Dubai Quarterly December 2015

DECEmbEr / january / fEbruary 2016

a winning combination

The perfect mix of culinary and retail surprises as Dubai gears up for its citywide shopping and food festivals the reel Deal 36

Movie mania takes a hold in the run up to the city’s international film festival

strike a pose 40

slow down, chill out and embrace all things holistic at the inaugural XYoga

tiMe travel 48

We trace Dubai’s rapid growth as the Uae celebrates its 44th year

PUBLISHED BY MOTIVATE PUBLISHER CHRIS CAPSTICK GROUP EDITOR – BUSINESS DEAN CAROLL

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DEC – FEB 2016

GROUP EDITOR – CONNECT GUIDO DUKEN DEPUTY EDITOR – CONNECT VISHWAS KULKARNI

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SENIOR ASSIGNMENTS EDITOR INGRID VALLES ART DIRECTOR SHARON FERNANDES GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION S SUNIL KUMAR REGIONAL MANAGER BIRESHWAR MITRA FOR DTCM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS CHARLIE TAYLOR CTAYLOR@DUBAITOURISM.AE DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AND ADVERTISING MOZA AL YOUHA MYOUHA@DUBAITOURISM.AE CHIEF EDITOR KERRY BAGGOTT KBAGGOTT@DUBAITOURISM.AE

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MARKETS

The A-Z of Dubai’s lesser known retail gems

Dubai has a medley of alfresco marketplaces that fit the bill

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OVERSEAS OFFICES AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND dtcm_aus@dubaitourism.ae

SHOPPING

FOOD

CHEF TALK

There's a always a restaurant to suit every palate and occassion

Meet four chefs who give Dubai food culture that multicultural zing

BRAZIL AND SOUTH AMERICA dtcm_brazil@dubaitourism.ae DTCM CHINA (BEIJING) dtcm_beijing@dubaitourism.ae DTCM CHINA (CHENGDU) dtcm_chengdu@dubaitourism.ae

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DTCM CHINA (GUANGZHOU) dtcm_guangzhou@dubaitourism.ae DTCM CHINA (SHANGHAI) dtcm_shanghai@dubaitourism.ae FAR EAST dtcm_hk@dubaitourism.ae FRANCE AND BENELUX dtcm-france@dubai.fr GERMANY dtcm_ge@dubaitourism.ae INDIA dtcm_in@dubaitourism.ae ITALY dtcm_it@dubaitourism.ae JAPAN dtcm_ja@dubaitourism.ae MIDDLE EAST, GCC & SUB CONTINENT mana.alsuwaidi@dubaitourism.ae NORDIC COUNTRIES dtcm_sca@dubaitourism.ae NORTH AMERICA dtcm_usa@dubaitourism.ae RUSSIA, CIS AND BALTIC STATES dtcm_cis@dubaitourism.ae SOUTH AFRICA ralbahesh@dubaitourism.ae SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA k.alserkal@dubaitourism.ae

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THE REEL DEAL

YOGA FESTIVAL

GREAT OUTDOORS

TIME TRAVEL

DIFF and the city's love affair with cinema

Dubai's first yoga and holistic festival

Don your trainers and mount your bikes

Dubai's 44 years of achieving milestones

ELSEWHERE

4 CALENDAR This season’s events revealed. Got your tickets?

6 NEW AND NOW New outposts, offerings and openings 8 AROUND TOWN Keep up with what’s on and what’s in 10 EXPLORE Deira’s pleasurable facets 13 #MYDUBAI Dubai through the eyes of its creative residents 14 #MYDUBAI POSTS Candid moments captured in the emirate 54 TABLE TALK Catch up with the Marina Social chef 56 PICTURE THIS History of Henna 58 A LOOK AHEAD Plan your next few months

U.K. AND IRELAND dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae

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Forsake the malls and head to Zabeel Park on Fridays for THE RIPE FOOD & CRAFT MARKET.

With more than 100 passionate local businesses – including foodies, artisans, designers, jewellers, entertainers and live acoustic musicians – you will be busy.

DECEMBER [2015] If it flies, it’s there.

Skydiving, glider aerobatics, hang gliding, gyrocopters and other aeronautical disciplines feature at the FAI WORLD AIR GAMES at Skydive Dubai in Al Sufouh from 1-12 December.

rugby is great, but the carnival atmosphere around the pitches is even better.

stars, critics and film buffs from Hollywood, Bollywood to Nollywood and everywhere in between.

International, regional and local films take centre stage, while Cinema for Children entertains the younger ones.

(See page 39)

Couch potatoes and serious cyclists tackle 92km of the city’s finest roads at the SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLING CHALLENGE . More than 2,000 riders will start at the Autodrome on 11 December.

MURPHY’S LEGACY – IRISH DANCE REBORN is an epic

The UAE takes National Day seriously. The 44th NATIONAL DAY celebrations on 2 December will be filled with car parades, fireworks, record attempts and much more across the emirate.

This year’s theme is Spirit of the Union. (See page 48) ANIMATE DUBAI is the Middle East’s first international animation film festival.

Besides film screenings, artists and animators will be vying for awards from 3-5 December at D3 (Dubai Design District).

Don your wigs and put on your crazy outfits as the 46th EMIRATES AIRLINE DUBAI RUGBY SEVENS kicks off at The Sevens Stadium from 3-5 December. The 4

dance performance that brings a battle of styles and a clash of colours.

Chris Hannon from Lord of the Dance joins forces with US dance sensation Zach Klingenberg and dance champion Kaila-Lee McManus. 11 December at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Flyboarding is an epic water sport where the rider uses the equivalent of a water jetpack to go as high as 15 metres while doing stunts.

The XDUBAI FLYBOARD WORLD CUP, from 3-5 December at Skydive Dubai in Al Sufouh, features the world’s best.

Treat your ears to something new as Emirates NBD Classics presents DASTAN ENSEMBLE . This Persian classical music group has performed with major philharmonic orchestras and appeared at festivals worldwide.

4 December at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

The red carpet is rolled out for the 12th DUBAI

The OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS tees off at the

Emirates Golf Club from 9-12 December. This seasonending Ladies European Tour event features the world’s top female golfers who compete for the prize pool of ¤500,000.

The world’s best badminton players converge at the BWF DUBAI WORLD SUPERSERIES

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at Madinat

Jumeirah from 9-16 December. The city’s most glamorous event attracts

FINAL at the Hamdan Sports Complex from 9-13 December. The BWF travels across 12 nations in 12 months and climaxes in Dubai.

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World Classical Music Series presents Russian pianist VAZGEN VARTANIAN, who is rated as one of the most gifted musicians of his generation and has earned rave reviews. He showcases his wide repertoire on 12 December at the One&Only Royal Mirage.

Fashion, beauty and wellbeing are central to the MODERN WOMAN SHOW, as is shopping and entertainment. More than 100 international exhibitors will showcase their wares at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17-19 December.

The Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse will be packed on 30 December as the south Indian community recognises some of the finest directors and actors at the glamorous INTERNATIONAL MALAYALAM FILM AWARDS.

December and 2015 end with a bang as fireworks light up the Dubai sky for NEW YEAR 2016. In 2014 Dubai broke the world record for the largest and longest fireworks display in the world, so expect something special.

The OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC , which is part of the

European Tour, tees off from 1-7 February at the Emirates Golf Club. Tiger Woods, Martin Kaymer, Henrik Stenson and many more golfing greats will fight for the $2.5 million prize pool.

Rory McIlroy will be playing to retain his title.

Swim, bike and run to the finish at the CHALLENGE DUBAI TRIATHLON . Held at the Jumeirah Beach Park in February (dates to be announced), the race sees athletes swim 1.9km followed by a 90km bike ride and finishes with a 21km run.

Photographers from all over the world converge at GULF PHOTO PLUS to share their

JANUARY [2016]

runs provide a challenge for all fitness levels.

Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz 1 hosts the QUOZ ARTS FEST from 22-23 January. It includes live art, murals, workshops, film screenings, gallery openings and live music performed and created by local talent.

Kick off the New Year at the DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL , the largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the Middle East. Prizes, bargains and special deals, as well as a variety of events and activities for the whole family, characterise this famous month-long bonanza. (See page 20) The roar of engines and the smell of burnt rubber will fill the Dubai Autodrome in Motor City as it hosts the HANKOOK 24H DUBAI endurance race from 14-16 January.

Put on your running shoes on 22 January for the STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI MARATHON , starting

at the Dubai Police Academy in Umm Suqueim.

Thousands of amateurs compete with top marathon runners at the world’s richest marathon.

The 3km, 10km and 42km

FEBRUARY [2016] knowledge and experience with amateurs. Many free workshops and activities are held for photography students. 5-12 February at the Dubai Knowledge Village.

The elite of men and women’s tennis battle it out in the DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

from 15-28 February at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis stadium. Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Novac Djokovic and Roger Federer are past winners of the Women’s and Men’s singles.

The EMIRATES AIRLINE DUBAI JAZZ FESTIVAL , or Jazz Fest as it is popularly known, boasts an undeniably great line-up of jazz, classical rock, indie rock, pop and urban musicians.

American rockers Toto and swing band Postmodern Jukebox have been confirmed for the event that runs from 24-26 February at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

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DUBAI SHOW JUMPING sees

Olympic medalists and the UAE’s brightest show jumping stars compete at the Emirates Equestrian Centre on the Dubai-Al Ain road. The three days of intense competition forms part of the region-wide Arab League. There’s a variety of family entertainment and activities including food and beverage stands, pony rides and other kids’ activities.

Time to put on your bib and enjoy the DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL’S mouth-watering delights. This monthlong event celebrates the diversity, creativity and multicultural nature of Dubai’s culinary scene and offers everything from five-star gourmet dining to food vans. 25 February - 12 March at various locations.

(See page 29) ◆

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NEW & NOW

There’s a flood of new, swanky hotels and culinary landmarks making their way to Dubai. Here’s a sample for all you lifestyle junkies….

EAT

DIN TAI FUNG Din Tai Fung, which hails from Taiwan, is a restaurant chain with some serious street cred at Mall of the Emirates. Its versions of Chinese snack food, such as dumplings, noodles, steamed buns and simple vegetable dishes, are flawless, as is its service.

The baskets of mouthwatering XiaoLongBao (steamed dumplings with meat or vegetable filling) have to be tried.

GARDEN AT JW MARRIOTT Although Peruvian food is currently the rage, Garden is actually a quirky, homegrown Dubai concept.

But the Peruvian flavours are 100 per cent authentic inside this atmospheric restaurant.

The Flavour of Peru menu is a journey through soups, classic ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos and much more.

Do try the Patagonian toothfish (white fish marinated in miso paste and escabeche sauce).

DINTAIFUNG.COM

JWMARRIOTTMARQUISDUBAILIFE.

POCO LOCO ON THE BEACH Founder and head chef Neil Witney visits Latin America regularly and this is reflected in his inspired dishes. Located at The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, this Aztec and Incan art decorated restaurant serves everything from guacamole and tacos to yellow fin tuna tiraditos, fried quail eggs and slow-cooked lamb barbacoa served with salsa pasilla and fresh tortillas.

The large menu and laidback ambience seal the deal.

FACEBOOK.COM/POCOLOCODUBAI

NOVIKOV AT SHERATON GRAND One of London’s finest restaurants has made the move to Dubai, and its famed Pan Asian cuisine has lost nothing along the way. The varied menu has everything from Tom Yum soup to sushi and duck tacos. The Lobster Tempura Maki Sushi is a must-have, as are the black cod rolls. The grilled fish, some of it freshly flown in from Portugal, is equally impressive.

NOVIKOV-DUBAI.COM

COM/DINING/GARDEN

WAKAME AT SOFITEL DOWNTOWN The décor is stylish and edgy, while the cuisine focuses on contemporary Asian. An innovative twist is the beverages that are handmade from seasonal fruit. The sushi is rated amongst Dubai’s finest, while the lobster tacos and wagyu sliders are also favourites. A DJ and an open area where the chefs work their magic round off the experience.

SOFITEL-DUBAI-DOWNTOWN.COM

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SLEEP

IBIS STYLES DUBAI JUMEIRA This three-star hotel is located in Dubai’s business hub close to attractions such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. It is also easily accessible by Dubai Metro. Offering 191 rooms, the hotel’s Café 7 serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

ACCORHOTELS.COM

ST. REGIS DUBAI The St. Regis Dubai in Al Habtoor City is inspired

by Beaux-Arts architecture from New York’s Gilded Age as evidenced by the grand staircase and carefully selected artwork. The trademark St. Regis diamond motif is prevalent throughout the interiors, while mother-of-pearl detailing in the furniture pays homage to Dubai’s historic pearl industry. The hotel comprises 182 guest rooms and 52 suites, including a Bentley Suite, and its signature three-bedroom Royal Suite. The St. Regis offers eight distinctive dining venues ranging from a French Brasserie with patisserie to classic steakhouse. The exclusive Iridium Spa has six treatment rooms, two hammans, a steam room and a sauna.

PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI The much-awaited Palazzo Versace Dubai, designed

by Donatella Versace, is reminiscent of a 16th-century Italian palace. Every detail projects luxury and style from the ceilings handdetailed in gold to the finest marble and Versace’s iconic motifs. The House of Versace designed every piece of furniture and fabric that adorns the hotel’s 215 rooms and suites, as well as 169 residences. Each of its eight restaurants and bars has an al fresco terrace to further that Italian ambience. The beautifully landscaped gardens and unobstructed views of Dubai Creek and the city’s skyline make this luxury venue ideal for weddings and social events.

STREGISDUBAI.COM

PALAZZOVERSACE.AE

CHIC Common Ground Tom Arnel and Sergio Lopez, the dynamic duo behind Tom & Serg and The Sum of Us, have opened Common Grounds – their third Dubai café – at Mall of the Emirates.

The café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and the trade mark high-quality coffee.

Don't miss the smashed avo on linseed toast, acai bowls and super salads.

COMMONGROUNDSDUBAI.COM

C

afé ulture

CASUAL Five Guys This build-your-own-burger chain is now offering the “best fast food burger ever” at The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall. The Five Guys has a cult following that includes world leaders, celebrities and pop stars ranging from US President Barrack Obama (his is a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and jalapeno peppers) to Kim Kardashian and One Direction’s Niall Horan. It ticks all the boxes for quality and freshness by insisting on made-toorder burgers, quality ingredients, attention to detail, hand-cut fries made in 100 per cent peanut oil and zero tolerance for frozen ingredients.

FIVEGUYS.ME

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COOL Classic Car Café For serious car lovers, or those who want to relax in a nostalgic setting, the Classic Car Café in BoxPark delivers on its name with an ambience set by classic European car memorabilia.

Equally classic is the European and French cuisine that matches the venue’s sleek, sophisticated interior. Chilled melon soup, chicken à la Provençale, and a panfried camembert salad are just some of the menu highlights. The café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. ◆ CLASSICCARCAFE.AE

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Around From shopping and gastronomy to entertainment and the arts, Dubai is brimming with cultural experiences.

Take a look at what’s on offer

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TOWN d u b a i

DIS COV ER

EX PERIENCE

ALBINO ALLIGATORS AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM

Global Village serves up family fun on an international scale. Its 32 pavilions are cultural showcases representing more than 75 countries, which make shopping a whole new challenge. Naturally, the cuisine is equally diverse. Fantasy Island caters to children of all ages with rides ranging from bumper cars to the adrenaline-fuelled Sky Coaster. And let’s not forget the stage shows, concerts, street entertainers and cultural events.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium recently added two rare baby Albino Alligators to its existing family of 65,000 marine animals. Due to their lack of camouflage and sensitivity to sunlight, the white brothers would have a short life expectancy in the wild. But at The Lost Chambers Aquarium they are receiving a royal pampering and are set to reach their full size of four metres.

GLOBALVILLAGE.AE

ATLANTISTHEPALM.COM

GLOBAL VILLAGE

TECHNOLOGY

APPLE STORE

Contrary to popular rumour, the recently opened Apple store at Mall of the Emirates is not the world’s largest.

London holds that honour. But whether the London store can serve customers in 16 languages is up for debate. The Dubai store offers the full Apple experience with a complete product line-up, a Genius Grove area surrounded by self-watering trees, and a giant Green video wall.

APPLE.COM/AE

SHOP

GOLDEN MILE GALLERIA The aptly named Golden Mile Galleria shopping centre, situated alongside The Palm’s picturesque jogging track, is the latest addition to Dubai’s glitzy mall scene. The 400,000sq ft complex has 70 outlets, which include eateries and cafés like Zaroob, Wagamama and Shakespeare & Co, grooming outlets such as Esthetic Sense and The Loft Fifth Avenue, and fashion from Beyond the Beach and Athletes Co. ◆

T R AV E L

SIGHTSEEING ON TWO WHEELS

NAKHEEL.COM

The tram stations at Dubai Media City, The Palm Jumeirah, Knowledge Village and Al Sufouh now offer bikes for rental.

If you’re ambitious you can race the tram along the ninekilometre-long cycling track that follows the tramway on Al Sufouh Road and runs all the way to Jumeirah Beach Residence. Alternatively, on the other side of town, the fivestar Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers now offers bikes for rent allowing guests to explore the sights of ‘Old Dubai’.

RTA.AE SHERATONDUBAICREEK.COM

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Explore DEIRA Old wind towers and modern skyscrapers blend perfectly in Deira. For a fun-filled day, head to the Creek for an abra ride, shop at the traditional souqs, visit one of the many heritage areas or chill at a restaurant with a view SLEEP

PARK HYATT DUBAI This 225-room hotel sits at the heart of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – itself voted by Golf Digest as one of the world’s Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses. The hotel incorporates the award-winning Amara Spa and eight eateries, including French bistro Traiteur. The resort incorporates an 18-hole championship golf course, a nine-hole Par 3 course, a golf academy, six restaurants and bars, and a 121-berth marina. Situated close to Dubai Creek and a short walk from the bustling Deira City Centre shopping mall, the hotel is perfectly situated. A must try is the seafood at the Boardwalk restaurant, which boasts stunning views over the Creek.

DUBAI.PARK.HYATT.COM

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SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS Opened 35 years ago as one of the first fivestar hotels, the newly refurbished Sheraton Dubai has not ceased to amaze. Located by Dubai Creek, it is ideal for both business and leisure. Panoramic windows in each of the 268 guest rooms and suites offer amazing views of Dubai Creek and the city. The hotel offers a wide array of restaurants from fine dining from Italy to theatrical flair from Asia, Dubai’s first English pub and a 24-hour social café.

Furthermore, there are two outdoor pools, four floodlit tennis courts and two squash courts, Akura Spa with 14 treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms.

SHERATONDUBAICREEK.COM

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JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE HOTEL Taking centre stage beside the Dubai Tennis Stadium and just a few minutes’ drive from Dubai International airport, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel offers an authentic cultural experience through its Middle Eastern Contemporary Art Collection. The hotel has 292 spacious rooms and suites, state-of-the-art conference rooms, outdoor swimming pools and, among its five signature restaurants, is Blue Flame steakhouse.

JUMEIRAH.COM

Park Hyatt Dubai

EAT

BOARDWALK The iconic Boardwalk restaurant sits on a wooden pontoon above the waters of the Creek. It features a Mediterranean-inspired menu, including a selection of fresh fish and seafood prepared to order. Don’t miss its famous Fish & Chips and for dessert indulge in a range of icecreams, sorbets, crepes and waffles.

THE CHINA CLUB Antique silks in rich colours and intricately embroidered tapestries adorn the walls of the China Club at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. It offers an à la carte menu each evening, while lunchtime brings a traditional Yum Cha feast of dim sum, noodles and rice dishes. Traditional Chinese decorum meets contemporary informality to create a delightful ambiance that complements your meal. Settle in at a private dining cubicle enclosed in vibrant curtains for an intimate dinner.

DUBAIGOLF.COM

JUMEIRAH.COM

The Boardwalk

VIVALDI BY ALFREDO RUSSO Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo is an Italian restaurant and lounge at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, offering breathtaking views of the Creek and skyline. Whether for a business lunch, a relaxing drink or a romantic dinner on the terrace, the selection of menus composed by Michelinstarred Alfredo Russo spoils you for choice. Don’t miss the Risotto alla scorzonera mantecato alla robiola (black salsify risotto with robiola cheese).

SHERATONDUBAICREEK.COM

RIDE AT SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS If you’re tired of doing the same old things in Dubai, it’s time for you to get a new perspective on the city – from the back of a bicycle! Starting at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, embrace a bit of ‘pedal power’ and see the traditional souq, museums and restaurants that Dubai’s old town has to offer for a fit and fun day out.

With bike and meal packages, as well as accommodation packages on offer, cycling enthusiasts can stay and cycle, or ride and dine, whichever they prefer. Rent a bike, grab your helmet and map, and head out to explore the labyrinth of streets in Dubai’s old town at your own pace.

With the old city providing a major tourism destination within the city of Dubai, there are several areas on both sides of the Creek where cars are prohibited, making it perfect for exploring by bike. From the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a labyrinth of streets filled with Arabic architecture, shops and museums, to the Heritage and Diving Village, and the Souks, where you can have a little fun bargaining with the local sellers for the lowest prices, a cycling tour allows a day out with a difference, getting to know the historical heritage of Dubai.

Once you’ve completed your two-wheeled tour, settle in at either Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo, or Hatta restaurants in the Sheraton Dubai Creek, for a lazy lunch and a battery recharge. d u b a i

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Explore DEIRA

DISCOVER

SOUQS Being a part of Old Dubai, Deira has several traditional souqs that add to its charm.

• The Gold Souq is the most visited and the 300+ shops display gold jewellery of every type and design.

Precious stones including diamonds are also available piecemeal or set in gold and silver.

• The fragrant Spice Souq will have your senses working overtime.

Besides the spices, the shops sell various herbs and special perfumed oil used for traditional medicine.

• The Naif Souq is Dubai’s oldest marketplace where traders came to sell camels and local produce.

Today there are more than 100 airconditioned shops selling souvenirs, replica bags and jewellery.

• The Deira Fish Market displays the catch of the day freshly hauled in.

Choose from king fish to lobsters.

HERITAGE Deira is the cultural region of Dubai. Do not miss these gems: • The Women’s Museum reflects UAE society through the lives of women and the roles played by them in defining culture and shaping their society. It also displays the work of female artists.

• Al Ahmadiya School, founded in 1912, was the centre of learning until 1958 and attracted scientists and scholars from all over the world as teachers. In 1994 the school was converted into a museum that speaks volumes on the history of education in Dubai.

• The Heritage House, established in 1890, provides an opportunity for visitors to experience and discover the traditional lifestyle in addition to the skillful and innovative methods used to provide for daily life’s needs.

• The Pearl Museum displays exquisite pieces of perfectly round, unblemished white pearls donated by Sultan Al Owais 12

In the Pipeline

Deira Islands, comprising four man-made islands, is situated between the entrance to Dubai Creek and Al Hamriya Port. It will be a waterfront entertainment, tourist and residential destination, developed in alignment with Dubai Vision 2020. The spectacular 15.3sqkm development will add 40km to Dubai’s coastline, including 21km of beach. When completed in late 2018, it will offer residential communities magnificent views of the iconic Dubai skyline and

from his personal collection. This is a reminder of the origins of the Emirates and what life was like before the discovery of oil.

DHOW WHARFAGE The Dhow Wharfage stretches along the Deira Creek north of Maktoum Bridge. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime traditions of old Dubai and is home to dozens of beautiful wooden dhows, some as much as a hundred years old. The smaller dhows are used to coast the Creek while the large ocean-going crafts are used to transport goods around the Gulf, Iran, Somalia, Pakistan and India. Virtually all of them fly the UAE flag. Hang around long enough and you might be invited to hop on board for a chat and a cup of tea. d u b a i

across the Arabian Gulf, beachfront resorts, hotels, shopping malls, a waterfront night market and a large amphitheatre that can accommodate 30,000 people. It is easily accessible from the mainland by road and boat and close to Dubai International airport. Currently Centara Resorts and Avani Resorts have signed deals to set up hotels. It will also be home to the Deira Mall, Nakheel Mall and Deira Island Towers, having more than 1,400 retail units.

NAKHEEL.COM

GA ME, SET, M ATCH Officially inaugurated in 1996, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium is the location for the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships that sees the world’s very best tennis players hit its centre court.

The 2015 championships claimed the Association of Tennis Professionals Best Tournament award in the 500 Category for the 11th time in 12 years.

The 2016 championships take place from 15-27 February. The stadium is also used as a concert venue and sits in the heart of Century Village – a bustling complex of restaurants and cafés all serving a vast array of cuisine and live entertainment. ◆ DUBAIDUTYFREETENNISCHAMPIONSHIPS.COM

#MyDubai Long-time resident and self-obsessed foodie, Fiona Archibold is a food stylist for numerous Dubai magazines and the creator of copious menus within the city’s restaurants and cafés. She shares her #MyDubai experience

WHIZZING AROUND TOWN WITH FIONA

If I only had 24 hours to explore Dubai I would try to cram in as many breakfasts, lunches and dinners as I could! This city is made for eating and it’s easy to see the sights over a dish of something delicious. It’s so hard to choose, so this is just one example. I would start the day off with breakfast at Creekside in Bur Dubai. This is a great café where you can sit outside and witness all the chaos on the historical Dubai Creek. I’d then walk through the bustling textile souq and hop on an abra – a traditional wooden boat – to cross to the Deira side of the Creek to the aromatic Spice Souq. I’d stock up on saffron, rose tea and those fabulous dried limes that make such a difference to my soups and sauces. While there I’d rest up by sitting on a plastic crate to enjoy an orange juice freshly squeezed by one of the many street vendors there.

For lunch it’d be a tossup between The Arabian Tea House or the XVA within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

It’s so peaceful there and I feel as if I’ve stepped back in time.

The afternoon would take a more modern vibe by heading to The Dubai Mall.

High tea would be a very English affair at Fortnum & Mason under the watchful eye of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Then for a shopping spree – which of course would include a box of dates from Bateel – and to complete the day I’d enjoy the spectacular Dubai Fountain spring to life while sampling a vast platter of Lebanese delights from a table at Wafi Gourmet.

Dubai is a great place for families because they can spend so much time outside. My children love running bare foot on the beach. Often we head down to Kite Beach and have dinner from one of the many cafés located on the sand. We love Salt – a mobile food truck serving up delicious burgers.

And on a Friday we head to the Ripe Market in Zabeel Park. I buy my box of fresh vegetables from the local farmers while the children play in the park and enjoy the family entertainment.

My Dubai secret of course involves food. Bu Qtair is little more than a beach shack, but it serves up the best fresh fish in town. I love joining the locals at the plastic tables and digging into the catch of the day. Ironically Bu Qtair is in spitting distance of the luxurious Burj Al Arab.

My favourite thing to do with tourists is a Frying Pan Adventures’ tour. These tours take guests and their tummies to Dubai’s most hidden restaurants so you get to see (and taste) parts of Dubai that you’d never find in the holiday brochures. There are lots of different themed tours depending on your taste. (See page 33) An unforgettable place is Al Sahara Desert Resort. My children horse ride there on weekends. It’s so peaceful and green and the kids love helping out in the stables. The resort also offers desert safaris. d u b a i

One of my favourite things to do is to head to the fish market in Umm Suqueim. It may not be every family’s cup of tea, but we all enjoy watching the fish being hauled in.

Food heaven for me can be found in Market & Platters – a deli in Dubai Marina that is considered to be the chefs’ shop of choice. It serves the best cheeses, sushi, bread and even their own homemade foie fras. Everything – even the butter – is hand sourced.

Although Dubai is considered one of the top cities in the world for shopping I prefer more bespoke things, which is why many of my clothes are made in Satwa. I love scouring the tailor shops for my material and then working with the tailors to create my very own designs. And of course a trip to Satwa is never complete without a Pakistani curry from Ravi’s Restaurant.

My regular treat is bought from Ajmal – a local perfumery. The Arabian fragrances can be quite strong, but they can customise each one specifically for you. My scent of choice is Exotic Amber and my friends overseas are always asking me to send them bottles.

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#MyDubai Since the launch of the initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, to create the world’s first autobiography of a city, MyDubai has garnered half a million followers using the hashtag. Here are some of our favourite posts. Join in and share your stories by posting to #MyDubai on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

@bare_kiwi

@sjanaelise 14

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@debbiefortes

@callmedivi

@ohitsjean

@mustafa_sheikh

@ohitsjean

@aidaalbusaidy

@anikapetal

@thatguynamedpatrick

@aljvd

@laurenepbath

@theadly @saeedbintowq

@dubaidarelhy @igaraev

@dushx @ihabmokayed

@salehalbraik

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The Ultimate SHOPPING SPREE

With over 95 shopping malls and being the number two city in the world (after London) to offer the most international brands, Dubai is a shopaholic’s dream come true. From the exclusive to the quirky, we take you on a lesser-known A to Z tour of Dubai’s retail offering

A – ANTIQUE MUSEUM If you’re looking for that special keepsake from your holiday in Dubai, the Antique Museum is the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs from the heart of the UAE and beyond.

B – BATEEL Sweet and nutritious dates are integral to Arab culture. And nobody makes that clearer than Bateel, which not only has Dubai’s best dates but also date sweets, savouries, oils, chocolates, pastries and cookies. There are around 600 species of dates, and it appears Bateel has all of them.

BATEEL.COM

FAKIHONLINE.COM

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C – COMICAVE At 17,000sqft Comicave is the world’s largest pop culture superstore, with a collection of over 500 comic books, thousands of figurines, board games and the very latest in gaming technology. Go play!

D – DAS COLLECTION DAS Collection prides itself on updating the traditional abaya, making it a fashion statement while always respecting its heritage and traditions.

Exclusivity, exceptional quality and attention to detail are the hallmarks.

COMICAVE.COM

DASCOLLECTION.COM

Shopping

E – ETOILE ‘LA BOUTIQUE’ From the moment you enter Etoile ‘La Boutique’, your senses are tingled by the fusion of fashion, art and décor. The store showcases high-end brands such as Joseph, Roksanda and Issa, all handpicked to provide shoppers with a whole spectrum of covetable pieces.

ETOILELABOUTIQUE.COM

F – FEATHERS FASHION UAE Feathers Fashion UAE waves the flag for Emirati and Arabic culture. It’s a brand that not only sells stylish, luxury products such as Burga and Alwadha bags, but is also deeply rooted in the region – as attested to by the use of camel leather. Visit one of the five stores to gauge the exceptional quality for yourself.

FEATHERS-FASHION.COM

G – GALLERY ONE A piece of art from Gallery One is the perfect reminder of your holiday in Dubai. The highquality photos show the city in its prime and the range of other creative designs, such as collages and picture boxes, make beautiful wall hangings.

G-1.COM

H – HAUTLETIC So much more than your average tracksuit bottoms, Hautletic offers you active wear with an emphasis on style. It’s just the place to pick up an ensemble fit for a power walk along Jumeirah Corniche or a morning yoga class on the beach.

HAUTLETIC.COM

I – IKONHOUSE Ikonhouse represents the stylishly minimalist world of Scandinavian design. Even if you’re unfamiliar with this genre of furniture, the store manager is only too keen to assist and there are also frequent seminars from well-known interior designers. Sometimes less is more.

IKONHOUSE.COM

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Shopping J – AL JABER GALLERY Al Jaber Gallery, the biggest gift and souvenir chain in the UAE, is the epicentre for traditional Arabian handicrafts. All items have an Arabic aspect to them, from the bobble head camels to the beautiful Eastern scarves and antiques.

ALJABERGALLERY.AE

K – KINOKUNIYA More a library than just a regular bookshop, Book World by Kinokuniya stocks a huge selection of titles, authors and best-sellers! The 68,000sqft store in The Dubai Mall has over half a million books to choose from in loads of different languages. Perfect for bookworms.

KINOKUNIYA.COM

L – LEVEL SHOE DISTRICT Level Shoe District on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall is every shoe lover’s fantasy come true! From bespoke designs and bridal styles to ballet pumps and gladiator sandals, the 96,000sqft superstore will have a shoe that fits.

M – MOCHI The art of embroidery is at the heart of this clothing brand. The colourful clothing, influenced by many cultures, is wearable art. You can shop for seasonal wardrobe staples or just browse the kaleidoscopic rails.

LEVELSHOEDISTRICT.COM

ALLTHINGSMOCHI.COM

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N – NOSE PLEASING AT AJMAL Tantalise your senses at perfume and fragrance specialist Ajmal, a brand founded on 64 years of perfumery know-how.

With a range of products for your home and a collection of Eau de Parfums, you’ll leave the store in a fragrant cloud of flowers and spices.

O – O’DE ROSE This family-owned boutique not only sells gorgeous oneof-a-kind pieces of clothing and home furnishings, it also encourages the idea of giving back to society by promoting and giving a platform to disadvantaged artisans.

AJMALPERFUME.COM/EN/HOME

O-DEROSE.COM

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P – PRIME GOURMET Carnivores will be in heaven at this gourmet shop that sells everything from the best barbecue meats and sausages to a deli counter that offers an array of home-style selections including cooked dish of the day, cakes, snacks and of course a wide selection of coffees and drinks that are sure to whet your appetite.

Q – QUALITY WATCHES AT AHMED SEDDIQI AND SONS With more than 50 Swiss watch brands on offer, as well as its very own Dubai Edition collection, Seddiqi & Sons showcases the best from the world of horology. You can time your shopping just right thanks to the 10 stores dotted around the UAE. SEDDIQI.COM/EN

PRIMEGOURMET.AE

R – RAGE This haunt for all skaters, surfers, BMX riders and thrill seekers sells top-ofthe-range gear for adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Rage also backs events such as the Dubai Desert Extreme Championships and is part of the booming action sports scene.

RAGE-SHOP.COM

S – S*UCE The s*uce dynasty is made up of nine stores in the UAE and each space is light, lofty and absolutely lovely! You can shop by concept with casual wear at s*uce in the hood, or fine jewellery at s*uce rocks. The Design Shop by s*uce also has a novel gift machine, where you can select items at the touch of a button, 24/7!

SHOPATSAUCE.COM

T – TAMASHEE Tamashee, which means ‘walking’ and ‘compatibility’ in Arabic, has put a new spin on the classic Arab sandal by inviting UAE artists to create limited-edition shoes.

The results are as diverse as Dubai’s multi-ethnic population. You can view the results of this colourful collaboration at Level Shoe District in The Dubai Mall.

TAMASHEE.COM

U – ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY GADGETRY AT GRAND STORES For those with a particular interest in photography, Grand Stores UAE offers a haven for snap-happy camera lovers. Prepare for your holiday Kodak moments with a range of lenses, camera accessories and equipment that caters to all skill levels.

GRANDSTORES.COM

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Shopping

V – VERY VINTAGE SHOP Step into the retro world of the Very Vintage Shop where you will find funky lamps from the 50s and flares from the 70s all under one roof! An hour or two spent browsing here feels like walking through history’s memory lane.

W – WOLFI’S BIKE SHOP With the cycling trend growing from strength to strength in the UAE it’s no wonder Wolfi’s Bike Shop does such a roaring trade. The 3,500sqft shop sells everything bike related from the bikes themselves to racing kit. You can also ask one of the 23 in-store cycling experts for pointers.

VERYVINTAGESHOP.COM

WBS.AE

Y – YAPPAREL Yapparel, which sells activewear with a difference, is must visit for yoga bunnies and fitness gurus.

The company’s ethos is to keep it ‘green’, meaning that all their products use natural fabrics and fibres, whilst also encouraging an active lifestyle in the UAE. YAPPAREL.COM

X – EX-OWNED DRESSES AT GARDEROBE Buy a pre-owned designer dress that suits every budget! Garderobe is the store that makes it happen by providing a buy and sell destination on Beach Road where brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Dolce & Gabbana are among the constantly changing stock.

Z – THE ZOO CONCEPT Situated on Jumeirah Road , this unique boutique is filled with everything from life-sized figurines to trendy slogan t-shirts. Its eclectic mix of quirky, kitsch and zany makes it the perfect place to source gifts.

DUBAICONFIDENTIAL.AE/HOME-ANDESCAPE/THE-ZOO/

GARDEROBE.AE

ONE WORLD. ONE FAMILY. ONE FESTIVAL Dubai has many claims to fame, but it was shopping that first earned it the reputation for bigger and better. And nothing is bigger than the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is celebrating its 21st birthday from 1 January to 1 February 2016. DSF, as it is affectionately known, is about a lot more than shopping for the best brands at the best prices. Entertainment for the whole family and prizes galore also play a central role.

Film festivals, special events for youngsters, hundreds of street performers, markets, nightly fireworks, international fashion shows and music concerts are just some of the entertainment and cultural events organised for visitors. During DSF 2016, visitors who buy a raffle ticket for Dhs200 have the chance to win the prize of a lifetime every day – an Infiniti QX70 car plus Dhs200,000 in cash! And that’s just part of the several million dollars worth of prize money – including luxury cars, gold and cash – that’s up for grabs.

In other words, DSF 2016 will live up to its “One World. One Family. One Festival.” slogan. MYDSF.AE 20

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THEADDRESS.COM BUSINESS TRAVEL OR WEEKEND GETAWAY

It’s all in The Address

Welcome

to The Address Hotels + Resorts. Located in the most vibrant parts of the city, The Address Hotels + Resorts is defining the global standards of luxury hospitality. From business meetings to social rendezvous. From absolute relaxation to luxurious indulgences. It’s where world-class services have been recreated to suit discerning tastes. It’s where energy surrounds you the minute you walk in. It’s chic. It’s exciting. It’s all in The Address.

DOWNTOWN DUBAI | DUBAI MALL | DUBAI MARINA MONTGOMERIE DUBAI | BOULEVARD DUBAI (OPENING 2016) THE PALACE DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Alfresco RETAIL If you prefer shopping out in the open – then Dubai has a medley of marketplaces that fit the bill perfectly 22

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Shopping

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ith its azure skies, palm-fringed open spaces and friendly locals, there is no reason for shopaholics to be restricted indoors. Dubai has a breezy range of open-air market experiences that sell everything from fresh produce to bohemian furniture. From exotic souqs to organic food bazaars, the options are as wide as the clear blue sky…

Global Village

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GLOBAL VILLAGE Think carnival meets United Nations and you have Global Village.

It is Dubai’s biggest shopping and entertainment arena, and a spectacular cultural and retail extravaganza. With more than 75 countries coming together in 32 lavish pavilions to showcase their indigenous products, this attraction is a must-visit. From November to April, hoards of visitors descend upon its colourful pavilions to experience cultures from around the world through captivating shows, lively parades and lavish spreads of exotic foods.

Head to the Iran pavilion for turquoise jewellery and Persian carpets; to Morocco for silver tagines; Lebanon for olives and Spain for espadrilles and dresses. In its 20th season this year, the theme park will run for 159 days.

Families will be delighted to board the newlyintroduced trains picking them up to and from the car park to the new iconic ‘The Gate of the World’ entrance. Each train has a capacity of 60 passengers. The price of a general admission ticket is Dhs15.

GLOBALVILLAGE.AE

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SOUQS No trip to Dubai is complete without diving into its exotic markets. Located in Deira and Bur Dubai, the bustling districts are divided by the ripples of the Dubai Creek. Hopping onto an abra – a traditional wooden boat – to cross the Creek costs all of Dhs1, and is an experience straight out of Arabian Nights. Dubai’s gold souq has such a reputation that some tourists visit the city for the sole purpose of buying gold. Or find yourself lost in reams of radiant silks and a host of other luxurious fabrics at the textile souq. And what is Arabia without its spices? The spice souq, located near the gold souq in Deira, will stoke your inner chef. The perfume souq on Sikkat Al Khail Street sells traditional fragrances, as well as custommade scents that complement your skin type and personality. As for the fish souq… well, we leave that up to you.

FARMERS’ MARKETS On weekends during the cooler months, Dubai’s artisans, local farmers and cooks come together to sell their produce and creations at various locations in the city. The Farmers’ Market on the Terrace at The Gardens, Emirates Towers, backed by ethical café concept Baker & Spice, allows farmers to sell their produce without charging them a fee. Expect some good bargains here. Talise Fitness offers free yoga and pilates on the grass on Friday mornings before the market opens, rendering you shopping fit.

Meanwhile, Dubai Garden Centre’s farmers’ market on Sheikh Zayed Road is perfect for families since it comes with a petting zoo and free pony rides on Saturdays! To merge your organic fetish with some lush artisan products and fresh sea air, The Market at The Beach has all sorts of gift items, artisanal bread and homewares selling from the South Lawn of JBR The Walk on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the winter months. The street food-style stalls set up by The Beach’s resident restaurants will thrill you no end.

THE RIPE FOOD & CRAFT MARKET Perched under the green umbrella of Zabeel Park, the Ripe Food & Craft Market is the freshest way to spend your Friday mornings. Pick fresh, organic, local fruits and veggies from the Ripe Organic Stall as over 100 local eco-friendly businesses, including foodies, artisans, designers, jewellers, entertainers and musicians give you a true sense of Dubai’s burgeoning organic community. Dig into some scrumptious locally-made food, sip on coconut water, buy handmade art or engage in a cooking class. Your kids, in the meanwhile, can thrill themselves at the petting zoo. And if you haven’t had your fill of Ripe’s bounty, at sunset on Saturdays, Ripe transforms Al Barsha Pond Park in Dubai into an ocean of enchantment: a cluster of small lights and colourful lanterns fill the sky, creating just the right ambience for alfresco eating, live music and movie screenings.

FACEBOOK.COM/RIPEUAE

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Shopping

Becky Balderstone, founder of Ripe How did Ripe come about?

Ripe started from my own passion for fresh organic food.

When I moved to Dubai I quickly realised there wasn’t the variety of organic produce readily available like I was used to in the UK. My husband was working on an agricultural project at the time and I knew there were some fantastic organic certified farms here in the UAE growing amazing produce, but couldn’t find a specific retail outlet for them.

So Ripe was born. Organic is all about food in its purest form; fresh fruit and vegetables grown naturally without chemicals, without pesticides or any additives.

How does what you grow work itself onto a restaurant plate in Dubai?

We are working closely with our farmers to develop unique products like heirloom tomatoes, heirloom colour carrots, and different types of kale. This means that menus can still support local produce, but offer a unique point of difference.

Is organic farming growing in the region? Or is it still niche?

Organic farming is definitely growing in the region. The

farmers here are exceptionally talented and we really enjoy working with them and experimenting on growing new products. This year we have grown watercress, which we are really excited about and which has been a huge hit with our customers. The farming practices are also becoming more advanced and not only are new farms developing using organic practices, they are investing more in sophisticated facilities, which means more items can be grown for longer periods throughout the year.

What is your favourite organic vegetable or fruit from the region?

My favourite local veggies are kale and beetroot. I always add them to my morning smoothie.

What is your favourite organic food recipe from the Ripe box?

I love fresh salads and using local ingredients. One of my go-to dishes is combining some spinach, kale, cucumber and beetroot, adding goat’s cheese and pine nuts, and sprinkling with chia seeds. ◆

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Dish of the Dubai day

There's always a restaurant to suit every palate and occassion in Dubai. We take a look at some of the latest openings

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Food

reat for:

POTS, PANS & BOARDS

FAMILIES

BREAD STREET KITCHEN

It’s celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s love letter to Dubai, with a dash of East London bohemia. A warehouse design and vast terrace seamlessly merge old-school and modern décor, complete with a brick wood oven, show kitchen, live cold kitchen station and ice cream counter.

With accessible European modern fare designed for sharing, your family’s taste buds will never be the same again. The stone pizzetta – flat bread with wild mushrooms and squash purée – traditional fish and chips, and rigatoni and duck breast are some of the menu favourites. And don’t miss Ramsay’s signature scallops, served with sweetcorn. The Michelin-star chef’s braised beef and shepherd’s pie have also received rave reviews from foodies.

ATLANTIS, THE PALM, PALM JUMEIRAH, 04 4262626.

Tom Aikens, who at 26 became the youngest two Michelin-star chef in the UK, has arrived in Dubai with a spot that is all about communal dining, rustic bric-a-brac and tender loving food: think casual dining meets fancy French restaurant with a dash of Middle Eastern flair.

It’s the sort of mix where everyone has something to choose from.

Collaborating with chef Ibraheem Musleh (of The Ivy in London fame), the menu boasts lamb chops with labneh, lobster burgers and homemade Chelsea buns, to name a few scrumptious options.

Warning: do not miss the malt-glazed short rib with crisp onions and celeriac truffle.

THE BEACH, JBR, 04 4561959

OMNIA BAHARAT

Also try:

GROUPS

From the graffiti walls to the orchard prints on the ceilings, this restaurant is visually striking.

Chef Silvena’s venture is a merry mix of fast casual dining and Middle Eastern fare, specialising in burgers and lobsters. But vegetarians, have no fear: an Omnia Caesar (made of locally-sourced salad leaves, Omnia Caesar dressing, crushed pita crumbs and Parmesan cheese) and quinoa burger will delight you. As for the carnivores, the Omnia KashKash comprises grounded lamb kebab patty, topped with melted cheese, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce and Omnia sauce. Leave your calorie conscience at home.

MALL OF THE EMIRATES, LEVEL 2, 04 2641848

BIG CHEFS CAFÉ AND BRASSERIE

TASTE OF ITALY

Three Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck’s Italian food is so good that it’s difficult to appreciate he’s German. Taste of Italy’s canteen-style dining area draped in chic monochromes offers deli-style displays and an open-plan kitchen that is ideal for large hearty gatherings. You have to try the lasagne here, which pays homage to the nation that invented the ‘slow food’ concept. Chef Beck aims to make food like an Italian mother would have cooked 20 years ago, and it shows: Think tortelli di melanzane (eggplant), dream ravioli Verdi with seafood and you’ll get the drift. And for more epicurean pizazz, the outlet even boasts items such as fennel citrus salad with zucchini and carrot. Capisce?

Big Chefs Café and Brasserie, originally from Istanbul, serves more than 100 international menu options, with everything from meats to pastries, all made in-house using fresh produce. With a seating capacity of more than 150 in its indoor and outdoor spaces, the ambience boasts of armchairs and a library of books. Partake of thyme-marinated boneless chicken legs and pistachio meatball skewers, to name a few chomp-worthy dishes.

Rumour has it that Dubai’s best kunafa (künefe to the Turkish) is served here. Turns out that this is not a rumour: the baked kadaif (thin noodles), packed with fresh blueberry compote and mozzarella cheese, and served with ice cream, makes for the sweetest ending in an epicurean journey.

THE BEACH, JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE, 04 5515302

GALLERIA MALL, AL WASL ROAD, AL SAFA, 04 3438292

Also try:

THE CROFT

Kensington posh has some serious competition from this eatery by Darren Velvick: think international fare with leanings towards British cuisine. The décor is all rustic wood and chalkboards on the walls, funky sketches on the pillars and a long marble counter running through the middle of the restaurant that’s been topped with beautiful patterned tiles. Here is an enterprise so chic that even the spuds seem to ooze a trufflelike aroma. For instance, with the fish and chips, the chef’s fussiness is truly rewarded.

Meanwhile, a crispy coated boiled egg on zesty baked beans or a light salad of mackerel, apple and crème fraiche are recommended starters. On a lighter side, The Croft has its own version of the Eton Mess, playfully titled Neat and Tidy.

DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES, DUBAI MARINA, 04 3194794

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COUPLES

Also try:

JEAN-GEORGES DINING ROOM

Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings Manhattan to Dubai with JG Dining Room. Couples can expect a curvy intimate space with circular seating in beige and ivory tones.

With a range of prix fixe menus of the celebrated chef’s signature dishes, couples can savour toasted egg yolk with caviar, risotto with peekytoe crab, nori and sudachi (a Japanese citrus fruit); lobster tartine with lemon grass and fenugreek broth; and diver scallops with caramelised cauliflower and a caper and raisin emulsion. This is the zenith of fine dining. The chef has more than 40 years of experience in the kitchen, is the recipient of three Michelin stars and operates 26 restaurants in 10 cities globally.

THE MARINA SOCIAL

JG DINING ROOM, FOUR SEASONS RESORT,

Casual five-star dining with dishes specifically meant for sharing, Marina Social is the tastiest bonding exercise in town. The indoors comprises an open-plan kitchen, while the outdoors boasts a terrace offering stunning vistas of the Dubai Marina. On the top of the British-Mediterranean restaurant’s unmissable list is the ‘Social dog’ duck and foie gras sausage. Served with caramelised onions, it makes for an apt beginning to a journey customised by Chef Jason Atherton (turn on to page 54 for more). A duck leg agnolotti served with a pasta and white onion puree is a shining star on Dubai’s culinary cartography, while the Black Onyx Angus Tenderloin and Victoria lamb rump and belly are climbing the charts as well. Get there before everybody else does.

JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD, 04 3436118

INTERCONTINENTAL, DUBAI MARINA, 04 4466664

LOOK OUT FOR

SERENDIPITY 3

Custom-designed by Jason Yang, the former chef at Hakkasan, Kuai (which literally translates to “fast” in Mandarin) offers Chinese food that is farm-fresh, additive-free (there are also gluten-free options on the menu) in a chilled out ambience. The décor, inspired by street art, is an apt ode to Asian cuisine – and further proof of Dubai’s culinary diversity.

Serendipity 3’s famous truffle-slathered foot-long ‘haute’ dogs are so famous in New York that its guest list has included Cher, Andy Warhol, Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe, Beyoncé and almost every US President since the 1950s.

Its Upper East Side venue has been the set of many a Hollywood blockbuster. And now Serendipity 3 is in Dubai – the first time the brand has ventured outside of the US. The simultaneous openings in December at Dubai Festival City and The City Walk means patrons can look forward to colourful interiors featuring variegated furniture, Tiffany lamp shades, and wall art pieces suggestive of the early days of the restaurant and its three founders. Because it’s showbiz or no biz…

BOXPARK, AL WASL ROAD, AL SAFA, 04 3439906

DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY AND THE CITY WALK

KUAI

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A FESTIVAL OF GASTRONOMY

Dig into yet another Dubai Food Festival when the city showcases its creative and diverse culinary delights in what promises to be a smorgasbord of gastronomic appreciation, from 25 February to 12 March 2016

F

oodies can expect a range of activities from chef pop-ups to gourmet flourishes at this month-long culinary feast held annually across Dubai. If New York is the Big Apple, Dubai literally is a Giant Salad featuring the harvest of over 200 nationalities. Here is our festival Top of the Crop, as well as the latest musteat hotspots.

BEACH CANTEEN, KITE BEACH, JUMEIRAH (25 FEB – 12 MAR)

Held at the popular Kite Beach in Jumeirah, and starring 15 delicious “Dubai born-and-brought-up” restaurant concepts and celebrity pop-ups, the Beach Canteen is a beach dining experience like no other with local bands, DJs, children’s activities and beach sports. This year’s edition glitters with even more ideas to light up your epicurean journey, such as a Glow in the Dark Party, The Best of the Dubai Farmers’ Markets and the new Chefs’ Demonstration stage.

LONG BRUNCH, VARIOUS LOCATIONS (4 MAR)

Embracing the long-standing Dubai tradition, The Long Brunch is beloved by residents and visitors alike.

Restaurants participating in this promotion are required to add an additional two-hours to their regular brunch package at no extra cost. Restaurants are also encouraged to add elements to this ‘one-off ’ promotion to give their brunch the ‘wow’ factor.

STREET NIGHTS, THE WALK, JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE (JBR) (4-5 MAR)

What is food culture without a bustling bazaar? A community initiative that is as egalitarian as it is dazzling, Street Nights brings together street culture enthusiasts for a weekend of arts, music and food. Over two nights, hundreds of local and international artists will be performing live at JBR The Walk to the delight of over 18,000 visitors. More than 20 food outlets will offer “street” versions of their menus, complemented with artworks by 20 participating galleries. Add to that 30 musical and performing arts activities and a competition where five world-class street art teams will give you a taste of real graffiti.

FATAFEAT KITCHEN EVENT 2016, GOURMET LAFAYETTE, THE DUBAI MALL (26-27 FEB)

Organised by Fatafeat Channel, the first and only Arab food channel in the Middle East, the Fatafeat Kitchen Event 2016 brings all its eight well-known chefs together and at least one globally-renowned chef. The interactive Fatafeat Kitchen has cooking demonstrations, chef Q&A panels, food tastings and competitions. Participating chefs include Chef Mohammad Orfali of Syria (who specialises in Aleppo cuisine) and Chef Layla Fathalla of Lebanon (who has a degree from Le Cordon Blue institute in Paris).

KIDS’ DINE FREE, VARIOUS LOCATIONS (27 FEB)

Another endearing aspect of the festival is how it brings families together. To make sure your little ones are not missing out on the action, this promotion invites family restaurants across the city to participate in a one-day-only limited offer where kids eat free when accompanied by paying adults. ◆

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OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE WORLD 3 Nov 2015 - 9 Apr 2016

Celebrate cultures from around the globe.

• Entertainment • Shopping • Dining • Rides & Games • Winnings Timing: • 4pm – Midnight, Saturday to Wednesday • 4pm – 1am Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays • Mondays are family days • Entry ticket – AED 15 Visit www.globalvillage.ae or call +971 4 362 4114 GlobalVillageAE

@GlobalVillageAE

GlobalVillageAE

@GlobalVillageUAE

GlobalVillageME www.globalvillage.ae

Chefs’ HAT

Meet four chefs who give Dubai food culture that multicultural zing. From Michelin-star international fare to street-smart fishy haunts, from contemporary Australian cuisine to funky Emirati experimental dishes, these chefs cook up a storm... terna

In

GORDON RAMSAY

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Gordon Ramsay doesn’t shy away from the celebrity spotlight – but with 16 Michelin stars under his apron he has a lot to ‘show off’ about. Now the Scottishborn British chef is back in Dubai with his informal European concept, Bread Street Kitchen, at Atlantis, The Palm. In his own words, the newly-opened restaurant is a “cool Britannia-esque East End London mash-up”. The 48-year-old guru tells us about food culture, Dubai, and lovers of salt and pepper.

What can guests expect when they eat at your restaurant?

It is big, boisterous and fun, with intimate quarters and booths.

Favourites on the menu include English pea soup with spiced curried lobster or a fabulous Scottish salmon dish. It’s stripped-back, simple and vibrant food with a big emphasis on ingredients, without weird trends or frilly bits. Like micro greens [scoffs]: they will not be present at all.

from around the world. I’ve been researching for the best location in Dubai for the past two years and we’re excited about Atlantis, but we’re not stopping there…

someone puts salt and pepper on their food straight away. Now that gets on my nerves. My mum always does it and I swear if she does it one more time in my restaurant, I’m going to ban her.

Is what we see on TV the full force of your temper or is it a little bit staged?

No one produces me. Honestly, it’s just passion that gets misconstrued as fury. I only get angry when things are in jeopardy. It’s just because I care.

How did your romance with Dubai begin?

I fell in love with Dubai eight years ago when there were virtually no chefs in sight. Now it’s like a miniLas Vegas attracting the best chefs

What brings tears to your eyes in the kitchen?

Do you know what really gets my goat in my restaurant? When I’m working the line and the food goes out, and

Tell us about some of your protégés making their mark on the Dubai culinary scene.

I guess I’m like a proud big brother.

Scott Price [Table 9 and Taste Kitchen], Darren Velvick [Table 9 and recently opened The Croft] and Jason Atherton [Marina Social] are all doing brilliantly on their own. I just hope that what they learned whilst under my tutelage will be passed on to new and upcoming chefs.

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Emira

ours

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RABAH SAMRA OF SEVEN SANDS Seven Sands is a desertbreaking venture, literally.

Inspired by the seven emirates (its decor actually has sand samples from the seven emirates that comprise the UAE), Seven Sands takes Emirati cuisine to an epicurean zenith not seen since Arabian Nights. Merging traditional Emirati cuisine with the exotic appeal of Bedouin fare, and presenting it with a contemporary European flair, Rabah Samra has concocted Dubai’s most authentic restaurant.

What are some of the contemporary twists you gave Emirati cuisine when embarking on Seven Sands?

If you don’t go back in history, you can’t invent the modern. To give it a twist I therefore invaded some very old kitchens – literally all the “old mummies’ kitchens”. The idea was to visit homes and understand what is it that qualifies as homemade Emirati cuisine. Ninety-nine per cent of the ingredients in our dishes are from the UAE. I interviewed several families that have recipes that go back generations. So I borrowed them and gave them an epicurean twist.

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Tell us about some of these ‘twists’?

I started using yact cheese (a 100-year-old recipe for making cheese from the pre-refrigerator era). Yact is made from milk with salt and sugar, but it is a very salty cheese so one has to be extremely careful in its usage.

Similarly, to emphasise our farmfresh ethos, I’ve begun using this with rocket leaves, lemon, cumin and olive oil. If you mix it, you have a wicked fattoush!

How do you source your ingredients?

I’m always visiting traditional homes and digging out forgotten recipes.

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Achar (pickles) is something I keep sourcing, and more often than not from housewives! You’ll be surprised by how much contemporary cuttingedge food is lying hidden in people’s homes and we don’t know about it.

For instance the bezar spice, the very essence of Emirati cuisine, is blended with 18 different spices. I blend this as per the requirement of the dish. The sands of gastronomy keep shifting, you see.

How do you pick your fish?

We’ve had Bu Qtair at Jumeirah for a long time now, so the choicest of our catch lands there. And from there it is driven right here. Bu Qtair does rather well for itself, but there are lots of people in Karama who felt there ought to be a bit of that here as well. So it’s exactly the same vibe, but closer to home for those who relish their street food without making that jaunt.

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et foo

A. KAREEM A.KA. BAVA OF HOT FISH Nothing encapsulates the immigrant ethos more than the district of Karama, with its maze of ethnic eateries and street food culture. It is in this neighbourhood that A. Kareem runs Hot Fish, the sister concern of the legendary Bu Qtair at Jumeirah. As dusk settles on this multicultural neighbourhood, A. Kareem and his crew are ready to sate your palate with the zingiest fried fish in Dubai. He tends to keep his cards close to his chest, as his secret recipe has stood him in good stead for 30 years.

What’s the secret of your success? There are many fried fish and curry outlets in Dubai, so why do people flock to Hot Fish?

It’s the custom-made masala. My son and I pick the choicest of masalas from the southern state of Kerala in India and blend them in a formula that is a family-kept secret. Even my staff do not have access to the formula. It has been that way for 30 years, and will always be that way.

How do you introduce or experiment with newer items?

We keep rotating items to add that extra zing. For instance, we’ve tried boiled tapioca (Indian style) and it is working well. Similarly, we’re playing with sardines now. It is after all Hot Fish!

What are the top fish picks you’ll recommend to the Dubai newbie when he goes to a fish market?

Sherry, hammour, fanna, black pomfret. You’ll never go wrong with these. The catch in Dubai is amazing, which is why we display all the fresh fish here.

Patrons can chose their seafood of choice, we dab it in our custom-made masala and serve it fresh-andfried for their pleasure. We’re not fussy people.

A TASTE OF THE REAL DUBAI Join a Frying Pan Adventures food tour and it’ll be more than your sense of taste that will be assaulted.

Guided by self-confessed foodies who have literally eaten their way around every inch of this city, you’ll be taken to the lesser-known streets of Old Dubai, where you’ll be invited to taste the diverse culinary delights conjured up in the city’s hidden cafés and kitchens. Among others, you’ll be transported from Morocco to Iran, India and Egypt, and all the while your guide will be enlightening you about the history, the secret recipes and the cooking methods with various ingredients.

Through various culinary tours you’ll get to savour the diverse

multicultural flavours of Dubai’s residential community. On the Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage step inside an Arabian ‘sweet shop’ and delight in syrup-soaked bites of baklava; on the Little India on a Plate tour you’ll go behind the scenes in a south Indian kitchen to learn about rice flour preparation; on the African Food Safari you’ll watch a Moroccan chef layer stewed chicken into paper-thin pastry – with sugar; and with your cameras at the ready, be the first to see the day’s catch hauled in at the frenetic fish souq and auction on one of the #unseenTrails. This

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is one of the tours that combines food and photography. With your expert photography instructor from Gulf Photo Plus on hand, you’ll capture on film the chaotic scenes of fishermen and coconut sellers and, within the labyrinth of back alleys, the skilled Egyptian bakers stretching their dough to create delicious cheese-laden pastries.

These are just some of the tours that allow you to ‘taste’ a side of Dubai not seen in the glossy holiday brochures. So dig in and jump into Dubai’s very own Frying Pan. fryingpanadventures.com

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TOM ARNEL OF TOM & SERG Tom Arnel and Sergio Lopez were precisely the caffeine kick that Dubai café culture needed. Making their debut in 2013 with a contemporary eatery in Al Quoz (at a time when only truck drivers dared to venture there), they have since branched out with The Sum of Us on Sheikh Zayed Road and Common Grounds at Mall of the Emirates.

We talk to Tom Arnel, the chef behind these ‘deli’cious’ enterprises.

As a homegrown company in a fiercely competitive market, how do you stand out from the crowd?

We wanted to create a restaurant that is more accessible than fine dining. A fine dining restaurant, in my opinion, one visits once, twice or thrice a year. With Tom & Serg, we wanted to create a more everyday type of café. Our food is simple but heartwarming, minimal but with a rustic edge, and we play with a lot of colour in our dishes.

That’s what helped us find our niche in a crowded market – the accessibility of our cuisine. The Sum of Us, in turn, offers solid baking, equally inventive

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food and good coffee.

At Common Grounds, customers can expect to see handmade breakfast, lunch and dinner options including smashed avocado on linseed toast, acai bowls and super salads all the way through to moreish burgers and jerk chicken.

You’re from Australia. Has coming from Down Under helped you in the Gulf?

I come from Melbourne, which is a great mix of cultures. With Tom & Serg I wanted to introduce Dubai to contemporary Australian cuisine.

And Australian cuisine now comes with many influences, especially from

Southeast Asia. So my food is sweet and salty; there is a lot of palate play with flavours such as ginger and lemongrass.

What about the quintessentially Australian lemon myrtle? Did you bring that with you to the table?

Absolutely! We actually have a lemon myrtle risotto on our menu.

What prompted you to open in Al Quoz?

We didn’t want to be associated with a big brand. We didn’t want to be predictable in any way.

And that’s why Al Quoz works for us. It’s a creative, cutting-edge district. The

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bohemian nature of the neighbourhood (it is now one of the Middle East’s great art hubs with massive galleries in its warehouses) lends itself to the vibe we wished to create.

Has the Emirates’ food culture inspired you?

I speak to a lot of local people about food and the use of seafood inspires me. The quality of seafood is very good here and the locals tend to use fresh herbs with their catch.

For instance, there isn’t much use of rice. Instead I find a lot of nuts, pulses and grains put to good use. It makes the texture of the dishes very crunchy and fresh. ◆

The Reel Deal

With the credits about to roll for the 2015 Dubai International Film Festival, we look at the city's love affair with movies and cinema

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Jake Gyllenhaal in Southpaw: attending this year's Dubai Film Festival

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rom Tom Cruise and George Clooney to Anil Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan, Dubai is a film set that attracts stars from Hollywood to Bollywood.

And now the eclectic crew of USS Enterprise is beaming down as the next chapter of the Star Trek saga is being filmed here. The shooting of Star Trek Beyond started in September, with Dubai being chosen as it resembles a “vertical city”.

No other film star can better appreciate just how ‘vertical’ Dubai really is than Tom Cruise. Mr Cruise, aka Ethan Hunt, dangled almost 2,717ft in the air from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in the blockbuster Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in 2011. The actor, who insists on doing his own stunts, admitted that this was his most knuckle-clenching stunt ever.

India’s love of Dubai as a film set is clear, with blockbusters such as Happy New Year and Hamari Adhuri Kahani having been shot here. China is getting in on the act too with the legendary Jackie Chan filming Kung Fu Yoga here. Teaming up with Bollywood’s Katrina Kaif, this highly anticipated 2016 movie is part of a joint three-film deal between the Indian and Chinese governments.

The Chinese audience is already highly familiar with the city and

particularly with the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel where many scenes of the movie Switch were shot. Today, thousands of Chinese visitors come to see where this fast-paced suspense took place.

Dubai’s popularity as a film set is showing steady growth. Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and Managing Director of Dubai Studio City, says: “Regional and international filmmakers are increasingly recognising Dubai as an established filming destination, which in turn is promoting the development of a dynamic local film industry, and shining a spotlight on Dubai’s flourishing economy, infrastructure, architecture and locations.

“This year already has been an excellent one for filming in Dubai, with a number of international productions choosing the emirate as their filming destination, including global blockbusters such as Star Trek. Not only will these films showcase Dubai’s diverse and unique offering in terms of locations and infrastructure to an international audience, they will also significantly boost the UAE’s economy, tourism and entertainment sectors, and we look forward to welcoming many more productions over the years to come!” d u b a i

ried & Tested

VOX CINEMA AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES Going to the cinema is taken to a whole new level when you experience ThEATre

by Rhodes at the new VOX Cinema at Mall of the Emirates. Akin to flying first class, the movie is just part of the picture. On arrival you’ll be escorted to the exclusive lounge where you are greeted by the ‘concierge’ and given time to peruse the dining menu. Forget bland popcorn and processed hot dogs – this is food conjured up by Michelin-starred, British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. Each dish has been created bearing in mind it’ll be eaten in a dark cinema. For example, all the flavour of a normally saucy lamb tagine has been translated into a divine fritter ball served with cucumber raita. Paninis are created with foie gras, truffle butter and drizzled with a maple syrup dressing. This is finger food – but not as you know it.

Place your order and indicate at what time during the film you would like it served, then proceed through to the auditorium. With time to get comfy, adjust your leather-clad seat to recline the back or raise the foot rest. With wide galleys between the seats, waiters can discreetly serve your food without blocking the view for you and your fellow filmgoers. And forget all that rustling of sweet wrappers – even the wooden trays have been designed so they make minimal noise when placed on your designated table beside your seat.

This has to be the most ‘posh’ cinema imaginable – from the hand towels in the toilets to the super soft blankets. And the personal USB ports for charging your phone at your seat are a nice touch.

Overall, an Oscar-winning experience.

ThEATre by Rhodes

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CinemAH!

Movie going is serious business in Dubai, whereby the film is just part of the picture. 3D experiences, IMAX, butler service and putting your feet up in your sofa-like reclining armchair are some of the highlights.

VOX CINEMAS VOX already offers a number of unique experiences – Gold, Max and 3D – at Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Mercato Mall and BurJuman. But as of October, Mall of the Emirates offers movie goers four new options. It boasts the region’s first IMAX Laser projection system with endless colour, solar brightness, bottomless black holes and soul stirring sounds. It

You set the scene

Catch a classic in an even more unconventional setting at these regular film nights around town.

CINE SPLASH @ DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB An aquatic movie experience where the kids can splash in the pool beside the polo field or float on a lilo and watch the movie go by.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Thu and Fri 7pm, Dhs45 per adult, Dhs35 per child, 04 3618111, POLOCLUBDUBAI.COM UNDER THE STARS @ WAFI Sink into a giant beanbag with a box of popcorn or a hotdog, and watch a Hollywood movie in the cool of the night. Wafi’s Under The Stars is the city’s original outdoor cinema experience with a free movie screened open air every Sunday.

Rooftop Gardens, Wafi, Sun 8.30pm, free, 04 3244100,

also boasts the first theatre combining film and fine dining by serving up cuisine

by Michelin-star chef Gary Rhodes at ThEATre by Rhodes (check out Tried and Tested, page 37). Vox also offers the largest 4D experience in the Middle East with motion chairs and multi-sensory effects, as well as a party room and cinema just for kids.

VOXCINEMAS.COM

REEL CINEMAS Catch your blockbuster at the 22-screen Dubai Mall, the seven standard screens and 3 Platinum Movie Suites at The Beach or the six-screen Dubai Marina Mall. For the full VIP treatment, check into the Platinum Movie Suites where your seat reclines up to 140 degrees and the push of a button summons your butler to take your order. Dubai Marina Mall bills itself as the ‘first boutique cinema in the UAE’ serving up six Premier cinema screens. Reel also offers an exclusive Concierge Service, LAKESIDE VIEWS @ REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL Weekly screenings for adults and kids – from cult British classics to romantic comedies – are played on a giant screen on the club's lawn beside a pool, with beanbags, picnic blankets and outdoor lounge seating provided.

The Lakes Club, Tue 8pm, free, 04 4542638, REFORMSOCIALGRILL.AE JUST OF KIDS @ BURJUMAN The new VOX cinema complex at upmarket BurJuman offers a 31-seat cinema for mini-movie goers. It offers colourful seating, allows the children free rein to play and features lights that dim only – meaning the clientele don’t have to be afraid of the dark.

BurJuman, various times and prices, VOXCINEMAS.COM

PYRAMIDSRESTAURANTSATWAFI.COM

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F&B delivery and a cosy blanket for a nominal charge.

REELCINEMAS.AE

NOVO CINEMAS With four sites in the city (Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Ghurair Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall and Galleria Mall) Novo already has a tie up with IMAX, with the wide-screen experience available at Ibn Battuta Mall. As of June 2015 IMAX and Novo have signed a deal to build two new complexes in Dubai – one at the new IMG World of Adventure, the other at Wafi Mall.

NOVOCINEMAS.COM

TRIBECA TRAILERS @ JA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL Plug in your Bluetooth headset, grab a sofa or beanbag and order your snacks from the silent waiter ordering system. This New York-inspired lounge serves up cinema classics on its Movie Mondays with hotdogs and burgers (all organic of course).

JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, Mon 8pm, Dhs50, 050 345 6067, TRIBECA.AE THE DOME BOX @ BOXPARK IN JUMEIRAH Choose your ‘bed’, lie back and get ready for a very different cinematic experience at The Dome Box. Located in BoxPark in Jumeirah, the domed screen that curves above you will make you feel like you’re actually ‘inside the movie’. Showing a variety of short educational and entertaining films, The Dome Box will leave you enthralled and a little bit wiser.

BoxPark, Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm and from Fri-Sat and public holidays 12pm-12am. Dhs45 for a two-movie package; Dhs75 for a four-movie package.

THEDOMEBOXDUBAI.AE

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A festival with a DIFFerence!

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he stellar line-up for the 12th annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which will run from December 9-16, will bring to film buffs the best of Arab and global cinema. With 55 world premieres (46 of these from the Gulf region alone), this is the region’s most important film festival attracting glitterati from all over. The stars expected to attend DIFF this year include BAFTA award-winning actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Hollywood diva Melanie Griffith and star of the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel. The 2015 line-up embraces cinema in all its forms: from sneak previews of giant-budget Hollywood movies to no-budget films that are breaking new ground, from films from first-time directors to the greatest auteurs of all time. The slate will also include some of the most acclaimed filmic talent from the Middle East. An impressive selection of Foreign-Language Oscar entries from the Arab world will be showcased here alongside regional shorts that radically play with film as an art form. Come one, come all, step into the dark to find that shining gleam of the film projector... because it’s showtime, baby!

FAMILY FUN THE PEANUTS MOVIE, 11 DECEMBER, 2PM This feature from the Children’s Gala section of the film festival is one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year. The Peanuts Movie brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang to the big screen through 3D computer animation. Director Steve Martino caters both to those who grew up with iconic American cartoonist Charles Schultz’s beloved characters and newcomers. Other highlights from the Children’s Gala include director Thale Persen’s Valley of Knights.

A BITE OF NOSTALGIA JAWS AT THE BEACH, 12 DECEMBER, 7 PM Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg’s Jaws marks its 40th anniversary this year. A special complimentary presentation screening will be hosted at The Beach, opposite JBR and attended by legendary actor

Richard Dreyfuss. Whether you’re seeing Jaws for the first time or the 50th, everyone will enjoy watching the film down at The Beach – a more apt setting for Jaws surely doesn’t exist!

JAKE GYLLENHAAL IN THE FLESH, 16 DECEMBER, 6PM Jake Gyllenhaal, whose stellar filmography includes Nightcrawler, Southpaw, Everest and Demolition will be presented with Variety’s ‘International Star of the Year’ Award at DIFF. An exclusive public ‘In Conversation’ with Gyllenhaal will be held during the course of the festival.

THE WORLD IS YOUR EYE-STER With 57 global masterpieces vying for your attention, you’ll be spoilt for choice at DIFF. From Palestinian cinematic whiz kid Hany Abu-Assad’s uplifting The Idol to Zinzana, the highly anticipated neo-noir thriller from Emirati director Majid Al Ansari, from nail-biting and dramatic award-winning film The Clan by Argentinian director Pablo Trapero, to the inspirational biopic The Man Who Knew Infinity, directed by Matt Brown and starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, this is the most diverse film festival in the region.

ARABIAN LIGHTS The Muhr Gulf Short Category, now poised with its second slate of 15 shorts, pays homage to the finest in Arab filmmaking from some of the region’s most progressive directors. From heart-wrenching deprivation to the struggle between good and evil, this section will change the way in which you view movies coming from the Middle East. Multi-award-winning director Bahaa Al Kadimy returns to the film festival scene with his dramatic short Dialing. This is cinematic passion in its rawest and most evocative form. You ought to not miss it. ◆ Ticket packages for DIFF start at Dhs275. The box office is open at DIFF.AE and VOX, Mall of the Emirates. For further information on film schedules and events, visit DIFF.AE

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STRIKE A In the run up to Dubai’s very first yoga and holistic festival, we take a deep breath and focus on the destination’s programme of classes that offer inner harmony and balance

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s one of the world’s most rapidly growing cities, life in Dubai is fast-paced, thrilling and exciting. However, within its busy schedule, it’s easy to find a quiet corner in which to meditate, take stock and find inner peace.

Yoga, and the holistic lifestyle that goes with it, is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and as the destination develops, so too has Dubai’s thriving yoga scene.

To celebrate this growth in Dubai’s holistic lifestyle, the city 40

Pose

will be holding the region’s very first holistic and yoga festival. Entitled XYoga, the residents and visitors of Dubai are all invited to join in the prostrations and discover their inner balance on 19-20 February 2016 at Burj Park.

“We’ve seen a huge growth in interest in yoga over the past few years,” says XYoga marketing director Javad Khoramifar. “Admittedly it was not a practise that local Emiratis were overly familiar with initially.

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of Dubai’s residents has seen the practice of yoga – in all its various forms – be slowly introduced and wholeheartedly embraced here.

This festival will incorporate all the aspects of a holistic lifestyle and celebrate the growth in this powerful movement.”

However, you don’t have to wait for February to make your salutation to the sun. There are numerous opportunities for visitors to join classes and roll out their yoga mats, either within their

THE REGION'S FIRST YOGA AND HOLISTIC FESTIVAL 19-20 FEBRUARY 2016

WE TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW OF THE OPTIONS OPEN TO ASPIRING AND BUDDING YOGIS:

new student package for Dhs200 for seven days, or go solo for Dhs85 per class. Zen Yoga has studios in Dubai Media City, Emirates Hills and The Address Marina.

YOGA.AE

YOGA BY THE SEA LIFE N ONE

This ‘life centre’ in Jumeirah offers the full array of yoga styles, from hatha to postnatal, in its delightful courtyard garden and zen-like studios.

Drop in sessions are just Dhs80 and afterwards visit the on-site café in which the menu comes with none of the guilt but all of the flavour.

LIFENONE.COM

Four chances a week to start your day practicing yoga in the outdoors with a sea view to boot! ‘Yoga by the Sea’ classes are held at JBR The Walk beside The Beach mall on the south lawn on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7am to 8am.

Classes are free and appropriate for all levels. Just bring a towel or mat and go with the flow.

THEBEACH.AE

FRIENDS OF YOGA

Friends of Yoga practice at Deira Creek Park, Bur Dubai Creek, Zabeel Park, JLT Park and Internet City every day between 5.30am-6.30am and 7.30pm-8.30pm and everyone from three to 93 is welcome. What’s more, classes are completely free.

CLUB MARQUIS

Overlooking the mighty Burj Khalifa, finish your day with sunset yoga beside the pool at the JW Marriott Marquis, the world’s tallest hotel.

Classes are open to all for just Dhs75.

JWMARRIOTTMARQUISDUBAILIFE.COM

FRIENDSOFYOGAGLOBAL.ORG

BAB AL SHAMS ZEN YOGA

Zen Yoga bills itself as Dubai’s original yoga and pilates studio and offers yoga styles such as hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga to name just a few. Walk ins are welcome and if you’re staying a while you can use the

hotel, or alfresco in the city parks or on the beaches. And, to prove that yoga and its lifestyle is fully inclusive, many of these sessions are completely free!

Choose the one that’s right for you.

For example, beginners can try power yoga with the emphasis on muscular strength; for flexibility and stamina try flow yoga; join a hatha yoga session for flexibility and optimal hormonal regulation; or focus on your mental and spiritual balance with a spot of kundalini yoga.

Look out for the yoga retreats that take place in this luxurious desert resort. Bikram yoga, meditation and posture clinics are held over weekends, including sessions hidden within the desert dunes to set the natural scene.

MEYDANHOTELS.COM

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XYOGA FESTIVAL The whole of Dubai will be closing their eyes, focusing their minds, breathing slowly in and out on the weekend of 19-20 February 2016 when the city holds its inaugural festival focusing on yoga and the full 360 holistic lifestyle. Entitled XYoga, this festival is being launched by XDubai – the action sports company – in partnership with Dubai Tourism, with the aim of positioning Dubai as the leading destination for yoga in the region.

In the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, the XYoga festival village will be situated in Burj Park, where

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globally-recognised yogis will be offering classes in the full array of yoga styles, from vanyasa to acroyoga, with opportunities for all, from complete beginners to yoga instructors and from children to athletes and pregnant ladies.

Retailers will set up stalls in the village selling yoga clothing, healthy eating products and all the accessories that ensure a healthy balance between mind and body.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to join in the mass yoga sessions that will be taking place on the first day of the event in what is

SUNSET YOGA MADINAT JUMEIRAH “Let your body become one with the earth.

Let it sink into the sand. Feel the nature around you and listen to the waves on the shore.” These are just some of the words of Yoga Master Vijay Sharma on the sands of Madinat Jumeirah during his daily sunset yoga session.

With the iconic Burj Al Arab to the east, the sun is bidding the day farewell in the west, casting a golden orange hue across the horizon. It’s the perfect antidote to a stressful day and with Vijay’s soothing, melodious instructions every part of the body is gently stretched, the mind is eased and the inner balance is restored.

Each evening, just a few metres from the sea shore, Vijay runs his participants through an hour-long session of basic yoga – open to all levels from beginners to yoga addicts. It starts in the sunlight and finishes under the light of the moon.

The ultimate session

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ried & Tested

anticipated to be the largest mindbody festival in the region.

Entertainment will also be on tap, with live bands and DJ sets and what’s more, it’s completely free!

So whether you’ve never done yoga before or even if you’re an avid yogi wanting to learn more from the experts, head down to XYoga and strike a pose!

XDUBAI.COM/XYOGA

takes place each month to coincide with the full moon – a truly inspiring journey of self-discovery.

More specific forms of yoga take place throughout the day – primarily on the beach. Start the day with hatha yoga or tai chi, or perfect your breathing with a session of vinyasa yoga or through meditation discover your inner harmony.

Also look out for the resort’s three-day detox retreats. ◆ JUMEIRAH.COM/MJYOGA

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Attractive fares from UAE to Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Trivandrum & Visakhapatnam

Outdoors

LET THE

RACES

BEGIN

The firing gun has gone off and the fit and adventurous are out of their starting blocks exploring Dubai. We don our trainers and mount our bikes to whizz you around Dubai

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ust after sunrise at 7am on 22 January, over 30,000 people will get underway in the 2016 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. In what is the biggest mass participation event in the whole region, the Dubai Marathon attracts the world’s elite athletes while the route showcases the city’s iconic landmarks.

Judging by the number of spectators, it’s a clear indication that this city is now keeping up with the global running craze. As the mercury drops, joggers

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come out in their droves to pound the tracks around the city parks, train along the shore on Jumeirah Corniche (specifically built to be soft underfoot) or work out on the beachside gyms. For those needing a goal, there’s a packed calendar of races to work towards from the Dubai Creek Half Marathon, which runs beside the historic Creek and through the old textile souq to the ultimate Dubai Marathon itself.

It’s also the season when the bikes come out in force.

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But these are no ordinary bikes or bikers – these are the bikes ridden by some of the top professional cyclists on earth. From 3-6 February 2016 the likes of former Italian national champion Ivan Santaromita, who has signed a one-year deal to ride for the local Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team, Tour de France and Olympic medal winner Bradley Wiggins plus German sprint king Marcel Kittel will take part in the Dubai Tour – a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale)

leg of the Asia Tour and the only race on the UCI calendar that has an entire race run within one city.

The event sees four separate stages totalling just over 417km and taking in a different sector of the city each day – from Palm Jumeirah to the mountainous enclave of Hatta.

According to Kittel “it’s the fastest sight-seeing tour ever”.

Dubai’s passion for biking is equally demonstrated by the popularity of the annual Spinneys

Dubai ’92 Cycle Challenge, which takes place each December (11 December in 2015). Running since 2010, over 1,500 amateur cyclists peddled 92km across the city and past its iconic landmarks from the desert to the Burj Khalifa last year. In 2015, 2,500 cyclists are expected. There are four build-up events prior to the Cycle Challenge, training sessions are held regularly and membership at local cycling clubs is booming (see directory for contact details).

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Cycling fans will be pleased to hear that Dubai’s cycling scene has gathered some serious momentum over the past few years. Beyond the six-lane carriageways, attention has been turned to providing purpose-built cycle tracks, both for those who simply enjoy a leisurely pootle in the great outdoors to those Bradley Wiggins wannabes.

As part of its initiative to build on its ‘pedal power’ Dubai’s RTA (Road and Transport Association) is well on track (excuse the pun) to complete its 850km

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Outdoors

Dubai Bicycle Master Plan allowing residents and visitors to explore on two wheels.

The RTA recently completed 105km of bikeways. These include paths along Jumeirah Beach Road (23km), at Street No 7 up to Al Mankhool Street (1.4km) and Mall of the Emirates station (1.6km). There’s also a nine-kilometre-long cycling track that follows the tramway on Al Sufouh Road and runs all the way to Jumeirah Beach Residence. The tram stations at Dubai Media City, The Palm Jumeirah, Knowledge Village and Al Sufouh offer bikes for rental.

Sheraton Dubai Creek has recently introduced its cycle tours of Old

Dubai – taking you through the souqs on two wheels.

The simplest way for visitors is to hire a bike from one of the 16 Byky stations around the city with prices starting at Dhs15 for 30 minutes, increasing by the hour to Dhs80 for 24 hours. You’ll find five stations in Downtown, five in the Marina and six on The Palm.

For a worthwhile sightseeing trip, with plenty of refuelling stops along the route, nothing beats a jaunt along Jumeirah Beach Road as it has four Byky stations along the way, which means you only have to cycle as far as you want to.

At the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park there are four, six and eight kilometre loops, while Mushrif Park has a hilly 4.5km cycle track. Equally hilly, yet completely different, is the 2.46km ride along the Dubai Autodrome Track (normally reserved for racing cars) on Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 9pm.

RACING ON FOUR LEGS

If you like the going a bit tougher, hire a mountain bike from Wolfi’s bike shop (wbs.ae). Then join The Cycle Hub (facebook.com/ thecyclehub) every Monday night and Saturday morning as they ride a 25km off-road loop near Motor City. Led by an experienced mountain biker, the route is adapted to the skill level of the group. A great way to meet likeminded people and get ready for the challenging tracks of Hatta (see box).

The 86km Al Qudra Cycle Path is a Dubai cycling highlight. Bicycles can be hired from the cycle shop at the path’s start, but it is best to make a reservation during peak times. On Fridays there are often more than 500 cyclists, including numerous breakfast runs, so stick to your lane and watch out for the pelotons of ultra-fast pros whizzing by.

The Al Qudra Cycle Path offers different paths and distances, but the second section of the track is a beautiful, unique loop of about 50km passing through dunes and by the famous Bab Al Shams Hotel – the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. If you’re lucky you’ll spot gazelles such as Arabian oryx, while desert lizards are virtually guaranteed. And if you’re there during sunrise you’ll see the spectacle of hot air balloons coming in to land.

Four legs are sometimes superior to two, especially when we are talking about the famed Arabian thoroughbreds that have been bred to perfection over 4,500 years. The domestic horseracing season is now in full swing until March, and in January the international action starts with the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

This event, worth around $40m in prize money, runs annually from January to March and makes up a season of high-class international race days contested by the world’s most high-profile owners, trainers, horses and jockeys. Spread across 11 race days, the Dubai World Cup Carnival leads to the seasonending Dubai World Cup, the 46

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world’s richest horserace, on 26 March 2016. See the full racing calendar at dubaiworldcup.com Regular race nights are free or spectators can indulge in a range of viewing options to suit any budget and level of luxury from simple seating to five-star all-inclusive dining. If you want to do it in style, the five-star The Meydan Hotel offers racecoursefacing rooms with private balconies and three world-class restaurants plus the Millennium Lounge. The Fabulous Race Night Stay Package includes entry to a dedicated Meydan Grandstand Suite, access to the Parade Ring and special discounts on culinary, spa and golf experiences.

MEYDANHOTELS.COM

Hatta Fort Hotel

WILD IN HATTA

DIRECTORY

The oasis town of Hatta is cradled by the craggy Hajar Mountains. With its dramatic scenery this enclave is a world away from the skyscraper metropolis that we know as Dubai. It’s a perfect retreat from city life and offers a milder climate, fresh mountain air, splendid views and most importantly, a chance for some serious adventures.

It is this mix that ensures that the third stage of the Dubai Tour takes place here. The 205km route ends with a 200m climb at a painful 17 per cent gradient – enough to give the sprinters a serious challenge. So it’s no wonder that local cycling clubs also flock to Hatta to test their mettle against the mountains.

Another equally challenging cycling option is the 50km of purpose built and graded single-track mountain bike trails at the Hatta Mountain Bike Centre (hattamtb.ae).

The trails are graded from easy to hard with Green for beginners, Blue for intermediate, Red for experienced

and Black for very skilled riders. The trail system is constantly growing, as are the amenities with plans to open a trail centre offering bike hire.

The Hatta Fort Hotel is a favourite weekend getaway for stressed Dubai citizens. With its picturesque views of the Hajar Mountains, 80 acres of manicured garden, two swimming pools, the gourmet restaurant Jeema and 48 deluxe chalet-style rooms, two suites and two villas, this is the place to stay in Hatta. Its generous buffet breakfast is the perfect start for cyclists wanting to tackle the mountains, hikers taking on trails and the wadis, 4X4 enthusiasts plying the rugged tracks or those going sightseeing at the Hatta Dam and the Hatta Heritage Village.

Tour operators, such as Arabian Adventures (arabianadventures.com), offer excursions from Dubai that explore the mountains, tackle the wadis and explore the groves and sights of this ancient oasis town. ◆

CYCLING

• Dubai Roadsters has been around for 15 years and appeals to riders of all calibre: DUBAIROADSTERS.COM • On Saturday mornings, Cycle Safe Dubai organises a social 60km coffee run to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort: CYCLESAFEDUBAI.COM • More advanced cyclists can join Revolution Cycles, an offshoot of Cycle Safe Dubai: RCDXB.COM • Hot-Cog-MTB is a club for experienced mountain bikers: HOT-COG.COM d u b a i

RUNNING

• The family-orientated Desert Road Runners, founded in 1989, is Dubai’s oldest running club: DESERTROADRUNNERS.CLUB

• The Nike Running Club meets three times a week at Burj Park: FACEBOOK.COM/NIKERUNNINGMIDDLEEAST • The Mirdif Milers run three times a week at Mushrif, Mizhar and Khawaneej Vets: MIRDIFMILERS.INFO • Creek Striders is the club behind the Dubai Creek Half Marathon: DUBAICREEKSTRIDERS.ORG 47

TIME TRAVEL

As Dubai celebrated its 44th National Day let us take a look into the story behind this dynamic nation.

1833

 The Al Maktoum arm of the Bani Yas tribe settles besides Dubai Creek

1973

1894

 Establishment of the UAE Currency Board (Now Central Bank of UAE) and circulation of UAE Dirham begins

 Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher becomes the Ruler of Dubai. His liberal economic policies make Dubai a successful commercial port

1920s

1971

 On 2 December 1971, Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain, formed the United Arab Emirates.

Ras al-Khaimah joined one year later  Dubai’s new-found fortunes and independence was not wasted and thanks to the foresight of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum the infrastructure to create a city of the future began to take root

 Pearling is at its peak and Gulf pearls are renowned as the finest around the world

1930s

 The Great Depression and the Japanese manufacture of cultured pearls decimated Dubai’s main economic revenue. However, Dubai was the Gulf’s major trading entrepôt and its diverse souq retained a level of wealth that was the envy of neighbouring sheikhdoms

1966

 Dubai struck gold! Or what was called ‘black gold’. Long after oil had been discovered in neighbouring Abu Dhabi (some 13 years earlier) and after years of drilling one dry hole after another, Dubai finally struck the jackpot

1950s

1965

 Work begins on the dredging of Dubai Creek that, on completion in 1961, permits 2.1-metre draft vessels to use the waterway. Further dredging in the 1970s accommodates coastal shipping up to 500 tons. These improvements facilitated trade and gave Dubai a competitive edge over other regional ports  Oil is discovered in Abu Dhabi

 Dubai opened its first asphalt runway at Dubai International airport

1961

 Dewa is officially opened and the lights go on. It is astounding to think what Dubai had achieved by this point without the benefits of electricity

1951

 Al Maktoum Hospital, the first in Dubai, opens its doors. Plans are now underway to create the Al Maktoum Hospital Museum in the original building 48

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Time Travel

1976

 Establishment of Etisalat.

Etisalat is now the 17th largest mobile network operator in the world, with a customer base of more than 150 million

1978

 Sheikh Rashid Tower opened. At 39 storeys it was the city’s tallest building and the first high-rise along the Sheikh Zayed Road. Today, this tower has grown into the renowned Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

1979

 Jebel Ali Port opens. It is the world’s largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East

1982

 Opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport

1985

 The launch of Emirates airline. Back then its fleet consisted of two airplanes leased from Pakistan International Airlines. Today it is has a fleet of 245 aircraft flying to 142 destinations in 80 countries and it is often lauded as The World’s Best Airline

 Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first of Dubai’s many freezones, opens for business. Today the freezones contribute Dhs515 billion in trade to Dubai’s economy, highlighting the emirate’s succesful economic diversification away from the oil sector

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Time Travel

1989

 The Dubai Desert Classic tees off and quickly earns the reputation of being ‘The Major of the Middle East’. Since its inception this European Tour event has attracted the world’s best golfers and seen 21 different winners from 12 different nations.

2004

 The Dubai International Film Festival is inaugurated and soon joins the ranks of the world's premier film festivals with a celebrity-studded red carpet  Dubai International Financial Centre is launched

1990

 Sheikh Rashid Bin-Said Al Maktoum dies and is succeeded by his son Sheikh Maktoum Bin-Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice-President

1993

 The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships debuts and three years later moves to the newly-built Dubai Tennis Stadium at the Aviation Club.

This ATP event attracts ace players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams

1996

 The first Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horserace, takes place. It quickly grows into a a fashion extravaganza and a highlight of Dubai’s social calendar  The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off. The month-long ‘One Family, One World, One Festival’ has helped make Dubai the world’s second most important international shopping destination after London

2003

In 1970, only 48 per cent of UAE adults were literate; today more than 93 per cent are literate

 The launch of the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival, or Jazz Fest as it is popularly known, hits the right notes with thousands of music lovers

1999

 Opening of Burj Al Arab on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach.

What many bill as the ‘world’s only seven-star hotel’, this sail-shaped building is now a worldrenowned icon  The Dubai Sevens tournament kicks off.

Today, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is a sporting and social event that atracts teams and fans from around the world

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 James Blunt and Sting are just some of the headline performers

2001

 Dubai gets its first restaurant with a celebrity chef when Verre is opened by Gordon Ramsay.

This sparked off a foodie revolution with chefs such as Michel Rostang, Gary Rhodes, Nobu Matsuhisa and Marco Pierre White subsequently following suit d u b a i

2006

 The year that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai and the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE  The first residents moved onto the artificial archipelago of Palm Jumeirah – a project that increased Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 kilometres. Today this palm-shaped island with 17 fronds is home to luxury beachside residences, apartment buildings and luxury resort hotels which, of course, includes the colossal Atlantis, The Palm that opened to a fanfare of fireworks in 2008

2009

 Dubai International airport expanded with the opening of Terminal Three  On 9 September at 9pm the Dubai Metro is launched. This driverless, fully automated metro rail network was declared by Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully-automated metro network spanning 75 kilometres

2010

 Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – is unveiled in Dubai  Cargo operations commence at Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central

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Time Travel

2013

 Dubai was declared the host city of the World Expo 2020 in November 2013  The world’s first airport facility dedicated to the double-decker A380 opens in Dubai  Opening of phase one of Al Maktoum International Airport at World Trade Central. Several airlines operate from here (Wizz Air, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airlines, Qatar Airways, Eastern Horizon Airlines and Eastern SkyJets). When all phases are complete, this airport will have capacity to handle 160 million passengers a year and will be the largest airport in the world

2014

 Dubai Tram opens, giving both locals and tourists a new transport option  Dubai launches its Smart City initiative  The UAE announces plans to send an unmanned spacecraft to Mars in what would be the first space probe by an Arab or Islamic country

In 1971 the total population of the UAE was 180,000, by 2014 it had reached 9.5 million

2015

 Dubai becomes the 4th most visited city in the world ◆ 52

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T

able alk

Getting Social in DUBAI Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s Marina Social serves up five-star food in a fun and informal environment What exactly is the Social concept all about?

For me, Social is about fun.

Five-star dining should not be a chore. It’s not all about starched white tablecloths and five-course meals. Social gives the control back to the customer; letting them create the experience they want. Most importantly it’s about being relaxed, being accessible and taking the stuffiness out of five-star dining without compromising on the Michelin-starred quality.

When you opened Marina Social in September it was your 17th restaurant worldwide. So why Dubai?

Simple – I love it. And I think Dubai suits the Social concept. Some 15 years ago Gordon Ramsay approached me and asked if I wanted to work in Dubai [as executive chef for the former Verre restaurant]. I came for a weekend, fell in love with the place and stayed for four fantastic years. It’s always somewhere that I knew

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I would like to return to do business. Just like any other major cosmopolitan city, there are already loads of restaurants in Dubai, but without sounding egotistical, I wanted Marina Social to be a place that people fall in love with. We want to make a difference in the way people think about fine dining and eating out in Dubai.

And why the InterContinental?

Well, they approached me – which I like ’cos it seems so much more natural than me seeking it out. We came over

and I instantly liked what I saw. It’s a five-star deluxe product and that’s very important to me. I also really like the area. In my opinion there’s currently an undersupply of good restaurants in the Marina, but that will obviously change over the next five years.

Do you tweak the concept for each market? How is Marina Social different?

In the UK we have more game and comfort food on the menu because of the weather. In Dubai it’s a lighter, fresher menu to

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suit the warmer climate, lots of exciting salads, sharing plates and long, refreshing drinks. We’ve also incorporated a dedicated lounge area with a DJ, appealing to those just wanting to pop in for a drink and snacks with friends.

What food trends are you most excited about right now?

I’m really happy about the amount of interest we are now seeing in ‘pure’ cuisine. Take Emirati cuisine, for example. People are going deeper into the authentic traditions of food.

This is a trend that should last forever.

Are you in the kitchen yourself?

Tristan Farmer [another former Ramsay protégé

MARINA SOCIAL HITS THE SPOT Marina Social, situated in the InterContinental Dubai Marina, is renowned for great food, a smart yet casual atmosphere, and stunning views over the marina. Atherton started out as a protégé of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, but has had huge success since branching out on his own. Within six months of opening his second restaurant, Pollen Street Social in April 2011, the London outlet was awarded a coveted Michelin star.

Marina Social, like each of his ‘Social’ restaurants, has its own distinct atmosphere. The menu is labelled as BritishMediterranean, which Atherton describes as staying true to his British chef roots. However, the dishes cater for Dubai’s hotter climate with thinner sauces and lighter food. The salad of snow peas and the Italian beef tomato and burrata have that lighter touch. ‘The Social Dog’ with duck and foie gras sausage, as well as the smoked lobster and English breakfast with toast are among the hit signature dishes.

What’s On magazine rates Marina Social as one of Dubai’s top tier restaurants thanks to its lack of pretention or stuffiness and fine dining: “The classy vibe and fun epicurean concept combine to create a winning formula.” The rest of Dubai concurs.

MARINASOCIALDUBAI.COM

CRAB, RADIC CHIO AND AVOCA DO SALAD Serves 4-5 persons

who has been training under Atherton at Pollen Street Social for well over a year] is the executive chef and officially a part of the business. This is important as by being a manager and business partner he has taken ownership and is passionate about the detail and has made it work.

When he took over from me at Maze he maintained the Michelin star, which is very impressive. We do work very closely and when I’m in town I will be very hands-on in the kitchen.

Cooking is my passion, it’s what I do.

So are you in Dubai often?

As often as I can. Even without the restaurant I came to Dubai with my wife

and two daughters about twice a year. We often stay at the One&Only Royal Mirage and we love relaxing by the pool and shopping. Dubai is very special to us ’cos it’s where my wife and I met.

Are you ready to open more restaurants in the Middle East on the back of Marina Social’s rave reviews?

No, not at the moment, but never say never. If InterContinental said, ‘Look we’re going to do a new hotel, do you want to look at it?’, of course we’re going to look at it. You just don’t know what’s around the corner. But having said that, I’m also trying very hard to spend more time with my family.” ◆

Crab: 250g white crab meat 1 Granny Smith apple juice of 1 lemon ¼ bunch coriander, leaves picked ¼ bunch chervil, leaves picked 60ml classic vinaigrette sea salt and black pepper, to taste Salad: 1 firm but ripe avocado ½ lemon 1 head of radicchio di Treviso 60ml classic vinaigrette small handful of chives, roughly chopped small handful of chervil, leaves picked To serve: sourdough toasts

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Directions for Crab: Remove any bits of shell from the crab meat. Peel, core and dice the apple. Put the apple into a bowl of cold water with half the lemon juice.

Roughly chop the coriander and chervil leaves, then mix with the crab meat in a large bowl. Drain the apple add to the crab mixture with a little more lemon juice to taste.

Add the vinaigrette and season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently toss the mixture again.

Salad: Dice the flesh of the avocado and place into a small bowl and squeeze over the lemon to prevent the avocado from turning brown.

Tear the radicchio leaves into small pieces and toss them in a bowl with the vinaigrette and chives.

Divide the crab salad between individual serving plates. Arrange the dressed radicchio alongside and scatter over the diced avocado and chervil leaves. Place several slices of sourdough toasts on each plate and serve immediately.

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Picture this

The beauty of HENNA

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ou won’t get far in Dubai without encountering intricate and beautiful henna designs.

For Emirati women, henna art plays an important cultural role at weddings, special occasions or at fun gettogethers. It is part of local women’s beauty regimes to adorn their hands and feet with henna – a dye that comes from the flowering henna plant.

It is difficult to pinpoint where the love affair with henna started due to centuries of migration and cultural interaction. The first written mention of henna dates back 4,000 years to ancient Syria, but what is clear is that henna use originated in the Middle East

around 5,000 years ago and spread to India, China and Africa. This is also in line with where the henna plant grows naturally as it prefers hot temperatures and produces the most dye between 35 and 45 degree Celsius.

Regardless of where it is used, henna is associated with special celebrations.

Betrothals, weddings, the eighth month of pregnancy, the birth, the 40th day after a woman gives birth and naming ceremonies are all events

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celebrated with henna. Eids and other religious holidays are also occasions to be hennaed. A common practice seen in India and in the Islamic world is the pre-wedding tradition of ‘Night of Henna’ parties. For example, in Saudi Arabia it is traditional that the bride’s hands are painted with henna by a happily married female relative to bring luck. In the UAE, the Laylat al Henna is held a day or two before the wedding, where the bride gets beautiful henna designs on her hands and feet. All the bride’s female relatives and friends are invited to this evening of music, dancing and sumptuous food.

Henna designs differ between cultures. African henna patterns are usually simple, bold, large geometric shapes and designs with abstract symbols. Indian mehndi involves fine, thin lines for lacy, floral, paisley patterns with lines and dots and dense patterns covering entire hands, forearms, feet and shins.

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Arabic henna designs are abstract and less dense with designs featuring graceful, usually large, floral and vine patterns on the hands and feet. There are traditionally six types of styles.

The Al Ghammsa style decorates until the elbow, while Al Ghessa designs the whole finger till the middle of the hand.

Rawayab colours the tips and draws lines to the centre of the palm and Al Jutti tints two joints of each finger.

Biarreej draws triangles on the hands and the Bittat style forms four triangles with small dots, flowers and stars.

Many visitors to Dubai succumb to the beauty of henna, especially as it is so readily available. At Shindagha Heritage Village, Emirati women apply henna designs while explaining their meaning. Many salons offer this service at a fee, while free henna design is part of most desert safaris. Cone-shaped henna packets, for easy application, are sold at many shops and make interesting souvenirs. ◆

A Look Ahead MARCH

The annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is one of Dubai’s cultural highlights. The theme for the eighth edition is ‘Time’ and Helen MacDonald, AC Grayling, Maitha Al Khayat, Youssef Ziedan, Carol Ann Duffy and Chris Cleave are among the 65 authors already confirmed. 1-12 March at the InterContinental Hotel, Festival City.

More than 800 exhibitors from 50 countries display everything from super yachts to dinghies at the Dubai International Boat Show. No need to be an oligarch to get your money’s worth though, as the five-day event is packed with displays on land and sea, test drives, competitions and family entertainment.

1-5 March at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

The Venue, Downtown Dubai hosts Design Days Dubai, which features stunning installations, exclusive presentations, world design premieres and the best collectible works from leading international design galleries. Running from 14-18 March, the Middle East’s first design fair also offers a series of public talks, workshops and screenings.

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all over the Middle East. Yes, there is a beauty contest for camels, among many other competitive events with amazing prizes.

A LOOK AHEAD for the next few months

The 10th edition of Art Dubai returns to the Madinat Jumeirah from 16-19 March.

The commercial aspect hosts a diverse line-up of leading galleries that focus on contemporary and modern works, as well as a curated section of art spaces. The not-for-profit programme includes a dynamic roster of commissioned projects, residencies and educational initiatives for children.

Get ready for a colour explosion at Zabeel Park on 25 March as the Indian community celebrates Holi and the start of spring. HoliHai features live dance and song performances, DJ’s and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

The sport of kings takes centre stage at the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, on 26 March.

Besides being the world’s richest horserace, with a combined prize purse of US$30 million spread over nine races, the Dubai World Cup is also one of the UAE’s biggest social events. Dress to impress, do some celebrity spotting and absorb the carnival atmosphere.

The 12th edition of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai shifts from turf to surf at a purpose-built arena at the heart of Skydive Dubai from 1-2 April. Beach polo, a concept that was born in Dubai in 2004, has spread to 32 cities. But nobody beats Dubai when it comes to the spectacle.

‘Affordable’ and ‘art’ rarely coexist together. But that is the premise of World Art Dubai, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-9 April. Young and emerging artists get an opportunity to establish their names at this event, which is a unique fusion of art, education and entertainment.

APRIL

Camels are an integral part of Arab culture, a fact proven by the colourful Al Marmoum Heritage Festival from 1-16 April. This traditional celebration attracts thousands of highly-trained camels of different ages and breeds from

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Put on your Darth Vader outfit and head to the Dubai World Trade Centre for the Middle East Film and Comic Con event from 7-9 April. The region’s largest pop culture and entertainment festival showcases comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television, as well as pop culture elements such as horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels. ◆