Concierge UAE - Feb-Mar 2022

ISSUE 188

MYCO N C I ER G E.CO M

®

FEB-MAR 2022

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

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A DV E N T U R E C A L L S Winter activities in the UAE

ISSUE 188

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EX PO 2020 DU BAI Explore the Opportunity Pavilion

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K E E PI NG T I M E Discover the world of Bell & Ross

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TA B L E TA L K Time to dine

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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Mrs.Mahallati

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Rob Nicholas

Publisher

—— EDITORIAL

Letisha Evita Pereira Editor

—— 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 Event season in the UAE is in full swing. February began with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and continues with sporting events, live shows and more. Move on to March and Dubai will once again see international art fairs welcoming creative enthusiasts from around the globe before top international jockeys descend on the emirate for one of the world’s richest horse races, and it culminates with Expo 2020 Dubai’s closing ceremony.

Keep your diaries up to date with our event calendar from page 8 onwards.

Art aficionados seeking creative inspiration will find Art Dubai’s 2022 showcase very impressive. For details on what to look forward to during the event’s 15th edition taking place this March, turn to page 18.

Around the emirates, the weather is still ideal for outdoor adventures. If you’re up for a thrilling experience, our photo essay from page 24 onwards spotlights the best things to do this season.

Our final Expo 2020 Dubai showcase takes you through some of the most anticipated events taking place at the site, before we offer a glimpse into The Opportunity Pavilion on page 38 and the best places to grab a bite on page 42.

Stealing the spotlight in this issue is French watchmaker Bell & Ross.

Carlos A. Rosillo – one half of the founding duo – introduced the brand’s latest timepieces and shared his plans for the future. Turn to page 46 to read more.

If you’re looking to up your style game, our latest edit of this season’s best buys – from page 50 onwards – is sure to offer some inspiration. Gourmands are also in for a treat as we showcase some of the best spots for a memorable meal on page 60.

Finally, if the magazine leaves you feeling inspired, book your next experience with us by visiting myconcierge.com.

Letisha P ereira

On the cover: Qasr Al Watan

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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Stars of Mount Noor, Elisabeth Deane, 2019, Grosvenor Gallery, page 18

CONTENTS

08

18

24

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

——— Art Dubai, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs, returns to the city for its 15th edition

——— Experience the emirates like never before, with its extraordinary outdoor offering

ESSENTIALS

CREATIVE STREAK

ADVENTURE CALLS

Kotor, Montenegro, page 70

CONTENTS

42

46

68

——— Savour some of the best dining experiences from around the world at Expo 2020 Dubai

——— We speak to Carlos A. Rosillo, cofounder of the French watch company, Bell & Ross

——— Discover Porto Montenegro, an exclusive community set on Europe’s sunny Bay of Kotor

THE WORLD ON YOUR PLATE

KEEPING TIME

A LUXURIOUS ESCAPE

& Longer Me

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Adventure Water Park

7 Dining Experiences

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ESSENTIALS R AC E TO V I C TO RY

—— Drawing yet another thrilling season of horse racing to a close, Dubai World Cup 2022 will see the world’s best jockeys and the finest thoroughbreds competing for top honours at Meydan Racecourse. As one of the world’s richest days in equestrian sports, the event will see racing royalty, trackside enthusiasts and fashionistas descend on the venue on March 26, 2022. Aside from the trackside action, Dubai World Cup promises gourmet experiences, a dazzling display of fashion and live music.  dubairacingclub.com

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A R T FO R A L L

—— Dubai World Trade Centre is all set to host the seventh edition of World Art Dubai this year. A headline event of Dubai Art Season, the fair will run from March 16 to 19. The event presents art enthusiasts with the best opportunity to explore an exciting new world of affordable art and discover new perspectives in creativity. It will bring together a spectacular collection of more than 2,000 artistic works from renowned international galleries as well as acclaimed and emerging artists from around the world. Also, as the region’s most accessible and affordable retail art fair, visitors can find pieces starting from just AED367.  worldartdubai.com

R I D E W I T H T H E WAV ES

—— Nessnass Beach becomes the heart of the UAE’s growing kitesurfing community this month as athletes go head-to-head in the Dubai Kitesurf Competition. The annual event is a highlight of Dubai International Marine Club’s sporting calendar, which includes various waterborne tournaments, such as sailing, rowing and fishing. A thrilling sport to witness, the kitesurfing competition will run from March 5 to 6. Participants from around the world will descend on the emirate to take on the waves and wind with their parachute-like kites, designed to help them gain speed and agility on the water.  dimc.ae

The 11th edition of Sharjah Light Festival returns to the emirate this February CITY LIGHTS

—— Organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the 11th edition of Sharjah Light Festival returns to the emirate from February 9 to 20. Under the theme ‘Echoes of the Future’, the festival presents dazzling light shows and musical symphonies that tell Sharjah’s story of progress and prosperity. It transports audiences to a bright future, inspired by the values of the past and the experiences of the present. The displays shed light on the emirate’s most prominent buildings and structures, underlining Sharjah’s rich cultural, architectural and artistic heritage.  visitsharjah.com

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GA M E, S E T, M ATC H

—— Taking place from February 14 to 26, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships promises plenty of action-packed play between some of the world’s leading tennis stars. Since the tournament started in the emirate in 1993, the games have seen the likes of Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Venus Williams take home the trophy. Set in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the state-of-the-art facility was voted as the ‘Best Venue’ by players on the ATP World Tour and offers fans a great view of the matches. Promising action-packed games, there is also plenty to do off-court with numerous options for food and entertainment.  dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com

ART IN THE CIT Y

—— March is an exciting time for art enthusiasts in Dubai as one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs returns to the emirate. The 15th edition of Art Dubai is set to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from March 11 to 13, 2022. This year’s fair will feature more than 100 contemporary and modern galleries from over 40 countries, including more than 30 first-time participants.

Art Dubai is also introducing a new section of the fair this year – Art Digital – which will shine a light on the development of art in the digital realm, such as digital art galleries and innovative NFT platforms from around the world. Turn to page 18 to learn more.  artdubai.ae

A N I G H T AT T H E O PE R A

—— Promising a spectacle that the city has never seen before, Dubai Opera is all set to host the renowned Dresden Opera Ball on March 14. World-class performers and modern culture will mix together to ensure an unmissable experience produced by the founders of the famous Semper Opera Ball – a project that aims to support and strengthen the relationships among the European, Russian and Arab cultures. The evening will see the operatic greats perform in the UAE, including Placido Domingo, Fatma Said, Valeriya, Svetlana Zakharova, Vadim Repin, Fabio Mastrangelo and Dresden Chamber Orchestra. All guests will be treated to a three-course menu curated by Armani Hotel Dubai.  dubaiopera.com

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ES S EN T I A L S

I NS PI R I N G S H OWC A S E

—— ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC is hosting a multisensory group exhibition featuring works by 10 internationally renowned artists. Curated by Ambika Hinduja Macker, the immersive showcase, titled The Sublime Nature of Being, explores the universal human experience of awe and reverence inspired by nature and its ability to conjure an emotional understanding that transcends rational thought, words and language. Visitors can catch the showcase until February 27, 2022.  icdbrookfieldplace.com

I N T H E S P OT L I G H T

—— Louvre Abu Dhabi’s first international exhibition of 2022 is currently underway. Titled Versailles and the World, this stunning showcase – held in partnership with Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon – will run until June 4. Through fascinating exhibits, the display tells the story of the transformation of Versailles. In the past, global cultures and aesthetics found themselves represented at Versailles as it began welcoming foreign dignitaries from all around the world. These visits ushered in an era of artistic and commercial exchanges, which is now brought to life in this immersive exhibition through an array of objects, from Chinese and Japanese lacquerware to wallpapers and porcelain.  louvreabudhabi.ae

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s first international exhibition of 2022, Versailles and the World, is currently underway in the capital

G E T YO U R G E E K O N

—— This year, Middle East Film and Comic Con will celebrate 10 years of uniting movie, TV and comic lovers in the UAE. The region’s largest pop culture festival, it will run from March 4 to 6 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. Celebrating comics, movies, anime, manga and more, the threeday show will feature a series of competitions, workshops and talks with A-list celebrities. There’s also the chance to obtain exclusive artwork and invest in limited editions of renowned comic books.  mefcc.com

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CANVAS QASR AL WATAN Discover inspiring stories of Arabian heritage within the palatial surrounds of Qasr Al Watan (pictured on the cover). Through the exhibitions housed in this majestic landmark, which also serves as the Presidential Palace of the UAE, it sheds light on the influence of Arabian scholarship on human civilisation and progress.

Here, visitors will be able to browse through artefacts and manuscripts that highlight the Arab region’s most notable contributions to astronomy, science, art, literature and other fields.  qasralwatan.ae

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For the love of words ———

Alka Joshi

One of the world’s leading literature festivals, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is now in its 14th year, celebrating local and international authors through a series of events spread across two weekends this February

It is believed that stor ytelling as a profession originated in the Middle East. The practice can be traced back to several centuries when tribes would gather in public spaces to listen to a storyteller who would inform and entertain the crowds. Caravans traversing trade routes across the region also joined in to learn about local customs and traditions through these tales.

The region is also famous for producing the most renowned collection of stories among all. Alf Layla wa-Layla or One Thousand and One Nights spread from its Arab epicentre in the ninth century to the Middle East, North Africa and the rest of the world.

Honouring this rich legacy of storytelling in the region, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

runs annually in Dubai. A celebration of the written and spoken word, this world-renowned festival sees an incredible line-up of local and international writers participating every year, including children’s book authors, bestselling novelists, illustrators, poets and social activists.

Now in its 14th edition, the festival is taking place at its new home in Dubai’s Habtoor City hotels.

Some of the biggest names in literature are part of the line-up, including Gary Vaynerchuck, Iman Mersal, Indra Nooyi, Mark Billingham, Shahad Al Rawi and Omar Saif Ghobash.

Ahead of their visit to the emirate, Concierge had the opportunity to chat with a few of the highly anticipated authors featured on the programme.

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F E AT U R E / C A N VA S

Alka J

oshi

What inspired you to tell the story of Lakshmi in The Henna Artist?

ALKA JOSHI Born in India, Alka Joshi has lived in the United States since the age of nine. She ran her own advertising and PR agency for 30 years before publishing her debut novel at age 62. Launched in 2020, The Henna Artist immediately became a New York Times bestseller and is now being developed into a television series.

Joshi’s sequel, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, launched in 2021, further expanding the stories of the characters in her debut novel, which is set in India. This will be followed by the third book in the trilogy in 2023.

———

“As I was hanging out with my mother in Jaipur, I realised that I had not been back to India, my birth nation, for decades. It made me feel like I was seeing India through my mother’s eyes. She took me to the school that she was enrolled in when my grandfather called her back to Rajasthan to get her married. At 18, she left school, married my dad and had three children within four years. Her whole life was about being a mother and wife. My father was an engineer and one of those people helping to rebuild India post Independence, so we were constantly moving from one city to the next. Finally, my dad said we were moving to the United States. Through all of these things, I realised that my mother never had a life of her own. She was always trying to meet societal expectations or taking care of the other people in her life. So I thought, what if I could give my mother the life that she has always afforded me in the form of Lakshmi, my main character. In The Henna Artist, we meet Lakshmi at the age of 30, who was really successful at building a life of her very own and that’s what I would have loved to have for my mother.”

“The Henna Artist is a story about women’s agency and about women coming into their own”

“There was never an exact moment. When the 2008 recession came along, I had to take stock of what was going to happen over the next two years. Managing my agency for so many years, I knew that every time there was a recession, there was a two-year lag in income. So I thought, I have two years to do something with my life. My husband had always been encouraging me to write fiction for years. He said, ‘You write advertising for a living but I think you can expand the stories that you write.’ It took 16 years into our marriage for me to enrol in a Master of Fine Arts programme in Creative Writing. Also, a couple of years before that, when I had started taking some evening classes just for something to do, my instructor was always so complimentary about my writing. I think it was that encouragement that kept me going and I ended up finishing a draft of The Henna Artist for my master’s thesis. Of course, it would still be another 10 years and 30 drafts before that would become something that my agent was willing to sell to a publisher.”

Was the trilogy something you envisioned even before the first book was out?

“Not at all. After I finished The Henna Artist, it was really Malik’s voice that carried me into the second book. As I was finishing up The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, I was trying to figure out how to work Radha, who was now in Paris, into the second story that’s taking place in Jaipur and Shimla.

It seemed like I was going to have to shoehorn her in there and there was already so much going on. And so I thought I cannot also include Radha’s story in this; I’m going to have to write a third book about her, about her story, how she ended up in Paris and what she’s doing there. That’s how the trilogy came about. I absolutely had no idea all those years ago when I started writing The Henna Artist in 2008 that it would turn out to be a trilogy.”

Your debut novel became an instant bestseller and now, a TV production is in the works. You’re an amazing success story, how does it feel?

“I feel that I have finally arrived at the place I was meant to be all along. There’s no way that I could have got here at the age of 20, 30 or 40. It took as long as it did for me to reach here so that I could feel that I was ready to start writing the kinds of stories I wanted to tell. There is a quote from Rabindranath Tagore, and it is one of my epigraphs in the book. It says, ‘The traveller has to knock at every alien door to come to his own, and one has to wander through all the outer worlds to reach the innermost shrine at the end.’ I am not at the innermost yet, but I am getting there. I feel like I had to go through all the other experiences of my life – work, relationships, loss and grief – in order for me to now be able to write about them in a way that I can have other people understand what I’m saying.”

You ran an advertising and PR agency for 30 years. How and when did you decide to start working on your debut novel?

Tell us about the upcoming Netflix series based on The Henna Artist.

How did The Secret Keeper of Jaipur come about?

“After wrapping up The Henna Artist, I was six months away from its launch. That’s when Malik from the book started talking to me and telling me to write his story. There was so much that got cut out in The Henna Artist that didn’t make it into the book. I felt like I had to let people know about this character that had become so large in my imagination. And, of course, I had to bring Lakshmi back as she is still a big part of what Malik does in his life.”

“The way that I write, I describe everything visually as it’s happening in my imagination, so I saw every chapter of The Henna Artist almost as an episode on TV. I love to stream shows where I get hooked on characters that I want to watch episode after episode, season after season. That’s why I really wanted The Henna Artist to be a streaming TV series. So we got proposals and I also got to choose the team, including Freida Pinto, who not only wanted to play Lakshmi but also wanted to executive produce. One of my requests of the production company was that they hire women – and primarily South Asian women – for the writers’ room because so many of our stories are told by people other than us. Also, The Henna Artist is a story about women’s agency and about women coming into their own, gaining dignity and power within the limited world that they are allowed to be in and so it was very important for me to have women in the writers’ room.

In my life, I have been given so many opportunities and I wanted to pay that forward.”

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somehow. I thought I’d have a go at writing myself and, after a while, I realised I had the beginnings of a novel!”

to Paris and an exploration of the grime beneath the gilded surface.”

Tell us more about your writing process.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Tell us more about your sessions at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

“I’m really inspired by location. In all of my books, that has tended to be the jumping off point for me.

So in my three thrillers, I’ve wanted the location – a snowbound Scottish estate in The Hunting Party, a remote Irish island in The Guest List and a beautiful, eerie apartment building in The Paris Apartment – to feel like a character in itself. So I start with location and then work on character until I know my characters really well. Then the plotting comes in.”

“I’m so excited about my three sessions. I’ll be taking part in a crime panel with Felicia Yap, Mark Billingham and Polly Phillips, a debate with Mark Billingham and running a crime writing workshop.”

What can you tell our readers about your upcoming release?

“Read widely in the genre – and just in general – so you get an innate feeling for the shape and pacing of a good plot. Develop brilliant, complex, multilayered characters. I think crime or any kind of fiction works best when it feels like the characters are driving the plot, rather than the other way around. Take inspiration from films, TV, people and places.”

“I think fiction works best when the characters are driving the plot”

Lucy Foley

“In The Paris Apartment, Jess turns up to stay with her brother, Ben. But when she arrives at his place, he’s missing and she begins to find some strange clues in his apartment that suggest something sinister may have happened to him. She also begins to suspect that one of the inhabitants of the building may have something to do with his disappearance. It’s one of those beautiful old buildings wrapped around a central courtyard so Jess can see glimpses into the other apartment buildings – rather Rear Window. The book is also a love letter

Any tips for aspiring crime writers you would like to share?

LUCY FOL EY Previously a fiction editor in the publishing industry, British author Lucy Foley now writes full time and is a highly acclaimed contemporary, historical fiction and mystery novel author. Having ranked first on the Sunday Times bestselling author list, her popular works, The Hunting Party and The Guest List, have sold over a million copies worldwide. Her thrillers have also hit The New York Times and The Irish Times bestseller lists, been shortlisted for the Crime & Thriller Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards and selected as one of The Times and Sunday Times Crime Books of the Year.

———

How and when did you decide to write your first book?

“I wrote my first book while working in publishing.

Being surrounded by books and writers was hugely inspiring and I also saw the whole process. I realised that the first draft of a novel is often just a mistakeridden document, which made it all feel more accessible,

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F E AT U R E / C A N VA S

1

Nadiya Hussain

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N A D I YA H U S S A I N Nadiya Hussain rose to fame after winning the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off and has since presented her own cookery shows, including Nadiya’s Fast Flavours as well as Nadiya: Anxiety & Me, which takes an in-depth look at how she and others live with anxiety and panic disorder.

Nadiya has published eight bestselling cookery and storybooks, including Nadiya Bakes, the Amir Sisters series, which is centred around identity and family, My Monster and Me, her first picture book, as well as Finding My Voice, which takes a look at the different roles Nadiya plays in her life and how they have shaped her.

Nadiya makes regular appearances at cookery events throughout the UK and abroad. She was also featured on the BBC’s list of 100 Most Inf luential Women.

———

You’re an amazing success story, having accomplished so much in the last decade.

Is this the life you envisioned?

“Before appearing on The Great British Bake Off, I was studying to become a social worker. I was also a stayat-home mum with three young kids. After winning the show, my entire life changed and I found myself catapulted into a career I had never imagined myself in. And I am loving every moment of it.”

How and when did you decide to write your first children’s book?

“I started writing my first children’s book six years ago. My kids were much younger and I loved that I was writing books that they could be a part of and enjoy.

Writing for children really allows me to enjoy letting the childish part of my imagination out.”

Your first children’s book, Bake Me a Story, is an amazing concept, especially with its unique blend of cooking and storytelling.

What inspired this approach?

“I wanted to write an interactive book that we could bring to life with this unique concept of getting families into the kitchen to spend time sharing stories and cooking together.”

The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters was billed as a British-Muslim take on Little Women. What inspired this story?

“This book allowed me to be creative with the characters and write about what I know, including immigrant families, fitting in, struggles and life, in general, but from a very different perspective.”

How has your personal journey influenced the narrative in My Monster and Me? “As an anxious child, I was always told that I was a worrier or that I was an overthinker. I never read a book that explained what it meant to feel worried, so it was important for me to tell a story that explained anxiety. It is a book that I would have benefited from and I know many are benefiting from today.”

In Finding my Voice you question your identity. What have you come to learn about yourself through this book?

“Questioning my role in society and my identity has been a big part of my self-exploration. But as a firstgeneration British woman growing up in an immigrant home, my story is different – a story many will identify with and be intrigued by. So it was an absolute must for me to talk about this journey, for better understanding, acceptance and appreciation of diversity.”

For more information about the festival and the author line-up  emirateslitfest.com

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Yusto-Giner Gallery

Creative streak ——

Art Dubai, one of the world’s most prestigious art events, returns to the emirate from March 11 to 13 for its 15th edition, with a special focus on the everexpanding realm of digital art

Victor Ehikhamenor, Studio Space, In5, photo by Lucia Pizzinato

HE Noura Al Kaabi, Art Dubai 2018, courtesy of Photo Solutions

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F E AT U R E / C A N VA S

Seydou Keïta, Galerie Nathalie Obadia

Digital art in focus

Art Dubai 2018, courtesy of Photo Solutions

As 2022 continues to unfold, cultural initiatives across the globe, the Middle East and the UAE are continuing to take shape. Driven by the international art community (artists and audiences alike), their collective eagerness to move forward from the pandemic is inspiring the sector to adapt to our changing times in creative ways.

As such, the artistic realm continues to see growth, which is bolstered by the use of new technologies and alternative solutions to make art sustainable.

And Dubai, in particular, is a shining example of this movement.

With a culture of nurturing creativity, the emirate hosts a series of events aimed at bringing the artistic community together all year round.

Established galleries and seasonal exhibitions bring rare creations to the city while emerging artists are presented with the ideal platform to find their footing in the industry. Above all, Dubai is home to some of the most prestigious art fairs in the world. And, this March, one of the biggest highlights on the region’s creative calendar is set to return.

Paying homage to all things creative, the 15th edition of Art Dubai gets underway from March 11 to 13. Returning to the spectacular surroundings of Madinat Jumeirah, this year’s event is set to be the largest edition to date. Visitors can expect 115 presentations – from returning entities and 30 newcomers – from over 40 countries.

This year’s fair will be structured around four gallery sections, including Contemporary, Modern and Bawwaba, as in previous years, while a new section – Digital – is set to launch.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director said: “Art Dubai is a truly global fair and this is ref lected in both the quality and geographic spread of the galleries participating in our 2022 edition, which will be our largest to date. That so much of the programme is drawn from the Global South highlights the increased interest in and appetite for collecting non-Western art, the strengthening of the gallery scene beyond the traditional centres of the art world and the role Art Dubai plays as a platform for the region.”

The fair’s upcoming edition marks the debut of Art Dubai Digital, an innovative new digital art and NFT section that will provide a comprehensive introduction to this fast-developing landscape. This new physical section of the fair will showcase a curated selection of digital works of art presented by 17 leading international galleries and platforms, examining the development of NFTs, cryptocurrency, video art and virtual reality. The line-up will be accompanied by an extensive education programme, including the 15th edition of Global Art Forum and a series of introductory talks.

“Each year we look at what is particularly exciting in the global scene and gauge how contemporary art is evolving and shifting,” said Val. “There is now a serious drive – from galleries to auction houses – to do something discursive related to digital media. We are particularly pleased to launch Art Dubai Digital, which will provide an important and needed bridge between the rapidly-developing global crypto-sphere and the international art market.”

This year’s fair will be structured around four gallery sections, including Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba and Digital Stars of Mount Noor, Elisabeth Deane, 2019, Grosvenor Gallery

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While NFTs have been around since 2017, they have only gained popularity over the last two years. Their rise marks a significant evolution in the digital art world. As Val stated: “Artists are now not just searching for a dialogue between traditional art practices and technology, they are starting to create their art directly in the digital universe, and this is an entirely new approach.”

Art Dubai’s new section will provide a platform to engage all visitors with this new rapidly unfolding metaverse of digital art. It will include a dedicated gallery section, featuring several international platforms working with NFTs, contemporary galleries with projects devoted to digital art and those that have been working with digital art since the 1980s. There will also be a space introducing visitors to the main players in the digital world, explaining where to buy bitcoin and trade in crypto, among other activities.

Val reiterated: “The section is sure to be an experiential think-tank that thoughtfully answers many questions about the digital media landscape and encourages a lot of questions, too.”

Art Dubai

Flamingo Suns, Alia Ali, 2019, Galerie-Peter-Sillem

Art Dubai 2019

Tonia Nneji, Night Series (2), 2019, Rele Gallery

A splendid showcase

Running alongside the comprehensive digital art programme, Art Dubai’s returning sections are sure to continue to enthral visitors. A rt Dubai Contemporary will feature 77 galleries from 33 countries and will welcome 15 first-time exhibitors. Art Dubai Modern will feature solo presentations of museum-quality works by 20th-century masters from the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. Finally, Bawwaba – meaning gateway in Arabic and exclusively featuring works made in the past year or specifically for the fair – will feature 10 solo presentations, including six first-time exhibitors.

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F E AT U R E / C A N VA S

Lasting impact

Art Dubai’s first incarnation was the DIFC Gulf Art Fair in 2007 before being rebranded the following year to take on the now renowned title. From the outset, the fair was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who was keen to promote arts and culture in the city.

The past 15 years have seen Art Dubai cement its position as one of the most prestigious art fairs in the region. A local initiative with global reach, it has served as a platform for upcoming and established creatives from the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Australasia. While rising up the ranks on the international art scene, the event has been instrumental in broadening conversations about art among diverse geographies, often not exposed to the global art fair landscape.

In its role as a talent incubator, Art Dubai has been a launchpad and development platform for several artists, curators and art professionals. And its significance extends beyond the four-day fair. The initiative continues to celebrate excellence in art through programmes such as the Global Art Forum, Gulf Now, Ithra Art Prize, Art Dubai Commissions, Campus Art Dubai, International Curators Programme and Performance Arts.

The mission extends to cultivating an ecosystem of not only art but also education, mentorship and thought leadership, fostering cross-continental dialogue and exchange, enhancing the international curatorial landscape.  artdubai.com

Templon Gallery

Art Dubai’s first incarnation was the DIFC Gulf Art Fair in 2007 before being rebranded the following year to take on the now renowned title

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LEADING YOU INTO ADVENTURE Y o ur next a d v e n t ur e a w a i t s a n d San d Sh e r p a is r e a d y t o l e a d t h e w a y.

With our e xc lus i v e e xpe r i e n c e s i n t h e D u ba i D e se r t C on se r v a t ion R e se r v e , yo u can ca m p o v e r n i g h t i n o ur c u st om - bu il t t r a il e r s, j oin in t h e f ir st a n d o nly s elf -d r i v e s a fa r i i n t h e r e g ion , l e a r n h ow t o c on f id e n t l y n a v ig a t e a 4x 4 through t h e d un e s o r e n j o y a pr i v a t e d in n e r u n d e r t h e st a r s  SANDSHERPA  SHERPA@SANDSHERPA.COM  SANDSHERPA.COM

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 058 5606926

12/8/21 4:07 PM

EXPERIENCE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE Set to open on February 22, Dubai’s Museum of the Future promises an experience that allows visitors to “see, touch and shape the future” through exhibitions, immersive theatre and attractions. Spread across seven floors, the displays focus on space travel, climate change, ecology, health, wellness and spirituality, all of which have been brought to life by storytellers, visionary technologists and artists from around the world.  museumofthefuture.ae

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Adventure calls —— Experience the emirates like never before, with its extraordinary outdoor offering

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P H O T O E S S AY/ EX P ER I EN C E

With the UAE winter in full swing, now is the perfect time to explore the adventurous escapes the country has to offer. From kayaking through the capital’s mangrove forests to hiking along scenic wadis, the cooler climes bring several opportunities to get up close to nature. Whether you prefer your adventures on the sand, in the sea or among the mountains, there’s something unique to discover in each of the emirates.

A M O N G T H E M O U N TA I N S The picturesque location of Hatta Dam, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, offers a sense of calm away from Dubai’s busy city. Kayaking through the striking green waters is a popular activity among visitors to the site. But if that seems like hard work, water bikes and pedal boats are also available to explore the tranquil reservoir waters.  visithatta.com

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GO OFF-ROAD A stark contrast to the futuristic city it is nestled within, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was once the home of the desert Bedouins, who flourished despite the unforgiving terrain.

The reserve now takes up about five percent of the emirate and is home to indigenous wildlife, including sand gazelles and the onceendangered Arabian oryx. To explore its serene surrounds, book a self-drive safari through the protected 225-square-kilometre area with homegrown company Sand Sherpa, the first and only operator in the region to offer self-drive safaris in the DDCR. Participants can drive one of Sand Sherpa’s specially prepared Toyota Hilux vehicles after a safety briefing, or opt for a guide-driven safari, to experience this unique landscape.  sandsherpa.com

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P H O T O E S S AY / EX P ER I EN C E

PA D D L E A L O N G Escape the bustle of the UAE capital and take to the serene waters of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves lagoon. Home to a fascinating coastal ecosystem, the lush forest boasts different species of flora and fauna. Kayaking through the waters gives you the opportunity to discover an array of exotic birds, including herons and flamingos.

Look below the surface and you may even spot shoals of colourful fish, sea turtles and dugongs.  anantara.com

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TA K E F L I G H T The UAE’s northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is an adventure seeker’s paradise, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains. For the true daredevil, nothing quite compares with Jebel Jais Flight, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest zip line. Located on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, it covers a distance of 2.8 kilometres and reaches speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level. For a slightly less hair-raising experience, Ras Al Khaimah’s Via Ferrata offers the chance to experience three smaller zip lines, with a mix of climbing and trekking, along a kilometre-long mountain trail.  jebeljais.ae

T R A I L TA L E S Popular among hikers in the UAE looking for a weekend escape, Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah ticks all the boxes when it comes to accessibility, scenery and level of ease for beginners. Set amidst mountainscapes, you’ll find lonesome palm trees, small ponds and natural springs scattered around the narrow pebbly path.

One for the whole family, junior hikers joining you will be fascinated by herds of wandering mountain goats. The terrain is mostly flat, with only a gentle ascent and descent every few metres, but the breathtaking landscape offers several photo opportunities.

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P H O T O E S S AY / EX P ER I EN C E

B E N E AT H T H E WAV E S Named after the famous cartoon dog that its shape resembles, Snoopy Island juts out of the Indian Ocean, a few hundred metres from Fujairah’s sandy shores. The rock’s prominent silhouette aside, the waters surrounding the island are teeming with interesting species of marine life, making it a great spot for snorkelling. Get your gear on and head into the water to discover bright corals and an array of sea life, including manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, squid and pufferfish. Several tour operators around the coastline offer snorkelling equipment on hire.  alboomdiving.com

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Private campsite in the DDCR

Desert escape ——

Let Sand Sherpa’s off-road experts lead you into your next adventure in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

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

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 UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia 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.

Sand Sherpa takes the stress out of off-road exploration by guiding outdoor enthusiasts into the Dubai desert 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.

Under the close supervision of your off-road guide, you’ll learn the essentials, before being led across the desert sands in a Sherpa 4x4 or your own vehicle. Exercises in slope 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.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

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Camp overnight in the DDCR

Sherpa Safari

Sherpa Camp is based in a unique location within the exclusive Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, with adventurers staying in purpose-built camping trailers based on ex-Army Penman trailers from the UK Ministry of Defence. Offered for the first time in the region, 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-square-kilometre protected area, guests are encouraged to spot and identify desert life.

Once at camp, each vehicle is assigned its own camping trailer equipped with a rooftop tent, utensils and camping accessories for all members of each party. As the evening progresses, stay with your trailer or mingle with other campers around the main campfire. In the morning, the camp leader will take participants on an optional hawk walk through an ancient ghaf tree forest, following which, everyone has a turn walking with, and f lying, trained birds of prey.

While venturing into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, guests are encouraged to spot and identify desert life Dine under the stars Trade the backdrop of Dubai’s glistening skyline for endless dunes and the clear night sky 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, this exclusive set-up is complete with a table by the campfire and all the amenities you will need to prepare your barbecue dinner.

But before you begin, take in the stunning desert sunset and enjoy golden hour among the dunes with drinks and light bites while your guide gets the campfire started. After sundown, grill your own food and tuck into a sumptuous meal under the stars.

DDCR campsite

Sherpa Safari

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

Private campsite in the DDCR

Embark on a self-drive safari For the f irst time in the 20 -year histor y of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, visitors can enjoy a self-drive safari in Sand Sherpa’s specially prepared 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, including gazelles, the Arabian oryx, monitor lizards and countless birds, along the way 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.  sandsherpa.com

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EXPO 2020 THE SINGAPORE PAVILION W h i le t her e i s no s hor t a g e of eye-catching structures at Expo 2020 Dubai, the lush greenery found in the Singapore Pavilion makes it stand out. It is designed as an example of nature and architecture coexisting in harmony. Inside the pavilion, there are thematic areas that represent city life, thick rainforests and botanical gardens where orchids bloom in exuberance. The pavilion is featured in Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘Dialogue through Design’ visitor journey, which is one of many bespoke itineraries tailored for visitors seeking insight into the artistic processes behind the scenes at the event site.  expo2020dubai.com

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On the agenda —— With up to 60 live events taking place daily at Expo 2020 Dubai, including National Day celebrations for all participating countries, visitors are invited to explore the world in one place

African Circus and Dance extravaganza by the Sarakasi All Stars ——

 F E B R U A RY 1 6  2 P M , 3 P M , 4 P M  DUBAI MILLENNIUM A M P H I T H E AT R E The Sarakasi All Stars, a dynamic dance

Expo 2020 Dubai has hosted an exciting array of events and entertainment shows since the mega event first opened its doors in October 2021. Every day, up to 60 live events take place at one of the site’s many world-class venues. From live music to mascot entertainment, daily parades to 360-degree immersive projection shows, there’s something for everyone.

Mark your diaries for this month’s highlights.

troupe of eight performers, will showcase the best in acrobatics and dance from Kenya. Audiences are invited to witness this extraordinary 20-minute performance, which fuses traditional and contemporary African dance forms with acrobatics.

Spanish National Ballet, Jubilee Stage

Spanish National Ballet, Jubilee Stage

Colours of the World parade ——

 D A I LY  1 2 : 4 5 P M  G H A F AV E N U E This unique cultural fusion experience is a vibrant, colourful and moving celebration featuring performers and musicians from around the world.

Throughout the course of Expo 2020 Dubai, each participating nation will celebrate a National Day, which will be highlighted in the parade, blending the culture of the UAE with other international traditions.

Enjoy live music, mascot entertainment, daily parades and 360-degree immersive projection shows at Expo

Radics Ferenc and Band

Myanmar Harp

 F E B R U A RY 1 7  7 P M

 F E B R U A RY 1 8  9 P M  E A RT H S TA G E

 D U B A I M I L L E N N I U M A M P H I T H E AT R E

Historical records say that the Myanmar harp was played as early as

This performance features a Hungarian folk ensemble led by violinist

the Pyu Period in the eighth century. At first, only three strings were used,

Radics Ferenc. Their style combines urban gypsy and folk music,

which later became seven, and it now can be played with 13 to 16

reminescent of gypsy rhythms and village dance forms, which are now

strings. In the past, it was exclusively used for chamber music within the

being revived in dance houses around the world.

Burmese royal court. And now, Expo 2020 visitors can catch it live.

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Colours of the World parade

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E V E N T C A L E N D A R / EX P O 2 0 2 0 D U B A I

Mulïer

Starovinsko Singing

 F E B R U A RY 1 9  4 : 3 0 P M  E A RT H P L A Z A

 M A R C H 6  1 : 3 0 P M  S E A S TA G E

This award-winning Spanish street theatre show features

A rare chance to hear traditional music from Dalmatia and the Dalmatian

five performers on stilts as they explore their physical

Hinterland, this concert is performed by two Croatian female singers. The

limits with dance, balance, movement, poetry, strength

style of singing is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in

and emotions. This show is a chance to witness an

Need of Urgent Safeguarding. March 6 is also dedicated to Croatia, in

extraordinary tribute to women and their desire to express

honour of its National Day, and sees a variety of cultural festivities taking

themselves through this graceful dance form.

place at the Croatia Pavilion and around the Expo site.

Saudi Variety Show

Firdaus Orchestra

 F E B R U A RY 2 4  7 : 3 0 P M

 M A R C H 8  8 P M  J U B I L E E S TA G E

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 D U B A I M I L L E N N I U M A M P H I T H E AT R E Presenting an eclectic mix of comedy, music, poetry, storytelling, quizzes, sketches, audience participation and prizes, this interactive show features some of the best talent and biggest names in the Middle East.

Malaysia: Truly Asia cultural showcase

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Expo 2020 Dubai’s all-women orchestra will perform once again on March 8. Mentored by Oscar and Grammy-winner A. R. Rahman and conducted

by Yasmina Sabbah, the ensemble is made up of 50 musicians from 23 countries around the Arab world. Concerts have been held regularly from October 23 onwards, since the group’s debut, featuring inspiring works composed by Rahman.

Firdaus Orchestra

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 D A I LY  7 P M  E A RT H S TA G E Immerse yourself in Malaysia’s enthralling culture, with a series of performances showcasing the country’s diverse and rich heritage. A unique variety of traditional music, dance and cuisine comes together to give everyone a taste of this vibrant Southeast Asian nation.

Malaysia: Truly Asia cultural showcase

Sounds of Aotearoa - Ardijah and Annie Crummer

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 M A R C H 9  6 P M  D U B A I M I L L E N N I U M A M P H I T H E AT R E Get into a foot-tapping Kiwi groove with the iconic New Zealand-based music group, Ardijah, and singer-songwriter Annie Crummer. Experience the combined musical magic of R&B, funk, psychedelic folk and the unique flavour of Polynesian rhythms with this spectacular show.

The Jerusalem Orchestra East & West ——

 M A R C H 1  8 P M  D U B A I M I L L E N N I U M A M P H I T H E AT R E Enjoy a fusion of music from the Middle East, Andalusia and the Maghreb.

The musicians in this orchestra are from three cultural and religious orders, graduates of music academies of the former USSR and Israeli musicians of the young generation.

Voices of the Andalusian Gardens ——

 MARCH 25  9PM  D U B A I M I L L E N N I U M A M P H I T H E AT R E This concert showcases the oldest and most significant traditional Andalusian and Gharnati Arabic music, with performances from the Orchestra of Fez and Moroccan singer-songwriter Nabyla Maan. The evening will culminate with both acts performing together.

 expo2020dubai.com

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Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

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PAV I L I O N S H O W C A S E/ EX P O 2 0 2 0 D U B A I

On a mission —— Expo 2020 Dubai’s Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion addresses the most fundamental global challenges of our time and highlights what can be achieved when individuals and communities work together to make the world a better place

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Small steps can inspire massive change in the world – that’s the underlying message at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Opportunity Pavilion. Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion has been welcoming visitors to the district since the fair first opened its doors in October 2021, encouraging everyone to play an active role in creating a better future for generations to come.

One of the three subthemes of the mega event alongside mobility and sustainability, the Opportunity Pavilion takes visitors on an interactive journey that addresses the most fundamental global challenges of our time. Through its showcase, it sheds light on what can be achieved when individuals and communities work together. As the pavilion that brings the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life, Mission Possible is also the home of the United Nations’ physical presence at Expo 2020 Dubai, featured through a dedicated space – the UN Hub. Designed by AGI Architects, Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion was conceived as an expansive plaza to reflect its aim of providing a platform for social and cross-cultural engagement. Floating 32 metres above the ground, the pavilion’s canopy represents clouds, which are in constant transformation, and the dreams that we all aspire to achieve. A terracotta carpet covers the ground and the pavilion’s facade, which represents Earth.

Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

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Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

The experience at Mission Possible focuses on three key themes – water, food and energy (resources that were chosen as they are basic human needs and are part of the SDGs). These zones illustrate how unlocking opportunity at a local level can be used for the greater global good.

At the pavilion, visitors are guided through three parallel tracks – each representing one of the key themes – by three individuals whose innovative projects were implemented with minimal resources, yet had life-changing impacts.

Abel Cruz from Peru addresses water shortages through nets that harvest fog and turn it into water. UAE national Mariam Al Juneibi promotes sustainable farming and healthy eating practices while encouraging people to grow their own vegetables. Finally, Fatma Juma Haji, who has helped create sustainable energy in Zanzibar, where less than four percent of the population has access to electricity, teaches people how to harness solar energy by installing solar panels.

The Opportunity Pavilion addresses the most fundamental global challenges of our time The community members of each guide also share how their overall lives have improved following access to water, food and energy. This demonstrates the interdependency of different SDGs and how meeting basic human requirements unlocks other opportunities.

The thought-provoking experience concludes at the Pledge Room, an upside-down space that can be accessed through the canopy, where visitors are asked to commit to a course of action that will make a difference in their own and their community’s lives.

Building on the interactive journey at the pavilion, the UN Hub has provided a dynamic set of programmes to inform and engage visitors and also inspire them to take impactful action towards a thriving future for people and the planet by contributing to the SDGs. Meanwhile, Mission Possible also hosts Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Programme, which spotlights simple but effective initiatives linked to the SDGs that can be adapted, replicated or scaled for enhanced global impact. The Best Practice Area showcases the 50 projects supported under the programme, reiterating the message that collective action can and will result in a better world.

Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion

 expo2020dubai.com 41

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The world on your plate —— Savour some of the best dining experiences from around the world at these highly sought-after venues at Expo 2020 Dubai From quirky cafés to fine dining haunts, Expo 2020 Dubai’s expansive site is dotted with a host of venues for a memorable meal. Across the site’s pavilions and themed districts, you can expect a variety of culinary experiences, from street f lavours to inventive creations with a dash of Michelin f lair and everything in between.

Read on for our top picks of where to eat at Expo.

MUDRA

J U B I L E E GA S T RO N O MY

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—— Featuring gourmet geniuses with Michelin stars and the World’s 50 Best Restaurants titles under their belt, Jubilee Gastronomy overlooks Expo’s iconic Al Wasl Plaza, with the changing colours of Al Wasl Dome radiating through the elegant venue.

Against this mesmerising backdrop, diners are treated to a highly exclusive, ultraluxurious dining experience presented by some of the world’s most sought-after chefs.

Hosted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the chef’s table experience has brought – and continues to bring together – renowned culinary masters, while eager epicureans enjoy an intimate four-course lunch or a nine-course degustation dinner, paired perfectly with international wines.

Gourmands seeking the extraordinary can opt for the Jubilee Gastronomy VIP experience, which includes a meet and greet with the chef, a commemorative gift box and vouchers.  04 3509223 or  book.jubilee@gatesdxb.com



—— In the world of veganism, few have found success in the way that chef Matthew Kenney has. With his hands in multiple projects around the world – from Rhode Island to Riyadh – the celebrated culinary guru boasts more than 40 concepts internationally. Four of these venues are located at Expo 2020 Dubai alone and in the chef’s own words: “Each concept is quite different.”

Located on the rooftop of The Sustainability Pavilion, Mudra champions Kenney’s plant-based lifestyle through approachable cuisine. This means that diners can indulge in favourites like pizzas and burgers, minus the guilt – and in true gourmet fashion. One of the biggest menu highlights is Kenney’s novelty vegan Nikkei sushi, sure to impress even the most refined palates.  matthewkennycuisine.com

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C A FÉ M I L A N O

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—— Washington’s ultimate place to see and be seen now has an outpost at Expo 2020 Dubai. The original Café Milano f lagship – which is also at home at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi – opened its latest base in the heart of the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Mobility District. Back home, it is an institution renowned for its Italian hospitality and a hotspot for politicians, artists, celebrities and those who truly appreciate Italian f lavours, which makes it a must-visit for Dubai guests.

Offering authentic Italian cuisine, Café Milano weaves in culture, fashion, food, and above all, gracious hospitality into its gourmet offering. The menu changes daily and is curated by the in-house chefs, celebrating a variety of the finest Italian f lavours.  expo2020dubai.com

Expo 2020 Dubai’s expansive site is dotted with a host of dining venues for a memorable meal

A L I F C A FÉ

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—— Situated at the base of The Mobility Pavilion, Alif Café’s exquisite menu is inspired by the various cultures along the Silk Route. In keeping with the pavilion’s theme, visitors can sample spices and flavours from East to West to discover how ingredients travelled via the Silk Route and influenced global cuisines. The menu is curated by chef Jessica Queitsch – the founder of the homegrown Farm2Table concept – and paleoethnobotanist Dr. Richard Spengler, and shines a light on seasonal produce sourced from local farms in the UAE. Aside from the regular menu, chef Queitsch also hosts a series of exclusive chef’s table events at the venue. Epicureans will have the chance to sample the incredible produce that the UAE has to offer, with f lavours inspired by cities along the Silk Route. To read more about the chef’s culinary inspirations, turn to page 58.  farm2table.ae

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SHOP BOGHOSSIAN Highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, Swiss jeweller Boghossian is renowned for its avantgarde creations, fine craftsmanship and over 150 years of gemmological expertise. The family-run maison holds world records for the highest price-per-carat ever obtained for a Burmese ruby, the most expensive coloured diamond bracelet ever auctioned and the most valuable no-oil emerald necklace. This March, the Geneva-based atelier will be presenting its latest high jewellery collection at Art Dubai. Visitors can discover covetable earrings, pendants, rings and necklaces, which spotlight rare, precious stones set into distinctive designs that are sure to impress.  boghossianjewels.com

Carlos A. Rosillo

Keeping time ——

Watchmaker Bell & Ross has effortlessly combined French design with Swiss horology to create a label with universal appeal. Carlos A. Rosillo – one half of the brand’s creative duo – gives Concierge a behind-the-scenes look into the workings of the maison

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I N S I D E S T O RY/ RY / S H O P

BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire

The quartz crisis in the 1970s and 1980s almost brought the Swiss watchmaking industry to its knees, fueling great fears of its survival across Europe. At the turn of the 90s, however, Swiss horology began to claw its way back into the limelight. Also underway parallelly was a burgeoning watchmaking renaissance among Switzerland’s neighbours in Germany and France. Seeking to ride that wave, Parisian duo, Carlos A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich – who had been friends since the age of 15 – decided to embark on a journey to set up their own watchmaking company. And in 1992, Bell & Ross was born.

With an initial investment of US$20,000, Rosillo and Belamich combined their names to establish their watchmaking label, with Belamich serving as the creative force behind the brand while Rosillo drove new business. They were soon joined by legendary German watchmaker Helmut Sinn, who brought decades of experience manufacturing tool watches that went into space.

The duo first introduced their brand to the world at Baselworld in 1994. And since then, there has been no looking back. Today, 25 years on, the brand has achieved several accolades for its models and is regarded as a pioneering label in the field of military watches.

Read on as cofounder Carlos A. Rosillo tells us more about the maison’s recent achievements.

Carlos A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich decided to set up their own watchmaking company, and in 1992, Bell & Ross was born

BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire

Bell & Ross recently launched two new models. Tell us about the BR 05 Horolum.

“Both are boutique limited editions. The BR 05 Horolum – limited to 250 pieces – adopts more urban and more mineral references. Its lines and finish draw on contemporary architecture, and it pays homage to the minimalist and technical forms of modern buildings. Thanks to its minimalist design, the watch is hyper-readable. The finish is sophisticated and the lines are simple which highlight the essential elements on the dial. Micro-blasted steel is used to dress the case, which gives it a modern look and a unique purity.”

And what was the inspiration behind the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire?

“The skull has been interpreted in many ways, and, at Bell & Ross, it is a symbol of courage, strength and exploration. We broke traditional watchmaking codes when we first introduced the skull and this time, we wanted to present a different skull to the market. Produced in a very limited edition of 10 pieces, the design of the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire is far from the vintage style usually associated with the skull as we wanted the watch to establish itself in contemporary modernity.”

Tell us more about the watch.

“Bell & Ross worked hard to achieve the clear lustre and elegant transparency of the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire. Compounded by the brute force of the material, the aesthetic features of the timepiece merge several technologies together. The automaton pushes our boundaries for high-end watchmaking and creates a surprise when activated. Each element of the watch is structured in the form of countless facets that sculpt the surfaces, create volume and draw a three-dimensional picture.

While the dial is transparent, it is only by turning the watch over that we discover the movement through its sapphire crystal case back. It is a showcase of workmanship and opens up a whole new Haute Horlogerie world for the brand, which is something we are leaning toward.”

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Bell & Ross has had a strong aviation identity since the brand’s inception. Has the focus shifted since then?

“Bell & Ross takes pride in its design, creativity and singularity. We have stayed true to ourselves from day one. We have a consistent and coherent message and are clear about our direction, design and target audience. This will never change. But we are constantly evolving. One of our proudest achievements and the best example of this is the Instrument BR 01, which comes from the simple idea of turning a cockpit instrument panel clock into a wristwatch. This piece continuously evolved without losing its original identity. Also, in 2019, we marked a new milestone for the brand with the launch of BR 05, which we consider the second revolution in the history of Bell & Ross after the launch of the BR 01 in 2005. The BR 05 keeps all the essential characteristics of the BR 01 in its identity and DNA but is complete with a sporty yet chic touch for urban explorers. Also, in recent years, we developed and created exclusive timepieces aimed at collectors and lovers of Haute Horlogerie. This shows that we are constantly growing and evolving. We are bound to renew ourselves each year and this is a very inspiring exercise for us.”

What inspires every new collection at Bell & Ross?

“We are driven by bold creativity, a constant pursuit of performance and precision. Since the very beginning, the world of aeronautics has remained our main source of inspiration. Our collections are built around four strong themes: air, land, sea and urban. We also admire the military values of utility and function. As such, the idea that an item – whether it is a garment or a tool – needs to be comfortable, useful and practical underscores every collection. We want our customers to feel at ease while wearing our watches, without too many constraints.”

BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire

BR 05 Chrono White Hawk

What is more important: form following function or function following form?

“Form follows function, always! Each detail has a purpose and a function.

Our timepieces perfectly illustrate this motto, which is the founding axiom of design theory. The design is intended primarily to serve the function. A good watch always starts with a precise function as it needs to address a specific professional need. My associate Bruno Belamich has always been passionate about functionalist design and it became the pure essence of our brand. That is why all our creations are based on legibility, functionality, reliability and precision.”

BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire

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I N S I D E S T O RY / S H O P

BR 05 Horolum

“The idea that an item needs to be comfortable, useful and practical underscores every Bell & Ross collection” So how does Bell & Ross find the right balance between function and aesthetics?

“We focus on the essentials and leave no room for the superfluous. Every Bell & Ross watch is a utilitarian object with a timeless design. We always build on three key aspects: our approach, our method and our vision.

All our pieces are proof of the boundless creativity and inventiveness of our watchmakers. Our strength lies in our ability to take risks, react quickly and have a unique and recognisable look.”

The watchmaking world is getting increasingly digital; where do you see Bell & Ross headed?

“The fine Swiss watch market is about innovation, passion, exclusivity and eternity while connected watches are more about innovation and technology, but they are temporary. Mechanical watches are part of the concept of longevity as they gain value over time, can be passed down to the next generation and still have a bright future ahead of them.

Beyond the financial aspect, it is much more philosophical to me, between the digital world and the craftsmanship sphere. We must consider the connected watch as a complementary product to traditional timepieces.

There is room for two after all!”

Discover more at the Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons boutique at The Dubai Mall  04 3398821 or  bellross.com

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Spring fling

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——— Browse our exclusive edit of key items to covet and the trendiest pieces for Spring 2022

1 / O S C A R D E L A R E N TA Spring/Summer 2022 collection  ounass.ae 2 / MAX MARA Trench coat, Price on request  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3549502  The Dubai Mall, 04 3882070 3 / VERSACE La Medusa leather tote bag, Price on request  The Dubai Mall, 04 3850929  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 4124070 4 / GIVENCHY Pumps, Price on request  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3549502  The Dubai Mall, 04 5146690 5 / AQUAZZURA Temptation crystal sandals, AED4,350  Level Shoes, The Dubai Mall, 800 5383573 6 / RUSLAN BAGINSKIY Chain strap wide brim boater hat, AED3,119  Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888

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7 / MASSIMO DUTTI Asymmetric two-piece dress, AED859  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3413151  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6417458 8 / DSQUARED2 Heart necklace, AED697  The Dubai Mall, 04 3398709  Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888 9 / DOLCE & GABBANA DG logo clutch, Price on request  The Dubai Mall, 04 3308566  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6743711 10 / S E R A P I A N Spring/Summer 2022 collection  net-a-porter.com 11 / D O L C E & G A B B A N A Boots, Price on request  The Dubai Mall, 04 3308566  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6743711

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12 / S A LVAT O R E F E R R A G A M O Reversible and adjustable Gancini belt, AED190  ounass.ae

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

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Our star buy GUERLAIN Rouge G Legendary Reds collection, AED167 With the Rouge G Legendary Reds collection, Guerlain celebrates its heritage.

The collection reinterprets three iconic reds of yesteryear in two emblematic finishes to form six new shades of lipsticks, available in new velvet cases.  Sephora, The Dubai Mall, 04 3399828

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Haute hues ——— Step into the season in style with our top picks of must-have clothing and accessories this spring

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1 / ROI DU LAC Shirt, Price on request  The Gate Avenue Mall, 04 3333960 2 / NICK FOUQUET Fedora, Price on request  Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888 3 / MONTBLANC Great Masters Calligraphy collection Meisterstück 146, Price on request  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3414451  Marina Mall, 02 6812529 4 / R O B E RT O C AVA L L I Uomo Intense eau de parfum, golden anniversary edition, AED470 for 100ml  Sephora, The Dubai Mall, 04 3399828 5 / DSQUARED2 Sneakers, Price on request  The Dubai Mall, 04 3398709  Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888

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6 / BERLUTI Viaggio canvas and leather travel bag, AED13,300  The Dubai Mall, 04 5016965

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7 / GUCCI Guilty Intense eau de toilette, AED350 for 50ml  ounass.ae 8 / DOLCE & GABBANA iPhone case, Price on request  The Dubai Mall, 04 3308566  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6743711 9 / B O S S X R U S S E L L AT H L E T I C Ribbed beanie hat with exclusive logo, AED340  The Dubai Mall, 04 2438287  Mall of the Emirates, 04 2438292

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10 / GIVENCHY Sunglasses, Price on request  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3549502  The Dubai Mall, 04 5146690 11 / ELEVENTY Suede leather loafers with tassel, AED2,080  Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 4098888  Level Shoes, The Dubai Mall, 800 5383573 12 / COACH Spring 2022 collection  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3850876  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6351776 13 / MASSIMO DUTTI Cotton denim slim fit shirt, AED289  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3413151  The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 02 6417458

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

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Our star buy 

GIVENCHY G Zip bag, Price on request A lightweight yet strong and versatile statement bag for men, Givenchy’s new G Zip collection moves seamlessly from backpack to carryall, gym bag or weekender.  Mall of the Emirates, 04 3549502  The Dubai Mall, 04 5146690

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HUBLOT Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon watch Genevan marque Hublot has presented the first mechanical golf watch in orange carbon. A defining piece for golf enthusiasts developed in partnership with American golfer Dustin Johnson, the watch can keep track of your score over the course of an 18-hole round.

Through three apertures on the dial, it shows golfers which hole they are on, how many shots they have taken on that hole and their cumulative score for the round.  The Dubai Mall  04 3253334

BOUCHERON The New Maharajas collection In 1928, Maharajah Bhupinder Singh of Patiala commissioned the largest special

Pop of colour

order in the history of Place Vendôme.

———

next generation of jewellery lovers.

Attention-grabbing colours are among this year’s hottest horological and jewellery trends. Here, we present our top picks for the season

Now, nearly a century later, Boucheron’s director Claire Choisne pays homage to this treasure by creating this new collection featuring lavish designs for the  The Dubai Mall  04 3253029  The Galleria Al Maryah Island  02 6784567

BREITLING Navitimer In 1952, Willy Breitling developed a wristwatch that would allow pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations. Two years later, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) selected his design as its official timepiece. This partnership led to the creation of the Navitimer, whose original iteration bore the AOPA logo at 12 o’clock. And this year, the brand celebrates 70 years of this iconic timepiece.

Today, some of the brand’s most

Capture Light collection

sought-after collectors’ pieces are

These Capture Light rings intertwine perfectly, making them the ideal choice to mark

the vintage iterations and limited-

couples uniting. Pictured here is the Capture Light rose gold ring crafted in 18-carat

edition watches that showcase the association’s logo.  The Dubai Mall  04 3231129

CONC_FEB-MAR2022_SHOP_TIME_TO_SHINE 54

AKILLIS

rose gold with an asymmetrical cutout design. The white gold diamond ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and set with 0.39-carat diamonds.  The Dubai Mall  04 8740888  Mall of the Emirates  04 3413050

2/11/22 1:41 AM

TIME TO SHINE/ SHOP

J A E G E R - L E C O U LT R E Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds When the Reverso was first launched in the 1930s, the watchmaking world was dominated by silver dial pocket watches. Distinguishing itself from other watchmakers, Jaeger-LeCoultre was one of the only brands to offer timepieces with coloured dials. The latest iteration in 2021 – the 90th anniversary of the Reverso – comes in a green dial and pays homage to the colourful

PAT E K P H I L I P P E Advanced Research Fortissimo Limited to 15 pieces, this model extends the horizon of the brand’s chiming watches with a new mechanical sound amplifying system. It consists of a flexibly suspended sound lever and an oscillating wafer made of transparent sapphire-crystal glass to deliver clearly amplified sound of excellent acoustic quality.  The Dubai Mall  04 3398999

original models from 1931.  Mall of the Emirates  04 3218769

CHAUMET Torsade de Chaumet earrings As the first jeweller to open on the legendary Place Vendôme in 1812, Chaumet pays tribute to the origins of the maison with the Torsade de Chaumet collection. The designs are inspired by the movement of the frieze wrapping the Vendôme column, and it offers a modern take on the twist (or torsade in French) in an ode to movement and life.  Mall of the Emirates  04 3922541

C H O PA R D Rose of Caroline ring Acquired by Chopard and christened “Rose of Caroline” as a tribute to the woman who

T I F FA N Y Atlas X bangle

championed Haute Joaillerie at the

Traced with 200 round brilliant diamonds,

Genevan manufacturer, this special

this open hinged bangle is designed with an

stone has one of the rarest hues – “fancy intense” pink.  Mall of the Emirates

iconic knife-edge profile, a code of the house since the introduction of the Tiffany® Setting engagement ring in 1886.  The Dubai Mall  04 3398350

 04 3414545

H A R RY W I N S T O N Premier Valentine’s Flying Hearts Automatic 36mm watch Limited to 14 pieces, this new model has been selected to deliver Harry Winston’s joyous message of love in 2022. The many facets of love are portrayed by a bouquet of heart-shaped balloons made of precious gemstones and mother-of-pearl cabochons floating in an ethereal mother-of-pearl sky.  The Dubai Mall  04 3398972 55

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TASTE HOI AN Experience a true taste of Vietnam at Hoi An, nestled within the stunning surrounds of Shangri-La Dubai.

Named after the UNESCO-listed fishing port in Southeast Asia, the venue serves up authentic cuisine from the land of the blue dragon.

Diners are invited to embark on a journey through the vibrant country w it h su mpt uous del icacies a nd mouthwatering f lavours on the à la carte menu. The restaurant’s brunch offering, available every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, is equally enticing, with sharing platters of traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy. 04 4052703  hoiandubai.com

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A sustainable approach ——— While you can journey around the world through Expo 2020 Dubai’s culinary offerings, Alif Café, helmed by chef Jessica Queitsch, at the Mobility Pavilion, will make you feel right at home with handmade cultural staples prepared using fresh, local produce

Spiced chana masala on toasted flatbread

Chef Jessica Queitsch

Rose and pistachio rice pudding

With local, organic produce gaining ground in the UAE, there are a handful of entrepreneurs and culinary gurus silently at work behind the scenes. One of the exciting concepts championing this sustainable approach to food is Farm2Table, helmed by husband and wife duo, Humaid Al Remeithi and chef Jessica Queitsch. Their venture, Alif Café, made waves at the Expo 2020 Dubai site since it opened its doors in October, shining a light on dishes from cultures along the Silk Route, all cooked with produce grown by local artisanal farmers. We recently spoke to chef Jessica who shared the inspiration behind her sustainable approach to food.

What inspired you to become a chef?

“My inspiration for cooking came at a young age. I was trying to find an outlet for my creative, artistic passion, and playing around in the kitchen became something that had everything I was looking for. I enjoyed being active, surrounded by all the sights, sounds and smells of a busy kitchen. It was also something I could do solo, like starting my own catering company at the age of 15 from my mother’s kitchen or working in the Parisian kitchens where I was located at the time.”

You champion real, healthy food made with local, organic produce; was this always your culinary philosophy and what inspired you to take on this approach to food?

“Spending my teenage and early adult years in France made an impact on the way I saw food and produce. France is against using GMOs and is strict when it comes to pesticides. They put local, organic produce on a pedestal, which definitely rubbed off on me. When I arrived in the UAE, I noticed there was little talk about local produce and so much was imported. I am really happy to see the trend for sourcing local catching on in the last few years. We, at Farm2Table, are trying to widen the scope for that availability from the smaller heritage farms to consumers and suppliers.”

Tell us about your Farm2Table concept.

“Farm2Table came very naturally from the fusion between my husband and me, with me being a chef and having that passion for wholesome, nutritional food and my husband, who was involved with his family farms and seems to have an endless supply of creative ideas. We both have so much love and respect for this country and we are very proud to be a

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

part of this movement towards sustainable practices in the agricultural and F&B sectors. Both these sectors need to be hand in hand working together – this is key in our minds.”

Tell us more about your venue Alif Café at Expo 2020 Dubai and what can diners look forward to when they visit?

“Alif Café is located in the Mobility District, which plays a huge role as it gave the theme to the restaurant: The Silk Road. Diners can find so many different cultures coming together through a wide array of dishes, and there is something for everyone. We are spread across two f loors: a Grab&Go on the ground f loor located right at the exit of the Mobility Exhibit and then an à la carte venue upstairs with wonderful views of the Expo Mobility Gate. It’s just a lovely place to visit any time of the day.”

Yellow sunshine salad

Beef samosas

Any must-try dishes on the menu?

“We have an Arabic tiramisu made with dates and sweetened with date syrup. Also on the menu is an incredible Afghani dish called chainaki, which is a slow-cooked lamb dish full of aromatic f lavours. Another favourite is the dukkah-crusted prawns served with mushroom orzo.”

“The UAE is one of my biggest inspirations because all the nationalities you find here are reflected in its dining scene” At Alif Café, you are spotlighting cuisines and cultures along the Silk Route. What drove this approach?

“I was very happy when I learnt of this theme as it pushed me out of my usual habits in the kitchen and gave me a window into so many different cultures and cuisines. I studied Afghani food and culture (which has become my absolute favourite) as well as Uzbek, Turkish, Iranian and Pakistani. I loved being able to learn all about China, and not just the classic Han food but the Nepali, Uyghur and Mongolian inf luences on the different regions, and then share this incredible information at each chef’s table event at Alif Café. Coming from a melting pot of cultures myself, I feel like I fit right in with the caravanserais of the Silk Road.”

Alif Café

Walk us through your process of experimenting with ingredients and coming up with new recipes.

“I have been blessed enough to travel to quite a few countries and I love soaking up new cultures and cuisines as I go along. My cooking is a ref lection of the different techniques and skills I picked up along my journey. The UAE is also one of my biggest inspirations because all the different nationalities and inf luences you can find here are ref lected in its dining scene.”

After Expo 2020 Dubai wraps up, what’s on your agenda?

“My husband and I have been bouncing ideas back and forth as we want to connect our experiences to the farm. We have a lot of different services that we already offer, including private catering, menu creation as well as linking small local suppliers and businesses with consumers and dining outlets. And if we end up creating another brick and mortar project, we want to make sure that the location suits the brand.”

Visit  farm2table.ae for more information.

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Taste 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 homemade Italian staples, these gourmet experiences are at the top of our list

Deseo

If you’re seeking creative ways to satiate your wanderlust without leaving terra firma, a visit to Deseo at the Zaha Hadid-designed ME Hotel is just the escape you need. Resembling a secret botanical garden in the heart of the sandy city – with lush, palmfringed interiors and tropical vibes radiating through the room – the venue serves up a riot of Latin American flavours with a playful twist. Rest assured you’ll be pleased with what you discover!

While you soak up the ambience, sip your way through Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico and the rest of South America with handcrafted libations that showcase the best of Latin culture.

Then, treat yourself to a selection of dishes from the carefully crafted menu that blends traditional and modern tastes. All recipes are deeply rooted in different Latin American cultures, and, with generous portions, each of these is best shared.

Try the maiz maiz corn delicacy or the avocado guacamole to start with, and for mains, move on to the soft-shell taquitos or the sweet and smoky eggplant. For dessert, the showstopper is Deseo’s piña colada, served on a dry-ice platter with coconut and vanilla ice cream placed inside a pineapple. 04 5252500

Piña colada

/ Latin American flair

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

Future 50 kofta

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

Cinnamon Bazaar

/ Spice trail

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Fassona Piemontese

/ Taste of Italy

Travel to Tuscany and back with an evening at one of Dubai’s favourite Italian restaurants.

Splendido at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai feels quite like Italy itself, with its inviting ambience, quaint setting and home-style delights served up with a refined twist.

The menu showcases the very best of Italy with culinary creations that include homemade pastas, fresh seafood and rich desserts. Diners can sample a curated selection of regional dishes such as mushroom risotto, black ink taglioni, ravioli filled with ricotta, chestnut pappardelle with beef ragout and more. Truffle lovers will be delighted to find an array of dishes infused with the earthy flavours of this fine ingredient, with the truffle pizza and mushroom tortelli among the highlights.

With this idyllic combination of fine fare and stunning surrounds, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed in the heart of Italy.  04 3994000

Tagliatelle ai funghi trifolati

Capesante scottate alla plancia

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

Sour cherry kebab

Grilled king prawns

Ashtaliye and chocolate millefeuille

/ Traditional fusion

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

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CHEERS! Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is now home to a brand-new contemporary cocktail bar. Located on the iconic hotel’s 27th floor, Gilt invites guests to enjoy the vibrant ambience, while the venue’s skilled bartenders create inventive drinks.

The cocktail menu is curated by acclaimed mixologist Thibault Mequignon, and while guests sip on his bespoke creations, they can also enjoy a selection of exquisite small bites from Michelin-starred chef Saverio Sbargali’s. Designed for sharing, these fresh and flavourful dishes are specially curated to enlighten refined palates.  04 4323232

Great plates ——

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

B L E N D E D TA S T E S Levantine flavours meet modern Mediterranean tastes at Cleo, Hyde Hotel Dubai’s upscale eatery. Here, familiar recipes are enhanced with creative twists inspired by culinary traditions from Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Greece and Italy. If you’re looking to sample the best of the menu, Cleo’s Saturday brunch is just the experience for you. Diners can enjoy a selection of sharing platters and decadent mains with free-flowing beverages.  04 8711013

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

New in town Anása

Discover Greek delights at the newly-opened Anása restaurant at Conrad Dubai. Serving up fresh, simple and delicious food, the venue’s flavours and intimate setting nod to the laidback lifestyle of the Aegean.  050 9699820

Bar Du Port Bar Du Port is bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to Dubai Harbour with a menu that draws from the charm of the Ligurian Riviera, the glamour of the French Riviera and the simplicity

T H A I TA S T E Savour the spice and tang of Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, located at the newly-opened Centara Mirage Dubai. Mixing Thai culinary traditions with contemporary flair, Suan Bua

of the Greek islands, all wrapped in one.  052 3888849

spotlights the kingdom’s latest food trends, while also presenting an eclectic mix of Asian

Tamoka

dishes, including sushi and key staples from Hong Kong.  04 5229999

A brand-new beach bar and restaurant on the golden sand of LUNCH BREAK

Dubai’s JBR Beach, Tamoka takes its inspiration from Latin America, with

Make weekday lunches even

a special focus on the cuisines of the

more exciting with a visit to DIFC’s

Caribbean and the Antillean islands.

favourite hangout, Amazonico.

 04 3186099

The venue’s new business lunch offering – Japazonico – is available from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm, and features a three-course set menu with fresh salads, sushi, sashimi and nigiri. The selection showcases Amazonico’s signature tropical flair with dishes that blend premium ingredients from Latin America and Asia.  04 5713999

SHOWTIME The London Cabaret Club has arrived at Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah with their award-winning show – London Never Dies.

Guests can enjoy this immersive musical journey while sampling

B R E A K FA S T D O N E R I G H T

the venue’s culinary flair with a

Begin your day on a high note with breakfast at Gastro Kitchen at DoubleTree

selection of dining packages that

by Hilton Jumeirah Beach. Against the backdrop of JBR Beach and Ain Dubai,

include gourmet specialities paired

the venue is offering a bubbly breakfast special, with two hours of free-flowing

with premium beverages.

bubbly and access to the hotel’s breakfast buffet. You'll definitely find us here!

 054 2335555

 055 1668092

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ESCAPES BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX The 2022 F I A Formula 1 World Championship kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 18.

The motorsport extravaganza will take place at Bahrain International Circuit in the heart of the Sakhir desert, marking the first of 23 rounds in the new season. The 2022 race will be the fourth time that the Formula 1 season will have started in Bahrain as the opening race was previously held in Sakhir in 2006, 2010 and in 2021.

The upcoming event also marks the 18th edition of the kingdom’s 57-lap race and its ninth at night under Bahrain International Circuit’s stateof-the-art floodlights.  formula1.com

Porto Montenegro

A luxurious escape —— Located in the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, Porto Montenegro combines a spectacular lifestyle destination with a world-class, full-service marina and a luxury residential village offering premium real estate in the Mediterranean

Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro

Kotor

Porto Montenegro

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Sitting on your balcony with your morning coffee, you gaze across the tranquil marina, home to rows of sparkling yachts, and the sleepy mountains in the distance. As the sun rises, bathing Montenegro in a riot of colours, the village surrounding you comes to life, yet, within its heart, the boulevards remain almost silent, there’s no traffic and people stroll leisurely. The pace is slow; the peace is absolute. This is Porto Montenegro and the community’s slogan, “a life less ordinary”, couldn’t be more fitting.

Founded some 15 years ago by a consortium of visionary developers, Porto Montenegro is set in the spectacularly beautiful Bay of Kotor on the country’s Adriatic coast. From its historic origins as a naval base, it has gradually transformed into an exquisite waterfront destination, with low-rise apartment buildings, tree-lined pedestrian walkways and an array of chic boutiques, restaurants and cafés outlining the breathtaking superyacht marina.

It was once exclusive – a secret hub of sorts – among yachting aficionados across Europe. And now, as jet-setters continue to add Montenegro to their list of must-see destinations, the locale has risen in popularity, with the world waiting to discover its shores.

Thanks to the country’s rugged natural beauty, warm hospitality and slower pace of life, most people who visit are tempted by the prospect of purchasing a holiday home – or even securing a permanent base – in Porto Montenegro; their confidence strengthened in the knowledge that its world-class amenities make it a sound financial investment.

Porto Montenegro is set in the spectacularly beautiful Bay of Kotor on the country’s Adriatic coast Against the backdrop of steadily rising property values, the stability of the Euro, very low-tax policies and a business-friendly regime, Porto Montenegro has become a vibrant and cosmopolitan residential community, as well as a year-round destination. For families, there is an international school that offers the IB curriculum; and for business people, the South village offers a variety of attractive offices for rent.

The last few years have seen buyers moving into one of Porto Montenegro’s recently completed buildings, where a limited number of residences are still available, while many are looking to soon move into the Boka Place neighbourhood, set to complete in 2023.

Set directly on the quayside, Regent Pool Club Residences comprises two wings – Baia and Aqua. Designed in sleek, contemporary style and linked at podium level by an expansive terrace with swimming pools, the residences feature light-filled spaces and sweeping views of the sea or mountains. Owners have access to all services and amenities of the fivestar Regent Porto Montenegro.

Just a few steps from the waterfront, Elena Residences is a sophisticated addition to Porto Montenegro, with well-planned interiors featuring expansive terraces and beautiful views of the sea or mountains. Owners are offered a comprehensive menu of services and also receive automatic membership to the exclusive Owners’ Club, with its dedicated lifestyle team and portfolio of special privileges.

It’s very easy to fall under the spell of Porto Montenegro: it has a special, indefinable magic that goes beyond its spectacular natural surroundings and offers a sense of complete serenity that is increasingly valuable, yet even harder to find, in today’s world. And that makes the prospect of a home in Porto Montenegro hard to resist.  portomontenegro.com

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Balkan beauty —— With majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and lush landscapes, Montenegro proves that good things come in small packages Once shadowed by the more popular European tourist hotspots, Montenegro has gradually worked its way into the limelight. This tiny Balkan paradise covers only 300 kilometres of the continent, yet its marvels are mighty. Dramatic mountainside scenery outlines the country’s northern belt while the southern coast stuns with dazzling beaches. And with locals who love to feed, it all comes together as a truly memorable escape.

The country’s unique offering is bursting at the seams. Backpackers will be delighted with the numerous hiking opportunities available in the country’s Durmitor National Park while beachgoers can soak up the Adriatic sun on some of Europe’s best beaches. Those keen to mix adventure and leisure will find a road trip around the country appealing, starting from the sun-kissed port of Kotor and concluding with thrilling pursuits in the northern town of Zabjlak.

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Our Lady of the Rocks

Brooding mountains running along the Bay of Kotor give this town an almost laidback feel, yet Kotor is anything but that. The bustling city streets by day and buzzing mood by night seem juxtaposed against the city’s medieval architecture.

Eager to acquaint ourselves a little more with the local vibe, we began our journey with a visit to Kotor’s Old Town Square. A maze of museums, churches, art galleries, street food stalls, cafés, clubs and shops selling all manner of trinkets, it is here where you can truly feel the city’s pulse.

A little further down the street from the Old Town Square lies one of the city’s biggest highlights – the Castle of San Giovanni, a 19th-century fortress that towers 1,200 metres above the city. Although it’s a rigorous walk up to the top (approximately 1,350 steps), we were accompanied by several other travellers on our

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Dramatic mountains outline the north, while the southern coast stuns with dazzling beaches journey, eager to capture a stunning shot with the Montenegrin flag perched at its highest point, where panoramas of the entire city unfold before you. Although the ramparts appeared dilapidated in several places, the fortress itself was remarkably well preserved – it was almost like journeying back in time.

We decided to reward our three-hour effort of hiking up the fortress with a lazy evening by the beach. Jazz Beach, located 20 minutes away from Kotor, is one of the largest sandy stretches in Montenegro and also incredibly popular, which, for us, meant that there was not a single empty spot in sight on the sand.

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Day two in Montenegro took us close to the southern tip of the country, where, in the tiny town of Stari Bar, a 2,000-year-old olive tree is still standing strong.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer aside from this living piece of heritage, but history buffs will love the medieval architecture with olden-style houses and cobbled streets.

From Stari Bar, the capital city of Podgorica can be easily accessed. It might not be as vibrant as Kotor, but it’s home to one of the country’s most stunning sights – Niagara Falls. While the attraction might not resemble its namesake – the thundering cascades found in Canada – it is beautiful in its own right. During your visit, you are likely to come across local families setting up a picnic by the stream. There’s also a restaurant, called Niagara, serving delicious local staples with tables set along the river for wonderful views.

On our way back to Kotor, we took a slighter longer (albeit scenic) detour for a photo stop along Skadar Lake. The largest lake in Southern Europe, the views are best found up the winding road just before descending down to the lake, from where you can see the border of Albania. It gets eerily quiet after sunset and with no streetlights to guide you back down the mountainous road, it’s better to plan Lake Skadar as an early stop.

Our third day in Montenegro took us further north with multiple stops along the way to explore the country’s most prominent tourist attractions. We started out towards Mount Lovcen, where the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš,

an early 19th-century ruler of Montenegro, lies at its peak. Then, we drove up to the highest point possible and from there, it was a 460-stair climb to the summit.

While the imposing structure itself is a stunning architectural marvel built in black stone and marble, it’s the views from the top that are equally worth your attention.

From this point, we continued on our journey further north with a stop in the central town of Zeta. It is here that you will find one of the world’s most visited religious sites among Orthodox Christians. Resting almost miraculously in a cliff face 900 metres above the Zeta valley, the gleaming white Ostrog Monastery is a true Montenegrin symbol. Such is its legacy that even nonbelievers commonly “swear to Ostrog” when promising to do something.

Sectioned into two parts, the lower monastery has vivid frescoes which were created in the 17th century and from here, pilgrims usually walk barefoot up the steep road to the upper monastery, which clings to the face of the cliff that it is

Dotted with glacial lakes, dizzying canyons and limestone peaks, Zabljak is one of nature’s finest masterpieces Bay of Kotor

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Lovcen National Park

F E AT U R E/ E / ES C A P ES

built within. Its creation still remains a mystery as no one has been able to figure out how the structure was built. In fact, it gives the impression that it has grown out of the rock, which adds to its intrigue.

Finally, we set out on a stretch towards our new base in the sleepy town of Zabljak. Dotted with glittering glacial lakes, dizzying canyons and limestone peaks piercing the clouds at 2,000 metres, this sleepy town is one of Mother Nature’s truest masterpieces. Its biggest highlight is Durmitor National Park, which sprawls out generously over the entire town and runs along the boundary of the Durmitor mountain range, which lures expert hikers in search of adventurous pursuits.

For beginners, like us, there were several smaller, well-marked trails in the national park, some traversing lower peaks, a few others boasting high chances of encounters with brown bears and wolves. But with no inclination whatsoever to make new furry friends (or potentially turn into their food), we decided to trek the easiest and most scenic route on our first day in this new town.

The main walking path in Durmitor National Park begins and ends at the entry point to the Black Lake (or Crno Jezero as it’s locally known). Being tucked away in the heart of a conifer forest gives this glacial lake its striking emerald colour. Spanning over three kilometres, the path took us a little less than two hours to complete.

Park benches, placed at various points along the trail, offered momentary relief from navigating the undulating terrain while doubling up as vantage points to stop and admire the breathtaking landscape. We playfully indulged every impulse to pick up strewn pinecones, steered kayaks down the lake and also witnessed a local memorial service by the banks.

Barring a handful of cosy cafés that serve up delicious local staples, the town almost comes to a standstill after sunset. But we were pleasantly surprised to

Kotor

discover that Zabljak is the country’s hub for adventure sports. Fitting, once you learn that it is home to Tara Canyon, which is Europe’s deepest canyon. Tara River, on the eastern edge of the National Park, pierces through the mountain to form this 1,300-metre-deep gorge. The stunning cascades of green running along the edges of the mountain are best viewed from the Tara Bridge that arches over the canyon. But for those who like taking in scenic sights with a side of thrills (much like my travel partner), zip lining and rafting are two popular activities offered here.

Following three eventful days in the north, which filled our diaries with new hiking adventures, zip lining expeditions and rafting excursions, we returned to Kotor on our last day in the country. With one last evening on our itinerary, some well-deserved relaxation was on the cards, which we accomplished by checking into a plush beachside retreat in Porto Montenegro to wrap up our visit in style.

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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 AED480 per person. Enjoy all-day beach and pool access, and also get dining credit worth AED420, 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 LE C TI ON

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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TH E LA S T W OR D

Beyond Wellness Sophia Bakkal and Rachel Dowes, co-founders of Beyond Wellness, share the inspiration behind the amazing work they do in the region and beyond in the realm of holistic wellbeing

Living in Dubai for the last 11 years, we have fallen in love with the city and it has become home to our families. While we have travelled and worked all over the world, there are few places we would rather be. The UAE is such a diverse cultural melting pot, rich with opportunities, especially in the wellness arena. We’ve both worked in the UAE’s corporate world, experiencing six- to seven-day working weeks ourselves and we’ve seen expats doing the same to support their families while living away from them. But we are now witnessing a shift. It is wonderful to see both individuals and the businesses they work for beginning to make wellness a priority. And what better environment to do so than the UAE. Here, we’ve hosted wellness retreats beside the ocean and also under the desert stars. Unlike other places around the world, the concept of wellbeing retreats is relatively new here, so the impact and personal transformations we witness with our guests are often so much more dramatic. This makes our work very rewarding.

Beyond Wellness is inspired by our personal transformation journeys over more than 15 years. Having explored close to a hundred renowned retreats around the world, it became clear that the majority of these focus on the physical being while forgetting that the spiritual, emotional and mental health aspects are equally important. Furthermore, while many retreats felt hugely transformative at the time, the crucial long-term support and community element beyond the retreat was missing and so it became easy to slip back into the old habits. Hence, Beyond Wellness was born.

An entirely new concept, we offer a 360-degree mind, body and spirit experience encompassing physical, mental and spiritual wellness in its entirety. With a supportive global community and a team of wellness experts, we are always on hand to support our clients not only during but also after the retreat.

Beyond the UAE, our retreats are set in some of the world’s most tranquil locations. We believe that being close to nature is important for self-healing, so all our experiences are held within natural beauty. Our Maldives retreat is the most popular simply because there’s nothing quite like seeing dolphins swimming by during a yoga session or meditating at night on the beach and witnessing bioluminescent plankton lighting up the ocean.

In the UAE, our three-day programme is the most popular. Since the natural environment is so important for healing, our last retreats were hosted within the stunning surrounds of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, on the lush grounds of Park Hyatt Dubai and by the seaside at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. All our guests are treated to a three-day wellness programme, where they get to relax, unwind, connect with themselves and each other within a fivestar environment and participate in a selection of transformational activities, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, life coaching, hypnotherapy, integrative energy healing or crystal healing.

The pandemic has brought about a dramatic rise in the levels of stress, anxiety and depression. With the current climate and with personal health on everybody’s mind, wellness tourism has become popular. And with travel on the rise once again, we are gearing up to cater to an unprecedented demand for wellness travel.  beyondwellness-group.com

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Sophia Bakkal & Rachel Dowes Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

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