FACT Abu Dhabi August 2015

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August 2015 VOL 2. IssuE 03 AED 10

4HLALA! OHLALA!2

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www.ohlala-magazine.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

“ Oh, “ Oh, the the doors doors that that willl willl open open when when you you have have the the right right ”” key key

www.ohlala-magazine.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

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3OHLALA! OHLALA! 86

contents It’s August and we’ve got your fashion, arts, culture, tech and, more importantly, dining, needs covered! This month, FACT is your official guide to Abu Dhabi’s coolest events and best foodie deals.

17 Indoor Escapes

10 Fact Finds

August brings with it the scorching summer heat, but fear not. We have a ton of indoor activities to help you keep cool.

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Arts Exhibition

33 Arts Souq

The Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures is a celebration of sculptures from across the globe. We learn more here...

Etihad Modern Art Gallery brings you affordable and beautiful pieces to add to an existing collection or start the journey into collecting art.

It’s all about treating the little ones this summer as Yas Island brings fantastic deals on activties, hotels, dining and massive events, to enjoy.

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Island Rides

Our resident motoring man takes the brand new Mini JCW for a spin. Read his verdict on how the car drives, here...

73 Chef’s Table

Fancy dining out at one of the best steakhouse and grills in the city? We meet the man behind the scenes at The Capital Grill in Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

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THE EDITOR

Summer Lovin’ “Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

– Charles Bowden.

A

ah, every year (well, the past two that I’ve lived in the Gulf ) I try and

mentally prepare for summer in the Middle East. A wardrobe change to lighter and brighter colours, a list of salad and ice-pop recipes to try, and the possibilities of a natural glowing tan – these are all the

things that qualify me for being summer ready (I think!). This year is no different.

I have a plan. One that doesn’t involve hiding at home from the scorching heat,

but, rather, planning appropriate activities and being well-prepped for days out. If

you’re onboard with this then check out some of the best places for indoor fun this August, starting p17 – there’s something for everyone!

To top this off, it’s that time again when Abu Dhabi Summer Season (ADSS)

Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick (tony@factlive.com) Features Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designer Jyoti Rawat Photography Rashed Bin Daina Sunder Pratap Singh Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Cover Image Mounir Aleid

calendar of happenings (p14). For those who are getting a head start on the new

Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver

academic term, turn to p24 for our Back to School offerings.

Abu Dhabi is buzzing with art this month! We take a look at the stunning

The Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures which is a celebration of sculptures from across the world (p27). Then there’s Art Souq 2015 at Etihad Modern Art

Gallery which gives collectors of art, as well as those who want to invest in beautiful art, to explore a wide range of works, available to purchase at affordable prices

(p33). This might just be the place to pick up something you’ve been looking to

put up on the blank wall at home. Our cover this month is just one of the stunning pieces on display!

The GCC is buzzing with artistic talent and we’re bringing you one of

these this month. FACT caught up with Ella Prakash who has been living in

neighbouring Bahrain for over 50 years, and sharing her work with the local and international arts community. Read all about her colourful pieces on p43.

Apart from the heat, August also brings with it a huge number of delicious

dining deals. Starting p73, have a read of just some of the great venues you can be

treating your taste buds to, this month! Summer never felt so good! Make the most of the month ahead and we’ll see you for more of the good stuff in September ☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com

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Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes

takes over the capital for a month long of massive events and all-round fun times.

Check out some of the things you can get up to courtesy of ADSS, with our

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition August 2015 Volume 2, Issue 03

Sales Manager Yasmine Qawasmeh Sales Coordinator Renie Simplina Advertising Enquiries Email: chelsea@nansgroup.com Printed By United Printing Press All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. FZ-LLC cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

FACT M.E. FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O. Box 769328, Abu Dhabi, UAE License Number: D.L. 361/14/A

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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2,338 followers

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Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team.

August 2015 VOL 2. IssuE 03 AED 10

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Abu Dhabi| First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrityworld movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Abu Dhabi in local supermarkets now!

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Keep up with all things Abu Dhabi as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

Our Fave Feature

JULY 2015 VOL 2. ISSUE 02 AED 10

Issuu @issuu A cultural explosion of #tech, #travel, and #fashion in Abu Dhabi. @FACTAbuDhabi bit.ly/1lEMIQZ

Sakina Mansoor @SakinaaM Everything is updated but we still don’t have an ‘edit tweet’ option.

Ali Al Saeed @alialsaeed Drinking hot coffee with a straw.

Can’t say I haven’t seen it all.

issuu.com FACT Abu Dhabi

19,653 reads of the July issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Abu Dhabi.

Art Souq p33.

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AQUA RE S TAU R A N T | A L F R E S C O D I N I N G With floor to ceiling windows and a 180째 view of the Abu Dhabi Waterfront, Aqua delights your senses with home-made pastas and Italian cuisine with a twist.

Business Lunch AED140++/person | Friday Brunch from AED250++/person ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI | AL MARYAH ISLAND +971 (0) 2 813 5552 |

abudhabi.dining@rosewoodhotels.com | rosewoodhotels.com

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Kids Rule On Yas This Summer Discover more of Abu Dhabi with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the city.

There’s no way that kids in Abu Dhabi will get bored the next couple of months because Yas Island has got the UAE’s little ones covered! As Abu Dhabi Summer Season continues to provide entertainment and activities for all ages across the emirate, Yas Island has a diverse range of attractions and superb offers and events to dominate your summer calendar.

Kids can play, eat and stay for free by making use of fantastic room packages at a host of Yas Island hotels, including Viceroy, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge, Rotana, Centro, Radisson and Park Inn. In a fun treasure hunt-style game, golden keys will be hidden all around the island in participating outlets including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina, Yas Marina Circuit, all hotels and Yas Links.

Find one of the 250 golden keys hidden across the island each day to win weekly prize draws valued at more than 10,000 dirhams. Key finders will also be entered into the major prize draw to win return flights with Etihad Airways or flynas. Mums, dads and the kids can all join in the Yas Treasure Hunt, which will run until September.

There is an impressive lineup of events taking place on Yas over summer, too, including: the longtime favourite show of kids, big and small, Sesame Street, from August 6 to 8, while Myth Busters, with its mind-twisting approach to science, will entertain crowds from August 13 to 15, and the world’s fastest illusionist, Hans Klok will provide a visual treat and keep people on the edge of their seats on August 21 and 22. Comedy Extravaganza with Bader Saleh will bring summer to a close on a laughing note, on August 28.

Whether they’re smiling on slides and rides at Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, enjoying family time around a hotel pool, or tucking into delicious food at one of more than 100 cafes and restaurants, Yas Island will be the place to see and be seen for children this summer.

GO: Visit www.yasisland.ae to plan your Yas break and view up-todate listings of all events and promotions for summer.

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DIARY DATES

GCC G ETAWAYS Thinking about jetting off around the region this month? We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels for you to stay in whilst exploring our neighbouring nations…

Qatar

Bahrain

Oman

Towering above the West Bay business district and connected to City Centre Mall, this luxury hotel has 579 guestrooms including 122 contemporary Doha apartment suites with top notch conveniences to ensure a comfortable and productive stay for both business or leisure.

Food is serious business here with a number of delicious on-site dining options such as Quick Bites (the burgers are a must try here!), Ipanema and Glo Cocktail Bar. There’s an enticing outdoor and indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the luxurious Saray Spa to make use of during your stay.

GO: Call +974 4419 5000 for bookings and more information.

Located on Amwaj Islands, ART Rotana has a prime location just a few minutes drive from Bahrain International Airport. Escape to a tranquil and secluded ocean front oasis, where a pristine private beach awaits. ART Rotana has 311 luxurious rooms and suites, all ocean facing. The property provides business travellers and holidaymakers alike the cosiness of home as well as the luxury of and modern facilities as well as unique splendour like the mesmerising dancing fountain that blends light and music for guests to enjoy.

GO: Call +973 1600 0111 for bookings and more information.

Experience stunning sunrises and spectacular sunsets at one of Muscat’s best beach resorts, the majestic ShangriLa resort. This is three hotels in one; Al Waha, Al Bandar and Al Husn. From Al Waha, there’s a man-made tunnel through the mountain leading you to a sanctuary facing the Sea of Oman. It also has several swimming pools merging to form a serene oasis. Al Bandar Hotel is akin to a town with a mélange of fine restaurants. The palatial Al Husn is indeed as its name implies: a suitably exclusive castle. Rooms and suites are amongst the largest in all of Oman.

GO: Call +968 2477 6666 for bookings and more information.

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

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ART Rotana Hotel & Resort

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Abu Dhabi

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

060911 13 15

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Sesame Street Live at du Forum

Summer Body Bliss at Emirates Palace Spa

Afternoon Tea at The Lounge, The Westin Abu Dhabi

Mythbusters: The Explosive Edition at du Forum

Shreya Ghoshal Live at Emirates Palace

Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Ernie, Bert will put on a show that continues to bridge cultural and educational gaps, perfect for children and parents alike. The live production is packed with high-tech props and a clever script, and there’ll be plenty of singing, too. Visit www.

Start your week with some pampering as Emirates Palace Spa has a special treat in store with the Summer Body Bliss offer. When you book any 60-minute massage, you will receive an additional 30 minutes with compliments. Valid until August 31.

Sit back and relax with a mid-week afternoon tea, which consists of a mouthwatering array of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and homemade scones, and a wide range of Jing teas and Illy coffee. Served between 2pm and 6pm, for AED105++ per person. Call (0)2 616 9999

Mythbusters is ready to take you on a thrilling ride of mind-blowing, on-stage experiments, with lots of audience participation and behind the scenes stories from Adam Savage, one of the co-hosts of this hugely popular TV show. If you want your mind blown, get your tickets asap! Visit

Celebrating Indian Independence Day, one of Bollywood’s most renowned singers will perform for an evening of serene melodies.

Shreya Ghoshal’s talent is beyond words as she sings in seven languages; Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Nepali, Malayalam and Tamil. Visit

ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

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Call (0)2 690 7978 for more information.

for more information.

www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

HAPPENINGS

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WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

ZSC Kids Holiday Camp at Zayed Sports City

Hans Klok: The World’s Fastest Illusionist at du Forum

Art Souq at Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Lots of Laughs at Comedy Night du Forum

The Illuminaire, Fire & Light Spectacular at Emirates Palace

Take the little ones down to ZSC to enjoy indoor sports, games and creative activities. The camp is packed with everything from bowling, ice skating, billiards, table tennis, ball games, films, arts and crafts, and more. Priced at AED900 per week, running from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Call (0)2 403 4222

If illusions, tricks and magic are what get you excited, then this is the perfect show for you.

World-famous illusionist Hans Klok guarantees a show full of spellbinding surprises. His on-stage persona and illusions are compared to Houdini, the master of escapes. Expect edge-of-the-seat action!

Embark on your journey into the world of collecting art or simply find a new piece to add to your existing collection at Art Souq 2015. The souq offers an opportunity for visitors to get up close with a huge variety of artistic styles, techniques and mediums. Visit www.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as regional comedians gather to share their witty humour and stand-up banter with the audience. Tonight, Badr Saleh, whose hugely popular YouTube show Eysh Elly has gained him a massive following, will also take to the stage. Visit www.

Phoenix leads their audience on a mystical journey through time and space. The troupe consists of international and Olympic athletes, visual artists
and technical experts, who will put on an incredibly surreal performance that is, simply, visually stunning. Visit www.

for more information.

Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

etihadmodernart.com for more information.

ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

ticketmaster.ae for tickets.

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SOCIETY

#IWC #Boutique #Welcomes #Volvo #Ocean #Race #Winners Following their recent win at the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race, Azzam Skipper Ian Walker and his crew Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) paid a visit to the IWC Schaffhausen boutique in The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The IWC-sponsored crew of the racing yacht, Azzam (Arabic for “determination”), lifted the Volvo Ocean Race 2014 –15 trophy as champions in the final stopover in Gothenburg, Sweden. Walker and his team celebrated their victory during their visit to the city.

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Abu Dhabi is packed with awesome activities to keep you cool during the daytime. We’ve picked some of the best for you to check out and avoid the August heat...

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SUMMER SURVIVAL

Tea time T rend

B ore d of lu nches a nd bru nches? E m brac e the n e w d ay t i m e m o v e m e n t to c atch up w ith fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s .

We ’ v e p i c k e d f i v e o f the b est a fterno on tea option s i nthe c apit a l to es c ap e the heat…

St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche

With the greatest of respect to the formidable legacy of the first Lady Astor, the afternoon tea at Tea Lounge has been re-imagined to bring you an unforgettable experience. Guests can choose from 25 loose-leaf teas from around the globe and a truly remarkable selection of cakes, finger sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres and scones. This teatime is a great solution for busy-bodies, so go ahead and share this tradition with your nearest and dearest!

Call (0)2 694 4444 for more information.

Emirates Palace

There’s nothing like indulging in some tearoom treats in the most glorious setting. With freshly baked scones, savoury tea sandwiches including roasted angus beef with horseradish cream and house smoked salmon pin wheel on brown bread, sweet treats including strawberry vanilla tarts and vanilla crème brulée, and a choice of one cake, this is just the place to curb your cravings. This elegantly presented afternoon tea is served daily at both Caviar Bar and Le Café.

Call (0)2 690 9000 for more information.

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Observation Deck at 300, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

How about a cup of tea and some delicious quick bites at the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi?

Sounds like a plan! Enjoy light bites, mocktails or perhaps the ‘highest’ high tea in Abu Dhabi, as you sit back and take in the finest views in the city, overlooking the blue waters. Located at the lavish Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Observation Deck at 300 is a popular noon spot for couples, friends and anyone due a catch up. With an array of tea choices and delicious food to choose from, you’ll easily while away a few hours here.

Call (0)2 811 5666 for more information.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Enjoy a classic and sophisticated afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. The tea and snacks taste even better amidst the chic ambience. Relax with an extensive assortment of drinks and food, including a carefully chosen selection of the finest teas, served in a grand setting. The quintessentially English ritual of Afternoon tea is taken to a classy level here and is perfect for all – we love it!.

Call (0)2 509 8888 for more information.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Afternoon tea is a fashionable alternative to lunch, and Alba is leading the way. A comfortable, classic lobby lounge with a vaulted ceiling and semi-private dining areas is the place to try this tea time trend. The Chinese Tea Ceremony at Alba is a must-try! Learn to brew your oolong or black dragon tea gong fu-style and enjoy its delicate taste and balanced aroma. Or, try the signature afternoon tea service featuring savoury hors d’oeuvres, scones and chocolate treats. Call (0)2 818 8282 for more information.

SUMMER SURVIVAL

Relax, Rejuvenate, Repeat.

Eden Spa, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Treat you rs el f to a d ay o f i n d u l g e n c e a nd p a mp eri n g where y o u e nj oy s o m e m e ti me. Su m mer i s the p e r fe c t t i m e t o h i t Abu Dha bi’s p o ol s a nd sp a s, a nd here a re s ome of the b est…

Retreat and rediscover a world full of relaxation and pampering at the recently renovated Eden Spa. Engage your body, mind and soul with treatments ranging from European to Asian massages, facials, unique Ayurveda and oriental massages including Thai, Chinese, Shiatsu, and Balinese therapies. A fully equipped gym, located within the spa, provides a dedicated space for health and fitness and for anybody who is looking to get back on track towards a healthier lifestyle.

What more can you ask for? Simply walk-in and have a great day.

Call (0)2 644 6666 for more information.

Bayshore Beach Club, InterContinental Namm Spa, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi This exquisite spa boasts world-class facilities and services that stay true to Thai traditions. From a workout at the modern DFiT Fitness Centre to a swim in the outdoor temperature-controlled pool, or a signature Thai-style treatment, guests will immediately fall in love with the serene minimalism and ambience at Namm Spa. Here, you’ll find that the skillful touch of well-trained therapists will erase the stress of modern life and rejuvenate your body and senses.

Call (0)2 698 8888 for more information.

A beach club is the perfect 24-hour escape from everyday life. Take a stroll on the 300-metre private beach or dive into the swimming pool, visit the spa for a massage or workout at the health club - all of this is one fabulous place.

With a huge variety of things to do, this beach club will brighten up your day and help you stay cool. The day-spa has two multi-treatment rooms for massages; face and body treatments and complimentary amenities served InterContinental style. Call (0)2 693 5285 for more information.

Anantara Spa, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

The Anantara brand is renowned for its luxury and elegance, and this spa is no exception.

Choose from an array of traditional treatments, from Middle Eastern healing to Thailand’s exotic remedies. Retreat to luxurious facilities, with 15 treatment rooms; including three couple’s suites, two Vichy shower rooms and a dedicated LPG face and body slimming room. Experience the Traditional Turkish Bath experience in the huge open hammam area and leave feeling completely relaxed and revitalised.

Call (0)2 656 1146 for more information.

Heavenly Spa , The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Rediscover yourself at Heavenly Spa, and get ready to be transported into a journey of complete escapism. Enjoy the invigorating power of signature techniques in one of six beautiful treatment rooms. From luxurious antiageing and cleansing techniques and relaxing full-body wraps to the latest Myoxy-Caviar masks, soothing paraffin baths and rejuvenating collagen treatments to invigorating massages, the experienced therapists here will ensure that your time at the Heavenly Spa is all about you.

Call (0)2 616 9999 for more information. fact magazine

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SUMMER SURVIVAL

For the Family W i t h t h e k i d s o f f s c h o o l t h e r e ’ s n o b e t t e r c h a n c e fo r q u a l i t y fa m i l y t i m e t h a n t h e m o n t h o f Au g u s t . H e r e a r e f i v e e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t b o t h t h e c h i l d r e n a n d p a r e n t s w i l l e nj o y …

One of our favourite indoor, family-friendly brunches is at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. As well as live entertainement, kids can keep occupied with activities like face painting, a bouncy castle, ice cream station and balloon sculptors. The food is a delicious mix of Arabic, Asian, Continental, German and Japanese – yummy! Friday Brunch at Beach Rotana runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Call (0)2 697 9011 for more information.

Summer Camp

Keep boredom at bay for the kids and treat them to an activity-filled season at one of Abu Dhabi’s numerous indoor summer camps. We’d recommend Al Forsan Kids Summer Camp with a fully indoor camp spread across the 3,200sqm air-conditioned sports dome for children aged four to 12. Kids can join in the unique sports and games, from martial arts, mini basketball, swimming, archery, gymnastics, football, arts and crafts, and so much more. Camp runs from Sunday to Thursday – administration and registration fee is AED150 per child, and prices start from AED650 per week (5 days).

Call (0)2 656 5656 or email sales@alforsan.com for more information.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

If you haven’t already held this beautiful bird of prey, then you’re in luck. Abu Dhabi is home to one of the best and most reputable Falcon hospitals in the region. Get up close to these majestic creatures on a two-hour tour through the facility where you can hold the birds (with supervision, of course) for a photo opp and learn more about their importance in Emirati culture and heritage. Kids will love seeing the adorable baby falcons, whilst mum and dad can handle the larger animals – an interesting and fun experience to be shared! Visit www.falconhospital. com or call (0) 2 575 5155 to book a tour.

Vox Cinemas

Face it, there’s nothing like watching the latest blockbuster in a pimped out cinema, and this is something that all family members can enjoy!

Vox Cinemas has state-of-the-art cinema screens for hire with things like a premium food menu, fully-reclining chairs (in some cases there 20

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Ripe Market are beds too) and exclusive private facilities for guests to enjoy. There’s everything from VOX Gold, VOX 3D, VOX 4DX, and more. Go on, throw the kids a ‘beat the heat’ summer party and let them enjoy their favourite flicks in luxury.

Email events@voxcinemas.com or call 600 599905 for venue details and hiring.

Friday Brunch

If there’s one thing you can count on for summer in Abu Dhabi, it’s Friday Brunch! There are so many great options to try, all offering variety of food and plenty of entertainment for families.

Get the kids involved with cooking and what can double as a great foodie education with a trip down to the Ripe Food & Craft Market at The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Get little ones to make their own shopping list of healthy goodies and write down one benefit of each ingredient, then grab your basket and get stocking up on local organic fruit and veggies and a whole load of tasty store cupboard essentials like eggs, honey and other superfoods. There’s also talented artisans, crafters, jewelers and designers to browse as well. Ripe Market takes place every Saturday throughout summer from 10am to 2pm.

Visit www.ripeme.com for more information.

SUMMER SURVIVAL

POCKET-FRIENDLY FUN

T here’s on ly one t h i n g t h at c a n m a ke h av i n g a g reat t i me even more enj oya ble – t h at i s, s av i n g a few d i rh a m s a lon g t he way! We’ve picke d five awe s ome t h i n g s to do i ndo or s t h at won’t brea k t he b a n k…

Ice Skating

An indoor sport that was made for the hot summer months, ice-skating is one of those pastimes that will never get old! Get down to the ice rink at Marina Mall for a refreshing activity for all to get excited about. It’s a cool AED40 to skate for an hour, and skates, socks and optional safety gear is included in the price. For something on a biger scale, head down to the Olympic-sized ice rink at Zayed Sports City (they even have disco nights throughout the week) with sessions starting from AED30. Call (0)2 403 4200 for more information.

Gallery Hop

Abu Dhabi is full of fantastic arts and culture to check out and one of the best ways to get in on the action is to plan a ‘gallery crawl’ for the day.

Head to Etihad Modern Art Gallery for Art Souq 2015 and start your journey into the world of art collection. Right opposite is Etihad Antique Gallery with beautiful artefacts in a cosy setting – both located near Al Bateen Mall. Next up, try Barakat Gallery for ancient art and antiques from

places like China, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome and more – all pieces on display are for sale. For work by local and expat artists, Ghaf Art Gallery in Al Khalidiya will cater well, and N2N Gallery at the Nation Towers has a fantastic display of exceptional art works by European artists.

Visit www.stay.com/abu-dhabi for a full list of galleries.

Emirates National Auto Museum

You don’t have to be a fan of cars to appreciate the museum’s amazing private collection, owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. There’s everything from a customised camper van to rainbow-coloured Mercedes and a massive five-metre-high Dodge with an apartment under its roof (we’re not kidding!). If you’re going with some friends or the family, be sure to have a go at the golfing range set atop a number of military vehicles. Open daily from 8am to 6pm (including holidays).

Visit www.enam.ae or call (0)2 667 6999 for more information.

Spring Clean

This is the perfect season to give the house a thorough sweep and empty out all those drawers to unload yourself of unwanted items.

Everything in good condition can be given to the organistaion Take My Junk. This UAE company will collect everything from clothes, shoes, indoor and outdoor furniture, electrical goods, books, and more, all of which will be donated to underprivileged families. A good spring clean will leave you feeling a little lighter, too!

Visit www.takemyjunkuae.com for more information.

National Library

Book worms unite! If you love reading and need the perfect place to perch with a great book, look no further than the National Library. With nearly two million volumes covering books, periodicals, manuscripts and electronic materials, there are more than 300,000 titles in Arabic and 100,000 titles in foreign languages, in genres ranging from history, literature, novels, biographies, non-fiction and so much more. You can even hire out any material of your choice (including DVDs and CDs) and settle in with a nice cuppa on the sofa at home. Visit www.abudhabi.ae or call (0)2 657 6034 for more information. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Ramadan #Bowling #Tournament #Zayed #Sports #City The Zayed Sports City Ramadan Bowling Tournament presented by NDC wrote a new chapter in its 15-year legacy with Emirati Hassan Al Suwaidi earning the latest spot on the coveted Ramadan bowling trophy. With 166 participants - the largest ever in the tournament’s history - the nail-biting open division final tested the talent of the city’s top bowlers and proved the growing strength of the sport among Emiratis. Al Suwaidi kept his focus against a tough line-up, displaying the finest touch under pressure to claim the champion’s title with a score of 3395.

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SUMMER SURVIVAL

Beat The Heat Guide Stuck in Abu Dhabi for the summer? Don’t sweat it (pun-intended!). Here are a few simple things you can be doing to keep cool in the scorching sun…

Popsicle Party Though you might be tempted, stop yourself from reaching for that supercold tub of ice cream in the freezer. A healthy and more delicious alternative is fruit popsicles – they’re just as cooling and contain half the calories.

Three Insanely Easy Popsicle Recipes

Method: - Blend the overripe bananas until completely pureed.

- Add nutella, and blend until completely mixed in.

- Pour into popsicle molds with sticks and freeze for three to four hours.

Strawberry Buttermilk Pops (Serves 8) Ingredients: 1 pound strawberries, hulled, 1 cup Virgin Piña Colada Pops (Serves 8) buttermilk, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup sugar, Pinch 1/2 large pineapple, chopped (about fine salt 4 cups), 1 15-ounce can cream of coconut, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, Method: - Puree the strawberries, buttermilk, Pinch fine salt yogurt, honey, sugar, and salt in a Method: - Puree the pineapple, cream of coconut, blender until smooth.

- Pour the mixture into your ice-pop lime juice, and salt in a blender until molds, dividing evenly. Insert ice-pop smooth. sticks and freeze until firm, at least four - Pour the mixture into 10 3-ounce or hours. eight 4-ounce ice-pop molds, dividing evenly. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until firm, at least four hours and up to What to Eat in the Heat? four days.

Fruit with Yogurt – As fruit has high Banana Nutella Fudgesicles water content, it will help maintain your (Serves 10) body fluid, by making you sweat – this Ingredients: is the body’s method for cooling down in 6 large overripe bananas, peeled the heat. Yogurts contain friendly bacteria 1/2 cup nutella which can help protect against food

poisoning – something that is more of a frequent occurrence in hot temperatures.

Rice, Baked Potato & Pasta Salad – Eat regular, small, starch carbohydrate snacks or enjoy a weekend roast with ample potatoes or a pasta dinner, and how about a yummy risotto? Why? Well, carb-rich foods keep the body’s blood sugar and energy levels even, helping to combat heat exhaustion.

Onions – Really? especially red ones!

Red onions contain a chemical called quercetin which is believed to have an anti-histamine effect. So for those people who suffer from irritants like heat rash or bad reactions to insect bites and stings, eating onions daily could be the answer to these summer complaints.

Eat Spicy Food – A vindaloo in the summer might sound crazy, but chillies and spicy curries can stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, enhance circulation and cause sweating, all of which cools the body down.

Eat Small, Eat Often – The larger the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates breaking down the food.

Eat small portions but eat regularly!

Hot Tips For Cooling Down - Run your wrists under a cold tap for five seconds each every couple of hours. A main vein passes through this area, and it helps cool the blood.

- Wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes. Light colours reflect the sun’s radiation and heat is trapped by synthetic fibres, but cotton absorbs perspiration and its evaporation causes you to feel cooler.

- Put your sheets in a plastic bag and stick them in the fridge a couple of hours before going to bed. Your body temperature lowers as you fall asleep, which is why it’s difficult to sleep in hot weather. Cold sheets straight from the fridge should help you get a better night’s sleep in summer.

- Replace your usual body moisturiser with a cooling aloe vera aftersun product to use morning and night. This will help lower your skin temperature.

- While you’re out, keep the house blinds or curtains drawn to stop it heating up like a greenhouse.

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back to school

Back To School Turn plain and boring meals into fun, child-friendly treats with these super cool lunch ideas: Add lettuce over the

1/2 Cup Wheat Germ

chicken mix and roll the

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

local bread over, tightly.

3/4 Cup Raisins (Optional) 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil

Chicken Avocado Sandwich

1 ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil

1/2 Cup Honey

Ingredients

4 Eggs

3/4 Tsp Salt

1/3 Cup Finely Shredded

1 Small Can Crushed

Cooked Chicken

Pineapple

Method

1 Stalk Rocca,

½ Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Trimmed, Chopped Finely

1 Cup Grated Fresh

Generously grease a 9x13-

1/4 Avocado

Coconut

inch baking pan.

1/4 Cup Mild Salsa

2 Cups Grated Carrot

In a large bowl, mix

2 Tsp Vanilla Extract 1 Egg Beaten

1 Tsp Lemon Juice

Cucumber Boats

2 Slices Sandwich Bread

together the oats, brown For Cream Cheese

sugar, wheat germ,

Icing

cinnamon, f lour, raisins

Ingredients

Method

½ Cup Cream Cheese

and salt. Make a well in

1 Cucumber

Combine chicken, rocca,

1 Tsp Vanilla

the centre and pour in the

1 or 2 Kiri Cheese

avocado and lemon juice in

1 Tsp Sour Cream

honey, egg, oil and vanilla.

(you can use any thick spread

a small bowl.

1 ½ Cups Icing Sugar

Mix well using your hands.

such as labneh as well)

Sandwich chicken mixture

Colour some of the icing to make carrot

Pat the mixture evenly into

Some Sliced Black Olives

between bread slices as

decorations (optional).

the prepared pan.

desired.

Method

Pack sandwich in lunchbox

Method

Cut the cucumber in half,

with a

Preheat oven to 325F.Butter

length wise. Core the insides

freezer brick.

a cake pan, or place liners in

and toss them aside (or eat

a cupcake pan.

inside the cucumber shells and

Carrot Cupcakes

sprinkle with black olives. You

Ingredients

prepared pan/cupcake tins.

have got yourselves two boats!

2 Cups Sugar

Bake for 60-70 minutes at

2 Cups Flour

325F or for 25-30 minutes

2 Tsp Baking Powder

for cupcakes. Mix the icing

½ Tsp Baking Soda

ingredients together. Once

Ingredients

2 Tsp Cinnamon

cooled, top with icing.

100g Grilled Chicken

1 Tsp All Spice

Enjoy!

1 Cup Finely Chopped Lettuce

1 Tsp Salt

them up) Spread the cheese

Chicken Salad Wrap (Serves Two)

Mix all the cake ingredients together and pour into

This recipe can be made in either 1

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes

1 Local Bread

large bundt pan or 2 x 9-inch cake

in the preheated oven until

Chopped Pickles (as desired)

tins, or makes about 30 cupcakes.

the bars begin to golden at

3Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard

the edges.

Method

Playgroup Granola Bars

Mix chicken, pickles and

(makes 12 servings)

still warm.

mustard in a bowl.

Ingredients

Do not allow the bars to cool

Place the chicken mix on the

2 Cups Rolled Oats

completely before cutting or

local bread.

3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

they will be too hard to cut.

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Cool for f ive minutes, and then cut into bars whilst

H

back to school

ZAKS UNIFORMS STORE This is the ultimate one-stop shop for schoolwear with everything from trousers, pinafores, t-shirts, caps, jackets and so much more apparel to choose from for the academic year ahead. Whatever your uniform needs – whether it’s getting the right fabric, adding a durable badge or rich embroidery, or getting snazzy accessories, ZAKS Uniforms Store has you covered.

GO: Shop at Al Raha Mall or visit www.zaksstore.com for more information.

PAYLESS Picky kids will rejoice at this great shoe store where it’s options galore for footwear. Little ones and the teens can choose from a wide range of leather and non-leather school shoes to suit all ages.

GO: Shop Payless at Yas Mall. Visit www. yasmall.ae for more information.

BHS

BHS

BHS

BHS

RIVER ISLAND

BHS

Marks & Spencer

Geox

Marks & Spencer

GYMBOREE Kids will love the colourful choices available at Gymboree. The US brand carries stylish, high-quality children’s clothing and accessories for kids up to the age of 12. It’s all about premium fabrics and colour coordinated outfits for a unique look at school.

GO: Shop Gymboree at Yas Mall.

SACOOR KIDS If you’ve got quite the fashion-savvy young one, they’ll be pleased with a visit to this beautiful store. From formal suits, shirts, shorts, caps, and dresses (for girls), there’s uber stylish and trendy attire great for school wear or occasions and events.

GO: Shop Sacoor Kids at Yas Mall.

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SOCIETY

#Kids #Rule #On #Yas #Island #This #Summer Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s island of entertainment, staged a one-of-a-kind press conference announcing that ‘Kids Rule on Yas this Summer’. The event, curated and hosted by the kids, was energetic and entertaining; and the first-of-its-kind to be held in the UAE. The press conference announced that kids stay, play and dine for free at a number of outlets and attractions across the island; Yas Island treasure hunt will keep kids entertained all summer long; Partnerships with Etihad and flynas celebrating summer and kids in the air; and the outstanding line up of events happening on Yas over summer.

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Continuing the display of its collection to the public ahead of opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi will show the latest additions to the museums permanent collection in Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories. FACT learns more about the second showcase of the new pieces, titled Immortal Figures, from Senior Project Manager, Dr. Celine Pouyat‌ Maitreya Š Louvre Abu Dhabi

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Local ARTS

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art one of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories showcase of new acquisitions came to a close in late July. With this end came the beginning of another exciting display: Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures. Both presentations include the important Fayoum portrait, a fine example of an Egyptian funerary painting that would traditionally have been placed on the face of a mummified body.

The first display, Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Al Qalam, which ran from June 21 to July 25, explored the art of the written word, featuring a broad selection of textual artworks including a Quran bifolio, miniatures, and a manuscript.

The second display, Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures, will run until August 30 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and is a celebration of sculptures from across the globe.

For all you art connoisseurs and culture vultures out there, we spoke to Senior Project Manager, Dr. Celine Pouyat to get more in-depth look at this stunning exhibition.

Tell us more about Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures - what was the thought-process behind it and what are some of the most significant pieces on display?

Through a selection of a few of the most recent artworks acquired by the museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories explores the themes that have linked civilisations throughout history, inspiring new comparisons of

LOCAL ARTS

02

Immortal Figures celebrates the representation of the human figure; a common theme that has always been an enduring presence in artistic expression.

these artworks from different times, civilisations and geographies. Immortal Figures celebrates the representation of the human figure; a common theme that that has always been an enduring presence in artistic expression. Immortal Figures features a wooden carving Uli statue from New Ireland, a Nepalese gilt copper figure of Maitreya, and an Italian Rennaissance bust of Saint Peter Martyr. The two displays are linked by the impressive Fayum portrait of a boy, which is the cornerstone of this selection of works.

The display is very much a product of the Louvre Abu Dhabi team who worked closely with Agence France Museums to explore new ideas on how these artworks can be interpreted and how they should be presented to the public. The select number of artworks

showcased in the two themed displays of Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories are recent additions to the permanent collection having been acquired in 2014. They will join over 500 artworks in the collection spanning from pre-history to present day and will be exhibited alongside 300 artworks loaned by leading French institutions.

Yours or the teams favourite piece on display and why…

Alia Zaal Lootah, Researcher, Louvre Abu Dhabi: “The Fayum portrait is my favourite piece in Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures display as it is a beautiful example of this type of portrait. It maintains its original composition and it its aesthetic quality is very rare. This portrait combines characteristics of two of the world’s most important civilisations; Egyptian

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LOCAL ARTS

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04

05

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and Roman, and this is evident in the formal representation of the painting. It also combines the ancient tradition of the mummification (as it was placed on the face of the deceased over the mummy) as well as the tradition of the Roman death masks.”

Why should people visit this exhibition and what message(s) do you hope they will walk away with?

Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories is an opportunity to see how Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection is developing and to get a glimpse into a selection of artworks that will be on display in the museum. We hope that visitors will leave the presentation with a new idea on how artworks can be interpreted and with a better understanding of the universal themes that are at the heart of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

How is the opening of The Louvre Abu Dhabi going to change the arts and scene in the UAE? Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of a cultural development that is unprecedented in scale and scope. The iconic institutions of Saadiyat Cultural District will attract local, regional and international visitors with unique exhibitions, permanent collections and performances. As a universal museum in the 21st century housed in a building embodying the finest examples of modernday architecture, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be a hub for universal culture, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s position at the crossroads of east and west.

GO: Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures will run at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 9am to 8pm until August 30. Visit www. louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.

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01 Portrait of Fayum 02 Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom 03 Under the Dome-Louvre Abu Dhabi Interior Shot-Jean Nouvel Design 04 Kufic Qur’an leaf 05 Louvre Abu Dhabi- Jean Nouvel Design 06 Dual sided folio from a “Polier” album 07 Saint-Pierre Martyr 08 Two illustrated pages of the Siyar i Nabi (The Life of the Prophet) fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Art #Souq #2015 #At #Etihad #Modern #Art #Gallery As part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Season Etihad Modern Art Gallery is hosting Art Souq 2015, an annual exhibition and art fair that offers an opportunity for visitors to buy from a range of affordable artworks specially selected from the gallery’s resident, affiliated, and associated artists, with prices set so as to be within reach of any buyer.

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A r t

S o u q

2 0 1 5

Art enthusiasts and collectors, listen up! Etihad Modern Art Gallery is hosting Art Souq 2015, the perfect place to admire some beautiful works and pick up your next painting, sculpture or artistic find.

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LOCAL ARTS

“The Art Souq 2015 i s a n i d e a l way f o r a r t i sts t o i n t e r a c t with the public and for the public to either begin the adventure of collecting a r t o r e x pa n d t h e i r e x i st i n g c o l l e c t i o n .�

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LOCAL ARTS

I

t’s an annual exhibition and art fair that offers a great opportunity for visitors to observe and purchase from a range of affordable artworks. Everything on display is specially selected from the gallery’s resident, affiliated and associated artists, with great prices for those who want to add to a collection, or anyone looking to take their first step into the arts collector world.

Art Souq 2015 opened at the beginning of Ramadan and saw Etihad Modern Art gallery transform into a contemporary souq setting, combining the atmosphere and artisanal craftwork of the traditional Arabic market with the modern worldview of a set of carefully curated works.

H.E. Khaled Siddiq Al Mutawaa, Founder of Etihad Modern Art Gallery, says: “The Art Souq 2015 is an ideal way for artists to interact with the public and for the public to either begin the adventure of collecting art or expand their existing collection.”

Visitors and prospective buyers can enjoy a wide variety of styles, techniques, and mediums that bridge the traditional and the contemporary. Greek artist Yiannis Roussakis reveals authentic and sometimes-surprising elements of Emirati life through his photography and design work, exploring the connection of Emirati people with their land, culture and animals. fact magazine

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LOCAL ARTS

“The exhibition and fair will also feature a host of affordable sculptural works...”

French painter Karine Roche’s impressionistic brushwork combines the vibrant pace of city life with the exuberant energy of natural forms.

Arts Souq 2015 showcases the international outlook of Etihad Modern Art Gallery through the works of artists such as Khaled Al Najjad, whose Arab and Cuban heritage marks the departure point for his stark photorealistic visions; and Kim Robertson, whose exploration of the Japanese aesthetic of imperfection creates an intimate, honest, and austere body of work.

The exhibition and fair will also feature a host of affordable sculptural works in stone and bronze by artists such as esteemed Bulgarian sculptor Svilen Petrov’s sleek, ornamental figures, as well as mosaic, glass, and craft works by Joann De Morges, whose playful and surreal objects give form to personal myths and public legends.

In honour of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the calligraphic beauty of Arabic and the common history of the Emirati community is explored by the textual wall art of Suhaila Abdulkareem, the decorative horizons of Hakem Al Taher, and the narrative symbolism of Ihsan Abou Said.

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GO: Art Souq 2015 will run until the new season begins in September.

Visit www.etihadmodernart. com for more information.

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REGIONAL ARTS

Culture Corner This summer, the Gulf region plays host to a number of fabulous exhibitions and events. We’ve rounded up a little about some of our favourites…

Qatar

ISMAIL AZZAM: FOR THEM AT QATAR MUSEUMS GALLERY Displaying an entire body of work that was created exclusively for this exhibition, Ismail Azzam, one of Iraq’s most famous artists, is sharing a selection of striking and emotive charcoal portraits, celebrating and honouring the work of 15 past masters. Ismail Azzam knew many of those featured in the exhibition, personally, and created this showcase to celebrate their significant artistic and creative contributions, believing many did not receive the critical recognition or popular appreciation they deserved whilst they were alive. The exhibition features portraits of artists drawn from across the Middle East including Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Kuwait and Iraq. Amongst these is a portrait of the late Qatari artist Jassim Zaini. Throughout a five-decade long career, Jassim Zaini’s paintings captured key moments in Qatar’s recent history and documented the country’s development from humble beginnings, as well as its social and economic transformation during the fifties and the sixties after the discovery of oil.

GO: Fly direct to Doha with Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com) and visit www.qm.org.qa for more information.

Qatar

MATHAF PERMANENT COLLECTION MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Mathaf Collection, Summary, Part 1 welcomed new works to the exhibition auditorium, earlier this year, in what will be a regular rotation of the collection. The first floor of Mathaf presents over 100 artists from the museum’s collection of more than 8,000 works, which will continue to grow with new acquisitions and commissions. The exhibition includes work from Qatar and the Arab world, Iran, Turkey and other regions historically connected to the Arab Peninsula, reflecting a multitude of artistic directions and contexts. This exhibition also contributes to developing research into the collection and its interconnections with contemporary cultures that are also present online in the Encyclopedia of Modern Art and the Arab World, developed by Mathaf.

GO: Fly direct to Doha with Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com) and visit www.mathaf.org.qa for more information.

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Dubai

CALLIGRAPHY WHISPERS ART EXHIBITION

BY SALAH SHAHEEN AT Z GALLERY, FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Salah Shaeen has been living in the UAE since 2005, and one thing he really values is the country’s art scene. Salah applies both traditional and modern tools and techniques in his artworks which depict classical and contemporary Arabic calligraphy styles. Salah’s biggest inspiration comes from his arts teacher, as well as his father who would take him to international exhibitions, and enrol Salah in workshops, and buy him magazines about art, all of which helped encourage the seasoned artist to keep learning and working on new visual techniques. When it comes to artistic role models, he admires the work and careers of Jackson Pollock, Georges Braque, and Pablo Picasso. His passion for bringing Arabic art to the forefront is what makes Salah’s work so genuine and special – this is exhibition, which runs until the end of September, is one you don’t want to miss!

GO: Visit www.fourpointssheikhzayedroad.com for more information.

Bahrain

JOURNEYS BY GAYE BENTHAM AT INTOUCH GALLERY From Bahrain to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to Morocco, Cambodia, the UK and America, Gaye Bentham’s photography has taken her to many different corners of the globe. She strives to capture emotive images that communicate the beauty, wonder, mystery, and occasional quirkiness she finds in the world. Though there isn’t a particular theme running through this exhibition, the title Journeys signifies not only the physical journeys but also Gaye’s own journey into photography, and on a deeper level the life journeys of the subjects portrayed. The perfect photograph for Gaye is one that resonates emotionally. It might be a beautiful landscape, the expression on a face, or something quirky that makes you look twice.

Gaye’s photography style has changed since she started out. At that time, she mainly concentrated on landscapes. She was never comfortable with portraits or street photography, but now really loves it since her Creative Escapes tutors have helped her to overcome the initial trepidation at approaching people. Nowadays, Gaye loves to capture the raw emotion on someone’s face. But she still likes landscapes and wildlife. It all depends on the moment!

GO: Fly direct to Bahrain with Gulf Air (www.gulfair.com) and view more of the photographer’s work at www.gayebentham.com.

Bahrain

BAHRAIN SUMMER FESTIVAL VARIOUS LOCATIONS Held under the slogan Our Year of Heritage, this year’s festival is filled with artistic activities and creative workshops. 2015 marks the seventh editon of Bahrain Summer Festival with shows ranging from local, regional and international music performances, theatrical plays, art exhibitions, and much more. This annual event would be the perfect time to explore all that Bahrain has to offer. There’s a fab lineup this year which includes stage shows like LalaLuna, Ballet Philippines, Wrecking Crew Orchestra and many more. Around the country will be a wide range of activities which focus on multicultural, familyfriendly entertainment. The festival will run until August 30.

GO: Fly direct to Bahrain with Gulf Air (www.gulfair.com) and view more of the photographer’s work at www.bahrainsummer.bh for more information. fact magazine

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LOCAL Arts

Restoration Refined

Qatar Museums has successfully restored the Old Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim, which sits at the heart of the forthcoming National Museum of Qatar.

I

t’s one of Doha’s most recognisable landmarks, and, now, after three years of meticulous work, Qatar Museums revealed that the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, the father of modern Qatar, has been successfully restored to its former glory.

The building serves as a monument to a historic way of life in the country and will stand at the centre of the new National Museum of Qatar, designed by Atelier Jean Nouvel. Honouring the traditions of the past whilst embracing the future, the newly restored Palace will be a fitting central exhibit within the National Museum when it opens.

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Board of Trustees, says: “I’m immensely proud of all that has been achieved in restoring the Palace so faithfully.

This building is an incredible monument to our history and traditions whilst also highlighting our country’s rapid progress and development. When completed, the futuristic, iconic, world-class design of the National Museum will perfectly complement the Palace.”

The palace has been refurbished numerous times since it was built and the texture and fabric of the structure itself tells a rich story about Qatar’s progress and development over the past 100 years.

Originally built during the early 20th century by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani, the Palace has served as both a family residence and the seat of government. In 1975, the former National Museum of Qatar also opened its doors in the restored palace, featuring a number of artefacts and exhibits celebrating the country’s history, heritage, culture and environment. In 1980 the building won the Agha Khan award for restoration and rehabilitation of Islamic architecture.

Numerous architectural features have been incorporated into the original design since the 1970s and provide important insights and lessons into the development of Qatari craftsmanship. Several additional

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I’m immensely proud of all that has been achieved in restoring the Palace so faithfully.

This building is an incredible monument to our history and traditions whilst also highlighting our country’s rapid progress and development.

LOCAL Arts

elements have been added during this time to improve the structural integrity of the building overall.

The project was conceived and designed by Qatar Museums as a contemporary restoration project, rather than a reconstruction. To fulfil this ambitious brief, Qatar Museums engaged Ziegert | Roswag | Seiler Architekten Ingenieure, a specialist practice that focuses on the development of sustainable building solutions using natural building materials.

A team of local artisans was trained over the course of the restoration and worked closely with the project team. Specially developed training sessions included in-depth workshops on diverse subjects ranging from wood treatment, the restoration of ornaments and painted ceilings through to treatment of historic plaster surfaces. All work was closely supervised and managed by specialists on-site and conducted in close collaboration with Qatar Museums throughout.

GO: Visit www.qm.org.qa for more information.

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fact magazine

An Inspiring Celebration of Art Self-taught Indian artist Ella Prakash has a real gift of art, which she uses to create impressive pieces highlighting strokes, complementing colours, and being creative.Ella shares her exciting journey of ups and downs with FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh.

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Arts INTERVIEW

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Arts INTERVIEW

T

here is art that can truly render you speechless and Ella’s art is of such a kind. After visiting one of her shows, I was in awe of this artist and was curious to learn more about where she began and how she nurtures her talent. As expected, she had an inspirational story to share.

“I was born and brought up in Bahrain, it ’s been 52 years now ” she says, proudly. Ella’s appetite for art stems back to her childhood, when she was just 10 years old. But, her father saw it more as a hobby than a career. “I had a goal of becoming a well-known artist, and the passion to reach it was sky high,” she recalls.

“At the age of 16, I joined the Bahrain Arts Society, where I put up group shows.” Here, Ella sold her first water colour painting to the Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain. “It was a proud moment, where I felt people appreciate my art and, yes, I can create great pieces of art,” Ella shares. After this boost, she had a downslide for the next three years – a break she didn’t want to take. After this, Ella got married and painting took a backseat. “It was a huge pull up for me in terms of art; my family became my priority,” she admits.

In 2002, Ella started to feel the pinch of the absence of art in her life: “It was a jolt, a realisation, that this can’t be happening – I had a dream and I need to pursue it,” she tells us. “So, I started taking classes and teaching art to all age groups in Chinmaya society.

Teaching was not easy, and Ella had her fair share of struggles with it. After two years of teaching she discussed with her family about opening her own art gallery, and in 2004 this conversation became a reality with the launch of Ella’s Art Gallery, Adliya.

A few years later, as Bahrain to a step forward onto the international stage so did Ella’s art.

One call from Bahrain International Circuit got her excitement levels high, a memory she treasures until this day. It was in 2006, the first year of Formula One in Bahrain when Ella was asked do live shows at various locations. “The task was to create 10 paintings in 10 days,” she smiles. “I had to paint in front of a live audience, and it was a wonderful opportunity. I was excited to take up this big challenge,” she adds.

The talented lady very clearly remembers her

“My dream and passion is to become a successful international artist,have the world to understand my message through my paintingand also be listed among the best contemporary artists” fact magazine

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Arts INTERVIEW

first show too. “It was themed around Bahraini Heritage, done in water colours and acrylics,” Ella says. This show was a huge success, people loved Ella’s art and this in turn boosted her confidence in the field further.

If you take the time to observe Ella’s art carefully, you’ ll see shades, silhouettes and figures of women represented in the pieces.

This is something that Ella feels very strongly about. “I always want to portray women as strong and powerful individuals,” she says.

“I try to incorporate this in most of my paintings.” In 2010, Ella created a complete collection titled Journey of a Woman, which portrayed various dimensions of women and included bright orange and yellow colours, keeping an Indian theme.

Ella displays her art around the world, and one of the destinations close to her heart is the UK. “I came to London for a group show in 2013, and on my visit I met Samir Ceric,the Founder and CEO of Debut Contemporary,” Ella recalls. “He explained to me how Debut works, and since then Samir has been my mentor and motivator.” Debut Contemporary opens an opportunity to understand the art market of London with a broad lens on the human experience. Ella says: “Debut has given me tremendous support. It has been a turning point in my career and I can see my work has become stronger.”

Ella recently had her solo exhibition with Debut Contemporary titled Alleviation in London. With collaborations between Bo concept and Debut Contemporary, one of Ella’s works – Energy – is currently displayed at the Bo Concept store.

Ella is preparing for her upcoming solo show in Nehru Centre, London and then in India Habitat Centre, Delhi, which will happen in early 2016. She is one busy woman who has really found her calling in life: “My dream and passion is to become a successful international artist, have the world to understand my message through my paintings, and also be listed among the best contemporary artists,” she adds. From what we know of Ella Prakash so far, I’m sure she’s on her way to even greater things.

GO: Ella’s Art Gallery is located in Adliya, Bahrain. Visit www. ellaartgallery.com to browse through Ella’s beautiful paintings and learn more about her artistic journey.

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Straight Outta Compton What’s it about:

NWA was once considered the most dangerous group in the world, welcoming controversy and popularising gangster rap. This is the group’s story on the big screen, a biopic that looks back to how Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella got together in the mid eighties and why their music movement is still significant today.

Director: F. Gary Gray cast: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Paul Giamatti, and Lex Montgomery.

Why it’s worth watching?

Not only will fans of rap love Straight Outta Compton, but also anyone who knows their history and the revolution of pop culture will appreciate what has finally become a fullfledged motion picture. Helmed by director F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set it Off, The Italian Job), someone who knows and understands the group, this film shows the realities of what it was like growing up and living in the most dangerous place in America through the music and tales of NWA. Straight Outta Compton takes us back to where it all began for these cultural rebels who, armed with only a mic, their raw lyrics and street swagger, put their frustration and anger about life in the hood, into the only powerful weapon they had – rap music.

NWA stood up to authorities that meant to keep them down; spoke the truth about things no one had dared to before; and exposed life in the hood - all the things that ignited a social revolution that still echoes today. We hope that when it comes to the big leagues, Oscar voters will stand up and take note.

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Highlights “NWA stood up to authorities that meant to keep them down; spoke the truth about things no one had dared to before; and exposed life in the hood - all the things that ignited a social revolution that still echoes today.”

Masterminds What’s it about: David Ghantt is a bored security truck driver when his life gets a glimmer of excitement as he’s talked into stealing the money he’s been transporting, by two dubious and not-so-brilliant masterminds. His actions lead to one of the biggest bank heists in American history.

Straight Outta Compton

“Why would you not want to see some of the funniest in Hollywood trying to get stupid rich?... Expect annoying accents, silly jokes and hilarious humour!”

Director: Jared Hess cast: Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianikis, Jason Sudeikis, and Owen Wilson.

Masterminds.

Why it’s worth watching?

Why would you not want to see some of the funniest in Hollywood trying to get stupid rich? Masterminds is an action comedy based on real-life events, where a security guard discovers the true meaning of adventure – anything beyond his wildest dreams – and gets stuck in a rut with a group of dim-witted criminals who take the $17 million in cash and set him up to take the fall. It’s doesn’t help that these double-crossers are blowing millions and leaving a crystal-clear trail. Now, David has to shirk authorities, dodge a hit man and turn the tables on his once trusted accomplices. Expect annoying accents, silly jokes and hilarious humour!

REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

FICTION

Armada: A Novel

By Ernest Cline

FOLK/ALT-ROCK ECLECTIC POP

Sound Asleep EP

By The Pinstripe Pigeon Band

The Pinstripe Pigeon Band began as a modest, yet ambitious studio project, incorporating production values inspired by Jon Hopkins, Nile Rogers and Cut Chemist, but this quickly developed into a seven-strong pop force, releasing five well-received EPs throughout 2013/14. The band’s latest material showcases intelligent sophisti-pop, electronica, funkadelia and anthemic rock. The lyrics lovingly articulate personal experiences while finding humour in political and social despair.

Kirsty Harvey’s impassioned vocals hark back to Aretha at her most bombastic and Dusty at her most delicate. The band has the benefit of two keyboardists, one melodically inventive Stevie Wonder/Oscar Peterson-esqe pianist and another more classical, akin to Ludvico Einaudi, both complimenting each other perfectly. Live sets at The Ferret, 53 Degrees and Night & Day left a lasting impression in the north west of England, and last August The Pinstripe Pigeon Band smashed it at Kendal Calling’s Woodland Stage with new fans and old describing their set as one of the festival’s highlights. Sound Asleep is the perfect intro to this energised pop collective.

Positive Songs for Negative People

By Frank Turner

Zack Lightman has spent his life around those numerous science-fiction; books, movies and video games, which he dreams the real world could be like. A little escapism form reality is not wrong, as Zack knows the difference between reality and fantasy. And then he sees the flying saucer! It is reality - the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada - in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders. Now, it’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. What will he do? Armada is an adventurous roller-coaster ride, a classic coming of age adventure, and an alien invasion tale like nothing you’ve ever read before!

We remember when Frank Turner burst onto the music scene and wowed the live show crowds. His energy, his lyrics and his all-round musical prowess earned him new fans everywhere. Now the folk-punk singersongwriter is back with his sixth LP, titled Positive Songs for Negative People (we love it!). This is a record about defiance and picking yourself up when you’re down, with songs like Get Better, The Angel Islington, Out of Breath, and more, bring the live, raw sound of Frank Turner to your stereo. We love that he plays electric guitar on over half the songs on the album, and turns his attention to folkier, more acoustic music. Oh yeah, here’s a fun fact for you – Frank Turner was born in Bahrain!

“We love that he plays electric guitar on over half the songs on the album, and turns his attention to folkier, more acoustic music.”

COMEDY

Modern Romance: An Investigation

By Aziz Ansari

This one is a must-read book for the youth of today!

How romance works in the digital age – pen down aptly with irreverent humour and cutting-edge social science, to give us an unforgettable tour of the new romantic world we have created. People marry later than ever and spend years of their lives on a quest to find the perfect person, a soul mate. Aziz Ansari has created this comic insight after teaming up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg. They designed a research project with loads of interviews and targeted focus groups around the world. The result is the book; be prepared for a hilarious take on Modern Romance – with a scientific backing!

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The MINI John Cooper Works

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FACT’s motoring man, Tony Sidgwick, puts the most powerful production MINI, ever created, through its paces on the Yas Marina Circuit. He isn’t disappointed…

S

ome of you may remember our review of the MINI Cooper S a couple of months ago ( June 2015 issue, to be exact), in which we lauded the fantastic style and great features of the Cooper S, but bemoaned the fact that it felt just a little too soft around the edges for a hot hatch. We said at the time that if you’re looking for true driving thrills from a MINI, you should

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probably take a look at the John Cooper Works ( JCW ).

Well, this month, we can confirm that we were dead on the money. In a driving event where both cars were provided for us to experience side by side, we were able to make a true comparison between the two, and the JCW outshone its sibling in practically every way possible.

So what is it about the JCW that makes it so much better? Well, for

starters, there is the car’s snarly 2.0l TwinPower Turbo four-pot, a superb little engine that also happens to be the most powerful ever fitted in a serial production MINI. It puts out 231hp and an impressive 320Nm of torque through the six-speed automatic transmission, taking the JCW from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 246km/h.

The six-speed auto box is excellent, with snappy gear changes and the option of manual paddle shift. In manual mode, the gearbox in the JCW is less invasive than in the Cooper S. When you’re pushing the red line, the Cooper S has a tendency to shift automatically before

CITY RIDES

you have the chance, which proves quite frustrating. Not so with the JCW, which gives you much more leeway before it intervenes.

It’s not the difference in power that really makes the JCW stand out from the Cooper S, though; the handling is greatly improved too. With less roll, less understeer, and more overall grip, the JCW feels much firmer and more planted than the Cooper S. This is largely thanks to the various stability and traction control systems, partnered with MINI’s exclusive 18-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloy wheels and a newly-developed Brembo sports brake system.

However, what also makes a real difference is how the traction control

interferes less in the driving experience.

When you floor it coming out of a corner, the Cooper S will wait until it has gathered itself and all wheels are firmly planted before it lets you lay down the power. Again, not so with the JCW, which obeys the accelerator immediately, scrabbling and growling out of the corner like a whippet, and allowing the high levels of grip and stability to do their job instead.

All of this adds to the MINI’s cool retro styling and plush interior that we already love, which is also enhanced by JCW-specific details like the improved aero kit, wheel arch flares, sports seats and more. What it all adds up to is a MINI, which is harder, faster, meaner, and a whole lot more fun to drive. fact magazine

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MOTORING NEWS

M e r c e d e s Sc o o p s A r a b L u x u r y W o r l d A wa r d Luxury automotive brand Mercedes-Benz has earned the Luxury Automobile & Services award at the Arab Luxury World PR Awards held last month at Pacha Ibiza in Dubai. The award recognised a two-stage PR campaign comprised of a media event featuring the winning Mercedes AMG Petronas team, followed by the AMG Performance Tour 2015 driving experience.

Commenting on the award Dirk Fetzer, Director Sales and Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “Ensuring our brand is always in the lead entails hard work, planning and continuous investment. We would like to extend our gratitude to Arab Luxury World and the panel of judges for recognizing our work. To receive this award is indeed an honour for Mercedes-Benz.”

Lan d R o v e r ’ s Sa u d i A d v e nt u r e In a rather unique exercise, a team of two Saudi nationals, Faisal Binladen and Salman Sultan, embarked on an expedition in a Land Rover LR4 to trace the route of the historic Hejaz Railway. The expedition is captured in a three part documentary series highlighting some truly stunning, albeit challenging terrains across the Kingdom.

Spanning 1,320km, the Hejaz railway was built by the Ottoman Empire under the supervision of a German engineer over 100 years ago, and connected Damascus in Syria with the Holy Cities of the Hejaz in KSA. Speaking about the adventure, Salman Sultan PR, Social Media and Events Manager for Jaguar Land Rover MENA and one of the explorers on the journey, said: “Trailing the Hejaz Railway in the Land Rover LR4 allowed us to tackle environmental obstacles and conquer often challenging terrain to really embark on an extraordinary adventure tracing this unique project’s history.”

The Hejaz Adventure footage is now available on myland.landrover-me.com, and is well worth a watch!

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MOTORING NEWS

Volvo XC90 N am e d C a r o f the Year The Volvo XC90 has been named Car of the Year 2015 and Large SUV of the Year at this year’s Auto Express New Car Awards. The XC90 is already close to selling out its entire first year’s planned production run of 50,000 cars, with over 44,000 ordered.

Steve Fowler, Editor in Chief of Auto Express, said: “We’ve been waiting a long time for the XC90, but it was well worth the wait – it’s a sensational SUV. It not only sets new standards for Volvo, but for the car market in general.”

A blend of rich Scandinavian design elements, both inside and out, makes the XC90 stand out from the crowd. The interior is the epitome of Scandinavian design; a serene and relaxing environment combining the finest natural materials available such as leather and wood, and at the same time being a practical seven-seater SUV.

Bold New Model Heralds R e nai s s anc e o f R e na u l t

Renault recently unveiled their new compact executive saloon, the Talisman, and it looks very promising. With status enhancing styling that ticks all the boxes that D-segment customers expect, the Talisman builds on these cues to deliver an even higher standard of wellbeing and driving enjoyment for its class.

It boasts a raft of new features and innovations, including a digital seven-inch instrument display under the dashboard cowling, R-Link2 with 8.7-inch screen, colour head-up display technology, BOSE Surround Sound and hands-free parking, as well as multi sense technology to match the mood of the driver. The Talisman is the only D-segment car to combine 4Control four-wheel steering with active damping, allowing it to deliver unique road manners, plus safe, dynamic, agile handling, and outstanding ride comfort.

The Talisman hits markets at the end of this year. fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

Sony SmartWatch 3 Sony recently launched the latest generation of their Android

watch, the SmartWatch 3, and it really gives the Apple Watch a run for its money…

While there has been much pomp and fanfare surrounding the launch of the Apple Watch, Sony have actually been making a SmartWatch for Android since 2012, although few among us would recall hearing about the original SmartWatch.

This is because it was, to all intents and purposes, a quiet soft launch for the product range, and wasn’t pushed in a big way, globally, as Sony was really testing the water for both the product’s usability and the market’s reception.

The SmartWatch 2 was the one they pushed in a big way, and while it was a decent offering, poor display quality and buggy software held it back somewhat.

The SmartWatch 3, however, is where everything comes together nicely, and all issues are addressed.

In case you’re not up-to-date with these things, a smart watch is a device that links up to your smartphone to provide instant updates and functionality with a glance at your wrist. It will notify you through tones and/or vibrations when you receive messages, set reminders, and so on.

With the SmartWatch 3, you can fully personalise the screen’s display, going for a digital readout, with a customisable selection of information displayed alongside the time, or a more classical analogue display, again with a range of watch faces to select and download.

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One of the downfalls of the SmartWatch 2 was a limited choice of apps to download. However, as with any new product, the choice only increases with time, and by now the SmartWatch 3 has a much wider range of apps to choose from.

Another improvement is in the exterior styling. The SmartWatch 3 looks much more like a watch than its predecessor, improved greatly by an integrated design, with a new choice of metallic and leather straps, which look as good as many formal dress watches.

And the best part? The straps are interchangeable – you can remove the watch from the strap, which means that you can have a range of straps to suit your day-to-day style. The SmartWatch 3 boasts a 4GB memory for songs and apps, and the in-built Bluetooth 4.1 means that you can stream music from the watch to Bluetooth speakers or headset. It also boasts built-in GPS, WiFi and NFC, as well as a micro-USB port.

VERDICT: Initial complaints with the previous generation SmartWatches have all been addressed. It’s more functional, less buggy, and offers more than its rivals. It also now competes in terms of style, especially with the new metal and leather watchstraps. In our humble opinion, it’s the best Android smart watch on the market right now, and at about half the price of the Apple Watch, it’s great value too!

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

Social Meetup A superb app for someone who is moving to a new place, or simply someone who wants to get out and be involved in more interests and activities, Meetup is an app which brings like-minded people together. There are a wide range of subjects covered in the app, from outdoor activities to cultural, dining, social, and even sci-fi and movie-related groups. You simply select your interests on the app, and Meetup will select nearby groups for you, which you can then join. Activities related to the group are then organised between members, and all you have to do is show up and have a good time!

Driving Waze A social media app for drivers, Waze’s philosophy is “Outsmarting Traffic, together”. It does this by providing a user-maintained navigation service, in which users can update the app on the location of all things driving related, such as speed cameras, petrol stations, hazards, accidents and traffic, to name but a few. Like Google Maps, the app uses GPS to monitor your location, and can warn you about upcoming hazards. There are also ranks, from Waze Baby to Waze Royalty, and the more you drive and update, the higher the rank you will earn. It becomes surprisingly addictive. And before the safety conscious start ranting and raving, it won’t let you update while you’re on the move.

GAMES The Room If you like puzzle games, then this is the app you have been waiting for! The Room is a superb ‘locked-in’ style puzzle game in which you have to search a room and figure out complex objects and devices within the room in order to progress to the next. The game features a fantastically spooky and ambient environment complete with eerie music, and the quality and level of detail in the graphics is breathtaking. At this stage, we must include a warning: This app will dominate your waking life until you’ve finished it, and there is a sequel too!

#Iftar #For #Cabs #At #Sheraton #Abu #Dhabi #Hotel #& #Resort During the hour of Iftar, packs containing food and beverages were distributed to cab drivers and Starwood’s partner-drivers at the main entrance of the hotel. Associates from across various departments, including Catering, Administration and Guest Services joined forces to bring the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative to life. fact magazine

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Topshop SS15: Mix & Match

Calling all Topshop lovers, the new SS15 collection is packed with fashion trends worth knowing about!

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Fashion Focus

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FASHION FOCUS

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opshop did an incredible thing at London Fashion Week (LFW) last year. After its SS15 Unique Show, the high street brand single-handedly made LFW way more accessible and somewhat democratic, in a bid to engage their core customers and really involve them in the inner workings of the usually elite LFW goings-on. Topshop’s big wigs made the bold decision to not only share their collection on social media as soon as it hit the runway but, in a fashion week first, they also gave die hard style-fans the chance to own a piece of the new collection straight after the show ends. As you can imagine, the brand’s Oxford Circus London store was rammed, while online shoppers from far and wide were rest assured that their SS15 orders from Topshop.com will be delivered in a matter of days.

It’s this vision of bringing fashion week to the masses that makes us love the SS15 collection from Topshop even more. The brand has had a number of campaigns throughout the season, involving the likes of Cara Delevingne and Hailey Baldwin, but this beautiful look book showcases some of the top trends you can find in the Middle East stores for summer.

This collection hints at 70s styling, with metallic platforms taking centre stage, while suede plays a key role in the form of cropped jackets and A-line micro skirts. Stripes and denim, naturally, make an appearance, as does the floaty florals on tops, shorts, skirts and trousers.

We also see the return of the all-in-one jumpsuit, pretty dresses, and high-waist shorts. Soft ruffles assume a tomboyish attitude when layered with slouchy tuxedoinspired separates, chic jumpsuits, sleeveless jackets, longline trenches and duster coats.

Whereas beautiful florals are modernised in unusual asymmetrical hemlines, soft layering and contrasting colours of minimalistic black and white to pops of pinks, nudes and camels.

Take inspiration from the artfully styled campaign shots, and mix and match your prints, or work denim on denim, off-theshoulder tops, or flared bottoms with an undone messy hair do to recreate the Topshop girl look.

GO: Shop Topshop’s SS15 collection at YAS MALL, MARINA MALL OR DALMA MALL. fact magazine

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Fashion Focus

Shop the brand Here is our wishlist from TOPSHOP’S SPRING/SUMMER 2015 collection.

for her

ThIS women’s collection TAKES THE FASHION STAKES TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL THIS SEASON.

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Ohlala! Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

ARABIA

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

‫اجلاذبيـــــة‬ ‫بلون الذهب‬ WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 03

Follow us www.issuu.com/ohlalaarabia fact magazine

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STYLE

Chloe

Centre Court Style Chloe

Anne Klein

Debenhams

Salsa

What wOULD be your choice OF wardrobe if you decide to watch a live sports game like tennis? Look for colourful dresses and modern quirks in occasion wear, like floral and yellow - THE perfect tones tO give an instant tropical edge to your look. Put on a stylish hat, add light accessories and carry a chic handbag – you’re good to go! Are you READY TO GET the Kim Murray style?

H&M

Hobbs

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STYLE

Off Duty

H&M

Salsa Lacoste

Next Debenhams

Capture some off-duty moments with the good weather after work. Pick the right easy pieces to complete this look. Shorts are perfect for relaxing a formal look, against a rolled sleeve or half sleeve casual tee – pastels or dark shades. For a sportier take, joggers are proving popular, particularly when teamed with lightweight jackets and loose tees.

Gap Salsa

Salsa

Marks and Spencer

H&M

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SHIMMERING BODY OIL

PINK GLOW EYE/CHEEK PALETTE

beauty mashup

GOLDEN PEACH EYE DUO

BLACK OYSTER EYE DUO

TOM FORD BEAUTY

ROSE SOLIEL - LIPSTICK

PINK GLOW EYE/CHEEK PALETTE

PARADISO - LIP & COLOUR SHINE

The Summer 2015 Tom Ford Soleil Collection captures the sensuality of the season. Eyes smolder in burnished tones or metallic shades while cheeks glow with luminous warmth. Completing the captivating effect, Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil veils the skin in golden light. The collection includes various shades of eye colour, cheek compact and colour, lip colour, bronzing powder and shimmering body oil. We love it! It’s time you add this collection to your beauty routine, today.

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NAKED BRONZE EYE DUO

Beauty

✓

beauty

Checklist

Have you stocked up on the brand new products from the world of beauty?

FACT brings you a new list of beauty essentials every month. So ladies, what is on your checklist this month? Make sure to tick them all off…

Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Primer

Mission Perfection Serum

Guerlain Terracotta Terre D’été

A rich colour lipstick and smoothing primer in one – now that’s unique and we love it! Clinique’s new product has fun, flirty colours with a built in primer that smoothes, defines and nourishes lips to keep them conditioned throughout the day. With a longwearing velvety finish, the colour stays true and doesn’t fade over time. Nudes, Tawnies, Pinks and Violets - pick any shade and get a bold lip look.

With Clarins’ new product, fight pigmentation disorders and restore a luminous complexion without altering your natural skin tone. This fine, refreshing emulsion with a correcting affect instantly smoothes the skin and leaves behind a beauty-enhancing veil of light. If you have dark spots, dyschromia, shadowy areas, acne marks, a dull complexion or redness – this is the product you need for effective results.

In an irresistible XXL format, two shades come together to warm all skin tones with an exceptionally natural-looking radiant glow, which adapts seamlessly to a developing tan. As summer passes, the soft coral shade, ideal for the start of the season, gradually makes way for the universal bronzing shade. Swoosh from forehead to cheekbones, and chin, then down towards the neck, and you’re done!

Maybelline New York

Make Up For Ever

Bourjois

ColorShow Sweet and Spicy Polish collection

Cut here

Clarins

Maybelline ensures you’ll have the prettiest feet this summer. Step into the spotlight with exclusively curated bright summery shades that are hot to trot.

With twice as many pigments, a new ColorShow brush for more precise application and a quickdry formula that’s ready-to-go in 60 seconds, ColorShow gets your feet ready in a flash.

Aqua Matic

Aqua Matic is a new addition to Make Up For Ever’s Aqua range, combining long-wear and easy application. Aqua Range is ideal for women who want quick-to-apply makeup that is both flawless and long-lasting. The new gliding waterproof eye shadow pencil is light, creamy and ultra-smooth texture making it simple to apply and easy to blend.

The range has ten wonderful shades to pick from.

Color Boost

Available in three shades, this jumbo crayon has a light, non-sticky texture, keeping your lips moisturised and smooth, thanks to the silk extracts.

The luscious formula leaves a veil of perfectly even, shiny, and slightly transparent colour. Bourjois Color Boost has SPF 15 sun protection and guaranteed waterproof colour hold. There are three fabulous colours to choose: Nude, Macchiato or Pink. fact magazine

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SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Family Fun

Whether it’s a garden party or an afternoon indoors, these games will have you covered.

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SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Sun is Shining

Stay cool with popsicles, ice lollies and other cool foodie bits this season.

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August 2015 VOL 2. IssuE 03 AED 10

For the culture-savvy in Abu dhabi

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“Keep it simple. Just by mixing fresh ingredients, seasonal vegetable and fruits in olive oil you can bring out the best of flavours.” – Chef Riane Stubbs.

A Chic Bistro Experience If you’ve been to The Capital Grill at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, you’ll know that it’s a sophisticated dining affair. FACT went to meet Chef de Cuisine, Riane Stubbs, to get a behind the scenes look at this stunning venue and its menu… fact magazine

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CHEF’S TABLE

“I do not have a particular favourite cuisine, I love them all, I do love experimenting with different foods, but what really tingles my belly is a simple steak done to perfection.”

H

aving never tried the food at The Capital Grill, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, we were excited to meet Chef de Cuisine, Riane Stubbs and try a special tasting menu.

He joined Dusit Abu Dhabi in 2013 as Sous Chef at The Capital Grill and was recently promoted to Chef de Cuisine of both The Capital Grill and Urban Kitchen.

“I was lured into the culinary world at a late age of 19, developing my unique style and flare during a Pastry Apprenticeship at Star City Hotel Casino in Australia while learning the basics at the Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE,” Chef Riane recalls.

“At the same time, I was given an opportunity to get behind the hotline during an apprenticeship at Al Porto’s Italian restaurant and I have not looked back ever since.”

Our culinary adventure begins with two wonderful starters: a bright and refreshing heirloom tomato salad, and house smoked lamb loin. From the get go we see that presentation is key to Chef Riane’s dishes.

The salad pops off the plate with different coloured tomatoes, and the tender house smoked lamb loin was delicious. We loved the addition of figs to this dish which complemented the meat very well.

We ask Chef Riane what makes The Capital Grill stand out from other venues in the capital. “It’s a contemporary grill with Mediterranean influenced cuisine,” he says. “It features a range of specialties such 74

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CHEF’S TABLE

Menu House Smoked Lamb Loin Heirloom Tomato Salad Roasted Cod 72hr BBQ Brisket Green Tea Tiramisu Olive Oil Temptation

as Spanish pinchos, veal ossobucu milano, North African rump of lamb, venetian seafood stew, baked gnocchi with truffled lobster, and French côte de boeuf which are not found in any other steakhouse in Abu Dhabi. We wanted to offer a wider variety to our guests and suit every palate,” he adds.

For mains, we’re treated to roasted cod, and 72-hour bbq brisket. With a member of the fact team being born and raised in England – where cod is pretty much a national dish – this main course was a pleasant surprise.

It tasted exquisite. Cooked to perfection, the cod sat on a bed of green peas and a deepred puree. The bbq brisket, though a little dry, had us licking our fingers because of the yummy sauce it was topped with.

The ingredients at The Capital Grill are sourced from all around the world. Meat and seafood comes from France, Italy, Ireland, Australia and the US. Most of the vegetables on the menu are sourced from a local organic farm in the UAE. Chef Riane’s food philosophy is: “Keep it simple. Just by mixing fresh ingredients, seasonal vegetable and fruits in olive oil you can bring out the best of flavours,” he says.

We finish the meal with two beautifullypresented desserts: the green tea tiramisu and the olive oil temptation. The latter of the desserts was definitely interesting. Olive

oil in dessert, you ask? Yes, that’s correct.

It’s an acquired taste, and the team were left divided, with some embracing the creativity of flavours, and others not quite being able to adjust their taste buds.

For Chef Riane taste is important over presentation (though he nails both well!).

“If you take example of the forest mushroom platter and 72-hour BBQ brisket that are served on our menu, they are not necessarily camera-friendly but can evoke a memory on your palate,” he admits.

With a varied menu and regal setting, Chef Riane is well on his way to making The Capital Grill one of the most recognisable grills and steakhouses in Abu Dhabi.

GO: Visit The Capital Grill at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Open for lunch from 12.30pm to 3pm and dinner from 7pm to 11pm. Call (0)2 698 8888 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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A Mighty Meat Feast •

While The Meat Co. is one of our favourite brands internationally, this was our first experience of the Abu Dhabi venue, located at Souk Qaryat Al Beri.

We weren’t disappointed…

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VENUE REVIEW

W

ith restaurants in South Africa, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, The Meat Co. is obviously a successful formula, and Abu Dhabi is no exception.

It’s a fantastic venue in Souk Qaryat al Beri, with a warm and cosy atmosphere, several different dining areas spread across two floors, and a pleasant outdoor terrace with a spectacular view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the creek.

We started our dining experience with the mixed sharing platter, which is a combination of lamb chops, grilled prawns, lamb pastries and lobster tails. The menu says it’s for two, but we split it between three and it was still ample. The hardest part was deciding how to divide up all the different foods, of which there were two each. The lamb pastries and lobster tails were great, but things got really heated as we fought over the delicious lamb chops and prawns.

For the mains, as you’ll already know if you’re a Meat Co. fan, you order your protein, of which there is an extensive 78

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“When it all comes down to it, what we love most about The Meat Company is its consistency.

You always know what you’re going to get at one of their venues, which is excellent service with knowledgeable and friendly staff, and superb food.

selection, and then your choice of starch.

The protein varies from poultry to choice cuts of beef and even game meats such as venison. Our choices were an amazingly marbled and tender Australian Wagyu fillet, an extremely tasty dry-aged beef sirloin, and the delicious lamb skewer with succulent chunks of marinated Australian lamb.

The potatoes come in the usual varieties – French fries, roast, etc – but again, as any Meat Co. fan knows, only a fool orders anything but their beautifully smooth, buttery mashed potato!

Then, you have options for sauces and sides. The creamy garlic sauce comes highly recommended, although we prefer to pour it over the mashed potato rather than the steak. If it’s a steak sauce you want, the Béarnaise is excellent too. For the sides, we went for the asparagus with hollandaise sauce, and the lovely broccoli with chilli and garlic.

When it all comes down to it, what we love most about The Meat Company is its consistency. You always know what you’re going to get at one of their venues, which is excellent service with knowledgeable and friendly staff, and superb food. Though it is

VENUE REVIEW

slightly higher on the scale price wise, it is by no means the most expensive steakhouse in Abu Dhabi, and it is well worth the money. Are there better steakhouses out there? For sure, but only at vastly greater prices. And does increase in price reflect an equal increase in the quality of the experience? Not at all. In terms of bang for your buck, the Meat Company will deliver every single time.

GO: Visit The Meat Co. at Souq Qaryat Al Beri, open from 12noon to 12.30am. Call (0)2 558 1713 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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city bites

Porterhouse Perfection

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Steak lovers, listen up! There’s a fantastic (and very yummy) dining deal to tuck into at BOA Steakhouse, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, this month. The brand new limited edition set menu for two, offers diners a mouthwatering Porterhouse Steak to share, with a duo of side dishes and two hours of unlimited red vino per person, for a juicy AED495.

The vibrant and sophisticated restaurant has designed the offer to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites, which is available alongside the á la carte menu until September 31, from 7pm to 10pm. The meat feast includes a gigantic, tender and flavoursome 28-Day Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak (690g. For BOA fans with a ferocious appetite, try the baked potatoes with sour cheese and chives, gratinated cauliflower cheese or steamed vegetables as tasty side dishes alongside the mouthwatering Porterhouse Steak – sounds delish!

GO: Call (0)2 641 1500 for reservations and more information.

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Tapas Goes Asian

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If you thought tapas was a Spanish thing, think again! The brand new Asian Tapas menu at The Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, draws inspiration from culinary hotspots like Hong Kong, Hanoi, Tokyo, Bangkok and more. Enjoy cold tapas, hot tapas, sushi, robata grills, exotic desserts – a variety of Japanese refreshments and Oriental cocktails. Tapas Goes Asian: From wagyu tataki to roasted duck quesadillas, the Asian Tapas menu is an inspired creation.

Foodies, you will not be left disappointed.

Dine indoors or outdoors, on the terrace, with spectacular views of the hotel’s private marina. How awesome does that sound?

GO: Call (0)2 666 6888 for reservations and more information.

Cajun Night Delights

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Foodies can tantalise their taste buds as Café Palmier at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is taking diners on a trip down south to Louisiana. That’s right, every Tuesday is Cajun Night and a mighty delicious affair. Cajun cuisine is rural, more seasoned, sometimes spicy, and tends to be heartier. An authentic Cajun meal is usually a three-pot affair, with one pot dedicated to the main dish, one dedicated to steamed rice, special made sausages, and/ or a seafood dish, and the third containing whatever vegetable is plentiful or available.

Ground cayenne and fresh black pepper are used often. Cajun night features a Cray fish counter and traditional favorites including gumbo, jambalaya, rice, Cajun fried chicken, and so much more! Every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm, priced at AED199 net.

Kids under 12 years old eat free!

GO: Call 800 101 101 for reservations and more information.

city bites

Thursday Supper Club

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There’s a new brunch in town and it takes place on Thursday evenings, from 9.30pm to midnight, at the beautiful Koi Restaurant & Lounge in The Collection at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Diners can now sit back and relax in the chic and stylish lounge area while sipping on a selection of mouthwatering Japanese treats, refreshing Saketini cocktails and free flowing vino.

Koi Supper Club will showcase a selection of light bites created using the finest and freshest ingredients. Guests can enjoy a constantly evolving menu with a variety of light dishes and delicious sharing style platters on offer.

Ideal for families, groups or more intimate dining occasions, the eclectic Koi Supper Club brunch menu has been designed to create a fun and relaxed experience. It is unlimited so diners can enjoy as many dishes as they like and it’s priced at a cool AED195 per person, inclusive of free -flowing soft drinks, Koi Saketini cocktails and selected house beverages.

L’abuffata Brunch

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Themed Foodie Treats

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Indulge in a family brunch, L’abuffata, the Italian way at Sacci, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Sacci brings alive the traditions and aromas of Italian cuisine as the menu takes you on a culinary journey which includes a delightful selection of antipasti, pastas, pizzas, main course and desserts. Dishes are hearty and delicious, and food is served in a great sharing set-up, just like the Italians do at a big family dinner. This is a oneof-kind, relaxing brunch with excellent food and very good service! Every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm, priced at AED230 ++ per person (including food and non-alcoholic drinks). It’s AED350++ per person with a beverage package that includes free flowing house drinks (sparkling, white and red vino, ales, selected cocktails, soft drinks and water).

At Grand Millennium Al Wahda, it’s dining deal galore! Experience a relaxed and delicious business lunch at Porto Bello from 12noon to 3pm and enjoy a tasty three-course meal with a choice of either soup and salad, and pizza or pasta for just AED59++. On Friday’s it’s mamma mia time with an exquisite brunch from 12noon to 4pm. Start your weekend in a leisurely and fashionable way as Porto Bello offers a classic brunch with delectable dishes for AED229++, including sparkling and house beverages, while AED395++ gets you unlimited beverages and Mumm bubbly.

Every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7pm to 11.30pm is So Much Sushi night at Toshi Restaurant. Enjoy the sumptuous flavours of unlimited sushi and sashimi for AED119++, food only, and AED189++ including selected house beverages and sparkling vino from 7pm to 11pm.

GO: Call (0)2 616 9999 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call (0)2 495 3890 (Porto Bello) and (0)2 495 3921 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call (0)2 678 3334 for reservations and more information.

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Claudio Roscigno Director of Sales & Marketing, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Your three favourite dining spots in Abu Dhabi...

I worked in Beirut before and have some great memories from then, so Sambusek at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is definitely one of my favorites as it reminds me of the flavours of Lebanon. Dai Pai Dong is another great option for me after work, the location and atmosphere allows me to relax and the food transports me to Hong Kong. The third one would be Sontaya at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort where I usually go on weekends. I’m a huge fan of Thai food and their vies from the restaurant are fantastic!

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What makes the Rosewood Abu Dhabi stand out from other 5-star hotels?

city insider

Rosewood Abu Dhabi was my first encounter with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and I must say it was a great eye opener to the future of hospitality. You feel the passion for the industry in our associates, and the love for the Rosewood company culture which brings back the original meaning of hospitality where luxury is understated and synonymous with comfort. Where the aim of the game is to always be intuitive to guests needs and this cascades from the leadership down.

Recommend some hidden gems to visit in Abu Dhabi?

I arrived to Abu Dhabi last year in August, and I must say, I Immediately fell in love with the city mainly due to its hidden gems. My recommendations would be Masdar City and its passion for renewal energy combining the architecture of the past with the latest technology. It is a must to visit and a unique setting in the world. The Falcon Hospital to understand the local passion for the art of falconry and my recently acquired favorite the Mina Zayed Fish Market, early in the morning.

Let us create a moment that you’ll never forget.

Let us pamper you with style and discretion.

Let us make your stay be anything but foreign.

Let us promise you’ll never feel the same way about staying at Club Level again.

Experience the new level of luxury with Club Level accommodations. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Club Level Lounge, is an exclusive retreat of supreme comfort, convenience and privacy.

Indulge in five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily while captivating in the serene surroundings and views atop the 23rd floor.

For reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at +974 4484 8000 or visit us at ritzcarlton.com/doha.

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Terms and conditions apply. © 2015 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

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