Concierge UAE - April - June 2022 by npimedia fz llc

ISSUE 189

MYCO N C I ER G E.CO M

APR-JUN 2022

F O R T H E V E RY B E S T O F D U BA I

F U T U R E FOCUS Discover the Museum of the Future

ISSUE 189

APR-JUN 2022

R E D E F I N I NG LU X U RY Montblanc’s new chapter

A TA S T E O F S U M M E R Explore Dubai’s dining scene

ISLA ND LIFE Tropical escapes

F O R T H E V E RY B E S T O F D U BA I LICENSED BY DUBAI PRODUCTION CITY

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“Have a slice of the old and a lot of the new” Part of the Cinnamon Collection by the celebrity Chef Vivek, Cinnamon Bazaar restaurant draws inspiration from the colours, sounds, smells and energy of many spice markets across India. The menu reflects that of the regional dishes as well as cross-cultural flavours that allows you to discover India and the Middle East. Lunch: 12.30pm - 3pm on Saturday & Sunday | High Chai: 3pm - 5pm, Friday to Sunday Dinner: 6.30pm - 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday | Closed on Monday Park Hyatt Dubai

@CinnamonBazaarDXB

+971 4 602 1814

Rob Nicholas

Publisher

—— EDITORIAL

Letisha Evita Pereira Editor Melanie Swan Contributor

—— ART

Maria Al Daoudi Art Director Adham Sneeh Photographer

—— ADVERTISING

Egor Sharay Brand Relationship Manager Rose D’Souza Relationship Manager Carol Milan Sales Executive

—— MARKETING

Basil Alhajar Partnerships Manager

EDITOR’S NOTE Temperatures across the emirates have started to soar and daylight hours have begun to move more slowly. Summer is almost here yet the city shows no signs of slowing down. A series of events – from comedy nights to food festivals – is set to keep residents and visitors busy over the next few weeks, while indoor attractions in the emirates prepare to welcome a rising number of guests. Clearly, there’s never a dull moment in the UAE and our calendar of events from page 8 onwards will help you mark your diaries. In showcase in this issue is Dubai’s latest landmark and our cover star, The Museum of the Future. An incredible addition to the emirate’s league of noteworthy architectural marvels, its striking façade – adorned with Arabic calligraphy – is a sight to behold. Once inside, the museum takes visitors on a journey to the future through a selection of themed exhibits and immersive experiences. To learn more about what to expect, turn to page 30. Our deep dive into the world of luxury buys takes us to the latest chapter in Montblanc’s heritage on page 40, where the maison’s new artistic director offers a glimpse into the inspiration behind his debut collection. Then, we spotlight the world of jewellery by honing in on the story of Akillis on page 48. Further, peruse our dining edit from page 52 onwards – the last one before the recently announced Michelin guide arrives in the emirate and completely transforms the dining scene. What fantastic news for our favourite Dubai chefs! Also a highlight in this issue is our recent trip to the beautiful shores of the Maldives. It’s clear that the destination is a real winner and through our showcase on page 68, you, too, will discover why. Finally, if the magazine leaves you feeling inspired, book your next experience with us by visiting myconcierge.com.

Letisha P ereira

On the cover: The Museum of the Future

For bespoke arrangements and special requests, please contact 800-CONCIERGE or visit myconcierge.com E XCLUSIVE M EDIA BY N PIM EDIA F Z LLC P.O. Box 500573, Office 704, Damac Executive Heights, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE  04 4243600  04 4327505  concierge@npimedia.com  npimedia.com

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Concierge® magazine is published monthly and copies are distributed exclusively in five-star and select four-star hotels. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in Concierge® magazine, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies. Articles contained within Concierge® magazine are under copyright to the publisher and cannot be reproduced or transmitted in any form, without first obtaining written permission.

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Montblanc Meisterstück Leather collection, page 40

CONTENTS

——— Our top picks of local attractions, events and activities this season

——— Travel back in time and rediscover the UAE’s heritage and history at these cultural venues

——— Go behind the scenes at Dubai’s newest attraction, the striking Museum of the Future

ESSENTIALS

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LESSONS IN HISTORY

WHERE THE FUTURE LIVES

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, page 72

CONTENTS

——— We speak to Montblanc’s new artistic director to discover the story behind the latest collection

——— Take your taste buds around the globe with our top picks of the city’s best dining experiences

——— We travel to the Maldives and go island-hopping for a truly memorable holiday

REDEFINING LUXURY

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AROUND THE WORLD

EXPERIENCING A TRUE ESCAPE

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STAY HAPPY STAY HERE

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AMERICAS | ASIA PACIFIC | EUROPE | MIDDLE EAST

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ESSENTIALS C U LT U R A L C E L E B R AT I O N

—— Winter at Al Hosn is a vibrant seasonal street market bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, performers and more in Abu Dhabi. The family event, running until May 5, makes the most of the cooler weather in the emirate with a range of outdoor activities. Each year, the festival features local handmade goods, street food, fresh produce from local farms and live entertainment. Held at Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the venue is one of the UAE capital’s most iconic sites. The ideal base for showcasing the history and culture of Abu Dhabi, the picturesque fort is also the oldest stone building in the emirate.  qasralhosn.ae

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B R O U G H T T O YO U I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

T I M E TO R E FL EC T

—— The holy month of Ramadan is always a special time to be in the UAE. While daylight hours move slowly, the region comes to life after sunset with plentiful gatherings late into the evening for iftar and suhoor. Eid Al Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, which this year is likely to begin on the evening of May 2, will see families and friends coming together to embrace the spirit of the season. Around the seven emirates, there are celebrations across restaurants, malls and outdoor entertainment venues.

I N S H OWC A S E

—— June 2022 is the last month to catch the current showcase at Dubai International Financial Centre’s Sculpture Park. Earlier this year, the iconic neighbourhood transformed into a stunning open-air art gallery to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary with a series of installations dotted throughout the site. Showcasing local and international artists, more than 60 sculptures chronicle the cultural diversity and richness of the UAE in the last halfcentury. Notable creations from galleries such as AWC, Firetti Gallery and Leila Heller Gallery make this experience one not to miss for art enthusiasts.  artdubai.ae  difc.ae

The holy month of Ramadan is always a special time in the UAE SA I L AWAY

—— Celebrating the region’s love affair with all things maritime, the Al Gaffal Dhow Race is set to wow spectators on May 20. Drawing the 2021-22 water sports season to a close, the event nods to the emirate’s past by helping keep its pearl fishing and dhow sailing traditions alive. Catch the race from the coastline or take one of the speciallychartered ferries to view the action up close. It’s a spectacular sight to take in as hundreds of vessels with billowing white sails make their way through the calm Arabian Gulf waters to the finish line.  dimc.ae

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GA M E O N

—— The famous summer sporting extravaganza, Dubai Sports World, is the perfect way to beat the heat. Running until September 22 this year, it promises fun indoor activities for adults and children alike, with a packed schedule of games over the summer months. From recreational sports to coaching and competitions to summer camps, there is plenty on offer for professionals and novices looking to find a new hobby or seeking a way to get fit. This year, the event will have an increased capacity of over 20,000 square metres at Dubai World Trade Centre.  dubaisportsworld.ae

A D OS E O F L AU G H T E R

—— Bringing some of the biggest names in comedy to the city, the Dubai Comedy Festival promises plenty of excitement in the emirate. Running from May 12 to 22, a packed programme of events will be held at various locations across the city, including Coca-Cola Arena, The Agenda and The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. Headline acts include Josh Widdecombe, Vir Das, Jo Koy, Gad Elmaleh and Russell Peters, who will come together for an unforgettable 11 days of laughter. Local comedy giant, The Laughter Factory, will host 10 shows during the festival, bringing stars such as John Fothergill to the line-up.  dubaicomedyfest.ae

A R T I S T I C TO U C H

—— Lahore-based artist Fahd Burki presents his latest exhibition, Daydreams, at Dubai’s renowned art hub, Art Jameel, running until October 2022. Bringing together works spanning the last 15 years of his career, the stunning showcase includes paintings, drawings and sculptures. The collection is inspired by a wide range of inf luences, from architecture to nature and various strands of contemporary popular culture. The selection of works comprises his figurative creations, abstract pieces and a few picks of commissioned reliefs.  jameelartscentre.org

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ES S EN T I A L S

SCAN TO DISCOVER MORE

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ES S E N T I A LS

CO M I N G TO G E T H E R

—— Muslims all over the world will celebrate Eid Al Adha this July. Also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice, it commemorates the tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to give the life of his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God, who then provided a ram instead as an offering before the sacrifice could be made. Eid Al Adha also marks the culmination of the season of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah each year.

C A L L I N G A L L FO O D I ES

—— The annual celebration of all things gastronomy, Dubai Food Festival has become a must-attend event on the city’s calendar. Highlighting everything from hidden gems to world-class celebrity chef-run venues, this year’s event runs from May 2 to 15 at various locations across the emirate. Perfectly positioned in one of the world’s most creative culinary hubs, where cuisines from all corners of the globe can be found, the upcoming Dubai Food Festival offers everything from bespoke gourmet experiences to intimate cooking showcases featuring world-famous chefs. Set price meals during Dubai Restaurant Week remain a favourite feature of the festival among visitors and residents alike with some of the most sought-after venues participating.  visitdubai.com

Dubai Food Festival offers everything from bespoke gourmet experiences to intimate cooking showcases featuring famous chefs

L I T E R A RY LOV E

—— Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the UAE capital’s annual literary celebration that unites thousands of book lovers. Taking place from May 23 to 29 this year at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, previous editions of the event have seen over 150,000 visitors flocking to the heart of the publishing industry in the Middle East and North Africa. This year, the fair will once again be a hybrid event with virtual sessions and shows. Visitors can meet authors and enjoy educational panels and workshops at the event, which will host over 60 industry speakers.  adbookfair.com

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CON Con

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ES S E N T I A LS

R E TA I L T H E R A PY

—— The annual summer shopping event, Dubai Summer Surprises, will run from July 1 to September 4 this year. Featuring a host of events alongside retail discounts, the festival has become a favourite of residents and visitors alike. The shopping extravaganza will see 10 weeks of slashed prices across malls, hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes all over Dubai. Dubai Summer Surprises also offers a range of creative and cultural activities taking place around the city, from theatre performances to art workshops.  visitdubai.com

The annual shopping event, Dubai Summer Surprises, has become a favourite of residents and visitors alike

IN HARMONY

—— The much-acclaimed InClassica International Music Festival returns to Dubai Opera for a series of concerts featuring world-renowned soloists, orchestras and conductors from May 8. Opening the series of events is the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra conducted by maestro Dmitry Yablonsky and leading violinist Sergej Krylov. Other performances include Grammy-nominated Metropolitan Opera star, Joseph Calleja, who will offer a programme of orchestral and operatic favourites until June 2.  dubaiopera.com

M OV ES L I K E JAG G E R

—— The multiple Grammy Award-winning pop rock band, Maroon 5, will make their long-awaited return to the UAE on May 6 as they bring their first-ever regional tour in the Middle East to Etihad Arena. Fans will be able to experience some of the band’s biggest hits, from Girls Like You and Sugar to Animals and platinum-selling Beautiful Mistakes. Led by Adam Levine, the band has played over 750 concerts in more than 30 countries, selling over 7,500,000 tickets worldwide.  etihadarena.ae

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CON

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Château de Versailles, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais, Christophe Fouin

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CANVAS LOUVRE ABU DHABI The fascinating story of the French city of Versailles is under the spotlight at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum’s first international exhibition of 2022, Versailles and the World will run until June 4 in partnership with Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon. The stunning showcase chronicles the transformation of Versailles, which, in the 17th and 18th centuries, served as a meeting place for different civilisations. With more than 100 works, including paintings and decorative arts, the exhibition illustrates how the royal city became an important centre for diplomatic relations between the east and west and the impact it had on European art and culture.  louvreabudhabi .ae

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Lessons in history —— Embark on a journey back in time and rediscover the UAE’s rich heritage and history at these cultural landmarks, which are perfectly preserved examples of the region’s storied past

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the UAE’s founding father – once famously said: “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.” He always believed that the nation’s identity should be shaped by its heritage and traditions as these values would serve as a formidable base for a prosperous, promising future. It is this philosophy that has carried the nation to great heights and that is why, with every new milestone achieved, the UAE continues to pay tribute to the humble fishermen, the brave pearl divers and the desert-dwelling Bedouin ancestors who laid down the building blocks of society and enriched it for generations to come. Over the decades, barren stretches of sand may have gradually given way to marvellous architectural landmarks that reach for the skies, yet one can’t go too far without coming across some perfectly preserved examples of the region’s past. As such, the emirates are dotted with many monuments that tell the story behind their remarkable rise to greatness.

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P H O T O E S S AY / C A N VA S

QASR AL HOSN In the 1790s, the coastal community in Abu Dhabi built a watchtower to protect the growing establishment on the island. Today, this commanding structure still stands tall as the oldest and most significant building in the UAE capital. During the time between, Qasr Al Hosn served many roles: it has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and a national archive. Following more than a decade of conservation and restoration work, the landmark reopened to the public in 2018 as a museum documenting the emirate’s history. As a national living memorial, it narrates the story of Abu Dhabi’s past through immersive exhibits and a range of cultural activities and workshops, including a performing arts programme that celebrates Emirati music, poetry and dance.  qasralhosn.ae

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Q A S R A L M U WA I J I Al Ain, a city often considered to be the country’s cultural heartland, is home to Qasr Al Muwaiji. It was once the prestigious address of the Al Nahyan family, including the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was born there in 1948. For the last 100 years, the fort has watched over the lush expanse of Al Ain Oasis, another important cultural site, designated by UNESCO for preserving the ancient irrigation system which continues to nourish 147,000 date palms and fruit trees. And, today, it is one of Al Ain’s most significant cultural sites. Visitors can learn all about its importance by booking a guided tour or exploring its serene courtyard, where a permanent exhibition housed in a striking glass-walled space tells the fascinating story of the fort and its previous inhabitants. qasralmuwaiji.ae

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P H O T O E S S AY/ C A N VA S

A L FA H I D I H I S T O R I C A L NEIGHBOURHOOD Discover the charms of old Dubai as you lose yourself in the maze of alleyways at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, well known for its wind-tower architecture and rustic courtyards. Since the early 19th century, the district has played a key role in the country’s economy. Its position along Dubai Creek, with the Arabian Gulf only metres away, allowed international trade to flourish in the region. The restored structures that still stand today were built by early inhabitants who used materials such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandalwood, palm fronds and wood. But it is not only the architecture that offers insight into the region’s past. Peppered throughout the labyrinthine district are museums, art galleries and kiosks that showcase traditions practised in the days gone by. And it is here that visitors can discover the nation’s humble beginnings and gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.  dubaiculture.gov.ae

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ETIHAD MUSEUM The striking façade of Etihad Museum in Dubai’s vibrant Jumeirah district bears all the hallmarks of the UAE’s forward-thinking approach. Yet stepping inside this modern landmark is akin to journeying back in time, where you’ll discover a series of intriguing displays that chronicle the birth of the nation. Covering 2.5 hectares, the museum is divided into eight pavilions that chart the country’s transformation from a tiny fishing village to a thriving modern metropolis, making it one of the best places in the region to learn more about the UAE’s past. A walk through its halls will reveal significant objects that nod to the heritage of the nation, including local art, paintings, photographs and artefacts.  etihadmuseum.ae

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P H O T O E S S AY / C A N VA S

H E A RT O F S H A R J A H Although the site is still a work in progress due for completion in 2025, the Heart of Sharjah restoration project has breathed new life into the emirate. A 15-year development in the making, it involves restoring Sharjah’s heritage sites to their former glory. Several traditional houses, souks, forts, museums and art galleries have already been painstakingly revived to reflect life in the emirate in the 1950s. Within the establishment, visitors will find the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, which chart the nation’s history, culture and heritage. Upon completion, the area will also be home to archaeological museums with intriguing finds, some discovered in the nearby town of Mleiha.  heartofsharjah.ae

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EXPERIENCE THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM ABU DHABI The largest aquarium in the Middle East is home to 46,000 fascinating sea creatures. Across 10 nauticallythemed zones, visitors can view more than 200 sharks and rays up close as well as the world’s largest living snake (a seven-metre python weighing 115 kilograms). The venue also offers an array of engaging experiences, such as animal feedings, diving excursions and glass-bottom dhow tours.  thenationalaquarium.ae

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Spa rituals ———

As temperatures around the emirates continue to rise, these stunning spas are a welcome respite from the summer heat

Cinq Mondes Spa

/ Cinq Mondes Spa

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Raff les The Palm Dubai is home to the worldrenowned Cinq Mondes Spa. Delivering the finest treatments using products inspired by premium beauty and wellness rituals, guests can experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Through its extensive range of treatments, the spa offers every individual the chance to refresh with deep regeneration of the body and mind to instil a state of harmony at a cellular level. The stunning space boasts a choice of 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites, an indoor swimming pool, two traditional hammams and an experience shower.  04 2488888 26

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S PA S/ EX P ER I EN C E

Spa Cenvaree

/ Spa Cenvaree

Offering a unique experience for the whole family – where adults and children alike can opt for signature treatments – Spa Cenvaree brings its award-winning brand to Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Inspired by traditional Thai healing rituals, the extensive menu has been specially curated to invigorate tired muscles, increase circulation and stimulate the body’s natural rhythm for contentment and wellbeing. It is complete with state-of-the-art wellness facilities to extend your downtime, including a hot and cold plunge pool. At the candythemed spa zone for kids, junior visitors can enjoy their very own mini-spa experience.  centarahotelsresorts.com

Spa Cenvaree

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/ Anjana Spa

Turkish hospitality meets time-tested Moroccan wellness rituals at Anjana Spa. Nestled within the stunning surrounds of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, this serene space evokes a lasting sense of calm. Signature spa treatments promise to take you on a journey of wellbeing, restoring the mind and body with an experience ensconced in luxury. Choose from an array of massages or medi spa treatments, while for a truly authentic experience, try Anjana Spa’s traditional Turkish or Moroccan hammam ritual. 02 4922222

Anjana Spa

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

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S PA S/ EX P ER I EN C E

Amara Spa

RELAXAT ION GUARAN TEED Top off your treatment at Amara Spa with some extra downtime at Park Hyatt Dubai’s Lagoon Beach by Twiggy. An oasis of calm nestled within the hotel, it features a 100-metre infinity lagoon, which leads to a private beach. Lining the waters and white sands is a row of sunbeds and cabanas. The setting comes together to transport guests to Mediterranean shores, where relaxation and tranquillity are truly guaranteed.  parkhyattdubai.com

Amara Spa

/ Amara Spa

Located within the picturesque surrounds of Park Hyatt Dubai, Amara Spa is a majestic haven of escapism. With its white-washed walls, bougainvillaea-lined pathways and iconic blue domes, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on Grecian shores. It’s the perfect setting for a day of relaxation at Amara Spa. On offer is a wide range of spa treatments, including massages, facials and bespoke wellness rituals based on guests’ needs, complete with well-equipped facilities to linger just for a little longer.  04 6021660

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The Heal Institute

Future Heroes

Lobby

Where the future lives ———

Go behind the scenes at Dubai’s newest attraction, the striking Museum of the Future, which has been dubbed the most beautiful building on the planet What will the world look like in 2071? The answer lies within one of Dubai’s most significant landmarks – the Museum of the Future. Looming 77 metres high above Sheikh Zayed Road, this new attraction had begun making waves long before it officially opened in February 2022, thanks to its striking façade. The building’s unconventional torus shape makes it one of the most complex construction projects ever attempted. And with no internal pillars, it’s an engineering miracle of sorts, highlighting construction technologies of the future. It is, therefore, only fitting that the experiences inside bring humanity’s present vision of the future to life.

Welcome to the future

Spread across seven levels, the narrative of the Museum of the Future is told in five intriguing chapters. And before the journey begins, visitors are asked to open their minds to new possibilities in order to reimagine our shared future. But it is important to note that whatever one sees inside the museum are not merely predictions, but rather solutions to the challenges we face in the present and ones that may arise in the future. Visitors are invited, not to be mere spectators, but to collaborate in powering mankind to a better future.

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M U S E U M O F T H E F U T U R E/ EX P ER I EN C E

Chapter 1: Launch into space

It all begins on the topmost level of the museum, on board the OSS (Orbital Space Station) Hope. Named after the UAE’s Mars probe, visitors board a replica of the space shuttle made by NASA in 1981 and launch into space in a simulated journey filled with bumps and turbulence, roughly 600 kilometres above the earth. Four and a half minutes after liftoff, the space shuttle docks with OSS Hope, where visitors can become astronauts for the day by embarking on one of six immersive space missions or simply take in the star-filled sky – complete with a view of planet Earth – from outer space.

Chapter 2: Heal the world

Back on terra firma, the wonders of nature come to life with a digital recreation of the tropical Amazonian rainforest at the Heal Institute. Projected on a large screen is the thriving ecosystem of the Amazon, with footage actually filmed in the rainforest. Complete with the sounds of nature, visitors can discover the interplay between hundreds of species that survive in this environment and observe details that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Alongside the Amazon sits the Vault of Life comprising a DNA library of more than 2,400 plant and animal species. Here, visitors can mix and match various DNA sequences to repair the damage done by climate change and apply the information to see what extinct species can be brought back to life and how endangered species can be further preserved.

Chapter 3: Time to disconnect Al Waha

At Al Waha (The Oasis, in English), visitors are invited to take a break from technology and revive their senses. Designed to promote mental health, the experience combines sound healing, light therapy and meditation techniques to encourage visitors to leave all their worries and stresses behind. In the innermost sanctuary, one can reconnect with all their human senses and find inner peace for the mind, body and spirit.

Tomorrow Today

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Chapter 4: See future technology in action

What will the future of mobility look like? How will artificial intelligence shape our future? What new medical technologies will contribute to our health and wellness? And how can we combat climate change? At Tomorrow Today, visitors will find all their questions about the next 50 years answered. In showcase is a series of innovations developed by designers, researchers and corporations who are working to leverage technology to address everything from environmental concerns to cultural issues.

Chapter 5: Let the little ones take over

Encouraging tomorrow’s generation to take over, at Future Heroes, junior visitors are encouraged to play, learn, explore and contribute to the imagination lab, where they can design and build their own future.

Leave feeling inspired

The immersive displays at the Museum of the Future are not just about the quirky gadgets, such as robotic falcons and self-driving cars. The exhibits are curated to encourage visitors to bring back the knowledge gained into the present and apply it to their everyday lives to inspire change in the world. As such, the museum aims to become a platform to study the future and a living research centre, with exhibits that constantly evolve to mirror a rapidly changing world against a brighter future that’s yet to come.

The Heal Institute

OSS Hope

The Heal Institute

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M U S E U M O F T H E F U T U R E/ EX P ER I EN C E

Museum of the Future

OSS Hope

Forward-thinking design

Designed by Dubai-based architect Shaun Killa, the Museum of the Future is an exemplary model of sustainability. The entire surface of the building is made of developed glass, manufactured using new technologies to improve the quality of the interior and exterior thermal isolation. The enormous stainless steel façade of the building extends over an area of 17,600 square metres, and in keeping with its ethos of innovation, the structure’s 1,024 panels were produced using automated robotic arms, a tribute to the very digital technology the museum stands to celebrate. About 14 kilometres of Arabic calligraphy covers the surface with a special focus on the wise words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. One of the quotes featured reads as follows: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.” In yet another genius move, the script doubles as the windows of the museum, casting light through the interior by day and illuminated by night to create a surreal, dreamy effect. The symbolism in its design is also intrinsic to its philosophy as the exterior of the museum forms a human eye, or rather, the eye that sees tomorrow, while the void in the heart of the structure also represents the unknown that humans seek to discover.  museumofthefuture.com

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Leading by example ——

Having successfully steered Palazzo Versace Dubai through the challenges of the past two years, Monther Darwish remains focused on his mission to take the hotel to new heights

A defining year for Dubai’s hospitality landscape, 2021 saw the industry build back its foundation with renewed resilience. Faced with the challenges of a generation-altering global health crisis, navigating uncharted territory was no easy task for the emirate’s hoteliers. Yet the city witnessed a record recovery from the pandemic. At Palazzo Versace Dubai, a new chapter in the hotel’s success story was being written. Led by Emirati entrepreneur Monther Darwish, the five-star property had one of the city’s highest occupancies in 2021 on the heels of a successful 2020, where occupancy rates hit 90 percent. Serving as Managing Director during the crisis, Darwish steered operations towards the domestic market, leveraged social media to develop an extensive marketing campaign and expanded the hotel’s teams to keep the momentum going. And the result was remarkable. We recently had the chance to catch up with Darwish, who took us behind the scenes at Palazzo Versace Dubai to rediscover this city-favourite hotel. Reminiscent of a 16th-century Italian palace – with a striking entrance, high ceilings, landscaped gardens and a range of well-crafted Italian furnishings – the hotel is truly symbolic of the Versace lifestyle, where the experience is anything but ordinary!

Palazzo Versace Dubai

You received the Young Business Leader of the Year award in 2007. What factors did you focus on to build a strong team? “Setting an example and having strategic focus is mandatory in leading any business. Establishing a vision is equally important, too. There are many keys to success, but what is important is laying the groundwork and sailing through different experiences to get that knowledge. A strong team is built only when you understand the strengths of each member and, at Palazzo Versace Dubai, we understand and work on developing those strengths.” Talk us through your vision for Palazzo Versace Dubai’s success. “Having a vision for your business is the most important thing. When you have a goal set, you focus all your efforts on achieving that goal, and for me, it was to make Palazzo Versace Dubai one of the most successful hotels in the UAE. We experienced a lot of downs with the pandemic, however, the last year proved that the strong ones could make a powerful comeback. We focused primarily on penetrating new markets, developing strategies across all our business pillars to keep on top of our guests’ minds, launching new projects and creating new concepts for public events. Personally, knowing a bit of everything – finance, housekeeping and purchasing – played a part

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / EX P ER I EN C E

in understanding more of the hospitality sector. It takes a lot of other things to really be good in this industry, however, it’s important to be a ‘people person’. Having strong social intelligence is mandatory as this sector is so dependent on managing people.”

Monther Darwish

What strategies did Palazzo Versace Dubai implement for yet another successful year? “We have witnessed a very strong start to 2022, achieving everything we planned in terms of revenue, visibility and business prospects. We have worked a lot on streamlining processes, marketing strategies and sales to have new prospects for the summer and end the year on a level higher than pre-pandemic times. We have always been creative when it comes to offers and we looked at increasing value for guests with special packages, giving them reasons to come back and experience not only a stay but also some of the big events that happen in the city. Celebrating occasions at Palazzo Versace Dubai is also what we focus on to increase profitability and visibility, with live music events, curated entertainment and memorable dining experiences. With restrictions easing rapidly, we have more freedom in approaching new strategies. Besides the regular offers on rooms, spa and dining, we look a lot into hosting more corporate and social events at Palazzo Versace Dubai.”

“Palazzo Versace Dubai offers a unique setting that leaves guests feeling like they’ve flown to Milan for fashion week” What trends do you witness among the hotel’s clientele? “We are proud to say that our returning guest rate has only grown over time. Over the past few years, we have managed to build a great community of guests who love Dubai and love staying at Palazzo Versace, thanks to the tailor-made experience, attention to detail and top-notch service in which we pride ourselves.” What aspects make the experience at Palazzo Versace Dubai truly unique? “Although Dubai is one of the most diverse cities in the world in terms of hotel offerings and tourism experiences, Palazzo Versace Dubai is unlike any other property. The hotel’s strong identity, its opulence, luxury offering and super adaptable team provide guests with a lifetime of memories. In Dubai, the property remains unique, thanks to its strong ties with the worldrenowned Italian fashion brand, providing a location that leaves guests feeling like they’ve flown to Milan for fashion week. The combination of the food, amenities and everything else immerses guests in an unparalleled bubble of the finest luxury.”  palazzoversace.ae

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Sherpa Camp

Off-road adventures ——

Sand Sherpa makes the deserts, mountains and beaches of the region accessible for those who yearn for discovery There are very few places in the world where the wilderness is so accessible and unrestricted, but it can be daunting for the uninitiated. With a mission to make the deserts, mountains and beaches of the region accessible to those who yearn for discovery, Sand Sherpa was born in 2019 out of a passion for adventure. Helmed by a team of expert instructors, Sand Sherpa takes the stress out of off-road exploration by guiding outdoor enthusiasts seeking to reconnect with nature into the incredible lands that surround the UAE in 4x4 vehicles. Each experience is designed to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate the off-road terrain with utmost comfort and safety.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Learn to drive off-road If you’ve always wished to learn to drive off-road or sharpen your 4x4 skills, the Sherpa Discovery course is a suitable fit. Designed as a first introduction to off-road driving, it is aimed at those who want to venture into the desert sands in a safe manner.

While venturing into the nature reserve, guests are encouraged to spot and identify desert wildlife You’ll learn the essentials before being led across the sands in a Sherpa 4x4 or your own vehicle. Exercises in descents and ascents, track driving, navigating less trodden routes and simple recovery techniques are an integral part of the programme. The expedition is a great chance to learn more about the environment and acquire new skills and appreciation for the lands that surround the UAE.

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Camp overnight in the DDCR Sherpa Camp is based in a unique location within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), with adventurers staying in purpose-built camping trailers. The experience sees participants embarking on an adventure under the expert guidance of Sand Sherpa’s off-road team in a Toyota Hilux Adventure overlanding vehicle. And while venturing into the 225-squarekilometre protected area, guests are encouraged to spot and identify desert life. Once at camp, each vehicle is assigned its own trailer equipped with a rooftop tent, utensils and accessories. As the evening progresses, stay with your trailer or mingle with others around the main campfire. In the morning, a guide takes participants on a hawk walk through an ancient ghaf tree forest, following which, everyone has a turn walking with, and f lying, trained birds of prey.

Dine under the stars Trade the backdrop of Dubai’s glistening skyline for endless dunes with Sand Sherpa’s desert dining experience. Your evening begins before sunset at the DDCR Margham Gate, from where Sand Sherpa’s expert overlanders will drive you into the protected reserve and usher you to your private campsite. Surrounded by ghaf trees and overlooking the expansive desert landscape, the set-up is complete with a table by the campfire and all the amenities you will need to prepare a barbecue dinner. But before you begin, take in the stunning desert sunset and enjoy golden hour among the dunes with drinks and light bites.

Embark on a self-drive safari

Jebel Shams, Oman

Take on the dunes in the DDCR with a self-drive safari in Sand Sherpa’s Toyota Hilux Adventure overlanding vehicles. Led by overlanders and conservation guides, the experience takes adventurers on a journey of exploration through this unique area with its abundant f lora and fauna. The sunset adventure begins with participants learning how to safely manoeuvre their assigned vehicles through the dunes as expert guides instruct them over hand-held radios. Every participant is encouraged to spot indigenous wildlife along the way, including gazelles, the Arabian oryx, monitor lizards and countless birds, and they will also be able to discover fox dens and other natural phenomena. Upon arrival at Sherpa Camp, participants can explore the sands and enjoy a nature walk around the site. The entire experience is designed to teach adventurers more about the desert and its delicate ecosystem so that they can become familiar with considerate exploration practices that will equip them for lifelong discovery of this unique land.

Camp in the mountains Combining awe-inspiring scenery, incredible 4x4 routes and hiking adventures in temperatures at least 10-degrees cooler than in the UAE, Sand Sherpa’s Oman adventure is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Over the course of three days, participants will learn how to safely drive a 4x4 through the country’s scenic trails before camping in the cool breeze atop Jebel Shams. The experience begins in Dubai, where a Sand Sherpa guide will lead you to the Al Ain border and into the wilderness of Oman. After spending the first night in a hotel high in the mountains, you will hit the trails the next day and camp overnight on Jebel Shams. Adventurers can choose between driving their own vehicle or attending as a passenger in a Sherpa 4x4. For more information  sandsherpa.com

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SHOP ZIMMERMANN Pastel colours strewn with blooms in the prettiest of ways has always been Zimmermann’s calling card. And this season, the brand takes its signature style a step further, epitomising the beauty, strength and elegance of a dancer with its Spring/Summer 2022 collection. Ballet is a central theme of the line-up, apparent in the range of bodysuits, f loor-sweeping chiffon skirts worn with wrap cashmere tops and heels with ankle-tied ribbons. Channelling the ease and freedom of a dancer off the stage, the edit also includes miniskirts in graff iti prints, cargo jumpsuits and stylish sweatpants. Discover the collection at Harvey Nichols Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. 04 4098888

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15/04/2022 11:00 AM

Redefining luxury

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Montblanc has undergone an exciting brand revival, which is unveiled in a new collection where innovation meets heritage. The brand’s new Artistic Director, Marco Tomasetta, speaks to Concierge to tell us about the new direction

Meisterstück Leather collection

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / S H O P

It’s the dawn of a new era for Montblanc. The renowned marque recently lifted the veil on a brand-new collection as part of its broader leather goods revolution. A highly-anticipated launch, the house’s Meisterstück Leather collection brings together key elements of the Montblanc product range in a new, cohesive vision connecting the brand to one unified, redefined collection. With an enhanced emblem, bold new shapes and luxuriously brilliant leather, the maison’s signature leather line evolved under the direction of luxury industry veteran Marco Tomasetta. Having previously held design roles at Prada, Chloé and Louis Vuitton, he was most recently Givenchy’s Creative Design Director for men’s and women’s leather goods. And with Montblanc’s latest collection, he makes a bold start as the brand’s Artistic Director. “When Montblanc’s CEO Nicolas Baretzki first briefed me on the task ahead, he made it clear that Montblanc needed a cohesive global creative vision, rather than a very category-focused approach,” explained Tomasetta. “My goal was to make sure that everything was connected across the Montblanc universe, not just within each category of products.” And so he set out on his first assignment, spending months in the brand’s archives to bring his creative vision to life, while honouring Montblanc’s timeless aesthetic codes.

“Few objects in the world of luxury and design are as iconic as Montblanc’s Meisterstück writing instruments” “The Montblanc archive is the beating heart of the brand, full of unique pieces, images and objects from the beginning of the century. A real treasure, it’s a creative laboratory and an immense and infinite source of inspiration. And, as with every creation, it is the archive that is always the starting point of my creative processes,” he said.

Meisterstück document case

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Marco Tomasetta

“A lot of my focus was on identifying that red thread that connects everything. Before starting, I was very aware of Montblanc’s unmatched position as a pioneer of the culture of writing but felt that it wasn’t coming through as much as it could from a creative perspective.” Offering insight into the house’s heritage, which spans more than a century, he stated that few objects in the world of luxury and design are as iconic as the Meisterstück writing instrument. When it was first introduced in 1906, it revolutionised the culture of writing at the beginning of the 20th century and remains a key source of inspiration in today’s design processes. “I kept thinking about how we can be bolder and braver in design while finding our creative identity in the very object that makes the brand so recognised globally. Many brands have to borrow or find inspiration from the outside. But, with Montblanc, it was about harnessing all the richness that was already inside by going back to the archives.”

Meisterstück key pouch

Meisterstück Leather collection

At the heart of the collection remains the iconic Meisterstück writing instrument, which lent inspiration to the new line Tomasetta clearly understood the assignment. The pinnacle of luxury in the maison’s leather goods assortment, Montblanc’s signature Meisterstück collection has been elevated with contemporary round shapes, new design details and a luxurious new leather to give it a softer touch and a deeper tone of black with a distinctive brilliant finish. The elaborate construction of bags and small accessories is the true expression of Montblanc’s craftsmanship, while the addition of original design elements, including a larger Montblanc emblem, contributes to the sophistication of each piece. To preserve the elegance of the lines and shapes of each item, organisation and storage compartments are all hidden inside the bags while not compromising on the functionality of each piece.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E/ S H O P Meisterstück pouch

Meisterstück Leather collection

Meisterstück duffle

The large leather goods range features a briefcase, a novel take on a traditional satchel with an elegant metal closure, a document case, tote and an elegant duffle, ideal for short trips away. Among the medium leather goods collection – ideal work companions – the portfolio and the pouch with its distinctive mountain design (with a strap sold separately) can be worn either cross-body or carried as a clutch. Small leather goods are available in three different colours: the Montblanc black as well as a red and blue hue drawn from the archive. The selection includes a compact and long wallet, two cardholders with basic or enhanced functionality and a sleek key pouch. At the heart of the collection remains the iconic Meisterstück writing instrument, which lent plenty of inspiration to the new product line. Paying homage to this classic piece is the nib-shaped zip pulls in vintage palladium and the application of the shape of the nib to the leather detailing itself, including where handles or straps are attached to the bag. “I saw a real opportunity to bring the design of the collection even closer to Montblanc’s iconic symbol of timeless luxury – the Meisterstück writing instrument. By mirroring some of its distinguishing features, such as the nib itself as well as the colour and shine of the pen’s precious resin with its smooth sensual touch, we have created pieces that truly stand out.” A symbol of Montblanc’s craftsmanship and quality, the Montblanc emblem has been revisited for the collection with two significantly larger interpretations as found on the bags, inspired by the original logo on the heritage writing instrument. The silhouette of the Mont Blanc mountain enhanced with blue on the exterior of the collection’s pouch is a design inspired by Montblanc’s advertising artwork from 1920, paying homage to the brand’s heritage. “As a team, we have been talking about starting a ‘revolution’ of sorts, leaning into all the things that make Montblanc exceptional, like its heritage and archives or the iconic status of the Montblanc Meisterstück, among many things, and really pushing the creative vision to another level,” said Tomasetta. Incredibly passionate about the brand, he revealed that his personal favourite piece of the collection is the Meisterstück classic duffle. “It really represents a new shape, the new black Montblanc leather and the larger emblem.” Discover the collection at the Montblanc boutique in The Dubai Mall  04 4340300, Mall of the Emirates  056 2167137 or  montblanc.com

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15/04/2022 11:03 AM

Going green

——— The colour green is dominating spring and summer fashion, evident everywhere from the catwalks to the streets

1 / K KONCEPT Queen shirt, AED453  k-konceptstore.com 2 / MISSONI Zigzag scarf, AED900  The Dubai Mall, 04 5707257 3 / VA L E N T I N O Roman stud top handle bag, AED12,300  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3471890  The Dubai Mall, 04 3253042 4 / SAINT LAURENT Elsa bow sandals, AED3,950  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3410113  The Dubai Mall, 04 3247355 5 / LA MER Crème de La Mer moisturising cream, AED4,467 for 250ml  Sephora, The Dubai Mall, 04 3399828  Sephora, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 02 4419291 6 / OFF-WHITE Logo shopper, AED4,200  The Dubai Mall, 04 3627500  ounass.ae 7 / DIPTYQUE Limited edition Do Son eau de toilette set, AED461  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385 8 / M I C H E L PA R I S Nathan hat, AED2,850  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385 9 / B O T T E G A V E N E TA Double strap belt, AED3,650  The Dubai Mall, 04 3253981  The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 02 6766707

10 / E M P O R I O A R M A N I Logo colour block sneakers, AED1,050  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385  The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 02 6769729 11 / U N D E R C O V E R Spring/Summer 2022 collection  undercoverism.com

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H E R L O O K B O O K/ S H O P

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10 Our star buy

GENTLE MONSTER Jentle Garden sunglasses, AED1,150 The South Korean eyewear label has unveiled its latest collection. In collaboration with Jennie Kim, member of the K-pop group Blackpink, the line-up features sunglasses in eye-catching colours.  The Dubai Mall  04 3882225

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Sunny days ahead

——— For sunny days by the shore this summer, our exclusive edit of the season’s best buys has you covered

1 / K KONCEPT King shirt, AED453  k-konceptstore.com

2 / BERLUTI Havana sunglasses, AED1,730  The Dubai Mall, 04 5016965 3 / ARCADIA Bete Noir No.18 eau de parfum, AED400 for 100ml  Dar Wasl Mall 04 3850021

4 / AMIRI Bandana-print B-Ball shorts, AED3,390  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385 5 / SAINT LAURENT City backpack, AED4,700  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3410113  The Dubai Mall, 04 3247355 6 / BOSS Sienna moccasins, AED950  The Dubai Mall, 04 2438287  Mall of the Emirates, 04 2438292 7 / CASABLANCA Long sleeve Cuban collar shirt in silk, AED3,400  ounass.ae 8 / TAT E O S S I A N Fettuccini multi-strand leather bracelet, AED1,350  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385  ounass.ae 9 / GUCCI GG canvas bucket hat, AED2,300  The Dubai Mall, 04 3398576  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6729662 1 0 / B O T T E G A V E N E TA Reversible leather belt, AED2,754  The Dubai Mall, 04 3253981  The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 02 6766707 1 1 / VA L E N T I N O V logo crossbody bag, AED5,700  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3471890  The Dubai Mall, 04 3253042

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12 / MOSCHINO Spring/Summer 2022 collection  Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888  Tryano, Yas Mall, 02 2054639

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15/04/2022 11:06 AM

P OK H I S L O OH KB EO R S/ O K/ L OSOHKOBO

Our star buy 

EMPORIO ARMANI Airpod case, AED575 Style meets convenience with this accessory. Crafted from saffiano leather, it features a metal keyring, which makes it handy to carry around, and has a fold-over snap button closure to keep your ear pods secure.  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, 04 3505385  The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 02 6769729

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19/04/2022 11:55 AM

Tattoo collection

Keeping it unconventional ——— Caroline Gaspard’s free-spirited personality is perfectly embodied in her edgy-meets-elegant jewellery line – Akillis

Caroline Gaspard

For Caroline Gaspard, living life outside the box has always been the norm – a philosophy that found expression in the French designer’s jewellery house, Akillis, which was established in 2007. Success was quick to follow, thanks to the brand’s unconventional approach to gender-f luid jewellery, with pieces that could be shared and enjoyed equally by men and women. After the first decade of making waves around the world, her label found a new home in Dubai in 2019 and this was only the beginning, as Akillis continues its expansion not only in the emirate but also in the wider Middle East. Tell us about the story behind Akillis. “I began with the observation that jewellery was primarily divided into two kinds: fashion accessories and classic pieces. Plus, traditional jewellery houses always

Animal Tattoo collection

refused requests to personalise their collections. I, therefore, decided it was time to create my own brand – a brand that would accept to customise its creations based on customers’ requests. But above all, the aesthetic had to be edgy, moving away from classic and traditional design codes while also appealing equally to men as it did women.” What inspired the brand name? “I have always been fascinated by Greek mythology and I chose to use the name of the most heroic character – Achilles. I also named my son Achille, which according to legend means that he will grow up to become a rock and rebel hero. Yet, as per legend, it was his heel that made Achilles vulnerable, and one could consider jewels and diamonds as a woman’s Achilles’ heel.”

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How did you discover your passion for jewellery making? “I got it from my mother, who always had an affinity to precious stones. Also, my father’s friend was a diamond trader and I was often wowed by his collection of stones. These early experiences had already laid the foundation and, at the age of 15, I found myself drawing my own designs and making personalised jewellery for my family and friends. I started receiving so many requests that I decided to keep pursuing this journey. To this day, my passion remains unchanged and I still find myself surprised by the incredible beauty of the raw stones that the Earth gives us. And it is always exciting to imagine all the possibilities offered by these stones.” How would you describe the aesthetic of Akillis? “My goal with Akillis was to create a resolutely modern and disruptive jewellery brand with unique designs that would give everyone – men and women alike – the chance to express their individuality. I love the notion of unisex jewellery and the idea that partners should be able to share their favourite gems. I wanted to bring jewellery into a new age where French jewellery codes would embrace ultra-modern design while pushing the boundaries of technical limits. If I had to describe it in a few words, Akillis is a unisex jewellery brand featuring daring designs combined with traditional French craftsmanship.” How would you describe the typical Akillis customer? “The typical Akillis customer is a fan of ultra-modern jewellery and loves pieces that are edgy yet sophisticated. I find that the new generation of jewellery connoisseurs like mixing refined jewellery with everyday casual wear. This allows them to convey a message and assert themselves.” As one of the few jewellery brands in the world that’s gender-fluid, what inspired this approach to create designs for both men and women? And how different is it designing for each gender? “Akillis has always targetted personalities more than age groups or genders. That is why we have always emphasised jewellery for men as much as we did jewellery for women. This approach has always been our unique selling proposition and the strength of our brand. Men have always been drawn to pieces that embody their personalities. Of course, the aesthetic needs to be masculine with geometric shapes and special materials like titanium or black diamonds. But most importantly, it should be resistant, effortless and comfortable to wear because these pieces are meant to be worn every day. When I create pieces for men, I see sharp lines in black and grey with a pinch of shine. I love to play on the contrast between black titanium and the tone of sparkling black diamonds. Also, all the pieces are thicker than women’s jewellery so that they can be worn all day long and can suit any style.”

How did the Middle East expansion fare thus far? And why is the region important to your brand? “The Middle East market has always been of interest for the brand. A lot of the clientele at our Parisian flagship store are Middle Easterners from Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Akillis has been f lourishing for the last three years in the Middle East. It is the second region in terms of sales volume after Europe. We are now working with some of the biggest GCC companies to further promote our collections in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and, soon, Saudi Arabia. In the last year alone, Akillis opened three new venues – in Qatar, Kuwait and another store in The Dubai Mall.”

“My goal with Akillis was to create a resolutely modern and disruptive jewellery brand with unique designs” How would you describe your Middle Eastern customer? Are you planning any exclusive collections for this market? “Middle Eastern customers are known for their avant-garde tastes; they are always looking for new trends and are inherently jewellery lovers. They wear their pieces every day, especially the ear cuffs, bangles in various hues of gold and they also love stacking rings on different fingers. To cater to their unique taste, last year, Akillis created an exclusive piece for Qatar: two Capture Light bracelets representing the country’s flag. And continuing this trend, new exclusive creations are currently in the making for the markets in the UAE and Kuwait. Keep your eyes peeled.” Discover Akillis at The Dubai Mall  04 8740888 or  akillis.com

Capture Me collection

Tell us more about the new jewellery collection at Akillis and your favourite piece. “In a wild and mysterious universe, our new exclusive collection, Animal Tattoo, was revealed in Dubai in March. I am absolutely in love with each piece of this collection. If I have to choose one of them, I would maybe go for the jaguar as my personality mirrors the temper of this wild cat.”

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DE BETHUNE DB28 Kind of Blue Tourbillon De Bethune has reimagined its iconic DB28 Tourbillon with a brand-new monochromatic range. In this piece, the colour blue has been chosen as it is a fundamental element of De Bethune’s identity. The brand has devoted considerable research into developing a natural blue hue to tie into the concept of infinity, evoking water, the sky and space.  Mall of the Emirates  04 3411211  The Dubai Mall  04 3398883

A. LANGE & SÖHNE 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar

Into the blue

Handwerkskunst A true masterpiece from the house of A. Lange & Söhne, the showstopping element of this timepiece is the hinged caseback, which displays a

——— The ocean, the skies and outer space are recurring themes this season, offering endless inspiration – evident in our top picks from our favourite timepiece and jewellery brands

meticulously engraved image of Luna, the graceful goddess of the moon.  The Dubai Mall  04 3253923  Mall of the Emirates  04 5471860

BOVET Battista Tourbillon Working closely with Automobili Pininfarina, Bovet has created a timepiece that perfectly complements the Battista – the marque’s new electric hypercar. Its high performance and shared aesthetic touches – with the car’s exterior curves translating into the hands, bridges and dials, and the triangle logo pattern carried over to the watch’s twotone blue dial – make this a sought-after piece for supercar enthusiasts.  Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, The Dubai Mall  04 3398883

AKILLIS Guarani necklace Highlighting the unusual colour of tourmaline Paraïba stones, Akillis celebrated the brand’s 10th anniversary by unveiling this stunning piece.  The Dubai Mall  04 8740888

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15/04/2022 11:22 AM

TIME TO SHINE/ SHOP

D AV I D Y U R M A N Elements Disc pendant Crafted from 18-carat gold and featuring a turquoise stone with a twisted frame around it, this piece is part of the brand’s Elements collection that explores the circle as a timeless symbol of unity, a shape with no beginning and no end.  Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall  800 256 MONTBLANC 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date Montblanc’s first-ever certified diving watch, this standout piece features a “frozen“ dial to resemble the icy glaciers of the Mont Blanc mountain. Furthering this unique visual effect – created using the “gratté boisé” technique – the dial comes in three colours: black, green

F. P. J O U R N E

and blue (pictured below).

Élégante 40mm Titanium F. P. Journe has developed a revolutionary horological concept for its

 Mall of the Emirates  04 3414451

first ladies collection with extremely precise technical specifications to provide this timepiece with a long autonomy of eight to 10 years in daily use and up to 18 years in standby mode.  The Dubai Mall  04 3301034

DREAMBOULE Big Heart ring A light blue heart-shaped Brazilian M A H A L L AT I J E W E L L E RY Diamond earrings Natural yellow diamonds are

aquamarine is nestled perfectly in white mother of pearl, surrounded by 18 blue topaz hearts in this unique ring. Its bezel is made of 18-carat gold and embellished with two

extremely rare, with only one in every

different pavé settings of precious stones: 185

10,000 carats mined being a natural,

stones are set in full pavé,

fancy colour diamond. Adding a touch of sunshine and cheerfulness to these stunning diamond earrings, the canary yellow stones not

while 112 stones are set in medium pavé.  thehouseofluxury.com

only complement but also highlight the white diamonds beneath them, making this pair the ideal piece for occasions.  Mall of the Emirates  056 4022915  The Dubai Mall  04 4022916

DE BEERS Flourishing Lotus bracelet A highly sought-after piece from the Lotus by De Beers collection, this stunning bracelet in 18-carat white gold with diamonds is a tribute to the beauty of a flourishing lotus. It is composed of princess-cut, marquise-shaped, pear-shaped and round brilliant micropavé diamonds and their combined weight totals 14.37 carats.  The Dubai Mall  04 3308388

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TASTE RISTORANTE L’OLIVO AT AL MAHARA S et t i ng t he st age for a t r u ly exquisite dining experience, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s famed seafood restaurant, Al Mahara, is now home to an excit ing pop -up. Stra ight from the island of Capri, on which the concept is the sole holder of two Michelin stars, L’Olivo is very much at home in Dubai, where glamour and fine food come together for an experience unlike any other. Sample divine Mediterranean f lavours and delights from the sea found on the à la carte menu, while for something a little more indulgent, the specially designed tasting menu, created by Chef Andrea Migliaccio of Capri Palace Jumeirah, offers the crème de la crème of the dishes at Italy’s Ristorante L’Olivo. 04 4323232

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Dario Cecchini

Meet the world’s most famous butcher ——— The master of meat and Italy’s legendary butcher king, Dario Cecchini, brings a slice of sunny Tuscany to his latest outpost – Carna at SLS Dubai Hotel

Dario Cecchini is a theatrical host, always upbeat, jovial and entertaining (and often singing out loud as he carves meat), never failing to make his passion truly known. Such is his infectious energy that it’s hard to imagine that Dario never dreamed of becoming a butcher – and definitely not the world’s most famous one! Hailing from a family of butchers, it would have been the most obvious choice. But not for Dario, who, at the age of 18, enrolled in a veterinary science programme at the University of Pisa. Tragedy struck three years into the course when he had to leave school and take over the family business from his ailing father in order to support his grandmother and sister. Although he had to master the trade from a local butcher, the foundation for a successful career had already been laid during his childhood, right at home.

“I was born into a family that passed the craft from father to son for 250 years, seven generations to be precise. So, the passion came naturally,” he said. “But my approach was inspired by my grandmother, my fantastic nonna Elina, who cooked everything that our butcher shop customers did not want to purchase. She used the humblest parts of the animal – the trotters, the head and the offal – to make delicious dishes. It taught me that every single cut can be as tasty as any other if it’s prepared well.” This nose-to-tail philosophy rubbed off on Dario, an approach he believes is what drove his success. “My philosophy is based on the welfare of the animal, on an honest death for them and on using every part well. Every day, I strive to find the best ways to do every cut justice. “It takes the skills of a good butcher combined with a good cook to show that cuts from the entire animal can be every bit as delicious as a fillet or a steak. And, of course, using every part well means that, eventually, fewer animals are needed,” Dario explained.

“My philosophy is based on the welfare of the animal, on an honest death for them and on using every part well” “This is naturally followed by sitting down and enjoying the food together because this is our way of showing thanks and respect for the animal that sacrifices its life to nourish our lives.” With meat so central to the Tuscan psyche, it was only natural for more and more customers to flock to his shop when word of his butchery traditions got around. As an early advocate for ethically-raised and humanely-treated animals, Dario continued to dispense various cuts of meat. But not without sharing the best cooking methods with his patrons, discussing recipes that dated back to the Renaissance and quoting Dante

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I N T E RV I E W / TA S T E

Carna by Dario Cecchini, SLS Dubai

Steak night at Carna

when the mood struck. It is little wonder, then, that with his resolutely Tuscan character, booming voice and expressive personality, he went on to capture the world’s attention. For Dario, opening up his own restaurant was never part of the plan. As he grew in his art, he felt it was important to share his work in sustainability in butchery with the community – and a restaurant would serve as the ideal platform. It was, therefore, “out of necessity” that he chose to become a restaurateur. His first two restaurants, Solociccia and Officina della Bistecca, opened one after the other in his hometown of Panzano; but that was only the beginning. Fans continued to pour in to taste his fare and share in his philosophy, setting him up for expansion, not only in Italy but also throughout the world. His first-ever venture outside of Italy opened in the Bahamas at SLS Baha Mar. Bringing 43 years of his wisdom and artistry to the Bahamian capital of Nassau, Dario crafted a unique menu for Carna and it was met with immediate success. The reverberations were even felt closer to home in Dubai, which became the obvious choice for his next venture. “Carna at Baha Mar marked my first venture with the SLS group and this then led me to open in Dubai. Carna at SLS is a temple for me and a heart-warming success story. It is not exactly a traditional steakhouse, but a dynamic evolution in using everything well.” At Carne at SLS Dubai, Dario said, diners have been loving the beef heart skewers and splendid steaks. But the Bollito cart remains one of the butcher’s personal favourites. “The cart of boiled meats is served very simply with extra virgin olive oil and Profumo del Chianti salt, blended tableside in a cocktail shaker.”

Steak night at Carna

Another preparation he swears by is “a good selection of beef cuts slowly simmered with an assortment of vegetables that increases its f lavour. It’s the simplest way possible to prepare meat and it is this simplicity that ref lects its excellence.” Truly, for the master butcher, it has always been about keeping things simple – a philosophy he practises every day, whether it is in running his restaurants, promoting the art of butchery or protecting the traditions of the local butcher from getting more commodified, processed and impersonal. For reservations or more information  04 6070737 or  slsdining.dubai@slshotels.com

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Around the world ———

Thanks to Dubai’s eclectic dining scene, gourmands can sample some of the best culinary traditions from around the world without leaving the emirate. From Latin American flavours to inventive Indian dishes, these gourmet experiences are at the top of our list

Marina Social

With his carefully curated, limited-edition spring menu, Michelinstarred celebrity chef Jason Atherton reminds us why Marina Social is a Dubai favourite. The venue has been a firm fixture on the emirate’s dining scene since it opened in 2015 and has a knack for keeping diners coming back for more. The ever-evolving menu now has a touch of spring with delicious dishes that highlight the fresh flavours of the changing seasons. To begin with, try the chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche or seabass ceviche before moving on to the homemade tagliatelle or Norwegian salad, served with spring vegetables, including green asparagus and fennel, for mains. Then, for dessert, tuck into the rhubarb and custard English trifle, which effortlessly manages to be an incredibly light option after a hearty meal, and yet impresses the palate with its decadence. 04 4466664

Spring menu at Marina Social

/ Marina Social

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R E V I E W S/ TA S T E

Cinnamon Bazaar

Cinnamon Bazaar by celebrity chef Vivek Singh is now open in Dubai

Straight from London’s historic Westminster Library, the celebrity-favourite haunt, The Cinnamon Club by renowned Indian-born British chef Vivek Singh, now has a new outpost in the emirate. Here, in Dubai, Cinnamon Bazaar is spicing up the culinary offering at its new home within the exotic surrounds of Park Hyatt Dubai. With colourful interiors that evoke the hustle and bustle of old-world bazaars, the stunning space epitomises India’s rich and diverse heritage. The menu is equally vibrant, packed with signature platters, including chicken haleem served on masala sourdough toast, aloo puri with truffle potatoes and black chickpea hummus. For mains, highlights on the menu include the Indo-Chinese chicken wings, lamb kebabs and tandoori chicken tikka. The extensive selection of desserts – with the likes of carrot halwa and paan kulfi – is sure to impress.  04 6021839

Tuna bhel

/ Cinnamon Bazaar

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/ Asil

Grilled king prawns

Bringing vibrant flavours from Turkey, Lebanon and Morocco to the sunny shores of Dubai, Asil champions the rich heritage of the Arab world with warm hospitality and authentic Levantine flavours. Located at Rixos Premium Dubai, the venue is adorned in rich fabrics, antique décor and crystal chandeliers to evoke the opulent setting of traditional Oriental palaces. When the weather permits, an al fresco table will complete your experience with stunning views over JBR Beach and Ain Dubai. The menu blends classic recipes – some of which date back hundreds of years – and modern, innovative dishes, which showcase the combined culinary expertise of Asil’s team of chefs. Latest additions to the menu include kayseri manti, prawn and tomato salad, duck kibbeh, tagine seabream, lobster thermidor, sour cherry kebab and short ribs couscous. And you can end your meal on a sweet note with the chocolate millefeuille or saffron milk cake.  04 5066222

Lamb chops

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R E V I E W S/ TA S T E

Sucre

/ Sucre

Another chapter in Sucre’s story is open in Dubai, and it is evident that the DIFC venue is a success, given the number of diners at the haunt on a busy weeknight in the emirate, with all tables fully booked. Bringing Latin American influences to the city, the open fire cooking techniques used by the team of talented chefs make every dish a delight. The menu is best enjoyed sharing style, as coming together around the table is at the heart of the venue’s philosophy, which also translates in its creations, with homecooked specialities elevated to new levels with refined methods. The venue remains true to its South American heritage and traditions while also combining Italian and Spanish influences to present a wholesome offering. Among our favourite starters were the beef chilli empanadas as well as the smoked cheddar and onion version. For mains, the saffron risotto with veal osso buco and perfectly cooked Wagyu striploin stood out, served with the creamy chilli and corn humita on the side.  04 3400829

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Coming together ———

This Ramadan, Shangri-La Dubai invites guests to share the joy and flavours of the holy month at its splendid venues

Dunes Café

The holy month of Ramadan is a special time in the region. As daylight hours move more slowly, with the devout fasting from sunrise, the city comes to life after sunset with iftar gatherings. Bringing friends and family around the table – sometimes until suhoor – it’s a time to gather together over delicious food and with good company. At Shangri-La Dubai, the hotel’s selection of dining venues promises an unforgettable experience. Here, guests are invited to share the joy and flavours of the holy month, while experiencing iftar and suhoor with the hotel’s array of dining offerings.

Glorious views guaranteed

Enjoy an unforgettable iftar or suhoor overlooking Dubai’s mesmerising skyline at Level 42 of Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. A picturesque spot to take in views of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf, the venue serves as the perfect spot for intimate gatherings of up to 12 guests.

Turkish delights

Tuck into a Turkish feast for iftar at Dunes Café. A highlight during the month of Ramadan, this Shangri-La Dubai venue is hosting guest chefs from Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul to offer a truly unique experience. Diners can savour an array of Turkish delights, including an assortment of mezze, mains and traditional desserts.

At Shang Palace and Hoi An – Shangri-La Dubai’s signature Asian venues – diners can take a trip to the Far East. With traditional flavours from the various regions of China in the spotlight at Shang Palace and authentic Vietnamese dishes from the land of the blue dragon at Hoi Ain, diners are in for a unique experience during Ramadan and beyond.

Shang Palace

Flavours of the Far East

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E/ TA S T E

Hoi An

At Shangri-La Dubai, the hotel’s selection of dining venues promises an unforgettable experience Al fresco lounging

At IKandy Ultralounge, guests can come back late into the evening for suhoor while soaking up the venue’s serene ambience. A special à la carte menu is made available from 10pm to 2am with delicious bites.

Gather together at home

Bring the sumptuous flavours of Ramadan home with Shangri-La Dubai’s unique offering. From their kitchens to your dining table, the special delivery menu includes a traditional oven-roasted lamb kurzi marinated with fresh herbs and spices, served with braised biriyani rice, roasted root and Mediterranean-style vegetables. Sides include a yoghurt sauce, garden salad and fresh bread with a selection of baklava and Turkish delights for dessert. Special Ramadan hampers are also available during the holy month and can be made to order with requests placed at the Lobby Lounge. Shang Palace

For more information  shangrilaexperiences.com/ramadan-dubai,  04 4052703 or  fbreservations.sldb@shangri-la.com

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World of flavour ———

Uno Mas

Savour flavours from around the world at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Sands

Sheesh

Mirage Family Lounge

Suan Bua

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / TA S T E

Zing

Designed with family fun in mind, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai combines its Thai heritage with Arabian adventures to offer guests the best of both worlds. Bringing a unique experience to the shores of Deira Islands, visitors can spend their days exploring the property’s attractions, including a lazy river, water play area, water slides and more. Complementing this extensive offering is a carefully curated collection of seven dining venues, where guests can discover a range of flavours from around the world without leaving the resort. From Thai classics to Argentinian grills, there is a lot to savour. And with varied settings, offering stunning views of the resort or the Arabian Gulf, these venues lend themselves to an array of social occasions.

At Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, guests can discover a range of flavours from around the world across the hotel’s seven dining venues Vistas

Suan Bua

Mixing Thai culinary traditions with contemporary flair, Suan Bua brings the best of Thailand to Dubai with classic dishes and street food served in gourmet fashion. Offering more Asian flavour, diners can also expect a mix of sushi from Japan and culinary staples from Hong Kong.

Uno Mas

Argentinian grilling traditions steal the spotlight at Uno Mas, where authentic charcoal grills add a unique flavour to tender meats. The menu is perfectly paired with an extensive selection of wines to make your experience truly memorable.

Sands

Tuck into f ine fare while enjoying breathtaking ocean views at Sands, which serves up fresh seafood and grilled meats. The perfect spot to catch the sunset, guests are welcome to lounge in its laidback surrounds while sampling a selection of inventive beverages.

Sheesh

For a taste of the local culture, head to this stunning rooftop lounge, which offers an impressive selection of shisha. Complete with a restaurant and bar, diners can sample a variety of hot and cold mezze while soaking up the relaxed vibe.

Vistas

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai’s lobby lounge offers everything guests would need while enjoying their break, including a refreshing selection of coffee and tea. Those with a sweet tooth will find their cravings satisfied with a variety of treats, local dates and more.

Waves

For a light bite, Waves features a selection of refreshments, including traditional Thai snacks and international treats.

Zing

Stop by for coffee, tea or blended drinks with a selection of bites, including sandwiches, pastries, cakes and ice cream, which are also available for takeaway.

Mirage Family Lounge

Finally, at Mirage Family Lounge, hotel guests can tuck into breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails while the little ones are entertained at the venue’s indoor playground, where they can also enjoy a dedicated buffet. For bookings or more information  centarahotelsresorts.com/cdd

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A TA S T E O F T H E M E D Bringing a slice of the Amalfi Coast to Dubai, Venus Beach Club & Ristorante joins the emirate’s glamourous lifestyle scene. Popping up for a few months this summer, the venue redefines island life with its dreamy setting on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, complete with a pool and an incredible dining offering, which means you can sip on signature cocktails while tucking into comforting Italian dishes at this gorgeous haunt.  04 5566466

Taste of summer ——

Pull up a chair as we present the latest news, reviews and must-try menu highlights from the city’s most talked about restaurants, bars and cafés

IN THE SKY Dubai’s current favourite venue, Aura Skypool Lounge – with the world’s first and highest 360-degree infinity pool – has launched two new summer dining experiences. A new sharing style menu is on offer for lunch with tasty international treats, including dynamite rock shrimp, cauliflower popcorn, beef sliders and more. While for dinner, diners can sample decadent dishes with an Asian twist.  04 5662121

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TA B L E TA L K / TA S T E

LEBANON MEETS BRASIL A novel concept to hit Dubai’s sunny shores, Li’Brasil at Address Beach Resort blends Lebanese and Brazilian flavours to offer a unique dining experience with inventive dishes. Splendid views over JBR define the setting at its outdoor terrace and it is especially magical at sunset. Signature plates highlight comforting flavours from Lebanon, which awaken your taste buds with an exotic Brazilian twist.  04 8798866

S U N D AY R O A S T For a weekend roast done right, head to Gastro Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton JBR. Serving up classic roast favourites against mesmerising pool views and Ain Dubai in the backdrop, this is a culinary experience not to miss. Expect a decadent feast featuring beef striploin, lamb shank, turkey roulade, salmon en croûte as well as the venue’s outstanding vegan ‘beet’ wellington with all the trimmings.  055 1668092

Taste the world Varq

Indian fine dining venue Varq at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai, presents the finest and most flavourful dishes from the subcontinent with French panache,

FIT FOR A KING

making for a truly memorable

A royal breakfast experience awaits at Club Privé – Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island’s

experience.  04 2754444

ultra-luxurious offering. Served at Club House restaurant or in your private villa for in-room guests, you can customise your experience by choosing from continental breakfast staples or dishes with a local touch for a power-packed start to your day.  02 4922222

Deseo Resembling a botanical garden in the heart of Dubai, Deseo sets the scene

F U L L O F F L AV O U R Traditional flavours from the land of spices meet contemporary cooking techniques at Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai’s signature Indian restaurant. The live open kitchen makes every experience here a delight, giving you front row seats to decadent dishes

for a remarkable dining experience with Latin American flavours. The menu champions the best of Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico and more with an array of dishes.  04 5252500

Splendido

Travel to Tuscany and back with

being whipped up by talented

an evening at Dubai’s favourite

chefs. Sample the best of the menu

Italian venue, Splendido. The menu

at the Jazz It Up Saturday brunch,

showcases the best of the country

where you can savour an array

with homemade pastas and fresh

of dishes paired with bespoke

seafood, followed by a selection of

cocktails.  04 4383222

rich desserts.  04 3994000

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ESCAPES ALULA Located in the north-western region of Saudi Arabia, the town of AlUla was once the kingdom’s best-kept secret. Today, visitors from all over the world are flocking to this historic destination to explore an intriguing mix of heritage, culture, nature and adventure. One of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula, A lUla sat along an ancient trade route, facilitating the exchange of spices, incense and other goods, on which its inhabitants thrived. And now, the landscape is dotted with tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and manmade, which serve as lasting reminders of a civ i l isat ion t hat once was. AlUla is also home to the city of Hegra, the kingdom’s f irst destination to be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  experiencealula.com

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Experiencing a true escape —— The idea of holidaying on secluded islands with the family never really appealed, but now I see the light reflecting off the white sands and turquoise waters Words by Rob Nicholas

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / ES C A P ES

Two years of limited travel has prompted many a dream of distant shores and the ability to roam with abandon once more. I’ve always believed that change is as good as a rest and have often opted for busier breaks rather than an escape to a beach destination. The opportunity though to visit the Maldives, after a stressful couple of years for us all as a family, was embraced and it was one of the best holiday decisions we’ve made, altering our perceptions of what it could be like to experience these unique islands. First impressions from the air on our flight from Dubai, of course, inspired some awe. The ocean here is almost transparent and its turquoise hue is as much a signature of the Maldives as its pure white sands. This excitement helps to dull any frustrations at the airport, which is busy and poorly developed for the number of visitors arriving on the dedicated island assigned to it. Connections from the capital, Malé, are either by boat or seaplane and transit times are fluid depending on the number of passengers travelling to any given island. We were fortunate to not have a long wait, which was around one and a half hours, but it is a factor for consideration if you were to think of a long weekend from the UAE as it makes the short-haul hop a little more long-haul in overall travel time. The journey though is part of the experience, and the seaplane flight is thrilling with most passengers documenting the best part of it on their mobile phones. Unsurprisingly, this was my wife Jozina’s first holiday post on Instagram as the plane skids threw up a white froth and the spectacular island resort came into sharper focus.

“I’m not sure that any other place we’ve visited has inspired quite so many idyllic snaps” Reflecting on it now, I’m not sure that any other place we’ve visited has inspired quite so many idyllic snaps. Our first home in the Maldives was Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and our hosts made us immediately welcome as we stepped onto the jetty. Open since late last year, we found this to be a fabulous resort and despite it enjoying very high occupancy during our stay, the beaches, facilities and outlets seemed quiet, and privacy was possible almost everywhere. Before coming to the Maldives, I was concerned that it would be full of honeymooners and bereft of children. Le Méridien, though, has a truly exceptional children’s club and my eight-year-old son, Oscar, was asking to go each day, almost to the point where we were discouraging him, so he could spend more time with us. We were on an all-inclusive package and were thankful for that as almost all produce is imported specially to the country and then to specific islands. Understandably, this hikes prices quite dramatically from what you’d be paying at home and may prompt you to think twice before ordering that extra Mai Tai. We had no such qualms.

Two-bedroom overwater villa deck

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Explore Spa

“We looked forward to every meal and activity with each exceeding our expectations” We chose to stay in a beach cottage with a private pool rather than in an overwater villa considering we were travelling with Oscar. This also worked out very well and we delighted in our walks along the beach between our accommodation and various outlets, spotting a multitude of hermit crabs that had adopted shells of all shapes and sizes as homes. Typically, we don’t plan ahead and spontaneously take up (or not take up) activities on any given day. This time though, we were aware of the resort being busy and had an established itinerary of activities each day, along with advance bookings at popular restaurants we’d read about online. We found this to be refreshing and it gave us something to look forward to as a family, with us ending up doing a lot more and really enjoying it. We did the staple dolphin tour and snorkelling trip, which were as spectacular as you’d expect, but the highlights were perhaps less predictable. Our family lunch at Greenhouse was one, which is a unique project at the hotel where homegrown vegetables are nurtured and served to the tables of various outlets on the island. We were hosted by Executive Chef Brett Muller, who prepared and garnished our freshly picked salads and oversaw our freshly grilled prawns and steak prepared in Korean style with immense bursts of flavour. Following a tour through the vegetable garden and a fascinating explanation of how the greenhouse is managed, Oscar tired over the course of our lunch and the staff were quick to prepare him a makeshift resting place as we enjoyed the remainder of our indulgent yet healthy and fresh meal. On our third day at the hotel, we made a short trip to a private island belonging to the resort, just 10 minutes away by speedboat. We felt like true castaways with just ourselves and hotel staff for company who had

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / ES C A P ES

Plan the perfect trip 

F L IG H TS

Most international airlines offer direct or connecting flights to Velana International Airport. UAE-based carrier Emirates operates daily direct four-hour flights from Dubai to Malé.



TR A N SF ER S

Seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport to Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will be arranged with your reservation.



C H EC K IN

Take your pick from 11 accommodation categories at the resort, including beach Riviera Bar

bungalows and villas in a variety of configurations as well as overwater villas with sunrise or sunset views.

Seaplane jetty

prepared a wonderful picnic basket and a shaded area for us to relax and play in the sand with Oscar. The manicured beaches of the Maldives are exactly as you would expect, and it clearly takes a lot of work to keep them so pristine with the world literally against them with tides of plastic arriving on their shores throughout the year. None of this is seen though by guests as a frontline of workers busy their days on clean-up operations, removing debris as well as footprints from the shoreline, keeping them in picture-perfect form. We had great appreciation for the staff who not only worked under the sunlight but always shared a warm smile and greeting with guests. Indulgence is a word that came up a lot when discussing the Maldives with Jozina during our stay. My goodness did we eat! But what surprised us is the adventurous nature of Oscar’s eating habits on our trip. He was so inspired on a visit to Tabemasu Japanese Teppanyaki that he had a feast like never before. Ronando is the teppanyaki chef and he put on an Oscar-winning performance. He really pulled off some magic as our son followed the entertaining food preparation by fully immersing himself in a meal of scallops with caviar in teriyaki reduction; flaming hibachi sushi topped with foie gras; seared tuna steaks and a bowl of garlic, onion and vegetable fried rice; king prawns; and then Wagyu steaks; finally topped off with a chocolate brownie and coconut ice cream. I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so impressed and was in true awe of his eight-year-old palate. We stayed at Le Méridien for four glorious days. They felt long for all the right reasons, and we looked forward to each meal and activity with each exceeding our expectations. We dined at all the outlets and enjoyed sitting with our feet in the sand at most of them, from the relaxed Waves Café to the fine dining venue, Velaa Bar & Grill, on the beach. A standout of our experience was the quality and consistency present throughout the resort. The pre-opening members of the hotel team, led by General Manager Nilesh Singh, have carried over into operations and the passion for hospitality and attentiveness to guests married perfectly into the outstanding facilities and accommodation on the island.



DIN IN G

Sample world flavours at the resort •

Turquoise: International all-day dining

•

Tabemasu: Japanese cuisine

•

Waves Café: Light bites

•

Velaa Bar + Grill: Light bites by day, grilled dishes for dinner

•

Riviera: Seafood

•

Latitude: Coffee house



WEL L N ESS

Explore Spa, open from 9am until 9pm, offers massages and body treatments that revive the senses, while Waves Fitness Centre offers weekly fitness classes, including morning yoga sessions with views of the Indian Ocean.



F U N FA C T

Why the white sand? This is pulverised coral and a good deal of it comes from parrot fish, with each one contributing as much as 100 kilograms of it a year from its consumption of coral that goes along with the vegetation attached to it, as it grazes its way along the reefs. To discover more about the resort:  lemeridien-maldives.com

Two-bedroom overwater villa

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Stretching out a holiday ——

We go island-hopping in the Maldives to try a different flavour Words by Rob Nicholas

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / ES C A P ES

If you’ve read the previous article, you’ll know that we made our first family visit to the Maldives, travelling as a couple with our son Oscar (eight years old) and this was the second stop on our inaugural tour. We returned to Malé and this time had a boat rather than seaplane connection. Our destination was Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa, which was one of the first resorts to open in the Maldives with a 1974 pedigree and provided a very different contrast to the new resort we had just come from. The island is just 20-minutes away by boat, which makes it perfect for those short on time and wanting to stay within convenient distance of the international airport. The foliage and vegetation here is also extremely mature, while the accommodation has thatched palm-frond roofs and inspires a feeling of walking through a traditional village.

Sheraton Full Moon Resort was one of the first resorts to open in the Maldives with a 1974 pedigree We stayed in a beachfront cottage that had a wonderful outdoor bathroom and was a stone’s throw away from the shore. This provided a great soundtrack when sitting on the terrace in the twilight hours. These rooms were recently renovated and had a fresh feel to them. Overwater villas and other rooms types are among the choices, but we were pleased with our cottage and location which was just a few minutes’ walk from restaurants in one direction and the Kakuni Hut in the other, which became our go-to spots at various points in the day. The whole resort was busy and vibrant during our stay with no obvious prevalence of a particular nationality of visitor. The CIS and India are top markets, but this resort is also popular with GCC guests and generally, of course, with honeymooners. Our son, Oscar, was delighted with the kids’ Adventure Club. This had an indoor and extensive outdoor play area, although surprisingly this was not very busy during our stay despite a lot of families being around at the resort. Nevertheless, he was asking to spend an hour or two there each day which gave us a little extra relaxation. Something not mentioned by the resort, but which came as a nice surprise were the activities arranged on the beach next to Kakuni Hut. There is a boules (pétanque) set-up along with darts and football, while a coordinator leads some fun activities for the kids during most afternoons – from water balloon games to hide-and-seek. This provides some great entertainment for the kids while parents relax nearby.

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One of the first activities we enjoyed as a family turned out to be the best. Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa is pioneering a reef-building initiative with a third-party company, Reefscapers, and we enjoyed participating in building a coral frame. This is a metal frame covered in two layers of resin and sand, which forms a base for coral fragments that are attached with tie wraps. These grow with time and bond naturally to the structure and to the wider reef. The activity was fun and prompted many questions from Oscar, raising his awareness of the plight of the reefs and providing an inspired feeling amongst the family that we were giving something back to the ocean. We even participated in a morning yoga session as a family, which was hosted on the ‘spa island’. This is a superb facility with treatment rooms at the ocean’s edge and also an impressive garden area where the yoga pavilion is situated. This is an open wooden floored cabana right at the edge of the shore. I may have been the least flexible member of the family on this occasion, but it was a great way to start the day. The Maldivian traditional dining event on the beach was a fun experience and both Oscar and Jozina took to the sands and moved to the beat of the drums, while I occupied myself at a safe distance, capturing the experience from behind the lens. We enjoyed the cuisine, while Oscar opted to order a pizza from the wood-fired oven in the bar which is manned from 11am to 11pm.

Water suite



Plan the perfect trip

TRAN S FE RS

Complimentary speedboat transfers from Malé

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DINING

Sample world flavours at the resort

to Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa will be

•

Feast: International venue serving breakfast and dinner

arranged with your reservation.

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Sea Salt: Seafood

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Masala Hut: Indian restaurant

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Baan Thai: Authentic Thai venue

•

ChopstiX: Chinese cuisine

island or garden views or overwater bungalows,

•

Kakuni Hut: Caribbean-inspired cuisine

villas and suites.

•

Anchorage Bar: Mediterranean light bites

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C H EC K I N

Take your pick from accommodation categories that include beachfront rooms and cottages with

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E / ES C A P ES

Water villa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Kakuni Hut

The resort is pioneering a reef-building initiative, and guests can participate Swings and hammocks around the resort are a good way to break up any meandering wander between the accommodation and outlets. There are also many shaded areas to enjoy throughout the resort. The choice of seven dining outlets meant that we were spoiled for choice during our four nights at the resort. All were good choices, but Baan Thai was head and shoulders above the others and as a frequent visitor to Thailand, this was one of the best we have experienced anywhere. The Angus beef stir fry, in particular, was delectable. Anchorage Bar tended to be our final destination and has a boardwalk around its outer perimeter to enjoy live entertainment. A resident South American band played while we were there and we loved their acoustics. A pool table and foosball tables attracted Oscar and he was able to make some friends and enjoy some independence not far from our watchful eyes. For a Maldives destination just a short hop from Malé, the Sheraton is a great choice for couples and families alike and, of course, it was no surprise that we felt sad when the trip was over. Oscar was asking from the second of the day trip when we would be back and I fully expect a recurrent request now that we have returned to get back there again before too long.

Shine Spa

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WEL L N ESS

Shine Spa offers guests the chance to rejuvenate with signature treatments in a private spa pavilion on a private island with sea views, lush gardens and a yoga pavilion.

To discover more about the resort:  SheratonMaldives.com

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COLLECTION SAND SHERPA For the first time in the history of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, visitors can enjoy a self-drive safari through the unique area with Sand Sherpa. Learn the basics of off-road driving in a specially prepared Toyota Hilux Adventure overlanding vehicle from the expert team and discover an array of indigenous wildlife among the dunes, including gazelles, oryx, monitor lizards and more. Packages start from AED1,500 for two people.  myco.ae/sandsherpa

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Captain for the day

If you would like to pack in as much as possible while visiting Dubai, a sightseeing excursion along the coastline is the way to go. While there are plenty of options for cruises on the Arabian Gulf, one of the most interesting ways to add a bit of adventure to your trip is embarking on a self-drive boat tour. Discover the thrill of being your own captain with Hero Odysea’s tour packages that take you on a sightseeing adventure from Fishing Harbour in Jumeirah 2 to Palm Jumeirah. Packages start from AED700.  myco.ae/hero

Tropical dream

Upon arrival in Zaya Nurai Island, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on remote Pacific shores. In every direction, you’re greeted with bright blue views over the waters, sure to satiate your wanderlust. Book a day pass to the island on myconcierge.com, priced at AED750 per person. Enjoy all-day beach and pool access, and also get dining credit worth AED550, which can be redeemed for food and drinks at any outlet on the island.  myco.ae/zayanuraiisland

Brunch at the Burj

A fine gourmet spread, live cooking stations buzzing with excitement and a free flow of refreshing drinks, the Burj Club brunch packs all your weekend wishes into one single experience. And the impressive venue at the foot of the majestic Burj Khalifa, overlooking the Burj Lake, definitely seals the deal. It serves as the perfect place to catch up with friends and family on a Friday afternoon after a busy workweek. Book now as a MyConcierge member and ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible weekend treat.  myco.ae/brunch

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C O L L EC T I O N

Let’s brunch

Promising the perfect backdrop for brunch with endless views over the ocean, Frangipani on Zaya Nurai Island welcomes you to its Friday feast, served both al fresco and indoors every weekend. You can now reserve your table online for a special price as a MyConcierge member. But brunch here is not all about the food. You also enjoy a speedboat ride to the island from the welcome centre on Saadiyat Island and back, as well as all-day access to the resort’s private beach and pool.  myco.ae/zayabrunch

Sushi at sunset

Hop on board a luxury yacht with your loved one and discover a mesmerising side to the city, beyond the hustle and glamour. View Dubai from a fresh perspective and explore its serene side as you embark on a romantic sunset cruise. The package includes a private two-hour yacht tour in the Arabian Gulf with a bottle of Prosecco and a platter of sushi to enjoy. Starts from AED1,680 per couple.  myco.ae/sushi

Airborne escapes

One of the best ways to take in Dubai’s iconic sights is soaring above the city with a helicopter f light. This thrilling airborne adventure with Helidubai offers a fascinating aerial glimpse of the emirate’s many attractions, from Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, all of which are best viewed from the sky. Choose from four tour packages offering 12, 17, 22 or 40-minute helicopter flights.  myco.ae/helidubai

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T H E L A S T W OR D

Ras Al Khaimah

Danny Aridi

The Dubai-based multi-award-winning singer and songwriter tells us about his life in the emirate

Danny Aridi

Dubai is home. I’m so grateful to this city and proud to have been able to establish my music career in the UAE. As an artist, the country – and Dubai, in particular – has been a constant source of inspiration. There’s a mix of cultures and languages around you and it makes you realise how we’re all more alike than we are different. I love connecting with my audience when I’m on stage and through my music. And the audience in this city is such an eclectic mix of people from around the world. When I’m not working, spending time outdoors fuels my creativity. I like to go camping, play different kinds of sports and immerse myself in the city’s vibrant dining scene and café culture (a warm cup of karak chai is always welcome). Walking on the beach is also one of my favourite things to do aside from paddleboarding at Kite Beach or simply relaxing on the sand. And with glorious dunes on our doorstep, heading to the desert is definitely high on my list of things to do and also one of my topmost recommendations for visiting family and friends. I would also recommend checking out the many hiking trails in the UAE. There are so many beautiful tracks and campsites to explore. The endless options only prove that there’s more to the UAE than meets the eye. With so much to explore, both residents and visitors will be able to enjoy every minute of it. Even a visit to the other emirates has so much to offer. I love how every emirate has its own unique geography, from the wadis and nature in Al Ain to the mountains in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. It’s amazing how the landscape changes within just a few hours’ drive. But aside from all of this, what I truly love the most about Dubai is its people – the beating heart of the city.  dannyaridi.com

Fast five

Favourite local attraction: Kite Beach Favourite activity: Desert camping Favourite weekend escape: Ras Al Khaimah

Favourite restaurant: Poké Poké Favourite hotel: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Kite Beach

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The Future of International Travel

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