Concierge Dubai November 2013 by npimedia fz llc

NOVEMBER 2013 | issue 111

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

In association with IWC Schaffhausen, official engineering partner of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team

www.omegawatches.com

IN THEIR OWN LITTLE WORLDS The tiny precision components in our mechanical movements dance to the rhythm of our lives – and they have been with us on some of mankind’s greatest adventures.

Available at:

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. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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www.omegawatches.com

IN THEIR OWN LITTLE WORLDS The tiny precision components in our mechanical movements dance to the rhythm of our lives – and they have been with us on some of mankind’s greatest adventures.

Available at:

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O ne adjustment every 100 years. the kind Of cOmplicatiOn that makes life easier.

Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel Jubilee. Limited series of 180. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 985. The all-mechanical programming of the perpetual calendar means the next time this watch needs adjustment will be at the turn of the century in 2100. To ensure its perfect precision throughout the many years to come, Jaeger-LeCoultre has equipped this model with a flying tourbillon featuring a cylindrical balance-spring.The oscillating weight is finely engraved with a gold medal received in 1889 – a symbol of the pioneering spirit that has been driving the Inventors of the Vallée de Joux for 180 years.

YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.

180-Year Anniversary Exhibition the dubai mall – Grand atrium november 7 – 16, 2013 jaeger-lecoultre Boutiques: the dubai mall +971 4 339 8769, abu dhabi marina mall +971 2 658 0004 avenues at etihad towers +971 2 681 2834 find your nearest point of sale at www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

O ne adjustment every 100 years. the kind Of cOmplicatiOn that makes life easier.

YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.

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Undoubtedly one of the most-anticipated events in the UAE calendar, the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an incredible spectacle. As the world’s most powerful engines roar into life, the sport’s finest get behind the wheel at the awe-inspiring Yas Marina Circuit. Thousands pour into the stateof-the-art venue to witness the thrilling showcase of speed, skill and precision engineering. A determination to strive for excellence and in doing so, put on a world class show, underpins the entire event. This drive for the extraordinary not only characterises the thrilling race but also the UAE which has fast become a destination known for exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences. A burgeoning vintage watch market exists in Dubai. Auction houses and specialised boutiques present a wonderful selection of classic timepieces from some of the world’s finest horology ateliers, turn to page 30 for more. Synonymous with excellence, gold is one of man’s most prized materials, sought after for its great value and beauty. Dubai is also known as the ‘city of gold’, so nicknamed because of the many opportunities to buy the gilded treasure from gold bars to jewellery. Take a glimpse inside the glittering gold souk or meander the halls of the Gold & Diamond Park with our feature on page 36. Persian carpets not only tell the story of the past but also pay tribute to the skilled artisans who create them. Turn to page 72 to discover their fascinating history. Dubai Creek is one of the city’s most historical and atmospheric spots and as such, is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, see why on page 64. This month sees the start of Dubai’s exciting horse racing season which leads to the pinnacle of the UAE’s racing calendar, Dubai World Cup in March. As a glittering roster of events counts down, choose which to attend on page 102. An exceptional fine-dining scene has attracted some of the world’s best chefs to Dubai. A host of restaurants are presided over by celebrity chefs where a truly extraordinary dining experience awaits, turn to page 116 for more. Enjoy all that 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 B PA 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 االستقبال 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 Photography: Partly assembled IWC Schaffhausen watch movements Spread across a weekend of lavish parties, VIP hospitality, high-profile concerts and more, the grand prix showcases the best of UAE life, celebrating the country’s success before huge crowds and attracting television audiences in excess of 600 million. For h igh- end brands such as I WC Schaff hausen, this is a prime opportunity to catch the world’s attention, which is why the luxury watch manufacturer has partnered with the MERCEDES AMG P E T RON A S For mu l a O ne ™ Te a m . Concierge explores the bond between two companies at the forefront of their respective industries. Turn to page 50 for more.

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Our spirit of excellence. Senator Panorama Date Moon Phase

Senator Panorama Date Moon Phase. A contemporary interpretation of a truly classic model. The elegant timepiece attracts the observant eye to the lavishly decorated moon phase display: delicate stars and a polished tiny silver moon move gently on a deep blue disk representing the sky. To learn more about us, please visit www.glashuette-original.com. You can also download our iPhone application from the App Store.

Contents NOVemBeR 2013 / Issue 111

18/Essentials

The emirate’s top attractions, news and events

26/Pillars of faith

Discover the jewel in Dubai’s crown, stunning Jumeirah Mosque

Shop 30/ Faces of the past A beautiful vintage watch makes a sound investment

36/All that glitters Find new treasures when shopping for gold in Dubai

42/Talking luxury

Concierge speaks to Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery

50/The winning formula 52/Driven to succeed

Concierge explores the creative partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One ™ Team in this month’s photo essay

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BROSWAY CLARE COLLECTION, PARIS GALLERY

Master craftsmen at IWC Schaffhausen share technological expertise and a passion for precision with engineers at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

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Contents NOVemBeR 2013 / Issue 111

Discover 64/Khor values Dubai Creek’s rich history means the unique area is being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

72/A stitch in time

Elaborate designs and intricate skills are woven into each traditional Persian carpet

78/Spice of life Vibrant colours and tantalising aromas await visitors to Dubai’s spice souk

Experience 82/Lap of luxury Experience the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in style

90/Adventure playground

Home to many of the city’s headline attractions, Yas Island is the heart of entertainment in Abu Dhabi

96/In the swing Dubai’s DP World Tour Championship returns this month reaffirming the city’s status as a premier golfing destination

DUBAI WORLD CUP

102/Horse power

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The countdown to the world’s richest race day begins this month with a series of exciting events leading to Dubai World Cup in March

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Contents NOVemBeR 2013 / Issue 111

109

Taste 110/At the cutting edge Eating out in Dubai offers a taste of the latest fine-dining trends

116/Master chefs The best chefs in the business preside over a host of world-class restaurants in Dubai

122/Sea life

Noire, SPeCTrUM oN oNe, FairMoNT DUbai

Deira Fish Market, a treasured Dubai institution, is set for an exciting sea change

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127 The guide 152/My Dubai

Ali Al Bayaty, Estuary Auctionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEO, shares his Dubai highlights

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Brought to you in association with

Essentials

NOVEMBER

E X PER I E NCE

2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Join racing fans from all over the world who flock to the capital to attend the social and sporting event of the year. Around 50,000 people pass through the gates at Yas Marina Circuit for the annual showcase. Aside from highoctane race track action, there is a host of exciting social events to attend from concerts featuring international performers such as Depeche Mode to lavish gala dinners and balls attended by celebrities, drivers and VIP guests. When: November 1 to 3. How much: Ticket packages start from AED365 per person. Contact: yasmarinacircuit.ae

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D I S C OV E R

EVENTS IN BRIEF

Art Exhibition

Christian Ghammachi’s stunning photography captures both the majesty and plight of some of the world’s iconic landscapes. Forsaken is a thought-provoking exhibition which considers the effects man has had on the environment. The powerful images portray the beauty of the African continent taken during a recent visit to Namibia where he shot stunning images of the skeleton coast and Etosha elephant park. Ghammachi’s first solo show is presented by Showcase Gallery in Dubai’s artistic quarter, Al Quoz. When: Until Nov 18. How much: Admission free. Contact: 04 3790940

AN EVENING WITH JOHN CLEESE November 5 to 9 The legendary British comedian is making a welcome return to Dubai. Following on from successful sellout shows in 2012, Cleese will share anecdotes from his days as a star in Monty Python’s Flying Circus and hit TV comedy Fawlty Towers. This year, a question and answer session will be included at the end of the show at Madinat Theatre, giving the audience a chance to ask questions of the comedy great. Tickets cost from AED350 per person. Contact: 04 3666546

CINDERELLA November 14 Founded by former Bolshoi Ballet soloist and choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, The Moscow City Ballet is one of Russia’s finest. Expect striking costumes, stunning set design and beautiful musical accompaniments composed by Serge Prokofiev. The music and scenery perfectly complement an impressive dancing spectacle showcased at Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Tickets cost from AED250 per person. Contact: 050 8805074

SHOP

The Dubai Mall One of the world’s premier retail destinations, The Dubai Mall is a shoppers’ paradise with over 1,200 stores featuring international designers and a host of dining options. For the style-conscious shopper, Fashion Avenue is a haute couture haven. When: Sun to Wed, 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat, 10am to midnight. Where: Downtown Dubai. Contact: 04 3627500

E X PER I E NCE

Dubai International Motor Show Some of the world’s most luxurious cars are presented at the largest motor show in the Middle East. Held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the impressive event welcomes over 100,000 motoring enthusiasts and trade professionals from across the globe. How much: From AED50 per person. When: Nov 5 to 9 Contact: 04 3086014

IN MEDIAS BRASS QuINTET November 12 Enjoy an evening of free classical music as part of a series of concerts organised by Dubai Concert Committee. In Medias Brass Quintet are five former students of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest who have won multiple awards for their classical trumpet, trombone and tuba music. The group will be performing at DUCTAC theatre, Mall of the Emirates. Admission is free with online registration. Contact: 04 3414777

ALICIA KEyS November 15 Pop favourite Alicia Keys returns to Dubai for her Set The World On Fire Tour. The show takes place at the newly expanded Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Admission costs from AED295. Contact: 04 4390900

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D i s c oV e r

Ask the concierge A rnul f o Guin t o, c hie f c on c ie rGe At Du s i t t h A ni DubA i Gi v e s hi s e x p e r t re c omme nDAt ions f or A wonDe rf ul s tAy in t he c i t y

one of the first activities i recommend during a visit to Dubai is an aerial tour of the city. A trip in a sea plane or helicopter offers a spectacular new way to see the sights. exploring the desert from the air in a hot air balloon is another amazing experience and there is a host of companies offering aerial tours of all types. By land, a private tour of the city in a stretch limousine with a chauffeur can be arranged at many hotels. Dubai is undoubtedly one of the world’s best destinations for shopping. the Dubai Mall offers incredible variety, all under one roof and a personal shopper can be arranged on request. Wafi Mall is also a fantastic destination for shopping while those looking for authentic treasures should pay a visit to Miraj islamic Art centre which boasts a beautiful collection of historical pieces from across the region. souk Madinat Jumeirah is another great venue, designed like a modern style souk, its winding halls are packed with souvenirs, lanterns and authentic finds. An evening out at one of the city’s vibrant night clubs is not to be missed. cavalli club at Fairmont Dubai is a luxurious space frequented by the city’s social elite. While ViP room at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is one of the newest venues in town. For an authentic taste of life in the emirate, Dubai Museum is a fantastic resource filled with interesting exhibitions. sheikh Mohammed centre for cultural Understanding is another mustvisit destination where visitors can enjoy a cultural breakfast or lunch with an emirati host and ask questions on all aspects of life in Dubai. the centre is located in Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, the city’s oldest quarter which is peppered with traditional buildings, art galleries and cafés.

Camel racing

this ancient sport of sheikhs has enjoyed a renaissance in recent decades and a variety of new and improved camel farms have been constructed with state-of-the-art race tracks. hundreds of spectators jostle to catch a glimpse of the mammals as they thunder by. each high-octane 60 kilometres-per-hour race comprises brightly coloured robot jockeys. the official race season runs from october to the end of April and takes place on thursdays, Fridays and saturdays with an average of two races a day. Contact: Dubai camel racing club, 04 8326526

e X Per i e nce

DP World Tour Championship 2013 the greats of the golf world will battle it out for $11.75 million and the race to Dubai crown in one of the most anticipated events of the sport’s calendar. the DP World tour championship will see the european tour’s top 60 golfers compete on the earth course at Jumeirah golf estates in the final event of the season-long race to Dubai. When: november 14 to 17. How much: register online for free admission. Contact: 04 3400066

tA s t e Cocktail hour

As the sun sets on Dubai, the city’s vibrant evening entertainment scene comes to life. choose from a host of chic destinations offering just the right ambience in any number of luxurious settings. ViP room, located at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, is one of the city’s most exclusive venues for a memorable night. the opulent space attracts not only Dubai’s elite but exclusive clientele from all corners of the globe. When: tue, 9pm to 3am, thu, 9pm to 3am, Fri, 9pm to 3am. Contact: 052 8818888

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Discover Luxury

The largest selection of 19th Century French antiques in the region, 19th Century Antiques specializes in 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 19th century.indd 1

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SHOP

TA S T E

Classic design meets dynamic performance in the Montblanc TimeWalker Voyager UTC. Created with the seasoned traveller in mind, this stylish wristwatch displays the world’s 24 time zones. The red tipped skeletonised hour-hand points to the time in the currently selected zone, while the smaller hour-hand indicates the wearer’s chosen local time. Available in three models, the sporty version has a grey dial, dark grey leather strap and orange seams. A classic version of the watch comes with a black alligator leather strap while the third model boasts a black dial and stainless steel bracelet. The Montblanc TimeWalker Voyager UTC is available in the Montblanc Flagship Boutique in The Dubai Mall. Contact: 04 4340300

Dubai takes this traditional experience and adds a luxurious touch for an afternoon with a difference. Enjoy the finest teas accompanied by a lavish offering of fresh scones, gourmet sandwiches and divine desserts. Our favourite tea spots include At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa, The Ritz Carlton Dubai (pictured) and high tea at the Burj Al Arab’s Skyview Bar.

Montblanc

Afternoon tea

D I S C OV E R Abu Dhabi Art

The UAE capital comes alive this month with annual boutique art fair, Abu Dhabi Art. A stunning selection of artworks is presented from a host of prominent galleries. Among contemporary art and design pieces on show this year is a broad spectrum of installations and large-scale sculptures. Emirati painter Abdul Qader Al Rais is just one of the local artists to be featured. Where: Saadiyat Cultural District. When: Nov 20 to 23. How much: Admission free. Contact: 02 6575800

E X PER I E NCE Meydan Race Nights

As Dubai’s thrilling horse racing season gets underway this month, an exciting series of races and events begins. The programme starts on November 7 with Racing at Meydan, a showcase of nine race meetings from November building to Dubai World Cup in March. Enjoy exceptional dining and entertainment at the heart of the racing action. A wide range of tailored hospitality packages are offered at gourmet restaurants, first class lounges and private suites, each boasting sensational views of the racetrack at the impressive Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. Contact: dubairacingclub.com

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LOOKING AHEAD Dubai LaDies Masters December 1 to 7 One of the most eagerly awaited events on Dubai’s golfing calendar, Dubai Ladies Masters sees the finest in the sport’s female talent battle it out at Emirates Golf Club. The prestigious event is one of the most popular stops on the Ladies European Tour. Admission is free. Contact: 04 3802112

SHOP Souks

For an authentic slice of UAE life, take a trip to one of Dubai’s souks where authentic souvenirs, spices, perfumes and fabrics await. The spice souk is a delight for the senses with herbs and spices spilling out of baskets at every turn. Dubai’s souks, which also include the gold, fabric and perfume souk are located a short walk from Dubai Creek.

u a e N at i o N a L D ay December 2 Join in the celebrations as the nation marks this important date on the calendar. The United Arab Emirates was formed on December 2, 1971, when the UK’s treaty expired and the sheikdoms decided to join as one independent nation. Fireworks, celebrations, live entertainment and colourful decorations mark this special event.

D u b a i i N t e r N at i o N a L JeweLLery week December 4 to 7 More than 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries take part in this jewellery showcase at Dubai World Trade Centre. Buyers, suppliers and a mixture of leading brands come together in this prestigious event. Admission is free. Contact: 04 3086183

E X PER I E NCE Global Village

Enjoy a fun-filled day for all the family at Global Village, the largest cultural extravaganza in the region. Visitors can expect festivals, shopping and entertainment in the al fresco theme park. When: Sat to Wed, 4pm to 12am, Thu and Fri, 4pm to 1am, until March 14. Where: Dubailand. How much: AED15 for adults. Children under three enter for free. Contact: globalvillage.ae

D u b a i i N t e r N at i o N a L F i L M F e s t i va L 2 013 December 6 to 14 Now in its 10th year, this is the premier film festival in the region attracting a raft of talented filmmakers from across the globe as well as celebrity attendees and some of the world’s biggest brands, including luxury watchmaker IWC. The festival is an important platform for local and international directors, film-makers, writers and actors to join in workshops and seminars. Visitors to the festival can look forward to red carpet events, fascinating new films and glittering gatherings. Contact: dubaifilmfest.com

E X PER I E NCE

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is three days of exhilarating rugby action this month. Powerhouse nations, including South Africa, New Zealand and Australia fly in to compete for the trophy. Expect exhilarating rugby action from November 28 to 30. There is also plenty of fun to be had on the sidelines with food, drinks and live entertainment. How much: Admission free on November 28. Tickets are priced from AED250 per person on November 29 and 30. Where: 7he Sevens Stadium. Contact: dubairugby7s.com

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SNA PSHOT

Pillars of faith To Muslims around the world, mosques are first and foremost important places of worship where the faithful gather in prayer. Beautifully designed both inside and out, these stunning structures also boast an array of intricate architectural features, from gilded domes and marble columns to gleaming minarets. Inside, a treasure trove awaits of intricately patterned walls and awe-inspiring ceilings decorated with stunning examples of Islamic calligraphy. Authentic and luxurious hand-woven carpets hang on walls and cover the floors while some of the finest examples of Islamic art appear in stained glass windows. Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many impressive mosques are fascinating places to visit and the jewel in the crown is Jumeirah Mosque. Officially opened in 1979, the sand-coloured structure was inspired by the early Islamic Fatimid style. Non-Muslims can join tours organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Tours take place at 10am each day except Friday and guests are required to dress modestly.

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THE REAL CELEBRITIES ARE BACK.

The season kicks off on November 7. Gates open at 5.00pm, first race starts at 6.30pm.

Book your tickets at meydan.ae or call +971 4 327 2110

KICKS OFF NO VEMBER 7

Like us on facebook/dubairacingclub

Proud to Partner:

Shop A ig ner

Themes of romance and nature are present in the sophisticated Aigner A/W Leather Collection â&#x20AC;&#x2122;13/14. Head designer Christian Beck adds elegant elements in light gold on twist locks and latch closures, all of which are adorned with the labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characteristic horseshoe logo. A rich colour palette across the pieces ranges from natural earth shades to porcelain hues. Contact: 04 4341333

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Faces of the past Vintage watches are not only sound investments but also extraordinary pieces of art to treasure A wonderful blend of artistry and history, vintage timepieces offer the opportunity to own very special watches from the past and to celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship in haute horologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prized creations. Master watchmaking houses such as Omega, Rolex Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre have left a rich legacy of stunning pieces honed over decades of innovation. To wear a vintage watch is to capture something of a unique moment in time. The vintage watch market is thriving, driven by passionate collectors and connoisseurs who crave classic timepieces that tell a story. Often every inch as reliable as new models, vintage watches add a distinctive, authentic element of style. Much sought after not only for their intrinsic artistic value, classic timepieces also boast mechanical features that were often at the cutting edge during their horological heyday. Early complications such as minute repeaters and mechanical alarms demonstrate the skills of talented artisans while revealing something of the history and development of centuries of watchmaking, whether in Swiss mountain workshops or the ateliers of Paris. For the aficionado, much of the pleasure of owning a vintage watch comes from the sense of having acquired something that encapsulates another era. As one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading destinations for luxury buys, vintage watches are very much in demand in Dubai. Increasingly, dedicated boutiques, retail spaces and auction houses are meeting that need by presenting some of the finest examples found anywhere in the world. Whether connoisseurs or simply fans of exceptional craftsmanship, collectors of vintage watches find much to enjoy.

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Piaget Haute Joaillerie

W A T CHE S / S HOP

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SHO P/ WA TCHES

Christie’s comes to town A recent addition to the city’s vintage watches offering comes from world-famous auction house Christie’s Dubai. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, the leading art business recorded global auction and private sales totalling US$3.68 billion in the first half of 2013. The auction house, which specialises in rare pieces of art, photographs and jewellery, has recently added vintage watch sales to its UAE operations. The inaugural sale, held last month, was the first event of its kind in the Middle East. It was a huge success and may become biannual.

1 2 3 4

Panerai Tourbillon Christie’s Dubai Michael Jeha Rolex GMT Master 1982

Breguet, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Bulgari, Chopard, Cartier, IWC and TAG Heuer were among the brands represented among 48 pieces offered with estimated values from US$1,000 to US$80,000 and a combined value of about US$1 million. Highlights included: an 18-carat gold tourbillon wristwatch by Breguet, made to mark the bicentenary of its invention of the tourbillon movement, with an estimated price of between US$60,000 and US$80,000; an 18-carat rose-gold skeletonised timepiece with flying tourbillon from Cartier, valued at between US$40,000 and US$60,000;

“The sale was a response to repeated requests from clients in the region for Christie’s, the international market leaders in this category, to reinstate the successful watch auctions here in Dubai”

and a white-gold Piaget bracelet watch set with more than 400 diamonds, also valued at between US$40,000 and US$60,000. Frederic Watrelot, a watch specialist and associate director at Christie’s Dubai, says: “The sale was a response to repeated requests from clients in the region for Christie’s, the international market leader in this category, to reinstate the successful watch auctions here in Dubai. “Reflecting the taste of our Middle Eastern collectors, we have kept the sale small but perfectly formed, concentrating on leading brands at attractive prices.” Christie’s Dubai plans to repeat the event in April and October. Michael Jeha, managing director of Christie’s Middle East, adds: “We made a strategic decision to hire a regionally based specialist 15 months ago, mirroring the successful formula we follow for our art sales. “This ensures that Christie’s is able to source the best pieces available and understands the specific needs of our regional client base.”

Dubai boutique

Another leading provider of vintage timepieces in Dubai is Momentum, a luxury classic watch dealer offering an incredible selection. The firm, located in Dubai International Financial Centre, also advises on sales and private collections, as well as conducting appraisals and sourcing special requests. Among the timepieces it has presented are stunning models from Blancpain, JaegerLeCoultre and Rolex dating back to the 1920s. Co-founder and managing partner Tariq Malik says: “Momentum is about a bespoke and truly valuable service. Momentum is a place of confluences: part gallery, part library, part lounge.

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“Our clientele is quite diverse. We have watch aficionados with truly impressive collections who look for very specific items. We also have younger watch enthusiasts who have just discovered vintage and are about to make their first investments. “Increasingly, we have noticed ladies are building up vintage watch collections as well. “I first came to Dubai in 2008 to visit my good friend. I visited the malls and was looking for vintage watch shops in particular. I quickly realised that while Dubai offered the most sophisticated and diverse high-end luxury watch brands, buying vintage was simply not an option. “My friend Anas and I thought this was a great opportunity to introduce Dubai to its first speciality boutique store dedicated to vintage and classic watches, so we started planning. In November 2011 we opened Momentum, a store where watch aficionados in the UAE and the region can find one-of-a-kind timepieces.” Malik adds: “Vintage items are usually defined as those dating from the 1920s to the 1990s. Vintage watches have always had a certain prestige and many buyers look at them today as more than a luxury purchase – they consider them an investment. Typically, the condition of the item determines to a large extent the way it will be valued and priced, but the most

5 IWC Schaffhausen Portuguese 6 Tag Heuer Monaco 7 Momentum Dubai 8 Tariq Malik

Where to buy MoMentuM: Contact: 04 3274320 or visit momentum-dubai.com Christie’s Dubai:

Contact: 04 4255647 or visit christies.com

important factor is its ‘collectibility’ – the manufacturer, the collection, the limited number of items produced in a collection. “In general, vintage watches, when chosen from a prestigious brand such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, IWC or Jaeger-LeCoultre for example, retain and increase in value. These watches are not only bought to show the time – they reflect a lifestyle and say a lot about their wearer while at the same time they are great investments,” Malik explains. The most expensive vintage watch Momentum has sold to date was a vintage Rolex Chronograph worth AED175,000. The boutique has just taken delivery of a rare A. Lange & Söhne pilots’ watch dating from the Second World War, of which just 19 are known to exist – it boasts a price tag in the region of AED245,000. Malik adds: “The vintage market has been growing internationally and I think it has reached a remarkable dimension in the Middle East. “People are appreciating things from the past, in design, in popular culture and in luxury too – there is demand for vintage cars, fashion, ladies’ handbags and, of course, watches. We have learnt that the Dubai crowd is very sophisticated, discerning, trendy and ready for vintage.” Malik adds: “I own quite a few collectibles which I have kept over time, timepieces

whose pedigree far outweighs their price when purchased. Most important is that you will find my watches on my wrist – no matter how rare and collectible they are, I never lock them away in storage. My favourite is my Rolex Precision of 1961, which was my first vintage piece and is on my wrist today. “The vintage watch markets in cities such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Geneva have had a tremendous run in the past two decades. We are very confident that, in a few years, Dubai will be on the same map as all the important vintage watch destinations.”

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GOLD SOUK

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All that glitters Earn a gold star for shopping for gilded treasures in Dubai

Worshipped by ancient civilisations and hewn from the earth for generations, the allure of gold has mesmerised mankind for millennia. Considered the most precious of metals, the shimmering treasure is an enduring symbol of status and luxury which captivates to this day. Buried in tombs of emperors and pharaohs, one of the earliest depictions of gold dates back to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs which compare the treasure to the rays of the sun. The first gold jewellery emerged in 2600BCE, crafted by the goldsmiths of ancient Mesopotamia who made a burial headdress from beads decorated with willow leaf-shaped gold pendants. One of the most iconic golden creations is Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intricately crafted, and instantly recognisable, gold funeral mask. In modern times, the fascination with gold reached fever pitch with the California gold rush, which was sparked in 1848 when f lakes of gold were discovered near a saw mill in Sacramento. Today, significant gold producers include the US, Australia, Russia and Peru as gold remains a major factor in the strength of the global economy. Often referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the city of goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dubai is the largest gold trading centre in the Middle East and offers a wealth of opportunities to shop for the glittering treasure.

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Over a century ago, a modest marketplace opened by Dubai Creek. At the water’s edge a small cluster of retailers gathered to sell an array of wares, including gold. From these humble beginnings, the gold souk grew to become one of the largest in the world. The first expansion took place in the 1940s when wooden coverings, which are still present today, were installed to provide shelter to vendors from the summer sun. The 1970s brought the discovery of oil and an economic boom in the emirate which saw the souk expand in line with the burgeoning city. Today, the world-famous Gold Souk has been modernised and offers a glistening treasure trove for visitors to explore. Shimmering retail spaces and neon lights line narrow alleys and traditional wooden

1 The Gold Souk, Dubai 2 Shamal Ahmed 3 & 4 Malabar Gold & Diamonds 5 Malabar Gold & Diamonds showroom

archways are still bursting with a quaint charm. Each shop window glints with treasures, from necklaces, earrings and rings to pendants and bracelets. The dizzying choice continues with 18-, 21-, 22- and 24-carat gold and there’s myriad shades to consider from pink and yellow to more unusual options such as purple gold. The souk offers some of the world’s most competitive gold prices and more than 300 gold retailers have set up shop here with some of the region’s leading jewellery retailers leading the pack. Smaller, independent boutiques also proffer gold collections at this vast souk. It is now estimated there are approximately 10 tonnes of gold at the souk on an average day, which means there’ll be no shortage of treasures to enjoy. Elsewhere in Dubai, the Gold & Diamond Park in Al Quoz offers a rich selection of gold products to choose from and is considered a modern version of the Gold Souk. It opened its doors in 2011 and is now home to over 90 leading jewellery retailers offering a plethora of golden designs. Bespoke pieces can also be crafted from clients’ own preferred designs on request. Other centres for gold shopping in the city are Bur Dubai’s Al Fahidi street and Meena Bazaar. Meanwhile, many of the city’s malls host an impressive selection of gold retailers to browse through. “Dubai is known as the city of gold and offers a wide variety of destinations to purchase. Gold has been a valuable and highly sought-after precious metal for coinage, jewellery and other arts since the beginning of recorded history. In addition,

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it is also a preferred mode of investment due to its value and liquidity. The combination of being an asset as well as an ornament creates a huge demand for gold jewellery globally,” says Shamal Ahmed, managing director – international operations, at leading jewellers Malabar Gold & Diamonds. “The gold market in Dubai is wellestablished and recognised in the region. It is a hub for gold and diamond business. Always buy from reputed jewellers where you can trust the gold and diamond quality. Look for key aspects such as international certification, buyback and exchange policies. The brand name of the jeweller plays a key role in giving customers confidence about purity and authenticity. Apart from this, local authorities also ensure consumer rights are protected and factors such as purity are validated,” explains Ahmed. Dubai Municipality carries out random and vigorous checks to verify gold quality in a bid to safeguard against any fraudulent sales. When buying an item of gold in Dubai it is important to also remember that the price of gold fluctuates and is dependent on the day-to-day gold price set by the Dubai Municipality. Dubai’s price generally follows London’s fixed

GOING FOR GOLD: Malabar Gold & Diamonds: Ground floor, Gold Souk, Deira, Dubai Contact: 04 2353916 or

malabargoldanddiamonds.com

The Gold & Diamond Park: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Contact: 04 3627777 or goldanddiamondpark.com

gold price, which provides a benchmark for the industry worldwide. It’s advisable to check the price of gold either online or with your hotel concierge before buying. With plentiful destinations for those shopping for gold in Dubai, there is also an incredible array of shapes, colours and styles to choose from. For those with a specific piece in mind, it is possible to commission a bespoke design, tailored to desired specifications based on an idea, drawing or to replicate a precious family heirloom.

6 & 7 Malabar gold jewellery 8 & 9 The Gold Souk, Dubai

With plentiful destinations for those shopping for gold in Dubai, there is also an incredible array of shapes, colours and styles to choose from

“Gold and jewellery trends change from time to time. New designs are launched in every month. Many still prefer traditional styles which have been on the market for a long time. With so much choice, we offer bespoke designs to customers on request across all our stores. The customer can either give us a design or select from a variety which are already available and make changes based on their preference,” advises Ahmed. Looking to the future of Dubai’s gold shopping scene, Ahmed believes the market will continue to go from strength to strength. “We do not see any reason why the gold market in Dubai will not continue to develop in the coming years. The overall growth of Dubai as a preferred tourist destination and a key transit location will help the gold market to achieve excellent growth in the coming years.”

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Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

A mark of true design

Multifort Elaborate automatic movement, stainless steel case, non-reďŹ&#x201A;ecting sapphire crystal, screwed transparent caseback and crowns, water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft).

www.mido.ch

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Talking luxury Offering more than 500 international brands, Paris Gallery is a retail force to be reckoned with. CEO Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim shares the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success story Words by

FAyE bA r T L E

Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim took the reigns of the family firm in 2006 and has since driven the already flourishing business to even greater heights, consistently delivering record-breaking profits over the last seven years. Together with his father, Al Fahim has developed the Paris Gallery Group of Companies from a tiny shop in Sharjah Central Souk in 1995 into an international network of more than 80 retail stores with distrubition channels across the GCC. Today, the company offers a premium collection of more than 500 international brands across several product categories and its flagship brand, Paris Gallery, is the leading luxury retailer in the region as a one-stop destination for perfumes, cosmetics, watches, sunglasses, accessories and leather goods. Amid all this success, Al Fahim fondly recalls the early days of the business when he grew up helping his father in the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shops after school and during weekends.

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“I learnt a lot about the business in my younger years. I remember coming home from school, doing my homework and then going to the shop to help my dad,” says Al Fahim. “On Fridays, I would open the shop with my brothers and we got the chance to meet and interact with customers from all over the world. This exposure to different cultures helped us learn and grow and we are proud that we have been able to build the business together.” With a degree in business administration from Kentucky in the US under his belt, Al Fahim sharpened his skills in Saudi Arabia, posting record growth for the company before being made CEO of the group in 2006, which brought him to Dubai. “The retail market has changed significantly since the 1990s. Back then, there were only a few department stores and chains, whereas now, especially in the UAE, there is a diverse mixture of local, regional and international companies,” says Al Fahim. “Those who have survived, including Paris

1 Watch from Burberry ‘The Britain’ collection, available from

Paris Gallery (previous page)

2 Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall 3 Al Fahim minds his father’s shop in the company’s early days 4 & 5 Skagen watches 6 Paris Gallery, The Dubai Mall

Gallery, have diversified in order to stay competitive. Of course, the market for perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, accessories and eyewear simply would not be what it is today without competition. The growth in available retail space has also helped the market to evolve.” When many businesses have faded into the background, Paris Gallery has braved the new business climate with gusto. “We like a challenge,” says Al Fahim. “A competitive environment encourages us to be more creative and we are proactively planning for the future by seeking to better

understand our customers’ needs. For instance, the UAE and Saudi Arabia has the highest use of perfume per capita. As well as seeking out all the top European brands, feedback shows that customers in the GCC are looking for very unique, prestigious fragrances. “In response, we invested in bringing these products to market through a shop-in-shop environment in our stores. The dedicated space allows the brands to be presented in the correct way, which plays a big part in its success. This approach led to a large increase in the number of brands at Paris Gallery and we now stock perfumes from all international houses, with no exception.” He admits that building personal relationships with brands takes time. “The people behind the brand are often very creative and emotional so they appreciate a personal touch,” he says. However, it is getting easier to make

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an impression with more brands launching Middle Eastern exclusives, such as Estée Lauder’s unisex oudh Wood Mystique. Paris Gallery is currently working with Xerjoff to introduce new novelties into the region with more announcements set to follow. Developing the watch segment is also extremely important to the group. “We are the only company in the UAE to have such a high selection of fashion watches, from Swiss timepieces made by leading houses to fashion watches and lower priced brands, Paris Gallery is the market leader,” says Al Fahim. “Here, watches to men are like shoes to women but women are extremely likely to own multiple watches too. People in the UAE don’t tend to have just one watch – they match them to different occasions, from a glamorous evening out to business attire and casual weekend wear – it’s good to have options.” Paris Gallery keeps a close eye on how consumer demand is evolving in order to stay ahead of the game. “Currently, the western segment is made up of individuals looking for quality products that relate to their needs. Customers in the Middle East

“It may sound surprising, but the biggest threat to our business is the rapid growth of the UAE. It wants to be number one and everyone wants to be a part of that. This means there is the possibility of the market getting bigger every day”

7 Brosway Clare collection, available from Paris Gallery 8 Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim 9 Parfums de Marly, Safanad, available from Paris Gallery 10 Byredo Parfums, Inflorescence, available from Paris Gallery

like to collect and the attitude is ‘the bigger, the better’,” says Al Fahim. “However, we are noticing a change and expect that, during the next decade, western consumers will become more exuberant again. This is only natural, as disposable income shifts around the world. A quarter of the world’s total spend on luxury items is by Chinese consumers and, even though the number of Chinese visitors to the Middle East is small, it is definitely growing.” Despite the size of Saudi Arabia, the UAE is still Paris Gallery’s biggest market for retail and Al Fahim attributes this to the positive business environment. “The government has made it very easy to do business and the destination is attractive to investors,” he says. “With the availability of real estate, the high number of visitors coming from around the world, leading airlines and world-class infrastructure, Dubai can now be compared to London and New York. Retail in Dubai now contributes up to 40 percent to the economy, so is hugely significant in the emirate’s long-term strategy for sustainability. “Saudi Arabia has a growing retail sector. The fashion retail industry in the country has immense potential to grow, but is not without its challenges. There are areas where

easing the rules and being more tolerant will make a huge difference to the growth of the retail industry in this country. The recently passed laws promoting female employment where women can work in capacities that serve them exclusively is a boon for retailers who now employ women to sell products that are intended only for women.” Within the next five years Paris Gallery is working to consolidate its business in the GCC. There are plans to open in Muscat soon and the company will continue to expand its operations in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Openings in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil and Baku will follow while, in the longer term, the goal is to develop a presence in the main cities of the world, including the Far East, Europe and the US. “They are here, so why shouldn’t we be there?” says Al Fahim. “We have a lot of support from the UAE government in becoming more internationally competitive. When asked about the biggest potential threats to business, Al Fahim is prompted to look close to home. “It may sound surprising, but the biggest threat to our business is the rapid growth of the UAE. It wants to be number one and everyone wants to be a part of that. This means there is the possibility of the market getting bigger every day.

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11 Kilian, Flower of Immortality,

available at Paris Gallery

12,13 & 14 Paris Gallery, The Dubai Mall

“People like to touch and feel products and the high number of consumers in the Middle East will not shop online” “In the 1980s, for instance, who would have thought Dubai would become what it is today. If that rapid rate of growth continues, the retail market is going to explode. Within a decade, we plan to be two-anda-half times bigger in the UAE than we are today. We want to be a giant, but a smart giant that can move and adapt rather than a big lazy one. To me, any business that doesn’t plan for the future with the highest professional standards will not survive the next 10 years.” Paris Gallery is also looking at developing its online presence, but the thinking is that

Internet shopping will never be what it is in China or the west simply due to people’s habits. “People like to touch and feel products and the high number of consumers here will not shop online,” says Al Fahim. A champion of transparency and accountability in business, Al Fahim is credited with introducing corporate governance to the business, which has been a big driver in its success. “We introduced this five or six years ago and today we are much stronger as a result. It involved implementing a complete change of culture. Building in more structure and

regulation means a change in beliefs and I find that the majority of younger employees welcome this as it affords them more decision-making. In addition, achieving a good performance makes it easier for them to show their worth and, in turn, to be promoted and develop earning potential. The older generation of workers is more resistant to change. The old attitude is ‘no business plan, no problem’. They don’t want to be accountable. I spent a lot of time trying to convince some people to change, but now I tell people not to waste too much time on those who don’t want to move on.” Often, the biggest contributors to the economy are SMEs and family businesses, but statistics show they usually fail on the third generation – something the Al Fahim family is keen to avoid. “Those in charge at the time get blasted, but I believe the fault lies with the founders, as it is ultimately their legacy, which makes the company fail or continue. If we don’t properly prepare and train future leaders we are setting ourselves up to fail. If the new generation is not prepared to take the necessary steps to learn, then you have to question whether they belong in the business, even if they are family. Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim’s role model is HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which speaks volumes about his own values. “I look up to him as he is responsible and accountable. Plus, he doesn’t have to work as hard as he does. He does it because he is passionate about it and I believe you should lead by example.”

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THE DUBAI MALL FASHION AVENUE, 1st FLOOR 04 339 9186 – GALERIES LAFAYETTE DPT STORE, 1st FLOOR 04 382 7333 (EXT.2721)

The winning formula The relationship between IWC Schaffhausen and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team sprang from the shared values and mutual goals that underpin the success of two class-leading brands A quiet calm pervades the workshop at IWC Schaffhausen’s headquarters in Switzerland. Only the occasional click of a tiny part being slotted into place breaks the concentrated silence. Across the room, the company’s master craftsmen perform a series of delicate manoeuvres, slowly piecing together the hundreds of complicated components needed to create a single movement. It requires a very steady 1

hand and lots of patience to be one of these watchmakers, not to mention an ability to concentrate and work with precision for many hours at a time, explains Thomas Gaümann, head of research and developments movements at IWC. “It goes without saying that a watchmaker should be extremely dexterous and have excellent eyesight. A great deal of thought 2

and meticulous work goes into fitting the most complex mechanisms into the smallest casings so they must also have micromechanical insight and high standards of craftsmanship,” he adds, commenting that it is not easy to find qualified specialists with the requisite level of skill to meet the company’s demanding standards. Among the most complicated models IWC craftsmen are charged with assembling is the Ingenieur. Rugged, sporty and above all, highly technical, this masculine model is wrought from several hundred component parts. The star piece for 2013 is the Ingenieur ConstantForce Tourbillon – a proud tribute to the luxury watch company’s long-standing bond with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. It’s a good fit for a watch brand that prizes pioneering technology and performance engineering above all else. “Motor sport is all about perfection, technology, action and emotions,” says Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, adding that watchmakers apply the same values to designing timepieces. The parallels, however, run much deeper than this, particularly when it comes down to the roles played by the engineers working behind the scenes. “They are the ones whose

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“There is a general principle that form follows function but a sophisticated watch movement deserves a case design that reflects its masterfulness” craftsmanship and expertise lay the foundations for our success. Their pioneering spirit pushes the boundaries of mechanical engineering and continuously redefines the achievements of precision technology.” Aesthetics play an important part too. According to Gaümann: “There is a general principle that form follows function but a sophisticated watch movement deserves a case design that reflects its masterfulness. Design tells a story about the quality of a

product and our aim is to receive maximum aesthetic value from each model, including those that show the movement through the sapphire glass caseback. It is the same with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team cars. If you develop an incredibly powerful Formula 1 vehicle, its design should express that superiority.” The give-and-take nature of this relationship extends right down to the materials used in construction. Ceramics,

IWC Schaffhausen is available at The Dubai Mall and The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

1 Lewis Hamilton and Georges Kern 2 Ingenieur Chronograph Racer 3 IWC Schaffhausen manufacture 4 Engineers at work in the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS workshop 5 IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 6 IWC Schaffhausen 51900-calibre movement

titanium aluminide and carbon fibre, which are commonly used to build F1 cars, are also hallmarks of IWC’s new Ingenieur range. The Ingenieur Chronograph Racer (pictured) takes the parallels a step further with in-built features designed as a direct reference to Formula 1. The red ‘60’ in the chapter ring, for example, was inspired by the digital display on the steering wheel of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team racing car, where it is used to indicate the gear, oil temperature and lap times throughout the race. For MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, such gestures reinforce the bond between the two companies. “As a team, we take particular pride in partnerships with companies such as IWC who share our passion for engineering and design excellence, along with a minute attention to detail and precision. To see the values of the team and Mercedes-Benz reflected in a watch design is particularly rewarding,” says Ross Brawn, principal of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” agrees Kern. “Both companies attach the utmost importance to craftsmanship and innovation. Both are driven by a pioneering spirit that underpins all they do. This spirit is embodied by the designers, technicians and engineers behind the scenes, whose skill and experience push technology forward. They are the unsung heroes who have the ideas, build the prototypes and finally, put new technologies into action on the world stage.”

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Driven to succeed In the race to the finish line, precision engineering and mechanical excellence in each IWC Schaffhausen timepiece ensures every second counts

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Skilled designers at IWC Schaffhausen spend many months planning each timepiece, working with sophisticated materials to create watches that set new standards of horological excellence

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At the planning stage the parallels between IWC Schaffhausen watches and the high-performance engines crafted by the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula Oneâ&#x201E;˘ Team are already apparent. The partnership between the two brands is rooted in a pioneering spirit that defines both as leaders in their respective fields. That competitive edge is evident in the attention to detail and commitment to innovation which manifests itself right from the start as the plans are drawn up

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As the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula Oneâ&#x201E;˘ Team engines are assembled, highly skilled mechanics must make sure that each part is perfectly placed before the final checks are carried out. These state-of-the-art machines are the power horses behind some of the world's leading Formula 1 cars and must be capable of propelling a 640-kilogramme vehicle to speeds of 340 kilometres per hour and more

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In a similar way, master craftsmen at the IWC manufacture in Switzerland carefully piece together each watch by hand, compiling intricate designs from several hundred parts to create complex timepieces

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All the expertise and hard work that takes place behind the scenes at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS comes to fruition on race day as the engine roars into life. In the cockpit the driver makes his final preparations before the Grand Prix gets underway as the engineers buzz around readying the car for the race

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As friends of the brand for IWC Schaffhausen, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg reflect the skill, drive and dedicaton embodied by the luxury watch manufacture. Both drivers wear models from IWC's Ingenieur and Pilot collections, ranges that epitomize performance, precision, innovation and technology. First launched in 1976, the early Ingenieur models were among the first watches to take inspiration from the world of sport

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Materials typically used in motor racing, such as titanium aluminide, carbon fibre and ceramics play a central role in IWC's new Ingenieur watch line and underscore the company's partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula Oneâ&#x201E;˘ Team

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The synergy between performance and prestige is exemplified by the sleek IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium and Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance models. The drive for perfection not only underpins the relationship between IWC Schaffhausen and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, but pushes both brands to new heights

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B O R N

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COLLECTION DIMIER R E C I TA L 9 M I S S A L E X A N D R A

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SWITZERLAND

FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE QUALITY FLEURIER CERTIFICATION AND PARTNER OF THE FONDATION DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE WWW.BOVET.COM

Discover Memor y lane

For a colourful portrait of old Dubai, pay a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This enchanting city quarter was built in 1859 and its streets are still steeped in the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Located on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek, the district is defined by the sandy hues of wind towers that form its skyline. Journey from past to present with a trip to one of the vibrant art galleries located here.

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Khor values Historic Dubai Creek could soon see its cultural importance celebrated with a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List Words by

gemma greeNWood

The pyramids of Giza in Egypt and Jordan’s ancient city of Petra are arguably two of the Middle East’s bestknown UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both of which attract millions of intrigued international visitors each year. The Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef are among the list of elite sites protected for the benefit of current and future generations. These cultural, historical and natural wonders could soon be joined by Dubai Creek, also known as Khor Dubai, if the government’s efforts to meet the criteria required to be accepted onto this distinguished list impress UNESCO specialists. Heading up the bid to secure Khor Dubai’s listing as a World Heritage Site, Dubai Municipality’s director of the Architectural Heritage Department Rashad Mohammed Bukhash believes the site is in with a good chance. “The idea to list Khor Dubai and its historical buildings came about when experts from UNESCO visited a few years back to assess the site,” he explains. “The key criteria to be listed as a cultural site [set out by UNESCO] is that it must have outstanding universal value – OUV. We showed them Al Fahidi Fort in Old Dubai, but there are other forts like it – it’s not unique – and so they looked at the district of old Dubai itself.

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Dubai CREEK

D UBa I cre s hop e k//dis w acove t cher s

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“The UNESCO experts then came up with the idea of registering Dubai Creek and the historic area along the creek, particularly as no one has registered a creek before.” Bukhash says UNESCO visited “five or six times” studying the suggested site “metre by metre” in order to decide the exact area to be earmarked for protection. Once this was established, it was all systems go and Bukhash and his team have spent the last 18 months working out a plan to ensure all required measures have been put in place to satisfy the UNESCO Advisory Committee, which visited the site to make a final assessment of the bid last month. “The top priority for us is to protect this area and protect our history, not only for the UAE, but for the world,” says Bukhash, “because it is an important part of human and world history.”

Historical value Khor Dubai is a natural seawater inlet of the Arabian Gulf which runs for 14 kilometres and divides the city into two parts – Bur Dubai and Deira. It has played a major role in the economic development of the region throughout history. The first recorded reference to Dubai dates back to 1587, when the Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited the area and wrote of Dubai’s pearling industry. The earliest known description of 1 Dubai Creek 1965, Michael and Renée Hamilton-Clark 2 Dubai Creek and Al Maktoum Bridge

Dubai Creek, however, can be found in an 1822 report by a British Royal Navy officer. The creek was the motivation for Dubai’s creation and early development as a trading port, the starting point for which could perhaps be pinpointed as 1833, when the Bani Yas tribe, led by Sheikh Maktoum bin Buti Al Falasi, settled in the Bu0r Dubai area at the mouth of the creek. “T he creek was t he lifeblood of Dubai, where people made a living from fishing, pearl diving and trade,” emphasises Bukhash. “Trading was how Dubai developed into the cosmopolitan city it is today and also accounts for Dubai’s unique architecture with influences from India and Africa. The creek is the core of the city and it is important to safeguard this history.” T hree distinct residential areas emerged as the population of Dubai expanded: Deira, which was the main commercial district; Bur Dubai; and Shindagha, a thin strip of land separating the creek from the sea where t he cit y’s r uler s lived. Today, t he

a ncient sk yli ne on t he Bu r Dubai ba nk of t he creek remai ns i ntact, characterised by the wind towers of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood which is home to a number of traditional buildings including Al Fahidi Fort. In Shindagha, old houses have been reconstructed while the traditional souks of Deira and Bur Dubai have also been carefully restored and continue to play an important role in the city’s economic life with the Gold Souk and Spice Souk proving popular with tourists. The site suggested for UNESCO World Heritage Site status takes in 4.5 kilometres of the creek from the original mouth to Al Maktoum Bridge, the first bridge built to connect the two banks. It includes the quay and harbour piers – where even today, hundreds of wooden boats traditionally used in pearling known as dhows still moor to load goods – and aims to preserve the three key historic districts of Shindagha, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Deira.

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3 Rashad Mohammed Bukhash 4 & 5 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood 6 Fabric souk

“World Heritage listing will take global interest in Khor Dubai to new heights. It will bring in at least two to three million extra visitors to the creek each year” Tourism benefits While ‘old Dubai’ is already a popular stop-off point for tourists captivated by Dubai’s historical and cultural heritage, Bukhash says World Heritage listing will take global interest in Khor Dubai to new heights. “It will bring in at least two to three million extra visitors to the creek each year, initially,” he says. Dubai’s government has outlined ambitious plans to boost tourism figures to 20 million visitors each year, compared to the 10.5 million who arrived in 2012.

to gauge the exact contribution, particularly for sites that are already incredibly popular such as the Taj Mahal or Machu Picchu,” he says. “A listing is good for sites that are not yet that well known, because if people think it is in the same league as somewhere such as The pyramids of Giza it piques their interest and they are more likely to visit.” As an example, he refers to Albi, a Gothic village near Toulouse, France, which before being listed as a World Heritage Site in 2010, received just 70,000 visitors annually. “The following year, this jumped to 760,000 visitors, so World Heritage status obviously did make a difference,” says DeBrine.

“Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood currently attracts 950,000 tourists each year,” continues Bukhash. “By 2020, we expect four million visitors to the historical area each year.” A UNESCO World Heritage Site listing could help Dubai achieve these goals, confirms Peter DeBrine, programme specialist for sustainable tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “These sites do often witness an increase in tourism once listed, although it is difficult

The finishing touches

In order to qualify as an area of OUV, Dubai Creek must adhere to a detailed list of requirements that focus on three important factors, says Bukhash. “These are integrity of the social and architectural language; authenticity with original buildings dating back at least 100 years; and management which refers to how we look after the site and put regulations in place to protect it,” he explains. “We must also prove we are giving life back to the place by organising activities for tourists such as seminars and Arabic classes, while the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) already offers visitors the chance to have a traditional breakfast with local Emiratis.”

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The area of Dubai Creek nominated for World Heritage listing currently boasts galleries, museums and quirky cafés and restaurants, but the new government department established to oversee the bid process is executing a number of new attractions, services and maintenance schedules in a bid to further convince the UNESCO experts. “Initiatives include new pavements, lighting, toilet facilities, books and literature, signage and story boards so it is easy for tourists to visit the area,” says Bukhash. “We want people to visit for between one and three days. Tours are already in place, but we will develop them further. We are also opening a tourist office in Shindagha and training tour guides and local businesses, not only to teach them how to educate tourists, but to ensure they understand the historical and cultural importance of the Khor Dubai area.” Further down the line, plans are afoot to build supporting facilities such as boutique hotels, Bukhash reveals,

“The impact of achieving World Heritage Site status should not be underestimated, because it will play a crucial role in generating economic prosperity for generations to come” 7 Dubai Creek 8 Basta Art Café, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The World h e r i Ta g e l i s T aT a g l a n c e The World Heritage List includes 981 properties which the World Heritage Committee considers have outstanding universal value (OUV). These include 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed properties. The most famous include: • Acropolis of Athens • Galapagos Islands,

South America

• Giza Pyramids, Egypt • Grand Canyon National

Park, US

• Taj Mahal, India • Great Barrier

Reef, Australia

• Great Wall of China • Machu Picchu, Peru • Petra, Jordan • Stonehenge, England

while government departments and the private sector, including key stakeholders such as Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and flag carrier Emirates airline, are already devising strategies to help promote Khor Dubai and “put the area on the tourism route”. “In the meantime, putting together an ongoing maintenance plan is imperative, as is ensuring the creek is clean and healthy,” adds Bukhash. Having assessed the Khor Dubai site and the Dubai government’s bid for World Heritage Site listing, UNESCO’s Advisory Committee will take its recommendations to the World Heritage Committee, which will meet in Qatar in June. “It is here the decision will be made,” Bukhash says, nervously. “I am 80 percent confident we will meet the criteria. We are in a good situation compared to some of the other nominated sites because we are more advanced in terms of our management plan.” He says the impact of achieving World Heritage Site status should not be underestimated, because it will play a crucial role in generating economic prosperity for generations to come. “To me, this is more important than Expo 2020 Dubai,” he remarks. “Expo is a legacy that will undoutedly pay dividends for the next 20 years, while the World Heritage Site listing will last hundreds of years.”

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A stitch in time The ancient craft of Persian carpet-making has inspired generations with a sophisticated artistry that has stood the test of time Words by

siobhan McFadyen

With centuries of inspiration to draw on, the allure of Persian carpets knows no bounds as striking visual objects that captivate collectors and scholars alike. While their exact origins remain largely unknown, 20 th century discoveries have unearthed treasures and with them folklore that is galvanising a new desire for these inspired works of art. In recent times, woven masterpieces have attracted global interest with world-famous auction houses inundated with a flurry of requests from aficionados who are just as passionate about their exemplary workmanship as they are their mysterious heritage. Authentic Persian carpets, rugs and tapestries are ubiquitous; whether adorning the floors and walls of holy sites, historic buildings and museums or inspiring the design of machine-made replicas that can be found in homes everywhere, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their spectacular journey through the ages that is their real attraction.

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persian carpets

p ers i a n ca rpe t s / dis cove r

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Laying the foundations

Historical theory suggests carpet weaving in the Middle East could be as much as 2,500 years old and while different styles have emerged over the years, the methodology has remained the same. Many handmade carpets and rugs use sought-after Kush wool and cotton. Occasionally silk and even camel hair have been incorporated, ensuring they’re made to last. They are renowned for their vivid colours because artisans have cultivated and applied years’ old dyeing processes to textiles using organic roots, flora, barks, animal products, insects and plants. However, the actual process of creating the intricate designs is even more elaborate and requires serious dexterity. Using varying knotting techniques such as Sinneh from Persia and Pakistan or Ghiordes from

They are renowned for their vivid colours because artisans have cultivated and applied years’ old dyeing processes to textiles using organic roots, flora, barks, animal products, insects and plants 1 2 3 4

Persian carpets Mady Soltani carpet Mady Soltani Traditional souk stalls at Mall of the Emirates

Azerbaijan and Turkey, these finely knotted carpets can vary in complexity from anywhere between 70 and 340 knots per square inch and are usually priced on their density.

Frozen in time

Their origin still leaves experts perplexed but archaeological findings over the last century hint that these rugs and carpets were born not only out of necessity but a desire for heat, comfort as well as decoration and ceremonial practice. Believed to be the world’s oldest recorded knotted rug, The Pazyryk, was discovered preserved in a thick sheet of ice in 1949 in the frozen tombs of the High Altai region of Siberia and was carbon-dated back to the sixth century, opening an intriguing historical window into the little-known nomadic tribes of the era. Now housed at St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, this pile rug’s origin is still widely debated. Adorned with cross-shaped figures, lotus

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360Ë&#x161; of enjoyment... Witness and enjoy 360 degrees of unparalleled views of Dubai and beyond from the highest public observation terrace in the world, At the Top, Burj Khalifa. Explore the unique, interactive Burj Khalifa multi-media exhibits. Explore the history of Dubai aboard the 65-metre-long travelator. To experience all-round enjoyment, visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

For more information please call us on 800 At the Top, or visit www.atthetop.ae to purchase your tickets today.

dis c o ver/persia n ca rp ets

buds, deer and griffin, it is believed to have been created by a settled community such as the Pazyryks and could have been collected on their travels. Indeed the horses portrayed have startling similarities to those on a frieze in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis lending credence to the theory that its origins could well be rooted in the Middle East. It is believed that Persian wanderers perfected the art of the knotted carpet before 500BCE.

Finesse in the finish An outstanding example of the hand-woven technique graces the main prayer hall of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The brainchild of artist Dr Ali Khaliqi, the mosque’s awe-inspiring carpet, believed to be the largest in the world at 5,700 square metres and containing 2.2 billion knots, was custom-made from 30 tons of wool gleaned from the Sistan, Baluchestan and Hormuzgan nomadic regions of Iran and rural New Zealand and blended with 15 tons of pure Iranian cotton. Hand-sown by 1,200 weavers employed by the Iran Carpet Company at three workshops in the province of North Khorasan, the commission took approximately 21 months from concept to completion and cost in the region of AED30 million. The rug, which was commissioned in 2006, is an intricate example of exceptional skill and depicts five large pendants 5 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 6 Mady Soltani carpet

portraying traditional floral themes in 25 colours with its brilliant green background made entirely of naturally dyed yarns. It was flown to Abu Dhabi in three aircraft and hand stitched on site making it one of the most ambitious handmade projects in living memory and a breathtaking focal point of the mosque.

Back to the future

The UAE is currently experiencing something of a craft renaissance that is subsequently paving the way for the future of the weaving industry. Dubai-based artist Mady Soltani is helping breathe new life into the art form and is passing down the skills of her ancestors to a new generation. “I began learning how to make carpets and rugs around 15 years ago,” she explains. “We all have handmade carpets in our houses but as an Iranian, I wanted to learn how they were made and what goes into them. When I realised how precious and delicate they are and how much love and

energy goes into them, it struck me as an art,” says Soltani who now teaches regular classes at The Carpet Workshop in Dubai. Students can learn a range of techniques including the art of making flat tapestrywoven Kilims that can be decorative or function as prayer rugs. Soltani’s classes are running at DUCTAC at Mall of the Emirates. “I find it rewarding. It has a lot of benefits not only from the creative process but also with the end result.”

Under the hammer Persian carpets will never lose their lustre and in 2013, The Clark Sickle-Leaf carpet, with its whirling vines and vibrant flowers, made history at Sotheby’s auction house in New York City when it was sold to an anonymous bidder for AED124 million – more than three times its asking price. An unprecedented demand for Persian carpets proves that these works of art are just as popular today as ever thanks to the skill of the artists who made them.

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DIS C O VER/ TO URIST T RA IL

Spice of life

Experience a delight for all the senses at Dubai’s exotic spice souk Ent ici ng aromas for m a per f u med passageway into Dubai’s spice souk as a heady mixture of scents signal the world-famous market long before it comes into view. A delight for the senses, the enchanting space comprises a wonderful patchwork as spices and herbs spill out of sacks, baskets and drawers at every turn. Flavourings from all corners of the globe are represented here from familiar seasonings of cinnamon and cardamom to the more exotic. Visitors will also find handmade incense, tobacco, rice, teas and a wide selection of dried fruit among myriad offerings available at this al fresco market. Dating back thousands of years, souks are thought to have had their first incarnation in the Arab world. Originally an informal place for merchants to barter for wares, souks soon became an integral

1 Incense burner and spices 2 Spice souk

Aside from delightful clouds of spiced fragrance filling the air, locally made scents such as frankincense are also available to buy

part of early city life, an important hub that facilitated both trade and social gatherings. A wide variety of products were sold, from rugs to vegetables and assorted curios from around the world. Modern souks have retained much of the character of their predecessors and are a lively place where visitors can purchase all manner of items from one-off artisancrafted pieces to jewellery and textiles. Early incarnations of the spice souk, traced to around 1850, saw a collection of humble stalls proffering wares from India and the Orient such as herbs, spices and medicinal plants. As Dubai’s status as a trading port grew, so did the souk which saw the number of traders and shops swell during the 1970s. Today, the vibrant space located opposite the gold souk in Deira, makes a unique day out spent meandering through its treasurefilled halls. A trip here is undoubtedly

a treat for food lovers who can stock up on cooking essentials. Staples of Emirati cuisine can be found here and particularly popular ingredients on offer are cardamom, cumin and coriander seeds. Aside from delightful clouds of spiced fragrance filling the air, locally made scents such as frankincense are also available to buy alongside bountiful supplies of shisha, a perfumed local tobacco which is offered in an incredible choice of f lavours. The spice souk also offers a valuable opportunity to soak up some local culture and catch a glimpse of old Dubai. Bartering for goods with local traders is encouraged as part of the experience. Knowledgeable spice sellers are more than happy to talk through their produce, offering advice on specific spice combinations along with a healthy slice of local character.

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Experience Water world

Enjoy snorkelling with a difference in The Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. An unforgettable experience awaits visitors with the Ultimate Snorkel session. Swim with 65,000 marine animals including, sharks, fish and rays in an 11-millionlitre, 10-metre-deep aquatic habitat. When: Daily, 10am to sunset. How much: AED225 per person. Contact: 04 4261040

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Lap of luxury Join celebrities, millionaires and international party-goers as they celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with these VIP weekend experiences Words by

Claire MalColM

A sport that is as much about extremes of indulgence as it is about high-octane thrills, Formula 1 has been synonymous with luxury since it first captured the attention of millionaires, motor sport fans and media at the 1906 French Grand Prix. As the 2013 championship race calendar reaches a climax, the Abu Dhabi event takes centre stage. The race, which is run on the challenging Yas Marina Circuit, is one of the few remaining opportunities for drivers and teams to score those crucial points with only the United States and Brazilian Grand Prix’s to go before the world champion is announced. It’s not only about cars and racing in Abu Dhabi however. The 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place from November 1 to 3, is also the entertainment highlight of the entire year. VIP hospitality is in full swing for the duration and the who’s who of the celebrity scene party the weekend away at the season’s hottest social occasions. Total circuit capacity is 55,000 this year, with a number of new ticket categories available, including the Abu Dhabi Hill, Trackside Terrace and Marina Boxes, as well as the first-ever Grand Prix Brunch. You don’t need to be Vettel to qualify, but for the definitive F1 experience, dust off that Amex Black card and follow in the bespoke footsteps of the rich and famous for a weekend in pole position.

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Yas Marina CirCuit

Formul a 1 / E XP E R IE NCE

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Spectate The golden ticket of Formula 1 hospitality around the world, the Abu Dhabi Paddock Club occupies one of the best locations at the track, with chic, air-conditioned lounges positioned directly above the start/finish line pits. For Chris Buncombe, former racecar driver and co-founder of UK-based Halcyon Events, an official Paddock Club package distributor, it’s the allinclusive experience on offer that entices high net-worth individuals and corporate groups to plump for premium-priced hospitality. Die-hard fans also love the driver appearances, garage tours and pit walks that give a rare behind-the-scenes look at Formula 1, while there’s also the opportunity to rub shoulders with VIPs and well-known faces. The ultimate in F1 bragging rights is pit access to the teams. Those with a coveted front-row pit seat get to see tournament history in the making as Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton battle

The Bill Paddock Club packages: From AED16,900 per person (Saturday and Sunday) to AED18,360 per person (Friday to Sunday) Contact: +44 207 118 8680 or visit: info@halcyonevents.com

it out on the circuit just metres away. Take the ear protectors off, grab a glass of something sparkling and enjoy the social atmosphere on the chilled-out al fresco terrace. A travelling culinary and wait staff team flies to each and every Grand Prix to cook up an exclusive Paddock Club menu with first-class dining available throughout the day, from canapés and afternoon tea to gourmet four-course dinners, complete with free-flowing beverages and open bar. Bunscombe fully endorses the Abu Dhabi Paddock Club experience, marking it out as one of the best venues in the race season calendar, thanks in part to the distinctive setting and world-class facilities of Yas Island. Those too busy to make the arrangements themselves can take advantage of a full on-call concierge service to arrange private aircraft, helicopter transfers, accommodation, luxury chauffeur transfers, restaurant reservations and Grand Prix party access. New for 2013, the Paddock Club now offers an on-site spa, hairdressing salon, candy shop and collection of casual dining and chill-out lounge areas.

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THERE'S A PLACE WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, WHERE EVERYONE COMES IN FIRST PLACE AND WHERE WINNERS CELEBRATE TOGETHER UNDER ONE RED ROOF. WELCOME TO FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI, AN INDOOR THEME PARK LIKE NO OTHER, WHERE THE PASSION AND INNOVATION OF FERRARI FUEL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. PUSH YOURSELF TO THE LIMIT ON FORMULA ROSSA, THE WORLD'S FASTEST ROLLERCOASTER AND FEEL THE RUSH OF AN F1 CAR, THEN TAKE A JOURNEY WITH YOUR LITTLE HEROES THROUGH SPEED OF MAGIC AND LET THEIR IMAGINATIONS RACE ON. COME TO FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND LEAVE WITH YOUR CHAMPIONS. 1- DOWNLOAD LAYAR APP ONTO IOS OR ANDROID DEVICE 2- OPEN APP & SCAN THE PRINT AD 3- TAP SCREEN TO FOCUS & WAIT FOR THE MAGIC TO HAPPEN!

fORMUL A 1 / E XPE R IE NCE

The Bill

Amber Lounge passes from AED3,000 for individual guests to AED116,800 for a Methusalem Table, which seats eight and includes unlimited beverages. Amber Lounge Yacht package: AED18,200 per person Contact: +377 9 7771634 or visit amber-lounge.com

Party With a slew of high-profile parties to choose from this season, Amber Lounge remains the iconic post-race hangout where beautiful people position themselves elegantly around VIP tables, catwalk models strut their stuff and Champagne comes in giant jeroboams. Founded in 2003 by Sonia Irvine, sister of Ferrari F1 legend Eddie Irvine, Amber Lounge is a staple on the Grand Prix circuit and each international event has its own distinct atmosphere, attracting movie stars, sporting legends and the occasional discrete royal. This year’s Abu Dhabi lounge has a stunning new location at Yas Marina with its signature spaces inspired by a blend of Middle Eastern culture and cuttingedge Grand Prix design, making it the red-carpet equivalent for the F1 weekend. 1 Kylie and Dannii Minogue 2 Amber Lounge dining 3 Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas performing at Amber Lounge 4 Amber Lounge Yacht

Superb trackside views, an open bar and gastronomic fare are part of the package with rumours of appearances by a number of F1 drivers past and present

The entertainment line-up this year includes a live performance and the Amber Lounge models’ ‘girl’s night out’ party on Friday November 1, with Sunday November 3 reserved for the social highlight of the three-day event – the famous post-race party. Stars spotted enjoying some downtime in 2012 included both Kylie and Dannii Minogue, pop starlet Natasha Bedingfield and 14 Formula 1 drivers including Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher and race winner Kimi Räikkönen, with a live performance by Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. A trio of VVIP table packages is available with the Methusalem option leading the list in terms of opulence and location, closely

followed by the Jeroboam tables, which offer prime people-watching position by the dance floor. In celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the Amber Lounge Yacht, making its first appearance at the Abu Dhabi venue. Superb trackside views, an open bar and gastronomic fare are part of the package with rumours of appearances by a number of F1 drivers past and present including David Coulthard, Felipe Massa and Jerome d’Ambrosio. Yacht guests also enjoy privileged access to the Amber Lounge Party on Friday November 1.

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Sail A different kind of surf ‘n’ turf experience is available at Yas Marina where luxury yacht owners can cruise into a waterfront berth for prime viewing of the race complete with a calendar of exciting dining and entertainment options just a gangplank away. This is one of the most soughtafter spots to watch the race. Those in possession of a coveted Yas Marina pass can enjoy the high-octane thrills of the day while absorbing the partystyle atmosphere as super yachts pump music and people make merry from dawn till dusk and beyond. Visitors looking for last-minute access can charter a yacht from one of numerous local companies. Eden

Yachting (pictured) offers a selection of boats that range from 20 to 50 metres. The company’s largest vessel is the 50-metre Benetti; a superyacht with a huge space for entertaining on the top deck. Clients can also book catering, flowers, transfers, security, onboard entertainment, golf buggies and other extras through Eden Yachting. Ultimate Charter, which has a range of elegant vessels available for hire, specialises in creating a luxury experience with minimum hassle for the client. In addition to supplying a vessle, the company will organise crew, catering staff and on-board food and beverages.

The Bill Yas Marina race week berths from AED11,435 Contact: 02 6575460 or visit cnmarinas.com

Eden yachting: Private yacht charter with trackside berth from AED120,000 for a 20-metre Feretti to AED1,000,000 for a 50-metre super yacht

Contact: 02 43282930 or visit edenyachting.com

Ultimate Charter: Private yacht charter with berth included from AED90,000 to AED2.7 million

Contact: 050 1002477 or visit dubaiultimatecharter.com

Those in possession of a coveted Yas Marina pass can enjoy the high-octane thrills of the day while absorbing the party-style atmosphere as people make merry from dawn till dusk

The Bill

Stay

Marina Executive Suite at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi: AED22,000 per night (room only) excluding service charge and tourism fee Contact: 02 6560700 or visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi

With its enviable position directly overlooking the circuit, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is the destination of choice for race enthusiasts looking to play and stay in the heart of the action. Prime racetrack views make the hotel’s Marina Executive Suite (pictured) a hot favourite with VIPs and high-profile guests looking for an ultra-private location from which to enjoy the weekend action. Guests who manage to secure one of these in-demand suites get 1,500 square feet of palatial living space, uninterrupted circuit views and exclusive guest pass access to the Yas Marina and the Yasalam concerts. The hotel will also play host to international music stars Akon and Nelly, as Cirque Le Soir takes over Rush lounge for the weekend. Party-goers will be able to enjoy a line-up of international cabaret acts at the Cirque Du Jour brunch by day with the venue transformed after dark into a glittering star-studded club atmosphere with performances by the popular hip-hop duo. Already touted as the place to see and be seen at this year’s event, Singapore Grand Prix A-list club concept, The Podium Lounge, makes its way to Abu Dhabi this year. A sell-out event in Singapore since 2009, the venue promises the height of luxury from its vantage point on the hotel’s rooftop and will feature a fabulous line-up of international DJs including Sander Kleinenberg, Seb Fontaine, Hugo Heathcote, Miles Slater and Hollaphonic.

Cirque Le Soir all-day packages from AED1,000 per person Contact: reservations@ cirquelesoirdubai.com The Podium Lounge sparkling VIP package from AED800 to AED2,500 per person Contact: podiumlounge.com/ae

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Destination Yas Island As well as being the home to F1 venue Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island provides visitors with a wealth of top leisure experiences not to be missed

There is nowhere in the world quite like Yas Island. Designed from the ground up to provide a dedicated entertainment zone for visitors and residents, this extraordinary destination has distinguished itself from the start, earning its first major accolade as the leading tourism project at the World Travel Awards in 2009 before many of its attractions had even been built. That same year, the island also hosted the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which took place at Yas Marina Circuit, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first F1 racetrack. Since then, numerous other high-profile venues have sprung up nearby and Yas Island now has an established reputation as a pioneering leisure hub that is unmatched anywhere in the region.

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Yas Marina CirCuit and ferrari world abu dhabi

Y A S i SlAn S l An d / e xpe r ie nce

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In the fast lane High-speed thrills are easy to come by on Yas Island, where many adrenalinefuelled attractions are within walking distance. The development boasts the longest straight in Formula 1 and the world’s fastest roller coaster, in addition to the many fast-paced rides at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. Begin the day with a rousing ride on the record-breaking Formula Rossa. As the coaster flies around chicanes inspired by racetracks around the world, reaching exhilarating speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour, passengers get a sense of how it

feels to drive a Formula 1 car. Follow this with a session on G-Force and experience the pressure felt by top F1 drivers as the carriage accelerates through the park’s roof, affording passengers a panoramic view of the island before it plunges back to earth at breakneck speed. Visitors eager to experience the real thing can head next door to Yas Marina Circuit and slip behind the wheel of an Aston Martin G4, a Mercedes AMG or a custom-made Yas Radical SST. Drive in the tracks of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and other world champions and experience the rush of storming down the long straight and under the Yas Viceroy hotel on this challenging circuit. Speed demons seeking the ultimate experience should pay a visit to the Yas Drag Racing Academy, where they can either elect to be a passenger in a three-seat SuperComp Dragster or drive themselves in a Chevrolet Camaro and unleash the full power of the vehicle’s 400-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine on the strip.

Make a splash Just over the road from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit is the latest addition to the island’s entertainment offerings: Yas Waterworld. The

1 Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 2 Yas Drag Racing Academy 3 Yas Waterworld

Drive in the tracks of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and other world champions and experience the rush of storming down the long straight and under the Yas Viceroy hotel on this challenging circuit

waterpark, which had already won two industry awards by the time it opened in January this year, features 43 rides targeting a range of groups. Two of the most exhilarating are Dawwama, the world’s f irst hydromagnetic-powered six-person Tornado waterslide and Bubbles’ Barrel, the largest FlowBarrel 10 double sheet-wave ride in the world. Another must-try is the Bandit Bomber, which features coaches equipped with water bombs and laser guns that lend a more interactive element to the coaster experience. Tension builds as the coaches lift riders 23 metres though the air before diving downwards at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour then race around a central rock crag featuring a giant pearl. Pearls are central to the park’s design which takes visitors back in time to the days when Abu Dhabi’s fortunes relied on trading these ‘jewels of the sea’. Each attraction is themed on the adventures of the fictional Dana, a young Emirati girl on a quest to find a legendary gem that will bring prosperity to the people of her village. The story is brought to life through the various attractions, each of which picks up a different stage of Dana’s adventures, from the PearlMasters interactive game, which takes players on a journey through the park in search of lost treasure, to the interactive Pearl Dive Show, at which guests guide divers to the oysters of their choice before claiming the pearls inside.

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Gentler pace After testing your nerves to the limit on Yas Island’s high-octane rides, spend a few hours relaxing in the sun at Yas Beach. Entry for adults ranges from AED50 to AED100 or AED300 for a private cabana. It’s also possible to hire kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and take a guided tour of the mangroves, one of Abu Dhabi’s most intriguing natural treasures. There’s also the option of playing a round of golf at Yas Links. Created by acclaimed designer Kyle Phillips, this is the Middle East’s first true links course and features all the thrills and challenges associated with the distinctive style. After 18 holes on the challenging course or a session on the par-three, nine-hole academy course, unwind on the terrace at the luxurious clubhouse with views of Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World on one side, fairways and the ocean on the other.

Dinner and drinks For evening entertainment, there is a host of restaurants to choose from and, for those who want to carry on the night, some of the most happening bars and clubs in the capital. The island’s seven hotels each offer different dining experiences. In Yas Viceroy, the island’s most luxurious hotel, diners can opt for a broad range of cuisines from gourmet Indian fare and Italian classics to Southeast Asian and Japanese eateries. After dinner, enjoy a cocktail in the rooftop lounge at Skylite, which affords excellent views of the racetrack or head over to Rush and soak up the atmosphere at this trendy nightspot.

4 Yas Links 5 & 6 Yas Marina

AnnuAl highlights High-profile events take place on Yas Island throughout the year, including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November and the Yasalam concerts that run alongside it. Other shows and concerts are held here during the winter months, including dance music festival Creamfields, which takes place in December. In March, the bike-leg of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is one of many athletic competitions held at Yas Marina Circuit, which has a busy calendar of events and activities throughout the year.

Down by Yas Marina, a number of new caés and restaurants have opened up along the recently built waterfront promenade. Iris is an upscale bar and restaurant with a large outdoor terrace while Rozanah offers Lebanese fare in a Middle Easternstyle setting. Diablito Food & Music serves Mediterranean cuisine on the rooftop, where live performers entertain guests as they dine. Aquarium caters to seafood lovers with fresh catches prepared in a Thai-style while the menu at Café D’Alsace features a mix of cuisines, including French, German and Swiss. Upstairs, the ultra-cool Cipriani caters to an elite clientele serving gourmet fare in an elegant setting. The international hospitality brand, which has five-star outlets in

several major cities around the world, has just relaunched its Abu Dhabi restaurant with a refurbished interior and a fresh menu that includes Japanese delicacies alongside classic Italian dishes from the original menu at Harry’s Bar in Venice. This month, the island’s hospitality venues are in full swing with a huge number of visitors in town for the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s one of the best times of year to experience the delights of the capital’s entertainment hub, when temperatures are low and the atmosphere buzzes as screams of delight from passengers on the island’s high-speed rides mingle with the roar of engines on the circuit and the chatter of crowds gathering for evening concerts.

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Absolute tranquillity is just a weekend away.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Visit a world that exists beyond the imagination. Where every step is an adventure. Every sight, a discovery. And let the serene surroundings unravel before you. Here time is forgotten. Relaxation is found. And you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it all? Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae

In the swing As Dubai’s DP World Tour Championship returns, Concierge presents the city’s best golfing spots Words by

Charlot t e Van de n brouCq ue

The international golf scene has exploded over the past couple of decades. With staggering prize funds and an incredible global reach, this is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Year-round warm weather and an interesting contrast between coastal and desert terrain has seen Dubai become a key destination for a host of international golf competitions. The city will once again host the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai from November 14 to17 at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course. A n exciting event attracting the cream of the golfing world, this is a fantastic chance to witness the stars of the sport in action. Nick Tarratt, European Tour international director – Dubai, oversees the mammoth preparations. “This is now a well-established and much-anticipated event on the Dubai calendar. It is also one of the most exciting events on the European Tour as it is the season-ending finale where we will have a winner of the DP World Tour Championship and a winner of The Race to Dubai,” says Tarratt. Last year, 60,000 spectators descended on the pristine course to witness a slice of the glittering action. This ultimate competition is the final event of the Race to Dubai and the climax of the European International Schedule, comprising 46 tournaments that take place across 25

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countries. Four tournaments conclude the epic tour; the US$7 million BMW Masters held at Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai, China; the US$8.5 million WGC – HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club, also in Shanghai; the US$7 million Turkish Open, to be held at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Antalya; and the US$8 million DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. These four tournaments combine to form ‘The Final Series’ offering a total prize fund of an astounding US$30.5 million. The winner of the Race to Dubai will also receive the Harry Vardon Trophy and US$1 million. “It is always exciting to welcome the 60 leading players on The Race to Dubai,” says Tarratt. “The players have all done well to reach the tournament so they arrive in a positive mood with the event also having a kind of ‘end of term’ atmosphere.”

Last year, world number one Rory McIlroy won the competition and will return this year to defend his title against current frontrunner, Swede Henrik Stenson, with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Brit Justin Rose hot on his tail. The UAE has some of the world’s finest golf courses that can be enjoyed by professionals and amateurs alike.

Course etiquette for the DP WorlD tour ChamPionshiP: • If you bring your mobile phone, remember to turn it on silent or turn it off • Photography of golfers as they’re taking their shot is not allowed • Marshals will instruct the audience when to stay quiet during play 1 DP World Tour Championship

Emirates Golf Club Pioneering efforts to put the region on the golfing map, Emirates Golf Club was the first all-grass championship golf course to be developed in the Gulf region in 1988. Players are now spoilt for choice at this luxury golfing spot in Dubai, with not one but two world-class 18-hole golf courses to choose from. The Majlis course hosts the Dubai Desert Classic as well as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters annually and has been officially ranked among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by internationally acclaimed golf magazine, Golf World.

The Faldo offers unrivalled facilities and has become the only fully floodlit 18-hole championship course in the UAE so golfers can enjoy a round in the cool of the evening. With a plethora of leisure facilities including gourmet restaurants, a pool with a swim-up bar, spa and gym, there’s also plenty of opportunities to relax with friends and family. When: Contact the club for tee times How much: Green fees start at AED375 for nine holes Contact: Visit dubaigolf.com or call 04 3801234

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JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort The championship-standard nine-hole course at Jebel Ali Golf Resort offers a tranquil location away from the city and was designed by Peter Harradine. “Jebel Ali Golf Resort stands out as the only nonmember Dubai golf course open to the public that is next to the beach,” says golf operations manager, Stuart McMurdo, adding: “The holes are relatively short with tight fairways and small greens providing a challenge to all standards of players.” The course has attracted an array of golfing stars such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo who visited as part of the Dubai Desert Classic. After a round of golf, guests can enjoy the private beach, stables and marina. When: Contact the club for tee times How much: Green fees start at AED255 for nine holes with cart and range balls / Contact: 04 8145023 or email golf.teetimes@jaresorts.com

“The holes are relatively short with tight fairways and small greens providing a challenge to all standards of players”

The Montgomerie Dubai Set in one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential communities, Emirates Hills, this championship course was designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead. Ryan Smith, tournament co-ordinator for the club reveals: “The course covers 265 acres which consist of 123 acres of turf, 49 acres of manmade lakes (a total of 14), 93 acres of landscaped gardens and is scattered with 81 large bunkers.” He continues: “Although large in size, the greens can be very misleading, especially as they are consistently rolling above 9.5 feet. Plenty of shape throughout the greens can result in some very trying putts.” While the course isn’t floodlit, the par-three academy and driving range are well illuminated, so golfers can practise their skills until 10pm against the stunning backdrop of Jumeirah Lake Towers skyscrapers in the distance. The gym, pool, restaurants and Angsana spa won’t disappoint those in search of some rest and relaxation. How much: Winter rack rates start from AED825 for 18 holes / Contact: 04 3905600 or email info@themontgomerie.ae

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Horse power As Dubai’s horse-racing season begins, a promising calendar of thrilling race meetings leads up to the pinnacle of global equestrian sport – the Dubai World Cup Words by

gemma greeNWood

Dubai’s race calendar is the most high-profile facet of the UAE race season. This month marks the start of the 2013-2014 season with the inaugural race day taking place on Friday November 1 at Jebel Ali Racecourse. This is a much smaller, more intimate venue than Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, with seating for 2,000 people and known for its garden party atmosphere. The 2013-2014 season will pack 57 races into its schedule – five more than last year presenting visitors with even more opportunities to become involved in the equestrian heritage for which Dubai is famous. Races also take place in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, but the first of the nine highest-profile race meetings that are set to take place at Meydan is scheduled for Thursday November 7. The races, which run until March, are designed to promote up-and-coming equestrian talent throughout the UAE and in the wider Gulf region.

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ANIMAL KINGDOM WINs DUBAI WORLD 2013, PHOTOGAPHY BY NEVILLE HOPWOOD

h ors e ra ci n g/ E XPE R IE NCE

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They have long been regarded as a stepping stone into the premier league – the Dubai World Cup Carnival (DWCC) – which comprises 11 meetings that, this season, will get underway on January 9. The 11 DWCC races are highly competitive and guaranteed to get hearts pumping as some of the world’s best horses, jockeys and their nervous trainers enter the battle for a prize purse worth millions. These races, of course, build up to the finale, the Dubai World Cup, which this season has been announced for Saturday March 29. The day features nine high-class races including the zenith in horse racing, the US$10 million Dubai World Cup itself. The winner of the 2013 race was Animal Kingdom which even

TICKETS PLEASE Race nights general entry is free to all race nights staged at Meydan Grandstand with the exception of the Dubai World Cup. Hospitality packages are also available and include: Premium seating: In an enclosed area located opposite the finishing line with bar access priced AED50 per person Parade Ring Lounge: This lounge offers guests à la carte menu and bar access, priced AED100 per person Silks Restaurant: This package includes an international buffet inclusive of standard house beverages, priced AED395 per person

1 Behind the scenes, horse shower, photography by Neville Hopwood 2 Dubai World Cup

Tiered Restaurant: For hungry race-goers, this package packs in a fourcourse set menu inclusive of standard house beverages, priced AED450 per person

Dubai World Cup general admission: The standard charge is AED25 per person for the public areas of the racecourse on Dubai World Cup day. Children aged 12 and under enter free of charge Sky Bubble: Hospitality packages admitting entrance to this huge lounge are a grand gastronomic affair, spanning a buffet, canapés, live cooking stations, selected beverages and soft drinks, priced AED1,100 per person Premium Seating 3: Opt for this package and you’ll get a numbered seat, afternoon tea, gourmet dinner snacks, soft drinks and standard house beverages, priced AED1,300 per person Visit: dubairacingclub.com; email ticketoffice@ dubairacingclub.com or call 04 3272110

The 2013-2014 season will pack 57 races into its schedule – five more than last year presenting visitors with even more opportunities to become involved in the equestrian heritage for which Dubai is famous

stunned its joint Australian-American owners and thrilled the crowds with a remarkable victory of two lengths over rival Red Cadeaux. For a revealing insight into which thoroughbreds are likely to make the cut this year, visitors should take the trip to Meydan for a glimpse of the horses pounding the racetrack in the run-up to the big day.

Dress rehearsals One event not to be missed in the preamble to Dubai World Cup day is the Emirates airline-sponsored Super Saturday which takes place three weeks before the season finale. This is a stand-out race meeting in its own right and regarded as the dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup. Horses can often earn a coveted entry into a race on Dubai World Cup night after a good performance on Super Saturday. The event gives trainers the chance to put the finishing touches to their equine stars before they take to world racing’s biggest stage.

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Dubai World Cup dates back to 1996, attracts 3 the international horse-racing elite and features three of the most valuable contests in global horse racing – the US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic, presented by Longines; the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free; and the famous, highly sought-after US$10 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Dubai’s successful flag carrier, Emirates Airline. Fast gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for major league sporting events, horse racing is firmly established as an annual Dubai calendar highlight. Each winter the racing season gets underway with most race meetings staged at the impressive Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse – the world’s largest integrated racing facility comprising a 1,750-metre allweather Tapeta surface track, a 2,400-metre turf track and importantly for racing enthusiasts, a 353-foot-long LED trackside screen.

3 Animal Kingdom, photography by Neville Hopwood 4 Dubai World Cup race goers, photography by Sam D’Agostino 5 Parade Ring, photography by Nadine Al Koudsi

Meydan Racecourse is the purposebuilt, world-class venue designed to host the finale of the race season. With a capacity of 60,000, this stadium also houses the world’s first luxury five-star trackside hotel, Meydan Hotel, as well as entertainment and hospitality facilities galore. They include an IMAX Theatre, the Meydan Museum and Gallery, an indoor food court and the Sky Bubble – a venue located beneath Meydan’s iconic crescent roof that not only affords racecourse views but 360-degree vistas of Dubai’s skyline and is undoutedly one of the city’s main attractions.

R A C E DAT E s The 2013-2014 UAE race season will see 57 races take place: 15 days will be held at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, while Al Nakheel Equestrian Club in Al Ain will host five race days Meydan Racecourse will see the most horse-racing action with 20 days, while Jebel Ali Racecourse will host 11 dates Sharjah Racecourse will host six days of racing For a full race calendar visit emiratesracing.com A full calendar including the Dubai World Cup Carnival can also be viewed at dubaiworldcup.com/ visit/calendar/racing-calendar

For visitors to Dubai, attending one of the city’s prestigious racing events not only presents a priceless opportunity to watch the world’s top jockeys and horses compete, but provides the perfect excuse to buy a brand new outfit. For many, race days are as much a fashion pageant as they are a horse parade. As the thoroughbreds perform under the f loodlights, so men and women are seen in all their finery and race-day hat, keeping milliners extra busy during race season. The Jaguar Style Stakes is one of the most hotly contested fashion competitions, with stylish men and women vying for a range of prizes in numerous ‘bestdressed’ contest categories. An expert judging panel assesses event-goers who take to the Meydan Grandstand catwalk, with ‘Most Creative Hat’ and ‘Longines Most Elegant Lady’ among the coveted categories. Last year’s overall winner drove away in a Jaguar XK Coupe and the ‘Most Elegant Lady’ won an exclusive Longines timepiece. Social events are an essential component of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the week leading up to cup day is a socialite’s dream. Popular events staged each year include Breakfast With The Stars where guests enjoy a sumptuous breakfast while meeting the Dubai World Cup runners and riders during morning track work.

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JAPANESE CUISINE. ELEVATED. Join us on the 49th floor at Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest Japanese restaurant. With a new acclaimed chef, and a revamped menu, enjoy Japanese cuisine and the best views of the city like you never have before, only at the Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai.

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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Taste Celebr ities Restaurant

Gourmet dishes are both a gastronomic delight and beautiful art form at this elegant restaurant located at One&Only Royal Mirage. The space boasts plush interiors accented with crystal chandeliers. European dishes are presented on a carefully considered menu. This Maine lobster salad with grilled spring vegetables and herb dressing is an undoubted highlight. Contact: 04 3999999

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At the cutting edge Explore a new gastronomic landscape in Dubai, where epicurean adventures are very much in vogue A fine-dining experience is one of the most pleasurable ways to unwind, as it offers a chance to savour world-class dishes in chic surroundings. Enjoying a meal in an exceptional restaurant presents a special type of entertainment in which a symphony of elements comes together for a memorable experience. From talented chefs in the kitchen crafting ingenious culinary creations, to the skilled front-of-house staff imparting detailed knowledge, each element helps set the scene for a wonderful evening ahead. Aiming to set the bar ever higher, establishments are increasingly striving to adopt the very latest gastronomic trends and developments in an effort to continually exceed discerning diners’ expectations. From avant-garde ingredients to bold décor and innovative presentation, elite eateries are honing each and every element of the dining experience to present uniquely memorable encounters. Dubai’s gourmet dining scene is renowned the world over for its opulent venues and five-star cuisine. Reflecting the variety of cultures and tastes within the city, an eclectic mixture of cooking styles and settings is offered. Responsive to the ever-changing gastronomic landscape, the very latest international inf luences are brought to the table for guests to enjoy. Whether tucking into an entire menu of dishes crafted from exquisite truffles to perusing an extensive iPad wine list with links to vineyards all over the globe or testing taste buds with delectable dishes served in the dark, Dubai’s restaurants now offer extraordinary experiences as an accompaniment to first-rate food.

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ARBORETUM, JUMEIRAH MADINAT JUMEIRAH - AL QASR SUPPERCLUB, ZABEEL SARAY

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A raft of new dining concepts has exploded onto Dubai’s dining scene adding to the already exciting options to choose from. Peruvian flavours are much sought after among diners and tapping into that trend are chic venues making a dining debut. Izel at Conrad Dubai offers the best of Latin American cuisine and a culinary journey to Peru. Another recent addition to the dining offering in Dubai is Peruvian restaurant and nightclub The Act, at Shangri-La Dubai, which offers a fun mixture of live entertainment combined with authentic Peruvian dishes. Also offering a fun musical and gastronomic extravaganza is MusicHall Dubai. Since arriving in the city earlier this year, the Beirut-based destination has proved a popular new destination for diners also looking for a variety of live music. The concept sees acts of all genres and nationalities take to the stage between courses at majestic Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Another popular trend on Dubai’s dining scene is the degustation menu, offering a selection of gourmet dishes, each paired with a different fine wine. In most cases a sommelier is on hand to offer expert advice and answer diners’ queries. Table 9 by Nick and Scott at Hilton Dubai Creek and Armani/Ristorante at Armani Hotel

Dubai are among high-end destinations that offer regular wine pairing menus and tasting evenings. Taking the concept a little further is the team at one of the city’s best steakhouses, Blue Flame. The elegant restaurant, at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, ensures guests have the most up-to-date information possible when selecting wines to accompany dishes from its extensive menu. To ensure each guest enjoys a personalised experience, the wine list is presented on a special iPad menu which is fully loaded with comprehensive information on each wine, complete with links to vineyards and

1 & 2 Armani/Ristorante, Armani Hotel Dubai 3 Blue Flame, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

A raft of new dining concepts has exploded onto Dubai’s dining scene adding to the already exciting options to choose from

the opportunity to share the information with a friend or send to a personal email account as a bookmark of a wonderful vintage sampled. Blue Flame manager Teresa Zaballa says: “At Blue Flame we have a couple of innovative options we offer our guests not only to wow them, but to give them an opportunity to learn something new. The Blue flame wine list, presented on an iPad, enables guests to browse the menu in an easy format which doesn’t take too much space on their dinner table. Most importantly, it gives them a chance to learn about the regions, wineries and food pairings.” Another interesting idea to sample at Blue Flame is the ‘meatelier’ trolley which showcases the restaurant’s finest cuts. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer advice and answer any questions about the varied selection. An absolute standout experience at this restaurant is The Tomahawk Carver, which sees succulent beef carved at the table with a mouthwatering selection of sides and sauces from which to choose. Zaballa adds: “Before the diner places his or her order, we bring to the table our meatelier, which consists of all the cuts and breeds we offer. It gives our team a chance to explain in detail the meats as well as to answer any questions guests might have.” A focus on quality ingredients is paramount during any dining experience. Italian fine-dining restaurant Armani/ Ristorante in the luxurious Armani Hotel Dubai offers an authentic taste of Italy through its selection of exceptional dishes. Taking its already excellent offering to a new level, this month the venue’s expert

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In Touch

With Nature

Al Ain Zoo at it’s very best! Experience wildlife and entertainment in a natural outdoor environment. Join us this October to enjoy our newly upgraded Children’s Zoo, Play Area, new Mixed Asian Exhibit and a warm welcoming entrance, we are open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Enjoy our spectacular activities in Eid Al Adha from 10am to 10pm. Happy Eid! For opening times and special attractions or visit www.alainzoo.ae AlAinZooUAE

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team presents a degustation experience with a difference, utilising one of the most sought-after ingredients in any professional kitchen. Guests can choose from two delectable seven-course menus boasting wine pairing to set off dishes crafted with black and white truffle. A seasonal fixture on menus since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans, Italian truffles are one of the world’s most prized delicacies. The earthy flavours of the black truffle are balanced with the fragrant taste of the white variety, cleverly presented in a series of exciting dishes. Savour a parmesan and truffle crème brûlee with sweet garlic cappuccino alongside other delights including roasted veal tenderloin with 4

black truffle and morels. A duo of desserts includes a divine passion fruit sorbet with black truffle meringue. Supperclub at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is one of Dubai’s most exclusive venues and offers another truly memorable evening meal. Fine dining is given a 21st century twist at this lavish nightspot. An à la carte menu invites guests on a culinary journey through Europe’s gastronomic landscape in a series of exciting fusion dishes from executive chef Dominic Robinson. Supperclub’s dramatic design, spread over two floors, features six dining areas including two chef’s tables, the main restaurant Salle Neige, private dining area Salle d’Or and an al fresco terrace housing Balcony Noir and Bar Rouge. Supper clubs first became popular during the 1930s in Britain. The concept is currently enjoying something of a revival marked by its first foray into the Middle East with its Dubai opening earlier this year. Fine food is paired with thrilling performances from acrobats, dancers and musicians in a lavishly decorated dining room. Supperclub has also announced an addition to its repetoire, a sumptuous weekend L’Afternoon Brunch. Another exciting concept recently welcomed on Dubai’s dining scene is

C o n ta C t: Blue Flame, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Mon to Sat, 6 to 11pm Contact: 04 2308459 Armani/Ristorante, Armani Hotel Dubai, truffle menu available daily, 7 to 11.30pm until the end of November Contact: 04 8883888 supperclub, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Sat to Wed, 7pm to 1am, Thu and Fri from 7pm to 3am, Tel: 04 4511100 Noire, Fairmont Dubai, Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon from 7.30 to 10pm, Tel: 04 3118316

4 Blue Flame, Jumierah Creekside Hotel 5 Noire,Spectrum on One, Fairmont Dubai 6 & 7 Supperclub Dubai

Noire, a special evening hosted at elegant international restaurant Spectrum on One, at Fairmont Dubai. Encouraging guests to explore their senses and re-evaluate the connection between sight and dining, the entire meal takes place in the dark. The idea is that guests can focus fully on the tastes and textures presented. A fully fitted and blacked out restaurant is the setting where servers in night vision equipment guide diners throughout the multi-sensory experience. The evening is limited to just 30 guests to ensure a personalised experience. A three-course menu, complete with paired beverages, is finalised beforehand in a discussion with the chef and restaurant manager to determine any allergies or dietary restrictions. Guests are then led to their table in complete darkness to begin their novel dining experience. Executive chef Lorraine Sinclair says: “So much of our opinions of taste are influenced by how a dish is presented, even before we’ve taken a bite. Everything is thrown out of balance at Noire with textures, smells, flavour combinations and even sounds taking precedence over the way the food looks.”

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THE MEDITERRANEAN AT YOUR SERVICE. Delicious tapas served with the sound of waves crashing on a beach and a cool light breeze on an open terrace, sprinkled with unforgettable conversation. Grilled king prawns served with a stunning horizon and a bustling atmosphere mixed with mouth watering aromas. However you choose to enjoy Meydan Sur Mer; the new signature restaurant at Meydan Beach, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the best of the Mediterranean isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just on our menu.

For reser vations please call + 971 44 333 777 or email reser vations@meydanbeach.com Now open at Meydan Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai.

Master chefs From Marco Pierre White to Nobu Matsuhisa, kitchens from a host of culinary heroes are serving sensational fare in Dubai

Throughout the history of gastronomy, leading chefs have been revered for their culinary expertise. The art of cooking requires not only in-depth knowledge of ingredients, techniques and tastes but also passion and dedication. In fine dining establishments dishes are presented with aesthetic flair, intended to be appreciated first as a visual delight before aromas and taste are experienced. The best chefs bring together a host of enticing elements to create a culinary canvas of bold flavours and exciting new ingredients. As such, these masters of their craft are held in great esteem among not only peers but by diners who seek out the chance to eat at their tables. The notion of chefs as celebrities dates back to the opulent dining rooms of turn-of-the-century Paris and London. Impressive feasts were served which also showcased the skills of the chef at the helm. French culinary great Georges Auguste Escoffier presided over some of London’s most renowned kitchens during the 1920s, including that of the iconic Savoy Hotel. Escoffier – and other leading chefs of his time – undoubtedly laid the foundations of modern cooking. Of the clutch of restaurants peppered across the city under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed chefs, luxurious resort Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is home to two venues led by acclaimed chefs. Nobu Matsuhisa is known the world over for delivering the absolute best in Japanese cuisine, and his Dubai venture is a much sought after dining destination. Londa Rocatelli, meanwhile, is led by Italian cooking great Giorgio Locatelli and has all the charm of the Michelin-starred eatery run by his family in Italy. Alongside established venues is an exciting new selection including elegant restaurant Marco Pierre White Grill at Conrad Dubai.

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marco pierre white grill, conrad dubai

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T A ST E/CELEB RITY CHEF S

Marco Pierre White Grill Already proving a runaway success is Marco Pierre White Grill at Conrad Dubai. The sophisticated restaurant boasts a piano bar in which guests can enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a gourmet meal from this culinary maestro, the recipient of three Michelin stars. A pioneer of gourmet French, British and Italian cooking styles, White has trained chefs of an astonishing calibre,

including Gordon Ramsay. White’s restaurant at Conrad Dubai offers classic English dishes prepared with only the finest ingredients. An open-kitchen concept allows diners to watch the expert team of chefs at work while the dark-wood interiors complete the chic feel of this inviting space. Handling the day-to-day running of the restaurant is accomplished chef Terry Styles, executive chef at Conrad Dubai. “I grew up watching my grandmother cook, bake and make all sorts of conserves such as jam and chutney. Watching her use only the freshest seasonal produce and cooking up different creations stayed with me,” says Styles. “I believe in investing in your team members. Each member brings something different to the table and it’s my job to polish that raw talent and make it work within the group. “Fresh, simple and tasty classics, most notably, our prawn cocktail and

“The overall experience of our restaurant comes from a culmination of elements; the look, feel, smell and taste all need to come together”

bouillabaiss and of course, a nice juicy piece of steak, are some of the stand-out dishes on the menu at the restaurant. “A really great example of how we source our ingredients is our organic beef. We have a direct relationship with a farmer in Southeast Queensland, and work directly with the butcher, producer and exporter. This ensures our guests are getting premium quality meat for approachable prices and really makes

us unique in terms of what’s on offer and our market positioning. The overall experience of our restaurant comes from a culmination of elements; the look, feel, smell and taste all need to come together,” says Styles. Where: Conrad Dubai When: Daily, 5.30pm to midnight How much: Mains from AED115 to AED200 Contact: 04 4447444

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T A ST E/CELEB RITY CHEF S

Nobu Offering an exciting take on Japanese cuisine is Nobu at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. The eatery’s namesake, Nobu Matsuhisa, is one of the world’s most famous Japanese chefs. His California restaurant is a regular A-list haunt; his Dubai outlet also attracts an elite crowd of socialites. We have very nice customers here in Dubai,” says Matsuhisa. He adds: “The connection between the look and feel of a restaurant and overall experience is very important. American architect David Rockwell designed the Dubai restaurant and my first restaurant in New York i, so we understand each other.”

With outlets in Milan, London, Tokyo and Moscow, the Dubai restaurant was launched in 2008 to much acclaim and now celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. A chic yet modern space, its menu fuses Japanese and Arabic flavours to great effect. Signature dishes such as black cod remain favourites among discerning diners. Looking to the future of fine dining in Dubai, Matsuhisa says: “I think we will see more celebrity chefs coming to Dubai in the coming years.” Where: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai / When: Sat to Wed, 7 to 11.30pm, Thu and Fri, 7 to 12.30am How much: Check with venue / Contact: 04 4262626

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire The very finest in French fare is served at outstanding gourmet restaurant Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire. Located at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, this elegant destination offers an exceptional gastronomic experience and this year celebrates its fifth anniversary. The plush dining room welcomes diners with shimmering chandeliers and claret coloured fabrics. Knowledgeable staff, many of whom have worked with Gagnaire at his flagship Paris restaurant, guide guests through an extraordinary feast accompanied by an incredible selection of fine wines. Renowned for his incredible skill and a champion of fusion dishes, Gagnaire’s restaurants have won Michelin stars for exciting combinations of flavours and ingredients. With outlets in London, Paris and Las Vegas, the Dubai venue is a paragon of fine dining, boasting expertly crafted dishes from foie gras to duck, lobster and veal. Where: InterContinental Dubai Festival City / When: Daily, from 7pm How much: Contact restaurant for pricing / Contact: 04 4409300

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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

t a st e/lo ca l fla vo u r

Sea life

a new multi-million-dirham fish souk will open its doors next year, offering visitors to Dubai an insight into the emirate’s bustling maritime trade Words by

gemma greenWood

Twoblotch ponyfish, rainbow runner, striped piggy, sordid rubberlip and needlescaled queenfish are just some of the exotic seafood species that call the Arabian Gulf home. They share these warm turquoise waters with many types of hammour, snapper and grouper, all of which have been caught by the UAE’s fisherman and traded by sailors between Middle Eastern and Indian seas for centuries. “The fishing industry started when the city of Dubai was created,” explains Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, assistant director-general for the general support sector at Dubai Municipality. “People would live along the creek and go fishing and pearl diving for their livelihood – this is the original trade of Dubai.”

1 & 2 Deira Fish Market

It is for this reason that Deira Fish Market, located on Dubai’s or iginal corniche, has been attracting tourists since it opened in 1988. Firmly established as one of the city’s key landmarks, the souk not only bustles with traders, wholesalers and retailers, but also local residents haggling over the catch of the day. “The current market is popular with tourists because it demonstrates Dubai’s fishing traditions and gives them insight into city life,” Al Shamsi says. “It is also a souk for meat and vegetables, plus a small museum provides information on the history of Dubai’s fishing trade, the types of fish available and the equipment used to treat it.” More than 600 tonnes of fish and shellfish are transported to Deira Fish Market each day, according to Dubai Municipality. Many are still caught off the coast of Dubai – almost 9,000 tonnes in 2010, according to the Ministry of Environment and Water, a year in which the emirate had 772 registered commercial fishing

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INTRODUCING NEW YORK STYLE HIP & FUNKY DRINKING & DINING

2ND FLOOR MÖVENPICK HOTEL JUMEIRAH BEACH T: 04 449 88 88 www.moevenpick-hotels.com/dubai-jumeirah-beach Moevenpick.Hotel.Jumeirah

t a st e/lo ca l fla vo u r

boats. But much of the produce on sale is shipped in from neighbouring Abu Dhabi and Oman, or air freighted from far-f lung f ish exporting nations such as Norway (salmon), Thailand (tuna) and Canada (scallops). In 2011, Dubai’s annual seafood imports totalled more than US$100 million. Al Shamsi says Dubai needs to accommodate this burgeoning fish industry and for that reason, Dubai Municipality is developing a brand new AED250million (US$68 million) fish market in Al Hamriya. Close to the city’s oldest quarter, Al Fahidi Historical District (also known as Al Bastikiya) and due to open in 2014, Dubai Fish Market will cover some 120,000 square metres, accommodating an auction area and 506 stalls. Billed as one of Dubai’s top new tourist attractions, it will preserve the city’s fishing heritage in a modern facility. “The market will be about three times the size of the current Deira Fish Market,” says Al Shamshi. “It will have the latest equipment installed to ensure the fish are kept in optimum conditions.” Connected to the sea by its creekside location, it will also have enhanced areas

SoukS for all occaSionS

Dubai Fish Market will not be the only souk to debut in the emirate next year. Dubai Municipality has unveiled a number of new markets set to open over the next 12 months including the AED50.5 million (US$13.75 million) Al Fahidi Traditional Souk, in which more than 200 shops will offer food, fabrics, toys, handicrafts, traditional products and gold. Created to support and promote local traders, it is located in Al Souk Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai. Its design was inspired by the traditional style of Deira’s Souk Naif. Additional specialist souks selling a diverse range of goods from birds, trucks and boats to used and antique furniture are also planned.

Due to open in 2014, Dubai Fish Market will cover some 120,000 square metres, accommodating an auction area and 506 stalls

3 Obaid Salem Al Shamsi 4 & 5 Deira Fish Market

for storage and freezing. Complementing facilities will include 148 fruit and vegetable stalls, 72 meat stalls, 65 dried fish stalls, 63 spice shops and a bazaar. It will also feature cafes and restaurants – many with sea views – and a hypermarket, as well as ample parking, with 770 spaces in the basement alone. The vegetable market will sell organic produce, including locally sourced parsley, coriander, mint, spinach and spring onions. Dubai Municipality is working with local tour operators and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to ensure the souk is firmly established when it starts trading next year. He adds: “We expect Dubai Fish Market to attract many tourists who want to experience this modern souk environment.”

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Monster Music Quiz Night

Smooth Criminals

every monday i 8.30pm free admission

monday – saturday i 8.30pm free admission

Rock Through the Ages every wednesday i 6pm free admission

Bar Illusionist

every tuesday i 8pm free admission

The Rippers

every sunday i 8.30pm free admission

dubai dubai festival city

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

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 DUBaI MaRINa Mall

04 4361000

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

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

Downtown Dubai BOUlEVaRD aT JUMEIRaH EMIRaTEs TOWERs

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: Sun to Wed 10am to midnight. Thu to Sat 10 to 1am Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2 MERCaTO

04 3444161

A Renaissance-styled mall on Jumeirah Beach Road featuring a wide variety of brands such as Pandora, Armani Junior, Gant and Virgin Megastore. There is also a seven-screen cinema and a children's play area. Throughout the year Mercato also hosts various entertainment acts in the central area.

04 3198999

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm. Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D1

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

04 5154000

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

BURJUMaN

04 3520222

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

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: E1 GaTE VIllaGE, DIFC

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 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: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri 1.30 to 10pm Metro: World Trade Centre Map reference: D1

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

800 DUBAI MALL (382246255)

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

OasIs CENTRE

04 3622222

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

1. Piaget Limelight tonneaushaped watch 2. Chanel boutique, Mall of the Emirates 3. The Gold Souk 4. The Dubai Mall 5. Khan Murjan, Wafi Mall 6. Mall of the Emirates

THE DUBaI Mall

The world’s largest shopping mall covering 550,000 sq m. In addition to over 1,000 shops, this mall is home to the world’s largest indoor gold souk, an Olympic-sized 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 high-end bridal store, a footwear and accessories shop and many top brands.

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

04 3418020

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

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Quoz Map reference: C2

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t he gui d e / s hop

WAFI

04 3244555

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

SouK ShoPPiNg

800 6422

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

Timings: Sun to Wed

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: e2

10am to 10pm. thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: No Metro nearby Map reference: e3 SAHARA CENTRE

06 5316611

Dubai Festival City/Deira

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

Timings: Sun to tue 10am to 10pm. Wed, thu Sat 10am to 11pm, Fri 2 to 11pm Metro: Al Rashidiya

AL GHURAIR CITY

04 2225222 3

MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

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

04 2845555

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

ARTS & CRAFT SOUk

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10.30pm. thu and Sat 10am to 11.30pm Metro: Al Rashidiya Map reference: F3

04 3418020

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

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

04 2954486

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

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: deira City Centre Map reference: e2 DRAGONMART

04 4285665

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 10am to 11pm. Fri 2pm to 11pm 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 1am Metro: emirates Map reference: e2 DUBAI OUTLET MALL

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 6

LISTINGS_SHOP_DXB NOV13.indd 129

For an authentic slice of uAe life, take a trip to one of dubai’s many souks where authentic souvenirs, spices, perfumes and fabrics await. undoubtedly one of the most famous is the gold souk which glitters with an array of gilded wares. the spice souk is a delight for the senses with herbs and spices spilling out of sacks and baskets at every turn. Meander through the perfume souk where knowledgeable sellers will offer advice on their fragrant wares. Why not take a trip to the fabric souk which is another must-visit traditional market where bales of cotton and silk from this region, the orient and beyond are piled high. dubai’s souks are located in and around the banks of dubai Creek and close to the city’s oldest quarter, Al Fahidi historical Neighbourhood.

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 7am to noon and 4 to 10pm. Fri 4 to 10pm Metro: union Square Map reference: e1

iN the KNoW 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 licensed exchange offices, hotels and banks. A passport is required. Souks give an authentic shopping experience offering everything from spices and fabric to gold and perfumes. Put your bargaining skills to the test at one of dubai's traditional markets and soak up the atmosphere. dubai's souks can be found just a few minutes from dubai Creek and make for a wonderful day out.

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.

Timings: daily 7am to noon and 5 to 7pm. Fri 5 to 7pm Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: e1

MARkETS

kHAN MURJAN

04 3244555

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

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: e2 SOUk AL BAHAR

04 3627011

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

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: Sat to thu 10am to 10pm. Fri 2pm to 10pm Metro: Burj dubai Map reference: d2

Timings: Fri 10am to 8pm Map reference: e2

SOUk MADINAT JUMEIRAH

050 4250543

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

COVENT GARDEN MARkET DUBAI

Artisans from across the emirate congregate at this market, located in The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence, to sell their wares

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

PrO art gallery

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

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

04 3444398

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 6pm; Thu 9am to 4pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1 gallery eteMaD

04 3468649 1X1 art gallery

04 3411287

Exhibits striking artwork that features in museums and international collections.

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

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 6pm; Sat noon to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

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

gallery isaBelle VaN DeN eyNDe

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 11am

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

04 3235052

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

CarBON 12

04 3406016

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

Timings: Sat to Thu 11.30am

to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

CUaDrO MUseUM & FiNe art gallery

Timings: Sat to Wed 8am to 6pm. Thu 8am to 2pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D2 the MOJO gallery

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

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

A non-commercial contemporary art space where visitors can view and discuss local and international artists. The Pavillion includes two galleries, a restaurant and a shisha lounge.

laWrie shaBiBi

04 3469906

Closed Fri

the PaViliON DOWNtOWN DUBai

04 4477025

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: Daily 10am to midnight Map reference: D2

Timings: Sun to Thu

04 3411367

MaJlis gallery

This charming gallery with an idyllic courtyard features art by local and international artists.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

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

tOtal arts

04 3475050

MarsaM Mattar

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

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

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

04 3470209

MeeM gallery

04 3477883

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

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri and Sat. Map reference: B2

traFFiC

Specialising in contemporary art, Traffic houses two galleries.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 XVa gallery

04 3585117

04 4250400

04 3230909

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 8pm; Sat noon to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

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

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: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm. Sat 12 to 11pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

Timings: Sun to Thu 11am to 7pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: E1

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

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OPera gallery

1. Fishing boats in Abu Dhabi 2. Dubai skyline 3. Dhows on Dubai Creek 4. Harvesting dates

Map reference: C2

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

04 3477388

greeN art gallery

04 3536233

Timings: Daily 10am to 11pm Map reference: A1

Located in The Dubai Mall, this small art gallery and framing shop displays thoughtprovoking works by a range of Middle Eastern artists.

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

04 3469305

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 8pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: C2

This modern gallery on The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence has different exhibitions every month and showcases a variety of artworks by local artists.

the art sOUrCe

04 2856972

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

10am to 6pm, Sat 11am to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

BOUtiQUe 1 art gallery

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 9pm; Fri 2pm to 9pm Map reference: D1

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

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

04 4257888

04 3450900

22/10/2013 19:03

dis c o ver/the guide

City tours

CrEEK CruisEs

04 3939860

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

iSLAMiC ARt

CuLturE

Timings: 7.30pm to 10pm Guide price: From Aed175 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 Aed1,199 per person (25 minutes), private hour-long tours Aed3,060 per person 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.

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

Cruise from 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: Aed175 for an evening dhow cruise

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

WoNDErBus

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

Map reference: B1 sHEiKH MoHAMMED CENtrE For CuLturAL uNDErstANDiNG

Guide price: Aed145

adults; Aed95 children (3-11 years); Aed450 family (two adults and two children)

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 from 10am 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)

A NAtioN'S tReASuRe

04 3666546

04 3595656

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 Aed1,325 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)

04 3536666

islamic art spans, not only nations, but centuries and also an array of styles with a wealth of art treasures that have been carefully preserved across the decades. From elaborately woven carpets to beautifully designed ceramics, glass and jewellery, each unique piece tells the story of times and peoples past. here in the uAe, islamic artworks have been painstakingly preserved to be appreciated anew bolstered by a determination to retain the expert craftsmanship used to create these wonderful works. there are many fine examples of islamic art throughout the uAe in mosques, official documentation, architecture and textiles where modern practitioners, from calligraphers to weavers, have helped ensure this historical legacy is not lost. Calligraphy is among the most treasured of ancient art forms while beautiful Arabesque details can be found in architecture throughout the country.

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 Aed60, lunch Aed70. Reservations essential Map reference: e1

MusEuMs

For hundreds of years the finest pearls in the world have been harvested from the waters of the Arabian gulf. its shallow and sheltered contours offer optimum conditions for oysters and there are still over 200 pearl diving sites off the uAe coast. Long before the advent of oil the pearling industry furnished the people of the uAe with a valuable income. As demand for pearls grew, families settled in the coastal villages which gained importance and influence, particularly Abu dhabi and dubai. the country’s lucrative industry sadly died out in the early 1930’s with the discover the cultured pearl.

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 (under 5 years free) 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 7.30pm, Friday 2.30 to 7.30pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: e1 DuBAi MuNiCiPALity MusEuM

04 2253312

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 9am to 5pm 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 8am to 10pm, Fri 4 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: daily 8.30am to 1.30pm and 3.30 to 8.30pm. Fri 3.30 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: Admission free 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 (under eight years free) 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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Opera

Bring out the tenor or the soprano in you, in a meal so divine that you want to sing its praises. The delicious notes of every dish, accompanied by the smooth orchestration of the service, leave you in a pleasant reverie. P.O. Box 30430, Dubai, UAE, T: +971 (0)4 343 8000, F: +971 (0)4 343 5111, towers.dubai@rotana.com

Experience

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

AttrActions

First YAcHt

04 3754148/050 6550313

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

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

Individual hotels and tour operators can also organise pleasure cruises on request AL WAsL crUisinG & FisHinG

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

AED600 per hour Art MArinE

04 3388955

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

Timings: From 7am Guide price: From

AED750 per hour

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: AED350 cLUB MinA

04 3993333

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

Timings: From 6am to 6pm Guide price: From AED3,500 DAnAt DUBAi crUisEs

04 3511117

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

Timings: 8.30am to 11pm Guide price: AED225 DrEAMDAYs

800 2080

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

Timings: Every Saturday

8pm to midnight Guide price: AED275 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

04 2340812

Overnight desert camping, quad biking and a Liwa expedition are all available. LAMA DEsErt toUrs & crUisEs

04 3357676

04 2629993/050 7548466

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

Timings: From 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED150

nEt toUrs DUBAi

oAsis PALM toUrisM

Cruising

EXtrEME ADVEntUrE DUBAi

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

per person

sUMMErtiME MArinE

04 2573084

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

04 2666655

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

04 2629993/050 7548466

Timings: From 7am Guide price: AED2,400 per 24

hours for up to seven people

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

tHE YELLoW BoAts

oFF roAD ADVEntUrEs

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

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

800 8044

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Adults from AED200. Children from AED150 ULtiMAtE cHArtEr

04 3254975/050 1002477

Enjoy a dinner dhow cruise along Dubai Marina. Inclusive of buffet, drinks and live entertainment.

Timings: Call to arrange Guide price: From AED275

per adult and AED90 per child 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: AED195 per person. Call for details on daytime cruises

Desert tours

050 6289667

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.

Flying ALPHA toUrs

04 2949888

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

ArABiAn ADVEntUrEs

EMirAtEs FLYinG scHooL

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

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

04 2682880

From a Hummer safari taking in an authentic Bedouin camp, to a trek through the Hajar Mountains. DEsErt rAnGErs toUrs & ADVEntUrE sPorts

04 3572233

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

Timings: From 10am to 4.30pm Guide price: From AED1,199

per person for 25 minutes. Private hour-long tours are priced at AED4,840 per person

ArABiAn DEsErt toUrs

oriEnt toUrs

Call individual tour operators for times and prices

04 3034888

1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall 2. Desert Safari 3. Speed boat tour 4. Skidive Dubai 5. Helidubai

04 2995155

Timings: From 9am to 5pm Guide price: AED1,000 for first-time flyers trial flight, plus AED100 for airport pass FALcon AViAtion sErVicEs

02 4448866

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

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

AED250, children AED210

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Musandam Khasab, Oman with a Fantastic offer this Season + A chance to see dolphins from their natural habitat. Khasab $150 per person DIbba $88 per person

Have fun under the sun with us!!!

Dubai Tour Packages & Services • • • • • • • • • •

Other services Available upon request: • Full

•1

•2

day trip night/2 days package night/3 days package Safari • City Tour • Fishing and Diving • Overnight Dhow Cruising • Beach camping in Khasab or Dibba • Hotel Accommodation

• Mountain

• • • • • • •

sUN & FUN TOURs L.L.C.

Desert Safari • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dreamland water park • Ferrari World Wild Wadi • Atlantis the Palm Package Dubai City Tour • Abu Dhabi City East Coast Tour • Al Ain City Tour Burj Al Arab Package Ticketing; • Private or Group Daily Tours; Arranging Tourist Entry Visa; Hotels, Resorts & Apartments Reservations; Special Designed Itineraries for Individual and Groups by professional; Special Package arranged on request, Honeymoon, Family Vacation & etc; Tailored Made MICE Packages (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition); Airport Meet and Assist Services; Transfer in Luxury Vehicles, Buses and Limousine around UAE; Sailing & Fishing Tours in Traditional Vessels and in Modern Luxury Yachts; Car Rental Services with Driver & Fuel; Round the clock assistance throughout the stay

P.O. Box 90693, Dubai, UAE. Tel.: +9714-2666087 | Fax: +9714-2666085 | Mob.: +97150-5432717 Email: info@sunandfun-tours.com | www.sunandfun-tours.com

___CONCIERGE DUBAI Sun&Fun_tours.indd 1 - Oct 2013.indd 11

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FUJAIRAH AVIATION ACADEMY

09 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 AED960 SEAWINGS

04 8832999

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

Timings: From 9am to 4pm Guide price: AED1,375 per

person for 40 minutes

ULTIMATE CHARTER

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

Paintballing DUBAI AUTODROME LASER TAG

04 4361400/04 4361422

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

Skydiving IFLYDUBAI

04 2316292

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

Timings: Call for timings Guide price: From AED80 for 15 minutes

Timings: Daily 9am to 11pm. Price: AED215

PURSUIT GAMES AT WONDERLAND

050 1533222

04 3244755/050 6514583

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

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED80 for two

hours, includes 100 paintballs, masks, coveralls and paintball gun. Call for bookings 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 11pm Guide price: AED80 includes 100 paintballs, unlimited gas propellant and coveralls

Karting

Shooting

(see Sports)

SKYDIVE DUBAI

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

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

04 4485200

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

LITTLE ExPLORERS

IN THE SWING

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

MAGIC PLANET

800 LEISURE (5347873)

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

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Timings: Daily 10am to midnight Guide price: Rides vary in price. Buy a AED50 credit voucher and get an extra AED10 free, AED100 – AED40 free, AED200 – AED80 free

dusk Sun to Thu. From 11am to dusk Fri and Sat. Guide price: Adults AED1,750. Cash only

(see Marine adventures)

Swimming with sharks

Timings: Daily 9.30pm at Wafi Guide price: Free of charge FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

02 4968001/ ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

800 28843867

DUBAI LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW

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 4297949

BURJ KHALIFA OBSERVATION DECK (AT THE TOP)

04 3244555

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

PEEKABOO! CREATIVE PLAY

Amusements & attractions

Timings: Sun to Wed 9am to midnight. Thu 8.30am to midnight. Sat 4.30am to midnight Guide price: Adults AED125, children (4 to 12 years) AED95. Children aged three or under go free. Immediate entry AED400

WATER WORLD

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

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 8pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED130 for one adult and one child

Timing: Call to arrange time Guide price: AED875 for

Timings: From 2pm to

Swimming with dolphins

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Timings: Daily, 11am to 8pm. Guide price: AED235 for

visitors over 1.3m tall, AED195 for visitors below 1.3m. Premium tickets available KIDZANIA

04 4485222

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

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.

SEGA REPUBLIC

04 4488484

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

Guide to the greens Golf is one of the most popular activities in the emirate and a host of world-class courses offer an incredible day out on the greens. Emirates Golf Club is one of the city’s best loved spots and hosts the annual Omega Dubai Desert Classic, part of The Race To Dubai each February. The prestigious event sees the club play host to some of the sport’s international greats and the Faldo course is a particular draw all year round with expertly designed greens and the option of golfing at night on the specially floodlit course. Contact: dubaigolf.com Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City is an 18-hole, championship golf course featuring an award winning clubhouse, four restaurants and a luxurious spa. Contact: albadiagolfclub.ae

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 1am Guide price: Thrill ticket AED 160 Platinum Power Pass AED220 THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN

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.

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 6pm, theme park 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED125 adults, AED115 children, under four AED40 and younger free

Arts & crafts CAFÉ CERAMIQUE

04 3447331/04 3410144

Create your own piece of pottery art at Café Ceramic.

Timings: Daily 9am to 10pm to midnight Guide price: ceramic prices vary from AED45 to AED200

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AVAILABLE NOW! WWW.DUBAIAUTODROME.COM

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

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 Visitors have a rare opportunity to interact with these remarkable birds in a oneof-a-kind encounter.

Timings: Sun to Thu 1 to 9pm, Fri and Sat noon to 9pm Guide price: AED145 per person

Edutainment CHILDREN’S CITY

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.

ENCOuNTER ZONE

04 3247747

Timings: Shows Mon to Thu 11am and 6pm. Fri and Sat 11am, 3pm and 6pm. Closed Sun Guide price: From AED120 adults; AED80 children 04 4260000

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 AED790 with access to Aquaventure and private beach

AL bADIA gOLF CLub DubAI FESTIVAL CITY

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

04 6010111

adults, AED70 for children aged three to eight

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

AQuAVENTuRE

Marine adventures

Golf

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

Timings: Sat to Wed

(see Sports)

Timings: Daily from 10am to 6pm Guide price: AED225 adults; AED175 children under 1.1m, children under two go free

THE LOST CHAMbERS

10pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Friday 9am to midnight and Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: From AED5

Ice skating

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

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

Wafi’s adventure playground for kids. Look out for 'Lunarland', 'Galatica' and the skate park. 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED45 for five hours, AED35 for two hour. AED35 for Lunarland (under eight years) two-hour pass

04 3484444

04 3369773

AQuA pLAY

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: AED225 for adults, AED180 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

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

wILD wADI

DubAI DOLpHINARIuM

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am

04 3241222/04 3243222

Timings: Daily from 10am to 6pm Guide price: AED105 adults; AED95 children

10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Combo ticket AED55

Waterparks

to 8.30pm, Fri 3 to pm Guide price: AED15 adults, AED10 children 2 to 15 years and AED40 for a family ticket

PARK LIFE

Timings: Sun to Wed

04 3340808

An interactive science and cultural centre.

SpLASHLAND

5. Dolphin Bay, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 6. At the Top 7. Emirates Golf Club

(7,303 yards, par-72)

There is a host of beautiful green spaces peppered across Dubai where visitors can enjoy a peaceful oasis in the city. Safa Park This sprawling green space is situated minutes from Dubai’s thriving Business Bay district, close to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall. The park boasts lakes, cafés and an art library. Dubai Miracle Garden The dreamy landscape of Dubai Miracle Garden offers the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. The futuristic garden in the Arabian Ranches area of the city is home to more than 45 million blooms in all shapes and sizes with 45 different varieties of flower on show. Dubai Creek Park Lining the shores of Dubai Creek, in the heart of the city’s historic quarter, is Dubai Creek Park. This verdant oasis is a much loved destination for families who flock to its green spaces on weekends and evenings. More than 80 types of trees and flowers have been planted here, alongside expansive lawns.

This championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

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) DubAI CREEk gOLF & YACHT CLub

04 2956000

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

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED695 and Fri to Sat AED595 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 top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a spa.

Green fees: Majlis Course

daily AED995 for 18 holes. Faldo Course Sun to Thu AED595 and Fri to Sat AED595 for 18 holes

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_DXB NOV13.indd 139

10/23/13 3:43 PM

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

04 8145555

Climbing

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

WAFI PhARAOh'S CLuB

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

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?

Green fees: sun to thu aeD160

04 3240000

for 9 holes and aeD240 for 18 holes. Fri and sat aeD195 for 9 holes and aeD320 for 18 holes. twilight rate is aeD125 from approximately 5.10pm

Timings: sat to thu 6.30am to 10pm, Fri 9am to 9pm Guide price: aeD60 for one hour with an instructor

JumEIRAh GOLF ESTATES

ThE WALL

Earth Course:

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

04 3752222

(6,473 yards, par-72) Fire Course: (6,507 yards, par-72) One of Dubai’s most prestigious golfing destinations, host of last year’s Dubai World Championship.

Green fees: sun to thu

04 3065061

Timings: sat to thu 2

to 10pm. closed Fri Guide price: aeD90 per hour without an instructor. aeD75 with an instructor

aeD495 and Fri and sat aeD795 for 18 holes ThE ADDRESS mONTGOmERIE DuBAI

04 3905600

(7,396 yards, par-72) One of the most luxurious golf clubs in Dubai, the Colin Montgomerie-designed course features lakes, landscaped gardens and 81 large bunkers.

Green fees: Daily aeD825 for 18 holes ThE ELS CLuB

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

Archery hATTA FORT hOTEL

04 8523211

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

Timings:8am to 6pm Guide price: sun to thu

aeD50 for 30 minutes and Fri aeD50 for 30 minutes JEBEL ALI ShOOTING CLuB

04 8836555

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

Timings:10am to 9pm Guide price: aeD100 for 30

minutes with unlimited shots

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

Guide price: two-day PaDi course for supervised dives up to 12 metres, aeD1,850. Pleasure dives from aeD400

Fishing Individual hotels without marinas can also arrange fishing trips on request AL WASL CRuISING & FIShING

04 2950516

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

Timings: call for details Guide price: From aeD500 per person

ART mARINE

animal encounters one of the most exciting and memorable activities to enjoy in Dubai involves getting up close and personal to a range of exciting creatures. Meet the penguins meet the newest and undoubtedly the cutest arrival at Dubai aquarium and underwater Zoo. a baby Humboldt penguin has been born on site to proud parents rami and circo. the fluffy chick has already taken some tentative steps outside its nest, entertaining visitors to this mesmerising space at the Dubai mall. Feathered friends meet a host of colourful new characters at Dubai Dolphinarium. the fun-filled venue now boasts the uae’s only exotic bird show featuring over 20 species of birds and parrots. learn all about these fascinating feathered friends with informative talks on their natural habitats, social structures, training and conservation issues. Dolphin Bay swim with dolphins and enjoy a once-in-alifetime encounter with these magical creatures. Dolphin Bay at atlantis the Palm, Dubai offers incredible experiences where you can meet and swim with these special mammals.

04 4068825

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

Timings: call for details Guide price: aeD750 per hour onwards DuBAI CREEK GOLF & YAChT CLuB

04 2054646

Up to six people can enjoy a day of fishing.

Timings: 8am to 6pm Guide price:aeD2,000 for

four hours. longer trips are available as required FIRST YAChT

04 3754148/050 6550313 Up to seven people can enjoy a day of fishing.

Timings: 6am onwards Guide price:aeD3,400 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: mon and Wed 3 to 6.30pm Guide price: aeD1,750 for four hours on the boat.

8. Snow penguins, Ski Dubai 9. Wake boarding 10. Rock climbing 11. Wild Wadi

NO BOuNDARIES

050 2514988

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

Timings: call for details Guide price: aeD4,400 a day for up to four people. aeD440 to stay in a lodge

SummERTImE mARINE

04 2573084

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

Timings: From 6am to 10am and midday to 4pm Guide price: aeD2,500 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

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_DXB NOV13.indd 141

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expe r ience/THE GUIDE

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

Horseriding DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB, ARABIAN RANCHES

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 Society-approved riding and training centre for all abilities. Learn show jumping, dressage and eventing.

Timings: Lessons from 7 to 11am 4 to 7pm Guide price: AED145 for adult group lesson. AED250 for private lesson 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 7am to noon and 4 to 7pm Guide price: AED150 for a 30-minute lesson, AED200 for a one-hour outdoor ride (experienced riders only)

RACE DAY 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-the-art facility also hosts daily ‘Arrive & Drive’ sessions meaning visitors can easily turn up and enjoy an exhilarating drive around the expertly designed track. Fully equipped and with knowledgeable instructors, this is one of the city's best driving days out. Contact: 04 4361422

Motorsports

THE DESERT RANCH

04 8327171

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

DRAG RACING

800 YAS (927) or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

Hit 250kmh in five seconds in a drag car driven by world champion Rod 'Hot Rod' Fuller at the Yas Drag Racing Centre.

Timings: 9am to 12noon Guide price: Desert

riding from AED200

Timings: See website

for availability Guide price: From AED55

Ice skating

FORMULA ONE

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

AL NASR LEISURELAND

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

04 3371234

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

Timings: See website

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED70 for two

for availability Guide price: AED1,200 3000 Yas Experience

hours of ice skating. Includes park entrance and skate hire DUBAI ICE RINK

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 10pm; Thu to Sat, 10am to 11.45pm. Guide price: AED55 for two hours GALLERIA ICE RINK

04 2096000

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

Karting 04 3678744

EMIRATES KART CENTRE

30 minutes

Mini golf 04 8523221

Guide price: AED6,400

JEBEL ALI SHOOTING CLUB

04 8836555

The fortress-style architecture opens to an indoor and outdoor shooting academy and floodlit clay-shooting ranges.

Timings: Winter – Wed to Mon 1 to 10pm; summer – Wed to Mon 3pm to midnight Guide price: Outdoor AED220 for 25 shots; indoor AED140

06 5487777

One of the UAE’s biggest shooting clubs.

Skiing SKI DUBAI

800 LEISURE (5347873)

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

02 5629050

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm; Thu 10am to midnight; Fr 9am to midnight; Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: AED120 for entry to Snow Park for adults, AED110 for children; AED180 for adults and AED150 for children for two hours on the ski slope

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

Watersports

04 3402408

Enjoy a guided canoeing tour through Khor Kalba nature reserve while spotting birds and other sea life along the way.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED30 for mini golf and fun course. Hotel entry fee redeemable against hotel facilities

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_DXB NOV13.indd 142

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

DESERT RANGERS

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

Enjoy the ultimate holiday experience when you set sail on a luxury yacht ranging in size from 50 to 188ft.

Timings: 12 noon to 10pm Guide price: AED185 for .22, AED180 for 9mm and AED235 for .38. Sessions last for 40 minutes

Sailing

HATTA FORT HOTEL

04 2573084

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

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

Timings: Daily 3 to 10pm Guide price: AED100 for

Guide price: Call for details SUMMERTIME MARINE

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

GHANTOOT POLO CLUB

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

Take your pick from five boats that can be chartered for a day on the water or go one step further and learn to sail one yourself.

Tour operators offer biking trips through the Hajar Mountains, with gear provided. Trips include pickup and lunch on request.

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

050 5592131

142

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: Private tuition starts at AED1,500 for private tuition

04 3618111

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED115

050 5517280

Shooting

DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

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

Guide price: AED220 DUSAIL

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

Polo

DUBAI AUTODROME

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

for four hours

Mountainbiking

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

04 3941669

YAS RACING SCHOOL

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

12. Ski Dubai 13. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club 14. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club 15. Dubai Autodrome

DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

Guide price: AED300 per person including transport

Hotels can organise watersports on request. Some have their own facilities. See Taste section for hotel telephone numbers

Guide price:

Banana rides AED150 for 20 minutes Parasailing AED250 per ride Waterskiing AED150 for 20 minutes Wakeboarding AED150 for 20 minutes Windsurfing AED170 per hour

10/22/13 12:20 PM

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

04 3668888

Umm Suqeim For a delicious selection of authentic Thai food, book a table at Pai Thai. Relax and unwind with delicious cocktails at Koubba Bar.

Al BustAn rotAnA

04 2820000 Garhoud

Choices offers a wonderful array of international dishes to enjoy with theme nights throughout the week. Or head to Blue Elephant for the best in Thai cuisine. Benihana – Japanese Blue Elephant– Thai Choices – International Mawal – Lebanese Rodeo Grill – Steakhouse

Al GHurAir rAYHAAn BY rotAnA

04 2933000 Deira

Liwan serves a delicious international selection at the Friday Family Brunch with live cooking stations, a dedicated section for children and mocktails, smoothies, shakes and soda pops. From AED165 per person. 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. An inviting atmosphere makes it a great place to relax with friends and family.

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 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. Benihana – Japanese Horizon – International Rosso – Italian

AnAntArA DuBAi tHe pAlm resort & spA

04 5678888

Palm Jumeirah Crescendo is a sophisticated buffet-style restaurant which offers the delights of international cuisine within a dazzling setting. Set by the waters of the infinity pool, the spacious outdoor terrace affords fabulous views of the coast, complemented by the succulent delicacies prepared at the live cooking stations. 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.

AsiAnA Hotel

04 2387777 Deira

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 mouthwatering selection of dishes, this is an excellent choice for Filipino cuisine. Hanabi – Japanese Lamesa – Filipino Sea World – Seafood Sonamu – Korean Yuraku – Japanese

04 4260000

Palm Jumeirah With 20 restaurants, bars and lounges brought to you by world-renowned chefs, Atlantis, Dubai is one of the most diverse and iconic culinary destinations in the city. Make your weekend lunch something special with the different flavours and styles at Kaleidoscope. Each venue is unique and, as you’d expect from a five-star venue, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. 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 Rostang – French Saffron – Asian Seafire – Steakhouse The Burger Joint – American diner

Auris plAzA Hotel Al BArsHA 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

Al murooj rotAnA – DuBAi

ArmAni Hotel DuBAi

Desert

04 8883888

Downtown Dubai Head to Pergolas for fine international fare and delicious seafood served in a sophisticated setting where you can enjoy an array of dishes from every corner of the globe. Or try Zaika Restaurant for a vibrant and authentic taste of Indian cuisine. Alegra – Nightclub Double Decker – English Mawal – Lebanese Pergolas – International Zaika Restaurant – Indian

144

LISTINGS_TASTE_DXB NOV13.indd 144

Armani/Lounge presents afternoon tea served three ways each featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, sweets and English scones accompanied by a signature tea and coffee selection. Priced from AED280 per person. Armani/Amal – Indian Armani/Hashi – Japanese Armani/Mediterraneo – Mediterranean Armani/Deli – Italian Armani/Privé – Lounge/nightclub Armani/Ristorante – Italian fine dining

1. ZEST, One & Only The Palm 2. Armani/Ristorante, Armani Hotel Dubai 3. Ossigeno, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa 4. Junsui, Burj Al Arab

04 4554800

Ranches Restaurant – International Birdies – Sports lounge

04 3211111

AtlAntis tHe pAlm, DuBAi

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

Downtown Dubai

04 8096100

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

23/10/2013 16:15

T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

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 Majlis Al Bahar – Mediterranean Sahn Eddar – Afternoon tea Skyview Bar – Cocktail bar

ConrAd, duBAi

04 4447444

Sheikh Zayed Road Modern and elegant venue in the heart of Dubai's financial and shopping district. For fine wines try Cave or enjoy the best of British at Marco Pierre White Grill. 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 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. Aquamarine – Pool bar Cucina Italian Kitchen – Italian Pine Grill – International Rendezvous – International The Bar – Casual bar

Crowne PlAzA duBAi

04 3311111

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

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

duBAi MArriott hArBour hotel & suites

04 3194000

Dubai Marina Enjoy stunning views and delicious gourmet meals at chic restaurant The Observatory. A Dubai favourite, this classy eatery offers a sophisticated dining experience and luxuriously designed interiors. Az.u.r – Mediterranean Counter Culture – International The Observatory – International

dusit thAni duBAi

04 3433333

Sheikh Zayed Road Enjoy the finest in Italian cuisine at PAX which also boasts stunning views across Dubai. Benjarong – Thai Dusit Delicatessen – Deli gourmet My Bar – Bar Pax – Italian The Californian – International

FAirMont duBAi

04 3325555

Sheikh Zayed Road Gourmet international dishes are the order of the day at Spectrum on One.

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

Bridges – Bar Cascades – International Cin Cin – Wine bar Nine – Arabic lounge Spectrum on One – International The Cigar Bar – Cigar lounge The Exchange Grill – Steakhouse The Sushi Café – Japanese

Crowne PlAzA duBAi deirA

04 4573388

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 tasty fare including delicious waffles and a range of beverages. Belgian Beer Café – European Mazar – Afternoon tea Zaytoun – International

FAirMont the PAlM, duBAi Palm Jumeirah Home to a variety of highend restaurants including Flow Kitchen, Seagrill on 25° Restaurant and Frevo. 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 For those who like to explore, this out-of-town option is popular as a weekend getaway with Dubai residents. Fujairah is a neighbouring emirate on the east coast. Al Falaj – Lobby lounge Mozaique – International Waves – International

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

L'OLivO, RixOs The PaLm Dubai

Burj Al ArAB

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Grand Hyatt dubai

Hilton dubai creek

Oud Metha

Deira

04 3171234

Sushi offers an incredible array of contemporary Japanese cuisine in stylish surroundings. Highlights of a newly revamped menu include fresh sushi, tempura and a host of mouthwatering traditional Japanese desserts.

Award-winning chefs Scott Price and Nick Alvis' table9 by nick and scott 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.

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

Glasshouse – International Issimo Bar & Lounge – Sports bar table9 by nick and scott – European

Grand MillenniuM dubai

04 4299999 Al Barsha

6 5. Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, Meliá Dubai 6. Anise, InterContinental Dubai Festival City 7. BiCE, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort 8. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, InterContinental, Dubai Festival City

Enjoy flavours from around the world at Atrium restaurant where fine international fare is the order of the day. For a taste of Italy, try the delicious dishes at Dante. Atrium – International Belgian Beer Café – European Crystal Bar – Bar Dante – Italian Toshi – Asian Exit 36 – Garden venue

Grosvenor House, dubai

04 3998888

Dubai Marina Toro Toro is one of the city's best destinations for a true taste of South America. Expect sumptuous meats and flavoursome sharing plates. Or try the finest Indian dishes served up at Indego by Vineet, a chic restaurant under the expert direction of the worldrenowned chef Vineet Bhatia.

04 2271111

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

Habtoor Grand beacH resort & spa

04 3995000

Dubai Marina Savour a wide selection of tasty seafood and delicious fish dishes at Fish Bazaar. 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

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.

Hilton dubai JuMeiraH

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

Dubai Marina

JuMeiraH beacH Hotel

04 3991111

Savour sublime Italian food at this award-winning restaurant. Sleek interiors at BiCE Ristorante add to the ambience at this elegant evening-out destination. For a lively evening out Pachanga offers delicious 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

Hotel pullMan dubai Mall oF tHe eMirates

04 3772000

Sheikh Zayed Road For multicultural cuisine, visit allday dining restaurant Sanabel. Sanabel – International Soda Box – Mediterranean Vantage – Cocktail bar

Hyatt reGency dubai

04 2091234 Deira

Shahrzad, an authentic Iranian restaurant, has now re-opened after refurbishment. Featuring stylish furnishings, Shahrzad has retained its Persian elegance. 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 neighbouring World Trade Centre. Cubo Pasta – Italian

intercontinental dubai Festival city

04 7011111

Dubai Festival City La Terrasse par Pierre Gagnaire is the perfect place for exquisite light bites and cocktails. Try the latest addition to Intercontinental Dubai Festival City’s culinary collection which offers stunning views of Dubai Creek. Open every night from 6pm. Anise – International Bistro Madeleine – French Eclipse – Champagne bar La Terrasse par Pierre Gagnaire - Lounge Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire – French Terra Firma Steakhouse – Steakhouse

04 3480000 Jumeirah

Latitude takes you on a journey through dining cultures. Savour creations from Mexico and India. Or try Arabic cuisine and British food on themed weeknights, from AED225 per person. 360° – Terrace bar Beachcombers – Far Eastern Carnevale – Italian Der Keller – German Dhow & Anchor – English Go West – American La Parrilla – Argentinean Latitude – International La Veranda – Italian Mahiki – Nightclub Uptown – Bar

JuMeiraH creekside Hotel

04 2308555 DIFC

Blue Flame will this month be serving foie gras dishes following the Nivo programme where exceptionally high ethical standards of production are reinforced. Available Monday to Friday from 6 to 11pm. Plumeria – Healthy café Blue Flame – Steak Cu-ba – Cuban Nomad – Asian Crimson Gallery - Afternoon tea

JuMeiraH eMirates toWers

04 3300000 DIFC

Savour the finest oysters and bubbly from 5pm to 7pm every Wednesday and Thursday at Alfie's Oyster Night. AED620 for bubbly and six oysters. Alfie's – English Al Nafoorah – Arabic Clique – Bar 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 Vu’s Bar – Champagne bar Vu's Restaurant – International

JuMeiraH Zabeel saray

04 4530000

Palm Jumeirah Amala family lunch offers fine Indian food from 1pm to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays priced at AED175 per person. 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

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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.

A TASTE of INDIA

le méridien mina seyaHi BeacH resort & marina Dubai Marina

media one Hotel

04 4271000

Dubai Media City The MED is a stylish yet relaxed Mediterranean eatery boasting stunning views over the Palm Jumeirah. 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

melia duBai

04 3868111 Port Rashid

Famed chef Sanjeev Kapoor heads up a sumptuouous eatery at this hotel. Azalya – International Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor – Indian

Armani/Amal Contemporary cool meets old-world charm at this first-class dining destination on the third floor of Armani Hotel Dubai. The finest ingredients are expertly prepared here for an exciting journey through Indian cuisine. Location: Armani Hotel Dubai Contact: 04 8883888 Amala Explore Mughlai cuisine at this stunning restaurant where a rich setting is created by wooden ceilings and glittering chandeliers. The Mughlai cooking style is strongly influenced by Iran and Turkey. Signature meals to enjoy at Amala include dal fry of yellow lentils, cumin, coriander and spinach and the delicious bharwan tandoori aloo which is a tasty mix of potato, paneer, pistachio and cashew nuts. Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Contact: 04 4530444 iZ The finest Indian cooking is presented with a fresh urban zeal at this chic eatery. Location: Grand Hyatt Dubai Contact: 04 3172221

04 4498888

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. The Talk Restaurant & Lounge – International West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge – Sports bar

novotel world trade centre

04 3320000

Trade Centre

mina a' salam, madinat JumeiraH

Pay a visit to international restaurant Entre Nous for fine fare from all corners of the globe.

Umm Suqeim

Blue Bar – Belgian bar Entre Nous – International

04 3668888

04 3993333

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

A quaint, old-school hotel located in Deira.

La Plaza – Mediteranean Metro! – International Infinity – Pool bar

Beachside Barbecue – Brasserie Brunello Restaurant – Italian K-West Bar – Wine bar

Brasserie presents flavours from across the globe in this ecletic setting.

Deira

Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai is located in the heart of the city. Drop into La Plaza for a spot of Mediteranean fare.

Brunello Restaurant offers Italian cooking at its best in the chic surroundings of Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai Marina

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Marina

04 3995555

Deira

04 3877777

04 4442000

le royal méridien BeacH resort & spa

radisson Blu Hotel, duBai deira creek

millennium plaza Hotel duBai

kempinski Hotel & residences, palm JumeiraH

Barasti – International Latest Recipe – International Watatsumi – Japanese Latitude Bar – Bar

mövenpick Hotel JumeiraH BeacH

04 2270000

Al Shindagah – International Al Diwan – Lebanese Malate Bar & Restaurant – Filipino Sketch – Mediterranean

Boston Bar – American Brauhaus – German Five Dining – International

Latest Recipe offers an al fresco barbecue on the terrace with a variety of meats and seafood served before stunning views of the Gulf.

metropolitan palace Hotel

The Wharf is a British-style restaurant which serves delcious fare which includes big-bone, sticky beef ribs with mashed potatoes and the restaurant’s signature sticky sauce. Al Muna – International Al Samar Lounge – Afternoon tea Bahri Bar – Bar Shimmers – Beachside dining The Wharf – British Zheng He's – Chinese

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Downtown Dubai

For a true taste of Italy, don't miss a mouth-watering meal at Frankie's. There is also a taste of Japan at internationally renowned restaurant Wagamama or relax at Mai Tai where you can choose from a variety of refreshing cocktails.

Bur Dubai

one&only royal miraGe

Chutney's – Indian Fakhreldine Lebanese Restaurant – Lebanese Pulse The Club – Nightclub Rooftop Terrace – Far Eastern Somerset’s – English The Fountain – International

mövenpick Hotel deira

04 4440111 Deira

Located in the heart of Dubai’s historic quarter, this five-star property offers three food and beverage outlets for discerning tastes. Jigsaw – International Spiritz – Bar Wok-In Restaurant– Pan Asian

mövenpick Hotel iBn Battuta Gate

04 4440000 Jebel Ali

Shanghai Chic offers a new menu with dishes from across Asia. Mistral – Arabic Al Bahou – Brunch buffet Sicilia – Italian Shanghai Chic – Chinese Moroc Bar – Moroccan lounge Chor Bazaar – Indian

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

radisson Blu Hotel, duBai downtown

04 3994444

mövenpick Hotel Bur duBai

Chutneys restaurant features a selection of traditional North Indian dishes. Some of the culinary delights include gosht korma, tawa murgh and fish tikka.

Dine in one of seven selected restaurants during November for a chance to win one of eight prizes including a Fiat 500 or flights and hotel getaways in seven European cities as part of the Dine In, Fly Out & Drive Away promotion. Participating restaurants include The China Club, Minato, Sumibiya and Fish Market.

oasis BeacH tower

Frankie’s – Italian Mai Tai – Cocktail bar Thyme Restaurant – Mediterranean Wagamama – Noodle house

04 3366000

04 2227171

04 3999999 Al Sufouh

Celebrities restaurant has undergone an exciting redesign. Dine in style on delicious dishes such as wild mushroom risotto. 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

one&only tHe palm, duBai

04 4401010

The Palm Jumeirah Zest combines flavours of east and west for a sensational dining experience at this chic location on Palm Jumeirah. 101 Dining Lounge and Bar – Mediterranean Stay by Yannick Alléno – French Zest – Oriental and Middle Eastern

park Hyatt duBai

04 6021234 Garhoud

The Thai Kitchen introduces an assortment of new dishes this November. In keeping with its authentic flavours of north-eastern Thailand, the new dishes are distinctive, fresh and unique to Thailand’s Isaan region, which is home to Chef de Cuisine, Supattra Boonsrang. Cafe Arabesque - Arabic The Lounge – Arabic The Terrace – Bar The Thai Kitchen – Thai Traiteur – French

04 4502000

Located on the upper floors of a mixed-use building close to the thriving Business Bay district, this new property has excellent views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.

rixos tHe palm duBai

04 4575555

Palm Jumeirah Salt offers the finest seafood in a friendly dining atmosphere. A la Turca – International L'Olivo Restaurant – Italian Nargile - Shisha lounge Biber- Lounge Salt - Seafood

rose rayHaan By rotana

04 3230111

Sheikh Zayed Road/DIFC Sample creative dishes from around the world at Petals. Café Rose – Afternoon tea Petals – International

sHanGri-la Hotel duBai

04 3438888

Sheikh Zayed Road Hoi An offers modern Vietnamese cuisine with French influences, served in a vibrant and colourful 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

Infiniti Bar & Terrace – Bar Lemon Pepper – International

04 2281111

radisson Blu Hotel, duBai media city

Vivaldi offers stunning views of Dubai Creek which present the perfect backdrop to a delicious Italian meal.

04 3669111

Dubai Media City Embark on a culinary journey at Chef's House where theme nights take you on a tour of world flavours.

Deira

Ashiana – Indian Chelsea Arms – English pub Creekside – Japanese Vivaldi – Italian

Certo – Italian Chef's House – International Icon Bar & Lounge – Sports bar Tamanya Terrace – Cocktail bar

sHeraton JumeiraH BeacH resort & towers

radisson royal Hotel duBai

Visit Peacock for delicious Chinese cuisine.

04 3080000

Sheikh Zayed Road Indo Thai offers authentic flavours of Asia in a stunning setting decorated in Oriental style. Or try Icho for tasty Japanese dishes in chic surroundings. Celsius – All-day dining Mo*Vida Nightclub – Nightclub Icho – Japanese Indo Thai Asian Restaurant – Asian

raffles duBai

04 3248888 Oud Metha

Fire & Ice is this month offering a sophisticated French Cheese and Wine degustation 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, located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, is home to the city's first Brazilian restaurant and well worth a visit. Shores – International Fogueira –Brazilian

04 3995533

Dubai Marina

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 is on offer here including Mediterranean restaurant Sanabel offering a host of European fare. Sanctuary Pool Lounge - Lounge Sanabel - Mediterranean Vantage - lounge

sofitel duBai JumeiraH BeacH

04 4484848

Dubai Marina A.O.C. French Brasserie is offering exciting theme nights from seafood to Asian and Indian cuisine. Mondays offer an Arabian-themed buffet, Tuesday while Wednesdays are reserved for India cuisine. Seafood Night is on Thursdays while every Saturday brings a barbecue night. Finally, take a culinary tour of Italy every Sunday. AOC French Brasserie – French Plantation – Afternoon tea Rococo – Italian The Hub – Sports bar

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T A ST E/THE GUIDE

sofitel the pAlm, dUBAi

the meydAn

toWers rotAnA dUBAi

Palm Jumeirah

Meydan

Sheikh Zayed Road

04 4556677

Studio Du Chef is a chic restaurant offering the finest French fare. Manava – International Studio Du Chef – French Porterhouse Steaks & Grills – International Bottega - Italian Deli – Italian Hong Loong - Asian

tAj pAlACe hotel

04 2232222 Deira

Handi is the place to go for fine Indian thali. Handi – Indian Le Rendezvous – International Sakura – Japanese Topkapi – Arabic Verdi – Italian

Enjoy the finest, succulent steaks with sensational racecourse views at stunning restaurant, Prime.

Long's Bar offers a business lunch from 12pm to 3pm, served within 15 minutes for AED75 per person.

Bas Pasta – Italian Equus Bar – Poolside dining Farriers – International Millennium Lounge – International Prime – Steak house Shiba – Asian

Teatro – International Long’s Bar – Bar Wraps – International

04 4388888

Downtown Dubai Enjoy an array of authentic flavours of Arabia at Na3Na3. Cabana – Lounge Karat – Afternoon tea Na3Na3 – Arabic

the Address dUBAi mArinA

04 4238888

Dubai Marina Blends brings a taste of Havana on Wednesday nights with a salsa instructor, Cuban-Latino sounds and complimentary beverages for ladies. From 6pm to 3am. 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. Available Sunday to Thursday from 7 to 9pm. Priced 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 offers a gourmet dining experience in chic surroundings. Okku – Japanese Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Steakhouse Gold lounge – Lounge Mizaan - International

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.

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.

the pAlACe doWntoWn dUBAi

the Address dUBAi mAll

Deira

Sheikh Zayed Road

Fazaris offers the finest in Italian and Japanese cuisine. Calabar – Latin lounge Fazaris – Italian and Japanese Hukama - Chinese Neos – Cocktail bar Risala – Afternoon tea Zeta – Seafood

04 2659888

04 4441444

Downtown Dubai

04 4368888

trAders hotel dUBAi

the oBeroi, dUBAi

Nine7One – International Umai – Asian Ananta – Indian The Lobby Lounge – Lounge The Lobby Bar - Bar

the Address doWntoWn dUBAi

04 3438000

04 3813333

Chameleon Bar – Cocktail bar The Junction – International

villA rotAnA

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.

04 4287888

Downtown Dubai Ewaan is one of the best choices for traditional Arabian delicacies. Or, enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at Al Bayt featuring velvet pancakes and rose-petal cheesecake served from 2 to 6pm, AED150 per person.

Moka Café – All-day dining

9 Teatro, Towers Rotana 10 Okku, The H Hotel Dubai 11. Mazina, The Address Dubai Marina

ARABIC TASTE

Al Bayt – Arabic Asado – Argentinean Ewaan – Arabic FAI – Asian bar Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Thiptara – Thai

the ritZ-CArlton dUBAi

04 3994000

Dubai Marina Blue Jade takes diners on a journey to Singapore this month with its four-course set menu inspired by the diverse style of this South East Asian city. The menu features crispy duck salad, chicken wanton soup and steamed sea bass. Priced from AED225 per person Amaseena – Arabic Blue Jade - Asian Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Library Bar – Aperitifs/nightcaps Splendido – Italian

the ritZ-CArlton, dUBAi internAtionAl finAnCiAl Centre

Dubai's rich cultural mix has given rise to a wide variety of cuisines. All cooking styles can be found here from Italian and Japanese to Korean and Lebanese. Local Arabic food tends to be full of flavour with an array of spices used in rice, fish and meat dishes. On special occasions, such as weddings, camel is served while camel's milk is viewed as a healthy drink. Expect a host of vibrant dishes from local cuisine. Al Mahshi: Roasted lamb stuffed with rice, raisins, onions, eggs and a host of different spices and seasoning. This dish is usually prepared for feasts and weddings.

04 3722222 DIFC

Center Cut is a delicious steak house serving the finest quality produce cooked to perfection. Alternatively, enjoy the flavours of Thailand at Blue Rain. Blue Rain – Thai Can Can – French bistro Center Cut – Steakhouse No.5 Lounge & Bar – Bar

Al Balaleet: This is a kind of fine pasta made from eggs, onion, cinnamon, sugar and oil. It is usually eaten for breakfast.

the Westin dUBAi minA seyAhi BeACh resort & mArinA

04 3994141

Dubai Marina

Al Harees: An ancient dish that consists of small pieces of meat, wheat and water.

Enjoy delicious dishes from Blue Orange, Hunters and Spice Emporium at the Bubbalicious Friday brunch. Priced at AED650 per person with free flowing bubbly.

City dining

AlegrA

050 2464555

Al Murooj Rotana This stylish bar is located in the heart of the city. AQUArA

04 3627934

Dubai Marina Yacht Club 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. 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.

Blue Orange – International Bussola – Italian Hunters – Steakhouse Oeno – Wine bar Senyar – Bar Spice Emporium – Thai

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 skyhigh 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, fivestar 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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HIGHWAY SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

ROAD TO JEBEL ALI → GOLF RESORT & SPA

DUBAI MARINA 5

83 45 29

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AL WASL ROAD

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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

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HOTELS

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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 Armani Hotel Dubai 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

GOLD AND DIAMOND PARK

MALL OF THE

15 EMIRATES

25 TIMES SQUARE CENTER

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 TOURIST MAP 1 2 3 4 5

AL BARSHA

DUBAI F I V E - S T A R

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

EMIRATES HILLS THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE

L U X U R Y

27 48

JUMEIRAH ISLANDS

UMM SUQEIM

IBN BATTUTA MALL

T H E

37 13

DUBAI MEDIA CITY AND KNOWLEDGE VILLAGE

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

63 DUBAI INTERNET CITY/

JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS

44 88 58

E2 D3 D2 D2 A1 B1 D2 E1 A1 B2 E1 B3 B3 B1 B2 D2 A2

MAP-DXB - NOV2013-MyriadPro.indd 150

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Crowne Plaza Dubai 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

ROAD TO BAB AL SHAMS RESORT &SPA 12 ● ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB ● DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN 6 CLUB

13 DUBAI SPORTS CITY

D2 E1 E2 D1 A1 D2 D2 A1 E2 B2 A1 A1 E1 A1 E1 D2 A1 E2 A1 B1 E2 D2

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence 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

D1 A1 D1 A1 A1 A1 B1 A1 B2 E1 E1 D2 E2 E1 A1 A2

56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71

Nassima Tower Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai 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 The Palm Dubai Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Shangri-La Hotel Dubai Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

●

D2 B1 A1 E2

73 74

D2 E1 B1 D2 E2 A1 B1 D2 D2 B2 E1

75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa 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

A1 A1 B1 E2 D2 D2 A1 A2 D2 D2 D2 A1 D2 D2 E1 D2 A1 D2 D2

10/22/13 3:51 PM

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

5 19 26

JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD

15 13

BUR DUBAI 42

JUMEIRAH 5

64 56 16 80 23

16 68

DOWNTOWN DUBAI

39 57

DIFC

WORLD TRADE CENTRE

OUD METHA

65 3

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. The Dubai Aquarium and 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.

CLOCK TOWER

AL MAHA DESERT 2 RESORT &SPA

GARHOUD BRIDGE

2 26

GARHOUD

20 ROAD TO:

MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

ROAD TO: DRAGONMART

TO: 2 ROAD ARABIAN CENTER

DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

●

KHOR DUBAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

●

JA H

38 DUBAI CREEK GOLF &YACHT CLUB

ROAD TO:

10 ● DUBAI OUTLET MALL

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

20 35

MEYDAN

MAKTOUM BRIDGE 23

DUBAI HEALTHCARE CITY

CREEK PARK

CORN ICHE

AS HE ED R

ZAABEEL

AL R

AL KARAMA

DEIRA 11

12 19

THE DUBAI MALL

DEIRA

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

76 77

TRE RD 5 E CEN TRAD 19

DUBAI MUSEUM

SATWA

SAFA PARK

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

MANKHOOL RD

LYA AL JAFI

SATWA RD

AL WASL ROAD

MINA RD

27 22 21

JUMEIRAH BEACH PARK

HERITAGE VILLAGE

SHEIK SAEED AL MAKTOUM HOUSE

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 Emirates 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

Al Ghurair City E1 Arabian Center E3 Beach Centre D1 BurJuman E1 ChoithramS upermarket locations B2/C2/D1/E1 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

MAP-DXB - NOV2013-MyriadPro.indd 151

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Oasis Centre Palm Strip SpinneysS upermarket locations The Dubai Mall Times Square Centre Town Centre The Village Wafi

C2 D1 C2/D2/E1 D2 C2 D1 D1 E2

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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

B1 E2 E2 E2 A1 B3 B3 E2 A1 D2

Ski Dubai Skydive Dubai Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Autodrome Dubai Dolphinarium

B2 A1 B1 B3 E2

DUBAI METRO 1 2 3

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES 1 2 3

11 12 13 14 15

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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

A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 B2 B2 B2 B2 C2 D2 D2 D2 D2

World Trade Centre Al Jafiliya Al Karama 20 BurJuman 21 Union 22 Al Rigga 23 Deira City Centre 24 GGICO 25 Airport Terminal 1 26 Airport Terminal 3 27 Emirates 28 Rashidiya

D2 D2 E1 E1 E1 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Creek Al Jadaf Dubai Health Care City Oud M etha BurJuman Saeedia Al Ghub aiba Al Ras Palm Deira

11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Baniyas Square Union Square Salah Al Din Abu Baker Al Siddique Abu Hail Al Qayadah Stadium Al Nahda Dubai Airport Free Zone Al Qusias 1 Etisalat

E1 E1 E1 E1 E2 E2

* Please call the RTA on 800 90 90 or visit wojhati.rta.ae for more information.

DUBAI METRO GREEN LINE 1

10 12

E2 E2 E2 E2 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1

Icon for shopping area or mall. concierge map October/November/December 2013

10/22/13 3:51 PM

{

My Dubai Ali Al Bayaty, Estuary Auctions CEO, shares his Dubai highlights

}

1 Fish Market, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek 2 Oil on Canvas by Jaber Alwan, Estuary Auctions

I am originally from Iraq but have been living here in the UAE for 37 years. One of the aspects of life here I enjoy most is the incredible amount of cultural activities there are to enjoy. I love visiting art galleries, exhibitions, museums, auctions and also attending the theatre. I like beautiful and artistic works, especially those with historic value. At the weekends, I enjoy boating and fishing during the cooler months of the year. Winter is definitely my favourite time in Dubai as there are plenty of activities to get involved in and keep you entertained. The events I most enjoy are Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art. I appreciate and enjoy modern and contemporary works of art, especially paintings and sculptures and each event is an incredible opportunity to get updated on upcoming, new talent. Dubai’s dining scene offers an amazing array of choice for a memorable evening out. Zuma in Dubai International Financial Centre is one of the city’s most exciting restaurants for contemporary Japanese cuisine. The sushi and tuna belly there is delicious.

I am also a regular at Hakkasan, Jumeirah Emirates Towers where Chinese food is served with a modern twist and one of my favourite dishes is the duck. Fish Market at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek is another excellent restaurant where fresh seafood is presented in a market-style setting. Diners can choose a preferred fish dish from an array of baskets and have it cooked according to individual preference. The Thai Curry at Fish Market is a wonderful dish. Finally, Nobu at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is an excellent choice for world-famous sushi, the salmon hand rolls are a delight. Another fantastic aspect about life in Dubai is the incredible shopping opportunities. The Dubai Mall has one of the best selections and there are lots of options including one of my favourite designers, Etro. I have many incredible memories from my time in the UAE, my high school years spent in Abu Dhabi are among the best. Visiting the beach and growing up with close friends was a treasured time in my life.

“I love visiting art galleries, exhibitions, museums, auctions and also attending the theatre. I like beautiful and artistic works”

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23/10/2013 17:04

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

www.kashkha.ae

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