water slides and three tornadoes among the many high-octane rides.

PEEKABOO! CREATIVE PLAY

800 28843867

A 'mini city' in which kids can role play over 80 adult professions including pilots, doctors and firefighters.

Aquaventure Waterpark Reignite your sense of adventure with a visit to this sprawling water park where white-knuckle rides, river rapids and a pristine beach await. The recently opened Tower of Poseidon (pictured) boasts heart-pumping water slides and the longest zipline in the Middle East.

A fun and interactive family-focused amusement centre in Deira City Centre and Mall of the Emirates.

Peekaboo! Creative Play offers fun activities for 0 to seven-year-olds such as cookery classes, face painting and board games.

04 4485222

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Teeming with creatures of the deep, this award-winning attraction is located at The Dubai Mall. Visitors can gaze at hundreds of brightly coloured fish, rays and sharks. Walk through a viewing tunnel for an incredible view of this underwater world or for an even better perspective, there is the chance to scuba dive inside the vast tank.

04 341444

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Th to Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: Rides vary in price. Buy a AED50 credit voucher and get an extra AED10 free, AED100 – AED40 free

BURJ KHALIFA OBSERVATION DECK (AT THE TOP)

KIDZANIA

From world-class water parks to mesmerising aquariums, there is a host of marine adventures to be had in Dubai.

LIKE A PRO

Amusements & attractions

Timings: Daily, 11am to 10pm.

Guide price: AED240 for visitors over 1.3m tall, AED195 for visitors below 1.3m.

Premium tickets available

WATER WORLD

MAGIC PLANET

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Features games, tasks and facilities to test children's limits, help them discover hidden talents and develop skills.

Timings: Sat to Wed

10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED140 for one adult and one child

Whatever the sport, learn from the best at one of Dubai's top sports clubs.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club Learn how to sail or improve your sailing skills with one- or two-day courses in the Arabian Gulf.

Contact: dosc.ae Els Golf Club Improve your swing at this top-tier golf club owned by former world number one Ernie Els. Contact: elsclubdubai.com Emirates Equestrian Centre Guests of all abilities can learn show jumping, dressage and eventing at this British Horse Society-approved riding and training centre.

Contact: emiratesequestriancentre.com

Emirates Flying School Learn how to fly or top up your hours at the city's only approved flying school.

Contact:

Timings: Sat to Thu 1 to 1.30pm, 6pm and every 30 minutes thereafter until 11pm. Friday 1pm, 2pm, 6pm and every 30 minutes thereafter until 11pm Guide price: Free of charge WONDERLAND

04 3243222

Creekside family entertainment village is a great day out for the entire family.

Timings: Daily Splashland 10am to 8pm, theme park 10am to midnight Guide price: AED125 adults, AED115 children, aged two to four AED60, and younger free

Arts & crafts CAFÉ CERAMIQUE

04 3447331/04 2328616

Create your own piece of pottery art at Café Ceramic.

Timings: Town Centre Mall 9am to midnight, DFC 8am to midnight Guide price: ceramic prices vary from AED45 to AED200 JAM JAR

04 3417303

Head to Jam Jar for a threehour painting session.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 8pm, Fri 2 to 8pm. Closed Sun Guide price: Prices start at AED85 per canvas

emiratesaviationservices.com

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Birdwatching NATIONAL FALCON CENTRE

04 3380201

Learn all about the national bird of prey at the falconry centre just outside Meydan Racetrack.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am

to 1pm and 4 to 10pm Guide price: Free of charge SNOW PENGUINS AT SKI DUBAI 04 4094000 Visitors have a rare opportunity to interact with these remarkable birds in a oneof-a-kind encounter.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Fri 9am to midnight, Sat 9 to 11pm Guide price: AED150 per person

Edutainment CHILDREN’S CITY

04 3340808

An interactive science and cultural centre.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 8pm, Fri 3 to 9pm Guide price: AED15 adults, AED10 children two to 15 years and AED40 for a family ticket ENCOUNTER ZONE

04 3247747

Wafi’s adventure playground for kids. Look out for 'Lunarland', 'Galatica' and the skate park.

Timings: Sun to Wed

10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED45 for five hours

Ice skating (see Sports)

Marine adventures DOLPHIN BAY

04 4261030

For the ultimate aquatic experience that you'll never forget, meet Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins under the supervision of marine mammal specialists at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.

This is one of Dubai's most famous attractions.

Timings: Open 10am to sunset Guide price: Individual rate AED795 with access to Aquaventure and private beach

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

04 4485200

Marvel at the diverse collection of marine life or swim with the sharks at The Dubai Mall. There are also glass-bottom boat rides for the less brave and a behind-the-scenes tour.

SPLASHLAND

TO THE LIMIT

WILD WADI

04 3484444

With its central location next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, along with fun-packed rides, this water park is always a hit with adults and children of all ages.

DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM

04 3369773

Learn more about dolphins, seals and other marine life at this fully air-conditioned dolphinarium.

Golf

THE LOST CHAMBERS

04 4261040

Discover a maze of underwater halls and tunnels, with 65,000 marine animals swimming at the Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis, The Palm.

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

04 6010101

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED100 for

(7,303 yards, par-72)

adults, AED70 for children aged three to 11

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Aimed at children from the age of two to eight, Dubai's latest waterpark is both fun and educational.

Timings: Sun to Wed

10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight, Guide price: From AED8 AQUAVENTURE

04 4260000

Ride the rapid and shoot down the fastest free-fall slide in the Middle East into a shark-filled lagoon. Located at the Atlantis, The Palm.

Timings: Daily from

10am to sunset Guide price: AED250 for adults, AED205 for children under 1.2 metres DREAMLAND AQUA PARK

06 7681888

Perfect for families and only an hour’s drive from Dubai, this large fun-filled park has a number of entertaining rides.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 6pm. Fri, Sat and public holidays the park is open for families only from 10am to 8pm (no all-male groups) Guide price: AED135 adults, AED85 children ICELAND WATER PARK

800 WOWRAK (969725)

A sprawling ice-themed water park in the middle of the desert.

Timings: Sun to Wed

and Fri 10am to 6pm. Thu and Sat 10am to 7pm Guide price: Above 1.2m AED150. Below 1.2m AED100

7

Timings: Daily from 10am to 7pm Guide price: AED245 adults; AED185 children under 1.1m, children under two go free

Timings: Shows Mon to Thu 11am and 6pm. Fri and Sat 11am, 3pm and 6pm. Closed Sun Guide price: From AED100 adults; AED50 children

AQUA PLAY

Splashland is a fun family water park near the Dubai Creek featuring slides, twisters, a lazy river, water cannons and children’s activity pool.

Timings: Daily from 10am to 8pm Guide price: AED125 children ages five and above, AED60 aged two to four, below age two go free

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Combo ticket for adults AED70, combo ticket for children aged three to 12 AED50

Waterparks

04 3241222

This championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Test yourself and defy the elements with a thrill-seeking experience in Dubai Sky It doesn't get more adventurous than jumping out of a plane and Skydive Dubai organises jumps in two locations: over Palm Jumeirah and deep in the desert.

Book a practice at iFly Dubai to get a feel for the experience before doing it for real.

Sea Whether above or below the surface of the water there is a plethora of activities available and guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Take a boat out to sea or head underwater off the coast of the emirate for a water-based adventure, or if you're feeling really brave, scuba dive with the sharks in the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Land Almost every landbased adventure sport imaginable can be found in Dubai, from karting at Dubai Autodrome to horseriding in the desert to shooting at Jebel Ali Shooting Club.

Sports enthusiasts really are spoilt for choice.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED595 for 18 holes. Fri and Sat AED875 for 18 holes ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

04 3663000

(6,531 yards, par-72) This is a popular course with both visitors and locals, designed by Ian Baker-Finch.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED460, Fri and Sat AED550 for 18 holes(AED60 cart free added each day)

6. Snorkelling, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 7. Desert Safari 8. Ice rink, The Dubai Mall 9. Emirates Golf Club

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB

04 3801234

(6,800 yards, par-71) The superbly manicured fairways feature date and palm trees, lakes and the Creek on at least four holes.

8

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED695 and Fri to Sat AED725 for 18 holes EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

04 3802222

Majlis Course:

(7,211 yards, par-72)

Faldo Course:

(6,916 yards, par-73)

The Par Three:

1,239 yards, par-27) Emirates Golf Club is home to the annual Dubai Desert Classic tournament, but also offers everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside topnotch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a spa.

Green fees: Majlis Course

Sun to Thu AED995 for 18 holes, Fri to Sat AED1,100 for 18 holes. Faldo Course Sun to Thu AED595 and Fri to Sat AED695 for 18 holes

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JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

JEBEL ALI SHOOTING CLUB

(3,299 yards, par-36, nine holes)

The 5,000-square-metre soft sand archery range can safely accommodate up to 12 people in a group at the same time.

04 8145555

This pretty nine-hole course features wooden gazebos, views of the Arabian Gulf and peacocks which roam the fairways.

04 8836555

Diving PADI and BSAC approved instruction is available at all levels. Hotels will organise dives on request. Freediving courses are also available.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED185 for 9 holes and AED275 for 18 holes. Fri and Sat AED210 for 9 holes and AED340 for 18 holes. Twilight rate is AED125 from approximately 5.10pm

minutes with unlimited shots

Guide price: Two-day PADI course for supervised dives up to 12 metres, AED1,750.

Pleasure dives from AED400

Climbing

Fishing

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

WAFI PHARAOH'S CLUB

Earth Course:

For an exciting and challenging rock-face experience perfect for fit and energetic types, why not head to the only state-of-the-art textured indoor climbing wall in the UAE?

Individual hotels without marinas can also arrange fishing trips on request

04 3759999

(7,706 yards, par-72) Fire Course: (7,480 yards, par-72) One of Dubai’s most prestigious golfing destinations, host of last year’s Dubai World Championship.

Green fees: Sun to Thu

AED595 (fire course) AED695 (earth course), Fri and Sat AED795 (fire course) AED895 (earth course),18 holes THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

04 3905600

(7,396 yards, par-72)

Timings:10am to 9pm Guide price: AED100 for 30

04 3240000

04 4251010

(7,538 yards, par-72, 18 holes) Set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation, this links-style course offers a challenging round.

Green fees: Daily

AED895 for 18 holes

SPORTS

THE WALL

ART MARINE

It's a challenge, but at more than 15 metres high (that's nearly 50 feet), this is the UAE's highest climbing wall.

Charter a vessel for six people or more and take to the Arabian Gulf’s turquoise waters.

04 3065061

Timings: Daily 2 to 10pm Guide price: AED70

with an instructor

04 3388955

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

10. Dolphin Bay, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 11. Jebel Ali Golf Resort 12. Snow penguins, Ski Dubai 13. Wild Wadi 14. Caracalla Spa, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB Up to six people can enjoy a day of fishing.

THE BIG FREEZE Escape the desert heat at one of these wintery locations in Dubai.

Ski Dubai The first indoor ski slope in the region at Mall of the Emirates caters to all ages and abilities.

Speed down the black run like a pro, show off tricks in the ski park or roll down the nursery slope in a zorb ball.

Make sure you also try out the new Snow Bullet zip line for a real adrenaline adventure.

Dubai Ice Rink Whether you're practising pirouettes or learning a basic glide, the Olympicsized ice rink at The Dubai Mall provides a chilled-out way to spend an afternoon for the whole family.

HATTA FORT HOTEL

04 8523211

Timings:8am to 5pm Guide price: AED50 for 30 minutes

11

04 2054646

Archery Think you’re Robin Hood? Put your archery skills to the test while taking in the scenic views of the Hajar Mountains.

Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the Arabian Gulf.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED500 per hour

Green fees: Daily

THE ELS CLUB

04 2394760

Timings: Call for timings Guide price: AED75 for one hour with an instructor

One of the most luxurious golf clubs in Dubai, the Colin Montgomeriedesigned course features lakes, landscaped gardens and 81 large bunkers.

AED825 for 18 holes

AL WASL CRUISING & FISHING

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Wrap up warm and head to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo for a meet and greet with the zoo's colony of penguins. A once-ina-lifetime experience for animal lovers; buy the professional photos to treasure the memory forever.

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Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details FIRST YACHT

04 3754148

13

Up to seven people can enjoy a day of fishing.

Timings: From 6am onwards Guide price:AED2,300 for up to eight people for four hours.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA – CLUB JOUMANA

04 8145555

Take a group fishing trip and make the catch of the day.

Timings: Two sessions daily; 8am to midday and 2 to 6pm Guide price: Call for details NO BOUNDARIES

050 2514988

Book in for seafishing in southern Oman and stay the night in a lodge.

12

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details SUMMERTIME MARINE

04 2573084

Up to seven people can be accommodated on private fishing trips.

Timings: Call for timings Guide price: AED2,000 per hour ULTIMATE CHARTER

050 1002477

Catch your own lunch on a deep-sea fishing trip.

Timings: From 7am Guide price: From AED1,800 for four hours. No fish, no pay guarantee on full day trips

Horseracing The season is November to March. For more information, visit www.dubairacingclub.com

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Horseriding

Ice skating

DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB, ARABIAN RANCHES

AL NASR LEISURELAND

04 3618111

From show jumping and dressage to desert hacking and stable tours, the club offers a wide range of equestrian experiences.

Timings: Desert hack 6 to 8am or 5 to 7pm Guide price: AED350 EMIRATES EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

050 5537986/ 050 5587656

A British Horse Societyapproved riding and training centre for all abilities.

Learn show jumping, dressage and eventing.

Timings: Lessons from 7 to 11am 4 to 7pm Guide price: AED165 for adult group lesson. Call for private lesson fees JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

04 8836000

Enjoy the natural desert surrounding in a resort setting, or take lessons under the guidance of qualified riding instructors.

Timings: Tue to Sun 7 to 10am and 5 to 7pm Guide price: AED200 for a 30-minute lesson, AED200 for a one-hour outdoor ride (experienced riders only)

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED35 for two

04 4485111

This Olympic-sized ice skating rink is situated at The Dubai Mall and is perfect for skaters of all skill levels.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11.45pm, Thu 11.15am to 1.15am, Fri and Sat 5 to 9.45pm for public sessions Guide price: AED55 for two hours

16

15. Ski Dubai 16. Jet skiing 17. Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club 18. Dubai Autodrome

04 3678744

Guide price: AED300 per person for a day’s trip. See Listings for tour operators

Polo

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED115

DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

EMIRATES KART CENTRE

04 3618111

The facility includes two polo fields, a riding school and equestrian centre.

The centre at Jebel Ali provides karting for everyone over the age of eight on its one-kilometre track just outside Dubai.

Guide price: Call for details

Timings: Sun to Wed 3 to 10pm,

GHANTOOT POLO CLUB

Thu to Sat 3pm to midnight Guide price: AED120

02 5629050

Located on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi highway, watch polo while enjoying a meal in the clubhouse. Nonmembers are welcome.

Mini golf For an exhilarating day out all of the family will enjoy Dubai Autodrome’s Indoor Kartdome offers non-stop fun.

The circuit boasts a fleet of leisure karts that deliver an excellent racing experience while ensuring safety at all times.

The state-of-theart facility also hosts daily ‘Arrive & Drive’ sessions.

Contact: 04 4361422

HATTA FORT HOTEL

04 8099333

17

Fun, cross country golf course and driving range with scenic views of the Hajar Mountains.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Free of charge.

Call for season information

Sailing

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED30 per

hour for two people. Hotel entry fee redeemable against hotel facilities

DESERT RANGERS

JEBEL ALI SHOOTING CLUB An indoor and outdoor shooting academy.

Timings: Winter – Wed to Mon 1 to 9pm, summer – Wed to Mon 4 to 11pm Guide price: AED220 for 25 shots SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

06 54877773

One of the UAE’s biggest shooting clubs.

Timings: 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED185 for .22, AED180 for 9mm and AED235 for .38. Sessions last for 40 minutes

Skiing SKI DUBAI

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Chill out at the indoor snow park and ski slope, in Mall of the Emirates.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Fri 9am to midnight, Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: AED150 for entry to Snow Park for adults, AED140 for children; AED200 for adults and AED170 for children for two hours on the ski slope

Watersports Hotels can organise watersports on request.

Some have their own facilities. See Taste section for hotel telephone numbers

Guide price:

Banana rides AED150 for 15 minutes Parasailing AED250 per ride Waterskiing AED300 for 30 minutes Wakeboarding AED300 for 30 minutes Windsurfing AED130 per hour

04 3402408

Enjoy a guided canoeing tour through Khor Kalba nature reserve.

Motorsports

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

DRAG RACING

DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

800 YAS (927) or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

Hit 250kmh in five seconds in a drag car driven by world champion Rod 'Hot Rod' Fuller.

04 3941669

Learn how to sail or improve your sailing skills with two-day courses or day training in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Timings: See website Guide price: From AED650 for two hours

Guide price: AED300

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Mountainbiking Tour operators offer biking trips through the Hajar Mountains, with gear, lunch and pick-up provided.

050 4263424

RACE DAY

04 8836555

starts at AED1,500

Karting The Formula One-standard track on the outskirts of Dubai boasts an outdoor and an air-conditioned kartdrome with hi-tech machines.

Timings: See website Guide price: Drive a

Timings: See website Guide price: Private tuition

to 9.30pm, Mon to Sat 10am to 10pm Guide price: Sun to Wed AED35; Thu to Sat AED40 including skate hire

Set sail on a luxury yacht ranging in size from 50 to 188ft.

Shooting

Drive open-wheel, singleseat race cars, two-seat open sports cars and race-spec sports cars or take a hot lap with a professional driver.

Timings: Sun 10.30am

04 2573084

Driving experiences with a wide range of top-tier cars, charged per number of laps around Dubai Autodrome.

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

This ice skating rink at the Hyatt Regency Dubai offers professional coaching and fun for the whole family.

Guide price: Call for details

Guide price: AED2,000

YAS RACING SCHOOL

04 2096000

Take your pick from five boats that can be chartered for a day or learn to sail yourself.

LUXURY RACING EXPERIENCE

Ferrari 458 Italia from AED790 for three laps.

GALLERIA ICE RINK

050 5517280

SUMMERTIME MARINE

055 3714218 or www. luxuryracingexperience.com

DUBAI ICE RINK

DUSAIL

Timings: See website Guide price: AED1,500

3000 Yas Experience

hours of ice skating. Includes park entrance and skate hire

DUBAI AUTODROME

riding from AED200

Experience the thrill of Formula One, screeching around Yas Marina Circuit at top speed as a passenger in an F1 two-seater.

Cool off and burn a few calories skating around the Olympic-sized ice rink or try your hand at 10-pin bowling.

This out-of-town equestrian centre offers riding lessons and desert hacks as well as the chance to meet and learn about camels.

Timings: 9am to 12noon Guide price: Desert

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

04 3371234

THE DESERT RANCH

04 8327171

FORMULA ONE

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Taste

Superb restaurants, chic cocktail bars and hip nightclubs make Dubai a stylish and sophisticated city for fine food and drink

HOTEL OUTLETS & PROMOTIONS

AL QASR, MADINAT JUMEIRAH

ATLANTIS THE PALM, DUBAI

Umm Suqeim

Palm Jumeirah

04 3668888

At Arboretum this month themed nights are the name of the game. Expect roast dinner on Sunday, grill on Tuesday, seafood on Thursday and dishes featuring Arabian spices on Friday.

AL BUSTAN ROTANA

04 2820000 Garhoud

Benihana offers a fresh theme on most evenings from AED199 including Teppanyaki on Sunday, Seafood Teppanyaki on Wednesdays, and sushi on Tuesday and Thursday. Head to Blue Elephant for the best in Thai cuisine and indulge in Saturday brunch from AED229.

Al Fayrooz Lounge – Afternoon tea Al Hambra – Spanish Arboretum – International Khaymat Al Bahar – Arabic Koubba Bar – Cocktail bar MJ'S – Steakhouse Pai Thai – Thai Pierchic – Seafood

AMWAJ ROTANA

04 4282000

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Benihana – Japanese Blue Elephant– Thai Choices – International Mawal – Lebanese Rodeo Grill – Steakhouse

Brandish your chopsticks at Benihana where the finest Japanese food awaits. For gourmet Italian dishes served in a beautiful setting with views out to the Arabian Gulf you might like to also pay a visit to Rosso.

AL GHURAIR RAYHAAN

BY ROTANA

Benihana – Japanese Horizon – International Rosso – Italian

04 2933000 Deira

It's all go at Liwan this month as the restaurant launches three new weekly themed nights and a oneoff Easter Sunday-themed family buffet on April 20.

Liwan – International Shayan – Iranian Yasmin Lounge – Lounge Buzz Deli Cafe – Cafe

AL MAHA DESERT RESORT & SPA

04 8329900 Desert

Al Diwaan is a popular gourmet restaurant serving an eclectic selection of international cuisine in a stunning desert setting.

Al Diwaan – International

AL MANZIL HOTEL

04 4285888

Downtown Dubai One of Dubai's favourite sports bars, Nezesaussi Grill is a lively spot with good food. Enjoy an extended brunch from 1pm to 5pm for only AED199 each.

Conservatory – International The Courtyard Restaurant – Arabic Nezesaussi Grill – Sports bar

AL MUROOJ ROTANA – DUBAI

04 3211111

Downtown Dubai Every Sunday enjoy a Far East Feast at Pergolas from AED169 and dine on signature dishes from across Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and beyond.

On April 20, to celebrate Easter Sunday, the restaurant will host a specially themed brunch and fun-filled activities for all the family from AED255 for adults.

ANANTARA DUBAI THE PALM RESORT & SPA

04 5678888

Palm Jumeirah The Beach House occupies a stunning location offering views out to the Arabian Gulf alongside delicious dishes.

Bushman’s Australian Restaurant & Bar – Australian Crescendo – International Mekong – Asian The Beach House - Mediterranean The Lotus Lounge - Lounge

ARABIAN RANCHES HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

04 3663000 Dubai

An elegant, out-of-town venue with fine international food served at the signature Ranches Restaurant. For a relaxing evening visit Birdies for some drinks and light bites at this lively sports lounge.

04 4260000

With 20 restaurants, bars and lounges brought to you by world-renowned chefs, this is one of the most diverse and iconic culinary destinations in the city. This month many of the restaurants are offering a range of Easter-themed special events, such as Nasimi Wicked Brunch on April 19 and The Easter Barbecue at The Edge every night from April 13 to 20. Both options are priced at AED225 per person. There's also afternoon tea at Plato's, a European Easter experience at La Brasserie on April 20 and much more.

Asia Republic – Asian Barazura – Cocktail bar Kaleidoscope – International Levantine – Arabic Nasimi – International N'Dulge – Nightclub Nobu – Japanese Ossiano – Seafood Plato's – Afternoon tea Ronda Locatelli – Italian La Brasserie – French Saffron – Asian Seafire – Steakhouse The Edge – Beachside lounge

AURIS PLAZA HOTEL AL BARSHA

04 4554800 Al Barsha

This inner city hotel is home to Didon Restaurant, a traditional Arabic eatery, well-known for its Levantine-inspired dishes, warm atmosphere and fantastic service.

Didon Restaurant – Arabic

BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA Desert

Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant offers traditional local dishes in a stunning setting.

ASIANA HOTEL Deira

BURJ AL ARAB

04 2387777

The property’s signature restaurant Sonamu offers fine Korean cuisine and is ideal for those seeking a place to socialise. Also try Lamesa which offers an authentic Filipino dining experience. With a cosy warm ambience and chefs serving a wide selection of dishes, this is an excellent choice for Filipino cuisine.

Hanabi – Japanese Lamesa – Filipino Sea World – Seafood Sonamu – Korean Yuraku – Japanese

1. Yuan, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 2. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire at InterContinental Dubai Festival City 3. The Act, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai 4. Junsui, Burj Al Arab

04 8096100

Al Forsan – International Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant – Arabic Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge – Cocktail bar Al Shurouq – Rooftop terrace Masala – Indian Pizzeria Le Dune – Italian Ya Hala – Arabic tea bar

Ranches Restaurant – International Birdies – Sports lounge

2

3

04 3017777 Jumeirah

Enjoy the finest in Arabic fare at Al Iwan restaurant where sensational local dishes are offered. The Skyview Bar is a wonderful destination to enjoy a cocktail and breathtaking views out to the Arabian Gulf.

Al Iwan – Arabic Al Mahara – European Al Muntaha – International Bab al Yam – International Juna Lounge – Cocktail bar Junsui – Far Eastern Sahn Eddar – Afternoon tea Skyview Bar – Cocktail bar

Alegra – Nightclub Double Decker – English Mawal – Lebanese Pergolas – International Zaika Restaurant – Indian

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T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

04 4447444

Sheikh Zayed Road Latin flare is the order of the day at Izel. Dance the night away to live music from a Colombian band.

Izel – Latin American Marco Pierre White Grill – British Purobeach Urban Oasis – Lounge Ballarò – Sicilian Cave – Wine bar

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, DUBAI GREEN COMMUNITY

04 8852222

Green Community

DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES

04 3194000

Dubai Marina The Observatory is one of the most picturesque venues in the city to enjoy a delicious dinner or drinks with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf.

Az.u.r – Mediterranean Counter Culture – International The Observatory – International

DUSIT THANI DUBAI

04 3433333

Sheikh Zayed Road

A relaxing out-of-town property with an excellent buffet offering an eclectic mix of dishes at Pine Grill international restaurant. Try The Bar for a relaxing evening drink.

The regional cuisine of the month at Benjarong is Issan, so expect fiery chillies, strong fish sauces, sour bites and sticky rice to feature highly across the flavoursome specially themed menu.

Aquamarine – Pool bar Cucina Italian Kitchen – Italian Pine Grill – International Rendezvous – International The Bar – Casual bar

Benjarong – Thai Dusit Delicatessen – Deli gourmet My Bar – Bar Pax – Italian The Californian – International

CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI

FAIRMONT DUBAI

Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road

04 3311111

Al Dana restaurant offers a wide selection of tasty international dishes and traditional Arabic delicacies.

Al Dana – International Al Fresco – Italian Al Tannour – Arabic Harvester’s Pub – English Oscar’s Vine Society – Wine bar Sakura – Japanese Trader Vic's – Polynesian Wagamama – Far Eastern Western Steakhouse – Steakhouse Zinc – Nightclub

CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI DEIRA

04 2625555 Deira

Enjoy sumptuous flavours from all over the globe at Spice Island.

Aquarium Lounge – Afternoon tea Harry's Place – American Spice Island – International

CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

04 7012222

Dubai Festival City The Belgian Beer Café boasts a hearty selection of fare.

Belgian Beer Café – European Mazar – Afternoon tea Zaytoun – International

DUBAI MARINE BEACH RESORT & SPA

04 3461111 Jumeirah

Located in the heart of Jumeirah, hip lounges and stylish restaurants attract a late-night crowd at this vibrant and varied venue with Boudoir, Loca Restaurant and Bar and Sho-Cho hosting regular theme nights to enjoy.

Al Khayma – Arabic Al Qasr – Lebanese Boudoir – French/nightclub Capanna Nuova – Italian El Malecon – Cuban Flooka – Mediterranean Loca Restaurant & Bar – Tex-Mex Lounge Bar – Afternoon tea Serai – Arabic nightclub Sho-Cho – Japanese Taverna – International Thai Bistro – Thai

04 3325555

Treat yourself to a Turkish culinary adventure at new al fresco restaurant Dokus.

Bridges – Bar Cascades – International Cin Cin – Wine bar Dokus – Turkish Nine – Arabic lounge Spectrum on One – International The Cigar Bar – Cigar lounge The Exchange Grill – Steakhouse The Sushi Café – Japanese

FAIRMONT THE PALM, DUBAI

04 4573388

Palm Jumeirah Home to a variety of highend restaurants including Flow Kitchen, Seagrill on 25° Restaurant and Frevo.

Ba Restaurant and Lounge – Chinese Frevo - Brazilian Flow Kitchen – International Mashrabiya Lounge – Lounge The Cigar Room – Lounge Seagrill on 25° Restaurant & Lounge - Seafood The Cigar Room - Lounge Delicacy - Deli

FUJAIRAH ROTANA RESORT & SPA

09 2449888

Al Aqah Beach This out-of-town option is popular as a weekend getaway with Dubai residents.

Al Falaj – Lobby lounge Mozaique – International Waves – International

GRAND HYATT DUBAI

04 3171234 Oud Metha

In April, The Market Café hosts three Turkish chefs from the Tike restaurant in Istanbul to celebrate a week of Turkish delights. Also at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Andiamo will serve a delectable Easter Brunch on April 20 From AED245.

Andiamo! – Italian Awtar – Lebanese Cooz – Jazz bar iZ – Indian Manhattan Grill – American Panini – Italian deli and café Peppercrab – Singaporean Sushi – Japanese The Market Café – International Wox – Vietnamese

DINE BY CUISINE ARABIC Mawal – Al Bustan Rotana The Courtyard Restaurant – Al Manzil Hotel Mawal – Al Murooj Rotana – Dubai Khaymat Al Bahar – Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Didon – Auris Plaza Hotel, Al Barsha Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Al Tannour – Crowne Plaza Dubai Sakura – Crowne Plaza Dubai Al Khayma – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Al Qasr – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa The Sushi Café – Fairmont Dubai Awtar – Grand Hyatt Dubai Al Basha – Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Shahrzad – Hyatt Regency Dubai Al Nafoorah – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Al Nafoorah – Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Al Khaima – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Al Diwan – Metropolitan Palace Hotel Fakhreldine Lebanese Restaurant – Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Café Arabesque – Park Hyatt Dubai The Lounge – Park Hyatt Dubai Al Hadiqa Restaurant & Tent – Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Topkapi – Taj Palace Hotel Na3Na3 – The Address Dubai Mall Al Bayt – The Palace Downtown Dubai Ewaan – The Palace Downtown Dubai Amaseena – The RitzCarlton Dubai

ASIAN Benihana – Al Bustan Rotana Blue Elephant, Al Bustan Rotana Pai Thai – Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Benihana – Amwaj Rotana Armani/Hashi – Armani Hotel Dubai Hanabi – Asiana Hotel Yuraku – Asiana Hotel Asia Republic – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Nobu – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Saffron – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Al Iwan – Burj Al Arab Junsui – Burj Al Arab Sho-Cho – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Thai Bistro – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Benjarong – Dusit Thani Dubai Peppercrab – Grand Hyatt Dubai Sushi – Grand Hyatt Dubai Wox – Grand Hyatt Dubai Toshi – Grand Millennium Dubai Buddha Bar – Grosvenor House, Dubai Siddharta Lounge – Grosvenor House, Dubai Summer Palace Chinese

Restaurant Lounge & Bar – Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Miyako – Hyatt Regency Dubai Shanghai Chic – Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel White Orchid – Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Beachcombers – Jumeirah Beach Hotel Nomad – Jumeirah Creekside Hotel ET Sushi – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hakkasan – Jumeirah Emirates Towers The Noodle House – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Tokyo@thetowers – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Zheng He’s, Mina A’ Salam – Madinat Jumeirah Rooftop Terrace – Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Wok-In Restaurant – Mövenpick Hotel Deira Eau Zone – One&Only Royal Mirage The Thai Kitchen – Park Hyatt Dubai Minato – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Sumibiya – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek The China Club – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Yum – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Icho – Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Indothai – Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Tomo – Raffles Dubai Shang Palace – Shangri-La Hotel Dubai Creekside – Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Peacock – Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Sakura – Taj Palace Hotel Okku – The H Hotel Dubai Shiba – The Meydan FAI – The Palace Downtown Dubai Thiptara – The Palace Downtown Dubai Blue Rain – The RitzCarlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Spice Emporium – The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

INDIAN Zaika Restaurant – Al Murooj Rotana – Dubai Armani/Amal – Armani Hotel Dubai Masala – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa iZ – Grand Hyatt Dubai Indigo by Vineet – Grosvenor House, Dubai Chor Bazaar – Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Amala – Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor – Meliá Dubai Chutney’s – Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Ashiana – Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Handi – Taj Palace Hotel

MEDITERRANEAN Rosso – Amwaj Rotana Armani/Peck – Armani Hotel Dubai Armani/Ristorante – Armani Hotel Dubai Ronda Locatelli – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Pizzeria Le Dune – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Majlis Al Bahar – Burj Al Arab Cucina Italian Kitchen – Courtyard by Marriott, Dubai Green Community Al Fresco – Crowne Plaza Dubai Capanna Nuova – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Flooka – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Az.u.r – Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Pax – Dusit Thani Dubai Andiamo! – Grand Hyatt Dubai Dante – Grand Millennium Dubai Luciano’s – Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Soda Box – Hotel Pullman Mall of the Emirates Foccacia – Hyatt Regency Dubai Cubo Pasta – Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai Mistral – Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Sicilia – Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel La Traviata – Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Carnevale – Jumeirah Beach Hotel La Veranda – Jumeirah Beach Hotel Biscotti – Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Mosaico – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Brunello Restaurant – Kempinski Hotel & Residences, Palm Jumeirah The MED – Media One Hotel Prego’s – Media Rotana Dubai Sketch – Metropolitan Palace Hotel La Plaza – Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai Frankie’s – Oasis Beach Tower Thyme Restaurant – Oasis Beach Tower 101 – One&Only The Palm, Dubai La Moda – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Certo – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City Roccha Mediterranean Restaurant – Rixos The Palm Dubai Vivaldi – Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Rococo – Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Verdi – Taj Palace Hotel Shades – The Address Dubai Marina Bas Pasta – The Meydan Splendido – The RitzCarlton Dubai

Bussola – The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

SEAFOOD Pierchic – Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Seaworld – Asiana Hotel Ossiano – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Fish Bazaar – Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Divaz – Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Mi Vida – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Ossigeno – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Pizzeria – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Beach Bar & Grill – One&Only Royal Mirage Fish Market – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Al Mersat Restaurant – Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Amwaj – Shangri-La Hotel Dubai Zeta – The Address Downtown Dubai

STEAKHOUSES Rodeo Drive – Al Bustan Rotana MJ’s, Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah Seafire – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Western Steakhouse – Crowne Plaza Dubai The Exchange Grill – Fairmont Dubai The Grand Grill – Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Terra Firma – InterContinental Dubai Festival City Blue Flame – Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Gaucho – Dubai International Financial Centre The Rib Room – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Rhodes Twenty10 – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Palm Grill – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Fire & Ice – Raffles Dubai Chef’s Steak House Restaurant – Rixos The Palm Dubai Ruth’s Cris Steak House – The H Hotel Dubai Prime – The Meydan Center Cut – The RitzCarlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Hunters – The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

THE NOBU GARDEN, ATLANTIS THE PALM, DUBAI

CONRAD, DUBAI

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GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI

04 4299999 Al Barsha

Toshi offers daily themed nights serving a range of sushi, seafood and Asian delicacies.

Atrium – International Belgian Beer Café – European Crystal Bar – Bar Dante – Italian Toshi – Asian Exit 36 – Garden venue

GROSVENOR HOUSE, DUBAI

04 3998888

Dubai Marina Sloane’s offers a lively atmosphere with an open-show kitchen cooking up an array of tasty dishes. A warm ambience is created by terracotta walls, rattan chairs and contemporary artwork.

6

Bar 44 – Champagne bar Buddha Bar – Far Eastern Embassy Dubai – European Indego by Vineet – Indian Leaves – Afternoon tea Ottomans – Turkish Rhodes Mezzanine – British Rhodes in Residence– Afternoon tea Siddharta Lounge – Asian Sloane's – International The Bar – Bar The Gallery – Bar Toro Toro – South American

5. Indego by Vineet, Grosvenor House Dubai 6. L'Olivo, Rixos The Palm Dubai 7. The Act Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai 8. Cavalli Club, Fairmont Dubai

HABTOOR GRAND BEACH RESORT & SPA

04 3995000

Dubai Marina Al Dhiyafa offers traditional Arabic cuisine and international flavours.

7

Al Basha – Arabic Al Dhiyafa – International Al Majlis – Afternoon tea Fish Bazaar – Seafood Thai Restaurant Luciano’s – Italian Polo Bar – Cocktail bar Summer Place Chinese Restaurant Lounge & Bar – Chinese Salamar – Garden lounge The Grand Grill – Steakhouse The White Lounge – Lounge The Underground Pub – English

HATTA FORT HOTEL

04 8099333 Hatta

Enjoy drinks by the pool and watch your favourite films at Movies Under The Stars nights every Thursday and Friday.

Café Gazebo – International Jeema Restaurant – International

HILTON DUBAI CREEK

04 2271111 Deira

8

table9 by darren velvick offers elegant cuisine in an intimate setting. Or you may like to try Issimo Bar & Lounge for the relaxing ambience and light bites on offer at this popular sports bar.

Glasshouse – International Issimo Bar & Lounge – Sports bar table9 by darren velvick – European

HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH

04 3991111

Dubai Marina Savour sublime Italian food at this award-winning restaurant.

Sleek interiors at BiCE Ristorante add to the ambience at this elegant evening destination. For a lively experience Pachanga offers Latin American flavours in a vibrant atmosphere.

Axis Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea BiCE Skybar – Bar BiCE Restaurant - Italian Cuban Bar – Cuban Oceana – International Pachanga – Latin America Pure Sky Lounge - Lounge Studio One – Sports bar Wavebreaker – Beach bar

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HOTEL PULLMAN DUBAI MALL OF THE EMIRATES

JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE HOTEL

Sheikh Zayed Road

DIFC

04 3772000

For multicultural cuisine, visit allday dining restaurant Sanabel.

Sanabel – International Soda Box – Mediterranean Vantage – Cocktail bar

HYATT REGENCY DUBAI

04 2091234 Deira

This month Dubai’s only revolving restaurant, Al Dawaar, introduces a weekly seafood buffet. Every Thursday,for AED235, diners are treated to a lavish fresh seafood offering including whole baked fish, sushi, Belon oysters, poached tiger prawns, Alaskan mussels, blue lobster and more .

Al Dawaar – International Carpenter's Bar – Sports bar Hibiki – Karaoke lounge Miyako – Japanese Shahrzad – Arabic The Bar – Cocktail bar The Kitchen – International The Premiere Nightclub– Nightclub

IBIS WORLD TRADE CENTRE DUBAI

04 3324444 Zabeel

Cubo Pasta is a popular spot for delegates at the neighbouring World Trade Centre.

04 2308555

Nomad's Spring Brunch is the ideal day out for all the family.

On April 18 feast on a buffet of seafood, chocolate and more, as the Easter bunny entertains the little ones with an egg hunt.

Prices start at AED195 for adults.

Plumeria – Healthy café Blue Flame – Steak Cu-ba – Latin Nomad – International Crimson Gallery - Afternoon tea

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

04 3300000 DIFC

Round up the girls for a brand news Ladies' Night and enjoy two complimentary glasses of pink beverages each as you overlook stunning views at Alta Badia Bar. Alfie's – English Al Nafoorah – Arabic Alta Badia Bar - Italian ET Sushi – Japanese Hakkasan – Chinese Harry Ghatto’s – Karaoke lounge The Ivy Dubai – International Mosaico – Mediterranean The Agency – Wine bar The Noodle House – Far Eastern The Rib Room – Steakhouse Tokyo@thetowers – Japanese

Cubo Pasta – Italian

JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

Palm Jumeirah

04 7011111

Dubai Festival City The latest venture from Michelin-star chef Pierre Gagnaire, Choix, is now open.

At the French patisserie and restaurant guests can enjoy a range of main dishes and sweet treats such as the chef's special 'Hommage à Dubai'.

Anise – International Bistro Madeleine – French Choix – French patisserie Eclipse – Champagne bar La Terrasse par Pierre Gagnaire - Lounge Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire – French Terra Firma Steakhouse – Steakhouse

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

04 8145555 Jebel Ali

Embark on a culinary journey at Ibn Majed. Buffets feature specialities from Germany, Thailand and India.

Divaz – Seafood restaurant Mushref Bar – Cocktail bar Ibn Majed – International La Fontana – International La Traviata – Italian Tex Mex Steak House – American Sports Cafe – Sports bar White Orchid – Far Eastern

JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL

04 3480000 Jumeirah

Located on the 25th floor with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab, La Parrilla is a truly unique destination to experience Friday brunch. Priced at AED625 per person.

360° – Terrace bar Beachcombers – Far Eastern Carnevale – Italian Der Keller – German Dhow & Anchor – English Go West – American Jamie's Italian – Italian La Parrilla – Argentinean Latitude – International La Veranda – Italian Mahiki – Nightclub Uptown – Bar

04 4530000

Join sommelier Nicola Pitzalis on a wine tasting journey every Wednesday for AED145 including five tasting glasses and cheese, or visit Voda on any night from Monday to Saturday to experience a different theme each evening.

Al Nafoorah – Lebanese Amala – Indian C Club – Cigar lounge Imperium – French Lalezar – Turkish Plaj – Beachside international dining Sultan’s Lounge – Afternoon tea Voda Bar – Vodka bar Voi – French Vietnamese

JUMEIRA ROTANA HOTEL

04 3455888 Satwa

Try some authentic German flavours in a series of traditional and delicious dishes from this influential European nation at Brauhaus.

Boston Bar – American Brauhaus – German Five Dining – International

KEMPINSKI HOTEL & RESIDENCES, PALM JUMEIRAH

04 4442000

Dubai Marina Brunello Restaurant offers Italian cooking at its best in the chic surroundings of Palm Jumeirah.

Beachside Barbecue – Brasserie Brunello Restaurant – Italian K-West Bar – Wine bar

LE MÉRIDIEN MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT & MARINA

04 3993333

Dubai Marina Latest Recipe offers an al fresco barbecue on the terrace with a variety of meats and seafood.

Barasti – International Latest Recipe – International Watatsumi – Japanese Latitude Bar – Bar

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T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

LE ROYAL MÉRIDIEN BEACH RESORT & SPA

04 3995555

Dubai Marina Rhodes Twenty10 presents a traditional roast dinner for AED210 per person on Saturdays and Sundays.

Al Khaima – Arabic Al Murjan – Afternoon tea Maya – Mexican Bar Below – Wine bar Brasserie – International Mi Vida – Mediterranean/Seafood Ossigeno – Italian Pizzeria – Italian Rhodes Twenty10 – Steakhouse Seabreeze – Sports bar

MEDIA ONE HOTEL

04 4271000

Dubai Media City The MED is a stylish yet relaxed Mediterranean eatery with stunning views.

THE DEK on 8 – Terrace bar The Z:ONE Bar & Lounge – Bar The MED – Mediterranean

MEDIA ROTANA DUBAI

04 4350000 Al Barsha

Prego's presents a delicious selection of gourmet Italian fare.

Channels – International Prego's – Italian Nelson’s Bar – Pub Rare – Nightclub The Terrace – Outdoor bar

A TASTE OF CHINA The China Club A fusion of traditional and modern China is presented here in an array of mouthwatering dishes from the country's provinces. Whether guests opt for the elegant dining room or art-filled private room, The China Club leaves a lasting impression.

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek Contact: 04 222 7171 Shang Palace Traditional Cantonese cuisine and provincial dishes in a chic, modern setting. Delicious dishes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and beautifully presented.

Specialities served here include Peking duck and wok-fried beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce.

Location: ShangriLa Hotel, Dubai Contact: 04 4052703

MELIA DUBAI

04 3868111 Port Rashid

METROPOLITAN PALACE HOTEL

04 2270000 Deira

A quaint, old-school hotel located in Deira.

9 10

The Talk Restaurant – International West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge – Sports bar Chinwaggery + Soul Bar, Lounge & Restaurant - New York-style brasserie

MÖVENPICK HOTEL JUMIERAH LAKES TOWERS

04 4380000

Pay a visit to international restaurant Nosh for fine fare from all corners of the globe.

04 3877777

Sheikh Zayed Road Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai is located in the heart of the city. Drop into La Plaza for a spot of Mediteranean fare.

Urban bar & kitchen – Modern bar Nosh – International Crema lobby lounge – Lobby lounge

La Plaza – Mediteranean Metro! – International Infinity – Pool bar

Umm Suqeim

04 3994444

Jumeirah Beach Residence For a taste of Italy, don't miss a mouthwatering meal at Frankie's. There is also internationally renowned restaurant Wagamama.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BUR DUBAI

04 3366000

9. Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai 10. Hakkasan Dubai, Jumeirah Emirates Towers 11. Jamie’s Italian, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Chutney's – Indian Fakhreldine Lebanese Restaurant – Lebanese Pulse The Club – Nightclub Rooftop Terrace – Far Eastern Somerset’s – English The Fountain – International

04 4440111 Deira

Al Sufouh

Celebrities restaurant has undergone a redesign. Dine in style on delicious dishes such as wild mushroom risotto.

Nina has also launched a new à la carte menu that's certainly worth trying.

STAY by Yannick Alleno is one of the city's finest gourmet French restaurants.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL IBN BATTUTA GATE

101 Dining Lounge and Bar – Mediterranean Stay by Yannick Alléno – French Zest – Oriental and Middle Eastern

Jebel Ali

PARK HYATT DUBAI

04 6021234 Garhoud

Sicilia restaurant offers the finest Italian fare in an inviting setting.

This month both Traiteur and The Terrace are hosting a number of Easter weekend celebrations, while The Terrace will offer special single malts paired with exquisite cigars all month long.

11

04 3669111

Dubai Media City New head chef Alessandro Esposito takes the reins at Certo's kitchen creating various traditional Italian meat and seafood delicacies.

Certo – Italian Chef's House – International Icon Bar & Lounge – Sports bar Tamanya Terrace – Cocktail bar

Be one of the first to try the new Friday brunch at Icho and enjoy unlimited Japanese delicacies and beverages from AED295.

04 3999999

The Palm Jumeirah

04 4440000

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI MEDIA CITY

ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

04 4401010

Jigsaw – International Spiritz – Bar Wok-In Restaurant– Pan Asian

Downtown Dubai

RADISSON ROYAL HOTEL DUBAI

ONE&ONLY THE PALM, DUBAI

Located in the heart of Dubai’s historic quarter, this five-star property offers three food and beverage outlets for discerning tastes.

04 4502000

Frankie’s – Italian Mai Tai – Cocktail bar Thyme Restaurant – Mediterranean Wagamama – Noodle house

Beach Bar & Grill – Seafood Celebrities – International Eauzone – Far Eastern Kasbar – Nightclub Nina – International Olives – International The Jetty – Beach Bar The Roof Top Lounge – Bar The Rotisserie – International Tagine – Moroccan

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DEIRA

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI DOWNTOWN

Infiniti Bar & Terrace – Bar Lemon Pepper – International

OASIS BEACH TOWER

Al Muna – International Al Samar Lounge – Afternoon tea Bahri Bar – Bar Shimmers – Beachside dining The Wharf – British Zheng He's – Chinese

Boulvar – International Fish Market – Seafood Ku-Bu – Cocktail Bar La Moda – Italian Marbles – Lobby bar Minato – Japanese Palm Grill – Steakhouse Shabestan – Iranian Sumibiya – Asian The China Club – Chinese The Pub – English Up On The 10th – Jazz Bar Yum – Noodle bar

Trade Centre

Blue Bar – Belgian bar Entre Nous – International

The Wharf is a British-style restaurant which serves delcious fare that includes big-bone, sticky beef ribs with mashed potatoes and the restaurant’s signature sticky sauce.

In March, Fish Market, one of the city's top seafood restaurants celebrated its 25th anniversary. This is a venue definitely worth visiting for the decadent courses of shrimps, squid, scallop and Alaskan crab.

Located in the thriving Business Bay district, this new property has excellent views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.

Entre Nous is the destination for fine gourmet fare from around the world.

04 3668888

04 2227171

NOVOTEL WORLD TRADE CENTRE

04 3320000

MINA A' SALAM, MADINAT JUMEIRAH

Mistral – Arabic Al Bahou – Brunch buffet Sicilia – Italian Shanghai Chic – Chinese Moroc Bar – Moroccan lounge Chor Bazaar – Indian

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Deira

Jumeirah Lakes Towers

MILLENNIUM PLAZA HOTEL DUBAI

Chutneys restaurant features a selection of traditional North Indian dishes.

Some of the culinary delights include gosht korma, tawa murgh and fish tikka.

Jumeirah Beach Residence Start your weekend in style at West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge. Singer Harry Austin performs live rock and pop classics every Thursday from 8pm to 11pm. Enjoy the atmosphere with a 50 percent discount on selected beverages until 9pm.

Azalya – International Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor – Indian

Bur Dubai

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI DEIRA CREEK

04 4498888

Prestigious chef Sanjeev Kapoor presides over a restaurant here.

Al Shindagah – International Al Diwan – Lebanese Malate Bar & Restaurant – Filipino Sketch – Mediterranean

MÖVENPICK HOTEL JUMEIRAH BEACH

Cafe Arabesque - Arabic The Lounge – Arabic The Terrace – Bar The Thai Kitchen – Thai Traiteur – French

04 3080000

Sheikh Zayed Road

Celsius – All-day dining Mo*Vida Nightclub – Nightclub Icho – Japanese Indo Thai Asian Restaurant – Asian

RAFFLES DUBAI

04 3248888 Oud Metha

Visit Azur and enjoy a roast overlooking the hotel's botanical gardens. Also this month, Fire & Ice welcomes 'King of the Oceans' lobsters to its menu.

Azur – International Crossroads – Cocktail Bar Fire & Ice – Steakhouse People By Crystal – Nightclub Raffles Salon – Afternoon Tea Tomo – Japanese

RAMADA PLAZA JUMEIRAH BEACH

04 4398888

Jumeirah Beach Residence This hotel is home to the city's first Brazilian restaurant and is well worth a visit.

Shores – International Fogueira –Brazilian

RIXOS BAB AL BAHR

07 2444400

Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah Fish Bone serves fresh seafood in a fine-dining setting.

Fish Bone – Seafood L'Olivo – Italian Lalezar – Middle Eastern Meat Point – South American Seven Heights – International Toast 'n Burger – Casual

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T A ST E/THE GUIDE

RIXOS THE PALM DUBAI

04 4575555

Palm Jumeirah Salt offers the finest seafood in a friendly dining atmosphere.

TASTE OF STARDOM

TAJ PALACE HOTEL

THE OBEROI, DUBAI

TRADERS HOTEL DUBAI

Deira

Sheikh Zayed Road

Deira

04 2232222

Handi is the place to go for fine Indian thali.

A la Turca – International L'Olivo Restaurant – Italian Nargile - Shisha lounge Biber- Lounge Salt - Seafood

Handi – Indian Le Rendezvous – International Sakura – Japanese Topkapi – Arabic Verdi – Italian

ROSE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA

THE ADDRESS DOWNTOWN DUBAI

04 3230111

Sheikh Zayed Road/DIFC

04 4368888

Downtown Dubai

Sample creative dishes from around the world at Petals.

Fazaris offers the finest in Italian and Japanese cuisine.

Café Rose – Afternoon tea Petals – International

Calabar – Latin lounge Fazaris – Italian and Japanese Hukama - Chinese Neos – Cocktail bar Risala – Afternoon tea Zeta – Seafood

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DUBAI

04 3438888

Sheikh Zayed Road Hoi An offers modern Vietnamese cuisine with French influences, served in a vibrant atmosphere.

Balcony Bar – Bar Dunes Café – International Hoi An – Vietnamese/French Ikandy – Cocktail bar Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Marrakech – Moroccan Shang Palace – Chinese

SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS

04 2281111 Deira

Vivaldi offers stunning views of Dubai Creek and delicious Italian fare.

Ashiana – Indian Chelsea Arms – English pub Creekside – Japanese Vivaldi – Italian

SHERATON JUMEIRAH BEACH RESORT & TOWERS

04 3995533

Dubai Marina Visit Peacock for delicious Chinese cuisine.

Al Hadiqa Restaurant & Tent – Lebanese Ciao Ristorante – Italian Moods Bar – Bar Palm Garden – International Peacock – Chinese

SHERATON DUBAI MALL OF THE EMIRATES HOTEL

04 3772000

An abundance of dining options includes Sanabel which offers European fare.

Sanctuary Pool Lounge - Lounge Sanabel - Mediterranean Vantage - lounge

SOFITEL DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH

04 4484848

Dubai Marina Enjoy fresh pastries and gourmet sandwiches at elegant spot, Plantation.

AOC French Brasserie – French Plantation – Afternoon tea Rococo – Italian The Hub – Sports bar

SOFITEL THE PALM, DUBAI

04 4556677

Palm Jumeirah On April 19 experience an Easter brunch at Manava where there'll be plenty of fun-filled activities for children including a golden egg hunt.

Manava – International Studio du Chef – French Porterhouse Steaks & Grills – International Bottega - Italian Deli – Italian Hong Loong - Asian

THE ADDRESS DUBAI MALL

04 4388888

Downtown Dubai

Marco Pierre White Grill The latest local launch from famed chef Marco Pierre White, this grill features an open-kitchen concept that allows diners to watch the expert team at work. Dark wood interiors complete the chic feel of this inviting space.

Location: Conrad Dubai Contact: 04 4447444 Nobu Created by worldfamous Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu is a regular A-list haunt. A chic yet modern space, its menu fuses Japanese and Arabic flavours to great effect.

Location: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Contact: 04 4262626 Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire Three-Michelinstar chef Pierre Gagnaire brings fine French fare to Dubai through this elegant restaurant which offers exceptional cuisine in a plush Parisian-style setting.

Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City Contact: 04 4409300

Na3Na3 launches a new organic brunch on Fridays featuring seasonal cuisine fresh from the farmer’s market from AED295. The restaurant will also host Alice in Wonderland-inspired buffer lunches to celebrate Easter.

Boutiq – Lounge Cabana – Lounge Karat – Afternoon tea La Porte des Indes – Indian French Na3Na3 – Arabic

THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA

04 4238888

Dubai Marina Indulge in a Mongolian culinary adventure at Mazina every Wednesday for AED165.

Blends – Lounge bar Kambaa – Lobby lounge Mazina – International Shades – Mediterranean

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

04 3905600

Emirates Hills Enjoy tapas at Monty's every evening. Choose from an offering including crispy calamari with lemon mayonnaise from AED109 per person.

Monty's – Pub Links – International Monty Cristo's – Cigar lounge Nineteen – International

THE H HOTEL DUBAI

04 5018888

Sheikh Zayed Road Savour the finest quality produce and a delicious steak at one of the city's most popular spots, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

Okku – Japanese Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Steakhouse Gold lounge – Lounge Mizaan - International

THE MEYDAN

04 3813333 Meydan

Enjoy truly succulent steaks with sensational racecourse views at stunning restaurant, Prime.

Bas Pasta – Italian Equus Bar – Poolside dining Farriers – International Millennium Lounge – International Prime – Steak house Shiba – Asian

04 4441444

For an authentic taste of India, why not try a delicious meal at Ananta. This chic hotel, located close to Downtown Dubai and DIFC, also offers fine Asian fare Umai restaurant.

Nine7One – International Umai – Asian Ananta – Indian The Lobby Lounge – Lounge The Lobby Bar - Bar

THE PALACE DOWNTOWN DUBAI

04 4287888

Downtown Dubai Celebrate Easter at Ewaan and choose from a Friday brunch on April 18, a Sunday lunch on April 20 or amuse the children with at the Benjanmin Bunny Easter Feast on April 19.

Al Bayt – Arabic Asado – Argentinean Ewaan – Arabic FAI – Asian bar Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Thiptara – Thai

04 2659888

The Junction combines Arabian spirit with international style. Or choose from a wide selection of delicious and refreshing cocktails to relax and unwind at the chic Chameleon Bar. Chameleon Bar – Cocktail bar The Junction – International

AQUARA

VILLA ROTANA

Dubai Marina Yacht Club

04 3216111

Sheikh Zayed Road Moka Café serves an excellent daily international buffet with a host of dishes to choose from at this sumptuous feast served in a chic and contemporary setting.

Moka Café – All-day dining

WALDORF ASTORIA DUBAI PALM JUMEIRAH

04 8182222

Palm Jumeirah

THE RITZ-CARLTON DUBAI

Enjoy fine-dining at this luxurious resort, a welcome addition to Dubai's dining scene.

Dubai Marina

Social by Heinz Beck – European cuisine

04 3994000

Lobby Lounge is a wonderful spot to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with a variety of blends and freshly baked cakes and pastries.

Amaseena – Arabic Blue Jade - Asian Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Library Bar – Aperitifs/nightcaps Splendido – Italian

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE

04 3722222 DIFC

Center Cut boasts a menu of the finest steaks and grilled meats paired with the finest beverages.

Blue Rain – Thai Can Can – French bistro Center Cut – Steakhouse No.5 Lounge & Bar – Bar

THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT & MARINA

04 3994141

Dubai Marina Enjoy delicious dishes from Blue Orange, Hunters and Spice Emporium at the Bubbalicious Friday brunch.

Priced at AED650 per person with free flowing bubbly.

Blue Orange – International Bussola – Italian El Sur - Spanish Hunters – Steakhouse Oeno – Wine bar Senyar – Bar Spice Emporium – Thai

TOWERS ROTANA DUBAI

04 3438000

Sheikh Zayed Road Long's Bar has re-launched its famous Friday Brunch that's ideal for diners with a ferocious appetite. On Easter Sunday head to Flavours on Two for a brunch of succulent lamb roast from AED175 per person.

Teatro – International Long’s Bar – Bar Wraps – International

CITY DINING

THE PERFECT BLEND For a true taste of local life, savour a delicious Arabic coffee. More than a symbol of Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality, coffee is revered as an important reminder of local traditions and times gone by.

Arabic coffee comes from the Arabica bean which originates from the Coffea tree found in the mountains of Yemen. Over time, a variety of blends and brewing styles have developed throughout the Gulf region.

Emirati coffees tend to have a strong, bitter flavour with cardamom or rose water added but it remains unsweetened.

Dates are served alongside instead.

Turkish coffee is thicker and darker, and is usually a lot stronger with foam on top and grounds at the bottom. It is often served sweetened.

Saudi Arabian blends, known as Al Qahwa, tend to be very strong and are recognisable by their green hue.

04 3627934

Enjoy spectacular views over Dubai Marina.

AT.MOSPHERE

04 8883828 Burj Khalifa

The world's 'Highest Restaurant from Ground Level'.

BARZAR

04 3666197

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Ideal for a lively night out, BarZar also serves British food.

CARLUCCIO'S

04 4341320, 04 3997844, 0428943728

The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall and Mirdif City Centre Authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly environment.

CAVALLI CLUB

04 332960

Fairmont Dubai A chic nightspot that attracts a trendy late-night crowd.

CENTIMETRO

04 3666730

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Enjoy bruschetta sold in 10cm denominations.

CHI’ZEN

04 2329077, 04 3549288 Dubai Festival City and Mall of the Emirates

First-class Cantonese cuisine and amazing views.

RIVINGTON GRILL

04 4230903, 04 3666464 Souk Al Bahar and Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Steak, fish and fine wine are the order of the day.

THE MANGO TREE

04 4267313

Souk Al Bahar Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine while overlooking Burj Khalifa.

TOKO DUBAI

04 4428383

Vida Hotel Downtown Expect Japanese cuisine served in modern ‘izakaya’ dining style.

USHNA

04 3686506

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Chic décor and excellent cuisine.

VIP ROOM

04 3881400

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Dubai's hottest new clubbing venue.

WEST 14TH

04 4477601

The Palm Jumeirah Expect succulent steaks at this New York grill and bar.

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PALM JUMEIRAH AND ATLANTIS THE PALM, DUBAI This manmade island is home to an incredible selection of first-class restaurants, bars, entertainment and white sand beaches. Luxury resort Atlantis The Palm, Dubai calls this idyllic spot home. From world-class restaurants to the finest in designer shopping the hotel also offers family fun at Aquaventure water park set in 42 acres with speed slides, river rapids and lush tropical landscapes. Take a ride on the Palm Monorail for panoramas of this unique island.

DUBAI MARINA MALL, THE WALK AT JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE, JUMEIRAH BEACH Nestled among a clutch of sky-high towers Dubai Marina Mall offers an unforgettable shopping experience.

Browse designer brands before relaxing at a selection of restaurants or enjoy al fresco eateries lining the water’s edge. Minutes away are Jumeirah Beach and The Walk at JBR where a leafy boulevard boasts cafés, five-star hotels and art stores.

Skydive Dubai is based at Jumeirah Beach for your chance to soar over the stunning sights below.

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MADINAT JUMEIRAH, BURJ AL ARAB, JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL This picturesque cluster of Jumeirah properties boasts an eclectic range of luxury hotels, fine dining and entertainment. Shop at Souk Madinat, relax in the Assawan Spa or make waves at Wild Wadi water park.

For the ultimate in luxury experiences visit Burj Al Arab with stunning ocean views, ornate interiors and decadent dining. Or enjoy the pristine beaches of Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

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MALL OF THE 14 EMIRATES

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MALL OF THE EMIRATES, SKI DUBAI Hundreds of designer stores, boutiques and entertainment options abound in this sprawling mall. Enjoy a 14 screen cinema complex or dine in one of two food courts. For something different, try Ski Dubai. The Middle East’s first indoor skiing complex offers a range of alpine fun from skiing to snowboarding.

DUBAI VISITOR MAP 6

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Al Bustan Rotana Dubai Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Al Manzil Hotel Al Murooj Rotana Dubai Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Residence Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa Asiana Hotel Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Auris Plaza Hotel Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana Arabian Ranches Hotel & Golf Club Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Burj Al Arab Centro Barsha by Rotana Conrad Dubai Courtyard by Marriott, Green Community Dubai Crowne Plaza Dubai

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

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EMIRATES HILLS THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE

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Ask the concierge desk for a copy of the Concierge Dubai fold-out map with tips on what to see and do in the city

UMM SUQEIM AL WASL ROAD

IBN BATTUTA MALL

JUMEIRAH ISLANDS

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DUBAI MEDIA CITY AND KNOWLEDGE VILLAGE

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

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Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Fairmont Dubai Dusit Thani Dubai Fairmont The Palm Grand Hyatt Dubai Grand Millennium Dubai Grosvenor House Dubai Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Hilton Dubai Creek Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort Hyatt Regency Dubai Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai InterContinental Dubai Festival City Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Jumeirah Beach Hotel Jumeriah Creekside Hotel Jumeirah Emirates Towers Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence

ROAD TO BAB AL SHAMS RESORT &SPA 11 ● ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB ● DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN 6 CLUB

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Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Jumeira Rotana Dubai Kempinski Residences and Hotel Apartments Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Madinat Jumeirah (Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam, Dar Al Masyaf) Media One Hotel Media Rotana, Barsha Dubai Meliã Dubai Metropolitan Palace Hotel Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai Mövenpick Hotel Deira Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers Nassima Tower Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai

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One & Only Royal Mirage One & Only The Palm Park Hyatt Dubai Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Downtown Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Raffles Dubai Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence Rixos Bab Al Bahr Hotel Rixos The Palm Dubai Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Shangri-La Hotel Dubai Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

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Taj Palace Hotel Dubai The Address Downtown Dubai The Address Dubai Mall The Address Dubai Marina The Address Montgomerie The H Hotel Dubai The Meydan Hotel The Palace Downtown The Ritz-Carlton Dubai The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre The Oberoi, Dubai Traders Hotel Dubai Towers Rotana Dubai The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Vida Downtown Dubai Villa Rotana Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah

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MERCATO SHOPPING MALL, JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD. The first themed shopping mall in the Middle East, Mercato is one of the city’s best loved retail spaces. It boasts beautiful Renaissance style architecture and represents the very best of Italy in Dubai. Home to over 130 shops, superb cafes, restaurants and a cinema, wander the mall's charming cobbled streets for an enjoyable experience.

WOLLONGONG BEACH

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THE DUBAI MALL, BURJ KHALIFA AND THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN The world’s largest mall offers more than 1,200 shops alongside an abundance of dining and entertainment options. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is teeming with ocean life while The Dubai Fountain can be accessed from the mall where a stunning water show takes place every half hour each evening at the foot of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.

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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

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DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

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JUMEIRAH BEACH CORNICHE

DUBAI CREEK

THE WORLD (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD As Dubai's main artery, this is one of the busiest roads along with Al Khail and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

DUBAI CREEK, SOUKS AND DUBAI MUSEUM The heart of the city, the Creek is a stunning spot to catch a glimpse of authentic Dubai. See dhows (traditional boats) ply their trade along the waters while early morning visitors will see fishermen at work on the river banks. Also in this part of the city is Dubai Museum, which makes for a fascinating day out with interactive displays and exhibits charting the emirate’s history from its pearl diving days. Stop by the gold, spice and perfume souks for some traditional treasures before leaving this vibrant area.

2 mile 2 km

SHOPPING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Al Ghurair City E1 Arabian Center E3 Beach Centre D1 BurJuman E1 Choithram Supermarket locations B2/C2/D1/E1 Citywalk Mall D1 Deira City Centre E2 Dragonmart D3 Dubai Festival City E2 Dubai Marina Mall A1 Dubai Outlet Mall D3 Gold and Diamond Park B2 Ibn Battuta Mall A2 Jumeirah Centre D1 Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers D2 Jumeirah Plaza D1 Lamcy Plaza E2 Mall of the Emirates B2 Mazaya Centre D2 Mercato D1 Mirdif City Centre E3

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Oasis Centre Palm Strip Spinneys Supermarket locations The Dubai Mall Times Square Centre Town Centre The Village Wafi

C2 D1 C2/D2/E1 D2 C2 D1 D1 E2

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Aquaventure Aviation Club Al Nasr Leisureland and Stadium Al Wasl Stadium Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Dubai Sports City Helidubai Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JASC) Meydan Racecourse Ski Dubai

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Skydive Dubai Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Autodrome Dubai Dolphinarium

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DUBAI METRO 1 2 3 4

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES 1 2 3

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Jebel Ali Danube Ibn Battuta Nakheel Harbour & Tower Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai Marina Nakheel Dubai Internet City Sharaf DG Mall of the Emirates First Gulf Bank Noor Islamic Bank Business Bay Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Financial Centre Emirates Towers World Trade Centre Al Jafiliya

A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 B2 B2 B2 B2 C2 D2 D2 D2 D2 D2 D2

Al Karama BurJuman Union 22 Al Rigga 23 Deira City Centre 24 GGICO 25 Airport Terminal 1 26 Airport Terminal 3 27 Emirates 28 Rashidiya

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DUBAI METRO GREEN LINE 1 2

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Creek Al Jadaf Dubai Health Care City Oud Metha BurJuman Saeedia Al Ghubaiba Al Ras Palm Deira Baniyas Square Union Square Salah Al Din

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Abu Baker Al Siddique Abu Hail Al Qayadah Stadium Al Nahda Dubai Airport Free Zone Al Qusias 1 Etisalat

E1 E2 E2

* Please call the RTA on 800 90 90 or visit wojhati.rta.ae for more information.

Icon for shopping area or mall.

20/03/2014 10:27

{

My Dubai Dubai-based photographer Daniel Cheong shares his city highlights

}

1

1 At the Top, Burj Khalifa 2 Ibn Battuta Mall

I am originally from Mauritius but have been living in Dubai now for six years.

My favourite time of year here is from November to April when the temperature is cool and the weather is best for taking photographs. At weekends, I use most of my free time to scout for the best locations to take pictures. I usually combine that with meeting my friends for breakfast and visiting areas on the east coast to photograph the sunrise. I also enjoy taking time out to visit the bookstores in The Dubai Mall as there is an amazing selection to browse.

When friends and family come to visit I like to make sure they have a chance to enjoy some of the best activities the emirate has to offer. In the city, visits to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall are a must. A desert safari makes for an unforgettable experience and I recommend a trip to Abu Dhabi and the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai has become one of the best cities in the world for shopping with an incredible selection of malls to choose from. The closest malls to my home are

Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

From cultural influences to café culture, each has something different to offer.

A really enjoyable aspect of life in Dubai is the exciting events held here each year. I am a big fan of jazz music, so Dubai Jazz Festival is one of my favourite dates on the calendar when international musicians come to perform.

Dining out in Dubai is excellent as there is an abundance of restaurants to try. Vapiano, an Italian restaurant with a few outlets in the city, is a great place for pizza, pastas and salads. The Butcher Shop & Grill is another lovely restaurant, especially for meat-lovers like me. I am a big fan of the spare ribs served there.

To unwind, I go to Level 43 Rooftop Lounge at Four Points by Sheraton. It’s not only a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy delicious drinks, but the view of Dubai from there is wonderful to photograph.

I have so many incredible memories from my time here but the most exciting part is having my photographs displayed in several galleries across the city.

“My favourite time of year here is from November to April when the temperature is cool and the weather is best for taking photographs”

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STORES – Deira City Centre: +971 4 295 0066 / The Dubai Mall–The Souk: +971 4 339 9019 / Abu Hail: +971 4 297 0789 Mirdif City Centre: +971 4 284 0440 / Ras Al Khaimah: +971 7 233 5547 / Fujairah City Centre: +971 9 223 6860 SCARVES & GLITTERS – Dubai Festival City: +971 4 232 8430 / The Dubai mall: +971 4 330 8135 For trade enquiries please contact: nawab@kashkha.ae and raju@kashkha.ae UAE | Oman | Qatar | Indonesia | Malaysia Like us today at www.facebook.com/kashkhallc

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Follow us today @kashkhaplaza

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2/17/14 5:50 PM

Breguet, the innovator.

The first wristwatch, 1810

With the Reine de Naples collection, a tribute to the first wristwatch created over 200 years ago for Caroline Murat, Breguet reinvents feminine timepieces – enabling them to blossom into horological complications, art and jewellery. As exemplified in the diamond-set 8918BR model, the Reine de Naples collection embodies a subtle blend of expertise, elegance and precious materials. History is still being written...

B R E G U E T B O U T I Q U E S – D U B A I M A L L , M A L L O F T H E E M I R A T E S D U B A I & E T I H A D T O W E R A B U D H A B I – W W W. B R E G U E T. C O M

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3/19/14 AM 18.03.149:15 09:50